Montana and Wyoming: Yellowstone

A 6-Day Country Walkers tour starting from $2,898

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Starting Price: $2,898 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 6 Days
Countries Visited: United States
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Adventure Tours
Tour Category: Adventure Tour
Tour Operator: Country Walkers
Tour Code: CWMONT
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Cities Visited:
Big Sky, Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone

Yellowstone, one of nature’s true masterpieces, boasts incredible geothermal sites, an amazing array of wildlife, and diverse landscapes with vibrant flora. A warm-up walk to Mammoth Hot Springs sets the tone, as you wander among the brilliantly colored and steamy step-like terraces. The renowned Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a 1,200-foot-deep chasm that reflects the bright red, yellow, and orange of volcanic rhyolite follows. Walking along the canyon’s rim, your picnic lunch spot invites you to pause, as it overlooks Hayden Valley, home to pelicans, blue herons, elk, deer, and bison. Upon reaching Old Faithful, the park’s most renowned geyser, watch for the eruption of water as it bursts over 100 feet skyward. Continuing into the backcountry, you visit thundering falls, more geysers, and thermal hot springs seldom seen by tourists. On a hike to Mount Washburn, the Grand Tetons and other mountain ranges are readily observed through the trees. Along the route, pause in fields brimming with buttercups, silvery sage, lupine, and forget-me-nots, or enjoy some of the world’s best trout fishing (as lovingly depicted in A River Runs Through It). Western hospitality is a staple throughout—as is regional cuisine of freshly caught fish and native game.

 
Itinerary
 
 
Sightseeing
 
 
  • Two expert, local guides (for groups of 8 or more), with you 24/7

  • All meals included; wine or beer included with dinners

  • All accommodations (with private baths) while on tour

  • Transportation from the meeting to the departure point

  • Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary

  • Basic travel insurance coverage (see Travel Insurance section that follows)

  • The exclusive ease of a mobile phone rental with our Cellhire partnership. Receive preferred calling rates, free phone rental, and complimentary shipping of mobile phones

  • The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff

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    DAY 1
    Arrival in Bozeman; Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces; 1-2 miles, easy

    From the meeting point in Bozeman, you set out on the scenic drive to Yellowstone National Park. Heading south to Livingston, Montana, you follow the path of the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley and continue on through the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Along the way you stop for a warm-up walk among the Mammoth Terraces. The uniquely colorful and steamy tiers for which this area is named represent an incredible natural process. Underground magma heats groundwater that flows through limestone as it rises to the earth’s surface. The limestone is then redeposited as travertine, building terraces which are brilliantly colored by bacteria thriving in the hot water. You may see elk, who are attracted to these steamy terraces. A short, easy walk allows you to stretch your legs as you stroll near the terraces, marveling at their natural beauty.
    By late afternoon you reach your hotel, a historic lodge restored to its 1920s grandeur, on the shores of Lake Yellowstone. Located at an elevation of 7,733 feet, Lake Yellowstone is the largest lake in North America above 6,000 feet. After settling in, you gather for a short orientation meeting. This evening you enjoy dinner at the lodge, overlooking the serene waters of the lake.
    Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Yellowstone National Park

    DAY 2
    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; 5 miles, easy to moderate

    The walk today takes you through lush forests and blooming meadows to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This 1,200-ft-deep chasm reflects the bright red, yellow, and orange colors of volcanic rhyolite, hydrothermally altered and cooled some 600,000 years ago. You enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the canyon with a 1½-mile walk along its rim. The lunch spot overlooks the spectacular Hayden Valley, famous for its congregations of big game. This valley, actually an old lakebed formed by glaciers in the last ice age, is home to swans, blue herons, Canada geese, elk, deer, bison, and occasionally, grizzly and black bear.
    This afternoon you may choose an optional walk on one of the many trails leading from the backdoor of the lodge or choose to relax in this beautiful setting. Once again, you dine in the lodge’s dining room, choosing from such menu items as salmon, native game, black angus, and grilled chicken.
    Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Yellowstone National Park

    DAY 3
    Old Faithful - Imperial Geyser - Fairy Falls; 8 miles, easy to moderate

