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Where to Go in Montana and Wyoming

Both full of history, culture, and natural beauty, Montana and Wyoming combined make for a great travel destination. Start your trip planning today with this overview of the best places to go in and around each state.

Places to Visit in Montana

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Billings and the Big Open

Eastern Montana is a vibrant amalgam of history, landscapes, and cultures. It’s home to the Little Bighorn Battlefield and four of the state’s seven Indian reservations, as well as the city of Billings and starkly beautiful Missouri River Breaks terrain. For travelers who are willing to take their time and let the state unfold slowly, eastern Montana is an ideal place to start a Montana road trip.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: This historic site is a moving tribute to one of the last armed battles in which Native Americans fought to preserve their land and way of life. An annual reenactment brings to life the terror and tragic meaning of the event.

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Walk or drive through this stunning blend of glacial-drift prairie and shallow wetland to see hundreds of migrating birds.

Pictograph Cave State Park: The caves in this state park contain evidence of human habitation dating back more than 4,500 years, including pictographs of people, animals, and even weapons.

Great Falls and the Rocky Mountain Front

North-central Montana encompasses much of the geographical diversity that defines the state, with vast plains along the Hi-Line, rolling agricultural fields in Montana’s breadbasket, and the dramatic Rocky Mountain Front. Explore tiny towns like Choteau and Fort Benton or visit during the annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival in July to get a charming sense of community.

Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex: More than 1 million acres (404,686 hectares) of pristine wilderness straddle the Continental Divide in “the Bob.” The topography is dramatic, the wildlife is plentiful, and the opportunities to explore are endless.

Havre Beneath the Streets: Practically an entire city exists underneath the streets of downtown Havre. Guides show you around the 27-bed brothel, saloon, and opium den and the more genteel dentist’s office, cigar shop, and bakery.

Missouri River: America’s longest river attracts anglers from all over the world. The tailwater stretch between Holter Dam and Cascade serves up thousands of trout per mile.

Map of Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park embodies the Montana you’ve always imagined: rugged mountains piercing the sky, crystalline lakes and plunging waterfalls, abundant wildlife, gravity-defying roads, and miles upon miles of trails. Depending on the amount of time you have to spend in Montana, Glacier National Park could easily absorb all of it, but it is also a spectacular route to get from one side of the Continental Divide to the other.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Stretching just over 50 miles (81 km), this phenomenal feat of engineering gives viewers an extraordinary overview of Glacier.

Grinnell Glacier: Since scientists anticipate that the glaciers in the park could disappear entirely by 2030, seeing Grinnell Glacier may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The ranger-led hike is especially worthwhile.

Lake McDonald: The largest lake in the park and arguably one of the most beautiful. Glacially carved Lake McDonald is easy to access. Pack a picnic for the rocky beach or cruise the waters on a boat tour.

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Missoula and western montana.

From the towering pines and massive cedars to the mountain of huckleberry ice cream clinging to your cone, just about everything is larger than life in western Montana. The area is steeped in Western history, from Lewis and Clark to the Nez Perce and the state’s earliest missions, and home to one of the state’s fastest-growing areas, the Bitterroot Valley, as well as the National Bison Range.

Jewel Basin: With 27 lakes, 35 miles (56 km) of trails, and no motorized vehicles or horses permitted, this is a hiker’s paradise.

St. Ignatius Mission: The jewel of a mission founded by Fathers Pierre-Jean De Smet S.J. and Adrian Hoecken S.J., this massive brick Catholic church from 1891 is still impressive, with 58 murals painted by Brother Joseph Carignano S.J.

Whitefish Mountain Resort: This phenomenal ski area has a view over Whitefish Lake and perhaps the best après-ski scene in the state.

Butte, Helena, and Southwest Montana

This corner of the state wears its history like a badge of honor in mining towns like Bannack, Virginia City, and Nevada City. Then there is the sweeping Big Hole Valley, with picturesque ranches and hot springs resorts, and the Big Hole National Battlefield, one of the most haunting battle sites in the state.

Big Hole National Battlefield: A memorial to the Nez Perce and U.S. Army soldiers who died in battle, this site is both gorgeous and moving. The tipi frames stand where they did the fateful morning of the attack.

Lewis and Clark Caverns: Montana’s first state park is a fine example of limestone caves.

World Museum of Mining: This museum, built atop the Orphan Girl mine yard, is packed with artifacts from more than a century of hard-rock mining.

Map of Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman and the Gateway to Yellowstone

The gateway to the nation’s first national park, south-central Montana is a playground bursting with mountains to climb, rivers to fish, and trails to hike. From skiing, fishing, and an abundance of outdoor adventures in the college town of Bozeman to the art and culinary scenes just over the pass in Livingston, the area’s culture is as rich as its landscape.

Beartooth Scenic Highway and Pass: This highway offers room for spontaneous adventures. Bring your bike, hiking boots, binoculars, and even your skis on this summit-topping stunner.

Chico Hot Springs Resort: Chico has all the trappings of a resort—hiking, riding, pool, day spa, and sumptuous cuisine—with none of the attitude.

Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture: A 1900s school rehabbed as an arts hub, the Emerson has more than 30 studios, a fab restaurant, and special events.

Montana and Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park

This magnificent park is constantly in motion. See abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves; marvel at geothermal features like Old Faithful; and stay in historic lodges like the Old Faithful Inn and rambling Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Perimeter communities are also well worth a visit.

Boiling River: In a stretch of the Gardner River at the park’s north entrance, hot water flows over waterfalls and via springs, mixing with the river water to create a perfect soaking temperature.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: The sheer cliffs and dramatic coloring of this canyon have inspired millions of visitors. In the summer, get a rare bird’s-eye view of several osprey nests.

Mammoth and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces: The travertine terraces here look like an enormous cream-colored confection. Since the springs shift and change daily, a walk around the colorful terraces is never the same experience twice.

Places to Visit in Wyoming

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Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton packs a punch, particularly when it comes to mountain splendor. Twelve peaks in the Teton Range soar above 12,000 feet (3,658 m). While there are only 100 miles (161 km) of roads in the park, there are twice as many miles of trails, leaving hikers endless options for adventure.

Jenny Lake: Resting like a mirror at the base of the Tetons, this alpine lake is a gem for hikers, boaters, and picnickers.

Oxbow Bend: This hairpin curve of slow-moving backwater from the Snake River is perfect for novice boaters, wildlife watchers, and photographers.

Signal Mountain: Follow this exciting drive with expansive views of the entire valley.

Map of Jackson Hole, Cody, and the Wind Rivers, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Cody, and the Wind Rivers

Wyoming’s northwest corner is far more than a gateway to its national parks. Jackson Hole is a destination in and of itself, with glitzy galleries and boutiques, gourmet eateries, luxe accommodations, and a sensational art scene in immediate proximity to world-class ski resorts and white-water rafting. The area has something for everyone, from lovers of the arts to history buffs to outdoors enthusiasts.

Hot Springs State Park: This park has fabulous limestone terraces as well as public baths in therapeutic waters.

Jackson Town Square: Surrounded by archways constructed entirely out of elk antlers, this is the heart of the community for shoppers, art lovers, and diners.

Snake River: The Snake winds through the valley, giving floaters unparalleled access to the area’s most stunning views.

Sheridan, Devils Tower, and Northeast Wyoming

Where the prairies meet the mountains, cowboy culture comes alive. This is where you’ll find dude ranches and Sheridan, one of the most charming and authentic Western towns in the state. Scenic drives and archeological sites are also not to be missed.

Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway: This stunning road climbs over and cuts through the Big Horn Mountains, passing by beautiful spots and providing access to historic sites.

Devils Tower: Rising more than 1,200 feet (366 m) above the Belle Fourche River, the nation’s first national monument is a magnet for hikers and climbers.

Eatons Ranch: The oldest dude ranch in the world is certainly one of the most traditional.

Southern Wyoming

An enormous expanse of diverse terrain that includes everything from vast prairie and rugged mountain peaks to red desert and windblown dunes, southern Wyoming in many ways defines the state. It has celebrated events like Frontier Days (the big daddy of Wyoming rodeos), an important intellectual culture, and a wealth of historic sites. The southwest corner is also noted for fabulous recreational opportunities.

Casper Mountain: The skiing, hiking, camping, and fascinating local folklore give this area its own magical identity.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: Fed by the Green River, this natural playground composed of cliffs and Technicolor desert rock formations surrounds a 91-mile-long (147-km) reservoir.

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center: Among the best museums in the state, this place gives visitors a sense of pioneer life on many of the historic trails that crisscross the state.

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Carter G. Walker

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Moon Montana & Wyoming: With Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier National Parks

Moon Montana & Wyoming: With Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier National Parks

by Carter G. Walker

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Moon Glacier National Park

Moon Glacier National Park

by Becky Lomax

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With one of the world’s most famous places — Yellowstone National Park — explore unspoiltnature on the Old West frontier!

Yellowstone National Park is truly amazing! Spluttering geothermal geysers and colourful hot springs, including famous Old Faithful. This geographic marvel of mountains, forests and lakes is the perfect place to spot incredible wildlife like bears and bison roaming the plains.

The upmarket yet relaxed town of Jackson is the perfect base for Grand Teton National Park. Known for outdoor adventures including wildlife safaris and whitewater rafting on the Snake River. Jackson Town Square is a lively hub where you can enjoy a horse carriage ride or see an Old West–style shootout in the summer.

Take an unforgettable road trip and delve into cowboy culture. From the Buffalo Bill Center to rodeos, ranches and Old–West celebrations, discovert the rich western history in the towns of Cheyenne, Sheridan and Cody. Montana, also known as ‘Big Sky Country’, boasts Glacier National Park. A land of mountains, alpine meadows, waterfalls and glistening glaciers, you can hike along the 700 miles of trails or drive the 50 mile Going–to–the–Sun Road for breathtaking scenery. Have an authentic adventure on a guest ranch, putting you up close to the beauty of the natural environment.

North Dakota, South Dakota and Idaho round off the 5–state ‘Great American West’. This awe–inspiring region of wildlife, national parks and Old West towns also includes Native American tribes living in their reservation lands.

from £279 per night

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MONTANA AND WYOMING HIKING & BACKPACKING

Some of the world's most famous mountains and national parks reside in these two magnificent states!

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Montana and Wyoming offer adventurous visitors the chance to explore diverse, spectacular mountain ranges, national parks, and wilderness areas. Yellowstone National Park is world famous for its wildlife, geothermal features, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and vast meadow systems. It is a stunning destination for a guided backpacking trip or hiking tour and one we heartily recommend! The Wind River Range, Jackson Hole Area, and the west side of the Tetons are characterized by towering mountain peaks, phenomenal views, wildlife, waterfalls, and more spectacular mountain scenery. Exploring any of our Montana or Wyoming destinations is an experience you won’t soon forget!

WHICH TYPE OF TRIP SHOULD I DO?

One way to categorize our Montana and Wyoming hiking tours is first and foremost by backcountry or frontcountry. Backcountry trips include backpacking trips and llama treks and are deep wilderness excursions with camping accommodations. We offer these trip styles at all of our Montana and Wyoming destinations. Frontcountry trips are inn-based and basecamp tours on which we combine adventurous day hikes with camping or inn/hotel/lodge accommodations, access to showers, wonderful cuisine, and expert natural and cultural history interpretation. We recommend first deciding whether you want a backcountry or frontcountry experience, and then determining which category (backpacking or llama trek, basecamp or inn-based tour…etc.) you’d like from there. All of our Northern Rockies trips are in amazing country, with spectacular scenery, hiking and wildlife, so it’s hard to go wrong!

WHICH AREA SHOULD I HIKE?

When deciding which Montana and Wyoming hiking destination you’d like to explore, we recommend first asking what time of year you’d like to go. Yellowstone is great from June through October. The Jackson Hole Area and the Tetons are fantastic from July through September. The Wind River Range treks are great from August through September. Additionally, if you are mostly interested in a national park hiking tour, then Yellowstone is the best choice. If you want a remote mountain hiking trip, any of these destinations are great, although stick with backpacking and llama treks. For shorter trips (3-4 days) and moderate hikes, Yellowstone, again, is the best option. For longer trips (5-7 days), all of our Montana and Wyoming destinations are perfect. For more questions about what trip to do, feel free to call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!

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Yellowstone The Tetons and Glacier National Park

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Yellowstone The Tetons and Glacier National Park

7 Day Active Hiking Tour from Wyoming to Montana

7 days, 1 country and 8 cities

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6 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Lunch, 1 Farewell Dinner

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On this small-van group tour with maximum 17 travelers experience the best of Big Sky Country adventuring in Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks, hiking past Yellowstone's geysers, and picnicking on the banks of placid lakes. This off-the-beaten-path journey combines our one-of-a-kind experiences, access to more exclusive locations, overnights at boutique hotels.

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7 days itinerary trip from Idaho Falls to Kalispell visiting 1 country and 8 cities

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Madison Buffalo Jump

See Chapel of Transfiguration & Mormon Row

View  Jenny lake, Jackson Hole Valley, Old Faithful, Flathead Lake, and St. Mary's Lake

Hike Inspiration Point, Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail and Midway Geyser Basin

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IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION

Land rates are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Availability of departures at the prices noted in the brochure is limited. For current prices, please see our website. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit.

The land price includes those land based items delineated as included in the package itinerary and does not include any other items such as air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end of trip gratuities for your tour manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.

