Transfer to Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Hot Springs; 2 miles, easy to moderate

From the meeting point in Bozeman, you set out on the scenic four-hour drive to Yellowstone National Park. Heading south to Livingston, Montana, you follow the path of the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley and continue on to the northwest entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Here you stop for introductions and possibly a treat from the local scoop shop.

After, you embark on the first walk of the trip through the impressive Mammoth Hot Springs and terraces. This intricate system of travertine pools and ridges—formed when magmaheated water rises through seams of limestone—creates an unforgettable landscape. Pick your way through bubbling pools stained bright red, orange, or green by blooms of algae and marvel at the odd shapes and features that dominate this unique terrain.

Later, you continue your drive to Lake Yellowstone, North America’s largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet. En route you pass through Hayden Valley, a broad, lush habitat for roaming bison, elk, and deer. You also follow the beautiful Yellowstone River where you may spot swans, blue herons, osprey, and Canada geese. By late afternoon you reach the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, a grand lodge listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A highlight of this hotel is relaxing in the sunroom while listening to piano or chamber music, or playing on the black-sand beach. This evening you enjoy dinner in the lodge’s dining room, overlooking the serene waters of the lake.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; 4-7 miles, easy to moderate

This morning you head north (approximately one hour) to the southern rim of the impressive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The walk begins along the Wapati Trail through a beautiful open meadow carpeted in wildflowers. Along the way, your naturalist guides share insights, tales, and tracking tips about the wildlife you may encounter. If you are lucky, you may pass grazing bison, elk, or antelope. You then enter a forested area skirting a small lake and active mud pots before arriving at the edge of the canyon. The canyon is truly awe inspiring! This 1,200-foot deep, 20-mile long chasm reflects the bright red, yellow, and orange colors of volcanic rhyolite, hydrothermally altered and cooled some 600,000 years ago. The turbulent Yellowstone River roars and foams through the deep canyon and over two major waterfalls, the largest of which plunges 308 feet to the canyon floor. As you skirt the rim you enjoy spectacular views of the canyon, river, and waterfalls. After a picnic lunch, those looking for a longer option can continue their walk to the northern rim of the canyon, which provides dramatic views of both the lower and upper falls.

After a tasty dinner of classic Western fare at the hotel, enjoy an evening tour through the park in an antique yellow bus. Spot grazing elk in the magic-hour dusk light and enjoy the cool air through the vehicle’s open top.

Visit Old Faithful and walk Upper Geyser Basin; 4 miles, easy to moderate

This morning you transfer early to the park’s most famous and largest geyser, Old Faithful. After watching the geyser erupt, we set out on foot to explore the miles of trails and boardwalks surrounding this rich geyser basin. Some of the park’s most impressive geysers and hot springs are clustered around Old Faithful, and your guides introduce you to the unique geology and geothermal activity of the area. It takes hundreds of years to establish the fragile crust of minerals surrounding these sites, so it’s important to tread carefully here. You may even pass large groups of grazing bison and elk. Bison often sleep near human habitation and pay little attention to people and cars, so they are much less surprised than you are by the close proximity. Lunch will likely be a picnic or boxed lunch along the trail, weather dependent.

This afternoon you check in to your next lodge, the historic Old Faithful Inn. Sometimes called the world’s largest tree house, this unique hotel is built of split logs and handwrought hardware. Most impressive is its central lobby, which rises to 76 feet, 6 inches, and boasts a massive, rough-stone fireplace. After some free time to further explore the geyser basin or the region’s visitor center, you reunite for dinner in the inn’s beautiful dining room. This evening, those with the energy may wish to join a ranger-led discussion or slide show.

Firehole swimming hole. Pocket Basin; 2 miles, easy. Visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Transfer to 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky

This morning you drive the short distance to the Firehole River for an optional dip. A popular swimming hole due to the warm runoff from the distant hot springs and geysers, this deep, warm-water pool offers a scenic spot for relaxation below tall cliffs. (Please note, this activity may take place on the afternoon of the previous day.) We then embark on a short walk into Pocket Basin offering 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 gases 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 gases making very peculiar noises.

Lunch is served in West Yellowstone with free time to browse the shops in this small town or visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This not-for-profit educational facility provides visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about grizzly bears and gray wolves. All animals living at the center are unable to survive on their own in the wilderness.

Late afternoon you continue your drive (approximately one hour) to the beautiful Big Sky region of Montana. Along the way you drive through the lovely Gallatin River Valley made famous by the book and movie, “A River Runs Through It.” Your home for the next two nights is the 320 Guest Ranch, a classic Western ranch. After settling in, you partake in an outdoor chuckwagon barbecue with ribs or chicken, corn on the cob, beans, salad, and s’mores over the open fire. Hotdogs and hamburgers are offered for younger children.

Horseback riding. Gallatin National Forest; 4 miles, moderate

After breakfast, you embark on a two-hour horseback ride into the spectacular Gallatin River Canyon surrounding the ranch. The horses are gentle and well trained, so even those who have never saddled up may want to give it a try. The trail ride climbs into high alpine meadows blanketed in wildflowers and wild sage. Depending on the month, you may spot beautiful clusters of wild rose, lupine, geranium, phlox, paintbrush, and sunflowers. The views are equally breathtaking with sweeping vistas of the snowcapped Spanish and Gallatin Peaks. This afternoon you are free to relax at the ranch and enjoy the hot tub and tranquil setting, or join the guides for a walk in the Gallatin National Forest. The walk may leave right from the Gallatin River and ascend to a grassy plateau blanketed with light-green, silvery sage and wildflowers. The 320 Guest Ranch also has a well-stocked pond and casting lessons can be arranged directly through the ranch prior to your visit (please note that the cost of this optional activity is not included in the tour price).

Rafting the Gallatin River. Farewell in Bozeman

Take an adventurous raft trip down the Gallatin River. This adventure combines the thrill of white-water (primarily class III/IV rapids) with the magnificent views of the wild Gallatin Canyon. Experience the excitement of such rapids as House Rock, Screaming Left, and Mad Mile, and the periodic tranquility of floating on this pristine river.

After the morning’s activities, you transfer directly to Bozeman (approximately one hour) for a celebratory lunch at a favorite watering hole. Your guide will offer a drop-off either at the Bozeman airport or your post-tour hotel in downtown Bozeman.