This Yellowstone tour allows you to leave the city behind and explore nature in its purest form. Our expert guides have intimate knowledge of the park as well as the insider access to give you a national park experience unlike any other. Hike unpopulated backcountry trails, geyser basin boardwalks and lakeside lookouts. Seek out roaring waterfalls flowing through deep, V-shaped canyons. Ride horses high into the Absaroka Mountains alongside fourth generation Montana cowboys. Learn both sides of the bison migration and wolf re-introduction controversies shaping today’s Yellowstone, and why Chico is a favorite haunt of Hollywood celebrities. Explore Yellowstone’s fascinating geothermal features like geysers and mudpots while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a geyser basin close up.
Mountain peaks soar, reaching for the sky. Canyons — a palette of earth tones — are peppered with geysers, fumaroles, steam vents, and mud pots. Rushing rivers feed crystalline lakes and mighty forests make a comfortable home for the rich diversity of wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.
Wave goodbye to the throngs of Yellowstone day visitors as you explore well off the tourist track
Hike secluded backcountry trails, Geyser Basin boardwalks and mountaintop lookouts, watching for grizzlies, moose, bison, wolves, and eagles
Saddle up for a gentle horseback ride up Pine Creek into the Absaroka Mountains
Learn both sides of the bison migration and wolf re-introduction controversies shaping today’s Yellowstone ecosystem
Explore Chico Hot Springs, a favorite haunt of Hollywood celebrities and locals alike
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The wildlife: without a doubt, Yellowstone has the best wildlife viewing in all of North America.
02
The geothermal activity: Yellowstone is home to more geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and steam vents than the rest of the world has combined.
03
Our insider's access: known only to locals (and of course our guides), we want you to see Yellowstone like a local.
Gallatin Canyon / Upper Geyser Basin / Old Faithful
Meet in Bozeman and shuttle to the town of Big Sky, Montana, where we will start our adventure with a thrilling zip line tour over the Gallatin River. After lunch, we’ll make our way to the west entrance of Yellowstone. Upon arrival to the Upper Geyser Basin we’ll hike in the back way, traversing through an area of bubbling hot springs to the main attraction, Old Faithful. After checking into our home for the night, walk to the historic Old Faithful Inn for dinner and a chance to watch Old Faithful erupt under the stars.
About the Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Old Faithful Inn: A world-famous landmark opened in 1904, this stone and pine inn features a five-story lobby, views of Old Faithful and classic charm.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Completed in 1999, the Snow Lodge is the newest of the park’s full service hotels, and features heavy timber construction, exterior log columns and a cedar shingle roof, making it a significant example of classic “parkitecture”.
Start the day with a hike through the Upper Geyser Basin to Observation Point for great geyser panoramas. Delight in a tasty guide-prepared picnic lunch. Embark on an extraordinary hike to Storm Point where you will encounter open meadows, shaded lodgepole pine forests, and lakefront trail. Check into Canyon Lodge with time to relax before dinner.
About Canyon Lodge
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 where two fireplaces, and a lounge and gift store warmly beckon guests to linger and chat.
Ogle over water flowing powerfully over the Brink of the Yellowstone River’s Upper Falls followed by a delicious picnic lunch. This afternoon we’ll set off on a hike on the Wapiti Trail. This trek brings you to the rim of the 10,000-year-old, 1,000-foot deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. As you carefully make your way back along the canyon wall, you’ll “ooh and ahh” around every bend as the pinks, yellows, reds, and oranges of the rock appear all the more bright as you walk to the grand finale of Artist Point, the most spectacular viewpoint of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Enjoy a special BBQ dinner tonight.
About Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
This accommodation was named after the steaming limestone terraces just above the main building. Elk routinely graze outside the hotel around the parade grounds of what was once Fort Yellowstone. Within the area, you can walk the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs, visit Albright Visitor Center with its exhibits of the early history, exploration and establishment of the Park, or take a self-guided walking tour of Fort Yellowstone’s historic sandstone buildings to learn about the days when the U.S. Cavalry helped manage the Park.
Wake early to catch the sunrise and prime wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley. Set off on a beautiful hike from your hotel via the scenic Beaver Ponds trail. Delight in a packed trailside lunch. This afternoon, take in the nearby Hoodoos and explore Mammoth Hot Springs’ white, orange and yellow travertine terraces.
Enjoy a short morning hike in the backcountry behind the Mammoth Terraces. Lunch at a nice picnic spot, followed by a drive through Paradise Valley to the Flying Diamond Ranch. Saddle up for an unforgettable horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains alongside fourth generation ranchers. Head to the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort for a soak in rejuvenating mineral waters. Gather tonight in the resort’s dining room for a gourmet dinner in one of Montana’s finest restaurants.
About Chico Hot Springs Resort
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.
Sleep late and enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort. Stroll the gardens, enjoy a last morning’s soak or opt for a scenic hike before returning to the Bozeman Airport or your post-trip hotel.
**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
August 30, 2020
September 4, 2020
Space Available
September 6, 2020
September 11, 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). Please make flights for 1:30 PM or later.
Included in 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.
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 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.
Activities
Zip-lining: No experience necessary (**260 lb weight limit)
Hiking: 2 to 5 miles per hike, easy to moderate terrain
Learn the issues surrounding the reintroduction of the Grey Wolf into the American West through multiple perspectives. Explore the Yellowstone Caldera and witness the greatest concentration of geothermal features on the planet. Check off the wildlife on your list as you cruise through Hayden Valley on the lookout for bears, wolves, elk, bison, pronghorn, coyotes, bald eagles, and much, much more. Hear the many sounds surrounding you in the Upper Geyser Basin geothermal area: dripping, popping, gurgling, burping, and splashing are just a few noises that will delight your ears! “Walk on the moon” as you hike the white covered rock section of Wapiti Trail, listening for the hiss of a fumarole. Discover why wildfire is an important part of Yellowstone’s ecosystem and how its lodgepole pine forests are adapted to such extreme conditions. Parents, taste the delectable cuisine of Chico’s exquisite dining room, indulging in such dishes as the Beef Wellington, Gorgonzola Filet Mignon, or Ravioli Tosca while your kids experience an Austin Adventures style pizza/pool party. Stare 1,000 feet down at the frothing, whitewater of the almighty Yellowstone River in the V-shaped chasm of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Come play in Big Sky Country in Montana and Wyoming with the experts in adventure travel!
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.
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.
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)
Yellowstone 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.
