Day 1 — Bozeman, Montana to Yellowstone National Park

Gather in Bozeman and meet your fellow travelers and tour staff, then depart by van along the original route of Lewis and Clark over the Bozeman Pass to the Yellowstone River. Leave the historic trail and turn south through Paradise Valley for Yellowstone National Park. This afternoon, take a short hike to view the springs, meander the boardwalks through the fascinating and beautiful travertine mineral terraces and visit the Albright Visitor Center. After check-in at your hotel depart for a welcome reception and dinner at the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. (L,R,D)

Walks/Hikes: Mammoth Terraces (0.5-2 miles roundtrip, easy boardwalk trail)

Day 2 — Yellowstone National Park, Lamar Valley

Rise early this morning and drive into the Lamar Valley. Wildlife abounds in what is often called the “American Serengeti.” Take in sweeping vistas of untouched land and use binoculars and spotting scopes to view elk, bison, coyote, raptors, and possibly even bears and wolves. Stop for lunch in Cooke City and enjoy a visit with renowned photographer Dan Hartman at his home studio. (B,L,D)

Walks/Hikes: N/A

Day 3 — Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Lake Yellowstone

Travel toward the Old Faithful area over the 8,878-foot Dunraven Pass. Stop at the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where two staggered falls (the Upper and Lower Falls) spill water twice the height of Niagara. Then 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, both predators and prey, in their natural habitats. (B,L,D)

Walks/Hikes: Uncle Tom’s Trail, Artist Point (0.5-3 miles roundtrip, easy)

Day 4 — Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful and Upper Geyser area thermal features

Today, learn about the geysers, hot pools, and mud pots of Yellowstone National Park on exciting hikes and walks to view these natural phenomena up-close. The famous Upper Geyser Basin holds more active geysers than anywhere else in the world including Castle, Daisy, Grand, Old Faithful and Riverside. After a full day gather back at your hotel for dinner and lovely conversation about the day’s discoveries. (B,L,D)

Walks/Hikes: Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic (0.5-4 miles roundtrip, easy)

Day 5 — 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. Stop at the new Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve which boasts the first LEED-certified building in the national park system. In the afternoon enjoy a ride across the pristine waters of Jenny Lake, in the shadow of Grand Teton. Later in the day, check in to the Rustic Inn located just outside Jackson and within walking distance from the shops, galleries, and restaurants of Jackson’s town square. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight. (B,L)

Walks/Hikes: Jenny Lake Walk (2 mile one-way hike, easy)

Day 6 — Grand Teton National Park, Snake River float trip

Early this morning, embark on 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)

Walks/Hikes: N/A

Day 7 — Depart Jackson

Following breakfast and one last morning tour to spot wildlife and take in the grand views of the Teton Range, depart the hotel for the short drive to Jackson Hole Airport for late morning flights home. (B)