Welcome to the “Wild West” At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure
Wildlife in Winter Your day begins in the nearby [LF] National Elk Refuge with a fun and exhilarating included sleigh ride excursion. Enjoy free time the remainder of the day to explore Jackson. Savor authentic tastes of the American Rockies with regionally-inspired cuisine and soak in the festive atmosphere for a classic Jackson winter experience. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
As many as 10,000 elk congregate here each winter, creating the largest concentration of wintering elk in the world. Your sleigh will travel among these magnificent creatures for a memorable up-close experience. Watch for a wealth of other wildlife in residence this time of year, including wolves, coyotes, moose, bison, trumpeter swans, hawks, and bald eagles.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Discover the magic of downtown Jackson in winter, where snow-covered streets, iconic elk antler arches, cozy cafes, and unique boutiques create the perfect mountain-town escape. Consider a snowshoe outing, gondola ride or browse the local art scene downtown. This evening, warm up at the Jackson Hole Playhouse dinner theater or wander around Jackson Town Square for Western boutiques, live music and culinary delights
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Spectacular Sights Depart Jackson this morning and travel through Grand Teton National Park, where some of the majestic peaks soar beyond 13,000 feet. At Flagg Ranch, board a snowcoach and begin your journey on the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway and through Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park. Along the way, marvel at the West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shores of Lake Yellowstone, the Continental Divide, and Shoshone Point Overlook before arriving at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge for a relaxing 2-night stay. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Grand Teton Range is the youngest mountain range in the Rockies and some of the youngest peaks in the world. Mere youngsters, these jagged masterpieces were born of earthquakes and glaciers just 2 million years ago. With eight peaks towering over 12,000 feet, the grandest of all is Grand Teton itself, at over 13,700 feet. So treasured is this magnificent national park that three presidents (Coolidge, FDR, and Truman) all fiercely fought for more land to be protected and preserved in the 310,000-acre Grand Teton National Park enjoyed today.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more in Yellowstone National Park! In winter, the interior roads at Yellowstone National Park are accessible only by commercial over-snow transportation, and Yellowstone’s snowcoaches are essentially the ultimate 21st-century (heated) sleigh. These fascinating vehicles travel over groomed snow-covered roads. The snowcoaches are driven by seasoned guides, so every mile, regardless of destination, is a guided tour of Yellowstone’s extraordinary winter scenery
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
America’s First National Park Wake up this morning to the fresh, crisp air of Yellowstone in the winter. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Upper Geyser Basin. The remainder of the day is at leisure, a perfect time to try a typical winter activity like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Later, relax with a warm drink by the crackling fire. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Experience the otherworldly beauty of Yellowstone in winter with a guided walking tour of the Upper Geyser Basin. The greatest geothermal basin on Earth, this region also features the extraordinary sights of world-famous Old Faithful, which erupts with regularity throughout the day, as well as other less predictable geysers, including Castle, Daisy, Riverside, and Grand Geysers. It’s an incredible and invigorating experience
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Geysers, Pots, and Falls Travel north through the park today by snowcoach, with stops to see the Lower Geyser Basin’s famous Fountain Paint Pot—named for the reds, yellows, and browns of the mud. At the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, see the thundering Lower Falls, which are nearly twice the height of Niagara (weather permitting). Have your cameras ready as winter is ideal for wildlife spotting in the bright, reflective snow. Later, enjoy a box lunch while continuing to the northern part of the park for mesmerizing Mammoth Hot Springs, where heat, water, limestone, and rock fractures have created a unique terrace feature. Overnight at historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel where relaxing in the Map Room with a glass of wine are among the activities you can enjoy. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Yellowstone in winter offers wonderful opportunities to view breathtaking geological features as well as magnificent wildlife—wolves, elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, and bighorn sheep. Capture the chance to spot a wealth of winged wildlife and birds of prey as well, including bald eagles soaring overhead
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wild by Nature This morning, witness the magic of winter in [LF] Lamar Valley, where wolves traverse snowy landscapes, bison forge paths through deep drifts, and the beauty of Yellowstone unfolds in its most dramatic season. Depart Yellowstone National Park for Bozeman, Montana, and enjoy leisure time and lunch on your own in the historic yet vibrant downtown. Join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions this evening to celebrate your adventure with a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
In Yellowstone's remote northeast corner, Lamar Valley unfolds as a stunning landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. Wide-open vistas and winding waterways create an ideal setting to observe the park's iconic wildlife as they move freely across this remarkable wilderness
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Bozeman? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)
