Itinerary

DAY 1~SUNDAY~JULY 15
ARRIVE/BOZEMAN / MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
Travel to Bozeman, Montana by your own arrangements. Upon arrival at Bozeman Airport, you will be met by your
Classic Escapes Representative and begin your 85 mile drive to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park located
in Gardner, Montana. Continue five miles south into Wyoming and your accommodation for this evening. In the early
days, Yellowstone's visitors began their park explorations at Mammoth Hot Springs where the thermal waters,
shimmering with a rainbow of colors, were believed to have curative powers. Now, the main attraction is the upper and
lower terraces created by on-going deposits of travertine (the Colosseum in Rome is largely made from travertine) in the form
of white rocks, creating a constantly changing living sculpture where each photograph captures a new image time and
again. Due to its year-round access and comparatively mild winters,
Mammoth has always been the headquarters for the park.
Situated at the base of Mt. Everts, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel was built
in the early 1900s and includes a spacious art deco lobby. The grounds
may be dotted with the occasional elk enjoying the lush foliage. The hotel‟s
accommodations are simple and comfortable, with a dining area and café
grill for casual meals. Your rooms include private facilities. After this
evening‟s welcome dinner at the hotel you may want to relax in the Map
Room – named for a wall covered by a massive inlaid map of the United
States.
Overnight at MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS HOTEL. (D)

DAYS 2/3~MONDAY/TUESDAY~JULY 16/17
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: MAMMOTH / TOWER-ROOSEVELT / CANYON / LAKE YELLOWSTONE
You will begin your visit of Yellowstone by exploring the upper loop. Stop at the Albright Visitor Center and Museum,
formerly part of Fort Yellowstone built by the U.S. Cavalry to protect the park, and one of today‟s best remaining
examples of a 1900 cavalry post. The bachelor
officers‟ quarters now house a historical
museum with exhibits focusing on the area‟s
early history, including Native Americans (pre-
1800), the mountain men (1807-1840), early
exploration (1869-1871), the Army days, and
early National Park Service. The Moran Gallery
exhibits reproductions of watercolors by
Thomas Moran and photographs of the 1871
Hayden survey made by William Henry
Jackson.
Departing the Mammoth area, get set to explore
the Gardner River and Canyon area. The
accompanying scenery is a myriad of past and
present terrains formed by glaciers and 700,000
year-old Basalt lava flows. Now, thick
vegetation clusters around Rocky Mountain juniper, cottonwood and Douglas-fir trees that tempt elk. Low growing
willow trees follow the river‟s edge where moose sightings are numerous. You may also see osprey, dipper and kingfisher
looking for a tasty mountain river morsel. And watch the skies for the soaring Bald Eagle, whose territory is usually
within two miles from any given water supply.

