Hit the road tracing the spine of North America! The Rocky Mountains rise thousands of feet out of the prairie, dividing the continent, and providing some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. The Wyoming / Montana Adventure takes you on a thrilling tour that explores the most geologically diverse landscapes in the range. Hike along the ridgeline of the Teton Mountain Range. Watch hot spring water rush into Yellowstone Lake leaving behind trails of colorful algae. Glide down ziplines under towering limestone cliffs, and come face-to-face with mountain goats grazing on mountainsides of wildflowers. At the end of each action-packed day, dine on fantastic local cuisine and relax your tired muscles in soothing hot springs.
Towering granite spires are your first sight on this tour, but the scenery doesn’t go downhill from there. This meticulously-planned adventure will whisk you through so many stunning landscapes you may have trouble keeping them all straight. Discover why the Rocky Mountains are considered the jewel in America’s crown, while at the same time enjoying the authentic hospitality of the locals who call this majestic range home.
Ride ‘Big Red’ to the top of Jackson Hole Ski Resort and hike along the Teton Ridgeline, taking in 360 degree views of Jackson Hole from up high
Take on rapids like ‘Lunch Counter’, ‘Big Kahuna’, ‘Million Dollar Fishing Hole’ and ‘Gauging Straits” on a wet and wild raft trip down the mighty Snake River
Keep an eye out for bears, bison, wolves and elk in the gently rolling, sagebrush-dotted hills of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley
Stare 1,000 feet down into the deep chasm of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, oohing and ahhing over its bright yellows, pinks, oranges and whites
Explore Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest concentration and nearly one-quarter of all the geysers on earth, including world-renowned Old Faithful
Relax in the hot spring fed pools of Fairmont Hot Springs, making sure to try out both the indoor and outdoor hot and cold pools
Hike along the Crown of the Continent on the Highline Trail located at the top of Going-to-the-Sun Road, keeping a watchful eye out for mountain goats
A few more reasons you have to go:
01
Cowboy cooking: down-home cuisine isn’t just filling, it’s an artform.
02
Three different national parks in one trip: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier - crown jewels of the west!
03
Rafting the Snake River: it should be on every whitewater enthusiast's bucket list.
Fly into Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park on your own time. Your guide will be waiting for you curbside at the Jackson Hole Airport. Transfer into the town of Jackson to the Rustic Inn. Enjoy some downtime or explore Jackson on your own before meeting the rest of the group at dinner.
About the Rustic Inn
This luxury lodge is everything but ‘rustic.’ Located on seven lush acres adjacent to the National Elk Refuge and just a few blocks from Jackson’s lively town square, the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa welcomes guests with warm Western hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts and hedonists alike indulge in the lavishly appointed historic lodging accommodations and luxury log cabins, state of the art resort amenities, revitalizing spa, innovative cuisine, year-round Wyoming activities and an idyllic setting. Relax in the outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, or take a walk along the beautifully landscaped trails beside Flat Creek.
After breakfast, take a ride up “Big Red,” the aerial tram at Jackson Hole Ski Resort, to experience some high elevation hiking with fantastic views of Grand Teton National Park from high up. Hike Cirque Trail through wildflower-covered fields and rugged mountain terrain. Ride the gondola down the mountain. After lunch, get ready to get wet rafting some of Wyoming’s finest whitewater through the scenic Snake River Canyon. Dinner tonight is at a local favorite in Jackson.
Grand Teton / Yellowstone / Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
This morning, we say goodbye to Grand Teton National Park as we make our way north to Yellowstone. Our 2.5 hour drive will be broken up by stops along the way for beautiful photo opportunities and a chance to stretch our legs. Enjoy a picnic lunch at West Thumb Geyser Basin, where you’ll get up close views of geothermal features on Lake Yellowstone’s shoreline. Continue another hour through Hayden Valley on the lookout for bears, bison and wolves. Embark on a back country hike full of surprises that include spectacular views high above the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
About Canyon Lodge
Featuring five lodge buildings built in 2016, Canyon Lodge is situated in the center of the park a short distance away from 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 several restaurant options, a general store and a visitor center for those looking to explore this sprawling accommodation.
Mid-morning, we hike Artemesia Trail to walk through the Upper Geyser Basin “the back way.” After watching an iconic Old Faithful Geyser eruption, we’ll enjoy a guide-prepared picnic lunch. This afternoon, we hike along the Firehole River to an overlook of Grand Prismatic, the third largest hot spring in the world. Tonight, our accommodation is located in the Gallatin Canyon, on a beautiful 320 acre spread of land.
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.
After breakfast on the ranch, we spend the morning exploring the mountain town of Big Sky. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a gazebo in the community park, nestled between the mountains. After lunch, experience a thrilling zip line tour under towering limestone cliffs, through pine forests and across a rushing river. This area is where the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed, so you could say the scenery is pretty magnificent. Get comfortable for a scenic drive (2.5 hours) to Fairmont Hot Springs, where we’ll overnight to break up our drive to Glacier National Park. Tonight, enjoy a traditional handmade Italian dinner.
About Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
If you want to stay where the locals stay, you’ll want to make sure Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is on your agenda! Fairmont’s spacious guest rooms will comfortably accommodate any length of stay. The Resort is known throughout the Northwest for its pools. There are two oversized Olympic swimming pools and two mineral soaking pools – one of each located indoors and outdoors. The pools are fed by a virtually unlimited supply of 155 degree natural hot spring water, cooled to various temperatures for comfort and maximum enjoyment.
Take some time to relax in Fairmont Hot Springs’ pools this morning before or after breakfast. Two Olympic swimming pools and two mineral soaking pools (one of each indoors and outdoors) are fed by a virtually unlimited supply of 155 degree natural hot spring water, cooled to various temperatures for your comfort. We’ll depart late morning to finish up the rest of our drive to Whitefish, just outside of Glacier National Park (4 hours + stops). Lunch today will be at a stunning mountain restaurant overlooking the breathtaking Flathead Lake. Spend the evening exploring the town of Whitefish and dining on your own.
About Grouse Mountain Lodge
Grouse Mountain Lodge’s front doors welcome you to upscale comfort and an authentic Whitefish, Montana lodging experience. The fantastic location leads you to exciting year-round adventure. With 143 beautifully appointed guest rooms, fresh and exciting cuisine in Logan’s Bar and Grill, an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, day spa, and a substantial list of services and amenities, Grouse Mountain Lodge is one of Montana’s finest lodge resorts. Guest rooms combine warmth and appeal with design and spaciousness to provide that pampered feeling.
Today we explore the Crown of the Continent as we hike the Highline Trail (also known as the Garden Wall) to Haystack Butte and back. To get there, we drive along the famed Going to the Sun Road to Logan Pass where our hike begins. The surrounding alpine environment will wow you with its vibrant wildflowers, precipitous peaks and even the occasional mountain goat or bighorn sheep. This evening, we get together for one last group dinner to toast to a wonderful trip spent exploring three of our nation’s most beautiful national parks.
This morning we have time for one last activity before saying our farewells. Take the Gondola up Whitefish Mountain and soak up the incredible views as you hike back down. Transfer to either your Whitefish hotel or the Kalispell airport for your departure home.
**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
July 12, 2020
July 19, 2020
Space Available
July 21, 2020
July 28, 2020
Space Available
July 30, 2020
August 6, 2020
Space Available
July 11, 2021
July 18, 2021
Space Available
July 20, 2021
July 27, 2021
Space Available
July 29, 2021
August 5, 2021
Space Available
** 7/20 – 7/27 runs in reverse **
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Please plan on arriving on day one of your departure in the afternoon. Day one of your itinerary begins with a pick-up at the Jackson Hole Airport according to your arrival time and then a transfer to the Rustic Inn (check-in begins at 4:00 pm onwards). Your first group get-together begins with dinner on Night 1. Your trip ends with a drop-off at your Whitefish hotel (11:30 am) or the Kalispell airport (12:00 pm). Flights may be made for 1:30 PM onwards.
Activities
Hiking: 2 to 7 miles per hike, easy to moderately strenuous terrain, sometimes more than one “short” hike will be completed in a day Whitewater Rafting: Class II – III rapids, no experience necessary Kayaking: 2 hour paddle on Whitefish Lake, no experience necessary Zip Lining: 7 total elements including 3 zip lines, 3 sky bridges and 1 ladder, 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
Learn the geological differences between three magnificently dissimilar national parks all within a geographically small area. Hear both sides of the debate concerning the migration patterns of bison from Yellowstone Park. Do you know the differences between a black bear and grizzly bear? Have you heard the splash of a geyser’s eruption as its water crashes to the ground? Did you know that “hole” was the term for “valley” used by fur trappers during the late 1800’s, and Davey Jackson helped settle the Tetons area, hence the name “Jackson Hole.” Investigate for yourself the difference between Yellowstone’s four geothermal features: spouting geysers, steaming hot springs, hissing fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots. Stare 1,000 feet down into the V-shaped gorge of the red, pink, yellow, and orange splashed walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Search for grizzly bears, bison, elk, pronghorn, and coyotes in the rolling, sagebrush-dotted hills of Hayden Valley. Soak up the beauty of the Cathedral Group: Nez Perce, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot as you explore the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. When you reach the top of Logan Pass on the infamous Going-to-the-Sun Road, imagine what this high point looks like buried under 80 feet of snow mid-winter…and then think about the amount of snow removal equipment required to plow this spectacular, winding two lane road – amazing! Hunt for the hundreds of different wildflowers that reside in the parks: Bear Grass, Lupine, Fireweed, and Indian Paintbrush are just a few of the colorful beauties you might come across. Come discover the fun to be had in the Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks with the leaders 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 necessary equipment – all 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)
National Parks Expert
Kasey Austin
As Vice President of Operations at Austin Adventures, Kasey Austin can tell you the logistical ins and outs of every single trip. More than that, though, Kasey has lived and breathed most of the company’s featured destinations and will eagerly share her contagious passion for the transformational power of active travel. Kasey grew up in the adventure travel business; she knows the positive, lifelong impact of family travel, a quality that earned her the distinction of being named top family travel guide by Outside Magazine in 2014.
