Travel Guide: Perfect 8-Day Rocky Mountain States Itinerary.

Last year I completed a major bucket list trip, when I visited Utah, Montana, and Idaho.

These three western Rocky Mountain states are where my family moved to and lived in the early 1900s, and so I’d always wanted to do a tour and explore the places they came to call home. I also, weirdly, wanted to visit their graves.

But, I ended up having the BEST trip ever!!

I’ve written individual guides for each place, but I’ve had a few people ask for my full itinerary for the trip as a whole, so I’ve finally gotten around to putting it together.

This eight-day itinerary includes detailed daily plans, complete with timings, activities, dining recommendations, and travel tips.

So, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure enthusiast, this guide will hopefully be helpful and inspire your wanderlust!

Right, ready for this epic eight-day itinerary of the Rockies? Let’s go!

Day 1: Arrival in Salt Lake City, Utah

7pm: Arrive in Salt Lake City

Fly into Salt Lake City in the evening, and head straight to the Grand America Hotel, a luxurious oasis offering impeccable service and stunning views over the city and mountains!

I absolutely LOVED this hotel.

It was honestly one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at, and is 100% worth the money IMO.

8pm: Spend the evening unwinding

The Grand Spa, with its serene atmosphere and exceptional facilities, is the perfect antidote to a long journey.

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the hotel’s many restaurants, or relax in the comfort of your room as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

And make sure you book a room at the front of the hotel as you’ll get this epic view over the city and mountains!

Day 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City isn’t just about the urban landscape; its surroundings are some of the most stunning in the West.

This day takes you through a mix of history, ghost towns, and iconic local treats.

8am: Pick up your rental car from Avis at the Hilton Hotel

Avis offers a seamless rental process, and their proximity to the Grand America Hotel makes it an easy choice.

9am: Fuel up with a pancake combo at iHop (307 W 2100 S Expy)

Yes, it’s a classic chain, but there’s nothing quite like starting a road trip with fluffy pancakes and a sweet Arnold Palmer.

This traditional American experience sets the tone for the adventure ahead as you explore the Carbon Corridor.

12noon: Arrive in Thistle Ghost Town

A hauntingly beautiful site that tells a story of tragedy and resilience.

In 1983, a massive landslide dammed the Spanish Fork River, flooding the town and forcing its evacuation. Today, remnants of the submerged structures serve as a poignant reminder of nature’s power.

12:30pm: Continue to the “Historical Markers” in Price City

A 40-minute drive south of Thistle is a scenic pull-over marked on Google Maps as ‘Historical Markers’.

It’s a beautiful stop, and I spent ages just standing there in awe of how beautiful it was.

A river ran through the canyon below, the mountains and mesas rising up above it, and a train line sat beside the river.

I just kept imagining my relatives a hundred years ago, sitting on the train that would have chugged through that beautiful canyon.

1pm: Lunch at Sherald’s Frosty Freeze Drive-In

Lunch at Sherald’s Frosty Freeze Drive-In is a must!

This retro 1950s drive-in, located in Price City Utah, offers hand-spun thickshakes in every imaginable flavor.

I looooved their banana shake!! It had actual chunks of banana mixed in and was SO good!

Pair your shake with a corndog and tater tots, and enjoy the nostalgic charm of eating in your car or at one of their outdoor tables.

1:30pm: Drive to Helper, Utah

On the way back to Salt Lake City, stop in Helper, Utah, a quaint town known for its historic main street, old neon signs, and artistic murals.

It’s a photographer’s dream and a great place to stretch your legs.

5:30pm: Treat yourself to a “dirty soda” at Swig

This uniquely Utah drink combines soda with sweet syrups and cream, offering a refreshing pick-me-up after a day of exploring.

8pm: Dinner at Ivy & Varley

Ivy & Varley is a super chic dinner and cocktail spot in Salt Lake City. Their diverse cocktail menu and refined dishes make it a great way to wrap up your first full day.

Day 3: Salt Lake City, Utah to Butte, Montana

One Day 3, your journey will shift from the modern comforts of Salt Lake City to the rugged charm of Butte, Montana!

