Current as of: May 21, 2024 - 13:07
Current as of: May 21, 2024 - 13:07
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
In the middle of the Rocky Mountains, there are three celebrated national parks offering the most varied scenery and wildlife: the spires and azure lakes of Grand Teton, the unique geology and wildlife of Yellowstone, and the towering sentinel peaks and broad valleys of Glacier. Specialist local guides accompany us on our Yellowstone wildlife tour to spot and track bison, bears, wolves, coyotes and eagles. From colourful meadows with wildflowers to mighty canyons, and geothermal volcanic pools to glaciated rocky spires, this is a full-on adventure with seriously dramatic views.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It is designed for those interested in the incredible wildlife and geology of Yellowstone and the Central Rockies. All hikes are optional and you can often take tougher or lighter walks than those chosen for the group, so this trip’s grading is only a guide. In addition to the tour leader, we use specialist local guides to make the most of our park visits. Their skills in tracking and spotting wildlife plus their uniquely intimate knowledge of the surroundings is invaluable.
Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and sometimes your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion is a tour highlight. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of year. Long drives are required to reach certain places, so be prepared for some lengthy journeys.
You may find the Fitness Training Guide on our website useful. All travellers over the age of 70 are requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness form prior to travel.
Our tours are a unique experience and much of the enjoyment comes from the team spirit of the group and the fun you have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of bringing a positive attitude with you; a guarantee to enjoying every moment, even in the adversity of the odd rainstorm!
Your tour leader takes care of all the planning and organisation throughout the trip – they drive the van and make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get the most out of your trip: organising activities, providing information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting any queries or problems. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do on your tour, please let your tour leader know at the beginning of the trip and they will do their best to help. Interests and capabilities usually vary, so leaders typically guide day hikes according to the group’s needs and the difficulty of particular hikes. Our leader enjoys spending as much time as possible on the trail with their groups; however, it will not always be possible for a tour leader to accompany every hiker when groups split to hike different trails. On odd occasions, your tour leader may need to stay behind to do food shopping or arrange other optional activities.
Working hour regulations for leaders: US law regulates the total number of hours your group leader is available to work. Tours are designed to make the most of your time in the States, but there are certain times each day your leader needs to be off duty to recuperate. Due to these restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your leader may not be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may need to tend to other work duties.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 13
Welcome to Seattle, Washington. You’re in a city that oozes cool, from sophisticated coffee shops to endless markets, not forgetting the iconic Space Needle. From here, gaze across the beautiful Puget Sound and, on a clear day, view Mount Rainier. Spend your afternoon sampling local specialties and people watching at Pike Place Market before heading to the start hotel for a welcome meeting at 6pm.
Optional activities:
Accommodation: SureStay by Best Western Seatac North (or similar)
Have one last Seattle coffee moment before heading out of Washington state to the lakeside city of Coeur d’Alene. Swimming, walking and enjoying the sunset with a glass of fizz are all perfect ways to complete your first day in Idaho. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear as the lake makes for a great place to cool off. Take a refreshing dip in secluded spots around the lake, but remember, it can be quite cold!
Participatory camping: Lake Coeur d’Alene Campground (or similar)
Continue through the mountains of Montana to Glacier National Park, where we spend the next two nights exploring this immense landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and bears, plus stunning scenery and glacial lakes. Our tour leader takes us to West Glacier, where we board the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle bus (seasonal and weather-dependent). Our leader will provide information and recommendations for the different self-guided hikes available. If the Going-to-the-Sun Road is not available, we may hike in either Two Medicine or Many Glacier National Park.
Please note, the National Park Service regulates guided hikes in Glacier and the tour leader is not permitted to walk with you on trails. They will, however, provide detailed briefings, directions, maps and transportation.
Participatory camping: Johnson’s at St Mary (or similar)
Spend the day exploring the ins and outs of this superb park with a Glacier National Park wilderness guide. Your guide helps spot some of the huge variety of animal species for which this park is renowned, including grizzly bears, wolverines and lynx. Bighorn sheep, mountain goats and coyotes are also common, so keep your camera to hand! If conditions are right, your guide takes you on the Iceberg Lake or Hidden Lake Trail for dramatic mountain scenes, wildflowers and a glaciated lake that will take your breath away. This is a day to remember.
Participatory camping: Johnson’s at St Mary (or similar)
Spend another full day exploring Glacier National Park on the many trails available. The tour leader will provide route information and hike recommendations to help you make the most of your time in this spectacular national park.