    Today you learn how geothermal features work. You begin with a stop at Old Faithful, the park’s largest and best-known geyser, and then continue on into the backcountry of Yellowstone to the Imperial Geyser Basin and thundering Fairy Falls.
    It takes hundreds of years to establish the fragile crust of minerals surrounding these, so it’s important to tread carefully here. The walk passes more remote geysers, thermal hot springs, a lake, and possibly large groups of grazing bison and elk. Bison often sleep near human habitation and pay little attention to cars, so they are much less surprised than you are by the close proximity. You enjoy a picnic lunch at the 197-foot-high Fairy Falls before continuing on a loop back to the vans.
    This afternoon you drive (approximately 45 minutes) to your home for the next three nights, a comfortable guest ranch just outside the park. You may relax in the Great Room before enjoying a delicious dinner at the ranch.
    Bar N Ranch, West Yellowstone

    DAY 4
    Pocket Basin; 2 miles, easy; optional afternoon activities

    Today you return to Yellowstone for a walk through the largest concentration of mud pots in the park. To reach this isolated area along the Firehole River you pass a large active area that features dozens of springs ranging in temperature from lukewarm to pools of 188-200 degrees (F).
    The mud pots are formed when acidic gasses break down the surrounding volcanic rock into true clays. There is not enough water to flush the clay away so it sits there and bubbles with escaping gasses making very peculiar noises. After a picnic lunch you return to the ranch.
    This afternoon there is time to relax by the outdoor heated pool, go for a horseback ride, or venture into the town of West Yellowstone for some genuine Western hospitality. (Please note that horseback riding is not included in the tour price.)
    Dinner this evening is at the ranch. Bar N Ranch, West Yellowstone

    DAY 5
    Mt. Washburn; 6 miles, moderate

    Today you embark on a spectacular hike up Mt. Washburn (elevation 10,264 feet). The round trip is 6 miles, with a 1,384-feet elevation gain. Along the way you enjoy clear views of seven different mountain ranges, including the Beartooth, Absaroka, and the snow-capped Spanish Peaks. This hike provides one of the most stunning views of the entire Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, including the Grand Tetons, 75 miles to the south.
    A picnic is unpacked atop Mt. Washburn, a grassy plateau blanketed with alpine wildflowers. Here and throughout the region, the flowers and grasses are spectacular in their colors and quantity: lupine, asters, buttercups, alpine harebell, forget-me-nots, and light-green, silvery sage are everywhere.
    This evening you enjoy a final celebratory feast back at the ranch.
    Bar N Ranch, West Yellowstone

    DAY 6
    Fir Ridge; 4-6 miles, easy; transfer to Bozeman

    Today you transfer a short distance to the start of the walk along Fir Ridge. Following a gently rolling trail through expansive meadows filled with wildflowers and stands of majestic Douglas Fir and scattered aspen groves, you enjoy clear views of the Gallatin Mountain Range. You travel through the wintering range of elk, and are likely to see falcons and other raptors. You may even spot an elusive wolf, or hear its reverberating howl.
    Afterward you drive directly to Bozeman (approximately 2 hours) for a lively lunch at a favorite local watering hole. Your guides will offer a drop-off at the Bozeman Airport as well as downtown Bozeman.

    Please Note: Itinerary Changes
    Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
     
             
    Touring Date
    Land Only
    Land + Air
    Single
    (Land Only)
    Single
    (Land + Air)


    No Departure Date Information was found for this Tour. This could be due
    to our website undergoing an update.

    Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.

     
    Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
             

    Airfare Disclaimer
    A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

    Documents
    TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Old Faithful


  • Diverse landscapes from waterfalls to petrified forests and high peaks


  • Abundant wildlife: bison, elk, hare, and deer

  • Geothermal hot springs and geysers


  • Historic park lodge and comfortable guest ranch


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  • 2011 Price: $2,898

  • 2011 Single Supplement $795


    • PLEASE NOTE:
    As arrangements are confirmed at least a year in advance, the tour price is subject to change. Reserve early to guarantee the best available price.

    Walk Ratings:
  • Easy to moderate terrain

  • 5 to 8 miles per day with occasional options

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    All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.