  • A $349 non-refundable deposit is due with your land only reservation.
  • For Antarctica and Cruises only reservations, a non-refundable $549 deposit is required. An additional $1,000 non-refundable second deposit is due 180 days prior to departure for Antarctica.
  •  A $698 non-refundable deposit is due with your air inclusive reservation.
  • For Antarctica and Cruise air inclusive reservations, a non-refundable $898 deposit is required. An additional $1,000 non-refundable second deposit is due 180 days prior to departure for Antarctica.
  • If you have selected Instant Purchase Air, the deposit required is the full cost of the airfare plus the land deposit noted above, all of which is non-refundable

Should you decide to purchase our per-person Travel Protection Plan, you must do so at the time of booking. This Plan includes the Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver (a non-insurance feature provided by Collette) which protects you from penalties in the event you have to cancel your entire tour package for any reason up to the day prior to departure (see Part A for more details). If you originally purchased Instant Purchase airline tickets, Part B of the Travel Protection Plan reimburses for the airline tickets, taxes, or fees in the event of a cancellation for a covered reason (see Part B for more details).

Unless otherwise noted, the balance is due 60 days before departure on all tours, except cruises, Antarctica, and Galapagos for which the balance is due 120 days before departure. Payment may be made by charging to clients’ Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover (card imprint and signature required) or by sending a check or money order. All land rates are guaranteed upon deposit. Payment may also be made online at https://reservations.gocollette.com/payment.aspx .

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A handling fee of $25.00 per transaction will be assessed for any change or revision made to a reservation. A change of departure date within 11 months of departure will be treated as a cancellation, and cancellation charges will apply.

CANCELLATION CHARGES

Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates both result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the following cancellation fees will be assessed on your land or cruise product. Air is 100% nonrefundable once paid in full. If canceled prior to being paid in full, the following cancellation fees will also apply to air. 

  • More than 60 days prior to departure: a nonrefundable deposit will be retained.
  • 60 - 16 days prior to departure: 40% of land or cruise price 
  • 15 - 1 day prior to departure: 75% of land or cruise price
  • Day of departure and after: 100% of land or cruise price

Exceptions:

  • More than 90 days prior to departure, a nonrefundable deposit will be retained.
  • 90 - 61 days prior to departure: 35% of land or cruise price
  • 60 - 31 days prior to departure: 60% of land or cruise price
  • 30 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of land or cruise price
  • 90 - 61 days prior to departure: 50% of land or cruise price
  • 60 - 31 days prior to departure: 85% of land or cruise price
  • More than 120 days prior to departure: nonrefundable deposits will be retained.
  • 120 - 90 days prior to departure: 60% of land or cruise price
  • 89 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of land or cruise price

*Instant Purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges are 100% nonrefundable at time of reservation.

Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%.

For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all tour packages. If you purchase an air inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date.

Instant Purchase Airfare includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers (excluding pre- or post-days and extensions). Instant Purchase airfare requires full payment at the time of booking. If you purchase the Travel Protection Plan, the Instant Purchase airfare may be reimbursed, if you cancel your trip for a covered reason (see Part B for more details). Tickets will be issued immediately and once issued are nonrefundable, and may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline. These tickets include an administration fee and roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers, both of which hold no airline reissue value. Once issued, there can be no fluctuation in price due to an increase in government taxes or in airline fuel surcharges. Therefore, any such fees or airport-to-hotel transfers are not refundable under any circumstances.

Aircraft Cabin Disinsection Disclaimer Some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for inbound foreign flights. Information about aircraft disinsection requirements and a list of countries requiring such disinsection are available online at http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements .

Travelers Needing Special Assistance

You must report any disability requiring special attention to Collette at the time the reservation is made.* Collette will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Such participants, however, should be aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act is inapplicable outside of the United States and facilities outside the United States for disabled individuals are limited. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance. Neither Collette nor its personnel, nor its suppliers, may physically lift or assist clients into transportation vehicles. If a traveler thinks he or she might need assistance during a trip, he or she should call Collette to determine what assistance might reasonably be given. Collette cannot provide special individual assistance to tour members with special needs for walking, dining or other routine activities.

*To request a wheelchair accessible room on a cruise, the traveler or person sharing the room must have a recognized disability that alters a major life function and requires the use of a mobility device and the use of the accessible features provided in the wheelchair accessible stateroom.

Holiday and Museum Closures

Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or many religious, state and local holidays observed throughout the world. 

Motorcoach Washrooms

Most motorcoaches used on our tours are equipped with washrooms except safari vehicles, exotic locations, and some of our Explorations tours. These are typically for emergency use, as we make plenty of comfort stops, allowing you the opportunity to use public restrooms and/or stretch your legs. 

Seat Rotation

Seats are rotated onboard the coach for all Collette tours under the direction of the tour manager. So that we do not show partiality among passengers, exceptions cannot be made.

Maps and Photos

Maps shown on tour pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect actual tour routing should the tour change. Photos shown on tour pages are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be included in the actual tour itinerary and the conditions you experience may be different than depicted in the photograph(s). 

Baggage Disclaimer

Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Collette is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel and group carrier handling. It is recommended for your own self-interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. There are limitations by coach and air carrier as to the number and size of bags which can be carried onboard and in bulk storage. Be sure to ask your travel professional about such restrictions before departing for your tour.

Checked Baggage Charges: Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Please be advised baggage fees may apply on most trans-border flights. This is a fee levied by the airlines, not Collette, and may be subject to change.

Collette Compass App

Precise Location in Background: The Collette Compass app collects location data to display the real-time risk alerts and personalized assistance notification features, even when the app is closed and not in use. This option can be changed later by going to the device settings.

Explanation of Responsibilities and Tour Conditions for Collette

Each client is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from. If you decide to make a reservation, you acknowledge and agree that you are physically well enough to travel and understand that medical facilities may not be similar to what you are accustomed to at home. You must bring enough medication with you for the trip.

Any person reserving or purchasing any Collette product published on this website accepts the condition that Collette reserves to itself the exclusive right to cancel, re-schedule or make other adjustments to any guided vacation departure in any circumstances deemed necessary, including in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control, including for tours designated as “guaranteed departures.” If cancellation is made by Collette any time prior to the departure date of the guided vacation, except when a customer fails to pay the final balance on time, Collette, at its sole discretion, will offer a comparable vacation on an alternate departure date, or reserves the right to offer a future travel credit. Collette will refund any difference in price if the alternative date is of a lower price, however the guest will be responsible for additional costs if the alternative is priced higher. Collette will not be liable for cancellation, delay, rescheduling or other adjustment or impact to a departure or itinerary or other aspect of the vacation brought about due to force majeure or other circumstance beyond its control that prevents or interferes with any aspect of the tour, also including governmental and administrative actions. Collette is not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancelations or change costs or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air tickets. Published times on itineraries are as accurate as possible but subject to change due to traffic, weather, mechanical and any other conditions beyond Collette’s control that prevent Collette from operating as scheduled. Collette expressly disclaims any liability for any damages that may be incurred for any changes, cancellations or delays on any itinerary on any Collette tour.

All rates on foreign tours are subject to fluctuations of currency and may be changed when necessary without advance notice prior to deposit.

All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit. Child land rates are available and are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. 

Collette does not accept liability in the case of any passenger being denied boarding by any airline carrier due to the carrier’s overbooking of a flight.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER

Collette monitors security situations around the world as well as government travel advisories. Conditions may require Collette to change or even cancel trips.  You accept the risks involved in travel, both foreign and domestic, and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.  Guests may be required to review and sign a participation agreement prior to engaging in certain activities on the trip. 

Neither Collette Travel Service, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively “Collette”), own or operate any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. You agree to be bound by the conditions of carriage for all transportation providers. Collette does not maintain control or operate the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers it uses and as such Collette assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any other party.

Client shall indemnify and hold harmless Collette Travel Service, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, agents, shareholders, officers, successors and assigns (collectively “Collette”), from all suits, actions, losses, damages, claims or liability for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which is occasioned by any negligent acts or omissions of Collette arising out of any goods or services provided for this or these trips.

Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, or other such causes. Other risks may arise such as, but not limited to, hazards of traveling in foreign countries including undeveloped areas, the hazards of travel by aircraft, bus, van, train, automobile or other motorized vehicle, differing safety standards, sickness, criminal acts committed by others, allergic reactions, and/or animal encounters.  You are voluntarily participating in the tour and Collette, and as lawful consideration for the agreement to travel with Collette, you agree not to make a claim against Collette, its related companies, officers and employees for injuries, death, or any other claim and agree to release Collette, its related companies, officers and employees from any such claim.  This release is binding on all members of your traveling party, as well as your Estate and heirs and this provision shall be enforceable even after your trip has ended. If you make your own air reservations, Collette is not responsible and shall provide no refund if your flight schedule changes so that you are not able to enjoy the entirety of your tour. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Collette deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Collette reserves the right to withdraw any tour announced. Collette reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the Tour Manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. If you are traveling with children, you are solely responsible for their behavior and monitoring them throughout the tour. Neither does Collette accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.

Collette is not responsible, and will not be bound by, representations made by third party representatives, travel agents, unaffiliated websites, or any other party.

Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Collette. In addition, any comments that you submit as a review or your social media posts may be used for Collette’s promotional purposes.

Payment of the deposit to Collette constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. Collette reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time, without notice.

FORUM SELECTION AND CHOICE OF LAW THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED AND INTERPRETED PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THE FEDERAL AND STATE COURTS IN RHODE ISLAND SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE AND SOLE JURISDICTION OVER ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR SUIT ARISING RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT.

DISPUTES/CLASS ACTION WAIVER

YOU AGREE THAT YOU WILL ONLY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST COLLETTE IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS ACTION OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING. COLLETTE SHALL NOT IN ANY CASE BE LIABLE FOR OTHER THAN COMPENSATORY DAMAGES, AND YOUR PAYMENT OF A DEPOSIT ON A TOUR MEANS THAT YOU AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE AND EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in our brochures, on our website or communicated by our reservation staff, errors or omissions are possible and Collette is not responsible for such error. If a mistake is made in billing, we reserve the right to correct the invoice and you will be responsible for proper payment.

SEVERABILITY

In the event that any clause in this agreement is determined to be invalid, the remaining provisions are valid and enforceable. The invalid provision shall be replaced by Collette by a clause as similar as practicable.

Consumer Protection Plans

Collette is a member of the following organizations: the National Tour Association, the United States Tour Operators Association, the Alliance of Canadian Travel Associations, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, and the Association of British Travel Agents. Some of these associations operate a consumer protection plan to cover deposits placed with any tour operator member. 

Collette is proud to be a member of USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), an association that represents the tour operator industry. The USTOA logo on our brochures signifies that Collette is a member in good standing and is backed by their $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Collette, as an Active Member of USTOA, is required to post $1 million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Collette customers in the unlikely event of Collette’s bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 million posted by Collette may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by Collette.  Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by email to [email protected] or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com . Collette is pleased to give this additional protection to our clients.

Collette’s Travel Protection Plan

For anyone who traveled prior to December 31, 2022 and purchased a Travel Protection Plan, click here for plan details:  www.tripmate.com/wpF430C For anyone traveling on or after January 1, 2023, click here for plan details:  https://policy.travelexinsurance.com/365ZA-0123

The following is an outline of the Non-Insurance Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver, Insurance Benefits and non-insurance assistance services that make up the Travel Protection Plan.

Part A Waiver Only provided by Collette Travel Service, Inc.: The Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver is provided by Collette, is not an insurance benefit and is not underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company. Payment of a per person Travel Protection Plan fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Travel Protection Plan fee itself, made to Collette for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Cancellation Fee Waiver only reimburses airline tickets you have purchased from Collette.

Exception: If you originally purchased Instant Purchase airline tickets, this Part A Travel Protection Plan does not provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes or fees, in the event of a cancellation. This air ticket may be covered by Collette’s Travel Protection Plan under Part B if you cancel your trip for covered reasons (see Part B for more details).

The Part A Waiver portion of Collette’s Travel Protection Plan protects you from penalties in the event you have a need to cancel your entire inclusive tour package up to the day prior to departure. The Part A Waiver portion of the Travel Protection Plan does not indemnify you from penalties if you choose to cancel partial tour components or air. If you choose to partially cancel your tour, you will be responsible for a revision fee as well as any penalties that are incurred at the time of the cancellation.

For Residents of MN, MO, NY and WA Only: The Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver (Part A) can be purchased separately without the purchase of the Travel Protection Plan. Contact Collette at 1-800-832-4656 in order to purchase the Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver separately.

Collette’s Part A Waiver portion of the Travel Protection Plan does not reimburse any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. (However, the Part B Benefits referenced below include a single supplement benefit for certain covered reasons, as detailed in Part B.) Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement.

Your Payment for the Travel Protection Plan (if chosen) must be received by Collette with your deposit. The fee is nonrefundable, nontransferable and valid for each applicant only.

Collette can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Travel Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees. 

Where to Present Part A Claims

To request a refund under the Part A Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver portion of the Travel Protection Plan, please call Collette and send any unused airline tickets to:

Collette ATTN: Customer Service Department 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

If cancellation occurs prior to departure, contact the Collette Reservations Department. When a client cancels prior to departure, any refunds are processed through the booking agent.

The following is an outline of the Non-Insurance Travel Assistance Services and Insurance Benefits provided in Part B.

Part B Insurance Benefits are provided by Zurich American Insurance Company: On tour, insurance benefits can be provided if you: must interrupt your trip or return home early for a covered reason; incur medical expenses for a covered sickness or injury; need to be evacuated due to covered medical reason; suffer a baggage loss or delay of more than 24 hours; are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more for a covered reason.

*This benefit is only applicable to Instant Purchase air tickets and any single supplement penalties you are assessed if your Family Member or Traveling Companion has his/her Trip Canceled. This does not cover any other land, air or water Travel Arrangements.

