On arrival at Salt Lake Airport, make your own way to the hotel. Once you've checked in, the rest of today is free for you to head out and explore the city, capital of Utah and renowned for its Mormon history and the Great Salt Lake.
Please note: This tour involves extensive hiking on uneven terrain, covering an average of 5 to 8 kilometres at a time, but sometimes more. Elevation changes range from 50 to 1,000 feet, and both touring and overnight locations are situated at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Due to the physical demands of this itinerary, participants should be prepared for significant activity.
Salt Lake City - Jackson. This morning, the guide will pick you up at the hotel at 7:00. Get to know the rest of the group as we make the drive across the state border to Jackson, Wyoming. During the journey, the guide will also share information about the unique geology and history of Northern Utah, Southeastern Idaho, and Western Wyoming. Upon arrival in Jackson, we explore the Gros Ventre Slide area, the Jackson Hole Valley, and the historic town of Jackson.
Jackson - Grand Teton National Park - Jackson. Today, we enter Grand Teton National Park, beginning with wildlife viewing and photography opportunities at Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row. The riverside Schwabacher Landing is a great place to potentially spot moose, pronghorn and bald eagles. After hopefully spotting some of these creatures, we head to Jenny Lake for a boat ride across the water followed by an unguided hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
In the afternoon, we travel north to Jackson Lake and Colter Bay for more hiking and opportunities to observe wildlife - keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies! We return to Jackson in the evening for an included group dinner at a local restaurant.
Jackson - Yellowstone National Park. Drive north through Grand Teton National Park to reach mighty Yellowstone National Park. We start our exploration at the West Thumb Geyser Basin, a geothermal area with vibrant hot springs and steaming geysers along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Continue to Hayden Valley, a lush area teeming with bison, elk, and occasionally grizzly bears and wolves.
Next, we visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where you can admire the stunning Yellowstone Falls and the canyon's colourful, rugged beauty. Travel over Dunraven Pass, offering spectacular views and a chance to spot bighorn sheep and black bears, then head to Lamar Valley, renowned for its abundant wildlife and often called the "Serengeti of North America." In the evening, we drive along the Scenic Beartooth Highway, a breathtaking route with alpine lakes and mountain vistas, and arrive in the charming small town of Cooke City for the night.
Early this morning, return to the Lamar Valley for early wildlife viewing. Continue to Mammoth Hot Springs to see its striking travertine terraces, then explore the steaming vents and colourful pools of Norris Geyser Basin on foot. Travel through the scenic Madison River Valley to West Yellowstone, where you’ll have a free evening to wander this charming western town at your own pace.
Today, explore Yellowstone National Park’s main geothermal wonders, beginning with the Firehole Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and the historic Old Faithful Lodge. Continue to Madison Junction, stopping at Black Sand Basin, the vivid Grand Prismatic Spring, and other geothermal highlights along the way. Enjoy scenic hikes and multiple opportunities to spot the park’s abundant wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park - Salt Lake City. Say goodbye to Yellowstone this morning as we head out of the park, with time for some exploration just outside the park boundaries. We take in Island Park, making stops at Big Springs and Mesa Falls. Then, we head south through Idaho's potato fields, the Bear River Bird Refuge, and along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. There will be optional stops at the Bear River Bird Refuge or Antelope Island, time permitting. We aim to arrive back in Salt Lake City at around 18:00, and your final evening of the tour is at leisure.
Our tour comes to an end after a final breakfast at the hotel. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
