Trade horses and pistols for luxury trains and itineraries, and you’ve got yourself a modern day cowboycation. Or keep the horses. Whatever does it for you, the sun-scorched sienna deserts of Arizona and the snow-speckled peaks of the Canadian Rockies set quite the scene for a North American odyssey. ‘Way out West’ is both a place and an idea, where civilization gives over to wildly beautiful terrain and present gives over to cinematic past. From the vast, desolate canyons of Red Rock Country and sleepy mining towns nestled in the mythical mountains, to urban cowboy culture alive and well in hip New Orleans, your cowboycation inspiration starts here.
Red Rock Country canyons
Arizona and Utah
First stop: movie-scene canyons. The rust-red landscape of Arizona’s Grand Canyon tells its own story. Polish your camera lens to capture the undulating swoop of the sage-studded terrain, where blue shadows fall across the rippling red rockface. Journey further into the wilderness with a local Navajo guide to behold the dramatic, emerald loop of the Horseshoe Bend, while Lower Antelope Canyon invites you to climb down amidst its wave-like sandstone walls, aglow with the sunlight that filters down.
Upstate in Utah, Bryce Canyon beckons: emerge from alpine forests, hiking (or horseriding) across land accented with iconic hoodoos, ancient and futuristic in equal measure. After the sun goes down, be sure to step out for some uniquely dazzling star gazing: you’ll be safely in ‘dark sky country’, where atmospheric and geographic conditions create a high-res window into the universe.
Perhaps you prefer to behold Red Rock Country by riding the rails: luxury trains like the Canyon Spirit will swoosh you past the sienna-coloured scene of deserts, canyons, rivers and archways formed by nature herself – all witnessed in top-notch style. Lay your head to rest in a boutique hotel in Kanab, UT (the scene of many a Western classic), or a homely lodging in Williams, AZ, posted up by Route 66.
Rocky Mountain magic
Colorado
Follow the lift of the land to rising peaks and cooler climes, as the spine of the Rocky Mountains pulls the cowboy spirit northward, all the way to Western Canada. Hiking trails unravel from the epicentre of Denver, past lush forests and epic ravines. Heaven awaits in the Garden of the Gods, where fiery red sandstone towers soar up amidst cone-shaped Juniper trees. Spot the Kissing Camels, Steamboat Rock or the famous Balanced Rock in this natural sculpture display. In the background, the indomitable Pikes Peak prefaces the southern Rockies, beyond which the range spans north in snow-dusted wilderness.
Rugged and remote as the mountains may be, pockets of classic Western civilization crop up in charming mining towns. Pull up at the 140-year-old Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, a descendant of the 19th century silver boom, or stay a while in Cripple Creek, founded by a cowboy-turned-prospector. Board the heritage steam train through the rolling hills of mining country, visit the Outlaws & Law Men Jail Museum for a hoot, and pitch up in authentic eateries like The Creek, serving prime steaks, wedge salads and classic chilli.
Alberta
Way up yonder (about 1200 miles), the Alberta Cowboy Trail begins a little west of Calgary, the so-called ‘Cowtown’ of Canada. Aim to stop here in July for the iconic Calgary Stampede, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. The trail itself spans from the ranching country of Alberta through prairie landscape, river valleys and the forested foothills of the Rockies. Drive the route along Highway 22 for an iconic roadtrip, or explore stretches by foot or horseback.
Urban Cowboys
Las Vegas
At this edge of the frontier, the Wild West takes on a different persona, as its bold, untamed nature lets loose in the city. Neon lights and poker chips may come to mind, but Sin City has deep roots in Old Western grit. Before it was the Strip, Las Vegas Springs was a hideout for horse thieves and mountain men. Saloons evolved into the cityscape of today, where you can learn about America’s crime-riddled culture at the Mob Museum. Downtown’s Fremont Street dazzles with lights while standing on original ranch land, home to ‘Old Vic,’ the 40-foot neon cowboy erected in 1951.
New Orleans
New Orleans – Western in spirit if not geography – is home to a present-day expression of cowboy culture. Less on the nose than towering neon cowboys, here live a community dedicated to their horses, riding fast down city streets in relaxed Western saddles. Donned in casual streetwear, you might catch these modern day horsefolk spinning tricks at motorbike rallies or the Mardi Gras festival the city is renowned for. Follow old-meets-new charms down the Creole, town-house streets of the French Quarter, where whiskey bars and boutique inns will set any adventurer at ease.