The Backroads of Yellowstone | 2024

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Salt Lake City, UT

Fly into Salt Lake City today; please arrive by 4pm. Take your shuttle to the hotel where your Tour director will be waiting to greet you, assist with check-in and give a short briefing. This evening, join the rest of the group for a welcome dinner. After dinner, join your tour director for an optional visit to Temple Square where you will have a chance to hear the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting) during their weekly Thursday evening rehearsal. From 7:30 – 9:30pm each Thursday evening, the public is welcome to enter the historic Tabernacle and listen in on the choir’s rehearsal for the upcoming Sunday performance and stay for as long or as little as they please. (D) 

Day 2:  Salt Lake City - Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, WY

The lure of the West beckons you this morning, and you will answer the call of the wild as you make your way to the frontier town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Travel past jewel-like Bear Lake, then continue north through lovely Star Valley into the wild west town of Jackson. We’ll take the inner road to Jenny Lake and then go for a pleasant boat ride from the base of Mount Teewinot to the West side of the lake, followed by some time to walk around. Dinner is on your own this evening and there will be time to explore the saloons, dance halls, and the wide variety of shops and boutiques that are open late. Paint the town red! (B) 

Day 3: Grand Teton National Park  - Yellowstone National Park

This morning we’ll depart on a Scenic Float Trip on the Snake River with spectacular views of the Teton Range. Your river guide will point out wildlife, explain the geology of the area and tell stories about local history and folklore. We will then stop at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge which is listed on the National Historic Register and boasts 60-foot windows that perfectly frame the Tetons. An agreement between the U.S. and Soviet governments signed here in 1989 led to an end of the cold war. There will be time to enjoy the view, explore the lodge, and do some shopping. Continue north and enter Yellowstone National Park *A UNESCO World Heritage Site for sightseeing. The world’s first national park is a wonderland of natural beauty and geologic oddities that has delighted visitors over 100 years. It is a mysterious land of steaming geysers, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots. A land so amazing that the first explorers to bring back tales of Yellowstone were called liars. Today you will visit the centerpiece of the park, Old Faithful! There will be plenty of time to explore the area and witness an eruption of the world's most famous geyser. After enjoying Old Faithful, explore more of the geyser basins including Fountain Paint Pots. Then travel along the beautiful Madison River as we head toward our accommodations in West Yellowstone. The evening is free for dinner on own. (B) 

Day 4:  Yellowstone National Park - Cody, WY

This morning return to Yellowstone National Park for another great day of sightseeing. First visit the awe-inspiring "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone," with a chance to see both Upper and Lower falls, where the mighty Yellowstone River has cut its way through sheer rock to cascade down hundreds of feet to the foaming torrents below. Next, drive through scenic Hayden Valley, famous for large herds of buffalo and other wildlife. Travel the shores of Yellowstone Lake as you travel out the east entrance to our overnight in Cody, Wyoming. Tonight, join the group for a night of western food and entertainment at the Cody Cattle Company for a chuckwagon style dinner, traditional cowboy music and some laughs. Finish the day with an exciting Cowboy Rodeo. (B, D) 

Day 5: Cody - Thermopolis, WY

This morning we’ll tour the Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Depart Cody on our way to  Thermopolis, Wyoming. We’ll stop at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Dig Sites where our local guide will walk us through this amazing out of the way museum. After checking into our hotel, we’ll depart for the local hot springs for a soak in the sun. What an incredible end to this wild west Wyoming day. (B, L) 

Day 6: Thermopolis - Salt Lake City

Depart Thermopolis and drive through rural Wyoming. You’ll be surprised by the impressive vistas in this western wonderland. Our first stop this morning will be at the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lander. We will see real wild mustangs up-close, and learn about Native American culture, and experience life on a working ranch on the Wind River Indian Reservation. We will then stop at the Museum of the American West. This museum celebrates the diverse people who shaped Wyoming. Then the short drive back to Salt Lake City and a final dinner before your departure tomorrow. (B, D)  

Day 7: Journey Home

Departures on your own this morning. What a wonderful trip you’ve had exploring the Backroads to Yellowstone. (B)

Please Note - * This tour requires average physical activity. Participants should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground or unpaved trails.

This tour covers areas of higher altitudes including overnight locations above 6,000 ft. and touring above 8,000 ft.