Summer Adventure in Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Itinerary

August 31 - Bozeman, Montana to Yellowstone National Park
Arrive in Bozeman during the late morning. Gather will fellow travelers and your Study Leader and depart for a drive along the original route of Lewis and Clark over Bozeman Pass to the Yellowstone River, then leave that historic trail and turn south into the Paradise Valley headed straight for Yellowstone National Park. Arrive at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. For our first, easy Yellowstone hike, our Study Leader will choose a favorite trail near the springs. We’ll also meander the boardwalks through the fascinating and beautiful travertine mineral terraces, and have a chance to visit the Albright Visitor Center. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner in the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room. (R,D)

September 1 - Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park
Rise early this morning and head to the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Wonderful wildlife viewing will anchor this day as we explore the “American Serengeti.” Take in sweeping vistas of untouched land and use binoculars and spotting scopes to view elk, bison, coyote, raptors, and even bear and wolf. We’ll stop for lunch in Cooke City and enjoy a visit with renowned photographer Dan Hartman at his studio. Dinner is at the hotel. (B,L,D)

September 2 - Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley, Lake Yellowstone
Travel toward the Old Faithful area over the 8,878-foot Dunraven Pass. Your first stop is the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where two staggered falls (the Upper and Lower Falls) spill water twice the height of Niagara. We’ll find the best vantage points for photographs and see more sights on a short hike. Journey through the Hayden Valley—one of the best places in the park to view wildlife. Bison, elk, grizzly bears, coyotes, wolves, and a host of other species live here. Yellowstone provides a nearly unparalleled opportunity to see a full complement of native wildlife, including predators and prey, in their natural habitats. Late in the day arrive at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. After check-in gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

September 3 - Old Faithful Thermal Features
Today learn about geysers, hot pools, and mud pots. Our Study Leader will recommend which features to focus on based on conditions. Possibilities include a hike to off-the-beaten-path spots like Lone Star geyser as well as other amazing thermal oddities. The famous Upper Geyser Basin holds more active geysers than the rest of the world put together. Tonight enjoy dinner back at Old Faithful Inn. (B,L,D)

September 4 - Grand Teton National Park
Depart Yellowstone for Grand Teton National Park. John D. Rockefeller was central in establishing this majestic park through a gift of private land. There will be opportunities en route to hike and explore. We'll stop at the new Laurance Rockefeller Preserve which boasts the first LEED-certified building in the national park system. Late this afternoon take a boat ride across Jenny Lake. You can return by boat or stretch your legs on a 2.5-mile hike back around the lake. Then check in to the Rustic Inn located just outside Jackson and within walking distance from the shops and galleries of Jackson’s town square. (B,L,D)

September 5 - Grand Teton National Park
Early this morning enjoy a float trip along the scenic Snake River through the heart of Grand Teton National Park. This is a calm water float with majestic views and great wildlife-watching opportunities. The day continues with a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, perched on a knoll overlooking the National Elk Refuge just outside downtown Jackson. In the afternoon, travel along the "inner road" inside of Grand Teton National Park, stopping along the way to view wildlife and visit mountain lakes. This evening enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a local Jackson restaurant. (B,L,D)

September 6 - Depart Jackson
Following breakfast, the group will be transferred to the Jackson Hole Airport for late morning flights home. (B)