Thursday

Almanza's/Chase

Vancouver/Portland

Spokane

O'Russa Castle

Do:

Lodge:

Day 4

Sunday

7:00 a.m.

Do:

Breakfast-Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room

8:00 a.m.

See:

Albright Visitor Center  (8-7)

9:00 a.m.

Optional:

Hot Springs Discovery—Explore Yellowstone’s powerful geologic past and present while meandering around the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Learn how these dynamic travertine formations are unique among the park’s thermal features. Route climbs stairs; may be strenuous for some. Meet at the Liberty Cap rock formation, at the base of the hot springs. 1½ hours

11:00 a.m.

Upper Terrace Loop Drive

12:00 p.m.

Do:

Lunch- Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Grill

1:00 p.m.

Depart:

Mammoth Hot Springs

(From the hotel take the Grand Loop Rd. towards Tower Jct.)

See:

Petrified Tree

1:45 p.m.

Arrive:

Tower

21

Tower Falls 132 Ft. (Hike l/2 mile downhill)

Roosevelt Lodge Gift Shop

Old West Dinner Cookout  (Reserved 7/22/10 by Mindy for 8 in a wagon)
The dinner cookouts take place in Pleasant Valley, a large meadow about three miles from Roosevelt Lodge. Guests are transported to the cookout from Roosevelt Corral via covered wagons or horses, all of which arrive at the cookout site.  Be there at 4:45 p.m.. 
All guests are seated together at open-air picnic tables and dinner is served buffet-style under a protective canvas roof. And if this is not enough, you'll find your boots tappin' to old western songs sung by our singin' cowboy.  You may have come here as a city slicker, but you'll go back as a regular cowpoke. 
All cookout guests return to the Roosevelt area between 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  $58.91 48 cancellation for entire reservation, change anytime

8:30 p.m.

Depart:

Tower-Roosevelt Area

9:00 p.m.

Arrive:

Canyon Village

19

Lodge:

Canyon Lodge Frontier Cabin- $137.87/$275.74/4- 2 Doubles, motel-style units built in the 1950's and arranged in modules of 4 or 8 units. These units have a private bathroom equipped with shower, toilet and sink. Two double beds. They have received basic renovations in recent years. No telephone. No views of canyon. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.

(40)

Day 5

Monday

See:

Canyon Visitor Center (8-7)

Inspiration Point- is a natural observation point. It is at a location where the canyon wall juts far out into the canyon allowing spectacular views both upstream and down.

Grand View

Lookout Point-This was a popular lookout for many early visitors to the park. Noticing that it got regular visitation, in 1880 Superintendent P.W. Norris built a railing here and the location has been called Lookout Point ever since.

Do:

Lunch- Picnic Area before Upper Falls or Canyon Village-Canyon Lodge Cafeteria or Dining Room, Outdoor Store fast food, General Store Restaurant

Lower Falls Viewpoint-The Lower Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park at 308 feet. The arrow at the top of the photo points at a group of visitors on the platform at the Brink of the Lower Falls.

Upper Falls View-Of the two famous Yellowstone River waterfalls this one stands at a higher elevation, but it is considerably shorter in height than its downstream neighbor, the Lower Falls.  The height of the Upper Falls is 109 feet.

Uncle Tom's Trail-The trail drops 500 feet (150 m) in a series of more than 300 stairs and paved inclines.

3:00 p.m.

Optional:

Walking the Edge- Enjoy learning about the ecology, geology, and history of the canyon while walking along the South Rim Trail with a ranger. Gain stunning views of the Yellowstone River, the Upper and Lower Falls, and the gorgeous colors of the canyon walls. Meet a park ranger at Uncle Tom’s Parking Lot on the South Rim Drive (road to Artist Point) for this easy walk of approximately 1 mile. 1½ hours

Artist Point

Optional:

Yellowstone Canyon Talk- From a classic viewpoint, enjoy the Lower Falls, Yellowstone River, and the spectacular colors of the canyon while learning about the area’s geology and history. Discover why artists and photographers have been drawn to this special place. Join a park ranger on the lower platform at Artist Point on the South Rim Drive for this short talk. X 10–15 minutes *10 am talk geared for families with children of Junior Ranger age (5–12). X 20–30 minutes

Do:

Hamilton Store, Nature Shop, Canyon Gift Shop

Dinner- Canyon Lodge Cafeteria or Dining Room, Outdoor Store fast food, General Store Restaurant

6:00 p.m.
 

