Rates Note:

Transfer and Other Options:

Note: The following describes our inn-based trips. The activities on the inn & camping and camping departures are identical; the only differences are the choice of accommodations and settings for meals.
Activities:
1. Hiking (2 full & 1 half days)
2. Biking (2 half days)
3. Rock Climbing (1 full day)
4. Rafting (1 half day)
5. Free Day (1 full day)

Day 1. Biking Bridger-Teton and Hiking Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful Inn
Our guides meet your group in Jackson at 8:00 a.m. After introductions, we’re off for a scenic shuttle to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Our cycling route is through the forest and meadows of the Buffalo Valley with superb views of the Tetons. The ride is downhill for the first few miles and rolling for the last part.

This afternoon we walk through Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin that contains the world's largest concentration of active geysers. The names of the natural wonders are as intriguing as they are fascinating to watch erupt--Beehive, Fireside, Sponge, Castle, Daisy and Morning Glory. As we walk, our guides will interpret the history and inner workings of the geyser basin.

Our home for the night is the Old Faithful Inn. Originally built in 1903, the inn is a National Historic Landmark and known as the world's largest log structure. From the inn's porch one can relax and watch the eruptions of Old Faithful.

• Biking Buffalo Valley in Bridger-Teton National Forest [approximately 14 miles with quite a bit of downhill]
• Hiking Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park [up to 2 miles, negligible elevation change]
• Option: Observation Point walk [1 mile; 250 feet of elevation gain/loss]

Day 2. Hiking Avalanche Peak / Elephant Back Mountain, Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins 

For those looking for a challenging alpine hike, join us for a climb up Avalanche Peak. From the summit, we are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the rugged snow-capped Absaroka peaks and serene waters of Yellowstone Lake. The lake's expansive 135 square mile surface makes it the largest lake for its elevation in North America.
If Avalanche Peak is still snowed in during early summer, we will opt for another guide favorite. Our options include a hike to Elephant Back Mountain for another unique view of Yellowstone Lake; or one through Pelican Valley which provides views of the broad open valley and forest and is some of the best grizzly habitat in the lower 48 states, although we’ll be lucky to see one.
Our hotel is set close to the shores of Yellowstone Lake, offering magnificent sweeping views. In the afternoon alpenglow, the views of the Absaroka Mountains across the lake's reflective waters are breathtaking. With time permitting, enjoy a short walk along the lake's sandy shores.
• Avalanche Peak hike [4 miles, 2000' of elevation gain/loss]
• Elephant Back Mt. Hike option [4.5 miles, 800 feet of elevation gain/loss]
• Pelican Valley hike option [6 miles, rolling with minimal elevation change]

Note: on departures before July 4, the hikes planned for Day 2 may be unavailable due to weather and wildlife restrictions. Alternatives will be selected by your guide based on conditions and the interests of the group.

Day 3. Hiking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins
Today’s exploration of Yellowstone begins in Hayden Valley, one of the park's premier viewing areas for bison, elk, geese, trumpeter swans and pelicans.
From the valley's pastoral setting we head towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and lace up the hiking boots, don a daypack, and hit the trails. We walk through meadows and forests of lodgepole pine, past little-known mud pools and steam vents and on to Artist’s Point on the brink of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a stunning colorful chasm of echoing waterfalls. The 20-mile canyon is one of the world's most colorful wonders. With time permitting, we will also hike to another viewpoint of the Lower Falls (twice the height of Niagara) and marvel at the ever-changing perspectives of the golden-hued canyon walls.
• Artist’s Point hike [7.5 miles, rolling terrain] 

Day 4. Free day in Grand Teton National Park, Rustic Inn
After a hearty breakfast, we shuttle to neighboring Grand Teton National Park, a paradise of snow-covered sawtooth mountains, peaceful meadows, shimmering lakes and dense forests. The Teton Range comprises 12 mountains over 12,000 feet, and the tallest, the Grand Teton, looms above at 13,770 feet.
The day is yours to spend as you like in these glorious surroundings. Superb self-guided trails await just a short shuttle away at Jenny Lake, nestled at the foot of the Teton’s craggy peaks. Take a scenic ferry across the lake and then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. For the more enthusiastic, continue up Cascade Canyon for a bit of elevation gain and a chance to spot moose and other wildlife. Or, at an easier pace, circumnavigate the lake along the water’s edge and enjoy the stunning scenery or rent a canoe (at an additional cost) for a paddle around this beautiful, clear lake.

Day 5. Rock Climbing in Grand Teton National Park, Rustic Inn
Get ready for a fun-filled day of introductory rock climbing. No experience necessary—just come with an adventurous spirit and a brimming smile. We begin again with the motor boat ride across Jenny Lake to access our climbing area near Hidden Falls, a 200-foot roaring, turbulent cascade sandwiched between the walls of a deep canyon. Under the care of our expert guides, begin by learning the basics: an introduction to equipment and terminology, knot tying and belaying. After learning easy maneuvers, we progress to some basic rock climbs and possibly have an opportunity to advance to more challenging climbs. For anyone not wishing to try the climbing, we can arrange for another self-guided hike in the area or for a horseback ride. Advance reservations for horseback riding are strongly recommended so be sure to discuss your decision with your guides early on in the trip.
• Rock Climbing [all day]
• Optional horseback ride [at no additional cost] or self-guided hike