PART B Insurance Benefit Exclusions & Limitations

Unless otherwise stated in the plan, this plan will not pay for any loss arising directly or indirectly out of, or as a result of, or from, or that occur to, or are as a result of the actions of, the Insured or the Insured's Family Member, or Traveling Companion, or Business Partner for the following:  

1. suicide, attempted suicide, or intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane (while sane in CO and MO); 2. mental, nervous, or psychological disorders; 3. being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants, unless prescribed by a Physician; 4. Normal Pregnancy, resulting childbirth, and elective abortion; 5. participation as a professional in athletics while on a Covered Trip; 6. Participation in organized amateur or interscholastic athletic or sports competition or related practice events; 7. riding or driving in any motor competition; 8. off-road driving, whether as a driver or as a passenger; 9. declared or undeclared war, or any act of war; 10. civil disorder; 11. service in the armed forces of any country; 12. Nuclear reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination; 13. operating or learning to operate any aircraft, as pilot or crew; 14. mountain climbing, bungee jumping, snow skiing, skydiving, Parachuting, free falling, cliff diving, B.A.S.E. or base jumping, hang gliding, parasailing, travel on any air supported device other than on a regularly scheduled airline or air charter company, or extreme sports; 15. mountaineering where ropes or guides are commonly used including ascending and descending a mountain requiring specialized equipment, including but not limited to anchors, bolts, carabineers, crampons, lead/top-rope anchoring equipment and pick-axes; 16. scuba diving if the depth of the water exceeds 75 feet; 17. The Insured’s commission of or attempt to commit a felony; 18. elective medical or holistic treatment or procedures; 19. Failure of any tour operator, Common Carrier, other travel supplier, person or agency to provide the bargained-for travel arrangements/services; 20. a loss that results from a sickness, disease, or other condition, event or circumstance, that occurs at a time when this Policy is not in effect for the Insured; 21. Epidemic or Pandemic; 22. a diagnosed sickness (if insurance is purchased after such diagnosis) from which no recovery is expected and that only palliative treatment is provided and that carries a prognosis of death within 12 months of the  effective date of the applicable coverage under this Policy; 23. sickness, injury or death if the plan is purchased after entering a hospice facility or receiving hospice treatment; 24. any Trip taken outside the advice of a Physician; 25. or a Pre-Existing Condition including death that results therefrom (within the stated lookback period within your insurance policy. Does not apply to the Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation benefit.) Additionally, this plan will not pay for any loss arising directly or indirectly out of, or as a result of, or from, or that occur to, or are as a result of the actions of, the following that occur to the Insured: any amount paid or payable under any Worker's Compensation, disability benefit or similar law; a loss or damage caused by detention, confiscation or destruction by customs, or; medical treatment during a Covered Trip, or arising from a Covered Trip undertaken for the purpose or intent of securing medical treatment. The following additional exclusion applies to Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits: We will not pay for loss caused by or resulting from sickness of any kind.   

Excess Insurance Limitation: The insurance provided by this Plan shall be in excess of all other valid and collectible Insurance or indemnity.

The Part B Insurance Benefits are underwritten by: Zurich American Insurance Company, a New York domiciled company with its principal place of business at 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196 (NAIC # 16535).

Non-Insurance Services

Non-Insurance Services are not insurance benefits underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company. Travel Assist Services are provided by: Zurich Travel Assist 

INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers through the companies of Zurich in North America, provided solely for informational purposes.  Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation, offer, advice, recommendation, or any other service with regard to any type of insurance product underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company, 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage, terms and conditions. The description of the policy provisions gives a broad overview of coverages and does not revise or amend the policy. Coverages and rates are subject to individual insured meeting our underwriting qualifications and product availability in applicable states. If you have questions about coverage available under our plans, please review the policy found at https://policy.travelexinsurance.com/365ZA-0123 or contact us. Travelex Insurance Services Inc. 810 N 96th Street, Suite 300, Omaha, NE 68114. Toll Free 844.246.8481. Email: [email protected]. Consumers in California may also contact: California Department of Insurance Hotline 800.927.4357 or 213.897.8921. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Consumers in Maryland may contact: Maryland Insurance Administration 800.492.6116 or 410.468.2340. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).    Any inquiry regarding claims may be directed to Zurich Travel Assist at [email protected], P.O. Box 968019, Schaumburg, IL 60196-8019; 1-888-700-0925. Inquiries regarding new, existing or denied claims and any other claims questions may also be directed to this address.  

Travel Retailers Disclaimer: The purchase of this product is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service. Your travel retailer might not be licensed to sell travel insurance and will only be able to provide general information about the product. An unlicensed travel retailer may not answer questions about the terms and conditions of the insurance offered and may not evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance coverage. The products being offered provide insurance coverage that only applies during your covered trip. You may have insurance coverage from other sources that provide similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon the coverage. You may wish to compare the terms of the travel policy offered through Travelex with any existing life, health, home and automobile insurance policies you may have. If you have questions about your coverage under your existing insurance policies, contact your insurer or insurance agent or broker.

Collette’s Travel Protection Plan Pricing (per person)

The cost charged is for the full Travel Protection Plan, which includes a Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver Provided By Collette Travel Service, Inc., insurance benefits underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company, as well as non-insurance assistance services provided by Zurich Travel Assist and Travelex. Individuals looking to obtain additional information regarding the features and pricing of each travel plan component, please contact Travelex.

Land Only Clients:

  • $149 adult/$149 child for all domestic escorted tours under 6 days
  • $299 adult/$199 child for all domestic escorted tours of 6 days or more
  • $399 adult/$249 child for all international tours (not otherwise listed below)
  • $449 adult/$299 child for all Canadian Rockies train tours
  • $499 adult/$349 child for all cruises, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South Africa & Egypt tours
  • $499 adult/$349 child for Galapagos tours
  • $949 adult/$499 child for Antarctica tours

When purchasing pre- and post-night accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter your Travel Protection Plan cost. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of booking.

Air-Inclusive Clients (Collette Flex Airfare is purchased through Collette)

  • $199 adult/child for all domestic tours under 6 days
  • $349 adult/child for all domestic tours of 6 days or more
  • $449 adult/child for all international tours (not otherwise listed below)
  • $499 adult/child for all Canadian Rockies train tours
  • $599 adult/child for all cruises, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South Africa & Egypt tours
  • $599 adult/child for Galapagos tours
  • $999 adult/child for Antarctica tours

Collette’s Travel Protection Plan for air inclusive clients can only be purchased by individuals who have purchased Collette Flex Airfare or Instant Purchase air through Collette. Instant Purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges require full payment at time of reservation and are 100% nonrefundable. This air ticket may be covered by Collette’s Travel Protection Plan under Part B if you cancel your trip for covered reasons. Tickets may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline.

To review full plan details online, go to https://policy.travelexinsurance.com/365ZA-0123 .

Private Touring Information

Land rates are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Tiered pricing for private tours is based on a minimum tier of 10 guests. All names and deposits are required at time of booking. Private tour reservations cannot be converted to published standard packages at standard prices. Additional guests may be added later subject to availability. If your party size increases or decreases to the next tier level the surcharge will be adjusted accordingly.

Private touring is not available on the following tour products: Ocean & River Cruises, Canadian Rockies tours, National Parks itineraries, Special Event tours inclusive of all Oberammergau 2022 Departures, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

  • A $1000 non-refundable deposit is due with your reservation.
  • A $1300 non-refundable deposit is due with your air inclusive reservation.
  • If you have selected Instant Purchase Air, the deposit required is the full cost of the airfare plus a $1000 deposit, all of which is non-refundable

Should you decide to purchase our per-person Travel Protection Plan, you must do so at the time of booking. This Plan includes the Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver which protects you from penalties in the event you have to cancel your entire tour package for any reason up to the day prior to departure (see Part A for more details). If you originally purchased Instant Purchase airline tickets, Part B of the Travel Protection Plan reimburses airline tickets, taxes, or fees in the event of a cancellation for a covered reason (see Part B for more details).

Unless otherwise noted, the balance is due 90 days before departure on all tours, except cruises and trains. Payment may be made by charging to clients’ Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover (card imprint and signature required) or by sending a check or money order. All land rates are guaranteed upon deposit. Payment may also be made online at https://reservations.gocollette.com/payment.aspx .

Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates both result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the following cancellation fees will be assessed on your land or cruise product. If the number of guests in the private group changes prior to final payment the tour price for all passengers will be adjusted accordingly. Once all final payments are made the guest canceling would be responsible for their own cancellation fees plus the increased cost to the remaining passengers. If a cancelation results in a passenger in a single room a single room supplemental charge will be deducted from any refund due to the canceling passenger. Air is 100% nonrefundable once paid in full. If canceled prior to being paid in full, the following cancellation fees will also apply to air.

  • More than 90 days prior to departure: a nonrefundable deposit will be retained.
  • 90 - 61 days prior to departure: 30% of land price
  • 60 - 31 day prior to departure: 50% of land price
  • 30 - Day of departure and after: 100% of land price

* Instant Purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges are 100% nonrefundable at time of reservation.

For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all tour packages. If you purchase an air-inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date.

Instant Purchase Airfare includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers (excluding pre- or post-days and extensions). Instant Purchase airfare requires full payment at the time of booking. If you purchase the Travel Protection Plan, the Instant Purchase airfare may be reimbursed, if you cancel your trip for a covered reason (see Part B for more details). Tickets will be issued immediately and once issued are nonrefundable, and may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline. These tickets include an administration fee and roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers, of which both hold no airline reissue value. Once issued, there can be no fluctuation in price due to an increase in government taxes or in airline fuel surcharges. Therefore, any such fees or airport-to-hotel transfers are not refundable under any circumstances.

You must report any disability requiring special attention to Collette at the time the reservation is made. *Collette will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Such participants, however, should be aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act is inapplicable outside of the United States and facilities outside the United States for disabled individuals are limited. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance. Neither Collette nor its personnel, nor its suppliers, may physically lift or assist clients into transportation vehicles. If a traveler thinks he or she might need assistance during a trip, he or she should call Collette to determine what assistance might reasonably be given. Collette cannot provide special individual assistance to tour members with special needs for walking, dining or other routine activities.

Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or many religious, state and local holidays observed throughout the world.

Maps shown on tour pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect actual tour routing should the tour change. Photos shown on tour pages are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be included in the actual tour itinerary and the conditions you experience may be different than depicted in the photograph(s).

Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Collette is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel and group carrier handling. It is recommended for your own self-interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities.

There are limitations by coach and air carrier as to the number and size of bags which can be carried onboard and in bulk storage. Be sure to ask your travel professional about such restrictions before departing for your tour.

All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit. Child land rates are available and are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults.

Collette monitors security situations around the world as well as government travel advisories. Conditions may require Collette to change or even cancel trips. You accept the risks involved in travel, both foreign and domestic, and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions. Guests may be required to review and sign a participation agreement prior to engaging in certain activities on the trip.

Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, or other such causes. Other risks may arise such as, but not limited to, hazards of traveling in foreign countries including undeveloped areas, the hazards of travel by aircraft, bus, van, train, automobile or other motorized vehicle, differing safety standards, sickness, criminal acts committed by others, allergic reactions, and/or animal encounters. You are voluntarily participating in the tour and Collette, and as lawful consideration for the agreement to travel with Collette, you agree not to make a claim against Collette, its related companies, officers and employees for injuries, death, or any other claim and agree to release Collette, its related companies, officers and employees from any such claim. This release is binding on all members of your traveling party, as well as your Estate and heirs and this provision shall be enforceable even after your trip has ended. If you make your own air reservations, Collette is not responsible and shall provide no refund if your flight schedule changes so that you are not able to enjoy the entirety of your tour. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Collette deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Collette reserves the right to withdraw any tour announced. Collette reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the Tour Manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. If you are traveling with children, you are solely responsible for their behavior and monitoring them throughout the tour. Neither does Collette accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.

Collette is a member of the following organizations: the National Tour Association, the United States Tour Operators Association, the Alliance of Canadian Travel Associations, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, and the Association of British Travel Agents. Some of these associations operate a consumer protection plan to cover deposits placed with any tour operator member.

Collette is proud to be a member of USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), an association that represents the tour operator industry. The USTOA logo on our brochures signifies that Collette is a member in good standing and is backed by their $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Collette, as an Active Member of USTOA, is required to post $1 million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Collette customers in the unlikely event of Collette’s bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 million posted by Collette may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by Collette. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by email to [email protected] or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com . Collette is pleased to give this additional protection to our clients.

Part A Waiver Only provided by Collette Travel Service, Inc.:  The Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver is provided by Collette, is not an insurance benefit and is not underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company. Payment of a per person Travel Protection Plan fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Travel Protection Plan fee itself, made to Collette for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Cancellation Fee Waiver only reimburses airline tickets you have purchased from Collette.

Collette’s Part A Waiver portion of the Travel Protection Plan  does not reimburse any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. (However, the Part B Benefits referenced below include a single supplement benefit for certain covered reasons, as detailed in Part B.) Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement.

The following is an outline of the Non-Insurance Travel Assistance Services and Insurance Benefits provided in Part B. 

Part B Insurance Benefits are provided by Zurich American Insurance Company:  On tour, insurance benefits can be provided if you: must interrupt your trip or return home early for a covered reason; incur medical expenses for a covered sickness or injury; need to be evacuated due to covered medical reason; suffer a baggage loss or delay of more than 24 hours; are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more for a covered reason.

