Itinerary
- Day 1
Bozeman
You'll arrive in Bozeman and get settled in for the week ahead. This is your chance to acclimate to the area and prepare for exploring the wilderness and natural wonders around Yellowstone National Park. Take some time to rest up before the adventure kicks into gear.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC Hotel Downtown)
- Day 2
Yellowstone Lower Loop
Head into Yellowstone through the northern gate and start with the Grand Prismatic Spring, where the water shifts from deep blue to bright orange along the edges. From there, you'll make your way to Old Faithful and spend time on the boardwalks watching for bison, elk, bears, and wolves. You can grab lunch on your own and explore at your own pace throughout the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone)
Included Activities
- Visit Grand Prismatic Spring
- Visit Old Faithful geyser
- Explore boardwalk trails at Old Faithful
Optional Activities
- 20-minute hike to Grand Prismatic Spring overlook
Landmarks Grand Prismatic Spring Old Faithful - Day 3
Yellowstone Northern Loop
This morning starts at Mammoth Hot Springs where you'll walk the boardwalks winding through stepped terraces created by geothermal water. Later, drive to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone overlook to see the massive 20-mile-long canyon with its white, pink, and orange mineral-streaked walls and waterfalls. You'll head back to your hotel in Gardiner by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone)
Included Activities
- Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
- Explore boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs
- Visit Grand Canyon of Yellowstone overlook
Landmarks Mammoth Hot Springs Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Day 4
Paradise Valley to Helena
Travel through Paradise Valley with the Absaroka Beartooth Mountains on your east side and the Gallatin Range to the west. You'll arrive in Helena, Montana's capital, which has gold rush heritage, Victorian buildings, good local restaurants, and microbreweries worth checking out.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown)
- Day 5
Helena and Gates of the Mountains
Start with a narrated trolley tour of Helena covering the mansion district, Cathedral of St. Helena, governor's homes, and historic architecture along Last Chance Gulch. After that, you'll have free time to explore downtown on your own. Later in the afternoon, take a Missouri River cruise at Gates of the Mountains following the historic Lewis and Clark route through the canyon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown)
Included Activities
- Narrated train trolley tour of Helena
- Gates of the Mountains boat cruise
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Helena Last Chance Gulch Gates of the Mountains - Day 6
Great Falls to St. Mary
Head to Great Falls to see where the Missouri River drops over five waterfalls. You can choose between the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center to learn about the 1805 expedition, or the C.M. Russell Art Museum to see cowboy-artist Charles Russell's work and his log studio. From there, continue on to St. Mary, the eastern gateway to Glacier National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Great Bear Lodge at St. Mary Village)
Optional Activities
- Visit Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
- Self-guided tour of C.M. Russell Art Museum and log studio
Landmarks Great Falls C.M. Russell Art Museum - Day 7
Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road
Board a vintage 1930s red bus for the drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road with an experienced jammer guide. You'll relax and take in the valley views and landscapes on this famous North American road. After that, head to Whitefish, a charming town surrounded by forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grouse Mountain Lodge)
Included Activities
- Going-to-the-Sun Road guided tour in vintage red bus
Landmarks Going-to-the-Sun Road - Day 8
Whitefish
Spend the day exploring Whitefish on your own, browsing local shops and huckleberry products if you're interested. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants along Central Avenue. In the afternoon, choose between white-water rafting or a scenic float down the Flathead River with views of Glacier National Park. Finish the evening with a barbeque dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Barbeque dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grouse Mountain Lodge)
Included Activities
- Barbeque dinner
Optional Activities
- White-water rafting adventure on Flathead River
- Scenic float trip on Flathead River
Landmarks Flathead River - Day 9
Flathead Lake to Missoula
Drive south along the western edge of Flathead Lake, a glacially-carved body of water nearly 200 square miles in size with quaint towns and cherry orchards around it. You'll learn about the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and meet a descendant of the last Kootenai chief. Stop at the Smokejumper Visitor Center to learn about North American firefighting. End with a farewell dinner with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner with fellow travelers)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown)
Included Activities
- Meet descendant of last Kootenai chief and learn about tribal traditions
- Smokejumper Visitor Center Impact Moment
- Farewell dinner
Landmarks Flathead Lake Flathead Reservation - Day 10
Departure
Say goodbye to Big Sky Country and head home after your Montana adventure.
