Yellowstone & Grand Teton Hiking
6 days
From $ 3799
Duration6 days

Two national parks mean double the natural beauty on this 6-day hiking adventure. The first national park and one of the most beloved, Yellowstone is filled with rushing waterfalls, steaming geysers and soaring peaks that tower over the vast surrounding plains. The park’s dramatic landscapes showcase its fascinating geology, at the same time supporting diverse wildlife—from roaming herds of bison to pronghorn, elk and moose. We balance our time at Yellowstone with a day spent exploring the magic of Grand Teton National Park by raft and on foot. Take in the unique wonders of this majestic mountain range just slightly to the south of Yellowstone. Enjoy daily hikes on some of Yellowstone’s most scenic trails, visit iconic geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, and summit two 10,000’ peaks. When we’re not hiking, enjoy wildlife-viewing drives in search of the park’s many mammal and bird species, or discover the tranquility of the rolling grasslands and blooming wildflower meadows. Each evening is spent in comfortable hotel accommodations, unwinding from the day’s unforgettable adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 6 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Mississippi River
    Ages: 18+
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Hiking - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Yellowstone and visit Mammoth Hot Springs.
Our trip begins in Bozeman, Montana. We rendezvous for orientation at 9am, then set off on the two-hour drive to Yellowstone National Park. Our first stop on our adventure is Mammoth Hot Springs. We drop by the visitor center, watch for the resident elk herd and get our initial glimpse of some of the park’s fascinating thermal features. After our guide-prepared picnic lunch, we start our warmup hike directly from the visitor center. After our hike, we transfer to our hotel and have time to freshen up and relax before dinner. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 4-5.5 miles; elevation gain/loss: 1,207’; Transfer: 3-4 hours.
Meals: D
Day 2: Explore the Upper Geyser Basin. Watch an eruption of Old Faithful and visit the Grand Prismatic Spring.
No visit to Yellowstone would be complete without exploring the park’s fantastic geothermal features. Still considered an active volcano, reminders of Yellowstone’s violent geological past abound. Today we explore the Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful and a host of additional geysers, hot springs and fumaroles. After witnessing an eruption of Old Faithful, we extend our hike to 70-foot Mystic Falls for a dramatic view of the geyser basin below. Our afternoon culminates in a visit to the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the nation. The spring's brilliant rings of red, yellow, blue, green and orange are caused by microbes that live at the edges of the mineral-rich water. All meals included.
Hiking: 4.5 miles; elevation gain/loss: 350’; Transfer: 2.5-3.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Enjoy an early morning wildlife-viewing drive. Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Yellowstone is home to over 50 species of mammals including black & grizzly bear, bison, elk, pronghorn, moose and wolf. The park draws wildlife lovers from all over the world hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. We set out on a wildlife-viewing drive at dawn this morning, aiming to reach beautiful and remote Lamar Valley when the animals are most active. Additional dawn or dusk wildlife drives can be scheduled based on participants’ interest. After our wildlife adventure, we spend the day exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We hike the canyon rim and enjoy views of the Yellowstone River far below. We also visit Artist Point and descend Uncle Tom’s Trail for up-close views of 308-foot Lower Falls. A quintessential day in Yellowstone! Dinner on our own tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 9.3 miles; elevation gain/loss: 1300’; Transfer: 2.5-3.5 hours.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Visit Grand Teton National Park and enjoy a scenic float trip on the Snake River.
Before heading south to Grand Teton National Park, we take a short hike to Storm Point for fantastic views of Yellowstone Lake. Settle in for a scenic drive as we make our way closer to the immense granite peaks of the Teton Range, visible for miles above the plains. Upon arrival in Grand Teton National Park, we take in the spectacular views of the South, Middle and Grand Teton as well as Mount Moran during a scenic rafting trip down the Snake River. In addition to the awe-inspiring Teton panoramas, we watch for bald eagles, beavers, moose and bear along the riverbanks as we float by. Our time in the Tetons ends with a tasty dinner at Signal Mountain Lodge overlooking Jackson Lake. It's a perfect spot to enjoy final views of one of America’s most beautiful mountain ranges. All meals included.
Hiking: 2.5 miles; Rafting: 2.5 hour scenic float trip (Class I and II). Transfer: 5-5.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Summit Avalanche Peak for views of Yellowstone Lake.
Today’s challenging hike to the summit of Avalanche Peak offers outstanding views of southern Yellowstone, stretching to the Tetons 50 miles away. Our trail begins in a lush fir and spruce forest and climbs steadily, passing through wildflower meadows and up talus slopes to the summit at 10,566’. We relish the stunning high country panorama that includes Yellowstone Lake, the rugged Absaroka Mountain Range and Pelican Valley, some of the premier grizzly habitat in the Lower 48. This evening, we enjoy a final delicious celebration dinner with our guides and hiking companions. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles; elevation gain/loss: 2,100’; Transfer: 3-3.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Hike to the top of Mount Washburn and take a dip in the Boiling River.
This morning we hike to the summit of Mount Washburn (10,223’) for 360-degree views of Yellowstone spread out at our feet. The wide trail’s gradual ascent to the fire lookout atop the mountain makes it a great hike to top off our week. Our final stop in the park provides the perfect opportunity to experience one of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features firsthand. We take a relaxing dip in the Boiling River, whose cool current warms to a soothing temperature with the overflow from a series of nearby hot springs. After soaking any trail grit and soreness away, we return to our waiting vehicle and leave the park, arriving in Bozeman by 7pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 7 miles; elevation gain/loss: 1,384’; Transfer: 2.5 - 3.5 hours.

End place: Mississippi River

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Lodging in Yellowstone National Park and meals as indicated on the daily itinerary
  • Accommodation

    Hotel, 5 nights

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