This benefit is only applicable to Instant Purchase air tickets and any single supplement penalties you are assessed if your Family Member or Traveling Companion has his/her Trip Canceled. This does not cover any other land, air or water Travel Arrangements.

Unless otherwise stated in the plan, this plan will not pay for any loss arising directly or indirectly out of, or as a result of, or from, or that occur to, or are as a result of the actions of, the Insured or the Insured's Family Member, or Traveling Companion, or Business Partner for the following:   

1. suicide, attempted suicide, or intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane (while sane in CO and MO); 2. mental, nervous, or psychological disorders; 3. being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants, unless prescribed by a Physician; 4. Normal Pregnancy, resulting childbirth, and elective abortion; 5. participation as a professional in athletics while on a Covered Trip; 6. Participation in organized amateur or interscholastic athletic or sports competition or related practice events; 7. riding or driving in any motor competition; 8. off-road driving, whether as a driver or as a passenger; 9. declared or undeclared war, or any act of war; 10. civil disorder; 11. service in the armed forces of any country; 12. Nuclear reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination; 13. operating or learning to operate any aircraft, as pilot or crew; 14. mountain climbing, bungee jumping, snow skiing, skydiving, Parachuting, free falling, cliff diving, B.A.S.E. or base jumping, hang gliding, parasailing, travel on any air supported device other than on a regularly scheduled airline or air charter company, or extreme sports; 15. mountaineering where ropes or guides are commonly used including ascending and descending a mountain requiring specialized equipment, including but not limited to anchors, bolts, carabineers, crampons, lead/top-rope anchoring equipment and pick-axes; 16. scuba diving if the depth of the water exceeds 75 feet; 17. The Insured’s commission of or attempt to commit a felony; 18. elective medical or holistic treatment or procedures; 19. Failure of any tour operator, Common Carrier, other travel supplier, person or agency to provide the bargained-for travel arrangements/services; 20. a loss that results from a sickness, disease, or other condition, event or circumstance, that occurs at a time when this Policy is not in effect for the Insured; 21. Epidemic or Pandemic; 22. a diagnosed sickness (if insurance is purchased after such diagnosis) from which no recovery is expected and that only palliative treatment is provided and that carries a prognosis of death within 12 months of the  effective date of the applicable coverage under this Policy; 23. sickness, injury or death if the plan is purchased after entering a hospice facility or receiving hospice treatment; 24. any Trip taken outside the advice of a Physician; 25. or a Pre-Existing Condition including death that results therefrom (within the stated lookback period within your insurance policy. Does not apply to the Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation benefit.) Additionally, this plan will not pay for any loss arising directly or indirectly out of, or as a result of, or from, or that occur to, or are as a result of the actions of, the following that occur to the Insured: any amount paid or payable under any Worker's Compensation, disability benefit or similar law; a loss or damage caused by detention, confiscation or destruction by customs, or; medical treatment during a Covered Trip, or arising from a Covered Trip undertaken for the purpose or intent of securing medical treatment. The following additional exclusion applies to Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits: We will not pay for loss caused by or resulting from sickness of any kind.    

Excess Insurance Limitation:  The insurance provided by this Plan shall be in excess of all other valid and collectible Insurance or indemnity.

Zurich American Insurance Company, a New York domiciled company with its principal place of business at 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196 (NAIC # 16535).

  • $299 adult/$199 child for all domestic escorted tours of 6 days or more 
  • $399 adult/$249 child for all international tours (not otherwise listed below) 
  • $949 adult/$499 child for Antarctica tours 

Air-Inclusive Clients  (Collette Flex Airfare is purchased through Collette)

  • $449 adult/child for all international tours (not otherwise listed below) 
  • $999 adult/child for Antarctica tours 

To review full plan details online, go to  https://policy.travelexinsurance.com/365ZA-0123 .

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tour montana wyoming

tour montana wyoming

Idaho, Montana & Wyoming Tourbook Guide

Including boise, jackson hole, yellowstone national park and grand teton national park.

Explore the rugged wilderness of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming with the AAA TourBook guide. From the impossibly blue skies of Montana's “Big Sky Country” to the diverse wildlife within Yellowstone National Park, America's West offers seemingly endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Plan your next trip with the help of AAA's TourBook travel guide, available now on mobile, tablet or desktop.

With the Idaho, Montana & Wyoming guide, you'll get advice from AAA travel experts about the best things to see and do, where to stay and how to plan the trip of a lifetime. You'll learn insider travel tips and answers to many top questions asked by travelers.

Here's a sampling of what you'll find in the Idaho, Montana & Wyoming TourBook:

  • Why Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons are worth a visit
  • What to see in Yellowstone and Glacier national parks
  • How to experience what life was like in the Old West
  • Why Montana's Going-to-the-Sun-Road is a bucket list adventure
  • Where to find one of author Ernest Hemingway's favorite fly-fishing spots in Idaho
  • How to follow in the footsteps of early explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
  • Where to camp, hike and fish in state parks and national public lands
  • Why astronauts trained for a lunar landing in Idaho
  • How to safely explore Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge

What are some of the must-dos covered in this guide?

We know no two travelers are alike, so we've included a wide variety of things to do in each TourBook, from national parks and recreational activities to museums and theme parks.

We cover the top outdoor spots to visit in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, including Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone and Old Faithful. Learn about local history at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman or the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. Take the whole family to Silverwood, one of the largest theme parks in the northwest. Go behind-the-scenes on a Powerhouse Tour at Montana's Fort Peck Dam, or get up-close with wildlife at the Grizzly Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone or Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg.

You'll find all these attractions and more in this destination guide.

Will this guide help me plan a road trip?

Yes, this digital TourBook guide includes inspiration for scenic drives in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. You can also use the high-quality maps to get started planning your own route.

Is national park information included?

The Idaho, Montana & Wyoming tour book includes detailed information and travel tips for Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

You'll also find travel information about popular public lands such as Devils Tower National Monument, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Explore the Idaho, Montana & Wyoming AAA TourBook, and start planning your next travel adventure today!

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Best Road Trips in the Northern Rockies: Montana, Wyoming and Idaho

Updated : April 19, 2023

AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome

tour montana wyoming

Bkamprath/iStockphoto.com

Best Montana Road Trips

The scenery in Montana is as impressive as it is varied. Thick forests, towering mountains, deep valleys and pristine lakes characterize the western part of the state, which includes the northern Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. It’s the topography of Montana’s west that inspired the name montaña, the Spanish word for “mountain” or “mountainous region.” Of all Montana road trips, this one is perhaps the most popular (and is sometimes referred to as Glacier National Park’s “Road to the Sun”). The 50-mile route cuts across Glacier National Park at an elevation of 6,646 feet and is open seasonally, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. To include the road as part of a longer trip, consider AAA’s , a 374-mile journey that starts in Kalispell, Montana, and ends in the capital city of Helena. (AAA members can take advantage of exclusive member benefits with car rentals from Hertz .)

A drive through the eastern portion of Montana will have you wondering, “Why is the sky so big in Montana?” It’s the prairie grasslands and wide-open vistas of the east that gave Montana the nickname “Big Sky Country.” To see these expansive, impossibly blue skies, consider the following road trips:

• Big Sky Country Road Trip : A scenic 425-mile journey that starts and ends in Billings, Montana, looping through southern Montana and a small section of northern Wyoming. You’ll see the cowboy town of Cody, snow-capped mountains and hairpin turns along Beartooth Scenic Highway , and important sites in Native American history like Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

• Big Sky Back Country Scenic Byway : Farther east in Montana’s Great Plains region, this 111-mile journey takes you through badlands, buttes and rolling prairies.

For Montana drives under one hour, consider these additional trips:

• Flathead Lake West Shore Scenic Highway : Follows the shore of glacially formed Flathead Lake, said to be the largest natural body of freshwater west of the Mississippi River

• Bitterroot Valley Scenic Highway : Begins in rustic Darby, a filming location for the TV series “Yellowstone”

tour montana wyoming

Road Trips Around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Established in 1872, was the first national park in the U.S. and continues to be one of its most-visited, with approximately 4 million visitors each year. If you want to be among those visitors and experience one of the best places for road trips in the U.S., here are a few things to know about Yellowstone:

• The park is big — very big. Based on total land area, Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.

• The vast majority of Yellowstone’s 3,472 square miles lie in northwestern Wyoming, but its boundaries also extend into Idaho and Montana. (Three of the five park entrances are in Montana.)

• Wildlife sightings are common from park roadways, so drive with caution; you may see grizzlies, black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and bison.

• Most park roads are open May through October (weather permitting), but check the Yellowstone road status website for the most current information.

To see Yellowstone’s dramatic river canyons, geysers, geothermal pools and waterfalls in all their glory, take the road trip, a 400-mile journey from Bozeman, Montana, to Jackson, Wyoming, with plenty of national park stops along the way. You’ll enter through the park’s west entrance (in West Yellowstone, Montana) before making a scenic loop that includes the popular Yellowstone Grand Loop in the heart of the park. This Yellowstone drive includes a trip through Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, with magnificent views of Jenny Lake, the Teton Range and the valley of Jackson Hole.

tour montana wyoming

What Else to See on a Wyoming Road Trip (Besides Yellowstone)

Once you’ve done the scenic drives around Yellowstone National Park, what else should you see in Wyoming?Just outside Yellowstone’s northeast entrance is , a two-lane road that’s been called one of the most scenic American road trips. It rises to an elevation of almost 11,000 feet, with plenty of overlooks where you can stop for a photo. (If you’re starting from Cody, Wyoming, take the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway to reach Beartooth Scenic Highway; it offers more views of snow-capped mountains and deep canyons.)South of Yellowstone, you can explore the ski resorts and mountains around Jackson Hole and Star Valley. The Star Valley to Yellowstone Scenic Highway will take you from Yellowstone’s south entrance into Grand Teton National Park and then through Jackson Hole and a handful of small towns near the Idaho border. This trip is a good jumping off point for visiting Snow King Mountain and the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming.North-central Wyoming near the Montana border offers many scenic drives and small towns worth exploring. From I-90 just south of the Montana–Wyoming border, you’ll have your pick of two scenic drives that start on US 14: the is a roughly 200-mile route across the Bighorn and Shoshone national forests on the way to Cody, while the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Highway heads toward Bighorn Lake on US 14A.The follows SR 120 past the vast prairies of Bighorn Basin to Thermopolis, Wyoming, a town known for its hot springs. Continue south on the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway to Shoshoni for more views of canyons, rock formations and the Bighorn River.

tour montana wyoming

Best Idaho Road Trips

Breathtaking mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, raging river rapids and a ski town that rivals Aspen — it’s easy to see why the state of Idaho makes a great road trip destination.The west region of Idaho boasts the , a 90-minute drive that snakes along the Payette River, with frequent pull-offs to admire the view.Scenic drives in Idaho’s central region will acquaint you with the state’s remote wilderness and craggy granite peaks. The follows SR 75 through Sawtooth National Recreation Area, passing the popular resort towns of Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley along the way. You may see wildlife like pronghorn antelope, deer, elk and wolves in this area.Another must-do road trip in the central region of Idaho is the , which follows the Salmon River (also known as the River of No Return, due to its strong current) past waterfalls and spectacular areas for whitewater rafting. As you near the Montana border, you can put yourself in the shoes of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who traveled through these mountain passes in 1805 on their journey west.In northern Idaho’s panhandle is a portion of the only International Scenic Byway in North America: . This 88-mile section of the Selkirk Loop offers great river scenery and wildlife watching opportunities around the Selkirk Mountains. (Make the full international loop — bring your passport! — by adding on Washington’s International Selkirk Scenic Loop to the west and British Columbia’s International Scenic Loop to the north.)Nearby is the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway , a two-lane road that follows the Clark Fork of the Columbia River from the Idaho–Montana border to Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced pond-ah-RAY), one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Pacific Northwest.

tour montana wyoming

Best Time of Year for a Northern Rockies Road Trip

June to September is the best time of year for a Northern Rockies road trip, with the best chances of sunny skies and mild temperatures occurring in summer. July is the hottest month on average in these states.

Given the ideal driving conditions in June, July and August, expect plenty of crowds when road-tripping through tourist-heavy areas like Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton national parks in summer months.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park in the fall or spring, keep in mind that roads may close for winter conditions as early as October and remain closed until mid-April. In Glacier National Park, roads at higher elevations (such as the alpine portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road) can close in October and remain closed until late June or early July.

Some roads in Grand Teton National Park may close from November through April or mid-May for winter recreational use.

Winters are particularly harsh in the Northern Rockies, and driving in winter months can be dangerous due to slush, frost, snow, ice and white-out conditions.

No matter the season, always be prepared for dramatic temperature changes and unpredictable weather in the Northern Rockies, especially at higher elevations.

tour montana wyoming

Start Your Next Road Trip with AAA

AAA Travel provides peace of mind for travelers — from the first mile of the journey to the last. Get inspiration for your next road trip and locate AAA Diamond designated hotels and restaurants with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner , or browse pre-planned itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips . Estimating fuel costs for your trip is easy with the AAA Gas Cost Calculator , and if your car needs a quick tune-up before the trip, find a AAA Approved auto repair facility near you at AAA.com/AutoRepair . For printed maps, AAA TourBook guides and trip planning advice, contact your local AAA office .

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As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

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6 Days 726 Miles

The Montana & Wyoming Road Trip You’ve Been Dreaming Of

The Rockies

An Unforgettable Rocky Mountain Itinerary

Looking for more time with nature, moments of spectacular grandeur, and some of the most incredible scenery America has to offer? Montana and Wyoming are ready to deliver all of that and then some. Step away from virtual calls and the constant ding of incoming email — and step into one of the world’s most beautiful places. This is a trip you’ll never forget. There’s a lot to see, so we’ve mapped out the perfect itinerary to hit three National Parks, each offering distinct and unique landscapes, wildlife and experiences. We’ll start out with Glacier National Park and neighboring Whitefish, Montana. We then head down to Yellowstone National Park with visits to Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana. To close out this road trip of a lifetime, we’ll end with Grand Teton National Park.

