Leaders | Darren Rees and one from our team |
Flights | United Airlines, scheduled
Outbound: Morning, Heathrow-Jackson Hole(via US stop)
Inbound: Overnight, Jackson Hole-Heathrow (via US stop)
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Day 1 | Fly to Jackson Hole, via US stop, arriving in the evening - 3 nights 49er Inn. |
Days 2-3 | Two days exploring Grand Teton National Park, including Elk Refuge, Mormon Row and Ox Bow Bend. |
Days 4-6 | North, via Jackson Lake, to Lake Yellowstone. Explore Hayden Valley, north shore of Lake Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone - 3 nights Lake Yellowstone. |
Day 7 | Relaxed day transfer, via Dunraven Pass, to Cooke City - 3 nights Alpine Motel. |
Days 8-9 | Two days to explore north-east section of Yellowstone, including Lamar Valley and Beartooth Highway. |
Day 10-11 | Drive through the northern section of the Park and Blacktail Plateau. Early morning at famous travertine terraces - 2 nights Big Rock Inn, Gardiner. |
Days 12 | Drive via geothermal features, including Grand Prismatic Pool - 1 night Old Faithful. |
Day 13 | Geyser gazing at Old Faithful then south for last night at Jackson Hole - 1 night 49er Inn. |
Days 14-15 | Overnight flight back to the UK, via US stop, arriving on Day 15. |
Weather | It can be cool (even cold), but daytime temperatures rise to warm and sunny (0°-15°C), with a chance of showers, cold snaps and some snow. |
Walking | There’ll be some short, easy walks on wide paths with optional short, easy walks off tracks in the forest. Note that Yellowstone National Park is at high altitude. Most of the National Park is above 7,500 ft / 2,275 m and the Beartooth Highway ascends to nearly 11,000 ft / 3,353 m, where we shall take a very short walk. |
Meals | All included from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 14 and are of good quality. |
Insects | Biting insects may occasionally be a nuisance, so bring repellent. |
Accom | Twin and single rooms all ensuite. |
Group | 12 |
Spring in the world’s first and most famous National Park. A beautiful wilderness, with birds, flowers and fabulous mammals – the best place for big game in the Americas!48uep6bbph|00000E4E|Spey_BESQL3|HolidayTypes|Subheading 48uep6bbphidval|YELLOWSTONESPRING
| * Wolf, Bison, Moose, plus Grizzly and Black Bear
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| * Eagles, cranes, bluebirds and colourful migrants
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| * Cute critters! Chipmunks, Ground Squirrels, Pika and Beaver
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| * Exceptional photo opportunities for wildlife and landscapes
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| * Geo-thermal wonders, with erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools
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| * Great hotels and food, with friendly hospitality
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| * A multi-centre tour, staying right in Yellowstone, with years’ of experience
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Days 1-3 | Arriving early evening there is a short transfer to our hotel in Jackson Hole. We begin our tour exploring the breath-taking Grand Teton National Park, a land of towering peaks, pine forests, sagebrush plain, jewel-like lakes and the meandering Snake River. Birds will include Mountain Chickadee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Mountain Bluebird and Broad-tailed Hummingbird and at nearby Flat Creek we’ll see Trumpeter Swan, Cinnamon Teal and smart Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
The historic Mormon Row barns set amongst the sprawling Antelope Flats, will have you reaching for your camera and we’ll probably see our first Bison, Pronghorn and irresistible Least Chipmunks and Uinta Ground Squirrels. The National Elk Refuge holds Sandhill Crane, Rock Wren, Horned Lark and perhaps our first Coyote. We’ll stop at famous Oxbow Bend beneath lofty Mount Moran looking for River Otters, Moose, Osprey and soaring Bald Eagles and we’ll return for an evening along the river looking for crepuscular Beavers. Watching these animals swimming back and forth, tending to their dams and lodges is a tour highlight!
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Days 4-6 | We travel north along scenic Jackson Lake, steadily climbing through endless pine forests to reach the world’s first and most famous National Park - Yellowstone. We stay near the immense Yellowstone Lake at 7,700 feet. This is a place of untamed nature - the Greater Yellowstone wilderness area is the size of Scotland! The lake hosts Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead and Common Loon, whilst the higher elevations at both Dunraven and Sylvan Passes have endearing Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Yellow-bellied Marmot and American Pika.
We’ll visit the famous Hayden Valley (more than once!) where the wide-open spaces are dotted with herds of Bison and American Elk and we’ve often seen charismatic Gray Wolf and Grizzly Bear. Flying raptors include Northern Harrier and Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawk and along the nearby Yellowstone River are splendid Harlequin Ducks and American Dippers. At Canyon, the river cuts a deep gorge appropriately named the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone - a stunning landscape of colourful eroded pillars and huge spectacular waterfalls. We’ll also spend an early morning and evening at Pelican Creek and Fishing Bridge in search of River Otter, Beaver and Belted Kingfisher.