Your drive continues east towards the Tower-Roosevelt – an area that
truly represents the on-going impact of geological events, past and
present that have formed this fascinating Park. At every bend in the
road, different beautiful and eclectic environments amaze and surprise –
all formed by a combination of volcanic and glacier activities and the
natural process of erosion.
Enjoy the following highlights:
 Specimen Ridge hosts the largest concentration of petrified trees in
the world, along with petrified impressions of leaf formations,
conifer needles and microscopic pollen species. Near Lost Lake
trailhead is an ancient redwood, similar to those found at Specimen
Ridge that is easily accessible for up-close viewing.
 Dropping 132 feet into Tower Creek is one of the most spectacular
falls in the Park – Tower Falls – framed by statuesque volcanic
pinnacles.
 Along the Yellowstone River near the end of the Grand Canyon of
Yellowstone is a grouping of thermal springs called Calcite Springs.
Likely inhabitants of the cliffs and gorges are bighorn sheep, Redtailed
Hawk and osprey. Thomas Moran‟s paintings of this scene
were part of the documentation presented to Congress that led to the
establishment of the Park.
 The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is roughly 20 miles long, 1,000 feet deep and 2,500 feet wide and a relatively
young formation at only 10,000 years old. Splashed with deep reds, oranges and coppers due to its high content of
Rhyolite, a hard, somewhat volcanic rock has inspired many artists throughout the years. Scour the numerous cliffs
for movement or enormous five-foot nests of twigs and branches; if lucky you may spot an osprey or hear the
whistling sound it makes while hunting
echoing off the canyon walls. Meadows
along your drive make for common sightings
of elk, moose and bison.
 With a surface area of 136 square miles and
110 miles of shoreline, Yellowstone Lake is
the largest freshwater lake at a high
elevation (7,737 feet) in North America, and
also harbors the largest wild population of
cutthroat trout, which are now threatened
due to an illegally introduced population of
lake trout.
 The Mud Volcano is a formation of
concentric circles of churning mud with
rising gases giving it an eerie ambiance.
Nearby is the Sulphur Caldron, one of the
most acidic springs in the park with a pH of
1.3, more than twice as acidic as battery acid. Its thrashing yellow waters should be treated with extreme caution.
Other features which can be viewed from this overlook are Turbulent Pool and the crater of a large, active mudpot.
 Hayden Valley was once an extension of Yellowstone Lake, and the clay, silt and sand sediments covered by glacial
debris has created a number of wet and swampy areas. Outstanding wildlife viewing can be found here, including
bison, elk, deer and moose. Grizzly bears also inhabit these areas; however they are elusive and difficult to sight.
Birders will be delighted at the cavalcades of species, such as Trumpeter Swans – identified by their black bills –
White Pelicans, Bald Eagles and the graceful Great Blue Heron.
Of historical significance is the Fishing Bridge,
originally built in 1902. The existing bridge
was built in 1937 with a slightly different
alignment. Historically a tremendously
popular place to fish for cutthroat trout,
however, because of the decline of the
cutthroat population the bridge was closed to
fishing in 1973. Anglers in this area are now
limited to „catch and release.‟ For those not
inclined to fish, you may want to observe the
numerous brown, rainbow and brook trout.
Also, moose are often seen in the meadows
and marshes along the creek. You may also
stop by the Fishing Bridge Museum and
Visitor Center which was built in 1931, and is
a National Historic Landmark. Built of native
rock and stone, it appears to rise out of a rock
outcrop. Its distinctive stone-and-log
architecture, known as "parkitecture," became
a prototype for park buildings all around the country. The historic bird specimens by Carl Russell were installed in 1931
and provide a good overview of the birds of Yellowstone.
Your accommodations for the next two nights will be at Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Its doors opened in 1891, when touring the park by
stagecoach was in vogue; now this classic, historic hotel has been restored to its
1920s grandeur. Located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, it sits on a site long
known as a meeting place for Indians, trappers, and mountain men. Make sure to
visit the Sun Room, where you can sip your favorite cocktail as you enjoy
wonderful views of the lake. There is often a piano or chamber music
performance in the evening. The dining room has panoramic views of the lake, as
well as excellent cuisine including a generous breakfast buffet and an inviting
dinner menu that features entrees such as Idaho trout and bison prime rib. All
rooms have private facilities.
Overnights at LAKE YELLOWSTONE HOTEL. (B,L,D Daily)

DAYS 4/5~WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY~JULY 18/19
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: GRANT VILLAGE / WEST THUMB / OLD
FAITHFUL
Discover the lower loop of this magnificent Park over the next two days. The
West Thumb Geyser Basin is a steamy expanse of active and dormant geysers on
the shores of Yellowstone Lake and abelow the water‟s surface. Geologists
continue to study the West Thumb on the Lake‟s east side for clues about earth‟s
early formation.

