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$2,699 $2,499
Per Person
Click button below to begin booking Yellowstone Wildlife Adventure | 5-Day Lodging Trip Book This Tour

Yellowstone Wildlife Adventure | 5-Day Lodging Trip

Sep - Oct
5 days
Age 13+
Sep, Oct
Availability 12

DURATION:

5 Days/4 Nights

 

AVAILABILITY:

Sept-Oct

GROUP SIZE:

Max 6-12

 

STARTS IN:

Salt Lake City

ENDS IN:

Salt Lake City

 

TRIP STYLE:

Lodging

yellowstone falls

Exploring Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on Day 2

OVERVIEW

Experience the wild and untamed beauty of the American West on this 5-day, 4-night Autumn wildlife viewing adventure. Explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, spending 3-nights in Gardiner, Montana, on the north end of Yellowstone, and 1 night in famous Jackson, WY. This tour is designed to explore select areas at the best times of day to maximize our chances at spotting moose, elk, bison, grizzly bears, and even wolves.  Expect some early mornings and grab-and-go breakfasts. We’ll venture deep into the heart of Yellowstone National Park to the famous Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other spectacular locales. We’ll also spend time at iconic Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park for some scenic hikes and more wildlife viewing. Click here to learn more about our relaxed booking and travel options.

Book this trip for your private group here >

MountainBased is an authorized Permittee of the National Park Service

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Witness a diverse array of wildlife in Lamar Valley, known as “America’s Serengeti”
  • Enjoy the use of viewing scopes and binoculars provided by our team
  • Experience fewer crowds during the fall season
  • Hike on expert-led trails and explore a variety of curated hiking options
  • See geysers, hot springs, and other unique geothermal areas
  • Enjoy the quaint towns of Gardiner, Montana and Jackson, Wyoming

ITINERARY


Depart Salt Lake City, Enter Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Boardwalks

Yellowstone Boardwalk

Starting at our designated gateway hotel in Salt Lake City, we embark on a journey to Yellowstone National Park, traversing through Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Your guides will introduce Yellowstone National Park including information about the flora, fauna, and unique geology that make this one of the most unique places on the planet.  Plan on exploring one of the geothermal areas today for a leisurely but exciting boardwalk hike. We’ll settle down for the evening in Gardiner, Montana. This town overlooks the Gardiner River and often gets elk and pronghorn roaming close by. Enjoy a delicious meal at a favorite local restaurant before relaxing for the night at a rustic lodge.

Driving Time: 4.5 hours to Yellowstone (additional driving inside the park)

Hiking: Distance: 1-2 miles | Minimal elevation gain | Varied Trails

Accommodation: Ridgeline Hotel or similar in Gardiner, Montana

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner


Morning Wildlife Viewing in Lamar Valley & Explore Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

yellowstone wildlife in Lamar Valley

Yellowstone wildlife in Lamar Valley

Rise and shine! This morning we head off quite early to explore the Lamar Valley—known as America’s Serengeti— one of the top spots for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone National Park. Your guides will provide viewing scopes and binoculars as you search the hills for some of North America’s most majestic animals.  There are some short trails that your guides may opt to take you on in this area, or we’ll continue our adventure to some other sections of the park for better success. In the afternoon, view the stunning waterfall and dramatic topography of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This evening we will return to Gardiner where you’ll have time to explore shops and enjoy dinner on your own.

Driving Time: Local

Hiking: Distance: 4-6 miles | +/- 500 feet elevation gain | Varied Trails

Accommodation: Ridgeline Hotel or similar in Gardiner, Montana

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch


Explore Geysers and Hot Springs

grand prismatic overlook hike

Grand Prismatic Overlook hike

Today we’ll focus on visiting the geothermal areas that make Yellowstone famous and unique.  From Grand Prismatic to the iconic Old Faithful, you’ll get to see some of the most well-known geothermal features on the entire planet.  Geothermal areas of the park commonly attract wildlife, such as bison who use the steam for warmth on the cold autumn mornings. Plan on doing some scenic hikes in this area during the day and enjoy dinner in the park this evening before returning to Gardiner to relax for the night.

Driving Time: 3 hours

Hiking: Distance: 3-5 miles | +/- 400 feet elevation gain | Varied Trails

Accommodation: Ridgeline Hotel or similar in Gardiner, Montana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


Last Day of Yellowstone and Intro to Grand Teton National Park

grand teton during the fall

Entering Grand Teton in the fall

This morning, hop back in our comfortable 15 passenger van and hit the road towards Grand Teton National Park.  Along the journey, we have several more Yellowstone stops up our sleeves that will provide great opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.  This afternoon, we’ll introduce you to Grand Teton National Park with stunning views of one of North America’s most iconic mountains. Grand Teton towers above the valley floor at 13,776 feet.  Plan to make a few stops and possibly do a short hike before heading to the quaint mountain town of Jackson, WY. This evening you’ll be free to explore some of the town’s eclectic shops, local breweries, art galleries, and the Town Square with its arches made of shed antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge.

Driving Time: 3 hours

Hiking: Distance: 2-5 miles | Minimal elevation gain | Varied Trails

Accommodation: Mountain Modern or similar in Jackson, Wyoming

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch


Grand Teton Hiking and Sightseeing, Then back to Salt Lake City

moose in grand teton

Moose spotting in Grand Teton

After a hot breakfast, we’ll return to Grand Teton National Park in search of moose!  Just outside of the park there are several areas prime for moose spotting. A short hike will immerse you in fall colors as the Aspens begin turning vibrant yellow. Grand Teton National Park has many notable locations for photography and wildlife viewing and wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the historic barns of Mormon Row.  Lunch will be provided by your guides before we make our return drive back to Salt Lake City this evening. Plan on returning by 6:00pm-7:00pm.

