North West Cowboy Tour

Upon the arrival of all tour participants, we gather for a warm welcome and refreshments, introducing everyone to the group. The evening’s agenda includes getting to know each other better over a delightful dinner served in authentic American style. For those still brimming with energy after the long journey, an option to visit a nearby local bar is available.

 

(Driving day 1: 215 km/134 miles)

 

(Driving day 2: 339 km/210  miles)

We bid farewell to the charming town of Solvang and continue our enchanting journey through Southern California. It’s hard to fathom that nature could be more beautiful, yet today’s ride promises to be nothing short of breathtaking. Our route takes us along the highly acclaimed Pacific Coast Highway 1, with majestic mountains to our left and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean to our right.

As we venture past Big Sur, you’ll be immersed in the warm California sun, accompanied by the invigorating sea breeze. The stretch of coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean unfolds with fantastic views and remarkable formations, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes along the California coast. Today’s ride is a sensory experience, with the touch of a warm breeze and the spectacle of a stunning sunset.

Our day concludes in Monterey, home to the renowned Laguna Seca Automobile and motorcycle race track. Upon reaching this spectacular seaside city, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring Cannery Row, a lively area dotted with beautiful hotels, shops, and restaurants. Dinner awaits at the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, adding the perfect culinary touch to our day.

 

(Driving day 3: 192 km/119 miles)

Today, we navigate the winding roads through Big Basin Redwood State Park, adorned with narrow, curvy paths and the iconic towering Redwood trees. Anticipate an unforgettable ride that will undoubtedly leave a lasting smile on your face. Our lunch stop brings us to the renowned biker bar, “Alice’s,” adding a touch of excitement to our journey.

Following the exhilarating ride, we make our way to the vibrant city of San Francisco. Our accommodation is strategically located near the city center, ensuring convenient access to all its attractions. As you awaken in this lively city, you may find yourself understanding why Frank Sinatra left his heart here. San Francisco is a uniquely individualistic and surprisingly compact city, recognized as one of the most liberal in the US.

Immerse yourself in the European ambiance of San Francisco and take advantage of the myriad sightseeing opportunities during our brief stay. A visit to Fisherman’s Wharf is a must, with its charming shops and street cafes renowned for serving some of the world’s best seafood dishes. Don’t miss the chance to hop on one of the city’s famous “Cable Cars,” a mobile landmark and the heartbeat of this extraordinary city. Other notable options include exploring the prison island Alcatraz (pre-booking required), harbor cruises, Chinatown, and the iconic Lombard Street, celebrated as one of America’s curviest roads.

(Driving day 4: 428 km/266 miles)

Our journey continues as we depart from San Francisco, crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Take a moment to relish the breathtaking view of the bridge and the picturesque city of San Francisco. Heading north, our route leads us to Sacramento, marking the commencement of our captivating expedition along “The Loneliest Highway in America (Hwy 50).”

En route, we trace the shores of the stunning Lake Tahoe, a renowned vacation destination throughout the year, attracting visitors with its offerings of mountain hiking, skiing, and summer festivities. Our final leg brings us to the lively and historically rich Virginia City. Get ready for an exciting experience in this vibrant destination.

(Driving day 5: 499 km/310 miles)

Embark on a journey today and delve into the origins of “The Loneliest Highway in America (Hwy 50).” Traverse through the arid, desert-like terrain, experiencing the vastness and isolation that earned this highway its distinctive name. A notable stop on our route is the renowned Shoetree near Middlegate, boasting a captivating story.

Continuing our adventure on Hwy 50, we’ll be treated to a spectacular ride until we reach Eureka, where we’ll conclude the day and find rest for the night in this unique and intriguing locale.

(Driving day 6: 225 km/140 miles)

Today, we conclude our journey along “The Loneliest Road in America (Hwy 50)” as we begin our descent north towards the breathtaking Yellowstone National Park. Along the way, we’ll also traverse sections of another renowned road, “The Lincoln Highway” (US 93). Upon reaching our destination, West Wendover, we’ll make our way to the illustrious Bonneville Salt Flats International Racing Track, a historic site boasting numerous speed records and featured in various movies.

