Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Upon arrival in Bozeman, meet with fellow travelers for an orientation followed by a welcome dinner.

Depart Bozeman and follow the Yellowstone River as we head south along the Old Yellowstone Trail, where we may spot elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. We drive through Roosevelt Arch at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, making our way to Mammoth Hot Springs. Walk the Lower Terrace this afternoon, and, for those looking for more adventure, walk or snowshoe the Upper Terrace. Look for the resident elk who like to warm themselves at the thermal springs.

Today is devoted to wildlife viewing in the snow-covered Lamar Valley. Use spotting scopes to get close-up views of bighorn sheep clinging to cliffs, resident bison using their heads to shove away the snow to get to the grass below, and other wildlife doing their best to survive the long Yellowstone winter. Enjoy a boxed lunch in Cooke City before returning to Mammoth Hot Springs through the valley for more wildlife viewing.

A special treat at Yellowstone in the winter is a ride on one of the heated snow coaches that allow us to traverse roads that are closed during the winter in the southern half of the park. Stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone midday to take in the unusual sight of ice-covered waterfalls. Along our drive we may share the road with herds of bison or catch a glimpse of trumpeter swans. Arriving in Old Faithful Village, check in to Yellowstone’s winter lodge and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

This morning, explore the boardwalks surrounding Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, the largest concentration of geysers in the world. The geysers provide another unique winter sight: trees, covered in rime frost, hovering along the path. This afternoon, explore the winter wonderland around us by choosing to hike or snowshoe, or simply relax by the fireplace at the lodge.

Board our snowcoach this morning to exit the park and head south through Grand Teton National Park to Jackson Hole. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel and gather for dinner.

We spend the day in Grand Teton National Park, taking in stunning views of the Teton Range and keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife—bison, moose, elk, and pronghorn. Then, at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, take in the large collection of art featuring animals from around the world by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and John James Audubon. The museum overlooks the National Elk Refuge, which sits on more than 24,700 acres of grasslands, wetlands, and forests that serve to protect species including elk, bison, wolves, bald eagles, and bighorn sheep. Learn about efforts to conserve these species and enjoy a sleigh ride through the Refuge. This evening, toast our winter journey at a farewell dinner.         

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights returning home.