Wintertime in Montana is a whole different experience, so this trip is best taken between June and September. Our ideal visit is right after Labor Day — the crowds diminish with school back in session, but the weather is still pleasant for hiking. The bison and elk ruts this time of year make September as good as it gets. Traveling with the family in the summer? The trip is still phenomenal, but it might require a little extra planning and flexibility.

Buckle up, we’re heading to Montana!

Day 1 & 2 – Glacier National Park

The beauty of Glacier National Park will leave you speechless. Glacier-fed turquoise lakes, ice-capped mountain peaks, roaring waterfalls, and northern wildlife are all pieces of this magical place — but it’s the fresh mountain air that stays with you. Breathe it in and enjoy every second.

Fly into Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, and rent your car from there. An SUV is great, especially if you’re traveling with a family, but a standard car makes parking a breeze and should also get you up and down the mountains just fine.

Glacier National Park sometimes feels like a combination of several epic national parks. Called the “crown of the continent,” it’s the type of experience that will stay with you forever. Ice rivers slowly carved this section of the Canadian Rockies, from mossy old-growth forests to glistening alpine meadows. With glaciers , lakes, and rivers in sparkling shades of blue surrounded by rugged mountains in every direction and over 700 miles of trails — it’s a hiker’s paradise.

Not a hiker? Not to worry. Take a scenic drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road . This spectacular 50-mile road spans the width of Glacier National Park, giving you a view of the park’s interior. Endless picturesque pullouts and viewpoints sit along the road, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass . You’ll see large, crystal-clear glacial lakes, gorgeous forests, and alpine meadows — and on a good day even spot mountain goats, moose, and bears.

You need at least two days to really experience all Glacier has to offer. Take one day to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road from end to end, stopping to hike, grab lunch, and enjoy the beauty of this magnificent park.

On the second day, check out Two Medicine—take a boat trip around the lake with Glacier Park Boat Company or hit the trails on one of the area’s 14 hikes. When you’re done exploring this gorgeous section, head up to Many Glacier or the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1932, Glacier National Park partnered with Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, to create the world’s first International Peace Park. (Bring your passport if you plan to cross into the Canadian side.)

Glacier National Park will take your breath away with stunning views and out-of-this-world vistas. It’s the ultimate first stop on an epic exploration of Montana and Wyoming.

The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River includes complimentary watercraft rentals, including kayaks, double kayaks and paddleboards.

Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park

The quintessential small mountain town, Whitefish offers restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, live music, shopping and nightlife year-round. If you don’t want to fly in, Amtrak’s daily Whitefish stop brings you right into the heart of the action of this perfect Glacier home base.

Among ample lodging in Whitefish, the Pine Lodge on Whitefish River has cozy rooms and tons of complimentary amenities with your stay.

Need a shuttle to downtown Whitefish? It’s included. Want to kayak the Whitefish River? That’s also included. Need to fill up with breakfast before you head into the park? Included. Looking to beat your travel partner at pool or shuffleboard? You guessed it — included. You get the point; there’s plenty to do at the Pine Lodge, and it all comes with your stay!

However, please be aware that there is a daily amenity fee required for certain activities during the summer months.

Day 3 – Gardiner, Montana

Now let’s head to Yellowstone! There’s some serious drive time between Glacier and Yellowstone, but plenty of amazing Montana locations to stop at along the way. Here are some of our favorite places to grab lunch, hit the trails, or just take in the scenery of Big Sky country.

Butte, Montana

Originally a gold and silver mining camp in the 1800s, Butte became the “richest hill on earth” when its copper deposits were discovered at the turn of the century. Butte is a charming city nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Southwest Montana, with natural hot springs, boating, fishing, trolley tours, and more. Don’t miss the Our Lady of the Rockies statue, standing 90 feet tall on the ridge overlooking Butte.

Bozeman, Montana

Whether you’re looking for dramatic mountains for hiking, rock climbing, and fly-fishing or a flourishing arts community featuring festivals, art galleries, live music, and farmers markets, Bozeman shines as America’s “most livable place.” Enjoy rooftop dining in what many call a foodie paradise, check out one of Bozeman’s many museums, or take a river rafting tour — there’s something for everyone in Bozeman.

Lewis & Clark Caverns

Montana’s first and best-known state park is Lewis & Clark Caverns. These unbelievable limestone caverns are filled with stalactites, helictites, and stalagmites; electrically lighted; and naturally air-conditioned. Informative and fun guided tours are available May through September. This is a super fascinating spot to view incredible underground scenery and cool off on a hot day.

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is huge with multiple areas to explore (better), which is why this trip is best made over a few days in different locations. Let’s start with the wildlife (bison, wolves, and bears — oh my!) that make Gardiner a great spot to hunker down for the night before hitting the road early in the morning. Gardiner sits at the original entrance to Yellowstone, nestled between the Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness and Gallatin Range. With no big-box stores and lots of local merchants, this full-service town has an Old West feel. Gardiner offers the easiest access to Lamar Valley (wildlife central) in Yellowstone, so you’ll want to rise early and catch the park’s most famous inhabitants.

There are a number of lodging options in Gardiner, but one of our favorite spots is The Ridgeline Hotel® at Yellowstone . Ideally located just minutes from the North Entrance (and the Roosevelt Arch), this hotel sits directly on the Yellowstone River.

It has an on-site restaurant, heated indoor pool and hot tub, casino/bar area, and Wi-Fi (to update your social media with photos from the trip). Super comfortable accommodations and instant access to the park equals a win for us!

Day 4 – Yellowstone National Park

Your first day starts with ALL the wildlife in Lamar Valley. The secret to seeing the most wildlife is driving in at dawn. Grab your continental breakfast to go from the hotel and jump in the car — don’t forget your binoculars.

Before heading through Yellowstone’s North Entrance, take a drive (or walk) through the Roosevelt Arch for a FOMO-inducing photo by the park sign. Yellowstone is America’s first National Park and the North Entrance is the original entrance, so take a minute to appreciate all the history that took place here.

The drive from the North Entrance into Lamar Valley is beautiful, and it usually doesn’t take long to encounter wildlife of some sort. Bison seem to be everywhere up here, and it’s a true thrill to get caught in a bison jam (which we’d take over a traffic jam any day)!

A fan favorite in Lamar Valley is Yellowstone’s wolf packs, and the best times to glimpse these beautiful predators is dawn and dusk. Keep your eyes peeled — it’s a rare and special moment to get to see wolves in the valley.

After taking Lamar in for the morning, head back toward the entrance and over to Mammoth. This section of the park has NPS Visitor Centers, a restaurant, an awesome gift shop, and more, so it’s a great place to stop for lunch and souvenirs before checking out Mammoth Hot Springs .

Take the afternoon to check out Mammoth, Norris Geyser Basin, and Artists Paintpots as you travel toward the West Yellowstone Entrance to the park. Want a full breakdown of our favorite locations? Click here.

When you’ve explored to your heart’s extent, exit into West Yellowstone, Montana… this is where we’ll be spending night two of our Yellowstone adventure.

The Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone are ideal for family and friends traveling together or a romantic getaway.

West Yellowstone is a gateway community filled with fun things to do — tons of restaurants, a ropes and ziplining course, and our favorite, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center . The Discovery Center offers visitors an opportunity to observe, understand, and appreciate grizzly bears and gray wolves that are unable to survive in the wild. A fascinating, up-close look at some of Montana’s most incredible animals, it’s definitely worth a stop.

West Yellowstone has tons of lodging options for every type of traveler. Two of our favorites are the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone and Yellowstone Park Hotel . The Explorer Cabins combine the charm of cabin lodging (CABINEERING™) with the joys of generational and dog-friendly travel. They’re ideal for family and friends traveling together or a romantic getaway. Each private cabin boasts stylish décor, fine linens, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette for whipping up your favorite meals. Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and throughout the property. Trust us, s’mores by the campfire at the Explorer Cabins will be a favorite road trip moment.

Yellowstone Park Hotel features well-appointed rooms, free Wi-Fi, a heated indoor swimming pool, and a hot tub, for the perfect opportunity to relax after a long day of exploring. Other rooms may include fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.

Day 5 – Yellowstone National Park

Our stars of the day are the geysers, springs, and thermal features Yellowstone is famous for. The West Yellowstone entrance can get backed up in the summer, so plan to hit the road early again. Sunrise in this section of the park is also spectacular, and you won’t be sorry you got up before the sun as you watch it peek over the mountains and fill the valleys below with golden light.

Today is all about Yellowstone’s lower loop. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful , and Grand Prismatic are some of the scenic spots you’ll be seeing, and we promise you… every stop is even more spectacular than the last.

Try to hit Grand Prismatic when the sun is high in the sky for the best view of the colors, and take the Fairy Falls trail to see it from above. It’s a relatively easy hike and the payoff after the short climb is worth every breath on the way up. Old Faithful goes off like clockwork and park rangers pinpoint when it’s expected, so you can time your arrival at Old Faithful Inn perfectly to grab lunch and then watch an eruption. The Upper Geyser Basin here is home to over 150 hydrothermal wonders you won’t want to miss exploring.

As you go along, one thing you’ll notice about Yellowstone is the phenomenal variety of destinations in the park. Every location is a different world and there’s so much to discover in this magical place.

At the end of the day, head back into West Yellowstone for one more night before heading down to Grand Teton first thing in the morning.

Mormon Row and Moulton Barn on Antelope Flats is the most photographed barn in Wyoming and quite possibly the world.

Day 6 – Grand Teton National Park

Dramatic scenery, stunning snow-covered peaks, and rivers meandering through unbelievable vistas — welcome to Grand Teton National Park . Coming from West Yellowstone, you’ll want to leave early (we know, this trip is full of early wake-up calls), and head south to the Yellowstone South Entrance. These two majestic parks are only 31 miles apart, so it’s only about half an hour from the South Entrance of Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park. Coming this way, there’s actually no formal entrance station into Grand Teton.

On your way in, we highly recommend stopping at the Jackson Lake Overlook , an idyllic welcome into the park. Beautiful lake views and stunning rocky peaks offer a great taste of what’s to come in Grand Teton. As you explore, you’ll find endless spots to take in the views. Oxbow Bend is stunning every day, but catch it when the mountains and sky reflect off the river and you’ll get the photo of a lifetime.

Jenny Lake is a must-see location, with incredible hiking, water rentals, a store and visitor center, and more. We also recommend renting a canoe to experience this beautiful area from the vantage point of the water.

Take the day to discover this stunning park before heading into Jackson, Wyoming, for your last overnight stay.

On your second day in Grand Teton, explore the park further and hit some of the many photo-worthy scenic spots — there’s no shortage. Mormon Row and Moulton Barn on Antelope Flats is the most photographed barn in Wyoming and quite possibly the world. This place feels a little bit like stepping into a movie, so keep an eye out for Tristan from Legends of the Fall.

We’re willing to bet this week-long Montana and Wyoming road trip is one you’ll never forget. Drop your rental car in Jackson and fly out of the Jackson Hole airport to start your trip home (and start planning your next epic adventure).

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Wyoming Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Wyoming. We've got 61 adventures going to Wyoming, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 10 days. The most popular month to go is August, and the most popular destination is Yellowstone National Park .

61 Wyoming tour packages with 100 reviews

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure Tour

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure

Tim was a great tour guide. He was knowledgeable, helpful, and always upbeat. Time with the wildlife expert was phenomenal. the tour itself was excellent. The good ranking has to do with communications from Intrepid Travel, which were poor and lead to changed air flights and other headaches.

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure Tour

  • Photography
  • Walking Adventure

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Although the tour was very expensive- over $2000 for 3 days is over the top- it wss a great experience, saw lots of wildlife and the guide was outstanding

4 day Yellowstone and Tetons in depth tour from Salt Lake City Small Groups Tour Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

4 day Yellowstone and Tetons in depth tour from Salt Lake City Small Groups Tour

Unique landscapes and extraordinary new friends. We walked, we laughed, we saw animals wild, exuberant nature, great mountains and gazers.
  • 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days)

The Tour Director and driver were first class, keeping us both very amused, and very safe. Some of the downsides were due to the weather, at times, which nothing could be done about, so we got on with it. Some of the main downs were due to my naivety, in thinking some facilities (like cash paying taxis from SLC airport; I persuaded a friendly Uber driver to accept cash!) were what I was used to, and that I wouldn't have to re-enter security when changing planes from LHR to SLC, at PHX, even though I was on a connecting, booked, flight, and my baggage had already been labelled for both airports appropriately, at LHR. Altogether, a very good, and memorable holiday, where I visited some parts of the Parks that I visited before, but saw many more, and different sights in them.

8 Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Explorer Tour

  • Mountain Hikes

8 Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Explorer

Great tour, we feel like we saw everything there was to see and then some. We had a fun group and Dennis Bailey, our guide, was ever attentive. He held us together really well with great stories and knowledge of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone. We highly recommend touring with Southwest Adventure Tours.

Yellowstone Camping Explorer Tour

  • Kayak & Canoe

Yellowstone Camping Explorer

5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure Tour

5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure

The Bucketlist group travel team was well organized, friendly, and excited an fun packed adventure. It was an awesome adventure. Best travel adventure I've experienced.

