Expedition Details
Explore two of America’s greatest natural treasures: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. On a variety of excursions designed for families, discover Yellowstone’s geothermal and wilderness wonders looking for bison, bears, elk, eagles, and coyotes. Hike along the edge of the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and witness iconic Old Faithful’s thrilling eruption. Embark on a scavenger hunt in search of wildlife and wildflowers, then head south to the awesomely jagged peaks of the Teton Range. Hop on a boat on Jenny Lake, and descend the thrilling rapids of the Snake River.Trip Highlights
- Meet Brutus, a local grizzly bear raised by naturalist and Nat Geo WILD host Casey Anderson.
- Go on a wildlife safari in search of bears, wolves, elk, bison, and more.
- Discover bubbling mud pots and steaming, stinky fumaroles; and watch Old Faithful erupt into the sky.
- Take to the wild waters of the Snake River on an adventure that the whole family will love.
Itinerary - 7 Days
Day 1 — Bozeman, Montana/Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming
Meet in Bozeman and kick off your adventure at Montana Grizzly Encounter, a bear rescue and education sanctuary founded by Casey Anderson, the intrepid host of Nat Geo WILD’s Expedition Wild series. Meet Brutus the bear, orphaned as a cub and raised by Casey to be an ambassador for his wild grizzly cousins. Then travel to Yellowstone National Park—the world’s first national park—and settle into the historic village of Mammoth Hot Springs. Tonight, gather for a family-friendly welcome reception and dinner.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins (D)
Day 2 — Lamar Valley
Get the kids up early for an unforgettable drive into the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, where gray wolves were first restored to Yellowstone in 1995. Keep your binoculars handy and your eyes peeled as you search for bears, elk, eagles, and the elusive wolf in this sweeping glacial valley. Later, return to Mammoth and enjoy an afternoon stroll along travertine terraces sculpted by hot springs, and explore what remains of the original Fort Yellowstone.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Today, our destination is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a spectacular, 20-mile chasm in the heart of the park. Walk along the rim to see cascading waterfalls set against a dazzling palette of red and gold. In Hayden Valley, look for bison, coyotes, elk, and perhaps even a grizzly. Then trace the shores of Yellowstone Lake, and continue up and over the Continental Divide to the Upper Geyser Basin and our historic lodge, located just steps from Yellowstone’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful.
Old Faithful Inn* (B, L, D)
Day 4 — Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins
Wake up to the clockwork eruption of Old Faithful, and watch its steaming plume shoot into the sky. With more than 300 geysers, Yellowstone’s geysers make up two thirds of all those found in the world. On an excursion with our expert, discover an incredible landscape of stinky fumaroles, belching mud pots, and gem-colored mineral pools. This afternoon, kids head off on a fun and educational scavenger hunt with the kids coordinator amid this natural wonderland, while adults have a chance to hike further or unwind at our lodge.
Old Faithful Inn* (B, L, D)
Day 5 — Grand Teton National Park/Jackson
Journey south to the Teton Range, where saw-toothed, snowy peaks rise from the valley floor. Hop on a boat and cruise across the sparkling waters of Jenny Lake, where we’ll disembark for a hike to Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point. Later, transfer to your hotel in Jackson, a lively mountain town with Old West flair.
The Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & Suites (B,L)
Day 6 — Grand Teton National Park
Head back into Grand Teton National Park to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Enjoy a ranger-led hike in a glacially carved valley to Phelps Lake, learning the history, both natural and human, of this spectacular park. Later, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, or explore Jackson’s lively streets. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner at one of Jackson’s restaurants.
The Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & Suites (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Jenny Lake/Jackson
Cap off the expedition with an exhilarating white-water rafting trip down the Snake River. Paddle the rapids, soak up the spray, and keep an eye out for bald eagles and other birdlife along the shores and in the air. If you're brave, take a dip in the river's chilly waters. After a final picnic lunch beneath the unforgettable peaks of the Teton Range, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
The Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & Suites (B,L)
Related Trips
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Kitty Coley
Kitty Coley is a geologist, wildlife naturalist, and avid birder who has led expeditions for National Geographic for more than 13 years, including several to Yellowstone during both the winter and summer. Since Kitty was a child, she has been visiting and camping throughout Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Her lifelong love of the region has played an important role in her following the career path she has. She is deeply knowledgeable about western ecology, the parks’ unique geology, and their amazing wildlife. Kitty’s interactive and enthusiastic approach make traveling with her a delightful way for you and your family to learn about and appreciate the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
Kitty will join the following departure:
Aug 04 - 10, 2012Expedition Dates 
*On the July 30 departure, we will stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge instead of the Old Faithful Inn on Days 3 and 4.
Expedition Costs
What To Expect
This expedition is designed to accommodate both adults and kids at different activity levels. Choose hiking options ranging from easy one to three mile walks, to moderate hikes of four miles or more, depending on your preference.
In addition to our National Geographic Expert, every departure includes an extra leader as kids coordinator to ensure both kids and parents have an expedition of a lifetime.
