MONTANA & WYOMING - YELLOWSTONE WONDERS ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Arrival in Bozeman; Bunsen Peak Overlook and Mammoth Hot
Springs; 2-4 miles, moderate
From our meeting point in Bozeman, we set out on the scenic
two-hour drive to Yellowstone National Park. Heading south to
Livingston, Montana, we follow the path of the Yellowstone River
through Paradise Valley and continue on to the northwest
entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Here we stop for
introductions and possibly a treat from the local scoop shop.
After, we embark on our first walk, a short but moderate walk up
Bunsen Peak named after the same man who invented the Bunsen
burner, Robert Bunsen. The trail ascends through grassland and
lodge pole forest before reaching an open meadow with sweeping
views of the Blacktail Plateau, Swan Lake Flats, the Gallatin
Mountains, Sheepeater Canyon, and the Yellowstone River Valley.
In a relatively short distance this walk offers some of the most
dramatic views in the entire northern section of the park and a
beautiful preview of the Yellowstone River Valley. We also walk
or drive a loop through the impressive Mammoth Hot Springs and
terraces surrounding our historic national park lodge.
Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at our park lodge.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park
DAY 2 Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; 4-7 miles, easy to
moderate
This morning we head south (approximately one hour) to the
southern rim of the impressive Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Our
walk begins along the Wapati Trail through a beautiful open
meadow carpeted in wildflowers. Along the way our naturalist
guides share insights, tales, and tracking tips about the
wildlife we may encounter. If we are lucky, we may pass grazing
bison, elk, or antelope. We then enter a forested area skirting
a small lake and active mud pots before arriving at the edge of
the canyon. The canyon is truly awe inspiring! This 1,200-foot
deep, 20-mile long chasm reflects the bright red, yellow, and
orange colors of volcanic rhyolite, hydro-thermally altered and
cooled some 600,000 years ago. The turbulent Yellowstone River
roars and foams through the deep canyon and over two major
waterfalls; the largest of which plunges 308 feet to the canyon
floor. As we skirt the rim we enjoy spectacular views of the
canyon, river, and waterfalls. After a picnic lunch, those
looking for a longer option can continue their walk to the
northern rim of the canyon, which provides dramatic views of
both the lower and upper falls.
Later, we continue our drive to Lake Yellowstone, North
America’s largest mountain lake. En route we pass through Hayden
Valley, a broad, lush valley home to roaming bison, elk, and
deer. We also follow the beautiful Yellowstone River where we
may spot swans, blue herons, osprey, and Canada geese.
By late afternoon we reach the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, a grand
lodge listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A
highlight of this hotel is relaxing in the sunroom while
listening to piano or chamber music, or playing on the black
sand beach. This evening we enjoy dinner in the lodge’s dining
room, overlooking the serene waters of the lake. Lake
Yellowstone Hotel, Yellowstone National Park
DAY 3 Kayaking on Lake Yellowstone; Old Faithful Geyser
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the West Thumb
Geyser Basin of Lake Yellowstone for a morning of kayaking. Our
experienced and knowledgeable kayak guides provide a safety
overview and an introductory lesson before heading along the
tranquil shores of this high-alpine lake. (Tandem kayaks allow
beginners and young children to join an adult.) As we skirt the
shore we keep our eyes open for osprey, eagles, or even the
occasional elk or bear. Our kayaking guides also introduce us to
an underwater geyser basin. From the unique perspective of our
kayaks, we observe shoreline geysers erupting and flowing into
the lake. Along the way, we enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore of
the lake.
This afternoon we continue to our next inn, the historic Old
Faithful Inn. Sometimes called the world’s largest tree house,
this unique hotel is built of split logs and hand-wrought
hardware. Most impressive is its central lobby, which rises to
76 feet, 6 inches, and boasts a massive, rough-stone fireplace.
Here, we have time to visit Old Faithful, the park’s largest and
best-known geyser, before reuniting for dinner in the inn’s
beautiful dining room. Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone
National Park
DAY 4 Upper Geyser Basin; 4 miles, easy to moderate;
swimming option
This morning we leave our inn on foot to explore the miles
of trails and boardwalks surrounding this rich geyser basin.
Some of the park’s most impressive geysers and hot springs are
clustered around Old Faithful and our guides introduce us to the
unique geology and geothermal activity of the area. We then
drive the short distance to the Firehole River where we enjoy a
picnic and an optional dip. Although the water is not exactly
hot, the river is a comfortable temperature for swimming due to
the surrounding thermal activity.
We continue our drive (approximately one hour) to the beautiful
Big Sky region of Montana. Along the way we drive through the
lovely Gallatin River Valley made famous by the book and movie,
A River Runs Through It.
Late afternoon we reach the 320 Guest Ranch, a classic western
ranch and our home for the next two nights. After settling in we
enjoy an outdoor Chuckwagon Barbecue with BBQ ribs or chicken,
corn on the cob, beans, salad, and s’mores over the open fire.
320 Guest Ranch, Big Sky
DAY 5 Horseback riding; Gallatin National Forest; 4 miles,
moderate
After breakfast we embark on a two-hour horseback ride into
the spectacular Gallatin River Canyon surrounding our ranch. Our
horses are gentle and well-trained so even those who have never
saddled up may want to give it a try. The trail ride climbs into
high alpine meadows carpeted in wildflowers and wild sage.
Depending on the month, one may spot beautiful clusters of wild
rose, lupine, geranium, phlox, paintbrush, and sunflowers. The
views are also breathtaking with sweeping vistas of the
snow-capped Spanish and Gallatin Peaks.
This afternoon you are free to relax at the ranch and enjoy the
Jacuzzi and tranquil setting, or join the guides for a walk in
the Gallatin National Forest. Our walk may leave right from the
Gallatin River and ascend to a grassy plateau blanketed with
light-green, silvery sage and wildflowers. The 320 Ranch also
has a well-stocked pond and casting lessons can be arranged
directly through the ranch prior to your visit (please note that
the cost of this optional activity is not included in the tour
price).
Tonight we venture into town to a favorite local restaurant. 320
Guest Ranch, Big Sky
DAY 6 Rafting the Gallatin River; farewell in Bozeman
Our tour culminates with an adventurous raft trip down the
Gallatin River. This adventure combines the thrill of whitewater
(primarily class III/IV rapids) with the magnificent views of
the wild Gallatin Canyon. Experience the excitement of such
rapids as House Rock, Screaming Left, and Mad Mile, and the
periodic tranquility of floating on this pristine river.
After our ride, we change into dry clothes and drive directly to
Bozeman (one-hour transfer) for a celebratory lunch at a
favorite watering hole. Your guides will offer a drop off either
at the Bozeman airport or downtown Bozeman.
Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a
typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due
to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to
alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a
year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate
change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour
and your experience.
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