Craggy peaks, winding rivers, and expansive meadows animated by wildlife and wildflowers are yours to discover on this action-packed, small group adventure through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. From the world’s first national park to the Rocky Mountains youngest range, explore the majesty of northwestern Wyoming with our expert guides who can’t wait to show you the hidden gems of the wild, wild west by bicycle, foot, kayak, and raft. Come eye-to-eye with a 1,500-pound bull moose. Plunge into the cool waters of a secret swimming hole off of Jackson Lake. Tackle the class III and IV rapids of the Snake River. All the while, enjoy Western hospitality and regional cuisine at its finest, from cozy inns to iconic park properties. Our all-inclusive adventure tours are, as always, complemented by Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Guided Trip
Towering mountains. Pine-studded forests. Geothermal activity. The largest concentration of megafauna in the lower 48. This six-day, custom itinerary through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks has it all. By day, answer the call of the wild as you get up-close and personal with the great outdoors before settling into your relaxing accommodations and enjoying a massage or spa treatment. Nights capped off with scrumptious gourmet fare and fireside cocktails make our Vacation Packages the perfect balance of luxury and adventure.
Pedal winding bike paths under the shadows of Grand Teton, Middle Teton, Teewinot, Nez Perce, and Mt. Owen, the five peaks of the Cathedral Group in Grand Teton National Park
Hike past mud pots and steam vents to the emerald-green Clear Lake
Trek the “back way” into Upper Geyser Basin for a viewing of the famous geyser, Old Faithful
Tackle the Class II-III rapids of the Snake River, keeping your eyes peeled for bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons
Explore a backcountry geyser basin before arriving at an unforgettable view of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Kayak the pristine waters of Jackson Lake, enjoying a backdrop of the jagged Teton Range
*Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.
We’ll meet in Jackson and get right to it. Take a pleasant bike ride through Grand Teton National Park getting your first views of the iconic mountain range close up. We’ll break for a picnic lunch before driving up to Yellowstone National Park through its south entrance. This afternoon we venture off onto a picturesque hike above Lake Yellowstone. Dinner tonight is in the restaurant at Grant Village.
About Grant Village
The six two-story buildings of Grant Village, named after Ulysses S. Grant, overlook the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and are sure to charm. The complex houses a laid-back lakeside restaurant featuring a casual menu, a gift store, and a comfortable lounge perfect for relaxing after a rewarding day of travel to swap stories with fellow travelers. Located in the southernmost corner of Yellowstone, Grant Village will allow for quick access to Grand Teton National Park and you’ll cherish the peace and quiet the secluded lodgings provide.
This morning we’ll begin with a stroll alongside bubbling hot springs leading to the boardwalks around Upper Geyser Basin, where we’ll of course watch an eruption of the famous Old Faithful geyser. After a picnic lunch, we’ll continue the exploration of this area including walks around Geyser Hill, Old Faithful Inn, and the Visitor Center. Shuttle to Canyon Lodge for dinner and overnight.
About Canyon Lodge & Cabins
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.
Fortify yourself with breakfast at Canyon Lodge before embarking on a backcountry hike full of surprises that include spectacular views high above the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. After lunch, drive south towards Grand Teton National Park and take in the spectacular views on the way to your accommodation for the night, Jackson Lake Lodge. This lodge overlooks the skyline of the Tetons and has a fantastic view of Mount Moran. Dinner tonight will be at The Mural Room at the Lodge.
About Jackson Lake Lodge
Imagine looking out your window to a wide expanse of fields surrounding a blue mountain lake, with moose, elk, and bison wandering close by. Then rising above this scene is one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the world—the Grand Teton Range. All of it so close, you feel like you can touch it. This is the thrill you can expect from the historical Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park. When it comes to Grand Teton National Park lodging, Jackson Lake Lodge is the largest of all the eco-friendly resorts. The lobby is where it all begins, with 60-foot panoramic windows that frame the Teton Range and Jackson Lake. The rest of the property is well worth exploring and the beauty of the area will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Meet up for a hearty breakfast before heading out on a beautiful kayaking adventure via Colter Bay. Enjoy a picnic lunch with sensational mountain views in the background. Discover just how heavy a bull elk’s antler weighs at the Moose Visitor Center before whisking off on a bike ride overlooking the National Elk Refuge. The evening is yours to explore and enjoy on your own; you may want to check out the Jackson Hole Rodeo which takes place every Wednesday night throughout the summer!
About Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole
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.
This morning, take a scenic bike ride from Teton Village to your rafting base. Picnic lunch. Get ready to get wet rafting some of Wyoming’s finest whitewater through the scenic Snake River Canyon. Tonight’s farewell dinner is at a local favorite!
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a ride up the Jackson Hole Tram to take in views of Grand Teton National Park from high up before drop-off at the airport or your post-trip hotel. (B)
** 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.
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 Jackson airport (12:00 pm) or your Jackson hotel (12:30 pm).
Activities
Hiking: 1 – 3 miles per hike, easy to moderate terrain, multiple hikes may be done in a day Biking: 12 to 15 miles per ride, easy to moderate terrain Whitewater rafting: Class II-III rapids, no experience necessary Kayaking/Canoeing: No experience necessary, guides will provide instruction
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, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Learn the geological differences between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Hear both sides of the debate concerning the migration patterns of bison from Yellowstone Park. Walk the towering six-story lobby of the largest log lodge in the world, the Old Faithful Inn, built under the watchful eyes of a 29-year-old architect, Robert Reamer over 100 years ago! Soak up the beauty of the massive granite Teton Range and its famous Cathedral Group: Nez Perce, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot. Take in the grandeur of North America’s largest high alpine lake, Lake Yellowstone, with a backdrop of the jagged Absaroka Mountain Range. Keep on the lookout for bears, bison, elk, and wolves as you cruise through scenic Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park. Listen to the wind whistle through Yellowstone’s lodgepole pine forests as you witness the comeback the tall young trees have made after the wildfires of 1988. Search for the countless varieties of wildflowers in the open meadows: lupine, columbine, arrowleaf balsamroot, and Indian paintbrush are just a few of the beauties you’ll find trailside. Come discover for yourself the fun to be had in the Cowboy State 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 the 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, refreshments, and receptions – except one dinner on own your own.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets, and other 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 during your trip.
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 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.