8am: Breakfast at The Rose Establishment

Start with breakfast at The Rose Establishment, a very trendy cafe known for its innovative menu and Instagram-worthy interiors.

Their stuffed French toast, with its parmesan crust and sweet filling, is a must-try. I really loved it!

10am: Trolleybus Tour of Salt Lake City

Now, with just a few hours until you travel to Butte, let’s see some more of Salt Lake City itself!

So, hop aboard a Trolleybus Tour of Salt Lake City.

This very cute guided ride takes you past landmarks like the State Capitol, Union Pacific Railway Station, and historic mansions, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s history.

It’s a really fun little tour and worth the cost.

12:30: Lunch at Freshies Lobster Co.

Squeeze in a quick but delightful lunch at Freshies Lobster Co., where the lobster rolls rival those on the East Coast, before dropping off your hire care and heading to the airport.

Read my full two day guide to visiting Salt Lake City, Utah!

1:30pm: Head to Butte

Now, you can drive to Butte if you want to roadtrip it. It takes around 5.5 hours and I’ve heard the drive is really, really beautiful!

Personally I wasn’t keen on driving such a long way when I was by myself, so I took a direct Delta flight which departed at 15:10 and landed at 16:34.

We had the most stunning aerial views of the Rocky Mountains on the way over and it was honestly such a great flight!

6pm: Check in at the Finlen Hotel

Y’all. This historic gem is incredible! It truly transports you back to the early 20th century with the original 1920s decor, and central location make it an ideal base.

Make sure you book a room in the historic part of the hotel rather than the Motel6 side of it!

7pm: Dinner at Pekin Noodle Parlor

Pekin Noodle Parlor is the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in the U.S.

Its unique booth setup and authentic dishes make for a memorable evening. I really enjoyed the Sweet & Sour Chicken, and the service was friendly and welcoming.

Day 4 in Butte, Montana

Today you’ll step back in time as you explore Butte’s rich history and mining heritage!

9am: Breakfast at I Don’t Know

Begin your day with breakfast at I Don’t Know Cafe, a local favorite with hearty portions and a welcoming atmosphere.

I really enjoyed my breakfast here and everything was super tasty.

10am: Visit the World Museum of Mining

The underground tour of the Orphan Girl Mine was such a highlight for me.

It takes you 100 feet below ground to experience the life of a miner, and there’s also an old-style town that has been rebuilt as it originally would have looked.

It was so fascinating and amazing to see what a small town in Montana would have looked like in the time period my relatives moved here!

1pm: Lunch at Pork Chop John’s

You simply cannot visit Butte without grabbing lunch at Pork Chop John’s. It’s a Butte institution and their Pork Chop sandwich is legendary in Montana.

I won’t lie, it doesn’t look particularly appetizing, but my goodness does it taste good!!

I went to the original uptown location which is just a takeaway hole-in-the-wall, but there’s a proper dine-in restaurant on Harrison Ave in downtown Butte.

2:30pm: Tour the opulent Copper King Mansion

Once home to one of Butte’s wealthiest residents, the intricate frescoes, stained glass, and antique furnishings are awe-inspiring.

You can tour the home at certain times of day, and the tour takes around an hour.

The majority of the home is its original condition from 1888, so you’ll see frescoed ceilings, stained glass windows, hand combed plaster walls, and gas & electric chandeliers.

4pm: 1923 TV Show Self-guided Walking Tour

Butte is probably most famous in recent times for being the filming location of the hit Paramount+ TV show, 1923.

A lot of the fake fronts on the buildings are still in-place as they’re currently filming Season 2, and it’s well worth doing a self-guided tour of the 1923 TV show locations!

In the show the location is ‘Bozeman’, but they used Butte for filming because in the town literally feels as though you’ve stepped back to the 1920s.

Read my 1923 TV Show self-guided walking tour guide!

6pm: Dinner at Sparky’s Garage

I really loved Sparkys Garage, the ribs were incredible and the interiors are SO cool! It’s a popular and busy place in Butte.

It feels very American and I had the best time there. The cocktails are also great.