Participatory camping: Johnson’s at St Mary (or similar)
An early start sees you on the road, heading to the fabled grounds of Yellowstone, the number one national park in the US. As soon as you arrive, you’re immersed in a mixture of striking scenery, where jagged peaks morph into flower-strewn meadows and rolling hillsides quickly become absorbed by solidified lava flows. This afternoon’s walk, guided by our tour leader, introduces you to the wildlife and landscapes of Yellowstone.
Participatory camping: Gardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Today you’ll encounter the amazing array of geothermal features in Yellowstone, including mud pools, hot springs and steaming fumaroles. The park is famous for its volcanic history and there are estimated to be around 10,000 thermal features – nowhere else on earth can boast Yellowstone’s concentration of geysers, which are scattered among several distinct geyser basins. Benefit from the enthusiasm and knowledge of a local geologist who will no doubt enable you to learn more as you walk from one seismic hotspot to the next.
Participatory camping: Gardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Last night, you may have heard a far-off howl emanating from the mountains and today you’ll get to learn all about the wolf packs that sing these nocturnal greetings. You’ll spend a full day with a specialist wolf-tracking guide, venturing into the wilderness by foot and by vehicle to learn about these extraordinary animals. Your guide explains how wolves live and hunt together in Yellowstone and how the pack hierarchy works. You may not always be lucky enough to see wolves, but this is our aim and at the same time you’re likely to see numerous other wildlife species.
Participatory camping: Gardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Even though this is your last day in Yellowstone, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the wildlife, landscapes and geothermal activity away from the usual tourist sites. Leaving the crowds behind, the tour leader takes you on a hike to the Upper Falls and Lower Falls, the latter of which has the highest volume of water in the American Rockies and is almost twice as high as Niagara. You also visit Mammoth Hot Springs, which have an otherworldly feel.
Participatory camping: Gardiner Yellowstone RV Park (or similar)
Today, we leave Yellowstone but there is no let-up with the incredible landscapes. As you enter the realms of the mighty Tetons, you’ll be in the presence of formidable giants – the drama unfolding almost instantly after crossing the border into Grand Teton National Park. One popular choice often recommended by the tour leader is to follow the trail around Jenny Lake and into Cascade Canyon, then up to Inspiration Point for scintillating views. You can then choose to return on the ferry across Jenny Lake (not included) or hike along the same route to return. It is commonplace to see moose and bears while hiking this trail.
Next stop is Jackson Hole, one of the premier ski resorts in Wyoming and a haven for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors. Take a short walk to Rock Springs Overlook and opt for an incredibly scenic aerial tram ride.
Optional activities:
Participatory camping: Snake River KOA (or similar)
Using all the knowledge and hiking expertise you’ve garnered throughout your time in the US, you can undertake a self-guided hike to numerous scenic spots, which your tour leader explains to you. The park is perfect for seeing those all-important, breathtaking vistas and with excellent views of the Tetons as well as the chance to spot bison, moose, elk and deer, this is one of the best areas to make the most of the great outdoors. As the sun goes down, you’ll no doubt look back over the previous 11 days as some of the most worthwhile and fulfilling times you’ve ever had.
Please note, the National Park Service regulates guided hikes in Grand Teton National Park and it is not possible for your leader to accompany you today.
Optional activities:
Participatory camping: Snake River KOA (or similar)
Enjoy free time exploring Jackson this morning before transferring to the base of the Wasatch Mountains and the urban delights of Salt Lake City, Utah.
The tour ends at our partner hotel at approximately 5pm. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our partner hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
We use national and state park campsites and a wide assortment of private campgrounds. Most have flush toilets and hot showers; however, some may charge an additional fee of US$1-US$3 for showers. You sleep in high quality, heavy-duty tents and solo travellers share with one other passenger of the same sex (unless opting to purchase the single supplement). Our camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns and chairs. Most campsites have a quiet time from 10pm to 7am. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.
An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day-to-day camp duties and everyone assists with the setting up and packing up of the campsite. Your tour leader provides guidance on what to do, and typically it only takes 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying home sweet home in the great outdoors.
Your tour leader also co-ordinates and assists the group with food shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of the experience.
Single supplement from 480 €
This trip begins and ends at our partner hotels, which are conveniently located in the departure and arrival cities. We offer you the option to book additional hotel nights before or after your tour; however, they should be booked prior to departure with your sales representative. See the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for joining and end hotel details.
Some hotels may take a debit or credit card as a deposit at check-in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until checkout, at which time the amount actually incurred is charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits are refunded as promptly as possible.
There are 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and nine dinners included while camping.
