Wyoming Yellowstone & Grand Teton Hiking Lodge Based Tour
Dramatic Landscapes & Wildlife Encounters
The first national park and one of the most beloved, Yellowstone is filled with rushing waterfalls, steaming geysers and soaring peaks that tower over the vast surrounding plains. The park's dramatic landscapes showcase its fascinating geology, at the same time supporting diverse wildlife—from roaming herds of bison to pronghorn, elk and moose. We balance our time at Yellowstone with a day spent exploring the magic of Grand Teton National Park by raft and on foot. Take in the unique wonders of this majestic mountain range just slightly to the south of Yellowstone. Enjoy daily hikes on some of Yellowstone's most scenic trails, visit iconic geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, and summit two 10,000' peaks. When we're not hiking, enjoy wildlife-viewing drives in search of the park's many mammal and bird species, or discover the tranquility of the rolling grasslands and blooming wildflower meadows. Each evening is spent in comfortable hotel accommodations, unwinding from the day's unforgettable adventure.
The first national park and one of the most beloved, Yellowstone is filled with rushing waterfalls, steaming geysers and soaring peaks that tower over the vast surrounding plains. The park's dramatic landscapes showcase its fascinating geology, at the same time supporting diverse wildlife—from roaming herds of bison to pronghorn, elk and moose. We balance our time at Yellowstone with a day spent exploring the magic of Grand Teton National Park by raft and on foot. Take in the unique wonders of this majestic mountain range just slightly to the south of Yellowstone. Enjoy daily hikes on some of Yellowstone's most scenic trails, visit iconic geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, and summit two 10,000' peaks. When we're not hiking, enjoy wildlife-viewing drives in search of the park's many mammal and bird species, or discover the tranquility of the rolling grasslands and blooming wildflower meadows. Each evening is spent in comfortable hotel accommodations, unwinding from the day's unforgettable adventure.
Arrive in Yellowstone and visit Mammoth Hot Springs
Day 1
Our trip begins in Bozeman, Montana. We rendezvous for orientation at 9am, then set off on the two-hour drive to Yellowstone National Park. Our first stop on our adventure is Mammoth Hot Springs. We drop by the visitor center, watch for the resident elk herd and get our initial glimpse of some of the park's fascinating thermal features. After our guide-prepared picnic lunch, we start our warmup hike directly from the visitor center. After our hike, we transfer to enjoy dinner in Gardiner with new friends before heading to our hotel in the National Park. Lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
Activity: 4-5.5 miles hiking with 1,207' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 3-4 hours private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Visit Grand Prismatic Spring. Hike to Mystic Falls. Explore Upper Geyser Basin and view Old Faithful eruption
Day 2
No visit to Yellowstone would be complete without exploring the park's fantastic geothermal features. Still considered an active volcano, reminders of Yellowstone's violent geological past abound. We start today with a visit to the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the nation. The spring's brilliant rings of brown, yellow, blue, green and orange are caused by microbes that live at the edges of the mineral-rich water. Next we hike through Biscuit Basin to 70-ft Mystic Falls for a dramatic view of the geyser basin below. We continue our hike to Upper Geyser Basin to explore the many additional geysers, hot springs and fumaroles there and our afternoon culminates as we witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful. All meals included.
Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
Activity: 4.5 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2.5-3.5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an early morning wildlife-viewing drive. Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Day 3
Yellowstone is home to more than 50 species of mammals including black and grizzly bears, bison, elk, pronghorn, moose and wolf. The park draws wildlife lovers from all over the world hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. We set out on a wildlife-viewing drive at dawn this morning, aiming to reach beautiful and remote Lamar Valley when the animals are most active. Additional dawn or dusk wildlife drives can be scheduled based on participants' interest. After our wildlife adventure, we spend the day exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We hike the canyon rim and enjoy views of the Yellowstone River far below. We also visit one of Yellowstone's marquee overlooks, Artist Point, and will admire the falls from a number of sublime vantage points. A quintessential day in Yellowstone! Dinner on our own tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.
Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
Activity: 6.2-7.6 miles hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2.5-3.5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Grand Teton National Park and enjoy a scenic float trip on the Snake Rive
Day 4
We head south today towards Grand Teton National Park, its immense granite peaks visible for miles above the plains. On the first part of our multisport day, we hop aboard our bikes and cycle to lovely Jenny Lake, carved by glaciers and the second largest lake in the park. We have time to explore the lakeshore before jumping back on our bikes and returning to our waiting vehicle. Later, we take in the spectacular views of the South, Middle, and Grand Teton as well as Mount Moran during a scenic rafting trip down the Snake River. In addition to the awe-inspiring Teton panoramas, we watch for bald eagles, beavers, moose and bear along the riverbanks as we float by. Our time in the Tetons ends with a tasty dinner at Signal Mountain Lodge overlooking Jackson Lake. It's a perfect spot to enjoy final views of one of America's most beautiful mountain ranges. All meals included.
Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
Activity: 15-18 miles cycling with 482' elevation gain and loss; 2.5 hour rafting scenic float (Class I and Ii)
Transportation: 4.5-5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Avalanche Peak for views of Yellowstone Lake
Day 5
Today's challenging hike to the summit of Avalanche Peak offers outstanding views of southern Yellowstone, stretching to the Tetons 50 miles away. Our trail begins in a lush fir and spruce forest and climbs steadily, passing through wildflower meadows and up talus slopes to the summit at 10,566'. We relish the stunning high country panorama that includes Yellowstone Lake, the rugged Absaroka Mountain Range and Pelican Valley, some of the premier grizzly habitat in the Lower 48. This evening, we enjoy a final delicious celebration dinner with our guides and hiking companions. All meals included.
Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
Activity: 5 miles hiking with 2,100' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 3-3.5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to the top of Mount Washburn
Day 6
After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to our home away from home. On our last day in the park, we hike to the summit of Mount Washburn (10,223 ft) for 360-degree views of Yellowstone National Park spread out at our feet. While we hike, keep an eye out for the chance to see some bighorn sheep, as they like to frequent the area to graze in the meadows. At the summit, we enjoy views of and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and on the clearest of days we even have the chance to see as far as the Teton Range. The wide trail's gradual ascent to the fire lookout atop the mountain makes it a great hike to top off our week. We head back to Bozeman and plan to arrive by approximately 7pm where we say our goodbyes. Breakfast and lunch included.
Activity: 7 miles hiking with 1,384' elevation gain and loss
We make it easy to take a deep dive into two incredible national parks — Yellowstone and Grand Teton — in less than a week. You'll feel like you've seen it all!
MT Sobek works with local expert guides to ensure an immersive active adventure. Hike, bike, raft, and explore the wonders of the Old West with pros.
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years. We actively support the National Parks Service and always leave a light footprint wherever we go.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Local Tour Guide .
We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our trips. You will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.
Array
(
[itinerary] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 1
[DayTo] => 1
[Headline] => Arrive in Yellowstone and visit Mammoth Hot Springs
[ActivityOverview] => 4-5.5 miles hiking with 1,207\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => Our trip begins in Bozeman, Montana. We rendezvous for orientation at 9am, then set off on the two-hour drive to Yellowstone National Park. Our first stop on our adventure is Mammoth Hot Springs. We drop by the visitor center, watch for the resident elk herd and get our initial glimpse of some of the park\'s fascinating thermal features. After our guide-prepared picnic lunch, we start our warmup hike directly from the visitor center. After our hike, we transfer to enjoy dinner in Gardiner with new friends before heading to our hotel in the National Park. Lunch and dinner included.
[Breakfast] => 0
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 3-4 hours private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 45.67
[Longitude] => -111.03
)
[1] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 2
[DayTo] => 2
[Headline] => Visit Grand Prismatic Spring. Hike to Mystic Falls. Explore Upper Geyser Basin and view Old Faithful eruption
[ActivityOverview] => 4.5 miles hiking with 350\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => No visit to Yellowstone would be complete without exploring the park\'s fantastic geothermal features. Still considered an active volcano, reminders of Yellowstone\'s violent geological past abound. We start today with a visit to the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the nation. The spring\'s brilliant rings of brown, yellow, blue, green and orange are caused by microbes that live at the edges of the mineral-rich water. Next we hike through Biscuit Basin to 70-ft Mystic Falls for a dramatic view of the geyser basin below. We continue our hike to Upper Geyser Basin to explore the many additional geysers, hot springs and fumaroles there and our afternoon culminates as we witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful. All meals included.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 2.5-3.5 hours private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 44.73
[Longitude] => -110.487
)
[2] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 3
[DayTo] => 3
[Headline] => Enjoy an early morning wildlife-viewing drive. Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
[ActivityOverview] => 6.2-7.6 miles hiking with 1,300\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => Yellowstone is home to more than 50 species of mammals including black and grizzly bears, bison, elk, pronghorn, moose and wolf. The park draws wildlife lovers from all over the world hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. We set out on a wildlife-viewing drive at dawn this morning, aiming to reach beautiful and remote Lamar Valley when the animals are most active. Additional dawn or dusk wildlife drives can be scheduled based on participants\' interest. After our wildlife adventure, we spend the day exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We hike the canyon rim and enjoy views of the Yellowstone River far below. We also visit one of Yellowstone\'s marquee overlooks, Artist Point, and will admire the falls from a number of sublime vantage points. A quintessential day in Yellowstone! Dinner on our own tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 0
[Travel_Type] => 2.5-3.5 hours private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 44.73
[Longitude] => -110.487
)
[3] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 4
[DayTo] => 4
[Headline] => Visit Grand Teton National Park and enjoy a scenic float trip on the Snake Rive
