Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Treat today as a full travel day from Bowdon, GA to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Door to door, allow roughly 10–14 hours depending on the flight schedule, connections, airport security, baggage claim, and rental-car pickup; the flying time itself is only part of the day. Arrange airport transportation from Bowdon with a generous buffer, and avoid booking anything time-sensitive after landing. At BZN, collect the rental car, confirm the vehicle has enough room for luggage, and allow about 30–45 minutes for pickup and the drive into town. Downtown parking is generally easier in the evening than during the day, but check your hotel’s parking policy before heading out.
Once settled, take an easy one-hour walk along Main Street in Downtown Bozeman, especially between Grand Avenue and Rouse Avenue. This is a good first glimpse of town without committing to a major activity: browse the independent shops, look into the side streets, and keep the pace relaxed after the journey. If you arrive late, shorten this to a quick stroll rather than forcing the full walk; many shops close in the early evening, while restaurants and bars stay open later.
For dinner, drive or use a rideshare to Montana Ale Works in South Bozeman, usually about 5–10 minutes from downtown depending on traffic. Expect approximately $20–35 per person for a casual meal, with a broad Montana-focused menu and local beer selection; check current hours and consider a reservation if arriving during the dinner rush. Afterward, return to The Lark in downtown Bozeman for check-in and rest. Keep the evening quiet—tomorrow’s drive to West Yellowstone is best started around 8:00 AM, and the roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes on US-191 can take longer with mountain traffic, construction, or weather.
Leave Bozeman around 8:00 AM for West Yellowstone on US-191, allowing about two hours plus fuel, a brief entrance stop, and possible weather or road delays. On arrival, start at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center for roughly 30 minutes. Pick up current road-closure information, ask about wildlife activity, and confirm which Yellowstone roads and facilities are operating during your May visit. Park once in the compact town center if possible; most of today’s West Yellowstone stops are walkable.
A few blocks away, spend about 1½ hours at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, an excellent first introduction to the region’s wildlife. It houses rescued animals that cannot return to the wild, with informative keeper talks and viewing areas. Admission is generally around $15–25 for adults, though prices and programming vary. Afterward, have a quick coffee or snack in town before driving into Yellowstone National Park through the west entrance; carry food and water, since services inside the park may be limited in May.
Drive east toward Madison Junction, allowing about two hours for the introductory route and frequent wildlife or scenery stops. The road follows the Madison River, and the landscape shifts quickly from forest to open geothermal country. At Madison Junction, take time to orient yourself to the park’s road network and stretch your legs, but keep expectations flexible: spring snow, construction, or temporary wildlife closures can alter the route. Yellowstone’s private-vehicle entrance fee is typically about $35 for seven days, unless you are using an annual pass.
Continue to Firehole Canyon Drive, a short one-way scenic detour near the Madison area. Allow around 45 minutes for the drive and a riverside stop if conditions permit. The canyon is especially atmospheric in the afternoon, though swimming is not always allowed and water conditions can be hazardous; follow posted restrictions rather than treating it as a casual bathing spot. Return to West Yellowstone before dusk, since animal activity and changing light can make the park roads slower than expected.
Have dinner at Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, where generous pizzas and a relaxed saloon atmosphere make an easy end to a road-heavy day; budget roughly $18–30 per person. Arrive a little before the main dinner rush if you want a shorter wait. West Yellowstone is compact enough to walk between the restaurant, downtown lodging, and the visitor center, but keep a jacket handy—May evenings can feel wintry even after a sunny afternoon. Check the next morning’s park-road conditions before turning in, particularly if your onward route depends on crossing Yellowstone.
Leave West Yellowstone around 7:00 AM for Cody, using the planned Yellowstone route toward US-89, US-14, and US-20. Allow 5–7 hours rather than treating this as a simple transfer: spring road openings, wildlife stops, construction, and lingering snow can all slow you down. Check Yellowstone’s current road-status map before leaving, and carry food and water—services are limited across the park. Once in Cody, park at your hotel if possible; downtown is easy to explore on foot, while the western attractions are a short drive west along US-14A.
Give about three hours to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, one of Cody’s genuinely worthwhile museums. Its galleries cover Western art, firearms, Plains Indian cultures, and regional natural history, so it works well even if the weather turns poor. Seasonal hours vary, but it commonly operates daytime through early evening; check the May schedule and admission, generally around $20–30 for adults, before setting out. Afterward, drive roughly 10 minutes west to Old Trail Town, where preserved cabins, saloons, and other frontier buildings create a compact, atmospheric walk of about an hour. It is seasonal, so confirm that it is open during your May visit.