8pm: Drinks at Maloney’s Bar

Maloney’s Bar is the Irish bar in Butte, and is a great place for an after-dinner drink.

There are some proper characters in there, friendly staff, and cheap drinks. Sports is shown on the TVs and there’s a pool table as well.

Day 5 in Butte, Montana

Right, on your fifth day you’re going to head out to the nearby town of Anaconda, to discover the charm of small-town Montana.

10am: Breakfast at Hummingbird Cafe

Enjoy a big breakfast at Hummingbird Cafe before checking out of the Finlen.

Their French toast is the perfect send-off!

11:30am: Drive to Georgetown Lake

Now, you’ll want to drive over to Georgetown Lake before heading to Anaconda.

I wish I’d had time to do this, but I went to the Butte archives instead to do some family research, but everyone recommended Georgetown Lake to me and it looks so beautiful!

It’s only an hour’s drive from Butte, and 30-mins from Anaconda.

2pm: Check-in to The Forge Hotel, Anaconda

After visiting Georgetown Lake, head over to Anaconda (just a 30-min drive away) and check-in at The Forge Hotel, a modern hotel with views over the iconic smelter stack with plenty of free parking and a swimming pool and gym.

4pm: Explore Anaconda

Anaconda is super small, but really, really pretty. It’ll take you less than half an hour to walk around the town.

Make sure you stop by the Hearst Free Library and take a peek inside.

The library was opened in 1898 after being donated to the city by Mrs Phoebe Hearst, who spent her life advocating for the advancement of lifelong learning for all. Her husband was George Hearst, who helped finance the Anaconda copper mine.

4:30pm: Enjoy a drink at Smelter City Brewing

Smelter City Brewing don’t serve food, so just pop in for a quick beer which is crafted onsite in Anaconda.

There’s also a very cute and fluffy Brewery cat that you can snuggle!

5:30pm: Dinner at O’bella!

Enjoy dinner at O’bella! for a great Italian meal in a friendly and comforting surrounding.

Everything is made from scratch, including their hand-tossed classic Italian pizzas – even the dough and sauce is made fresh by the O’bella team!

7pm: See a showing at the Washoe Theater

Now, I was desperate to go and see a movie at the Washoe Theater for a few reasons.

The main one being that the interior design and furnishings were designed by Hollywood theater designer Nat Smythe, and it was the very last movie theater to be designed in the Nuevo Deco style. But the second reason, was I just thought it would be super cool to visit a movie theater that my relatives might have visited almost 100 years ago!

I won’t lie, it was probably one of the most beautiful cinemas I have ever seen in my life.

I was astounded, and had butterflies the whole time I was watching the movie (Gran Turismo). Everything was original and just stunning. And I loved that they had an intermission!

Honestly, I really recommend you make an evening of it and see a show here. Even if it’s not a movie you want to see, it’ll be a really special experience and it’s worth it just to see the interiors. The ticket prices are also incredibly cheap!

Read my full three-day weekend guide to Butte, Montana!

Day 6: Anaconda to Bozeman, Montana

Now, on Day 6 you’ll want to head to Bozeman, which has recently been made famous by Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone TV series.

I found it really funny how one of the shops even had a sticker with Kevin Costner’s face on it, and the words ‘I Blame Kevin’.

The residents of Bozeman aren’t the friendliest, and are understandably a bit miffed that their town has been taken over by tourists and Californians when the town simply doesn’t have the infrastructure for all the visitors.

I visited Bozeman because my cousin (a Montanan who is descended from my Butte relatives) now lives just outside Bozeman.

9am: Depart for Bozeman

Anyway, get up bright and early and start the 2-hour journey over to Bozeman from Anaconda.

The drive is stunning.

Like, I wasn’t actually prepared for how beautiful it would be!? I actually had to pull over sooo many times to take photos and just have a little cry at the beauty of this world.

12noon: Visit Paradise Valley in Yellowstone

Accounting for time spent pulling over to take photos and just take in the beauty of the Montanan landscape, drive about 25-minutes past Bozeman to Paradise Valley, which is on the very edge of Yellowstone National Park.

After all, you can’t come to Montana without visiting some of Yellowstone!

