Join Austin Adventures and Life is Good on this action-packed adventure through Big Sky Country and Yellowstone National Park. With our headquarters based in Yellowstone country, it’s no wonder that Austin Adventures is considered the leader in best-in-class travel to the world’s first national park. Raft the Yellowstone River, hike amidst the Spanish Peaks and ride horseback with a couple of bona fide cowboys on one of our custom, all-inclusive Montana vacation packages. Wildlife and wildflowers come to life as our local guides introduce you to the hidden gems of the wild, wild west. All the while, enjoy western hospitality and regional cuisine from guest ranches and iconic park properties complemented by Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service. Giddy up!
Leave your worries behind and let the locals deliver the best Yellowstone experience! With over forty years of insider knowledge, we can provide the ultimate Yellowstone and Big Sky Country vacation. Whether it’s skipping the crowds by hiking into Old Faithful the back way, or touring the Paradise Valley on horseback with 4th Generation Montana ranchers, Austin Adventures and Life is Good will take you to places few others ever get to see. See Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife including bison, elk, bear, or wolves. Hike through evergreen forests and among wildflowers, as well as through the steaming thermal areas surrounded by the world’s highest concentration of geysers. At night, enjoy western hospitality at some of the hardest-to-get accommodations in the park, as well as luxurious guest ranches.
Hike Gallatin Valley’s secluded back country to a glacially-formed mountaintop basin
Explore the geyser-peppered caldera of Yellowstone and the evergreen forests of Paradise Valley
Raft Class II-III rapids through postcard-perfect canyons and ranchlands
Ride horseback with a fourth-generation Montana cowboy
Elk, bison and bear – oh my! From a safe distance, espy wildlife on a drive through Hayden Valley
Relax and recharge with a soak in a soothing natural hot spring followed by Big Sky Country’s tastiest cuisine
Zip line across the Gallatin River on an exhilarating trip that you won’t soon forget
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Geologic diversity: the river-carved canyons of the Gallatin, Yellowstone's volcanic caldera and the pristine results of glacially-formed Paradise Valley are sights for sore eyes.
02
Cowboy stories and songs: 'oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam' just sounds better in the great outdoors, whether you're sittin' tall in the saddle or gettin' cozy beside a roaring fire.
03
In-the-field expertise: from spinning fascinating regional interpretation to building group camaraderie, our guides keep their eyes on the details, ensuring your vacation is truly the trip of a lifetime.
Pick-up in Bozeman. Take a short hike through timber and meadows along Hyalite Creek to Grotto Falls. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch upon return from your adventure. Shuttle up Gallatin Canyon to our zip base and gear up for a zip line tour across the Gallatin River. Tonight’s dinner is at the 320 Steakhouse and Saloon.
About The 320 Guest Ranch
In the west, life has certainly gotten easier than it was in the early days, even at a Montana guest ranch. But some of the things that mattered most back then are still important today; like delicious, hearty meals, and the 320’s friendly, laid-back attitude. Experience a 110 year old homestead – reshaped into a Montana guest ranch. Relive the early western atmosphere and down-home hospitality – all in one big beautiful, historic property. The 320 Ranch offers exceptional cowboy comfort just south of Big Sky Ski Resort, where the pristine Gallatin River winds through sage and towering pines, and mountains rise up against crystal blue skies
Embark on an all-day hike amid the Spanish Peaks to Beehive Basin with sweeping views of the Madison and Gallatin Ranges, including Big Sky’s Lone Mountain (an alternate hike may be arranged on early season departures, depending on trail conditions). Lunch trailside by the shore of an alpine lake. Continue your trek through wildflower meadows, glacial streams and the distinctive crags of Beehive Peak. Enjoy a night on your own with a shuttle to Big Sky by your guides or choose to stay back at the ranch.
Yellowstone National Park / Grand Prismatic / Old Faithful / Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Shuttle to Yellowstone for a hike alongside Midway Geyser Basin to an unforgettable overlook of Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. A short drive away is Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest collection of geysers in the world. Take some time to explore this area with your knowledgeable guide before a delicious picnic lunch. Transfer to Canyon over the Continental Divide, along the shoreline of Lake Yellowstone and through bison-dotted Hayden Valley. Embark on a backcountry hike along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, ending at a viewpoint of the incredible 308-foot Lower Falls. This evening, enjoy dinner at Canyon Lodge.
