Description

From a land built on fire, earthquakes, and other extreme geological forces, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are comprised of two unique ecosystems. Peaks that soar to 14,000 feet, broad valleys teeming with wildlife, glaciers, thermal features, and barren landscapes still recovering from the ravages of volcanic eruptions and forest fires are awaiting you.
Spend eight exciting days exploring and learning about the unique geological and ecological history that continues to shape this region, how it came into existence, and about the plants and animals that call this wilderness home. Your adventure awaits!

Tour Highlights:

• Jackson Hole
• Grand Teton National Park
• Jenny Lake boat Shuttle
• Yellowstone National Park
• West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Old Faithful
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Lamar Valley
• Beartooth Highway
• Cooke City
• Mesa Falls

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Salt Lake City, Utah

You can arrive at any time today. Upon arrival to the airport and picking up your luggage, please find transportation to the hotel on your own and check in for the evening by giving your name to the front desk at check in. Once you settle in, feel free to explore Salt Lake City.
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​Lodging: AC Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT 

Day 2: Salt Lake City to Jackson, WY

This morning, your guide will pick you up at the hotel at 7:00 am to depart for Jackson, WY. Learn about the unique geology and history of Northern Utah, Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming on the way to Jackson, WY. After a hearty western-style cookout along the Snake River, enjoy a one-of-a-kind, 10-mile scenic float trip. (peak season only)

​Lodging: Elk Country Inn, Jackson, WY ​

Day 3: Grand Teton National Park​

Today you will enter Grand Teton National Park and start your day with wildlife viewing and photography opportunities at Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row. Arrive at Jenny Lake and enjoy a boat ride across before a hike to Hidden Falls and/or Inspiration Point. (The shuttle typically begins operating after May 15th and normally closes in late September, weather and ice conditions permitting.) Next, head north to Jackson Lake and Colter Bay for lunch and an early afternoon of more hiking and wildlife watching. After a few hours of rest and an early dinner, you will return to Grand Teton for an evening of wildlife watching and adventure!
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​Lodging: Elk Country Inn, Jackson, WY

Day 4: Jackson Hole to Gardiner via Yellowstone NP

Enjoy a scenic journey into Yellowstone National Park, beginning with the steaming pools of West Thumb Geyser Basin, the serene shores of Jackson Lake, and the wildlife-filled Hayden Valley. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Canyon Junction before taking in the dramatic vistas and waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Your day concludes with a picturesque ride to Gardiner, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel to enjoy a free evening in this charming gateway town. 
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​Lodging: Roosevelt Hotel, Gardiner, MT ​

Day 5: Gardiner to West Yellowstone

Begin your day with early wildlife viewing in the famed Lamar Valley before continuing on to the rugged beauty of the Tower Falls and Roosevelt Areas. After a midday break for lunch, explore the striking terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. Then journey south to take in Gibbon Falls and wander the geothermal wonders of the Norris Geyser Basin. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive through the Madison River Valley, arriving in West Yellowstone for an evening free to relax and explore this lively western town.
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​Lodging: Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone, MT 

Day 6: Yellowstone National Park

Today, along with wildlife watching, you will explore the main geothermal areas of Yellowstone NP, the Old Faithful Geyser Basin, and the Old Faithful Lodge. Afterwards, continue your way to Madison Junction with stops at Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, Firehole Geyser Basin, and other areas. There will be some great hikes and multiple opportunities to enjoy watching wildlife within the park.
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Lodging: Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone, MT

Day 7: West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City

This morning will be spent exploring just outside of Yellowstone NP in Island Park, with stops along the way at places such as Big Springs and Mesa Falls. Continue south through the potato fields of Idaho, then along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. You will return to Salt Lake City by 6:00 pm. 

​​Lodging: AC Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT ​

Travel Home​

This morning, if time allows you are free to explore Salt Lake City. When the time comes, you will transfer to the Salt Lake City Airport on your own to catch your flight home.