Highlights of the American Rockies

Tour Style: Worldwide Multi-Centre Destination: USA Trip code: YWWHW Trip Walking Grade: 2

HOLIDAY OVERVIEW

An exceptional journey exploring a vast wilderness. The Rocky Mountains are the wild backbone of the North American continent, where wolves, bears and giant herds of bison roam free. Cross the magnificent American Rockies, from Colorado to Wyoming and into Utah, visiting Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Explore a variety of landscapes and marvel at the incredible wildlife and natural phenomena.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• A full programme of guided walks and sightseeing, accompanied by an experienced HF Holidays Leader • 'With flight' holidays include return flights from the UK and hotel transfers • Half Board with en-suite accommodation (12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 6 evening meals) • Sightseeing and entrance fees • All transport and tips

HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the landscapes and wildness of the American Rockies www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865

• See a range of incredible wildlife – moose, bear, bison, wolves, osprey and bald eagles • Visit some of the USA's most iconic and stunning national parks – Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton & Yellowstone • Marvel at geysers and thermal springs

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival In Denver

On arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel, located near the airport. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after our flight.

Day 2: Denver And Its Surroundings

Nestled below the Continental Divide on the plains at an elevation of 1,600m, Denver enjoys a generally very dry and sunny climate. Today we’ll explore the local sights: the dinosaur tracks at Morrison; the famous Red Rocks Theatre, carved into the Morrison formations; Golden; and finally, Buffalo Bill’s grave. From here, we enjoy expansive views over the plains.

Downtown is a bustling, historic metropolis. As we stroll through town later today, we can marvel at the huge brick warehouses that once supplied the mining camps as we head out for dinner.

Day 3: To Rocky Mountain National Park

Today we leave the plains for the mountains. The road steadily climbs over the Continental Divide, crossing at Berthoud Pass. As we travel into the remote areas of the Rockies, we’ll soon reach the historic mining settlement – now a holiday resort – of Grand Lake. Sitting at an elevation of 2,600m, the village is nestled below mountain peaks on the shores of Colorado’s largest natural lake.

We’ll walk along the Ranger Meadows and the shores of Shadow Mountain Reservoir, with excellent opportunities to see osprey, bald and brown eagle and, if we’re lucky, maybe a bear too.

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Day 4 - 5: Rocky Mountain National Park

We spend two days exploring this incredible park, with walks that have a good chance of spotting some of the resident wildlife.

Walk possibilities depend on the season and may be done on either day. It’s likely that on Day 4 we’ll walk in search of the large herds of elk that the park is famous for. In summer, we’ll hike along the Ute Trail above the treeline where we can see the alpine tundra. In May and September, we may walk to look for elk at lower elevation. Day 5 takes us along the East Inlet Trail to Lone Pine Lake. A narrow trail, taking us into the heart of the mountains, we’ll have a good chance of spotting moose, elk and bear.

*Dinner not included on Day 4

Day 6: To Wyoming

This morning we’ll walk along the Colorado River on the Lulu City Trail looking for moose. These magnificent animals can be a little elusive but the sight of one in the wild will surely be something you’ll long remember.

This afternoon, we leave Grand Lake and head north across the vast desert plains towards Lander, Wyoming – a small but charming remote mountain town.

Day 7: To Yellowstone National Park

Leaving Lander, we cross the mountains for Yellowstone National Park. We’ll spend time exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: a massive and multi-coloured canyon system carved out of the rock formed by volcanic deposits by the mighty Yellowstone River.

We hike the Wapiti Trail Loop along the canyon’s edge. Along the way, we’ll see massive waterfalls tumbling into the canyon. You’ll have the chance, too, to walk the stairs down the Uncle Tom’s Trail. On the north side of the canyon, you can walk down to the Brink of the Upper and Brink of the Lower Falls, impressive overlooks over some of the waterfalls which thunder into the canyon.

Day 8 - 9: In Yellowstone National Park

With two days to explore this magnificent national park, there will be much to see and experience. One day will be dedicated to the famous Lamar Valley, where most of the park’s wildlife can be found: it’s well-known for the large herds of bison and antelope and wolf packs. We may also see elk and moose. We'll also explore across the countryside landscapes with a ridge walk to see the remnants of an ancient petrified forest, and enjoy a sightseeing excursion along the Beartooth Highway in the hopes of seeing some of the large herds of mountain goats that live at these higher elevations.

