Many call it God’s Country – the grand, sprawling natural beauty of the Western frontier that once called people by the thousands with the promise of fertile land, endless skies, and wild vistas; land that remained unclaimed by human hands for millennia, ruled by the will of wildlife and weather, until it was settled some 20,000 years ago by adventurers from the East who would become America’s First Nations. Discover the allure of this remarkable place with a journey to three of America’s most beloved national parks. From towering waterfalls, to sparkling mountaintops, to the rainbow of steamy mist that circles a field of geysers, you will explore deep trails and winding lagoons in search of wolf, elk, bison, and bear, surrounded by a cathedral to the power of nature, carved by the hand of time. This is a trip built for those who want to tap into a sense of wonder and experience the history of man and land alike in some of the most spectacular places on Earth.
Degree of Difficulty –
Arrive Missoula and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. BEST WESTERN PLUS GRANT CREEK INN.
(D)
Head to Glacier National Park, known for its vast, pristine wilderness and beautiful vistas. En route, visit the nation’s largest smokejumper base where murals, videos, and a reconstructed lookout tower exhibit men and women fighting wildfire since 1939. Around noon arrive at Columbia Falls – the gateway to Glacier, and in the afternoon embark on a scenic float trip, or a more adrenaline-pumping whitewater trip. Next day, venture to West Glacier for a full day of exploration. Drive up Camas Road to the little explored North Fork region and return through the burn areas from the fires of 2003. Then, take a guided cruise on Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. GREAT NORTHERN RESORT.
(B,D; B,D)
Today’s focus is the Going-to-the-Sun-Road – the only American roadway designated both a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark. This engineering marvel spans 50 miles through the park’s wild interior, winding around, and going over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 ft.) where you could be greeted by mountain goats and bighorn sheep. After lunch, stop at St. Mary’s Visitor Center to see the large relief map of the park and exhibits relating to the geologic history and biological diversity. MANY GLACIER HOTEL.
(B,L,D)
Spend the morning exploring Many Glacier and the Swiftcurrent area of the Park. En route to the charming capital of Montana – Helena, stop at the Museum of the Plains Indian to see a rich collection of historic arts created by the tribal people of the Northern Plains. Also stop at Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine to test your luck at finding sapphires. BEST WESTERN PREMIER HELENA GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL.
(B, Boxed L,D)
Travel south, stopping in Bozeman to visit the Museum of the Rockies, known for its vast collection of dinosaur fossils, including Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Continue to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone, where the main attraction is the upper and lower terraces created by on-going deposits of travertine in the form of white rocks, a constantly changing living sculpture. Next day, explore Norris Geyser Basin, one of the largest and oldest thermal basins in Yellowstone; and, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which has inspired many artists throughout the years with its splashes of deep reds, oranges, and coppers due to its high content of Rhyolite. If lucky, you may spot an Osprey, and on your drives, elk, moose, and bison. Last stop of the day is at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. YELLOWSTONE PARK HOTEL.
(B,L; B,D)
Wake up early and head to Fountain Paint Pots, their name derived from the oxidation in the mud that bubbles in colors of red, pink, blue, yellow, and brown. Next, visit Yellowstone’s largest hot spring, Grand Prismatic, and continue to Black Sand Basin, so named because of the black obsidian sand which covers portions of the basin. See a small collection of jewel-like geysers, and colorful hot springs, as well as the Old Faithful geyser, where for almost 150 years, visitors have experienced the thunderous and steaming wonder of its fairly predictable eruptions. Continue to the West Thumb Geyser Basin, a steamy expanse of active and dormant geysers on the shores of Lake Yellowstone and below the water’s surface. YELLOWSTONE PARK HOTEL.
(B,D)
Visit the Grant Visitor Center with its special exhibit depicting the story of the 1988 Yellowstone fires. Exit the park and drive to Grand Teton and drive to Colter Bay Visitor Center, located on the shore of Jackson Lake, home to the David T. Vernon Indian artifacts collection. In the afternoon, stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center to view a variety of exhibits and artwork, attend a ranger program, or watch a movie about the park. HOTEL TERRA.
(B,D)
Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range is the stunning backdrop for your exploration of the park which is dominated by the Teton Range – the highest peak is the Grand Teton at an elevation of 13,770 feet; 12 other peaks at elevations of over 12,000 feet, 7 morainal lakes at the base of the Range, and 50 miles of the Snake River, lie within the Park. Wildlife is abundant due to the diverse habitats: shrew, chipmunk, marmot, flying squirrel, gopher, beaver, vole, porcupine, muskrat, weasel, coyote, and badger. Bird watchers will be impressed at the over 300 species found, including 27 hawk species. LEXINGTON AT JACKSON HOLE.
(B,L,D)
Depart early for a floating wildlife adventure on the Snake River on one of the most beautiful and untraveled pathways through the Park, for the perfect way to see the beauty of the river and the geology that formed millions of years ago. Keep your eyes toward the willows, pines, and towering cottonwood trees to spot American Bald Eagle, Red-tail Hawk, and Black-billed Magpie. Scan the plains for grizzly, coyote, wolf, elk, or the elusive moose. Early morning is the watering time for most animals along the river, and hopefully you can watch river otters, bison, elk, and various birds of prey coming out of their hiding spaces. Your afternoon is at leisure before your farewell dinner at the Kitchen. LEXINGTON AT JACKSON HOLE.
(B,L,D)
Transfer to the Jackson Hole Airport to board your flight home.
(B)
Soak up Western culture at Goosewing Ranch for a most authentic dude ranch experience! At an altitude of 7,400 feet, Goosewing Ranch is located deep in the Gros Ventre River Valley, and is host to some of North America’s most spectacular game: elk, moose, mountain sheep, antelope, bear, eagles, geese, cranes, and much more, not to mention fantastic scenery. There are a lot of activities to enjoy in this working ranch, from horseback riding to fly fishing, target shooting, archery, roping, horse care, horse painting, and arts and crafts.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 24 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Accommodation at hotels as indicated in the itinerary (or similar).
- Transfers between airport and Missoula hotel, as well as Jackson Hole hotel and airport. (Please note one group transfer will be supplied each way. Anyone not arriving on group schedule, will require a personal transfer at additional cost.)
- All meals as specified in itinerary.
- Services of expert as driver/guides throughout the tour.
- Transportation in private sprinter vans throughout the tour.
- All park and admission fees.
- All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- Water in the vans.
- Complimentary baggage tags.
Mid-June through September is the optimal time to visit the Northern Rockies, with September being less crowded. These are the sunniest months, and snow can be expected by mid-October, or as late as May on the other side. Temperature, even in the summer, can be in the 80’s during the day and drop to the 40’s at night in Glacier National Park. At Yellowstone, July is the warmest month, but even then, the temperature at night can drop into the 50’s. A similar pattern follows at Grand Teton National Park. Our winter program in Yellowstone is best from January through March.