I actually stumbled across this little unmarked pull-in when I was on my way to my cousin’s house, and the view from it quite literally took my breath away.

I was stunned. I cried. I didn’t know what to do with myself.

It looked like something from a movie, or heaven, or something just not of this world.

Note: The coordinates for the pull-in are 45°35’03.9″N 110°34’30.2″W

The pull-in is on Highway 89 just past the Old Yellowstone Trail North Rd. I found it fairly easy to pull-in and park up because it’s quite a quiet highway. The view looks out over mountains including Black Mountain and Mount Delano.

1pm: Lunch at Fink’s Delicatessen

I’d heard great things about this delicatessen and was sooo sad I didn’t get a chance to try it out! I just didn’t have time as I decided to have lunch at my cousin’s house instead, so please go check it out for me and let me know what it’s like!?

3pm: Check in at the retro-chic Sapphire Motel

Now, after lunch drive over to the Sapphire Motel Bozeman to check-in (make sure you book in advance!)

The Sapphire Motel is a beautifully restored old motor inn with vintage vibes and modern comforts.

I totally fell in love with this motel – despite the steep price tag – and had the best stay! It really is beautiful and such a cool little hotel.

4pm: Explore downtown Bozeman’s boutiques and galleries

Bozeman feels like a much more polished town than Butte, and it was a bit of a shock to be honest.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so…soulless?

Don’t get me wrong, Bozeman is lovely, but it doesn’t have the soul of Butte and feels very modern and swish. It’s clearly had a lot of investment put into it, and they’re still doing lots of work and updates do the main street and the airport.

However, there are SO many cute shops and galleries!! I loved wandering up and down Main Street and looking in every store.

7pm: Dinner at Montana Ale Works

Montana Ale Works is a lively and fairly upscale restaurant in a former freight house, with an extensive craft beer selection (over 40 craft beers on tap!) and hearty dishes.

It’s one of Montana’s best restaurants, and has over 1,200 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor!

9pm: Drinks at Revelry

After dinner, head to Reverly for drinks.

I actually ate at Revelry and wasn’t a fan of the food, but loved the drinks, so definitely go there for drinks rather than food!

The atmosphere and vibe was also great, it feels ridiculously cool inside.

Day 7: Bozeman, Montana to Boise, Idaho

The final leg of your journey brings you to Idaho’s vibrant capital of Boise!

To get there, you can either continue the roadtrip and drive the 7-hours from Bozeman to Boise, or do as I did and fly.

But before you leave, make sure you stop by Jam! for breakfast.

8am: Go to Jam! for breakfast

Jam! on Main Street came highly recommended, but what I would say, is to over-order or check photos online of what you want to order before you go.

I ordered the pancakes, and although they were delicious, the portion was quite small and I wish I’d ordered a side of eggs or something alongside it.

The cafe has a great vibe though and some of the other dishes looked unbelievably good!

9am: Leave Bozeman

After breakfast, check-out of The Sapphire and either start your drive or head to the airport.

The airport is small, and I won’t lie, I had a really bad experience there. I just found the people in Bozeman incredibly unfriendly, and that extended to the airport staff.

My asthma had been awful for days (I think due to the altitude, which I wasn’t used to), and I ended up having an asthma attack in the airport while I was trying to get through security.

The TSA agents were downright cruel, and despite me wearing my sunflower lanyard to show I needed some extra time and assistance anyway for a separate cardiac condition, they were really, really horrid. I clearly couldn’t breathe and yet they wouldn’t let me have my inhaler which was in my bag that was being inspected.

I hated the whole experience and left Bozeman with a really poor impression of the city. I was honestly glad to leave the place, and 100% preferred Butte to Bozeman.

3pm: Check in at Inn at 500 Capitol

Book a room at Inn at 500 Capitol Boise, which is a short walk from the centre of Boise.

It’s a beautiful boutique hotel with views over the city and mountains behind, and they provide complimentary drinks and snacks!

It’s also dog-friendly if you’re travelling with a furry friend. I stayed in the Celebration Suite and was blown away by how incredible it was, but even the normal rooms look lovely.

