Yellowstone Hiking and More with Grand Teton
Overview
August 20 & 29th Trips are Confirmed! Let’s Go!
Explore the mountains, wildlife, thermals, hot springs and geysers of Wyoming on our 7-day Yellowstone Hiking and More with Grand Teton adventure! Cue the goosebumps as the SHE-nanigan Shuttle passes below the Roosevelt Arch inscription: For the benefit of the people. Preach, Teddy!
Epic Yellowstone Tour, Explorer Chick Style
Welcome to the world’s first-ever national park, where you’ll go deeper than a highlight tour to see ALL of Yellowstone’s stupid-pretty glory. This means exploring by foot, shuttle, horseback, raft, cliff, backstroke – and maybe that Lord of the Rings eagle.
Lamar Valley
Blow up your photo roll tracking Lamar Valley wildlife on and off trail as the sun creeps up. Our local wilderness guide leads the way as we break out the scopes searching for wolves, grizzly bears, bison, pronghorn, badgers, bald eagles, osprey, deer, and coyotes—who knows what we might see?
Geysers, Thermals, and Hot Springs – Hell Yes!
Spend an entire day chasing enough geothermal beauty to create an entire gallery wall in your house. Catch Old Faithful being a total diva. Rise above the tourists for an osprey’s view of Grand Prismatic Spring. Soak and soothe your amazing muscles in heavenly hot springs.
Yellowstone + Grand Teton Hiking
Gaze into the Grand Canyon in search of rainbows from Artist’s Point in the South Rim. Scramble up talus slopes to the top of Avalanche peak for an eye-full of the Grand Tetons – 50 miles away! Enter Grand Teton National Park for an all-time favorite hike up Cascade Canyon. Keep your peepers peeled for moose! You’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and will start to feel part-marmot. Slap an inspirational quote on your Insta post before splashing with your new besties in a cold mountain lake.
Best Of Yellowstone Tour Accommodations
You’ll get plenty of chill time in our cozy inn (first three nights) in the small town of Gardiner, followed by a Yellowstone National Park hotel (next two nights). End your girls’ trip in a hotel nestled in the heart of Jackson with plenty of time to shop and throwback shots.
Adventure Highlights
- Actively explore every nook and cranny of Yellowstone National Park over the course of 5 days.
- Wake up before sunrise to track wildlife in Lamar Valley – on and off trail – with a local wilderness guide.
- Admire the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone from the Artist’s Point on the South Rim.
- Watch Old Faithful erupt amidst the world largest concentration of geysers.
- Skip the crowds for an overhead view of the Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Get into the Tetons with a hike deep into Cascade Canyon.
- Geek out over the world’s great collection of hot springs in Mammoth.
- Saddle up for a horseback ride to a Dutch Oven dinner fit for a cowgirl.
- Get a bird’s eye view of Yellowstone from the summits of Mount Washburn and Avalanche Peak.
- Raft an 8 mile section of the Yellowstone River and paddle through Class II and III rapids
- Wander the mountain town of Jackson Hole.
- Swim the rivers and lakes of the National Parks.
- Settle in each night in a mix of a small Inn in Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park hotel, and a Jackson Hotel.
- Experience your parks with 2 Explorer Chick Guides who will ensure you hike the best, and sometimes most challenging, hikes and hit all the highlights.
- Relax and let us do the driving in the Explorer Chick SHE-nanigan Shuttle!
- Disconnect to reconnect! Leave behind the constant contact and use your phone solely for capturing moments.
- Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, entrance fees, navigation, meal planning, lodging, and everything in-between easy.
- Geek out with supportive and encouraging Explorer Chicks on a private, women-only, small group adventure tour.
DAY 1 – OLD FAITHFUL, GRAND PRISMATIC, AND FIREHOLE RIVER
GEYSERS + THERMALS ALL DAY LONG. After departing our rendezvous hotel in Jackson, our first stop for the day is the Upper Basin of Yellowstone National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s geysers. This includes Old Faithful which erupts about 20x per day. That reminds us – be sure to let us know if you have any food sensitivities.