(Driving day 7: 384 km/240 miles)

We kick off the day with a “transport leg” on I-80 (unfortunately the best alternative) before veering north onto Hwy-89. En route to Garden City at Bear Lake, we’ll navigate through entertaining mountain roads.

(Driving day 8: 234 km/146 miles)

Today, our journey takes us toward the enchanting Yellowstone National Park and the exhilarating “Wild West Run.” We head north, passing by the scenic Bear Lake, and then proceed to Montpelier, where we’ll explore the historic site of Butch Cassidy’s infamous bank robbery. Following that, we navigate through enjoyable winding roads to Jackson, nestled in the picturesque Jackson Hole Valley—a preferred vacation spot for affluent Californians. The evening unfolds at the renowned Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

(Driving day 9: 379 km/237 miles)

Get ready for another tour highlight! Today promises a day filled with unique and extraordinary experiences. Our journey takes us into the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, embarking on the renowned Wild West Run from Jackson to Yellowstone Lake. As we cruise by Jackson Lake, our route leads us to the awe-inspiring Old Faithful Geyser, a cone geyser renowned for its regular eruptions every 35 to 120 minutes. Named during the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition, Old Faithful holds the distinction of being the first geyser in the park with a name.

Our Yellowstone adventure continues along the Grand Loop Rd, making a stop at the magnificent Artist Point for breathtaking views. Following this, we approach live buffalo herds for an up-close encounter. Brace yourself for thrilling wildlife encounters, including bears, wolves, elk, and buffaloes. Our day concludes with a ride into the heart of Buffalo Bill’s territory—Cody. Here, we enjoy a delightful dinner at the historic Irma Hotel, a testament to the legacy of William F. Cody.

(Driving day 10: 364 km/227 miles)

Get ready for one of the highlights of our tour—an exhilarating journey on the world-renowned “Beartooth Highway,” acclaimed as the USA’s best and ranked as the No. 1 motorcycle route. The iconic status of Beartooth Highway among bikers worldwide is well-deserved. Brace yourself for a thrilling adventure along winding mountain roads that ascend and descend with hairpin turns and jaw-dropping views. Recognized as the most challenging driving leg of our tour, we’ll maintain a comfortable and safe pace to ensure everyone’s safety and ample time to savor the ride and breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget to keep your camera handy, as you’ll be traversing one of the world’s premier motorcycle roads.

En route to Beartooth Pass, our journey takes us through the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Upon returning to Cody, consider exploring the spectacular Buffalo Bill’s Center of the West for an enriching cultural experience.

(Driving day 11: 408 km/255 miles)

Get ready for another exhilarating day of navigating through spectacular, winding mountain roads. Our route takes us into the captivating Big Horn Canyon and National Forest, surrounded by breathtaking scenery that is sure to keep a smile glued to your face. We’ll pause for a delightful lunch and some cowboy-themed shopping in the charming town of Sheridan. Afterward, our journey continues, passing by the iconic “Spotted Horse” bar as we make our way to Gillette. Enjoy the ride and soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes along the way.

(Driving day 12: 257 km/160 miles)

Today marks the beginning of our thrilling adventures in the Black Hills, renowned as the venue for the Sturgis Bike Rally (“the mother of all bike rallies”). Brace yourself for a journey filled with unforgettable experiences! Our first destination is the iconic Devil’s Tower, a renowned spot featured in the sci-fi movie “Encounters of the Third Kind.” Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing surroundings and stunning rock formations. Next, we head to Sundance, the hometown of the legendary Sundance Kid. Our route takes us through the picturesque Spearfish Canyon, where nature unfolds its beauty like a carefully crafted painting.

As we ride through Deadwood, we make a stop at the historic “No. 10 Saloon,” the site where Wild Bill Hickok was fatally shot while playing poker, his hand forever known as the “Deadman’s Hand.” Deadwood, located within an Indian reservation, boasts full gambling rights. It was also here that Calamity Jane, the renowned female sharpshooter, first crossed paths with Wild Bill (later becoming a couple). Get ready for a day filled with history, stunning landscapes, and the spirit of the Wild West.