Day 6. Off-road Biking and Whitewater Rafting
Back to peddle and paddle power for our grand finale! We begin with a ride near the eastern slopes of Grand Teton National Park. We head to Antelope Flats, home to one of the grand bison herds that call the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem home. While pedaling at a relaxing pace, we can marvel at the grandeur of the Tetons.
We then board rafts and enjoy a thrilling afternoon of whitewater fun on the Snake River. Grab a paddle and share the exhilaration as you experience a new challenge around every bend. Feel the river's current beneath you as you help steer your raft downstream. Each rapid is different and they change throughout the season depending on water flows. We return to Jackson at approximately 5:30 p.m. for our trip's conclusion.
• Antelope Flats Bike Ride [8-10 miles, flat to rolling terrain]
• Whitewater Rafting [8 miles, Class II-III+] 

Optional activities/excursions for Teton-Yellowstone Multi-Sport Trip
In lieu of rock climbing on Day 5, you can consider the following options to complement your vacation. Please discuss options with the office staff when booking your trip or with your guides on the first day of the trip.
• Hiking: The Jenny Lake area offers plenty of spectacular hiking opportunities (at no additional cost!).
• Horseback Rides: For a feel of the real West, we can help you arrange guided horseback rides of varying duration through Grand Teton National Park. (at no additional cost)
• Fly Fishing: Outfitters can take you along the Snake River to catch the big one, but they must be able to meet you in Jackson. (cost: approximately $300-$350 for up to two people) 

How difficult is this trip ?
This terrain on this trip is more challenging than our Easy tours. It is intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable being active exercising 4-6 hours a day. The hikes are 4-8 miles, with additional miles optional, and include climbs of up to 1200 feet with options of up to 1500 feet. The bike rides are up to 25 miles/day, and climbs up to 1200 feet where some shuttling may be involved.

How will the change in altitude affect me?
This is a difficult question to answer as altitude physiologically affects different people in different ways. Yellowstone ranges from 6,000 feet to over 12,000 feet of elevation, and has an extremely dry climate. Thus, to prevent altitude sickness we recommend that you always remain well hydrated, gradually expose yourself to higher elevations, exercise moderately until altitude acclimatized, eat a diet consisting of at least 70% carbohydrates beginning 1 to 2 days prior to ascent, and get plenty of rest. Furthermore, we suggest that you arrive at our gateway city at least 1 to 2 days prior to the first day of your trip.

Inn Departures: Inn Descriptions
• Old Faithful Inn - Originally built in 1903, the inn is a National Historic Landmark and known as the world's largest log structure. Relax on the inn's porch and watch the eruptions of Old Faithful or marvel at the intricate woodwork in the inn’s atrium and stairways. – Day 1.
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins - The majestic hotel sits on the shore of Yellowstone Lake and is listed on the Register of Historic Places. The serenity of Yellowstone Lake illuminates through the "Sun Room" windows, as guests daydream to the delicate sounds of a string quartet in the lobby. A casually elegant restaurant features a delightfully extravagant menu. We stay in the nearby frontier cabins. Built in the 1920's and completely remodeled in 2003/04, these simple, comfortable duplex units are clustered near the hotel. -- Days 2 and 3.
• Rustic Inn – The Rustic Inn is situated on seven acres of property and is only three blocks from the Jackson town square. Their luxury log cabins offer tasteful Western décor, private decks, complimentary wireless internet access and LCD flat-screen TVs. You can relax and enjoy the outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, or take a walk along the beautifully landscaped trail along Flat Creek. Visit the lounge for a glass of wine and a slice of gourmet flat bread. – Days 4 and 5.

Inn & Camping Departures: Inn and Campground Descriptions
• Old Faithful Inn - Originally built in 1903, the inn is a National Historic Landmark and known as the world's largest log structure. From the inn's porch one can relax and watch the eruptions of Old Faithful – Day 1.
• Bridge Bay Campground - We camp on Lake Yellowstone’s west shore next to Bridge Bay Marina which offers flush toilets and showers, boat rental and fishing opportunities--Days 2 and 3.
• Gros Ventre Campground – Situated in Grand Teton National Park, the campground lies along the Gros Vente River with a mixture of sites in sagebrush, beneath cottonwoods, and adjacent to the river. The campground has restrooms with flush toilets but no showers (we bring solar showers) - Day 4
• Rustic Inn – The Rustic Inn is situated on seven acres of property and is only three blocks from the Jackson town square. Their luxury log cabins offer tasteful Western décor, private decks, complimentary wireless internet access and LCD flat-screen TVs. You can relax and enjoy the outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, or take a walk along the beautifully landscaped trail along Flat Creek. Visit the lounge for a glass of wine and a slice of gourmet flat bread. – Day 5.

Camping Departures: Campground Descriptions
• Bridge Bay Campground - We camp on Lake Yellowstone’s west shore next to Bridge Bay Marina which offers flush toilets and showers, boat rental and fishing opportunities – Days 1, 2 and 3.
• Gros Ventre Campground – Situated in Grand Teton National Park, the campground lies along the Gros Vente River with a mixture of sites in sagebrush, beneath cottonwoods, and adjacent to the river. The campground has restrooms with flush toilets but no showers (we bring solar showers) - Days 4 and 5

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.