Day 1: Yellowstone - Beaver Pond guided hike & Mammoth Hot Springs
Welcome to Yellowstone National Park! This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Bozeman and driven by private vehicle to the starting point of your first walk among the incredible colours of Mammoth Hot Springs, grabbing breakfast along the way. When you arrive, lace up your boots and set off along the boardwalk, passing limestone terraces streaked with colourful microorganisms. Then, leave the crowds behind and hike the quiet paths of the Beaver Pond Trail. Walk through the forest and keep an eye out for bears, which are known to live in the area. The trail leads to a clearing with small ponds, where waterfowl are often seen, then continue up to a grassy hilltop – a grazing area for pronghorn antelope, deer and elk. After the hike, jump back in the van and drive through the park to your Feature Stay at Canyon Lodge. After settling into your accommodation in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, head out for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers and expert tour leader.
Day 2: Yellowstone - Mt Washburn guided hike & Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This morning, set off on an inspiring hike along one of the park’s most scenic trails up to the summit of Mount Washburn, at 3122m the highest point you'll reach on this tour. As you ascend, the path winds through open subalpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. Keep an eye on the hillsides — bighorn sheep are often spotted grazing nearby. When you reach the summit, pause and take in sweeping views over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. From here, you’ll also be able to see the Yellowstone Lake, the Teton Range and the Electric Peak. After hiking back down, take a short drive to the stunning Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone where you enjoy a short but picturesque hike out to Artist Point and incredible views of the majestic Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Learn about how the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was formed during the glacial ice dam in Hayden Valley and explore the two thunderous waterfalls and multi-coloured canyon walls which the area is known for. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore nearby, or simply relax at the lodge after a satisfying day’s hiking.
Day 3: Yellowstone - Elephant Back & Storm Point guided hikes
After breakfast, you’ll hike up through an old-growth pine forest and along the Elephant Back Mountain trail. From the peak at 2525m you can take in a bird’s eye views of Yellowstone Lake, which is where you’ll hike this afternoon. After hiking back down Elephant Back Mountain, you’ll travel by private vehicle to the starting point of your next hike, Storm Point. Starting at the often still waters of Indian Pond, you'll hike along the relatively flat trail through the forest before emerging at the wind-swept Storm Point, a bluff overlooking the shore of the hydrothermal fed Yellowstone Lake. Along the way, keep an eye out for bison and yellow-bellied marmots who call this area home. After the hike, drive deeper into the Park and settle into your accommodation near the legendary Old Faithful geyser.
Day 4: Yellowstone - Lone Star Geyser guided hike & Old Faithful
Start the day by visiting the picturesque Upper Geyser Basin in Wyoming. Yellowstone is home to 60 per cent of the world’s geysers and most of them can be found here, including the famed Old Faithful itself. Hike along the boardwalks and experience the basins’ diverse array of geysers from thin fountains to massive eruptions. Then, head to Lone Star Geyser for today's hike. Follow the Firehole River to the biggest backcountry geyser in Yellowstone National Park, found in a clearing surrounded by dense forest. Every three hours, water erupts at full force from a shed-sized, cream-coloured mound, shooting 13 m into the air. This evening return to your comfortable lodge and maybe head out for dinner with your group and tour leader to celebrate the end of an inspiring hiking experience.
Day 5: Yellowstone - Fairy Falls guided hike & Grand Prismatic
Today, set off on your final hike through Yellowstone’s meadows and lodgepole pine forests to Fairy Falls. At 200 feet (61 m) high, this is one of Yellowstone's most spectacular waterfalls and the views from the relatively easy trail – including the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook - are well worth the hike. Then, head to Grand Prismatic itself – the largest and most colourful hot springs in the United States and one of the most iconic features in the park. After the hike it’s time to say goodbye to Yellowstone and travel back by private vehicle to Bozeman where your trip will come to an end. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