We’ll also spend a day walking to the hot springs of Yellowstone. We head out to explore the white terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, where we can walk along boardwalks to explore these fragile formations. We’ll then head to the geysers of the Norris Geyser Basin for a series of short walks: Grand Prismatic Springs is a stunning kaleidoscope of colours. A longer walk at Upper Geyser Basin allows us to explore the world’s largest collection of hot springs, and we’ll make sure to see Old Faithful erupt. On the evening of Day 9 we head to our remote lodge between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

Day 10: To Grand Teton National Park

Today we’ll head out to explore some of the Grand Teton National Park. We’ll walk along the shores of Jenny Lake, enjoying the amazing views of the mountains that abound, and take a relaxed ferry ride on its waters. Our return journey to Jackson will pass iconic and historic barns of Mormon Row, the remains of Mormon homesteads.

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Day 11: Grand Teton National Park

A gondola ride takes us to the heights of the Tetons mountain range: the views we’ll enjoy from here, at almost 11,000 feet, will be seriously impressive. From the gondola station we’ll descend on a dirt trail that skirts the flanks of the mountain along the slip fault that created these mighty mountains. This afternoon is at leisure to relax or independently explore Jackson.

Day 12: To Salt Lake City

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Jackson before we drive south towards the Great Salt Lake. At Antelope Island State Park, there’s an opportunity to take a dip in the lake’s salty waters – if you’ve ever had a ‘swim’ in the Dead Sea, the salty water experience may be a little similar.

We arrive in Utah and continue to Salt Lake City. This evening we’ll explore the downtown area of the city on foot, including Temple Square and view the Mormon Temple, before we enjoy a final dinner together.

Day 13: Departure Day

At leisure before our return transfer to Salt Lake City airport and our return flights home.

ACCOMMODATION

Aloft Gateway Park Hotel - American Rockies

On arrival in Denver we stay at the Aloft Gateway Park. Close to the airport, the hotel offers hotel-wide complimentary Wi-Fi access and comfortable beds in modern and well-appointed rooms.

Spirit Lake Lodge - American Rockies

As we explore the Rocky Mountains National Park we stay at Spirit Lake Lodge, Grand Lake. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Lake, you’re within walking distance of the lake.

Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge - American Rockies

Close to the historic downtown of Lander, Wyoming, the riverside Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge offers a warm welcome and comfortable stay. Relax in the hot tub or enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the Popo Agie River.

Soda Butte Lodge - American Rockies

The rustic western-style décor of Soda Butte Lodge in Cooke City sets the scene for our time exploring Yellowstone National Park. Sit back and reminisce about the day’s sights and experiences with a drink in the lodge’s saloon bar.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge - American Rockies

This mountain lodge is still near the Yellowstone National Park so the wildlife viewing can continue without a long journey back to the hotel. The lodge has large comfortable rooms and great hospitality.

Quality Inn Jackson

Ideal accommodation for our visit to Grand Teton National Park. Recently renovated, with a pool and fitness centre.

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Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites - American Rockies

We spend our final night in Salt Lake City, staying at Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites. Comfortable, well-appointed rooms offer an ideal place to relax at the end of our holiday.

USEFUL HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Weather & Seasonality

We have chosen dates that are the best both for wildlife viewing and walking in the region.

The climate is generally sunny and dry. Temperatures can be high but are generally between 10° - 25°C (50° - 77°F) during the day, with cooler evenings. As you will be at altitude, we recommend bringing light layers as well as warmer clothing for the evenings. There may be snow at higher elevations.

Joining Instructions (With Flights)

On arrival, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim. Your HF Holidays leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrival’s hall – look out for the HF Holidays’ sign.

Joining Instructions (Without Flights)

If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays’ leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives.

If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group.

If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271 to enquire about availability and make arrangements.

Essential Information

As you’ll be carrying your own luggage at airports and between your transport and hotels, we recommend you try to keep your luggage to a minimum.

These items are a general suggestion of what to pack for an active outdoor and walking holiday; depending on your destination, you may need more of some things and less – or none! – of others. We advise being prepared for all weather conditions, but you’ll know best what you prefer to wear when out walking or while taking part in other outdoor activities.

• Walking boots (worn in), with good ankle support and non-slip soles and spare bootlaces • Walking socks • Lightweight fleece, waterproof trousers and jacket • Shorts and short-sleeved t-shirts • Long trousers and long-sleeved light-coloured shirts for the possibility of winter-weather days • Walking poles

We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern ‘approach shoes’ offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low-level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers are not recommended for any walks.

Your clothing should ideally be pre-treated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor).

• Warm fleece, scarf/buff, hat and gloves; small torch/head torch • Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing • Sun protection – sun hat, sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection • Water bottle – at least 2-litre capacity • Lightweight survival bag • Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) and a liner or cover to keep contents dry • Insect repellent • Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets; hand sanitiser

Essential:

• Passport (and copies) • Booking confirmation • Insurance cover note • HF Holidays’ registration form.

Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method.

Optional:

• Camera • Umbrella • Binoculars • High energy food bars • Swimming costume and towel • Small Tupperware box and sandwich bags for picnic lunches • Walking sandals

Please note that your HF Holidays’ leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety.

Trip Information

Companies operating outdoor or adventure activities in the USA now commonly require their clients to sign a liability waiver form before participating in the activity. These forms have been introduced by American insurance companies as a means of offering protection against ‘frivolous’ or ‘opportunistic’ legal claims.

During your holiday you may be asked to complete a liability form with your name, address and signature. This form indicates that by signing it you are waiving your rights to pursue legal action against our agents, in the event of personal injury or loss. However, as all the activities included in your itinerary are part of a pre- arranged holiday, booked and paid for in the UK, this waiver form has no legal weight whatsoever.

Your holiday contract is with HF Holidays and as stated in our Booking Conditions, is therefore governed by UK law. We must ask you to sign the waiver forms presented to you by our agents, as not doing so could effectively invalidate other key aspects of the insurance cover they hold, but please be reassured that in the unlikely event that you had cause to make a claim for negligence arising from your holiday, your signing of these waiver forms would in no way undermine or alter your legal rights.

Safety On Your Holiday

Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number.

We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at www.hfholidays.co.uk. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 6 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865

If you would like to purchase insurance from us, please call us on 020 8732 1220 or email [email protected].

For more information about healthcare abroad and its costs, please visit: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers.

If you are arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Generally, this should include cover for walking at altitudes over 2,000m, which will cover you for a wide range of our holidays.

Dietary Requirements

Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements; we will do our best to accommodate you.

If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel.

Vaccinations & Health

This information is subject to change. In all cases, we highly recommend you consult your GP both for up to date details and for more information on what is appropriate to your situation. As a rule, travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK - including, for example, the MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines.

Requirements can change, and we recommend you check in good time ahead of your holiday. Aside from the above recommendations, there are no specific vaccination requirements to visit the US.

Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is banned in some countries.

If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country’s embassy/consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution, it is recommended to:

• Keep medication in its original packet • Take a copy of your prescription • If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country you’re visiting

For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk

Passports & Visas

Passports

Passports must be valid for the duration of the trip

Visas

You’ll need prior authorisation to enter the United States using a British passport, either through a visa, a Permanent Resident Card, or the Visa Waiver Programme. It’s your responsibility to know and understand the entry rules before you travel.

Visa Waiver Programme (VWP)

The VWP allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days. The types of journey

www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 7 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 allowed under the VWP include tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country. Other nationals should check with their nearest United States embassy or consulate for details of entry requirements.

You’ll need prior authorisation to enter the United States using a British passport, either through a visa, a Permanent Resident Card, or the Visa Waiver Programme. It’s your responsibility to know and understand the entry rules before you travel.

You’ll generally qualify to enter the USA using the VWP if your British passport:

• describes your nationality as a ‘British Citizen

(From 1 April 2016 all passengers entering the US under the VWP will need to have an ePassport with an integrated chip)

If your current British passport is not an ePassport you can contact Her Majesty’s Passport office for a replacement to allow you to use the VWP. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a visa to enter the United States on your current passport. and you:

• aren’t a dual national of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen. • haven’t travelled to Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 • have received authorisation from the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation at least 72 hours before you travel (see below) • can show that you have enough funds available on arrival to support yourself during your stay, even if you’re staying with family and friends

Certain exemptions apply on a case-by-case basis to those who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011. For more information about these exemptions, see the website of the US Embassy in London or contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

You will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

If you’re arriving by air or sea you should provide details online as soon as possible and at least 72 hours before travel. This is known as an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA. Getting an ESTA is a separate process to providing your airline with advance passenger information (details of your passport, country of residence, address of your first night’s accommodation in the US etc). For more information, and to apply online, visit the official ESTA website. Please note that this is the only official ESTA website. There are third-party companies that operate websites which look like the ESTA application site, but which charge a processing fee on top of the official fees.

Useful Information

Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin and insurance details. You must complete and return this to us - we need to have this from you at least 10 weeks before travel.

Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times.

Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you:

• Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader • Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor • Please stay where you are if you become separated from the group. The leader will retrace their steps to find you.

Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List). www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 8 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865

In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 911. Please then call our emergency number (sent in your final dispatch) and let us know there is a problem.

US Dollars (US$). Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs are widely available across the country.

To offer you the opportunity to explore the various options for dinner, 6 evening meals have not been included. We recommend you budget US$ 30 per person per meal for these.

You will also need money for tips, incidental items such as drinks with meals and any souvenirs you may wish to purchase. How much you bring depends on your spending habits, but US $50 per person per day should be enough for tips and to buy a couple of drinks with dinner, some small souvenirs and any other small purchases during the day.

