Yellowstone & Grand Tetons Walking
Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, where geysers erupt with plumes of steam and wildlife appear around every bend. In this timeless landscape of snowcapped peaks, serene lakes and lodgepole pine, it's easy to imagine those who inhabited the surrounding mountains long ago: American Indians, rugged mountain men, 19th-century French trappers and cowboys working the vast terrain. Backroads invites you to explore this same dramatic landscape with days spent hiking through alpine meadows carpeted with mountain bluebells and Indian paintbrush. Then, recount the journey in the warmth and comfort of grand lodges.
Day 1 Upper Geyser Basin
Meet in Jackson 
Stretch your legs on a warm-up walk, exploring the bubbling Fountain Paint Pots and Celestine Pool Learn about the fascinating geothermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin.
Day 2 Yellowstone Lake
Mountain meadows alternate with pine forests on our way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Waterfalls cascade over the canyon's pastel-colored cliffs.
Day 3 Jackson Lake
Choose between a short walk along the shore of Yellowstone Lake or a leisurely morning at the hotel before our shuttle to Grand Teton National Park The rest of the day is yours to explore this wonderland at your own pace Hiking options await, all with spectacular views of sawtooth mountains, peaceful meadows and sparkling lakes Or perhaps spend the day on an optional horseback ride or relaxing by the pool.
Days 4-6 Teton Village
Enjoy a boat ride across Jenny Lake before hiking to Inspiration Point for sweeping views of Jackson Hole A local guide shares information on the native flora, fauna and geography on a hike on Rendezvous Mountain A float trip down the Snake River offers a waterborne perspective.
MAJESTIC GETAWAYS : Casual Inns
Old Faithful Inn (1 night): Situated in sight of Old Faithful Geyser, the inn's deck provides a perfect vantage point for watching the geyser's predictable eruptions.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel (1 night): Musicians serenade in the afternoon at this splendid hotel on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jackson Lake Lodge (1 night): The lobby's 60-foot picture windows overlook Jackson Lake and the Teton Mountain Range.
Snake River Lodge & Spa (2 nights): A heated pool, sauna, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, and full-service spa are a soothing way to end the day.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 0.5, 4, 7 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 3.9, 7.4, 9.2 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- 2.3, 3.3, 5, 8.3 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 1.4, 6.6, 9, 14.4 miles
- 0 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 4.2 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Trips 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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 8/3-8Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/17-22Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/31-9/5Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
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
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
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