The Backroads of Yellowstone | 2023

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Salt Lake City, UT

Fly into Salt Lake City today and arrive before 4:00 pm MST. Meet your Western Leisure tour director in the hotel lobby for a short briefing. This evening, join the rest of the group for a welcome reception & dinner. (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. This evening we’ll depart on a Scenic Float Trip with Dinner on the Snake River with spectacular views of the Teton Range. It will be an evening to remember. There’s time this evening to explore the saloons, dance halls, and the wide variety of shops and boutiques that are open late. Paint the town red! (B, D) 

Day 3: Grand Teton National Park  - Yellowstone National Park

Today we return to Grand Teton National Park. We’ll take the inner road to Jenny Lake for a pleasant one-way hike along the shoreline to Hidden Falls and then return on the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle. 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. Continue north and enter Yellowstone National Park* A UNESCO World Heritage Site for sightseeing. Today you will visit the centerpiece of the park, Old Faithful! 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, L, 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.