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Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons
August 30 - September 5, 2009
Yellowstone National Park is one of this country's most beloved parks. Not only was it our first National Park but its rich geological history is as active today as it was when the Park was created in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. He wrote that the 2.2 million acres of wilderness was "set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." How right he was!
Nearby is the more recently established Tetons National Park with its pristine lakes and jagged snow capped mountains. This week we will explore both of these parks and you will be hard pressed to choose a favorite. Include a visit to Jackson Hole and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful week.
This trip was very popular the last time we offered it and no doubt will be again. Plan to join us!
(See tentative itinerary below)
We are currently in the process of
planning this trip.
Once we have all the activities, hotels and other details
confirmed,
and the price finalized, we will remove this information and post
a completed itinerary with the price.
If you are interested in
learning more about this trip,
make a pre-reservation.
It
is very important to make a no-obligation pre-reservation.
Those who have made a pre-reservation will be notified first
when the full itinerary and pricing is posted.
Make a
Pre-Reservation
A pre-reservation does
not require any money.
Once the tour is finalized and a
tour price available, those who have pre-reserved
a space will be
contacted via email and asked to decide if they
want to make a deposit. If you are not interested, you don't have to
do anything.
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Tentative
Itinerary
Sunday, August 30: Arrive Jackson, Wyoming; Welcome Dinner .
Today you will fly into Jackson, Wyoming and be met by the WTT tour leader at the airport. Those arriving early in the day can enjoy the city of Jackson visiting museums, art galleries and shops. If silver smithing is of interest to you, there should be several local craftsmen for you to visit. This evening we will have dinner together as a group and discuss the upcoming events for the week. After dinner we will depart Jackson and drive into the Tetons to our hotel at Jackson Lake Lodge for two nights. (D)
Monday, August 31: The Grand Tetons. Float trip and evening free.
Our first activity for the day is a float trip down the Snake River. This will be a calm and leisurely float trip with no need to feel anxious about getting wet or ending up in the water. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as we float past pristine, virgin land. We will visit the Chapel of the Transfiguration, built in 1924, with its superb view of the Tetons through the altar window. After lunch we have a visit to Jenny Lake before continuing our tour of the park. We will return to our hotel after spending the day in the park. Dinner will be on your own tonight. (L)
Tuesday, September 1: Morning hike and then on to Yellowstone.
Today our morning is free. The WTT tour leader will have some suggestions for hiking or walking activities to enjoy. We will have lunch in the general area before we head for Yellowstone National Park.
Our route will take us through the South Entrance of the park, and through Craig Pass before arriving at the Old Faithful Complex. After checking into our rooms at Old Faithful Lodge, and maybe seeing Old Faithful let off some steam, we will gather for dinner. (D)
Wednesday, September 2: Early morning hike and day trip through Yellowstone National Park.
For those who are early birds, take a walk on the boardwalks around the steam vents and mud pots. You may see wildlife on your walk. Early morning is the best time to see elk, bison and antelope.
Our travels today will take us past the Paintpots, large springs filled with hot clay ranging in color from white to shades of pink and black, and on to the spectacular Kepler Cascades, a 150 foot, stair-step waterfall on the Firehole River. We’ll take our time today, stopping for photographs, exploring short walking trails, and stopping to enjoy our lunch along the way. Upon return to the Old Faithful Inn the remainder of the day is yours. Dinner is at your leisure at one of the restaurants in the area. (Boxed picnic lunch)
Thursday, September 3: Day trip through the northern region of Yellowstone and overnight at Yellowstone Lake Hotel.
Today we’ll visit the Norris Geyser Basin, containing the park’s highest concentration of thermal features. Porcelain Basin Trail and Back Basin Trail are both easy walks offering us an opportunity for exercise and photo shots. Also on our tour today is Mammoth Hot Springs, one of Yellowstone’s most unique, beautiful and fascinating areas. We will also be stopping at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You don’t want to miss the Petrified Tree either, which is a redwood that, while standing, was burned by volcanic ash more than 50 million years ago!
We will conclude our day at the lovely Yellowstone Lake Lodge. (Boxed picnic lunch)
Friday, September 4: Free time for hiking or relaxing and return to Jackson.
This morning is yours to explore on your own or with a new-found friend. Partake in one of the morning activities offered by the park or take a short hike to further absorb the beauty of this land. If peace and quiet is what you crave, there are plenty of places to just relax and enjoy your surroundings. A mid-afternoon departure will take us back along Route 89 through the Grand Teton National Park and into Jackson where we will spend the night. Our final dinner together will allow each of us to share lasting memories of this beautiful part of our country. (D)
Saturday, September 5: Return Home.
Alas it is time to end our adventure in Wyoming. Airport transfers will be provided.
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