Rocky Mountain States USA

In the northern Rockies but south of Montana, Wyoming has a reputation. The wind always blows, the weather is severe, carving out a living often means hot and dirty work of ranching. Look closer - the people are genuine, their ability to lean on themselves and each other can make it appear they're suspicious of those not from there (including from other parts of the US!).

They're good people and when they do a celebration they do it up right. Best known for one of the world's most famous rodeos in Cheyenne, Wyoming holds on to tradition but shares it with anyone who comes.

If you like remote wilderness and have the independent spirit to venture here you're apt to see some of the most beautiful country not only near the Montana border with Yellowstone Park and Grand Teton National Park but in the elk, antelope and other animals including mustangs that hold on to a precarious life here. Rock climbers can visit America's first national monument, Devil's Tower. The Big Horn mountains, the Powder River and Western heritage is treasured here. The late country singer Chris LeDoux called Wyoming home and many of his songs tell of both the good and the rough parts of this country.

Travelling south Colorado is more "modernized", home to the "mile high city" Denver as well as hot spots for celebrities like Telluride, Aspen and Vail. Further down in Colorado Springs Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and much more hold different pieces of views of Colorado. Other points to visit include Pueblo, the Royal Gorge Bridge, Great Sand Dune national monument and the Dinosaur National Monument. With a mix of modern and traditional there's much to see here.

Bring cameras for spectacular sunsets over the Rockies or, if you travel to the west side, sunrises! One of the nation's largest livestock shows and rodeos takes place in Denver in January. Plan early, book rooms early and bring cold weather clothing! Also unique to Colorado is snow polo - while many are familiar with the game of polo, usually done on perfectly kept grass fields with immaculate ponies, snow polo brings the whole thing to a different footing!

New Mexico has become a place for movies - not Hollywood style but making them. Entertainer Toby Keith is among those shooting a movie within the borders of the state (based on his song "Beer For My Horses"). Roswell is the hot spot for UFO sightings and has an annual UFO Festival marking a reported UFO crash in 1947. An International UFO Museum also makes its home here. If you plan and book well in advance the balloon festival, held annually the last weekend in May. Hot air balloons launch from near the lake early in the morning on both Saturday and Sunday. Ruidoso hosts some of the fastest sprinting horses, American Quarter Horses, in top class racing. Don't blink - races of under 25 seconds are not uncommon! A blues music festival is also held annually.