About Canyon Lodge and Cabins
Featuring two lodges and recently renovated cabins, Canyon Lodge and Cabins is situated on the eastern side of the park next to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The rustic accommodations allow for the opportunity to step back from technology and embrace lodging in the country’s oldest national park. Located on site you’ll find a full service restaurant, elegant bedrooms with private bathrooms, a delightful lobby with two fireplaces, and a lounge and gift store that warmly beckon guests to linger and chat.
Shuttle to the northern part of the park to the Mammoth Hot Springs area, where we’ll trek alongside orange, yellow and white travertine terraces void of the boardwalk crowds. A short drive brings us to Gardiner where we enjoy lunch at the historic Roosevelt Arch. Load into rafts for a beautiful and splashy ride down the Yellowstone River. Drive through Paradise Valley to Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa. Dinner tonight at a nearby local spot.
About Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa
The perfect location for your Montana getaway. This historic resort is located in the heart of Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone National Park – and nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Absaroka Mountain Range. Chico offers an extraordinary variety of accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, live entertainment, ultimate relaxation, all with a warm smile and welcoming spirit from their friendly staff. This rustic-chic inn and day spa boasts mineral hot spring-fed pools, extensive gardens, & soothing spa services. In June of 1999, Chico Hot Springs was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Shuttle to the Flying Diamond Ranch and mount up for a leisurely morning horseback ride high into the Absaroka Mountains. Our picnic lunch spot boasts spectacular mountain views. A short afternoon hike to a backcountry waterfall will set the stage for a perfect evening. Back at Chico, soak in a natural hot spring before feasting on a candlelit farewell dinner.
Take a morning hike to a nearby trout pond or enjoy a last morning soak in the hot spring-fed pool. Return to Bozeman airport and area hotels.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Start Date
End Date
Status
August 23, 2020
August 28, 2020
Space Available
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:00 or 8:15 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Bozeman airport (12:00 pm) or your Bozeman hotel (12:30 pm).
Activities
Hiking: 2 to 6 miles per hike, easy to difficult terrain.
Horseback Riding: Easygoing walking pace, no experience necessary.
Whitewater Rafting: Class I-III rapids, no experience necessary.
Ziplining: Gear and instruction provided. No experience necessary
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Unlock the mysteries of Yellowstone’s geyser basins. Wander your way along winding trails through Montana’s pristine backcountry, unlocking the secrets of the forest along the way. Scrutinize the pros and cons of wildfire in a lodgepole pine tree ecosystem. Search for moose, bears, wolves, and elk in the middle of a supervolcano’s massive caldera. Taste for yourself the tender juiciness of a Montana home grown beef filet mignon. Take in the beauty of North America’s largest high alpine lake, Yellowstone Lake and make sure to ask about why the lake trout are such a big problem. Listen to a rancher’s side of the story as you hear Martin or Jack Davis, fourth generation cowboys, explain how Yellowstone’s reintroduced wolves have affected their cattle population. Learn why Chico Hot Springs Resort is a favorite celebrity haunt. Discover for yourself this place they call Big Sky Country with the experts in adventure travel.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners – except one dinner on own your own – refreshments and receptions.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any other necessary equipment – safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Vice President of Operations
Kasey Austin
Kasey was born in Alaska and raised in Billings, Montana. She graduated in 2011 as a Presidential Leadership Scholar at the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in Education. Growing up in the world of adventure travel, it was only natural for Kasey to jump in to the family business upon entering “the […]
Join Austin Adventures and Life is Good on this action-packed adventure through Big Sky Country and Yellowstone National Park. With our headquarters based in Yellowstone country, it’s no wonder that Austin Adventures is considered the leader in best-in-class travel to the world’s first national park. Raft the Yellowstone River, hike amidst the Spanish Peaks and ride horseback with a couple of bona fide cowboys on one of our custom, all-inclusive Montana vacation packages. Wildlife and wildflowers come to life as our local guides introduce you to the hidden gems of the wild, wild west. All the while, enjoy western hospitality and regional cuisine from guest ranches and iconic park properties complemented by Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service. Giddy up!
