Wonders of the West - Glacier NP,Yellowstone,Teton

Day 1

Day 1: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Set out this morning with some western destinations in mind! Board one of Trailways Travel’s luxury motorcoaches designed with your comfort in mind at one of the available departure locations of your choice. Here you will be greeted by one of our helpful and friendly tour hosts and driver. Then just settle in and enjoy the ride as you get to know those around you as you travel along. We will make rest and refresh breaks as well as a stop for lunch as we make our way north traveling through Minneapolis and ending with an overnight stay in Alexandria, MN. Dinner this evening is on your own at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 2

Day 2: Friday, July 11, 2025
Have breakfast at the hotel this morning before we board our motorcoach to make our way to Fargo, ND and begin our journey across the great plains. Nestled along the scenic Missouri River, we will stop for a lunch break, on your own, in North Dakota’s capital, Bismarck. This vibrant city serves as a gateway to the rugged beauty of the Great Plains making it the perfect stop for a break.
Continuing on west, we come to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park located in the western part of the state. You will find it is a stunning landscape of rugged badlands, rolling prairies, and rich in wildlife. It was named after the 26th president who found solace and inspiration here. Bison, wild horses, and elk roam freely, providing a glimpse into the untamed wilderness that shaped Roosevelt’s conservation legacy. While here, we will focus more on the South Unit of the park enjoying some great scenery and views including the Maltese Cross Cabin, Roosevelt’s first ranch home from the late 1800’s. You will learn about how this rugged landscape was home for many and learn about their struggles to live in this harsh environment.
Right outside the gateway to the national park we find Medora, ND, known for its Old West charm offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The town is famous for the Medora

Day 3

Day 3: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Have a hearty breakfast this morning before checking out of the hotel and setting out for the state of Montana and the heart of Big Sky Country! (Note: Time zone change today to Mountain Daylight Time) As we drive across the vast plains of Montana, we will be following the pathway of Lewis & Clark Trail through expansive landscapes and rich history. Pass through rolling plains, rugged mountains, and serene rivers, and learn a bit about the Crow and Cheyenne Indian Tribes along the way. We make a stop in Lewiston for lunch, on your own, before arriving in Great Falls located along the Missouri River. Here we will have a local tour director join our group to provide us with more information as we travel.
Stop for a tour of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offering a glimpse into the epic journey of the famous explorers. Here you fill find engaging exhibits, dioramas, and films that recount their challenges and triumphs. You will find detailed displays of the expedition’s tools, maps, and also natural history specimens. You’ll even find a full-scale replica of a keelboat much like they would have used.
Check into our hotel for the remainder of the evening free to do as you wish, with dinner tonight on your own.

Day 4

Day 4: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before departing for some great sight-seeing today. This morning we travel to Glacier National Park. Begin with Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent Lake offering some of the most stunning views in the park. While checking out your surroundings, you will easily see why this area is known as the “Switzerland of North America.”
Many Glacier is surrounded by towering peaks, pristine forests, and sparkling waters. Swiftcurrent Lake, at the heart of this area, reflects the majestic mountains, creating postcard-perfect scenery. Have time to take a short walk along the shore and soak in the natural beauty that makes this area a must-see in Glacier National Park. We will be having an included lunch here today.
As we proceed on, we travel to the St. Mary’s area and enjoy the scenery before boarding the famous Red Bus Tour, a classic Glacier National Park experience. Aboard the iconic red buses, with their roll-back tops for unobstructed views, you’ll traverse the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the world. The tour takes you up to Logan Pass, the park’s highest point accessible by road, where breathtaking vistas of the Continental Divide and surrounding peaks await. Continuing down to Lake McDonald, you’ll be treated to serene views of the park’s largest lake, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the towering mountains. The tour blends history, stunning landscapes, and the unique charm of the vintage buses, making it an unforgettable way to explore.
After a full afternoon of exploring, we depart for Kalispell for the night with free time on your own.