National Parks Family Journey: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour

National Parks Family Journey: Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday Tour

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday

Yellowstone Base Camp Tour Tour

Yellowstone Base Camp Tour

The Yellowstone Base Camp tour was excellent. We covered a wide variety of Yellowstone sites from the popular attractions to beautiful but less frequented locations. Our guides, Chris Rapich and Ed Cochran, were great. They provided a lot of information about the park and wildlife, made great meals and did everything they could to make this a memorable experience. I'd travel with them anytime.

National Parks of America\'s West Tour

National Parks of America's West

The tour agency made it so convenient for all of us. The driver, tour guide and tour director were all pleasant and helpful.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Yellowstone Tour Tour

Best of Yellowstone Tour

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Grand Tetons Adventure Tour

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Grand Tetons Adventure

5 Day- Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park in Depth- Hotel Based Tour

5 Day- Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park in Depth- Hotel Based

Yellowstone Discovery (Classic, 7 Days) Tour

Yellowstone Discovery (Classic, 7 Days)

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National park road trip to Glacier National Park.

Gawk at the glorious vistas dotting Glacier National Park. (Photo: Getty Images)

Road Tripping Montana and Wyoming’s National Parks on a Budget

From the heat of Devils (Tower) to the icy of Glacier ( National Park ) cool, a road trip t hat starts in eastern Wyoming before heading northwest into Montana will overload your mind with the wonders of nature — in the best possible way. Another perk? You can make the drive without taxing your wallet.

Hiking and star gazing make for mighty fine entertainment, and aside from national park fees (and there’s a way to reduce that cost, too), they don’t cost a thing.

The road ahead features stops where you’ll have to make choice after choice about what you have time to see and what can wait until your next visit. Anybody who tells you a national park is a one-trick pony is, quite simply, mistaken.

Before You Start your National Park Road Trip

The most important card you can put in your wallet for this trip? An America the Beautiful Pass from the National Park Service. The days ahead will find you in three national parks and a handful of national monuments. The joint entrance fees to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks alone run $50 per vehicle.

But the pass allows you to buy a year’s entry to the entire National Park system — that’s 59 National Parks and more than 1,950 other sites — for a budget-friendly $80. (Military members get a free pass. Seniors? Just $10 for a lifetime pass.)

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Road Trips to Take This Summer

Start in wyoming national parks: devils tower.

Start your road trip with a visit to Devils Tower National Monument , where you can spend hours walking around and around one of the grandest single-focus natural sites you’ll ever see. Devil’s Tower rises up out of the ground, looking like a massive tree stump statue carved from stone.

Hike around the Tower — and other nearby trails — by day, and stick around at night to see Devil’s Tower silhouetted against the night sky.

Devils Tower to Grand Teton National Park

Distance: 432 miles

Get an early start for a driving day that will take you to Wyoming ’s  Grand Teton National Park . There are two routes to consider: Head slightly south first for a visit to the shortgrass prairie of Thunder Basin National Grassland , or head toward Highway 90, which passes through Bighorn National Forest , a 189,000-acre wilderness area that offers plenty of hiking opportunities in view of the Rocky Mountains’ kissing cousins, the Bighorn Mountains.

After a leg-stretching hike, continue on to Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Mountain range has a jagged, “yeah, try-me” look about it — but there’s great beauty under that imposing view.

Take a scenic drive through the park to watch for wildlife , from the wee yellow-pine chipmunk to the massive (yet surprisingly graceful) bison.

Lucky wildlife spotters may even get a glimpse of a mountain lion or a lynx. To get a different view of the park, settle onto a raft for a relaxing jaunt (just $56 per person) with National Park Float Trips .

SEE ALSO:   Take an Untamed Road Trip to the West’s Best Adventure Towns

Grand teton to yellowstone national park.

Distance: 6.9 miles (does not include driving distances within each park)

A quick trip up Route 191 brings you to Yellowstone National Park . Though Yellowstone can be a crowded place — there are always loads of people waiting to watch Old Faithful do its thing — don’t skip it. The geothermal pools are mesmerizing.

Make the most of your visit by taking the park up on the bevy of free ranger activities and talks on offer. Definitely do some hiking in the park, from easy wanders down boardwalks to outings more extreme.

If you’ve done a drop of hiking but you’re not quite comfortable on your own (or you’ve never hiked in bear country ), consider going on a guided hike with one of the park’s licensed outfitters ; the outings are affordable, and because you’ll learn a lot and have a safe day on the trail, it’ll be well worth the price.

SEE ALSO:   A Local’s Guide to Driving Vancouver’s Picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway

Yellowstone to glacier national park.

Distance: 440 miles

Another six to seven hours of driving (north this time) and you’ll land at your final destination: Glacier National Park in Montana. But you just might want to add an extra day or two to stop along the way there.

Just outside of Missoula — a college town worth a visit for lunch — sits the wonderfully-named Lolo National Forest , which offers two million acres of hiking and other adventures. Foragers take note: Lolo is rich with mushrooms and berries . But make sure you get the proper permits before picking a thing.

Then it’s on up to Glacier National Park. With some of the country’s most beautiful hiking trails , your eyes will be as busy as your legs. For an easygoing hike, head down the 1.1-mile Forest and Fire Nature Trail where you’ll see regrowth of a forest and, from spring into summer, a riot of wildflowers.

Since this is a road trip, take note: Don’t skip the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road scenic drive . Between gawking at Mother Nature’s handiwork and marveling over the incredible engineering feat of building the road, you’re in for a treat.

Yeah, that thing about adding a few days? Think about it. Happy trails!

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Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

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Choose from classic or small group (averaging 24 guests).

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Uniquely Tauck

Yellowstone Tours

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Insider stories about the national parks during filmed narratives by Ken Burns & Dayton Duncan

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

   

Stays at sought-after inside-the-national-park accommodations in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks

Rafting adventure along the Snake River, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Tetons

Visit to the Mormon Row Historic District inside Grand Teton National Park

Extensive exploration inside the world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park

Visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

The soul of the American West... Naturally inspiring, the landscapes of the American West challenge the imagination with jaw-dropping canyons, gurgling mud pots, geysers, and wide-open spaces... while towering mountains are a study in contrast, harboring wildlife and man-made wonders. 

A day at ta guest ranch, a taste of the cowboy life at a working wyoming ranch.

Make your way through Wyoming's breathtaking Bighorn Mountains to an authentic (and fun) western ranch experience at TA Guest Ranch in Buffalo. Homesteaded in 1884, the ranch was once the site of a shootout during the infamous Johnson County War that pitched cowboy against cowboy in these parts in 1892 – you can still see some of the old bullet holes! But today's visit will be a peaceful one… where you can choose to meet a horse whisperer, learn roping techniques from real cowboys, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or saddle up for a horseback ride... and enjoy a private lunch on the ranch.

A night at the rodeo

Attend the exciting cody nite rodeo (seasonal, june – august).

Way out here in Wyoming, nothing promises more real Western fun than an honest-to-goodness rodeo... especially in a town named for the legendary Wild West showman, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and often called the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Established in 1938 and operating June through August, the Cody Nite Rodeo is the world's longest-running nightly rodeo. Get set for an evening filled with bull riding, saddle bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and a "calf scramble" for kids 12 and under.

Old Faithful Inn

Stay in a classic national historic landmark in yellowstone national park.

One of the largest log structures in the world, Old Faithful Inn was designated a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1904 of native lodgepole pine – and the epitome of the "National Park Rustic" architectural style – it is set within walking distance of Old Faithful Geyser, just one of Yellowstone's many natural wonders... including geysers, fumaroles and boiling hot springs.

This relatively untamed territory makes you proud of those who had the foresight to set aside the space for National Parks.

Dean Horton

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

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Arrive Early

Jackson lake lodge.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins

Holiday inn® cody at buffalo bill village.

Cody, Wyoming

The Ranch at Ucross

Ucross, Wyoming

The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

Rapid City, South Dakota

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,   you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section entitled Airline Security Measures under Additional Information to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are a citizen of the U.S. or Canada who travels frequently between the two countries, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here . Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date
  • Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Email Address*
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
  • Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

  • Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
  • Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
  • Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
  • Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
  • Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S., we suggest that contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

Some of the excursions on this tour are:

  • Whitewater rafting on the Snake River, the journey is roughly 2 hours and requires stepping in and out of an inflatable raft
  • Guided horseback riding on a working cattle ranch, guests are required to show ability to mount/unmount and for safety reasons, a weight restriction of 225 pounds is in place. 

There are no elevators at The Ranch at Ucross or at the Holiday Inn® Cody at Buffalo Bill Village, and while none of the planned activities are especially strenuous or difficult, we urge caution when engaging in activities at high elevations. If you have a heart condition or lung ailment, please consult your physician before you book your trip.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

The Jackson Lake Lodge, Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel are all non-smoking hotels and a very large fine will be assessed if it is determined that anyone has smoked while on property.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here .

The high temperatures in the summer months average 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C) and the lows average 40 to 60°F (4 to 16°C). The overnight temperatures can drop to the freezing point even during the summer at the highest elevations. Rainfall is light to moderate throughout the region. Salt Lake City receives the least amount of rain with an average of less than 1 in (25 mm) per month during summer; Jackson averages 1.5 in (38 mm) and Rapid City averages 2.5 in (63 mm.)

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.

All of our hotels offer valet laundry service for a fee except for the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel and The Ranch at Ucross.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

The national park lodges do not have televisions or Internet hook-ups, so bring along a good book to read!

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (VERY IMPORTANT)
  • Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
  • Long pants or jeans (long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for the horseback riding)
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
  • Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms
  • Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
  • Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
  • A book or e-reader to read in the evening, or downloaded podcasts or video programs to watch during your free time.
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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A great American road trip through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming

Clint Henderson

Talk about a great American road trip. I've been living at my father's ranch in rural Montana ever since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our New York City offices in March 2020. While I miss my colleagues and New York City, being in the West has given me great opportunities to see parts of the country I'd never explored before. That includes some national parks and more of Montana and states I hadn't even been to, like the Dakotas and Wyoming.

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Today, I'll take you on a road trip from Bozeman, Montana, to Bismarck, North Dakota, to Rapid City, South Dakota, and then on to Cody, Wyoming, before heading for a stop in Yellowstone National Park back in Montana. Along the way, you get to see places like Mount Rushmore, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Devils Tower and, finally, Old Faithful.

Start your trip in Bozeman, Montana

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Bozeman was once a sleepy cow town, but that's history. It's a veritable boomtown -- one of the fastest-growing cities in the West. The town's charming Main Street offers tons of shopping, bars and restaurants.

The Museum of the Rockies is a must-visit. It's got the largest collection of dinosaur remains in the world, including a very impressive Tyrannosaurus rex.

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And there's been insane growth at the airport : Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) bills itself as the "Gateway to Yellowstone." It's the busiest airport in Montana, with nonstop service to 19 U.S. cities.

American Airlines has been betting big on Montana and added four seasonal flights in 2020 and several more in 2021 . American flies to Bozeman from Los Angeles (LAX), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) nonstop.

I found tickets for between $239 and $425 in the main cabin. Award prices started at 12,000 AAdvantage miles in coach or 50,000 miles for first class, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.

United Airlines flies to Bozeman from six of its hubs, and Delta Air Lines also flies from six hubs, including Salt Lake City (SLC). Alaska Airlines has flights from Portland, Oregon (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), and Seattle (SEA), and Allegiant flies from four cities, including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA). Frontier flies from Denver (DEN) and Sun Country now flies from its Minneapolis hub. JetBlue flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) and from Los Angeles (LAX).

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There are several brand-new hotels, including one of my favorites, the four-star Kimpton Armory hotel that opened in 2020. Rates range from $207 to $299 a night during August and September. If Marriott is more your speed, there's a nice newish Element Hotel as well.

Related: The new Kimpton Armory in Bozeman, Montana

A day in Billings, Montana

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Once you're done exploring Bozeman, your road trip begins in earnest with a just over two-hour drive to Billings in I-90 East. Billings is the largest city in Montana and is also experiencing rapid growth. This is really where the Great Plains begin. I'm not a huge fan of the town, but there are some things to see.

There are several walking trails you can do in the city and the surrounding areas, including ones that will get you some nice views of the cliffs surrounding the town or even on the cliffs.

There's also a park called the Shiloh Conservation Area that has turned an undeveloped 66 acres in West Billings into a wetland area to help control flooding and pollution in the Yellowstone River that flows through town.

If you want to spend the night, there are a ton of cheap hotels and motels in Billings. I stayed at Hampton Inn, which was fine. Rates for summer start at $136/night or 30,000 Hilton Honors points.

A side trip to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park

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It's just over a one-hour drive from Billings to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park and well worth going a little out of your way. You take Interstate 90 in a nearly straight shot all the way there.

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This national monument is a memorial to one of the last of the major battles between Native Americans and the U.S. military. It pitted the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry against warriors from the Arapaho, Lakota and Northern Cheyenne tribes. This place is popularly known as Custer's Last Stand and the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. More than 265 were killed and it was a major defeat for the U.S. Army. Now the site is preserved as a compelling tribute to those killed on both sides of the battle.

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Plan on a pit stop in the charming little cowboy town of Miles City, Montana. I got gas here last summer and stopped into the famous Montana Bar on Main Street. It opened in 1908 and is considered one of the best-preserved Western bars in the state.

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Theodore Roosevelt National Park

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It's a four-hour drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota on Interstate 94. You should probably plan on spending the night in nearby Medora, North Dakota, or even Dickinson, North Dakota, unless you don't mind a six-hour drive direct to Bismarck. That wouldn't get you much time in Little Bighorn or in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Medora's Badlands Motel has basic rooms for between $119–$172 a night.