Return to central Cody for dinner at the Irma Hotel, 1192 Sheridan Avenue, the historic hotel associated with Buffalo Bill. Allow about 1½ hours and expect roughly $25–45 per person; reservations are sensible if a Cody Nite Rodeo is operating that evening. The rodeo is a seasonal commitment rather than a May certainty—check the official calendar before building the night around it, and arrive early if tickets are available, since the grounds and parking can fill quickly. If there is no performance, enjoy a slower dinner and a walk along Sheridan Avenue instead; Cody’s Western storefronts are especially pleasant after the daytime crowds thin.
Leave Cody around 7:30 AM for Jackson via US-14 and US-89, allowing 4.5–5.5 hours through mountainous terrain. Check WYDOT conditions before setting out, since spring snow, wildlife, roadwork, and seasonal closures can affect the route. Keep fuel and snacks in the car, and expect limited services between towns. After reaching Jackson, continue north to the National Museum of Wildlife Art; its hillside setting overlooking the valley makes it a particularly good first stop after the drive. Allow about 1.5 hours, and check the museum’s seasonal opening schedule before departing Cody. Admission is typically around $18–20 for adults, with parking on site.
Drive south into downtown Jackson and spend about 45 minutes around Jackson Town Square, where the elk-antler arches frame the four corners and the surrounding historic streets are easy to explore on foot. Parking is usually easiest in public lots a few blocks from the square rather than directly on the busiest streets. From downtown, head north to National Elk Refuge Road for a relaxed scenic drive of roughly an hour. In spring, wildlife activity can be excellent, although road access and viewing conditions vary; stay in the vehicle where requested and keep a generous distance from animals. The route also offers broad views toward the Tetons, but do not count on every mountain vista being clear.
Return to downtown for dinner at Snake River Brewing, a convenient walk from Jackson Town Square with house beers and substantial fare such as burgers, pizza, and seasonal entrées. Budget about $25–45 per person before drinks and gratuity, and expect a wait at peak dinner time; joining the list early is sensible. Jackson lodging and parking are easiest if you leave the car at the hotel and walk downtown, since evening spaces fill quickly.
Leave Jackson around 8:00 AM on US-26/US-287 toward Casper, allowing 4.5–5 hours with fuel, coffee, and a proper lunch stop rather than treating it as a straight run. The route is scenic but remote in stretches, so fill up before leaving and check WYDOT road conditions; spring weather can still bring snow or strong crosswinds. After arriving in Casper, head first to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, just west of downtown. Give its interactive exhibits about the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails roughly 1.5 hours. Admission is generally free, though hours and seasonal operations should be confirmed before setting out.
Drive a few minutes to Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site, where a reconstructed 19th-century trading post and military outpost put the region’s history into a more tangible setting. Allow about 1.5 hours, including time to walk the grounds; admission is usually modest, around $5–10 per adult, with seasonal hours worth checking. From there, continue east to Edness K. Wilkins State Park, roughly 20–25 minutes away. A short, quiet walk beside the North Platte River is a good way to decompress after the long drive—bring water and bug spray, and keep the visit to about an hour. A Wyoming state parks pass or day-use fee may apply.
Return downtown for dinner at The Gaslight Social, an easygoing spot for burgers, shareable plates, cocktails, and local beer. Expect roughly $20–40 per person and about 1.5 hours. It is a convenient finish after the park, with straightforward downtown parking nearby; if you still have energy afterward, take a brief stroll around Downtown Casper rather than adding another formal attraction. Casper is spread out, so plan on driving between today’s stops, with the full activity loop taking most of the afternoon.
Leave Casper around 8:00 AM on I-25 south for Cheyenne, allowing about 2½ hours of driving plus a little extra for fuel, traffic, and finding downtown parking. The most convenient area for today’s stops is around Capitol Avenue and the historic depot; park once in a public downtown lot or on-street space and walk between attractions. After arriving, begin at the Wyoming State Museum, where compact, well-organized exhibits cover Indigenous history, ranching, mining, wildlife, and Wyoming’s development. Allow about an hour. Check the museum’s current hours before leaving, as public schedules can vary by season; admission is generally free.
Walk a few blocks to the Wyoming State Capitol, an impressive sandstone building with a gilded dome and detailed historic interiors. Set aside roughly 45 minutes for the building and grounds, but verify public access and any tour requirements in advance—entry can be limited by restoration work, legislative activity, or special events. Downtown parking is usually easier earlier in the day, while walking is the simplest way to connect these stops.
