Montana and Wyoming: Yellowstone

Trip Includes:

Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides

Transportation during the trip

Park entrance fees and special events

All accommodations while on tour, including a national park lodge and comfortable Western guest ranch, all private baths

All meals included; alcoholic beverages not included

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)
8/15/2010 - 8/20/2010	$2,798
9/5/2010 - 9/10/2010	$2,798
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

2010 Price: $2,798

2010 Single Supplement $775

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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