Your tour leader will co-ordinate local shopping and assist the group in preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners. Occasionally, we eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget for these meals, average costs are:
Drinks cost on average:
A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes are also added to all listed menu prices.
Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling. We do all we can to accommodate various dietary requirements but certain food types can be limited in some parts of North America.
We travel in a private 15-seater vehicle, driven by your tour leader. All luggage, equipment, and other necessities are stored in a specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort in the vehicle. The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, Bluetooth-compatible stereos, and USB charging ports throughout.
Summer weather patterns in the Rockies are typically very sunny and dry. Daytime temperatures in the mountains are 15C-30C (59F-89F) depending on elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and don’t usually last long, although can be severe at altitude. Nights can be cool, depending on elevation. However, a storm system might bring cold and rain (even snow at altitude) at any time. Be prepared to adapt to a wide range of temperatures through layered clothing. July and August are the height of the wildflower bloom. Tours scheduled for June and early July might encounter some snow on the higher trails in all three of the national parks we visit.
Start hotel: SureStay by Best Western Seatac North, 3000 S. 176th St., Seattle, WA
Phone: +1 206-242-0200
Recommended arrival time: 5.30pm at the start hotel so that you can join the welcome briefing. If you arrive later, the leader will update you separately
You need to make your own way to the start hotel for your tour. You are free to arrive any time on Day 1 but please ensure you leave plenty of time to attend your welcome meeting, which is usually held at 6pm. Details on the time and specific location of your meeting will be available early on the arrival day. During this evening meeting, you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and spend a few minutes filling out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport and tour documentation to the meeting.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Arrival complications
Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it. If you have missed your tour departure, first call the hotel to see if your tour leader has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to missing your tour’s departure.
Finishing point: Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites, 230 W 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Your tour ends upon arrival at the above hotel, which will be around 5pm on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled for the last day may preclude an earlier arrival at the end hotel, so you should not book a flight that leaves prior to 9pm. You are responsible for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight and you must make us aware of this well in advance of your tour departing. If you require accommodation for the last night, it is essential you book this before your tour departs.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Seattle
Location end: Salt Lake City
Dress tends to be informal but take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions – so it’s best to be prepared!
Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you should take:
Help reduce plastic waste
Please note, airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your luggage – if in doubt check with your airline before travelling.
Footwear
We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support makes walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a pair, then sports trainers (sneakers) will suffice, although this is a personal choice. If you intend to do some walking, it is recommended to bring thick walking socks for comfort.
Clothes washing
You have the opportunity to wash your clothes on tour. Ask your tour leader for local information.
Sleeping bags
You need to bring your own sleeping bag for this tour, but we provide you with a self-inflating mat to sleep on. If you are travelling on an early or late season tour or a winter tour, you might want to consider bringing a mountain-climate (four-season) sleeping bag as the weather can be much cooler. We do not provide pillows on our camping trips, although one can typically be picked up at Walmart on Day 1.
Luggage allowance
One suitcase, soft kitbag or backpack (50lb/23kg maximum) per person, plus a sleeping bag. A smaller backpack for the day and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 50lb (23kg).
We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities; however, some of our pre- and post-tour hotels provide this service, although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Travellers from the UK and most EU countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have registered for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – which costs US$21 – and are in possession of an onward air ticket and machine-readable passport when entering the US. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note, regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (or has dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria) may no longer qualify for the VWP. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you will not be eligible for the VWP and should instead apply for a visa to travel to, or transit via, the USA.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
USA's time zone: America/Los_Angeles (UTC -07:00)
USA's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
USA's currency: US dollar (USD)
ATMs are readily available throughout North America and major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. All ATMs in the USA charge to withdraw money (US$1-US$5). In some off-the-beaten-track destinations, ATMs may be limited. Please ensure your credit or debit cards have international access. It is important you advise your bank prior to leaving your home country of your intended travel, so they do not block your card. We suggest you bring US$150 with you in cash for the beginning of the trip.
We recommend you take at least US$50 per day for meals not included in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. Also budget for expected tipping and for the optional activities you would like to do.
It is normal and expected in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re confronted by a local person who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how much to offer. For this reason, we have listed guideline prices below.
A 15%-20% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip US$1 per drink in bars, US$1-2 per bag for porters, US$2-3 for hotel housekeeping as well as 10% for taxi drivers.
Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of US$10-15 per passenger per day if your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations. It’s also typical to tip US$10-15 for specialist guides in Glacier and Yellowstone national parks and 15-20% for local guides who provide optional activities.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.