[ActivityOverview] => 15-18 miles cycling with 482\' elevation gain and loss; 2.5 hour rafting scenic float (Class I and Ii)
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => We head south today towards Grand Teton National Park, its immense granite peaks visible for miles above the plains. On the first part of our multisport day, we hop aboard our bikes and cycle to lovely Jenny Lake, carved by glaciers and the second largest lake in the park. We have time to explore the lakeshore before jumping back on our bikes and returning to our waiting vehicle. Later, we take in the spectacular views of the South, Middle, and Grand Teton as well as Mount Moran during a scenic rafting trip down the Snake River. In addition to the awe-inspiring Teton panoramas, we watch for bald eagles, beavers, moose and bear along the riverbanks as we float by. Our time in the Tetons ends with a tasty dinner at Signal Mountain Lodge overlooking Jackson Lake. It\'s a perfect spot to enjoy final views of one of America\'s most beautiful mountain ranges. All meals included.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 4.5-5 hours private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 44.73
[Longitude] => -110.487
)
[4] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 5
[DayTo] => 5
[Headline] => Summit Avalanche Peak for views of Yellowstone Lake
[ActivityOverview] => 5 miles hiking with 2,100\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => Today\'s challenging hike to the summit of Avalanche Peak offers outstanding views of southern Yellowstone, stretching to the Tetons 50 miles away. Our trail begins in a lush fir and spruce forest and climbs steadily, passing through wildflower meadows and up talus slopes to the summit at 10,566\'. We relish the stunning high country panorama that includes Yellowstone Lake, the rugged Absaroka Mountain Range and Pelican Valley, some of the premier grizzly habitat in the Lower 48. This evening, we enjoy a final delicious celebration dinner with our guides and hiking companions. All meals included.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 3-3.5 hours private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 44.73
[Longitude] => -110.487
)
[5] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 6
[DayTo] => 6
[Headline] => Hike to the top of Mount Washburn
[ActivityOverview] => 7 miles hiking with 1,384\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to our home away from home. On our last day in the park, we hike to the summit of Mount Washburn (10,223 ft) for 360-degree views of Yellowstone National Park spread out at our feet. While we hike, keep an eye out for the chance to see some bighorn sheep, as they like to frequent the area to graze in the meadows. At the summit, we enjoy views of and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and on the clearest of days we even have the chance to see as far as the Teton Range. The wide trail\'s gradual ascent to the fire lookout atop the mountain makes it a great hike to top off our week. We head back to Bozeman and plan to arrive by approximately 7pm where we say our goodbyes. Breakfast and lunch included.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 0
[Travel_Type] => 3.5-4 hours private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 45.679
[Longitude] => -111.03
)
)
[ActivityHighlight] => Daily hikes typically range between 4-9 miles in length with elevation gains/losses of up to 2,100\'. Two hikes will take us to the summits of peaks over 10,000 feet. Cycling and rafting are suitable for beginners; all gear will be provided. All activities are optional and our guides will brief trip members on the vigorousness of each prior to setting out.
[Trip_Level] => 3
)
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Daily hikes typically range between 4-9 miles in length with elevation gains/losses of up to 2,100'. Two hikes will take us to the summits of peaks over 10,000 feet. Cycling and rafting are suitable for beginners; all gear will be provided. All activities are optional and our guides will brief trip members on the vigorousness of each prior to setting out. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
4-5.5 miles hiking with 1,207' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
4.5 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
6.2-7.6 miles hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
15-18 miles cycling with 482' elevation gain and loss; 2.5 hour rafting scenic float (Class I and Ii)
Day 5
5 miles hiking with 2,100' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
7 miles hiking with 1,384' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
A comfortable lodge with cabins ideally located near both National Parks.
Canyon Lodge & Cabins is located on the east side of Yellowstone National Park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The sprawling property offers a variety of accommodations including five new lodge buildings. All room types are modest and provide a true National Park Lodge experience. While there is no television or air conditioning at the property, internet is available in some public spaces. Canyon Village features a variety of dining options as well as the Canyon Visitor Education Center which focuses on Yellowstone's infamous supervolcano.
Weather
Expect sunny days with temps in the 60 — 80°Fs. Nighttime temps can drop into the 40°Fs. Always be prepared for rain showers.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Grand Teton Nationl Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Grand Teton Nationl Park
68
36
77
41
76
39
66
32
Yellowstone National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Yellowstone National Park
62
31
72
36
71
33
61
26
FAQs
What wildlife do you typically see?
We often see bison, moose, elk, mule deer, coyotes, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles throughout the year. Each new season brings a wide variety of mammal and birds species and on any given day.
What kind of physical shape do I need to be in for this trip?
Regular exercise before any outdoors trip will add to your enjoyment, but this trip is geared towards anyone in good health and an active lifestyle.
How close can I get to wild animals in the National Parks?
You should stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from other large mammals.