Luggage

Baggage Allowance

1 piece checked-in luggage (max 20 kg).

Please check details of your airline’s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked.

Lost/Damaged Luggage

If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline’s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport on arrival. They will assess the damage; in some cases, the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately.

You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if an immediate settlement is not possible - in many cases, baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport.

Local Currency

You will need money for tips, incidental items such as drinks with meals and any souvenirs you may wish to purchase. How much you bring depends on your spending habits, but US $50 per person per day should be enough for tips and to buy a couple of drinks with dinner, some small souvenirs and any other small purchases during the day.

Local Time

GMT/UTC -6 or -7 hours in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. These states operate on ‘Mountain Standard Time’ (GMT -7) and ‘Mountain Daylight Time’ (GMT -6) in the summer months (circa March – November).

Electricity

Electricity is 120V, mostly commonly with two flat pins. We recommend you take a universal adaptor.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available across the country.

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Tipping

Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/driver and restaurants where your meals are included in the holiday price.

Any additional tips – including for any drinks at the bar and meals not included – are at your own discretion. Tipping is an expected part of American culture; your local guide can help advise on when to tip and how much.

HOW TO BOOK

When you're ready to book, you can choose to book online or book over the phone. Our website offers secure online booking for our holidays, is available 24/7, and offers more in-depth information about all our holidays. If you prefer to call us, our experienced and knowledgeable team are available to answer any specific questions you have and can offer guidance as to which holiday is best suited to your needs.

Our office is open: Monday to Friday: 9am – 7pm Saturday: 9am – 1pm Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday: closed

PAYING YOUR DEPOSIT

To secure the holiday of your choice, you will need to pay a deposit: UK & European Holidays: £150 per person and Worldwide Holidays: £250 per person. You can pay your deposit by debit or credit card with no additional card fees charged or make an online BACS payment directly into HF’s bank account, please see details under BACS payments. You can also pay your deposit by cheque within seven days of booking. Cheques should be made payable to ‘HF Holidays Ltd’ with your booking reference / Order ID on the back.

NON-MEMBER FEE

Non-members can join our holidays by paying a Non-Member’s fee of £30 per person per holiday. Alternatively, full membership is available from £100 – visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership for details.

BACS PAYMENTS

Please quote your booking reference / Order ID when you make your payment online: Bank Name: Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) Account Name: HF Holidays Ltd Account Number: 35923304 Sort Code: 40-51-62 IBAN: GB92HAND40516235923304 Swift / Bic Code: HANDGB22

Once we have received your booking and deposit, we will send a confirmation invoice to the lead name. Please check this carefully. For bookings ‘with flights’ it is essential that the names on your booking confirmation invoice match those on your passport for bookings overseas. Please advise us immediately of any errors. Any name changes after the balance of your holiday has been paid will be subject to a fee levied by the airline.

MANAGE MY BOOKINGS

Payments can also be made through the Manage My Booking function on our website. Click on the link at the top of our homepage. This is available to all customers who provide an email address at the time of booking.

YOUR FINAL BALANCE

The balance is due 10 weeks before departure. As with paying your deposit, you can pay your final balance by debit or credit card, make an online BACS payment directly into HF’s bank account or pay by cheque.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is an important part of any booking and essential for one of our holidays. HF Holidays works with specialist. Insurance Brokers Campbell Irvine Direct. For more information or to obtain a quote call them on 01702 427 236 or visit hfholidays.co.uk/insurance www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 10 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865

PEACE OF MIND

ATOL:

The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL-protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 710. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid us for advance bookings. For further information visit the ATOL website atol.org.uk

MEMBER OF ABTOT:

HF Holidays is a member of ABTOT (The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited) which provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for HF Holidays Ltd and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are sold to customers outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland. 1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK and Republic of Ireland are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with HF Holidays Ltd.

TRIP NOTE VALIDITY

These Trip Notes are valid based on the date printed at the bottom of the page. They will occasionally be updated post booking and pre-departure. We will send you the latest trip notes prior to departure through a link in your pre departure documents or we can send you a copy in the post if preferred.

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call HF Holidays and ask to speak to one of the team about this itinerary.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; so please be prepared to be flexible where necessary. At times, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned due to weather conditions, political, physical or other factors. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements to maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

PRICE GUARANTEE

We promise that our earliest published prices will always be the best and if we reduce our holiday price after your booking has been confirmed, we will pass this reduction on to you. Our price promise applies if any subsequent offer price is for an identical holiday, duration, location and date and does not cover any optional extras, flights or additional services.

Document produced: 26-09-2021

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