Continue through downtown to the Cheyenne Depot Museum, housed in the beautifully restored Union Pacific depot. Give yourself about an hour to see the railroad exhibits and appreciate the grand architecture; confirm its opening hours before visiting, since museum schedules can be more limited outside peak summer. If you want a short breather between attractions, stroll along nearby Capitol Avenue rather than adding another formal stop. For dinner, settle into The Albany, a popular downtown restaurant in a historic setting. Expect about $25–45 per person and roughly 1½ hours for a relaxed meal. Reservations are sensible if visiting during a busy evening, though the bar is often a useful option for walk-ins.
Leave Cheyenne around 8:00 AM on I-25 south toward Denver. The drive is usually about two hours, but weekday traffic approaching the city can add time; allow roughly 2½–3 hours door to door, including hotel checkout, fuel, and parking. Head first to Denver Botanic Gardens in Cheesman Park, where arriving near opening gives you a calmer start and a better chance of finding nearby street or garage parking. Plan about two hours among the outdoor gardens and greenhouse collections; admission is generally around $15–20, with hours and timed-entry requirements varying by season.
From Cheesman Park, drive or use a rideshare to the Denver Art Museum in the Golden Triangle—about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Allow two hours for its American, Western, and global collections, and check the museum’s current hours before setting out because some galleries or exhibitions may require separate tickets. Afterward, walk or take a short rideshare downtown to Larimer Square, Denver’s historic restaurant and retail district. Spend roughly 45 minutes admiring the preserved Victorian facades and browsing the boutiques; this is a good place for coffee or a light snack if the museum visit runs long.
Continue to the Union Station area for dinner at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, about a 10-minute rideshare from Larimer Square or a longer walk if you want to see more of downtown. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a Friday or Saturday evening, and budget approximately $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. After dinner, take a relaxed look around Denver Union Station and the surrounding plaza rather than adding another formal attraction. Keep the evening flexible: Denver’s altitude can make the first night feel more tiring than expected, and tomorrow’s drive to Colorado Springs is easier after a reasonable night’s sleep.
Leave Denver around 8:00 AM on I-25 south for Colorado Springs. The drive is usually 1½–2 hours, but allow extra time for Denver’s morning traffic, a fuel stop, and hotel check-in or luggage drop-off. Continue first to Garden of the Gods Park, where the red-rock formations are especially striking in the morning light. Spend about 2½ hours taking the scenic drive and walking the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail; the park is free, but parking fills quickly near the main viewpoints. Stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center for trail conditions and a quick coffee before exploring.
Drive roughly 15 minutes west to Manitou Springs, a compact historic town that is easy to explore on foot. Allow about an hour to browse Manitou Avenue, look for the town’s public mineral-spring fountains, and grab a light bite if needed. The streets can be busy in May, so use a public lot rather than trying to find curb parking. Then head downtown—about 15–20 minutes by car—to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. Guided tours operate only on a scheduled basis and may require advance reservation, so confirm the tour calendar before building the day around it; allow about 1½ hours, including check-in and security.
Finish in downtown Colorado Springs with dinner at Four by Brother Luck, known for creative regional cooking and a menu inspired by the Southwest and Rocky Mountain West. Reserve ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings, and budget roughly $35–60 per person before drinks and gratuity. After dinner, a short walk around the nearby Tejon Street area makes an easy low-key finish; if the training-center tour is unavailable, use that extra time for a slower wander through downtown rather than trying to add another major attraction.
Leave Colorado Springs around 7:00 AM for Durango, allowing 5½–6½ hours via US-24, US-285, and US-160. This is a mountain drive, not a guaranteed point-to-point time—spring snow, construction, wildlife, and slower traffic over the passes can all matter. Fill the tank before leaving, carry water and snacks, and check Colorado road conditions that morning. Because the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the day’s time-sensitive highlight, book an available shorter excursion in advance and build in a generous arrival buffer; the train depot is in central Durango, with paid and street parking nearby.
After the train, spend about an hour wandering Historic Downtown Durango along Main Avenue. The preserved red-brick storefronts, independent galleries, and old-west details are best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, and this is a good place to pick up coffee or a quick snack if the train excursion runs long. From downtown, walk or drive a few minutes to the Animas River Trail for an easy one-hour riverside stroll. The central sections are flat and pleasant, with benches and views of the river; if you are tired after the long transfer, simply do an out-and-back rather than trying to cover the whole trail.
