Discover the wonders of Wyoming’s two spectacular national parks—Yellowstone and Grand Teton—learning about geology and watching for wildlife on a range of walks and hikes and a Snake River float trip.
Yellowstone and the Tetons
7 days from $6,795
Discover the wonders of Wyoming’s two spectacular national parks—Yellowstone and Grand Teton—learning about geology and watching for wildlife on a range of walks and hikes and a Snake River float trip.
Tour Details
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was the world's first national park and the cornerstone of America’s national park system. Just ten miles to its south lie the jagged peaks of the Tetons, thought to be the youngest range in the Rockies. Enjoy an insider perspective on these magnificent and distinctive parks, discovering world-renowned sites as well as less-traveled corners alongside a Smithsonian Journeys Expert. Choose from a variety of easygoing walks or more strenuous hikes in both parks, and gain insight into the powerful geological forces at play. Along the way, seek out a rich array of flora and fauna, including, wolves, black and grizzly bears, moose, bison, and much more.
Highlights Include
- Yellowstone National Park: Discover the park's geological history and geothermal features as you explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and walk around the geysers, jewel-toned mineral pools, and mud pots at Norris Geyser Basin. Witness the clockwork eruption of Old Faithful, and see the steaming limestone terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. In the wildlife-rich Hayden and Lamar Valleys, watch for bear, bison, bald eagles, coyotes, and elusive wolf packs.
- Wildlife Photographer: Meet with renowned landscape and nature photographer Dan Hartman on a visit to his home studio and hear about his career photographing Yellowstone's landscapes and wildlife.
- Grand Teton National Park: Ride a boat ride across Jenny Lake, taking in incredible views of the Tetons. Follow the inner road inside Grand Teton National Park to spot wildlife and visit mountain lakes.
- Snake River Float Trip: Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and prime wildlife viewing on a relaxing float through Grand Teton National Park on the calm waters of the Snake River through the heart of the park.
- Jackson, Wyoming: Get acquainted with the delightful town of Jackson during a two-night stay. Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art and take advantage of free time to explore Jackson on your own.
- Lodgings: Stay in accommodations chosen for their charm and location, including a hotel on the banks of the Yellowstone River, a lodge within Yellowstone National Park, and an upscale boutique property near the heart of downtown Jackson.
- Learn about the lost history of Yellowstone in Smithsonian magazine
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Bozeman, Montana to Yellowstone National Park
Arrive in Bozeman and meet your fellow travelers and tour staff, then travel by road along the original route of Lewis and Clark over the Bozeman Pass to the Yellowstone River. Leave the historic trail and continue south through the scenic Paradise Valley to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This afternoon, take a short hike to Mammoth Hot Springs, meandering along boardwalks for views of its beautiful travertine terraces. Stop in at the Albright Visitor Center before checking in to your hotel just outside the park. Tonight, gather for a welcome reception and dinner at the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. (Meals: 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 Lamar Valley. Wildlife abounds in what is often called the “American Serengeti.” Take in sweeping vistas of untouched wilderness and use binoculars and spotting scopes to look for elk, bison, coyote, raptors, and possibly even bears and wolves. Stop for lunch in Cooke City and followed by a visit with renowned photographer Dan Hartman at his home studio. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 — Yellowstone National Park: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Lake Yellowstone
Travel toward the Old Faithful area, crossing 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 into a deep chasm. Then journey through 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 can be found here. Your home for the next two nights is just steps from Old Faithful geyser. (Meals: 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 Basin
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, and Riverside—as well the legendary Old Faithful, which erupts about every 90 minutes, shooting water more than 100 feet into the air. Gather back at your hotel for dinner together. (Meals: B,L,D)
Walks/Hikes: Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic (0.5-4 miles roundtrip, easy)
Day 5 — Grand Teton National Park
Travel south out of Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park, stopping en route for short hikes and stellar views. Known for its majestic, saw-tooth peaks, the park was established thanks to a gift of private land from John D. Rockefeller. En route, visit the new Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, which boasts the first LEED-certified building in the national park system. An afternoon boat ride brings you across the pristine waters of Jenny Lake, one of a string of gem-like lakes at the foot of the lofty peak of Grand Teton. Later in the day, check in to the Rustic Inn located within walking distance from the shops, galleries, and restaurants of Jackson’s town square. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight. (Meals: 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 the "inner road" inside of Grand Teton National Park, stopping along the way to view wildlife and visit mountain lakes. Celebrate your Wyoming adventure at a festive farewell dinner at a restaurant in Jackson tonight. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 — Depart Jackson
After breakfast, set off on one last morning tour to spot wildlife and take in the grand views of the Teton Range. Then transfer to Jackson Hole Airport for late morning flights home. (Meals: B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)