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Days 7-9 | Travelling north we drive over Dunraven Pass and Mt Washburn before dropping into the open country of North Yellowstone and a wildlife haven. From our base at Cooke City we’ll need some early morning excursions to the famous Lamar Valley if we want to see magnificent Gray Wolves. Re-introduced in 1995, these superb animals are an integral part of the restored ecosystem and we’ve had some amazing encounters: packs travelling the valley floor; chasing Elk and Bison; defending carcasses from Grizzlies. What might we see in America’s Serengeti?
On the spectacular Beartooth Highway, listed as one of the most beautiful roads in America, we’ll look for specialities of the high country such as Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Golden Eagle and Black Rosy Finch.
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Day 10-11 | We move to Gardiner at the northwest gate of Yellowstone, where Elk graze the lower elevations and the friendly ground squirrels will be on the lookout for the local Prairie Falcons. Nearby, at Mammoth, are the beautiful volcanic travertine terraces and an early morning visit is perfect for photos and birds such as Townsend’s Solitaire, Hammond’s Flycatcher and Western Tanager. Around the Blacktail Deer Plateau we’ll look for Williamson’s Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, MacGillivray’s Warbler, along with Gray and Steller’s Jay.
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Days 12-13 | Travelling south we come to the centre of the geo-thermal wonders of Yellowstone – it’s how the place got its name! Between Norris and Old Faithful basins are an incredible 70% of the world’s geysers and we’ve a day-and-a-half to explore fully, the bewildering collection of bubbling mud pools, erupting steam jets and multi-coloured pools. Our accommodation is near the famous Old Faithful and other predictable geysers such as Daisy, Riverside and Grand, so expect a fun morning geyser-gazing!
Reluctantly we leave Yellowstone, crossing the Continental Divide and return to Grand Teton National Park, watching for wildlife as we go. We’re sure to stop at Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain for a last look at the stunning mountain scenery, before checking in at Jackson for our last night.
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Days 14-15 | Leaving Jackson Hole, we fly home, arriving in the UK on the morning of Day 15.
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Just some of what we hope to see..
Grizzly Bear | Uinta Ground Squirrel | Trumpeter Swan |
Black Bear | Chipmunk | Sandhill Crane |
Gray Wolf | Bald Eagle | Belted Kingfisher |
Elk | Golden Eagle | Gray Jay |
Beaver | Great Gray Owl | Clark's Nutcracker |
Coyote | Great Horned Owl | Mountain Bluebird |
Moose | Three-toed Woodpecker | Broad-tailed Hummingbird |
Bison | Williamson's Sapsucker | MacGillivray's Warbler |
Mountain Goat | Harlequin | Western Tanager |
American Otter | Common Loon | American Dipper |
Yellow-bellied Marmot | Western Grebe | |
"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful - Yellowstone most definitely had them all! The wildlife encountered on this trip went above
and beyond my hopes and expectations. The trip was filled with magic moments from beginning to end such as watching wolf on a kill to spotting elegant Snow Shoe Hare.
I was especially hoping to see bear but never thought that it would amount to 20 Grizzly and 9 Black Bears. Bear tastic!! Thanks Darren" Jayne Behenna
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"My first view of the Grand Tetons; walking off the plane as the sun was going down that view was awe inspiring! The fantastic views of 29 bears with 19 Grizzlies and 10
Black/Cinnamon bears especially with so many being close to the road. The amazing wildlife in the Lamar valley; bison, bears, coyote, wolves, pronghorn, mountain goats, red foxes, moose and elk" Marilyn Davidson
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"The nicest thing was that we had plenty of time to see the animal's behaviour. Although there were only 2 telescopes available both the guides were very good at making sure that everyone had a good view. They were also very good at describing how to find them through one's binoculars. There were so many magical moments, seeing 10 different Black bears (including 2 cinnamon ones) 7 Grizzly bears, 7 Coyote including 1 who was hunting and jumped up and caught a ground squirrel right in front of us. Watching 5 wolves for over an hour. Watching a female badger and 3 cubs being moved to a new den for a couple of hours. Seeing a beaver close to swimming towards us, coming out on the bank and diving back in again. One of the best wildlife holidays I have ever had." Toni Goodley
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"Grizzly bears Raspberry and Snow on lakeside. Black bear with three cubs. American badger family being moved to new sett and watching the mother excavating it. Lamar valley with herd of bison and young. Wide open spaces full of spring flowers. Coyote hunting Wolves in the snow. Beartooth Pass and plateau - 20ft snow drift." Linda Fitch
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"Everything was superb - scenery - birds - animals - geysers. One of the best holidays I have been on, many thanks." Don Mills
