Consider the most compelling characters you know. They all have one thing in common. Something's going on beneath the surface. That's Yellowstone. Below ground, the temperature rises and reveals itself in spectacular ways. Geysers launch water to incredible heights. Hot springs hiss and display radiant colors. A diversity of animals, such as bison, elk, grizzlies and even gray wolves, are as attracted to this unique place as we are. Yellowstone is the character that draws us all in. And it's only half of this trip. Imagine what the Tetons are like.
Days 1-2 Bubbling mud pots, spouting geysers and steaming fumaroles in Yellowstone
A local geologist sheds light on the fascinating geothermal features of Upper Geyser Basin Just about two square miles in area, this spot is home to nearly one-quarter of the world's geysers! Walk to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where waterfalls plunge over pastel-colored cliffs.
Day 3 Hike through forests and meadows below the spectacular Teton peaks
Stroll along the shore of Yellowstone Lake to windswept Storm Point before heading to Grand Teton National Park From Two Ocean Lake, our trail leads through groves of aspen and pine to higher ground, revealing spectacular views of sawtooth mountains, open pastures and sparkling lakes In the mood to rest your hiking boots? How about horseback riding or just relaxing by the pool.
Days 4-5 Wonderful wildlife, from moose to mule deer, eagles to otters
Enjoy a boat ride across Jenny Lake before hiking to Inspiration Point for sweeping vistas of Jackson Hole Get the inside scoop on this high-alpine landscape during our walk from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to Phelps Lake Interested in covering more ground? Hike along the valley floor to Teton Village.
Day 6 Float down the Snake River with expert river runners - your chance to wrap up the trip with a splash!
Trip Highlights
- Bubbling mud pots, spouting geysers and steaming vents at Yellowstone
- Hike through forests and meadows below the spectacular Teton peaks
- Wondrous wildlife, from elk to eagles and bison to otters
- Gain insight on the landscape from a local geologist
- Float down the Snake River with expert river runners
Casual Inns
Old Faithful Inn (1 night): Built in 1904 with a grand lobby seven stories high, "a spectacular log-and-shingle château that captures the moment the West went from wild to Baroque," reports Travel + Leisure.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel (1 night): On the National Register of Historic Places, this classic park hotel, completed in 1891, sits along the shore of the lake.
Jackson Lake Lodge (1 night): Situated in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, with 60-foot windows for savoring views of the Tetons and the roaming moose, elk and bison. (pool)
Hotel Terra (2 nights): "Jackson Hole's most design-conscious hotel, and the most eco-conscious too," according to National Geographic Traveler. (pool, spa)
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 0.5 | 0 | 5.7 | 700 | 6.3 | 1000 | ||||
| 3.5 | 700 | |||||||||
| 2 | 3.6* | 500 | 7.4 | 500 | 9.2 | 1200 | ||||
| 3 | 2.3 | 100 | 5.0 | 500 | 7.3 | 1000 | ||||
| 3.5 | 200 | |||||||||
| Optional horseback riding, canoeing, fishing or boat cruise | ||||||||||
| 4 | 1.4 | 500 | 6.6 | 100 | 9.0 | 1000 | 14.4 | 2500 | ||
| 5 | 3.0 | 200 | 7.4 | 400 | 9.8 | 700 | ||||
| 6 | Rafting on the Snake River (2 hours) | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/15-20 Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/29-7/4 Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/6-11 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/13-18 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/27-8/1 Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/10-15 Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/24-29 Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was our first Backroads trip and we were absolutely blown away by what a great time we had! Every day was a new and exciting adventure! Our leaders were the best, anticipating our every need. It felt like going to visit friends who want to show you all the great things the area has to offer and make you feel welcome and comfortable all the while. We can't stop talking about what a great time we had and, of course, the spectacular scenery we encountered in Yellowstone and the Tetons. This was truly one of the best vacations we've ever taken and we'll definitely see you at Backroads for another trip in the future. Thanks so much!- Southlake, TX
I had been to this region previously, but with the help of Backroads and the excellent leaders I saw it all afresh and with depth. Great balance of exercise and learning, and the flexible options meant everyone in the group could get what she wanted.- Freeport, ME
The experience I had on this trip exceeded my own high expectations. There was not a single glitch in the entire itinerary, and I felt that everything was high quality. You are very good at anticipating guests' needs and questions, and being ready to address them.- New York, NY