United States | Exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Arrive at the airport and meet your guide in front of the information desk located in the center of the baggage claim area. at 1:30pm. Later this afternoon enjoy a short city tour of Salt Lake City before a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. *Hotel check in time is 3pm.

After an early morning departure, learn about the unique geology and history of northern Utah, southeastern Idaho, and western Wyoming on the way to Jackson, WY. Walk along the Gros Ventre slide area, a large geological scar formed in 1925 by a historic landslide in which 50 million cubic yards of rock and soil broke from nearby Sheep Mountain. Explore the town of Jackson, a relic of the Old West with storefronts restored from the 1800s. Dinner tonight will be at one of the fantastic local restaurants in Jackson.

This morning, float down the scenic Snake River with majestic views of Grand Teton National Park. Wildlife-watching and photography opportunities abound as our expert river guides explain the history of the area. After lunch, hike the trails around Jenny Lake. Look for wildlife like grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, foxes, and birds such as Dark-eyed Junco, Clark's Nutcracker, Canada Jay, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, as you take in awe-inspiring views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Explore Jackson Lake, Coulter Bay and other locations for wildlife watching before returning to Jackson for a relaxing evening in town.

Drive north through Grand Teton to Yellowstone National Park and explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. These natural wonders depict the complex geologic history of the area with dramatic colors and formations. Then travel to the Norris Geyser Basin for hiking and exploring before traveling through the Madison River Valley to West Yellowstone. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Start the day by traveling up and over Dunraven pass to experience your highest point in the park. This morning will be filled with wildlife watching and hiking opportunities in the Tower-Roosevelt areas. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic location before exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs area. The afternoon will consist of more scenic and wildlife stops as we continue to explore Yellowstone's Northern Loop. Once we get back to West Yellowstone, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, an educational wildlife park dedicated to the conservation of the area's wild animals. Receive a lecture on wolf reintroduction before dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

This morning, explore the main Geothermal area of Yellowstone National Park and witness the mudpots, geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles of the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and the Old Faithful Lodge. Afterwards continue your way to Madison Junction with stops at Black Sand Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Firehole Geyser Basin, and other areas. There will be some great hikes and multiple opportunities to enjoy watching the wildlife within the park. This evening is on your own in West Yellowstone.

This morning, depart the Yellowstone area as you travel south to explore the unique ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake. First visit the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge along the shores of Great Salt Lake. Learn how the refuge provides critical habitat for migrating birds from both the Pacific and Central Flyway of North America and their priority species like the American White Pelican, Snowy Plover, Black-necked Stilt, Cinnamon Teal, and Tundra Swan. Afterwards visit Antelope Island State Park for amazing views and insight into the unique ecosystem of this inland salt sea. We return to Salt Lake City and gather for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Transfer to the Salt Lake City International Airport on own by hotel shuttle for your departure flight home. *Hotel check out time is noon.