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"Seeing herds of bison grazing on Lamar Valley, just as you imagine it would look in times gone by. Seeing a moose - the last species on my bucket list. Just being in Yellowstone - the variety of wildlife was incredible. We spent time just watching a bear known to the locals as Raspberry and her cub called Snow. Being able to stand and take in the interaction between the two was just a wonderful experience. Walking back from the convenience store at Lake and coming face to face with a bison that 'hangs out there all the time' according to a member of staff. They even have named him Jeffrey. There were species - like Wolves, beaver and red fox - that we really didn't expect to see, but somehow Darren our guide managed to find them." Diane Westwood
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"Difficult to choose because there were so many highlights! The views of the mountains in Grand Teton. Grizzly bear bathing in the river. Bear cubs playing in the tree. Mormon barns at the Grand Tetons at dawn. Geothermal at Grand Prismatic in the evening. Beartooth Plateau." Gaye Henson
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"I watched the wolf pups with an adult female, they were jumping up round her wanting food. Later a black wolf was spotted close to the road. I saw it in Darren's scope and look straight into its startling yellow eyes – a memory that will stay with me!" Pauline Pothecary
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"There were so many highlights on this holiday. The sunset over the Tetons as we alighted from the plane at Jackson Hole was a real taste of things to come. The fantastic scenery everywhere we visited and the wonderful wildlife we saw were fantastic. All the hot springs, geysers and mud pools were like nothing I had seen before." Fiona Tulloch
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"There were many memorable highlights during our tour of Grand Teton / Yellowstone, but my top ones were:
- Close views of Black Bear mother and cubs
- Grizzly Bear bathing after finishing off an Elk kill
- great views of a black Gray Wolf
- Harlequin ducks
- Lazuli Bunting
- absolutely stunning landscapes: Grand Teton range; Hayden / Lamar Valleys; Travertine Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs; Bear Tooth Pass." Ian Tulloch
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"The whole trip was a "memorable moment" - these are just a few elements which really made it:
Sitting on a meadow bank in the sunshine watching a Cinnamon Black Bear grazing peacefully just across a small river. Racing after Darren across a log filled field in the moonlight to catch a glimpse of an Owl - he made jolly sure I sure it! Laughing at a young black bear cub struggling to negotiate a slender branch. Viewing the wonders of the Grand Prismatic Spring at sunset. Braving the heights of a mountain with the help of sure footed Duncan to see the most spectacular views. Looking straight into the yellow eyes of a wolf early one morning." Jane Nickerson
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"Seeing grizzly bear for first time, swimming in the river. Cinnamon bear close to road and black bear with Cubs. Wolf close to road and distant views of wolves on den. Scenery in Grand Tetons, Hayden Valley at dawn, bison herds in Lemar Valley. Travertine terraces in early morning at Mammoth. Cliff swifts in the their nests. Beaver dams. Humming bird displaying
And numerous other memorable momment" Heather James
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This is a very well-appointed, two-storey, large motel in the centre of stylish Jackson. It’s an easy walk into town, or at a push to the visitor centre of the National Elk Refuge.
Room facilities: Iron / Hairdryer / Coffee-maker (teabags and milk available at reception) / Heating / Alarm / TV
/ Phone / Fridge / Shower and bath / Shower gel, shampoo and soap.
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Upon arrival, the hotel’s massive white columns welcome you to a time of classic, yet casual elegance. The historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel completed extensive interior renovations in June, 2014, restoring it to its Colonial Revival heritage. The hotel was also awarded Green Seal Lodging Certification for sustainable operations and was recently designated a National Historic Landmark in 2015. The multi-million dollar project included all guest rooms, dining room, bar and public spaces and a redesigned deli. Lake Yellowstone Hotel offers wired internet service and a business centre. Televisions, radios and air conditioning are not available in Park lodging.
Room type: Deluxe Hotel Room.
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A comfortable motel with a great location, as only 10 minutes from a Yellowstone NP entrance. All rooms are ensuite and offer coffee making facilities, toiletries and a hair dryer. Wi-Fi available in all rooms and a laundrette is available.
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Located approximately one mile from Yellowstone's North Entrance. All rooms are ensuite and offer Wi-Fi, coffee making facilities, tv, telephone, toiletries and a hair dryer. Close to local amenities.
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As a national historic landmark, Old Faithful Inn is the most requested lodging facility in the Park. Built in 1903-1904 with local logs and stone, the Inn is considered the largest log structure in the world. The towering lobby features a massive stone fireplace and a hand-crafted clock made of copper, wood and wrought iron serving as focal points. Televisions, radios and air conditioning are not available in Park lodging.
Room type: Standard Hotel Room.
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