Enjoy the following highlights:
 A member of the 1870 Washburn Expedition reported a geyser where one could hook a trout, swing the pole around
and dip it into a boiling pool, thus cooking it without taking it off the line. Hence the name Fishing Cone!
 Abyss Pool is one of the deeper hot springs in the Park, descending
to depths of almost 60 feet. The spring‟s ever-changing glittering
colors, from blue to emerald, and then various shades of brown –
inspired a Park visitor in 1883 to describe it as “a great, pure,
sparkling sapphire rippling with heat.”
 Originally called the „Mud Puffs‟ by the Hayden Expedition of 1871,
the Thumb Paint Pots vary with precipitation and ground water
levels. Miniature mud volcanoes, three to four feet high, in various
shades of red emit curling streams of steam. Surrounding them is a
mud mixture that almost has a satiny consistency.
 In addition, you will learn about the fires that whipped through the
Park in the summer of 1988. The enormous devastation was fueled by
the driest conditions in the Park‟s recorded history, in combination
with high winds, ended up scorching 36% of the Park. However,
many of the plant species have adapted to centuries of natural fires;
below-ground root systems typically remain viable and recover with
increased productivity. Eighty percent of the Park‟s forests are made
up of lodgepole pines that have cones sealed by resin which crack
under intense heat and release the seeds inside, effectively re-seeding
the forest. Boardwalks near and around Old Faithful allow you to
examine the on-going natural re-growth and educate you about fire ecology.
Learn more about the Park with a visit to the Grant Visitor Center,
named after President Ulysses S. Grant, who signed the bill creating
Yellowstone National Park in 1872. The center‟s location and
construction in 1972 was a controversial project because it impacted a
prime grizzly bear habitat and several cutthroat trout spawning
streams. Peruse the various publications and view exhibits highlighting
the 1988 fires, including a film entitled „Ten Years After.‟
As you wander through the area surrounding Old Faithful and its
remarkable number of geysers, you should realize that the Park is home
to almost 60% of the world‟s geysers. Of course, one of the most famous
attractions is the Old Faithful geyser – a historic example of the effects
of Mother Nature‟s force upon the Upper Basin where more than 100
geysers can be found. For almost 150 years, visitors have experienced
the thunderous and steaming wonder of its eruptions, which are spaced
at fairly predictable times. Another ten geysers are fairly predictable as
to when they will expel in thunderous pillars of steam, including Castle,
Grand, Daisy and Riverside.
More hydrothermal activity can be found in the Lower Geyser Basin.
The Great Fountain erupts skyward almost 200 feet, but only twice a
day and the rangers can only predict its activity within a two hour

window. Nearby are the Fountain Paint Pots, their name derived from the oxidation in the mud that
bubbles in colors of red, pink, blue, yellow and brown. While you are here, the mud will be slightly watery due to rain
and snow melts (by the end of summer as the water table drops the mud becomes much thicker).
Investigate the Firehole River that National Geographic magazine called the
strangest trout stream on earth. The hot springs, geysers and other thermal
features cause the temperature to flux between 40 degrees Fahrenheit upwards
to highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Known as an angler‟s paradise for
brown and rainbow trout, there are only certain stretches of water on the river‟s
21 mile route where these wily fish may be found due to their preference for
cooler water. It is also an excellent area to spot bison.
Your accommodations will be at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, the newest of the
park's full service hotels, completed in 1999. A massive structure built with heavy timber beams and wrought-iron
accents reflects the grand tradition of centuries-old lodges. Relax amidst soaring ceilings, natural lighting, a spacious
lobby with a stone fireplace and a sitting room with comfortable chairs and writing desks. Rooms combine traditional
accents with modern amenities. A restaurant, café, gift shop and lounge round out this rustic hideaway.
Overnights at OLD FAITHFUL SNOW LODGE.( B,L,D Daily)

DAY 6~FRIDAY~JULY 20
YELLOWSTONE / BOZEMAN
This morning bid farewell to the rest of the group continuing on to Grand Teton, and transfer back to Bozeman for your
homeward flight taking with you all the wonderful memories of this marvelous park. (B)

OPTIONAL 2-DAY POST-EXTENSION TO GRAND TETON
NATIONAL PARK
A minimum of 8 passengers is required for this extension

DAY 6~FRIDAY~JULY 20
JACKSON HOLE
Bid the rest of the group farewell returning home today, and enjoy a leisurely, scenic drive as you pass through Grant
Village and continue through the Red Mountains towards the south exit of Yellowstone National Park. This small range
of mountains is completely contained within the boundaries
of Yellowstone National Park. The name was derived from
the prevailing color of the volcanic rocks which compose
them. There are 12 peaks in the range, with 10,308-foot-high
Mount Sheridan being the highest.
Jackson Hole is a valley located in west-central Wyoming
and formed by the Teton Range on the western side and the
Gros Ventre Range on the eastern side. The first descriptions
of the valley were made in the journals of John Colter in
1806, the first Caucasian to see the valley; Native Americans
had been using it for hunting and ceremonial purposes.
Settlement began around 1870 and today it is a winter and
summer playground for outdoor enthusiasts from around
the world. Home to the Snake River and a gateway to Grand
Teton National Park, opportunities for active adventures are
boundless, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock
climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and kayaking. Artisans have also set up shop here with galleries
featuring well-known artists, as well as craft fairs with local treasures.
Your home for the next two nights, Alpine House, is an intimate 22-room European-style inn surrounded by breathtaking
scenery and situated in the heart of Jackson Hole, within walking distance of shops, galleries and restaurants. Century-old
timber beams in combination with light, airy spaces cloak you in an atmosphere of tranquility and luxury. Each elegant
room is individually decorated with
European antiques and fluffy down
comforters that reveal extravagant
linens. Enjoy beautiful baths, plush
robes, all-natural bath amenities,
television, air-conditioning and most
rooms have private fireplaces and
balconies. A sunny dining room
provides gourmet breakfasts and top
off your day with a glass of fine wine,
beer or a specialty coffee drink at the
espresso bar, or visit the Viking Bar.
You may want to ease tired muscles
after a day of sightseeing with a visit
to the spa, featuring a Finnish sauna, a
soak in the outdoor hot tub or a
massage. There is high speed internet
access in the lobby and high speed
wireless access in the rooms. Alpine House is a member of the Green Hotel Association and uses all natural products.
Overnight at THE ALPINE HOUSE. (B, L) www.alpinehouse.com

