Mountain West

Denver makes the perfect base camp for Colorado adventures. You're two hours from Rocky Mountain National Park, one hour from world-class skiing, and the city itself delivers excellent food and breweries. Stay in RiNo (River North Art District) for the coolest neighborhoods, or LoDo (Lower Downtown) to be walking distance from Coors Field. In Utah, skip overcrowded Moab and try Springdale instead. This tiny town sits right outside Zion National Park, and you can walk to the park entrance from most hotels. The Driftwood Lodge runs about $200 per night and puts you steps from the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Jackson, Wyoming costs a fortune but delivers unmatched access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Expect $400+ per night in summer. For budget travelers, stay in Idaho Falls instead - it's 90 minutes to Yellowstone's west entrance and hotel rooms start around $120. Bozeman, Montana gives you authentic Western charm without Jackson's price tags. The downtown historic district buzzes with college energy from Montana State, and you're 90 minutes from Yellowstone's north entrance through the stunning Gallatin Canyon.