Optional:

Call of the Wild-Both before and since Yellowstone was established as a national park in 1872, people have been drawn to and inspired by this area. The human history of Yellowstone is filled with many fascinating and interesting stories. Join a ranger for an engaging talk about the people of Wonderland. Meet in front of the Canyon Visitor Education Center. X 45 minutes

Lodge:

Canyon Lodge Frontier Cabin- $137.87/$275.74/4- 2 Doubles, motel-style units built in the 1950's and arranged in modules of 4 or 8 units. These units have a private bathroom equipped with shower, toilet and sink. Two double beds. They have received basic renovations in recent years. No telephone. No views of canyon. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.

Day 6

Tuesday

8:00 a.m.

Do:

Breakfast- Canyon Lodge Cafeteria or Dining Room

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

Canyon Village

(Continue south.)

9:30 a.m.

Arrive:

Lake Village/Fishing Bridge

16

See:

Visitor Center-(8-7) Exhibits on the park’s birds, other wildlife, and lake geology. Information & YA store.

Hamilton Store, Nature Shop, Canyon Gift Shop

Mud Volcano (short loop)          

10:00 a.m.

Storm Point Saunter- Wander along the ever-changing lakeshore and through a diversity of landscapes including a lush meadow dotted with wildflowers and an ancient forest of spruce, pine, and fir. Experience Yellowstone in its true splendor. Meet at Indian Pond and the Storm Point trailhead, 3 miles east of Fishing Bridge. Easy. 2 hours

11:00 a.m.
Sun.,Tues.,
Thurs

Optional:

Beach and River Stroll -“No other lake in North America of equal area lies so high as the Yellowstone, or gives birth to so noble a river,” declared John Muir. Take a close and compelling look at both lake and river, and explore park history.  Meet at the Fishing Bridge Amphitheater. Easy. 1½ hours

12:00 p.m.

Do:

Lunch-Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room or Hotel Deli

1:00 p.m.

Depart:

Lake Village/Fishing Bridge

1:30 p.m.

Arrive:

West Thumb/ Grant Village

21

See:

Geyser Basin

See:

Grant Visitor Center (8-7)

10:30 a.m.
4:00  p.m.

Optional:

Hot Water Wilderness -Come to the West Thumb Geyser Basin and explore the origins of glittering geysers, belching mudpots, and emerald hot springs. Stroll along the shores of Yellowstone Lake to uncover West Thumb’s explosive past and dynamic future. Meet at the West Thumb Visitor Information Center. Roundtrip distance is ¾ mile. Easy. X with assistance 1¼ hours

3:00 p.m.

Depart:

Grant Village

(Go south on Hwy 89/191/287. 

4:00 p.m.

Arrive:

Grand Teton National Park (Use Yellowstone Pass)

20

Colter Bay Visitor Center (8-7) A large bookstore, information desk, auditorium, telephones, restrooms

4:00 p.m.

Optional:

Museum Grand Tour-Tour a spectacular collection of American Indian art and artifacts while learning about the native people who make them.  45 minute-ranger led

5:15 p.m.

Depart:

Colter Bay

(Continue south.  Get park map.)

5:30 p.m.

Arrive:

Jackson Lake Lodge

4

Do:

Dinner-Jackson Lake Lodge Restaurant

Depart:

Jackson Lake Lodge

(Go back north.)

Arrive:

Colter Bay

4

Lodge:

Colter Bay Log Cabins $175- 2 Doubles and 1 Twin Bed OR $139- 1 Double and 1 Twin (Reserved by Amy on 7/22/10, call back in September with new expiration date on Capital One card)  Canceled 8/30/10 for C3740F and C37411 Mary
Our rustic but quaint one bedroom log cabin is affordable and comfortable. The duplex style cabin has two double beds and one twin size bed. It will have a private bathroom with a walk in shower, toilet, and sink. This accommodation has linoleum floors with area rugs. The cabin has electricity, heat and all of your linens are provided for you. There are no televisions, radios, telephones, coffee makers, or air conditioning. The cabins are located throughout a wooded area tucked along the shores of Jackson Lake. Although you cannot see the lake from your cabin, it is just a short walking distance away. Also just a short distance away are two restaurants, a grocery store, designated picnic and grilling areas down by the lake, and a launderette.
Call (800) 628-9988

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Day 7

Wednesday

Do:

Breakfast
Bring sack lunch

8:00 a.m.

