Denver, CO - 5 Days Itinerary

Embark on an adventurous 5-day budget road trip from Denver to Gardiner, featuring a supply run at the Costco Business Center and scenic tent camping along the way. This journey balances rugged nature and free campsites, culminating in a timely arrival for your 7–10 am check-in at the Xanterra HR office on May 4th.

Departure & Tennessee Transit

1.1

05:00 - 15:00

Drive to Chattanooga

Initial long-haul drive from Jacksonville through Georgia into Tennessee.

I-75 North

Ensure vehicle maintenance and fuel levels are checked before departure.

1.2

16:00 - 18:00

USD 0 for 1 person

Prentice Cooper Setup

Arrive at Prentice Cooper State Forest for free dispersed primitive camping.

Bring cold-weather sleeping gear; temperatures drop significantly at night.

Crossing the Plains

2.1

06:00 - 18:00

Drive to Kansas

Long transit day across the plains towards the Denver approach.

I-70 West

Stay alert for high crosswinds in central Kansas.

2.2

18:30 - 20:30

USD 0 for 1 person

Middle Creek Camp

Primitive camp near Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake.

Arrival in Denver

3.1

07:00 - 14:00

Final Push to Denver

Complete the drive to Denver to reach the Costco Business Center for supplies.

3.2

14:30 - 16:30

Resupply Run

Stock up on dry goods and water for the final stretch to Yellowstone.

Best place for bulk items before entering the mountain region.

Denver Resupply & Mountain Transit

4.1

08:00 - 09:30

Costco Supply Run

Stock up on bulk non-perishables, water, and fuel at the Denver Business Center before heading into the mountains.

4.2

10:00 - 17:00

Drive to Montana

Long-haul drive north through Wyoming toward the Yellowstone area.

Watch for changing weather conditions.

4.3

18:00 - 07:00

Camp at Carbella

Set up tent at Carbella Recreation Site.

This is a free BLM site on the Yellowstone River, roughly 20 miles north of your final destination.

Bring a warm sleeping bag as temperatures drop significantly overnight in May.

Arrival at Xanterra HR

5.1

06:00 - 06:45

Drive to Gardiner

Final leg of the drive from the campsite to the Xanterra office in Gardiner.

5.2

07:00 - 10:00

Xanterra HR Check-in

Report to the HR office for orientation and employment processing.

Bring all required documentation.

Have your job offer letter ready to show the gate attendant if entering the park area.

5.3

10:30 - 12:00

Celebratory Brunch

Enjoy a well-deserved meal at a local cafe in town before starting your shift.