Related: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopenings

The park is 70,400 acres in the badlands with a ton of hiking trails. You don't need more than a day here, in my opinion, though it's worth a visit. I spent about two hours on a small hike from the parking lot at the Painted Canyon Visitors Center. You could probably spend a few days at the park on various hikes if you are so inclined.

Bismarck, North Dakota

It's another two-hour drive to Bismarck, North Dakota, the state capital and where you can stay the night at one of many moderately priced hotels.

I enjoyed walking around the state capital building and exploring the historic downtown, including Camp Hancock State Historic Site built in 1872. There's a cool old train station nearby, and you can do the whole town in just a few hours.

Lots of mid-tier hotels to choose from, including a Radisson, Holiday Inn, a Courtyard by Marriott or a Home2Suites by Hilton. Prices range from $84-$127. That's not too bad for peak summer travel.

Rapid City, South Dakota

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It's a long five-hour drive from Bismarck to Rapid City, so you'll be in the car for much of the day. Your reward is the charming town known as the City of Presidents.

There are also five national parks within drives of Rapid City: Badlands National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Minuteman Missile Silo National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Also within reach? Crazy Horse Memorial, the Native American version of Mount Rushmore with the giant face of Oglala Lakota leader Crazy Horse carved into a mountain in the Black Hills.

You could spend a week based in Rapid City and do day trips to all these national parks and memorials if you have the time. There's also a thriving restaurant scene in the town.

I found midrange hotels for this summer from $85 all the way up to $250 a night. The Hilton Curio Collection Alex Johnson hotel in Downtown Rapid City looked charming, though it is already sold out on many dates this summer.

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You're less than a half-hour from Mount Rushmore in Rapid City, so plan on making the town your base.

Mount Rushmore

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No trip to the Dakotas would be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore. It blew me away and was so much more impressive than I expected when I first went a few years ago. It should be on every American's bucket list.

Related: 11 of the best destinations in the United States

It's a short drive from Rapid City. Keep your eyes open for mountain goats on your drive to the park.

There's no entrance fee to visit, but there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle or RV. It's just $5 for senior citizens. It's a bit of a hike from the parking area to walk around the base of the mountain, so keep that in mind. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free.

Be sure to do the short hike around the monument to really get a sense of the scale and grandeur of the monument.

Deadwood, South Dakota and a drive through Sturgis

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On your way from Mount Rushmore, it's worth a stop or even a day or two in nearby Deadwood, South Dakota. It's about an hour and a half from Mount Rushmore on a beautiful drive.

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This charming little "Old West" town has lots of little shops and curiosities. It was established as a town in the 1870s during the Black Hills Gold Rush. The whole town is a National Historic Landmark. It's now more famous for another type of gold rush -- gambling has been legal here since 1989.

Related: Voyage to Mt. Rushmore

And if you don't mind absolutely zero social distancing, you can make a stop in Sturgis, South Dakota. If you really want to roll the dice, time your visit to coincide with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. There's not much to Sturgis aside from lots and lots and lots of bars, but that's the idea of a good time for lots of folks.

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Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

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It's a 90-minute drive from Deadwood to Devils Tower. This was probably my favorite thing to see in all my Western road trips last summer -- what a spectacular natural wonder. You can spend a few hours on hikes around the massive rock formation. Many people go for either sunrise or sunset here. You can even do rock climbing on the steep face of the butte.

It was the first United States national monument in the country and it was dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. It was also where they filmed a famous scene in the 1977 movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Indeed, it feels other-worldly here.

Cody, Wyoming

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It's a five-hour drive from Devils Tower to Cody, Wyoming, where you should probably spend the night before heading to Yellowstone. It's just an hour and 15 minutes from Cody to the east entrance of Yellowstone.

There is plenty to do in this rugged Wyoming town of fewer than 10,000 people. I highly recommend the Buffalo Bill Center of the West , which includes five museums. Colonel William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody helped found the town in 1896. He was one of the most famous men in the Old West, legendary for his buffalo hunting, cowboy skills and showmanship.

There is a Holiday Inn at Buffalo Bill Village with rates in June around $181/night, or you could use 47,000 IHG Rewards points.

There is also a Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton that looks pretty basic for about $185/night or 56,000 Hilton Honors points.

Yellowstone National Park

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If you stay the night in Cody, it will give you a full day to explore the park. You'll enter via U.S. Highway 14/20 and it's about 53 miles to Yellowstone's East Entrance. The route will take you through the eastern entrance of Yellowstone and around the beautiful Yellowstone Lake.

Related: Complete guide to Yellowstone National Park

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You'll have the opportunity to stop at the museum and visitors center near Lake Village and there are plenty of hikes or scene overlooks on the way. Once you're done exploring the Yellowstone Lake area, head on over to Old Faithful. It's a massive geyser that erupts reliably every 60 to 110 minutes. It's a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and easily accessible by road, and park rangers can tell you when the next eruption is during the day. Don't worry if you missed an eruption. It happens 20 times a day, and the plume of water and steam can be as high as 180 feet!

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Watch for buffalo that are frequently loitering around the area.

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If you want to stay the night, you can actually stay right at Old Faithful. I wrote a complete guide to where to stay in Yellowstone . Check it out for ideas, but try one of the very intimate little cabins if your party is not too large.

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The road from Old Faithful to West Yellowstone is filled with sites to see and a ton of spectacular geysers and hot springs too. There are hikes and lots of wild animals roaming around to boot.

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West Yellowstone, Montana

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The final stop on your road trip is West Yellowstone, Montana. You should plan on staying the night here before your long drive back to Bozeman (give yourself two and a half hours).

There's a decent Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in August start at $370 a night. That's steep, but if you book early, you can certainly find better rates. A long weekend in September will set you back $306 a night, or you can use 33,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night. I stayed here in 2020, and it was very basic but clean. I'm not sure it's worth $300 a night. I wouldn't pay that much.

Related: Where to stay in and around Yellowstone National Park

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There's also the Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone , staring at 15,000 Wyndham points per night. If you have Best Western Rewards points, you could try the Best Western Desert Inn or the Best Western Weston Inn , both from 28,000 points per night.

There's plenty to do in West Yellowstone too without even going back inside the park. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center comes highly recommended, where you can see live bears and wolves up close. There's also zip-lining and river rafting nearby.

And, check out the visitor information center in the town itself, explore the fun tourist-trap shops lining the streets and be sure to grab some huckleberry ice cream. It will be just one of the many memories you make on your road trip.

USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem - ()

Usa - montana & wyoming: greater yellowstone ecosystem.

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There is nowhere in North America as iconic as Yellowstone National Park. Towering mountains, spewing geysers, vast forests and valleys harboring the highest megafauna density on the continent make this a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the classic American West. But the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as it is known by locals and researchers, is much more than what is found within the National Park’s borders, despite its enormous size. The ecosystem includes huge, pristine prairies, alpine crags and meadows, near-arid desert, and the most diverse and lovely scenery one could hope for.

For birders, a visit to the Yellowstone region means Longspurs parachuting over Mountain Plover chicks, Western Tanagers at the same feeders as Red Crossbills, Black Rosy Finches foraging at the feet of Mountain Goats, Brown-headed Cowbirds on the back of the original bovine of the continent – the Bison. Yellowstone means time spent observing wolves and bears foraging, hunting, in their natural habitats, otters and Barrow’s Goldeneye frolicking in the Lamar River, and some of the most spectacular geothermal sites on Earth.  Any visit to Yellowstone is memorable and unique, but there is so much more to be seen and enjoyed than most visitors could conceive.

Day 1.  Arrive Bozeman, transfer to Hotel in Livingston.  Day 2.  Prairie Birding all AM, return via Cottonwood Reservoir and Shields Valley. Overnight Gardiner. Day 3.  Paradise Valley Birding AM, PM birding and wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. Overnight Gardiner. Day 4.  All day wildlife and birds in Yellowstone National Park. Overnight Cooke City.  Day 5.  All day wildlife and birds in Lamar Valley. Overnight Cooke City.  Day 6.  Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge. Overnight Red Lodge.  Day 7.  West Rosebud and Bridger Creek en route to Bozeman. End Tour in Bozeman.

Day 1 - Arrival Day.

Guests will arrive to the quaint Bozeman Airport where they will be met by YellowstoneWild staff for transport to their accommodations in Livingston. The group will convene for introductions and a nice meal, as well as discuss the upcoming adventure. 

Day 2 - Bridger Range, Shields Valley, and Paradise Valley. 

The day will begin at Battle Ridge campground, high in the mountains, where we will look for Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker, Pine Grosbeak and other montane birds. This site is one of the few semi-reliable spots for Great Gray Owl outside of Yellowstone National Park, and both Saw-Whet Owl and Northern Goshawk are frequently seen here, though all of these require a bit of luck. Depending on recent sightings, we might skip Battle Ridge and head directly towards Cottonwood Reservoir in the Shields Valley. The ecological diversity in the Shields River Valley is impressive, and worth a full morning! We will no doubt encounter our first Sandhill Cranes, Golden Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Mountain Bluebirds, and Pronghorn of the tour here, but we will first focus on the Sage habitats looking for Sage Thrasher and Brewer's Sparrow. We will also make brief stops for Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail (sometime responsive, not always), and always have our eyes open for Gray Partridge. Cottonwood Reservoir is an amazing place! We will spend time here enjoying the displays of Eared and Western Grebes, huge American White Pelicans, as well as an exceptional array of breeding waterfowl including Barrow's Goldeneye, before heading South to Livingston for lunch. The early afternoon will be spent at a nice local riparian area on the Yellowstone, and visiting a spectacular feeder setup for breeding birds like Calliope and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Evening Grosbeak, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red Crossbill, Cassin's Finch, Northern Waterthrush, Western Tanager and Bullock's Oriole. We will finish the day with a stop up Tom Miner Basin, where we might get our first views of Moose or Grizzly Bears! 

Days 3, 4 & 5 - Yellowstone National Park.  

These days will be devoted to exploring and enjoying Yellowstone National Park to the fullest. We will visit a few of the famed geothermal sites during the slower parts of the day, but focus primetime viewing hours on what the park is best known for: charismatic megafauna. While there will plenty of great birds to search for, including Harlequin Duck, Common and Barrow's Goldenye, Dusky Grouse, Williamson's Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Great Gray Owl (rare), Pine Grosbeak, Audubon's and MacGillivray's Warblers, Ovenbird, and American Dipper, we will spend much of our time soaking up the scenery and observing the behaviors of the amazing wildlife here. We will dedicate a fair amount of time to locating and observing the famous Wolves of Yellowstone, hoping to come across a carcass, or perhaps even a pack hunting. Every year there are wolf dens staked out, so with luck we should see some pups, too! Bears are, of course, the other big predators of Yellowstone. On our route we should have several good opportunities to watch both Black and Grizzly Bears foraging, often with cubs in tow. Other exciting predatory species we often encounter include Coyote, Red Fox, River Otter, and Badger, while Mink and Ermine are less commonly seen though possible. Those are just the predators...the multitude of Yellowstone visitors are content simply watching the massive herds of Bison that thrive in the park. We will be at the right time of year to see the youngsters at their cutest and the herds will often be strolling right down the road creating the all too common "Bison Jam". It's an incredible experience to have a huge bull Bison stroll past within inches of the vehicles! Majestic Elk are also a common sight in the park. Depending on the time of year (Aug-Oct) the Bison rut and Elk rut offer some unique experiences ranging from the classic Elk bugling in the crisp morning air, to bull Bison in flat-out combat for dominance. Always exciting to watch these huge creatures! Photographic opportunities will be countless, so bring plenty of memory cards. And while this description of our time in Yellowstone is relatively brief, the steam and colors of Mammoth Falls, incredible sight of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and stretching views down the Lamar Valley are but a few of the peaceful yet inspiring things we will experience, aside from the wildlife and birds. 

Day 6 - The Beartooth Pass, Hellroaring Canyon, and Red Lodge.  

Today will be one of the most dramatic and exciting days of the tour. By most testimonials, in fact, the drive from Cooke City to Red Lodge is one of the most dramatic and breath-taking days of the visitor's entire life. Starting near Cooke City in search of Wilson's Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Lincoln's, White-crowned, and Fox Sparrows, we begin in the beautiful high montane forest dominated by Englemann's Spruce and Subalpine Fir trees, with a high likelihood of encountering Moose. Shortly after breakfast, we will begin the ascent towards Beartooth Lake, Beartooth Plateau, and ultimately over the second-highest paved road in North America: Beartooth Pass. Climbing through beautiful meadows, dense stands of Subalpine Fir and White Pine, we will make our way across the most spectacular scenery in the lower 48. Fields covered in dozens of species of flowers, Mountain Bluebirds, Clark's Nutcrakers, Canada Jays, and finally we will pass above treeline, leaving the wind-swept, stunted firs (limbs growing from just one side of the trunk known as the "krummholz" effect) behind, with endless views of peaks, steep glaciated valleys, rock walls, and rolling alpine grasslands before us. It truly is something to behold! At these elevations (nearly 11,000 feet) there is understandably little diversity. The conditions here in any month can be erratic and harsh, and we will undoubtedly be standing in snow at times, even in Mid-Summer. But the lifeforms that have adapted to the difficult climate here are all the more impressive for it. Enter the Mountain Goat. While, by now, we have surely seen our fair share of Bighorn Sheep which are duly impressive, Mountain Goats are their own level of hardiness. Balancing on tiny ledges and effortlessly jumping and pelting themselves through rockfalls and across cliff faces, the Mountain Goats of Beartooth Pass are some of the most beloved by locals. Approachable, relatively docile, and seemingly unperturbed by almost everything around them (save a Grizzly or Wolverine) the two herds of Mountain Goat that frequent the Pass are a highlight of any visit to the region. That's just the goats! Don't get us started on how cute American Pika and Yellow-bellied Marmot are. The birds here are certainly special, too. At this elevation and habitat, there are two principal species to be sought. One is the American Pipit. While relatively drab in color, and not uncommon in Winter, to see the males hovering high above flower-covered meadows skylarking, singing endlessly in flight, is a spectacle that paints them in a different light. Black Rosy-Finch is the other. With a breeding population restricted to the highest elevations of just six mountain ranges, this is one of the most desired birds for enthusiasts and "hardcore" birders alike. The fact that they breed behind rocks on vertical cliffs that must be mostly snow-covered as a requisite is, alone, an incredible behavior the species has evolved! We will end the day in the adorable mountain town of Red Lodge, which has to be one of the nicest and most exemplary "mountain towns" of the region. The Hotel Pollard is centrally located on Main Street, and we will arrive in time for folks to take a stroll through town before convening for a fine dining experience. 