Have dinner at Steamworks Brewing Company, a relaxed downtown option with substantial pub food and house beer; budget roughly $20–40 per person before drinks and tip. Arrive a little before the main dinner rush if you want a shorter wait. Keep the evening flexible—Durango is enjoyable after the shops quiet down, with an easy walk around Main Avenue before turning in. If the mountain drive or train schedule has taken longer than expected, prioritize the railroad and dinner, then shorten the river walk rather than rushing all three.
Leave Durango around 7:30 AM on US-160 toward Mesa Verde National Park. The direct drive is under an hour, but allow most of the morning for the park entrance, winding roads, overlooks, and the long approach to Chapin Mesa. Before setting out, fill the tank and pack water and snacks; services inside the park are limited and the park’s seasonal hours, road conditions, and tour schedule can vary in May. At the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, spend about 30 minutes collecting maps and confirming which cliff-dwelling tours are operating. Ranger-led access to the dwellings requires advance booking and is seasonal, so treat the overlook route as the reliable part of the visit.
Continue into the park for the Spruce Tree House Overlook, allowing roughly 45 minutes. It is a good first stop for getting oriented to the scale of the cliff dwellings without committing to a long hike. Then follow the signed Chapin Mesa route to the Cliff Palace Loop for about 1½ hours. Allow extra time for parking, short walks, photographs, and any ranger program; May conditions can still include cold wind, snow patches, or temporary trail changes. After finishing at Mesa Verde, drive back toward Cortez on US-160, a journey of roughly 45–60 minutes depending on stops, and check into your hotel before heading downtown.
Spend the late afternoon at the Cortez Cultural Center, where an hour is enough for the exhibits and local Ancestral Puebloan history without making the day feel rushed. The center’s opening days and hours can change seasonally, so verify them before leaving Mesa Verde; if it is closed, use the time for a relaxed walk around downtown Cortez rather than adding another major attraction. For dinner, walk or drive a few minutes to Destination Grill downtown. Expect casual American fare and about $18–30 per person. It is a sensible final stop after Mesa Verde, with no need to hurry before tomorrow’s longer drive toward Page.
Leave Cortez around 7:00 AM for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, driving west on US-160 and north on US-163. Allow 4½–5½ hours door to door, including fuel, photo stops, the long scenic approach, and the time-zone wrinkle near the Arizona–Utah border. In May, confirm road conditions before leaving; the park’s unpaved roads can become rough after rain. Park at the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center and spend about 30 minutes getting oriented. The park entrance fee is separate from the national parks pass, and credit-card service can be inconsistent, so carry some cash.
From the visitor center, take the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, the roughly 17-mile loop past the Mittens, John Ford’s Point, and towering desert mesas. Allow around 2½ hours at an easy pace; the road is dusty, uneven, and not ideal for a low-clearance rental car. A Navajo-guided tour is worthwhile if available, particularly because several culturally important areas are inaccessible on the self-drive route. Stay on designated roads, bring water and sun protection, and avoid climbing formations or photographing people without permission.
Continue north on US-163 toward Forrest Gump Point, near Mexican Hat. The famous highway view takes only about 20 minutes, but traffic can be surprisingly busy, so pull completely off the road and watch for passing vehicles. This is a roadside viewpoint rather than a formal attraction, with no facilities; have your camera ready and keep the stop brief. Then continue to Page, allowing roughly two hours depending on stops and road conditions. After checking in, settle in with dinner at Big John’s Texas BBQ in downtown Page. Expect about $20–35 per person and roughly an hour for a casual meal; evening hours and seasonal schedules can change, so verify them before setting out. Page uses Arizona time, which generally stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round—double-check every tour or reservation time locally.
Leave Page around 7:00–7:30 AM rather than 8:00 if you want to fit both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon comfortably before continuing to Flagstaff. The drive south on US-89 takes about 2½ hours without stops, and you’ll need to account for parking, the time-zone change, and your reserved canyon-tour time. Start at Horseshoe Bend, where the paved, mostly level walk from the parking area to the Colorado River overlook takes roughly 20 minutes each way. Allow about 1½ hours total; the rim is unfenced in places, so keep well back from the edge. Parking is paid and can fill during the busiest part of the day.