We’ll take the time to explore ALL of the Upper Basin walking its entire length, point to point, enjoying a trail lunch on the way. Our SHE-nanigan Shuttle will be loyally waiting at the end to chauffeur us to our next stop, the Middle Basin. Here is where we’ll find the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring – the largest hot spring in the park and 3rd biggest in the world. The best view is from above, so we’ll hike up the Fairy Falls trail (4.8 miles and 170’ elevation gain) to rise above the tourists.
After we consider forming a geyser cult, we’ll head to our lodging for the next 3 days. Our locally-owned inn is located in the small town of Gardiner, Montana. After we check in, we’ll relax our barking muscles in the Yellowstone Hot Springs and fill up on too many nachos in town.
Transfer Time from Jackson to Upper Basin: 2.5 hours
Transfer Time from Grand Prismatic Spring to Gardiner: 75 mins
Hiking Distance: Roughly 6.8 miles and relatively flat
Accommodation: Gardiner Inn (Night 1 of 3)
Meals: L, D
DAY 2: LAMAR VALLEY WILDLIFE AND RAFTING DOWN THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER
Rise before the sun to hop into the SHE-nanigan Shuttle. We’ll give you nine reasons why: wolves, grizzly bears, bison, pronghorn, badgers, bald eagles, osprey, deer, and coyotes!
For day two of our Yellowstone tour, you’ll meet our local wildlife guide in America’s Serengeti, Lamar Valley. Trek on and off trail plus peer through scopes to search lush meadows for the Valley’s native wildlife. Is this real life?
After a yummy lunch, we’ll head back to town for our next stop. Hint, it aint Hobby Lobby. We’ll spend an adventurous 2-hours paddling some of the best whitewater on the Yellowstone River. We’re talking class II and III rapids with plenty of chill float time past Yellowstone National Park. Want to excite your smart watch? Hop out for a swim beneath views of the 11,000’ Electric Peak and Devil’s Slide. This is THE perfect intro to whitewater rafting for newbies with enough thrills for experienced rafters. Once we’re back on dry land, we’ll eat all the things at a local dinner spot before returning to our lodge for the most blissful zonk of our lives.
Transfer Time to Lamar Valley: 1 hour
Hiking Distance: Wildlife tour – 2 miles
Rafting time: 2 hours
Accommodation: Gardiner Inn (Night 2 of 3)
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3: MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS + HORSEBACK RIDE
Explorer Chick takes on MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS after a hearty, homemade breakfast at our Inn. March along a boardwalk that curves along travertine terraces and nearly 50 hot springs. Turn to the woman next to you and sigh dreamily. By midday, we’ll beeline to the Roosevelt area to hike down the Yellowstone River Suspension Bridge. We can end our hike gazing down at the raging river OR continue on another mile to nosh at the confluence of Yellowstone and Hell Roaring Creek.
The eyeball-blessing continues as we saddle up for a 2-hour scenic horseback ride. Throw a leg over your steed as you travel through woods, sagebrush flats and meadows the way Theodore Roosevelt intended. We’ll be hoofing it to a full-on campfire feast beneath the dusky sky. Prepare for an actual dinner bell as local wranglers ask how you like your steak (or veggies!) cooked. Save room for extra corn muffins, fruit cobbler and all the campy cowboy songs!
Transfer Time from Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs: 40 mins
Hiking Distance: Hell Roaring Creek – 4 miles/626ʹ gain
Horseback Ride: 2 hour
Accommodation: Gardiner Inn (Night 3 of 3)
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4: GRAND CANYON AND MOUNT WASHBURN
Going to Yellowstone without standing over the Grand Canyon is like going to Target without storming the Magnolia aisle. After a final breakfast at our Inn, we’ll say goodbye to Gardiner and make our way into Yellowstone for the next 2 nights.
A good chunk of the morning will be spent chasing stunning overlooks along the South Rim. We’ll hike Clear Lake Loop to hit the best view points and stretch our gams on what might be Yellowstone’s greatest hike. After lunch, we’ll head out on the trails again to hike to the summit of Mount Washburn at 10,219’ elevation! Along the trail, we’ll peep wildlife, flora and breathtaking views from the summit. By this point you’ll wonder about quitting your job, buying a ranch and adopting a dog named Gravy.