Optional:

Lakeshore Stroll-Enjoy panoramic views of the Teton Range on a leisurely stroll and learn about the creation of the landscape.  Meet at Colter Bay Visitor Center Flagpole.  Ranger led (Easy, 1 mile, 1 hour)

Arrive:

9:00-10:00 a.m.

Optional:

Morning on the Back Deck-Look for wildlife in a wetlands community.  A ranger is on hand with a spotting scope for your viewing pleasure and to answer questions. 9-10:30 anytime (Jackson Lake Lodge Back Deck)

5

See:

Potholes Turnout

Mount Moran Turnout

Mountain View Turnout-features an area where you can pull over, and a sign explaining the names of the mountains included in the scenery.

Jenny Lake Visitor Center (8-7)

12

Teton Glacier Turnout-lose-in view of the three Tetons

See:

Windy Point Turnout-has a sign explaining the names of the mountain peaks. You can pull over and take in the scenery, or look for wildlife with a pair of binoculars.

Arrive:

6

Menors Ferry Historic Area -Begins at the Chapel of Transfiguration Parking Lot in Moose and passes Bill Menors cabin and ferry, and an exhibit of photographs at the Maud Noble cabin.  (Easy, l/2 mile loop, l/2 hour)

Craig Thomas Discovery Center (8-7) The Discovery Center features natural history exhibits, a relief map of the park, and an introductory video.

(Turn right on Teton Park Rd.)

Moose Junction

2

See:

Arrive:

13

See:

Depart:

Arrive:

13

Blacktail Ponds Overlook-Half-mile north of Moose on Highway 26/89/191. Old beaver ponds have filled in and now support grassy meadows where elk graze during the cooler parts of the day. Several kinds of ducks feed in the side channels of the Snake River. Moose browse on willows growing along the river.

Glacier View Turnout-Turnout offers spectacular views of the Teton Mountain Range.  Grand Teton, at 13,770 feet, is the highest peak in the middle, flanked by Mt. Owen on the right and Middle Teton on the left.

Teton Point Turnout

See:

Snake River Overlook-with views of the river and the Teton Mountain Range.

Arrive:

Cunningham Cabin-1800’s cabin (Easy 1 hour, ¾ mile walk)

15

Arrive:

Arrive:

10

Lodge:

Same as Day 4

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Day 8

Thursday

Do:

Breakfast-
Sack Lunch

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

Grand Teton National Park

9:40 a.m.

Arrive:

Grant Village

10:20 a.m.

Arrive:

Old Faithful

20

Black Sand and Biscuit Basin Trails-Easily accessed by boardwalks less than a mile in length, Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, Jewel Geyser, and Sapphire Pool are among the features found in these less visited basins. Both areas are included in the Old Faithful area trail guide.  Trailhead: 0.5 and 2 miles north of Old Faithful area, respectively.  Distance: Less than 0.5 (0.5 km) miles each.  Level of Difficulty: Easy

1:00 p.m.

Optional:

Black Sand Walk -Discover a lesser-known gem! As you stroll through one of Yellowstone’s most striking hydrothermal areas, you’ll learn about volcanic geology and the unique history of Black Sand Basin. Easy half-mile walk. Meet at Black Sand Basin parking lot, one mile north of Old Faithful. X with assistance 1 hour

Midway Geyser Basin Trail-The boardwalk leads visitors by impressive features including Excelsior Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring.  Trailhead: Parking area 6 miles north of Old Faithful.  Distance: 0.5 mile (0.5 km) loop. Level of Difficulty: Easy 

Firehole Lake Drive- (3 Miles) Great Fountain Geyser

Fountain Paint Pot Trail-Yellowstone's four types of thermal features can be seen in one short walk along this loop trail: geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. A trail guide is available for this area, which also includes the Firehole Lake Drive area.  Trailhead: Parking area 8 miles north of Old Faithful.  Distance: 0.5 mile (0.5 km) loop.  Level of Difficulty: Easy

8

Arrive:

8

Do:

Old Faithful Visitor Center (8-7) Award-winning film about hydrothermal features. Geyser eruption predictions. Information & YA book store.