(Driving day 13: 275 km/172 miles)

Today marks our journey through the renowned Black Hills Run, offering a chance to get a feel for the world-famous Sturgis Bike Rally.

Our day kicks off with the exhilarating Black Hills Run, leading us to the colossal Crazy Horse monument, the world’s largest rock-carved monument. Continuing through Custer and Custer State Park, we immerse ourselves in the captivating landscapes that once fascinated General George A. Custer. The Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop bring us closer to nature, offering the possibility of encountering live buffalos. A delightful lunch awaits us in the scenic surroundings of Custer State Park.

Next on our agenda is the iconic Mt Rushmore, where the heads of three presidents are majestically carved into the mountainside. Our journey continues along the famous Iron Mountain Road, promising a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

As we absorb the beauty of the Black Hills, our path leads us to Sturgis, a small town that transforms into the epicenter of activities during the Sturgis Bike Rally, America’s oldest and legendary Motorcycle Rally. We park our bikes and venture into the world-famous Knuckle Saloon, where the atmosphere is set for a lively biker party!

(Driving day 14: 424 km/264 miles)

We bid farewell to Sturgis and venture eastward. Our initial stop takes us to the renowned Wall Drug, promising a truly unique experience and our final chance to embrace the cowboy spirit. Continuing our journey, we arrive at the spectacular Badlands National Park, known for its rugged beauty that captivates visitors from all corners of the globe. These geological wonders boast one of the world’s richest fossil collections, with traces of ancient mammals like rhinoceros, horses, and saber-toothed tigers.

Exploring the park’s 244,000 acres, we traverse a landscape of mixed grass and prairie, home to present-day inhabitants like bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and Blackfoot ferrets. A lunch within the Badlands enhances our immersive experience.

Having absorbed the wonders of Badlands, our next adventure unfolds as we journey into Cheyenne Indian territory, famously recognized as the backdrop for the movie “Dances with Wolves” starring Kevin Costner. Our drive through this captivating territory leads us to the quaint town of Oacoma, where we will spend the night.

(Driving day 15: 334 km/209 miles)

Prepare for a day of driving through picturesque farm country, surrounded by vast cornfields, in a region where numerous Scandinavian immigrants once settled. Our first stop will be the unique “World’s Only Corn Palace.” From there, we proceed to the “Porter Sculpture Park,” home to a remarkable 60-foot Bull Head Sculpture, adding an artistic touch to our journey. Following these intriguing visits, we make our way to Sioux Falls for a delightful late lunch.

Post-lunch, we continue our journey to our final destination, Worthington, concluding another day filled with diverse experiences and cultural exploration.

(Driving day 16: 384 km/240 miles)

For music enthusiasts, today is a day etched in the history books. Our first destination is Paisley Park, Prince’s private estate and production complex, showcasing artifacts from his extraordinary life. Immerse yourself in the legacy of this remarkably gifted artist. Following this unique experience, we embark on a scenic drive along beautiful Highway 61, tracing the course of the mighty Mississippi River until we reach Lake City.

(Driving day 17: 550 km/343miles)

As our Cowboy adventure draws to a close, we embark on our final day of riding. Following a scenic drive along the majestic Mississippi River, we’ll pause for lunch. The journey then takes us through enchanting backroads leading to the vibrant city of Chicago, where we bid farewell to our trusty bikes. Let’s savor the joy of our last riding day together before gathering for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the successful completion of our North-West Cowboy tour adventure!

As we bid farewell to the North West of America and the vibrant city of Chicago, we embark on our journey back home. Our group will travel together by shuttle to the airport, reflecting on the great ride, memorable moments, and expressing our sincere gratitude for choosing to tour with JoyRides. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip home, and we hope to welcome you again on one of our other exciting tours in the US, South America, Asia, Oceania, or Europe.

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Please note: Due to the time difference, travelers from Europe will arrive home on the date/day after departing the US.

Additionally, this program serves as a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. While deviations may occur, we assure you that our positive tour leaders will make every effort to execute the program as described, to the extent feasible and considering prevailing circumstances. Our commitment to improvement means you may encounter positive surprises along the way.