Transfer Time: Gardiner to Clear Lake Trail: 2 hours
Hiking Distance: Clear Lake Loop: 3.9 miles/423’ elevation gain
Mount Washburn: 6.8 miles/1,398’ elevation gain
Accommodation: Yellowstone Park Lodging (Night 1 of 2)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Avalanche Peak and Yellowstone Lake
It’s an intense hike to the top of Avalanche Peak through pine forest, past wildflower meadows, and up talus slopes to reach the 360-degree views at 10,568ʹ. Welcome to total badass status. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling view of the Tetons, 50 miles South.
Lay low throughout the afternoon as we explore Yellowstone Lake and dig into a tasty waterfront lunch. Enjoy plenty of free time later into the evening to revisit favorite spots, splurge on souvenirs, or find a quiet spot for a snooze.
Hiking Distance: 4.6 miles RT/2,000ʹ gain
Accommodation: Yellowstone Park Lodging (Night 2 of 2)
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6: GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Smell ya later, Yellowstone! Enjoy a gorgeous hike into Grand Teton via Cascade Canyon*. Breeze past Inspiration Point with views of Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls. The canyon itself is a classic example of glacier-formed U-shaped valleys.
After, we’ll pop over to String Lake to swim in its shallow waters beneath towering mountains. Hello, back float selfies!
We’ll then hop back into the SHE-nanigan Shuttle to make our way to Jackson.
Our last supper will be in town at a favorite Jackson eatery. If you’re feeling up for it, saunter over to the Million Dollar Cowboy to literally saddle up to the bar for a cold one.
Transfer Time to Grand Tetons: 1:45-2:30 hours
Hiking Distance: 9.6 miles/1,110ʹ gain**
Accommodation: Jackson Downtown Hotel (Night 1 of 1)
Meals: B, L, D
*Per park regulations, Grand Teton National Park does not allow commercial guided hiking within the park boundaries. All Grand Teton hikes will be self-guided with your Explorer Chick guides providing a detailed briefing and all road-based services.
DAY 7: JACKSON HOLE AND UGLY CRIES
Enjoy one last breakfast together before parting ways and possibly agreeing on best friend tattoos. If you have some time before departing today, DO explore the town of Jackson! On Saturdays in the summer, the town park is transformed into a Farmer’s Market with all the locally made goodies.
You can schedule your departure anytime today. Promise you won’t forget about us.
Meals: B
*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your adventure leader as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, safety, or other unforeseen incidents. If an activity must be cancelled due to conditions and cannot be rescheduled, your Explorer Chick guide will work to find alternatives or modifications to ensure the best value for your trip.
- 7 days/6 nights in shared occupancy accommodations
- 3 Nights at an Family-Owned Inn in Gardiner. (Shared 2 per room)
- 2 Nights in a Yellowstone National Park hotel. (Shared 2 per room)
- 1 Night in a downtown Jackson Hotel (Shared 2 per room)
- All National Park Entrance and commercial permit fees
- All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-6, L-7, D-6
- 2-hour guided rafting excursion on the Yellowstone River
- 2-hour guided horseback ride in Yellowstone National Park
- Tips for horseback and rafting guides
- Private Explorer Chick land-transportation throughout itinerary
- A commemorative Explorer Chick shirt and swag.
- A detailed Travel Guide upon booking with everything you need to know for your trip.
- The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!
- 2 experienced Explorer Chick Guides ensuring your trip is seamless and unforgettable!
- Small Group experience! Your Explorer Chick Adventure is exclusive and limited to 10 women.
*Packages do NOT include your rendezvous hotel, departure hotel, airfare, airport transportation, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, meals exclusive of itinerary, or costs for additional activities.
*Does NOT include your Explorer Chick Guide’s Tips – Tipping your Explorer Chick Guides is optional, but customary. If you wish to recognize your Explorer Chick Guides for exceptional service we recommend you tip total 10-25% of your trip costs. Gratuity may be given to one guide—the team divides tips among themselves after the trip.
*Per park regulations, Grand Teton National Park does not allow commercial guided hiking within the park boundaries. All Grand Teton hikes will be self-guided with your Explorer Chick guides providing a detailed briefing and all road-based services.
*To ride horseback, you must be under 240lbs.
You will receive a Travel Guide with all the hotel and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip!