Day 7 - Prairies, Woodpeckers, and a fond farewell. 

We will set out fairly early, though not necessarily as early as previous days, for our final day's sights and sounds. We will make our way directly out of the mountains North into the prairie country that dominates Central and Eastern Montana. Focusing out time near Harlowton, the first thing most visitors notice on the prairie is the sounds: Sparrows, Longspurs, and Pipits dominate the scene! Special sights of the day will include parachuting McCown's and Chestnut-collared Longspurs by the dozens. Sprague's Pipits will grace the sky, singing loudly as they hang suspended midair to broadcast for a mate. Ferruginous Hawks and Golden Eagles will be cruising the fields in search of Ground-Squirrels and Cottontail, while Long-billed Curlew and, with luck, Mountain Plovers will make themselves known as they defend nesting territories. Both Grasshopper and Baird's Sparrows are thankfully common here, and often sit up to sing, sometimes very closeby. We will spend a bit of time talking about this very special, disappearing habitat, as these native grasslands are considered the most imperiled ecosystem on the continent. It will be a treat to enjoy the scarce and localized birds that call it home. After enjoying our time in the prairies, en route back to Bozeman we will make a special side trip into an old burn. Burns are very important events in the mountain west, and they allow for certain species to survive in areas they otherwise would not. This especially applies to cavity nesters. Before calling it quits, we will spend a bit of time at a special site in search of the stunning Lewis's and Red-headed Woodpeckers! This particular site is about the easternmost for Lewis's, and the westernmost for Red-headed. The fact that they occur side by side is astonishing. Other species here include Ponderosa specialists like Plumbeous Vireo and Pygmy Nuthatch, while the gorgeous Lazuli Bunting is common. It will provide an interest, colorful, final day to our sweeping tour of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem." 

This tour is perfectly designed to see the rarest and most desirable species for birders, at a pace anyone would enjoy. There will plenty of time for bird and wildlife photography, as well as downtime and wonderful options for cultural and shopping alternate activities, should any guests request an afternoon off.

Gardiner - www.wonderlandcafeandlodge.com , Cooke City - www.yellowstonelodges.com , Red Lodge - www.thepollardhotel.com

We’ll begin the day around 4:45am, as the sun rises early in Montana. We’ll have a light field breakfast at our first destination, after coffee and snacks in the accommodations before departure. Birding and Wildlife observation is great throughout the day, though we will plan to have a two-hour break, after lunch, during the heat of the day when activity is lowest. We will head back out again around 15:00 or 15:30, continuing to seek out the specialty birds and wildlife experiences we desire, until dusk. Owling is optional, and will be available on two of the six nights of the tour.

Great driving conditions and easy through some of the best scenery on the continent.

Hot Spring soaking, flyfishing, hiking, shopping, horseback riding, rafting.

Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations. Prices include water, non-alcoholic drinks associated with meals, all meals starting dinner on the Arrival day in Bozeman (MT) - ending Lunch on Final Day of services, all guides services, administrative costs, all transport costs, National Park entrance fees, and accommodations. The quoted prices do not include beverages other than water outside of mealtimes, alcoholic beverages of any kind, or consumptive charges incurred at accommodations outside of room charge.

Black Rosy Finch, Sprague’s Pipit, Thick-billed & Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Mountain Plover, Dusky Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Sagebrush Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow.

Top Mammals

Gray Wolf, Grizzly Bear, Bighorn, Mountain Goat, American Bison

Habitats Covered

shortgrass and mixed-grass Prairie, Riparian Deciduous Forest, Sagebrush Steppe, Lake and Marsh wetlands, Montane Coniferous Forest, Alpine grassland

Expected Climate

daytime temperatures typically range 65 -80F, with cool evenings in the 50s – 60s. Though the odd afternoon thunderstorm is likely, weather is typically very enjoyable with little precipitation.

Max Group Size

6 with 1 Rockjumper Leader and local leaders where necessary

Tour Pace & Walking

tour pace is relaxed, with a few short hikes that are best for species like Black Rosy-Finch and Grouse. Overall, easy and pleasant walking conditions on road and trails.

Accommodation

3-4 star accommodations throughout the tour, with Chico Hot Springs and the Pollard being highlights.

Ease of Birding

generally easy, though sometimes species like Northern Pygmy Owl or Gray Partridge can be a little tricky to pin down.

Number of Species Expected

Other attractions.

wildlife and photography, of course, are amazing. Soaking in Chico Hot Springs, viewing Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, driving the beartooth highway over the second-highest drivable pass in the country, art galleries and shops in Livingston, visit the Yellowstone Film Ranch.

Photographic Opportunities

incredible photo ops of dozens of bird species and some 14 species of mammal, minimum

What our clients say about us

Forrest Rowland

SR - Montana 2021

This tour exceeded our expectations. Forrest Rowland is an exceptional guide. His intimate knowledge of Yellowstone Park and the general area and the species of animals and birds that inhabit the area are invaluable to the experience, but more than that his unbridled enthusiasm, superior patience, and ability to adjust to circumstances ensured the success of this trip. The area was hit with a very unusual early snowstorm that closed large parts of the park and many roads, but Forrest was able to pivot and ensure that we got to see animals, birds, and geothermal sites despite the difficult conditions. He organized excellent field lunches and great dinners in town and always had several backup plans in mind in case the weather turned either worse or better. The accommodation was located perfectly for easy and quick access to the park, and we found the hotel very comfortable with friendly staff. Forrest also organized a talk for our group with a wolf and bird expert from the Yellowstone Park staff, and this was certainly a highlight of the trip as it provided even more context and background for what we saw every day. I would travel with Forrest again regardless of the destination because he is a guide who will make sure that no matter where we travel the experience will be superior.

Stephan Lorenz

JS, Texas 2021

We enjoyed the tour. Stephan was great in every way and Claudia also terrific. The locations were interesting. The Lost Maples area was really lovely. The bat cave experience was amazing!

PJ, Montana

By selecting the northern part of the NP, we avoided most of the huge traffic jams and could focus on the wildlife; also well-planned were the days outside of the NP. Forrest Rowland is extraordinary: total mastery of the area from the daily routes to the trails and what is where when, to substantive knowledge about the ecology, public policies governing land and water use, all of which is seamlessly integrated throughout the course of the day and week. He's able to handle difficult situations, such as the approach of a bear, to tour members who could be distracting. Days were planned, integrating sufficient down time, and flexible to utilize unique opportunities that arose with the appearance of target species. Each day proved enjoyable, filled with cumulative knowledge gained through good views of species and time to absorb the environmental context.

Adam Walleyn

SB, California 2021

Adam Walleyn was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable, helpful and he worked very hard to find the birds and take care of the many logistical matters. I would gladly tour with him again.

EL, Montana, USA 2022

Forrest Rowland led the tour, he was very good spotting birds and getting participants on the birds. Very friendly and professional, I would sign on to another tour with him.

USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 2024

23 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 (8 days)

USD4,595 - No Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Forrest Rowland

Tour price (Per person): USD4,595 * GBP3,641 * EUR4,259 * AUD7,051

Single Supplement: USD670 * GBP531 * EUR621 * AUD1,028

USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem I 2023 - June 2023

USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2023 - May 2023

USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2023 - April 2023

USA - Colorado: Prairie Chickens, Grouse & More 2023 - April 2023

USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande 2023 - February 2023

USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties, Monsoon Breeders & Hummingbirds 2022 - August 2022

USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2022 - May 2022

USA - Florida: Spring Migration & Specialities 2022 - April 2022

USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2022 - April 2022

USA - Colorado: Prairie Chickens, Grouse & More 2022 - April 2022

USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone in Winter 2022 - February 2022

USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande 2022 - February 2022

USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande II 2021 - December 2021

USA - California: Southern Specialties 2021 - December 2021

USA - Arizona: Hummingbird Migration, Monsoon Breeders & Night Birds II 2021 - August 2021

USA - Arizona: Hummingbird Migration, Monsoon Breeders & Night Birds I 2021 - August 2021

USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2021 - May 2021

USA - Texas: Hill Country Specialties and Wildlife 2021 - April 2021

USA - Texas: Migration Spectacle along the Upper Texas Coast 2021 - April 2021

USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2021 - April 2021

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Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota Luxury Road Trip

Traveling through Wyoming to Montana to South Dakota, this road trip will immerse you in the best of the West. From an insider look at rodeos to bountiful wildlife sightings to hidden gem Western towns, this is a trip you won't soon forget.

Jackson and Grand Teton

The town of Jackson has a family friendly rodeo twice a week during the summer months. The first night, you’ll have the chance to get a “behind the scenes” look with one of the rodeo owners .

Whether you are looking for a scenic two hour float in a wooden Mckenzie Boat or a wild river rapid ride (or both!), your guide will lead you on your personalized adventure on the Snake River. The river runs the valley floor, bordered by groves of willow trees, a favorite moose haunt, and wide open sagebrush flats, home to herds of pretty pronghorn antelope and packs of sage grouse.  After you arrive at a riverside camp, you’ll be served appetizers and drinks in a spectacular spring creek setting, before enjoying a gourmet dinner in the private tipi camp.

At night, you’ll be joined by a private astronomer as you head to a dark site inside Grand Teton National Park. Take advantage of the thin, high altitude air and dark skies to marvel at deep space objects through their high-powered telescopes.

Yellowstone National Park

You’ll drive north through Grand Teton National Park to the southern entrance of Yellowstone . Along the way you’ll cross the Continental Divide and m ake your way through the park, stopping along the way. This may be for the spectacular falls (Lower and Upper) that cut through the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or a trip to Old Faithful and the geothermal geyser basins nearby. Your professional naturalist guide will ensure you are able to spot as much of the native wildlife as possible. Finish your last day here on the edge of the park in the town of West Yellowstone .

Paradise Valley

Next, you’ll travel north along the steep sided and beautiful Gallatin River Valley.  Near the mountain town of Big Sky, stop for a hike up into the Gallatin National Forest. Alternatively, meet a wrangler for a private trail ride into the Yellowstone backcountry. When passing  through Bozeman, be sure to pay a visit to the Museum of the Rockies , an excellent insight into the history of The West. 

You’ll be met by your guide in the morning and driven to a put in point on the Yellowstone River that meanders through the idyllic Paradise Valley. The Yellowstone River is one of the greatest trout streams in America and, even if you are not an avid fisherman, there is no better way to spend a day than floating a river. After the morning float, you’ll pull up to enjoy a picnic lunch on the bank.

Cody is one of our favorite towns in Montana and Wyoming .

To get there, your road trip continues west through classic ‘Big Sky’ country. The town of Livingston , more rugged and down to earth than its booming neighbor Bozeman, is home to an eclectic mix of artists, writers and authors. 

Located between two spectacular wilderness mountain ranges, the Beartooths and Absarokas, you’ll travel two of the most breathtaking roads in the West. After the dramatic switchbacks of the Beartooth Highway , you’ll continue along the Chief Joseph Butler Highway that threads its way through the Shoshone Forest. 

A visit to the  extraordinary Buffalo Bill Center of the West , with the best collection of its type in the world, is a must for anyone interested in the history of the region. In the evening, make your way to the rodeo grounds for the Cody Nite Rodeo, where you’ll get a chance to see some of the country’s leading cowboys and cowgirls in action.

Next, you’ll drive through Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest to the town of Sheridan.

Sheridan and Big Horn National Forest

Drive to the Southern Black Hills. Stop to explore the little western town of Buffalo, before continuing west.  At the edge of Wyoming, you’ll have the chance to detour to Devil’s Tower National Monument , an otherworldly rocky sentinel and site of significance for several Native American tribes.

After crossing into South Dakota , drive the spectacular Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and visit the historic gold rush towns of Deadwood and Spearfish .

The Black Hills and Badlands National Park

With Keystone as your homebase for the next few days, you’ll have plenty of options to explore the Black Hills, Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore.  Nearby Hill City , is well worth spending some time wandering through as well. The forming mining town is now home to multiple art galleries, as well as the Museum at Black Hills Institute .

Head south to the beautiful Custer State Park . Drive the scenic wildlife loop, where bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and deer are plentiful. Stop at one of the historic lodges in the park for lunch or a drink. Drive the beautiful Needles Highway as it climbs through the hills and past the peaceful Sylvan Lake.

The twisted spires and pinnacles of the Badlands give it an eerie, otherworldly feel. Despite its barren appearance, the Badlands are filled with life. Home to bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, deer, fox, coyotes, burrowing owls, and other prairie animals, including the rare black-footed ferret, the Badlands are a wildlife wonderland.

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