Read my full review of Inn at 500 Capitol Boise!

4pm: Visit Freak Alley Gallery

You can’t leave Boise without experiencing the local art!

Visit Freak Alley Gallery, an open-air street art gallery that rivals Melbourne’s Hosier Lane.

Started in 2002, the open-air, multi-artist mural gallery is free to visit and located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise.

7pm: Dinner at The Fork

With its farm-to-table American dishes and a fabulous selection of cocktails, I was really impressed with Fork.

I had a really amazing meal there and loved the vibe of the restaurant.

9pm: Craft cocktails at Press & Pony

Don’t miss a drink at Press & Pony, where they serve classic craft cocktails at a wood-paneled bar in this buzzy locale with a vintage vibe.

I went after dinner at Fork and the cocktails were great!

Day 8: Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho

The last day of your journey offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and local culture to round out your experience in the Rocky Mountains of the American West.

8am: Breakfast at Bacon!

Yes, the restaurant is actually called ‘Bacon!’, and yes, they specialize in bacon (they offer five different types of bacon, and dishes include Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and Bacon Bloody Mary’s).

I chose the Brioche Frenchy (with fresh berries,  maple syrup, powdered sugar, crème) and added a side of Mary Rosemary bacon to it as I love sweet&savory together, and it was probably the best bacon I’ve had.

It was just like nothing I’ve ever tasted before.

All of their bacon is local Berryhill Bacon, which has apparently been a Boisefavorite for over 30 years.

9am: Drive to Shoshone Falls

Pick up a hire car (I recommend Avis inside Boise airport), and head out to Shoshone Falls.

Shoshone Falls is around a 2-hour drive from Boise. Nicknamed the “Niagara of the West”, this stunning natural wonder near Twin Falls boasts a spectacular 212-foot drop, especially impressive during the spring months when water levels are high.

Spend the morning hiking the nearby trails or simply soaking in the breathtaking views of the falls and Snake River Canyon.

1pm: Lunch at Depot Grill, Twin Falls

After visiting Shoshone Falls, stop by Depot Grill on your way back to Boise.

Known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty portions, this American diner in Twin Falls offers a true slice of Americana. I loved my experience here!

3:30pm: Visit the Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Tours at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary are operated each day from 12noon.

Known for being the location of strange paranormal activity, two of my grandfather’s cousins were in this penitentiary in the 1920s and 30s, and seeing the conditions the men were incarcarated in was certainly an eye-opener.

It’s a really fascinating place to visit and well-worth the stop.

There are a variety of cell-blocks to visit, as well as the old shirt factory, the women’s prison house, ‘Siberia’ (solitary confinement).

Each stopping point has information boards to look at and read as well – there’s sooo much information here to learn!

5pm: See the Idaho State Capitol

On your way back to central Boise, stop by the Idaho State Capitol to see this beautiful building up-close!

6pm: Dinner at The Wylder

Before leaving Boise, you need to eat at The Wylder!

I popped along to The Wylder for lunch after visiting the Old Idaho State Pen, and I really recommend coming here!

With its stylish, contemporary eatery offering slow batch pizza, veggies & salads, the food was just delicious (and looked beautiful too).

I had the most incredible salad, with the cookie and ice-cream for dessert.

Read my two day guide to Boise, Idaho!

Practical Tips

Travel & Flights

Delta Airlines provides convenient connections between destinations. Book early for the best rates.

For car hire, Avis offers reliable options in all three cities for road trips and local exploration.

Best Time to Visit

September offers mild weather and fewer crowds. I really enjoyed visting in September and would definitely recommend it!

Packing

Pack plenty of layers (including t-shirts, light jumpers and a heavier sweater) and comfortable walking shoes and trainers! Make sure you pack a light jacket or coat in case it’s cooler in the evenings.

Dining Reservations

Make reservations for popular spots to ensure you definitely get a table.

Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary

And that’s it! Head home, and you’ve completed eight days in the Rocky Mountain states of Utah, Montana, and Idaho!

I think this is the perfect itinerary to experience both the city and more rural places in these states. I loved seeing the different sides to them and the smaller towns around the main cities.