Your adventure begins and ends in Jackson, Wyoming
Day 1: Arrival. We will rendezvous as a group at 8:00am on Day 1. It is highly recommended to arrive the day before. You are responsible for booking your arrival hotel and airport transportation.
Day 7: Departure. Plan to fly out of Jackson, Wyoming any time today after breakfast. You are responsible for booking your departure hotel and airport transportation.
We require a minimum of 6 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.
Daily Hikes:
During your Best of Yellowstone Tour and Grand Teton Hiking adventure, you will hike some of the best trails in the National Parks. The itinerary is packed full of hiking every single day. You can expect to be on your feet for most of the day to squeeze in as much of the park as possible.
You should be comfortable with hiking up to 10 miles in a day carrying a light day pack with elevations gains up to 2,000 feet.
Notable Hikes
- Hell Roaring Creek: 4 miles/626′ gain
- Fairy Falls: 4.8 miles/170’
- Grand Canyon Clear Lake Loop: 3.9 miles
- Mount Washburn: 6.8 miles/1,398’ gain
- Avalanche Peak: 4.6 miles/2,000’ gain
- Cascade Canyon: 9.6 miles/1,110 gain
This does not include many of our smaller stops, such as the Upper Basin, where we’ll be doing shorter hikes and walks on the countless boardwalks.
We highly recommend training prior to your adventure. The itinerary is packed full of hiking. You should be comfortable with hiking up to 10 miles in a day carrying a light day pack with elevations gains up to 2,000 feet.
You should be training on rough and rugged terrain – not perfectly paved sidewalks. Also, find steps, a hill, or the StairMaster and get to climbing! Your quads, booty, and calves will thank you.
Train your tootsies! Do not show up with brand new hiking boots or trail shoes. You should be spending hours upon hours in your boots leading up to your adventure to break them in. Better to suffer blisters at home than to miss out on a hike due painful hot spots on your feet. This is our number one injury. Don’t let it happen to you!
Explorer Chick prides itself in curating trips for women who live an active, healthy lifestyle. What this means is we tackle the big climbs, the long trails, the bucket lists, and the uncomfortable. To get the most from your adventure we recommend having a solid fitness base with training on trails in a variety of weather conditions and hill/stair climbing. Train how you play!
Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.
Learn More with Explorer Chick
How to Train for Hiking and Backpacking Trips
The 10 Essential Items to Pack for Every Hike
What’s the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
8 Top Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
Still not convinced that THIS is the adventure for you?
We’ve rounded up some of our most popular blog posts, so you can get to know us a bit better and learn what really goes down on your Explorer Chick Adventure.
- Remember How it Feels to Play
- You are NOT Alone
- The Power of Explorer Chick
- What Does an Explorer Chick Look Like?
- We are ALL IN
- We Do Dumb Stuff
- The Explorer Chick Purpose
- The Traveler vs. the Tourist
- 6 Benefits to Booking with a Tour Company
You can always reach us by email with more questions! Info@ExplorerChick.com
To protect your travel investment and your hide, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. World Nomads is our trusted travel insurance provider. Receive an no-hassle, online quote in less than 2 minutes.
$4,299
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Non-Refundable Deposit: $300 due at booking to secure your spot
Payment Plans are Available!
- Email payments@explorerchick.com after booking to set up an automatic monthly payment plan.
- OR make your own custom payments in your Explorer Chick account (Created after booking).
2 Reviews
Julia
September 9th, 2021I highly recommend the Best of Yellowstone and Grand Tetons trip with the Explorer Chicks! We had an awesome, action-packed trip to one of the most beautiful regions in the United States and got to have so many cool experiences like seeing bears, wolves, and bison in the wild, horseback riding in the back country, seeing the geysers erupt, and enjoying the lovely hot springs. This amazing group of women was led by two knowledgeable and supportive guides, Kirsty and Lauren! Well worth the time and money for an unforgettable experience! Thank you, Explorer Chicks!
Bonnie
November 30th, 2021I highly recommend this trip! It was a new and outstanding experience each day of the trip. Our guides, Lauren and Kirstie, were amazing, extremely knowledgeable and guided us towards the best scenery and experiences. Saw so much wildlife and natural beauty. Met an amazing group of women and shared a fantastic experience together!