Current as of: May 21, 2024 - 13:01
Current as of: May 21, 2024 - 13:01
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 you on your 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 some 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 active adults and offers a well-paced mix of walks for all fitness levels. Most walks are of leisurely/moderate difficulty. For the more adventurous, there are some optional moderate to strenuous hikes in some locations. Your tour leader organises these on your behalf. You’ll find the main optional activities listed under each day in the itinerary, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.
Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and from time to time 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.
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.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 13
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah and gateway to incredible national parks. We have a welcome meeting in the hotel at 6pm, where we gather for the first time as a group and you can ask any questions you may have about the trip.
Accommodation: Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites (or similar)
Leaving Salt Lake City, we cross Idaho and pass through the beautiful Targhee National Forest en route to the valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This mountain resort is popular during winter as skiers flock to the area, while summer sees walkers and other thrillseekers enjoying the area and its proximity to Grand Teton National Park. We recommend an optional aerial tram ride to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for 360-degree views of the Snake River Valley and Grand Teton National Park. Or you could discover the town of Jackson Hole, which maintains an authentic Wild West feel.
Optional activities:
Accommodation: Mountain Modern, Jackson (or similar)
Famed for its iconic soaring peaks, the 40mi (64km) Teton Range explodes out of the ground with jagged fang-like mountains. Rocky spires, lakes and forests fill the park, with more than 10 pinnacles reaching more than 12,000ft (6,660m). Inhabitants of the area include bison, elk, black and grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, moose and mule deer, all of which have been seen on this trip. There are many self-guided hikes to choose from today, walking through dramatic scenery and appreciating the geology and nature of the area. Your leader will explain the different options. One popular choice is to take the ferry across Jenny Lake and hike up to Inspiration Point and beyond, following the stream. It is commonplace to see moose and bears while hiking this trail.
Optional activities:
Accommodation: Mountain Modern, Jackson (or similar)
It’s a beautiful drive to the very first and most revered national park in America, Yellowstone – our home for the next four nights. Part of the highway clings to the side of the 15mi (24km) long Jackson Lake, where the scenery changes from striking jagged peaks to colourful, open meadows and rolling terrain, the regular lava flows having flattened the largest geological features in the south of the park. This afternoon, take a walk amid this fascinating volcanic environment, accompanied by the tour leader.
Accommodation: Super 8 Gardiner or Travelodge Gardiner (or similar)
Yellowstone overflows with geothermal features: geysers, bubbling mud pools, multi-coloured hot springs and fumaroles. The park is famous for its volcanic history and there are estimated to be around 10,000 thermal features – nowhere else on earth (not even Iceland or New Zealand) can boast this concentration of geysers, which are scattered among several distinct geyser basins. We spend half a day with a local geology guide to explore the many effects of volcanism and enjoy walks around some of the most interesting park features. The brightly coloured springs, caused by the hot, nutrient-rich waters full of different species of coloured bacteria, are a photographic highlight.
Accommodation: Super 8 Gardiner or Travelodge Gardiner (or similar)
When Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, northern Rocky mountain wolves (a subspecies of the grey wolf) were native to the area. In the years after, predator control saw the decline of this remarkable species but following a reintroduction programme there are now thought to be more than 1,000 wolves in the Greater Yellowstone area. In the morning, we transfer to a hotel in North Yellowstone, where we spend a full day with a specialist wolf and wildlife-tracking guide, venturing into the park wilderness on foot and by vehicle to learn about these extraordinary animals. Our guide explains how wolves live and hunt together in Yellowstone and how the pack hierarchy works. It’s important to note that we may not always be lucky enough to see wolves; however, this is our goal and at the same time you’re likely to see numerous other wildlife species as we explore.
Accommodation: Super 8 Gardiner or Travelodge Gardiner (or similar)
Take your new-found knowledge of Yellowstone’s wildlife and geology on a wilderness daywalk in the park, leaving some of the well-known geysers and crowds to explore the wilds with your tour leader. The route depends on the group’s general ability and fitness; however, it’s likely to involve a walk to view the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls. You’ll also visit Mammoth Hot Springs, which have an otherworldly feel.
Accommodation: Super 8 Gardiner or Travelodge Gardiner (or similar)
Today’s drive reveals the wide open Big Sky scenery that Montana is so famous for. Journey through the ever-changing landscape of forest and mountain backdrops, all the way to Glacier National Park. While this is essentially a long driving day to ensure we have two full days in Glacier for hiking and exploration, it is a great way to experience the different faces of Montana as you cruise through the countryside.
Accommodation: Circle R Motel (or similar)
With two full days to hike in Glacier National Park, you are in for a treat. The park puts on a shuttle bus so we can make the most of the trails and hopefully spot wildlife. Commonly sighted in Glacier are bears, moose, elk and deer. There are some truly beautiful trails above the treeline, with the chance to see wildflowers common to the area. Your tour leader will provide information and suggestions to help you pick the right trail for you. Highly recommended is the Hidden Lake Trail, a moderate 5mi (8km) route near East Glacier Park, Montana, which features a lake.
Please note: The National Park Service regulates guided hikes in Glacier and your tour leader is not permitted to walk with you on trails. They will, however, provide detailed briefings, directions, maps and transportation.
Accommodation: Circle R Motel (or similar)
Spend the day exploring the heart of the park with a Glacier National Park wilderness guide along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. We stop en route for regular walks and our guide helps us 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, coyotes and wolves are also commonly sighted. If conditions are right, our guide takes us to Iceberg Lake for more striking mountain scenes and wildflowers.
Please note that sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road can be closed at short notice due to weather or other local conditions. If sections are closed during your visit, we may hike in either Two Medicine or Many Glacier National Park.
Accommodation: Circle R Motel (or similar)
We leave Glacier and head to Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. We pass through small historic towns in Idaho’s Silver Valley, which was once the silver capital of the world. Reaching Coeur d’Alene, we may have time to walk the trail through forested areas that hug the lake. If it’s a hot day, don’t forget your swimwear, but be careful, the water can be bracing! A good option for the afternoon is to enjoy a drink by the marina and then watch the sun set over the sparkling lake.
Accommodation: Days Inn Coeur D’Alene (or similar)
Crossing into Washington state, we head to Seattle, the final destination. Today’s journey takes us past the border of Mount Rainier National Park where imposing Mount Rainier stands at 14,417ft (4,394m). This is the highest volcano in Washington and on a clear day you can see it from Seattle.
This tour ends at our partner hotel in Seattle at approximately 5pm. We recommend booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. 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 spend 11 nights in clean, comfortable hotels and motels, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the local highlights. You are roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin-share basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple.
Single supplement from 2 280 €
This trip begins and ends at our partner hotels, which are conveniently located in the arrival and departure 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.
Four breakfasts are included.
We usually eat in local restaurants on this tour. 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 the vehicle.
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: Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites, 230 W 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: +1 801-328-4466
Recommended arrival time: 5.30pm at the start hotel so 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: SureStay by Best Western Seatac North, 3000 S. 176th St, Seattle, WA
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: Salt Lake City
Location end: Seattle
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.
Luggage allowance
One suitcase, soft kitbag or backpack (50lb/23kg maximum) per person. 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.
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 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 Yellowstone and Glacier 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.