Wyoming Adult: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure
Trip Summary
Have you ever come eye-to-eye with a 1,500-pound bull moose? Biked under the shadow of the Grand Teton Mountain Range? Plunged into the cool waters of a secret swimming hole off of Jackson Lake? Have you ever followed in the footsteps of John Colter along Yellowstone’s Geyser Basin, the world around you much as it was when Colter first traversed it 200 years ago? Tackled the class II and III rapids of the Snake River? If you’ve been on Austin Adventures Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure, chances are your answers are yes.
The toughest part is going home.SM Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Jackson Arrival | Grand Teton National Park | Yellowstone National Park
Jackson Arrival: Welcome to Wyoming! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Grand Teton National Park: Soak up the beauty of the iconic and picture-perfect Cathedral Group: Nez Perce, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot as you explore the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. These jagged-toothed peaks soar 7,000 feet above the valley floor and are located on a fault line -- mountains the result of earthquakes. Grand Teton National Park is found just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park and comprises 310,000 acres including the Teton Range and most of the northern sections of Jackson Hole. String Lake to Moose Bike Ride: Bike about 10 miles from Grand Tetons String Lake to the small community of Moose, where -- you guessed it -- moose are often spotted. Pedal along a paved path right underneath the Teton Range, enjoying every crevice and crag that you spot in the mountain range along the way. Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Yellowstone National Park: Welcome to Yellowstone, our world’s first national park! This famous national park is home to over 60% of the world’s geysers, which periodically erupt in towering explosions of boiling water and steam. And while these astounding phenomena and their neighboring technicolor hot springs and bubbling mud pots draw in the crowds, the surrounding canyons, mountains, forests, and wildlife are no less impressive. West Thumb Geyser Basin Boardwalk: Located along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin is a hydrothermal area that stands out because of its dramatic lake and mountain backdrop. A boardwalk loops through an array of dynamic geysers and hot springs with names like Abyss Pool, Fishing Cone, and Lakeshore Geyser. Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail Hike: This 1.7-mile lollipop loop trail begins at West Thumb Geyser Basin and ascends steeply into high mountain meadows, passing backcountry thermal features along the way. As you emerge from the surrounding forest, take in commanding views of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountains in the distance. Gradually descend through meadows and forest. Accommodation: Grant Village (L,D)
The toughest part is going home.SM Day 2: Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Transfer Time: 1 Hour Artemisia Trail Hike: Most visitors to Old Faithful arrive via an overcrowded parking lot. Not us! We’ll hike in our secret “back way” to the park’s most famed feature. Along the way, we’ll pass a multitude of fascinating geothermal features including sky blue Artemisia Geyser, multi- colored Morning Glory Pool, and bubbling Grotto Geyser. Eventually we’ll happen upon Old Faithful, where we’ll be sure to catch a famous eruption. Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin Exploration: Discover the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful. Take some time to explore this area with your knowledgeable guide. Be sure to check out the Old Faithful Inn, the Visitor Center, and the boardwalks winding throughout the basin. Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins (B,L,D)
Day 3: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Carved by the wondrous force of the Yellowstone River, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a dramatic, 1,000-foot-deep canyon that dazzles visitors with its pastel rock walls and majestic waterfalls. From several vantage points, you can view Lower Falls plunging steeply into the canyon 308 feet, or the Upper Falls tumbling 109 feet. Wapiti Trail Hike: One of our favorite hikes in the area, Wapiti Trail, takes you 2.5 miles through the backcountry along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Wind your way along wildflower- dotted meadows, under lodgepole pine forests, and through an off-the-grid geyser basin before emerging at the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River itself. Eventually, you’ll find yourself staring down the incredible 308-foot Lower Falls from a perfect viewpoint. Transfer Time: 2 Hours Accommodation: Jackson Lake Lodge (B,L,D)
The toughest part is going home.SM
Day 4: Jackson Lake | Moose | Jackson
Jackson Lake Kayak: A kayaking excursion on Jackson Lake’s clear, calm waters is something you won’t soon forget. Mount Moran and the rest of the Teton Range seemingly rise straight out of the lake’s far shore, creating a mesmerizing image as you paddle your way along tree- covered peninsulas and rocky islands. This 2-3-hour paddle is relaxed and casual, perfect for beginners. Moose to Jackson Bike Ride: We begin this 15-mile, mostly flat bike ride in the small community of Moose, located in Grand Teton National Park. As we pedal along the designated bike path, keep an eye open to your right for deer and bighorn sheep on the high bluffs and on the fenced-in National Elk Refuge to your left for a wide array of birdlife and the occasional mammal. We end our ride at our next accommodation. Jackson Hole: The region of Jackson Hole is made up of the Grand Teton valley including the town of Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, the Aspens, Moran Junction, Moose and surrounding locations. The name was originally Jackson’s Hole, the “hole” describing the flat valley surrounded by mountains. The charming town of Jackson, the famous hub, is a little bit country and a little bit modern chic with some fun restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day! Accommodation: Rustic Inn (B,L)
The toughest part is going home.SM Day 5: Teton Village | Snake River
Teton Village to Jackson Bike Ride: We begin this mostly flat 12-mile bike ride in Teton Village, home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Our paved bike path takes us through aspen meadows, past quaint shops and restaurants, over the Snake River, and eventually through neighborhoods and pasture lands into the town of Jackson. Snake River Raft: Get ready to get wet rafting some of Wyoming's finest whitewater through the scenic Snake River Canyon! The Snake River is born out of the Yellowstone National Park backcountry and grows as it winds its way through Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and eventually the Snake River Canyon. You’ll travel 8 river miles from start to finish and will encounter about 8 sets of rapids ranging from class I and II to class III. Accommodation: Rustic Inn (B,L,D)
Day 6: Teton Village / Jackson Departure
Bridger Gondola & Hike: Take a ride up the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to experience the high alpine terrain of the Tetons. This 12-minute ride in a safe and private gondola cabin whisks you over 2,700 vertical feet above the valley floor. Take a walk among wildflower meadows, taking in sweeping views of Grand Teton National Park from up high, before riding the gondola back down to the base. Jackson Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Jackson to get ready for your departure home. Accommodation: (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.
The toughest part is going home.SM Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure
Distinctive Accommodation
Grant Village - 1 night(s) 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.
Canyon Lodge & Cabins - 1 night(s) 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.
Jackson Lake Lodge - 1 night(s) 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. The toughest part is going home.SM
Rustic Inn - 2 night(s) 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.
The toughest part is going home.SM Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure
Activities Featured on This Trip
Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Whitewater Rafting: Rafting trips are led by a professional rafting guide trained in swiftwater rescue. Most of our raft trips feature paddle rafts, which are small rubber rafts in which everyone paddles and is expected to help propel and steer the raft. You’ll encounter class II-III rapids on most rivers we raft. Gear like personal flotation devices and helmets are provided and required. Wetsuits are available for use when the water or air temperature is low. Instruction provided and no experience is necessary. Biking: Most bike rides on this trip are considered easy to moderate (10 to 20 miles, flat and/or rolling terrain). If a more difficult bike ride is included on this itinerary, more specific details will be included in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Bike rides are van supported, meaning that there will be checkpoints along the way in which you can access the van/guide if needed or can end your ride early. There will also be one guide accompanying the group by bike. Kayaking: Our goal while kayaking is to stick to the flatwater sections of the body of water we’re paddling in. Your group will stick together as your guide navigates the best path to keep the group safe. Gear and paddling instruction provided.
The toughest part is going home.SM
What's Included?
Included in Trip Price:
• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • 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 • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • 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 the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses
The toughest part is going home.SM