Driving Time: 4+ hours (Return to Salt Lake City)

Hiking: Distance: 3-4 miles | +/- 400 feet elevation gain | Varied Trails

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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TOUR DATES

Select your desired trip date.

GUEST REVIEWS

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5 star rating
Thank you MountainBased! I have been on 5 MountainBased trips ( 2 camping, 3 lodging) each one fantastic and unique in its own way. Hiked the icons and all the hidden gems along the way without having to drive, plan, decipher directions or reserve a thing! Absolutely incredible sights, excellent and plentiful meals, fun road tripping and super knowledgeable guides who go above and beyond to make sure everyone is safe, comfortable and having the best experience ever. Met wonderful people, gained new appreciation for the beauty of this magnificent country, made lasting memories and learned a lot about myself along the way. Highly recommend MountainBased and ALL of their adventures!
EileenM3087
3 months ago
5 star rating
Utah, mighty 5 lodging trip To say this trip was beyond our expectations is not nearly enough. The whole package was such a wonderful experience. From the beginning, experiencing the majestic scenes to the last heartfelt goodbyes to our travel buddies, we were delighted with every moment. Mother Nature cooperated fully with outstanding weather and our guide, Eric was delightful. Couldn’t have ask for a better experience. So much so, that we’ve already scheduled our next trip with Mountain Based for 2023! Tim & Kimberlee Miller
785kimberleem
3 months ago
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5 star rating
Great trip and business We've done 2 trips with this fantastic guide service. The food was wonderful, the guides knowledgeable and you just can't beat the views. Camping but better, meet people, see the sights and be guided to the best areas. A trip of your life time.
Dale P.
3 months ago
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WHAT TO BRING

Check out a more in-depth list of what to bring here.

HAVE A QUESTION?

    • Departure
      Main Lobby at the AC Marriott Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown - 225 West 200 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
    • Departure Time
      Please arrive by 7:15AM (07:15)
    • Return Time
      Approximately 7:00PM (19:00)
    • Included
      4 Nights Lodging
      Round-trip transportation in a brand new 15 passenger van
      Expert guide(s) who will share their knowledge on the area's flora, fauna, and geology
      All National Park fees
      Emergency equipment and first-aid kit
      Freshly prepared and catered to your dietary needs
      4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
    • Not Included
      Guide gratuity (Recommended 15-20% of trip cost)
      2 Dinners Not Included


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    Yellowstone Wildlife Adventure | 5-Day Lodging Trip

    CASUAL LODGING

    This tour is classified as a CASUAL LODGING experience which means it focuses more on proximity over luxurious amenities. Each selected property includes double queen rooms, wi-fi, TV and are both centrally located in town. Both rustic properties are known for their mountainous views, great staff, and close proximity to wildlife exploration. Want to learn more? Chat with an expert by calling 1-800-206-7909 or email us here.

    ACTIVITY LEVEL 2

    This is an Easy to Moderate tour for fit hikers, and will be do-able with some effort by less fit hikers. This tour has a heavy emphasis on wildlife viewing and sightseeing. The trails on this trip feature flat boardwalks and gently rolling terrain with some rocky areas. Perhaps some short, relatively steep climbs and descents, but nothing longer than 20 minutes. Average hiking distance per day is 3-5 miles per day. All activities are optional, and our guides will brief all guests on the activity level of each prior to hiking. You should be in good physical shape and able to hike on uneven terrain for this tour. Trip members should be capable of hiking and carrying a daypack that weighs 10-15 pounds. Want to learn more? Chat with an expert by calling 1-800-206-7909 or email us here.

     

    HOW OUR 1-5 ACTIVITY LEVELS WORK

    1 - Easy: These tours will be Easy for anyone who can walk for up to 90 minutes without stopping. Flat to gently rolling terrain with some rocky areas and maybe some steps but no sustained or steep ascents or descents. Max hiking distance per day is 2-3 miles.

    2 – Easy to Moderate: These tours are Easy - Moderate for fit hikers, and will be do-able with some effort by less fit hikers. Flat to gently rolling terrain with some rocky areas. Perhaps some short, relatively steep climbs and descents, but nothing longer than 20 minutes. Max hiking distance per day is 3-5 miles.

    3 - Moderate: These tours are Moderate for fit and active hikers, and will be a little challenging but do-able for less fit hikers. Rolling to hilly terrain with frequent climbs and descents often over rocky terrain. May have some short, relatively steep climbs and descents. Max hiking distance per day is 5-7 miles.

    4 – Moderate to Strenuous: These tours are classified as Moderate to Strenuous for fit hikers who will find them a satisfying and challenging workout; they are not appropriate for unfit hikers. Rolling and often steep terrain with frequent challenging ascents and descents, often over rugged and uneven terrain. Max hiking distance per day is 10 miles.

    5 – Strenuous: These tours are for strong hikers in excellent physical condition, this tour is classified as Strenuous, pushes themselves daily, distance and elevation are not an issue. First one to the top! Rolling and often steep terrain. Challenging sustained climbs and descents of up to 4,000 ft. Has no issue with changing altitudes during physical exertion. Max hiking distance per day is 10-15 miles.

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