Day 5

Day 5: Monday, July 14, 2025 B, L
Enjoy this morning’s breakfast at the hotel this morning before setting off for more adventures. Today we depart Kalispell, MT and travel south to the CSKT Bison Range. This has been a refuge for a bison heard from the 1800’s when plains bison were nearly extinct. Since 1908 this land has been an area of protection and refuge for these magnificent animals in the heart of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Encounter herds of majestic bison roaming freely across this vast landscape. This unique wildlife refuge, managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. As you journey through the range, keep an eye out for other wildlife, such as elk, deer, and diverse bird species, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking Montana scenery.
From here we will continue south to the Grant Kohrs Historic Ranch National Historic Site. With historic ranch house tours, living history demonstrations you will learn about the ranch’s part of history since the mid 1860s. Dreams of wealth lured the first cattle men to Montana. The range was open and unfenced, and they could fatten their cattle on the lush bunchgrass and push on to new pastures when the old areas were overgrazed. By 1885, cattle raising was the biggest industry on the High Plains, and foreign investors and eastern speculators rushed to get in on the bonanza. But overgrazing and the fierce winter of 1886-87 caused enormous losses, estimated at one-third to one-half of all the cattle on the northern plains. Many cattlemen never recovered.
Learning more about being a cattleman has surely rustled you up an appetite! We stop in Butte, MT for a hearty included group lunch before continuing south into Big Sky Country.
Driving into the historic town of Virginia City, MT, offers a captivating journey through rugged Montana landscapes. The scenic route meanders through picturesque valleys and rolling hills, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges. As you approach Virginia City, you’ll notice the charming old-time architecture and the well-preserved 19th-century ambiance that brings this Gold Rush-era town to life. The drive itself sets the stage for a step back in time, with the natural beauty of Montana enhancing the sense of adventure and nostalgia. Virginia City and Nevada City lie along Alder Gulch about one mile apart, and is the site of the richest placer gold strike in the Rocky Mountains, with an estimated total value of 100 million dollars throughout the 18th and 19th century! The area represents the true and original Old West. We take some to walk around and explore this historic town before continuing to West Yellowstone and our hotel that awaits us. Enjoy dinner, on your own, at a local restaurant such as the Firehole BBQ Co.

Day 6

Day 6: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Up and at ‘em – grab that breakfast and let’s head out, today we visit Yellowstone National Park! We begin the day with views of the Madison River inside the park. Exploring the Norris Geyser Basin today offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique geological features of the park. This area is known for its dynamic geothermal activity, with an array of geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles that showcase the powerful forces beneath the Earth’s surface. The basin’s distinctive landscapes include colorful mineral deposits and steam vents, providing a vivid demonstration of Yellowstone’s volcanic activity. As you observe these geothermal wonders, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complex geology that shapes the park and the natural processes driving its stunning features. We continue to Canyon Junction, a key access point for exploring one of Yellowstone National Park’s most breathtaking features: the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. This dramatic canyon, carved by the river over millennia, reveals stunning geological formations with its towering cliffs and vibrant, multi-colored rock layers. The canyon stretches for about 20 miles, showcasing remarkable views from various overlooks such as Artist Point and Lookout Point. The iconic Lower Falls and Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River cascade through the canyon, creating awe-inspiring vistas and opportunities for incredible photography. Canyon Junction serves as a gateway to these natural wonders, making it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the park. Once you’ve viewed the falls from multiple viewpoints, we will stop for lunch, on your own, at Canyon Lodge and enjoy some time at the Visitor Center in the area.
We then set off to travel from Dunraven Pass to Roosevelt Junction and then on to Mammoth Hot Springs offering a scenic and diverse journey through the park. Starting at Dunraven Pass, we navigate winding roads with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, characterized by rolling hills and expansive vistas. Descending from the pass, the terrain gradually transitions to the lush forests and open meadows around Roosevelt Junction. From Roosevelt Junction, the drive to Mammoth Hot Springs takes you through a picturesque area with varied scenery, including the picturesque Lamar Valley, known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. As you approach Mammoth Hot Springs, you’ll encounter the unique geothermal formations that characterize the area. The terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs, with their striking white and tan travertine formations, provide a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape and offer a fascinating insight into Yellowstone’s geothermal activity. This route showcases the park’s diverse beauty and geological wonders.
Throughout the tour, our guide will discuss the unique geological and ecological features found throughout the park. You will also have ample opportunities to see eagles, deer, elk, and bison inside the park. We return to West Yellowstone with the evening free to explore as you wish and to have dinner, on your own.