DAY 7~SATURDAY~JULY 21
JACKSON HOLE / GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Explore Grand Teton National Park dominated by the Teton Range that is
an active fault-block mountain front 40 miles long and almost nine miles
wide. The highest peak is the Grand Teton at an elevation of 13,770 feet
with 12 other peaks at elevations of over 12,000 feet. Seven morainal
(combination of earth and stone) lakes lie at the base of the Range and
there are also over 100 alpine and back country lakes. Approximately 50
miles of the Snake River‟s 1,056 miles lies within the Park. A wide range of
habitats may be found here, including alpine meadows, sagebrush flats,
lodgepole pine forests and mountain streams.
You may want to choose from Park-sponsored tours, such as String Lake
Stroll, Wildflower Hike, Inspiration Point Hike, Naturalists Choice Hike,
Fire & Ice Cruise, Lakeshore Stroll or Swan Lake High (subject to change
based on weather, dates and other unforeseen circumstances).
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic river-rafting trip on the Snake River.
A professional naturalist-guide will lead you on an adventure-filled
journey opening your eyes to the natural treasures of the Park along the
river‟s shores - wildflowers, cottonwood and spruce forests where you
may see moose, elk, beaver, heron, duck, osprey and possibly a Bald Eagle.
Disembark in the heart of the Park for a mountain cookout, than return to
Jackson Hole early evening.
Wildlife is abundant due to the diverse
habitats inside the Park. Various species of the
following mammals are commonly seen;
shrew, chipmunk, marmot, squirrel, flying
squirrel, gopher, beaver, vole, porcupine,
muskrat, weasel, coyote and badger. Other
mammals uncommonly seen are snowshoe
hare, river otter, elk, mule deer, moose,
pronghorn and bison. Count yourself very
lucky if you see any of the following animals:
grizzly bear, red fox, grey wolf, mountain
lion, lynx, bobcat, white-tailed deer and
bighorn sheep.
Bird watchers will be impressed and amazed
at the over 300 species found in the park,
including 27 hawk species. Highlights based on habitat include the following:
 Lodgepole Pine Forests: Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Mountain and
Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco, Tree and Violet-green Swallow, Sawwhet Owl and numerous
woodpecker species.
 Sagebrush Flats: Sage Grouse, Vesper and Brewer‟s Sparrow and Sage Thrasher.
 Alpine: Golden Eagle, Clark‟s Nutcracker, Rosy Finch, White-crowned Sparrow and Water Pipet.
 Aquatic and Riparian: Bald Eagle, Common Snipe, White-crowned and Lincoln Sparrow,
Common Yellowthroat, American Dipper and Trumpeter Swan.
There are also 16 fish species (including Yellowstone and Snake River cutthroat trout, mountain sucker, Utah chub and
mountain whitefish),
Approximately 900 flowering plant species will be blanketing the landscapes and peeking through the forests, including
longleaf phlox, blue camas and alpine forget-me-not.
Overnight at THE ALPINE HOUSE. (B, L, D) www.alpinehouse.com

DAY 8~SUNDAY~JULY 22
JACKSON HOLE / DEPART
Your morning is at leisure for last minute exploring, shopping or just relaxing at your lodge. Transfer to the Jackson Hole
Airport (or Bozeman if you were only able to obtain tickets roundtrip Bozeman) this afternoon to board your flight home.
(B)

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