Continue east of Page to Antelope Canyon for your pre-booked guided tour, allowing about two hours including check-in and transport to the canyon entrance. Access is only through a permitted Navajo Nation tour operator, and late arrival can mean forfeiting the reservation, so confirm the exact meeting point and local time the day before. Keep in mind that tour availability—not driving time—sets the pace today; if your slot is later in the morning, expect to reach Flagstaff in the afternoon rather than trying to force an early arrival.
After the canyon tour, follow US-89 south toward Flagstaff, stopping for fuel and lunch along the way if needed. Once in town, head north to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument for about 1½ hours among black lava flows and volcanic cinder fields. The Lava Flow Trail is an easy, accessible introduction to the landscape, while the Lenox Crater area offers a more strenuous option if conditions and energy allow. Check the National Park Service operating status before leaving Page; spring weather can affect trails and facilities. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes—the dark volcanic rock radiates heat even when the air feels cool.
Return to downtown Flagstaff for dinner at Diablo Burger, a relaxed local favorite known for creative burgers and regional ingredients. Budget roughly $15–30 per person, and expect a casual counter-service atmosphere rather than a long formal meal. Afterward, take a short wander around the nearby historic downtown streets before checking in. Downtown parking is generally manageable in the evening, but read posted signs carefully, and remember that Flagstaff is at high elevation, so a slower pace and extra water will make the day more comfortable.
Depart Flagstaff around 8:00 AM for Sedona via scenic AZ-89A. The drive takes roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes without stops, but allow longer for pullouts, cyclists, and slower traffic through Oak Creek Canyon. Start at Oak Creek Vista, a particularly good first stop above the canyon, where the Mogollon Rim opens into broad views of Sedona’s red-rock country. Spend about 30 minutes here; bring a layer, since the overlook can be noticeably cooler and windier than town. Parking is limited, so keep valuables out of sight and avoid blocking the short pullout.
Continue into town for Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where whitewashed courtyards, galleries, jewelry shops, and small boutiques make for an easy, unhurried introduction to Sedona. Allow about 1½ hours, including coffee or a light bite at The Secret Garden Café. From Tlaquepaque, drive south to Chapel of the Holy Cross—roughly 10 minutes, depending on traffic—for the dramatic hillside chapel and its overlook. Admission is free, though donations are welcome; the access road and parking area can fill quickly, and a shuttle or short wait may be required. Plan about an hour, and dress respectfully for the active religious site.
After the chapel, take a slower afternoon rather than adding another hike. Drive back toward central Sedona for Airport Mesa, where the open red-rock panorama is one of the area’s best sunset viewpoints. Arrive well before sunset—about 1½ hours ahead is sensible in May—to secure parking and enjoy the overlook without rushing. The area can become crowded near sunset, and the short access roads are not well suited to lingering roadside parking, so follow posted restrictions and consider using Sedona’s seasonal shuttle if operating. For dinner, head to The Hudson in west Sedona, allowing roughly 15–20 minutes by car from Airport Mesa. Reserve ahead if possible; expect about $35–60 per person, and request a patio or window table for the red-rock views. End the day here rather than driving after dark on unfamiliar canyon roads.
Plan this as a full return-travel day from Sedona to Bowdon, GA. If you are driving the entire way, leave before sunrise; the practical route is east on I-40 through Flagstaff, Winslow, Albuquerque, and Oklahoma City, then onward toward north Georgia. It is far too long for one comfortable day—roughly 1,700 miles and well over 24 hours behind the wheel—so arrange at least two overnight stops, ideally around Albuquerque and Oklahoma City. Keep the tank above half in the desert stretches, check weather and road conditions, and share driving if possible.
If you are flying, the smoother plan is to return the rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, depending on the available schedule. Allow about two hours from Sedona to Phoenix in light traffic, but budget three or more with construction and metropolitan congestion; add rental-car return, terminal transfer, security, connections, and the final drive from your arrival airport to Bowdon. Because flight schedules and fares vary, confirm the itinerary before committing to today’s departure time.
If you choose the eastbound driving route, stop at Winslow’s Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow for about 30 minutes. The downtown landmark has the famous “Standin’ on the Corner” mural, a bronze statue, and an easy photo opportunity just off I-40; parking is generally straightforward on nearby downtown streets. Treat it as a brief leg-stretch rather than a major sightseeing stop, and note that small businesses around the plaza may keep limited or seasonal hours.
Continue toward your planned overnight stop or airport connection, rather than trying to reach Bowdon after an exhausting drive. For the road trip, reserve lodging with late check-in and easy interstate access; for the flight option, keep a buffer for the rental-car return and any connection, and arrange the final arrival transfer in advance.
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