Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sunday, June 17: Arrive Jackson, WY; Welcome Reception
Schedule your flight into Jackson, WY no later than 4:00 pm in order to have time to transfer to the hotel and check in. The hotel provides an airport shuttle. We will meet for introductions at 6:00pm in the hotel lobby and then enjoy a welcome reception to get better acquainted.
Monday, June 18: Grand Teton National Park; Snake River Rafting; Jenny Lake (B)
Today we start with 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. Upon the conclusion of our float trip we will stop for lunch and then head to Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake, formed by melting glaciers about 60,000 years ago, is a beautiful blue mountain lake set in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. Overnight Jackson Lake Lodge.
Tuesday, June 19: Yellowstone National Park (L)
This morning we will depart Grand Teton 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. We will visit Old Faithful and then have lunch at the Old Faithful Inn. The Inn is a national landmark with soaring log-beam construction, four hanging balconies, and a giant stone fireplace. After lunch we will 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. We will overnight in West Yellowstone for 2 nights.
Wednesday, June 20: Yellowstone National Park (B,L)
Our tour today includes Mammoth Hot Springs, one of Yellowstone’s most unique, beautiful and fascinating areas. You will want to leave the vehicle and take Lower Terrace Trail, as it is one of the best ways to see this area. 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!
Thursday, June 21: Cody, WY; Buffalo Bill Historical Museum; Stampede rodeo (B,D)
Today we travel to Cody, WY. The town of Cody is all about cowboys and rodeos. Cody was founded in 1896 by the living legend, Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who at the age of 41 was one of the most famous men in the world. A tour of the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum highlights history and myth, art and Native culture, firearms technology and natural history. Some free time will give you an opportunity to tour and shop Cody’s historic downtown filled with western art/furniture galleries and unique shopping opportunities. To complete our Cody experience, we will enjoy a dinner and show and spend the night in Cody.
Friday, June 22: Chapel of the Transfiguration; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
This morning we will return to Jackson and stop to visit the Chapel of the Transfiguration, built in 1924, with its superb view of the Tetons through the altar window. The heart of Jackson Hole is the Town Square with a park at its center. Each corner of the park is framed by a tall antler arch, made with real elk antlers gathered from the National Elk Refuge just north of town (male elk lose their antlers each spring and grow a new set during summer). You might wish to step back in time and take an authentic Stagecoach ride at the southwest corner of the Town Square. We will get together for our farewell dinner and talk about our individual adventures.
Saturday, June 23: Return Home from Jackson, WY (B)
It's time to return home. Schedule your return flight to depart at your convenience. The hotel provides airport transportation.