2:30 p.m.

Stroll around Old Faithful-Take an easy 3/4 mile walk with a ranger around Old Faithful Geyser.  View dramatic hot springs and geysers while gaining insight into Yellowstone's dynamic geology.  Meet at the Old Faithful VC 45 minutes

8

5:30 p.m.

Do:

Geyser Discovery Stroll -Learn about one of the rarest geological features on Earth—geysers!  Accompany a ranger through the Upper Geyser Basin exploring the world of geysers. Meet at Castle Geyser, ½ mile west of Old Faithful (15-minute walk from the Visitor Center). 1½ hours

Do:

Dinner- Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, Old Faithful Snow Lodge Restaurant, Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria, Snack Shop, Lodge Snack Shop

7:30 p.m.

Do:

Old Faithful Evening Feature Starting May 30
Each evening a different aspect of Yellowstone’s wonders will be featured during this 45-minute outdoor talk. Meet the ranger at the benches in front of Old Faithful near the Old Faithful Visitor Center. X 45 min.

Lodge: 

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Day 9

Friday

Do:

Breakfast

8:00 a.m.

Geyser Hill Walk -Geyser Hill is at the heart of the world’s greatest concentration of geysers.  Experience this special corner of the park and learn about the relationship between Yellowstone’s volcanic history and hydrothermal features on this1¼ mile walk. Meet at the temporary Old Faithful Visitor Center. 1½ hours

10:15 a.m.

Depart:

Old Faithful

11:00 a.m.

Arrive:

Norris Geyser Basin

30

Do:

Norris Geyser Basin Museum (9-5) Exhibits on the hydrothermal features of Yellowstone. Information & YA store.

Norris Geyser Basin

10:20 a.m.
3:30 p.m.

World’s Tallest—Talk -Discover how geysers work at the world’s tallest active geyser! Meet at Steamboat Geyser, about a 15-minute walk from the Norris Geyser Basin parking lot. In poor weather, the talk will be held at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum. Check with a ranger at the information desk. 20 minutes

1:00 p.m.

Depart:

Norris Geyser Basin

(Back south on the road.  Exit out Madison to West Yellowstone.)

1:45 p.m.

Arrive:

West Yellowstone

32

See:

Shops

Lodge:

(62)

Day 10

Saturday

(North on Hwy 287.)

Arrive:

1959 Earthquake Area

20

See:

Earthquake Damage

(Watch for the junction west to Virginia City still on Hwy 287.)

Arrive:

Virginia City, MT

47

See:

Ghost Town

Lunch

Virginia City

(Continue on Hwy 287.  It will enter Hwy 41/287.  Go right/north.  It will become Hwy 55.  Enter I-90.  Go west.)

Butte, MT

75

Do:

1:45 p.m.

Depart:

Butte

(Continue west on I-90)

4:00 p.m.

Arrive:

Missoula, MT

119

Do:

Dinner

4:30 p.m.

Depart:

Missoula

(Continue west on I-90.)

6:30 p.m.

Arrive:

Montana Border Rest Stop

100

Do:

Rest Stop

6:45 p.m.

Depart:

Montana Border

8:00 p.m. PT

Arrive:

Spokane

100

(461)

Do:

Day 12

Monday

Depart:

Spokane

Arrive:

Portland/Vancouver

345

(345)

Total

Each

Almanza Gas (700 miles)

$105.00

$26.25

Yellowstone Gas (1300 miles)

$195.00

$48.75

Mammoth Hot Springs Cabin

$135.00

$38.46

Canyon Frontier Cabin (2 nights)

$242.00

$68.94

Colter Bay Log Cabins (2 nights)

$350.00

$87.50

Old Faithful Cabins

$121.00

$33.83

West Yellowstone Motel

$120.00

$30.00

$58.91

Food at $25 a day per person

$200.00

$200.00

Total

$592.64