Day 7

Day 7: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Fuel up on another hearty breakfast at the hotel before returning to Yellowstone National Park where today we will explore the main geyser areas of the park. The Fountain Paint Pots, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Old Faithful Geyser Basin are three of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic geothermal features, each offering a unique glimpse into the park’s volcanic activity. Here’s a brief breakdown about each.
Fountain Paint Pots: Located in the Lower Geyser Basin, the Fountain Paint Pots are renowned for their vibrant, colorful geothermal features. This area is characterized by a mix of mud pots, hot springs, and geysers. The mud pots are particularly striking, with their bubbling, colorful mud created by the interaction of hot water and volcanic gases. The colors in the mud range from deep reds to pale pinks, reminiscent of a painter’s palette, hence the name.
Grand Prismatic Spring: This is one of Yellowstone’s most famous geothermal features and the largest hot spring in the United States. The Grand Prismatic Spring is renowned for its stunning array of colors, which result from the presence of different microbial mats that thrive in the spring’s varying temperatures. The vivid blue center contrasts with the brilliant oranges, yellows, and greens that ring the edge of the spring, creating a breathtaking and colorful display.
Old Faithful Geyser Basin: Known for its iconic geyser, Old Faithful, this basin is one of the most visited areas in the park. Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting a column of boiling water up to 180 feet into the air, providing a spectacular natural show. The basin also features a few other geysers and hot springs, including the Castle Geyser and the Beehive Geyser, making it a central hub for observing Yellowstone’s geothermal activity.
Together, these sites offer a diverse and visually stunning experience, showcasing the park’s geothermal diversity and natural beauty. Take time to enjoy lunch while at Old Faithful and walk to the various host springs and the visitor centers in the area.
We then travel south to Isa Lake, an extraordinary geological feature because it straddles the Continental Divide. This small lake has the unusual distinction of flowing to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Depending on the direction of the flow, the water from Isa Lake travels either westward to the Pacific Ocean via the Snake River and Columbia River or eastward to the Atlantic Ocean through the Yellowstone River and Missouri River. This rare geographical phenomenon highlights the significance of the Continental Divide and the unique hydrological characteristics of the region. We also make a stop at the West Thumb Geyser Basin, located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake. This Geyser Basin offers a striking contrast to the more well-known geothermal areas of the park as it features a series of hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles set against the backdrop of the lake. The geothermal features here include the colorful Sapphire Pool, which has brilliant blue waters, and the large, steaming Abyss Pool. The area provides a scenic boardwalk that allows visitors to explore these geothermal wonders while enjoying panoramic views of the lake. The combination of geothermal activity and the lake’s setting creates a unique and serene experience. While here have the opportunity to view Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America covering approximately 136 square miles. The lake sits at an elevation of about 7,733 feet and is a central feature of Yellowstone’s geothermal landscape.
Our park explorations from these last two days will have provided you with the opportunity to appreciate both the natural beauty and the intriguing geological processes that make Yellowstone National Park so remarkable!
As we travel south along the Lewis River we arrive at Grand Teton National Park. You’ll have the chance to enjoy views of the Tetons from Coulter Bay, located on the northern end of Jackson Lake. The bay offers a peaceful setting with a marina, visitor center, and several scenic trails. From Coulter Bay, you can appreciate the majestic peaks of the Tetons reflected in the lake’s calm waters. We will also stop at various Snake River Overlooks scattered along the way. These viewpoints offer spectacular panoramas of the Teton Range and the surrounding landscape. One of the most famous overlooks is the one near the Moose-Wilson Road, where you can capture iconic views of the river winding through the valley with the rugged Teton peaks rising in the background. The overlooks provide excellent opportunities for photography and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Grand Teton National Park’s dramatic landscapes. Each of these different areas provide unique perspectives of the Teton Range, and lets you experience the grandness of these beautiful mountains from different vantage points.
We arrive this eve

Day 8

Day 8: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Get up and let’s go today – after breakfast we set out for the original Jackson Hole Scenic Float Trip! Heading out on this float trip, you’ll drift gently down a pristine stretch of the Snake River, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The river’s calm waters provide a serene passage, allowing you to fully appreciate the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Range, with its towering peaks and rugged ridges. As you float, you’ll pass through lush riparian zones and expansive wetlands, where the vibrant colors and diverse vegetation add to the visual splendor. Your knowledgeable guides will lead you into a protected sanctuary of pristine wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, sagebrush plateaus, cottonwood and spruce forests, and spectacular panoramic views of the entire Teton Range. You might spot various wildlife species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and moose, as they frequent the riverbanks and surrounding forests. This is surely going to be an unforgettable way to see the beauty of Grand Teton National Park from a tranquil perspective.
After we enjoy an included group lunch we will be saying goodbye to our local tour director as we leave Jackson with a few more great picture stopsas we leave Grand Teton and travel over Togwotee Pass. We stop at the National Big Horn Sheep Interpretive Center in Dubois, WY, a dedicated place to learn about and appreciate the bighorn sheep, a species native to the region. Here we can explore exhibits that showcase the biology and behavior of these impressive animals, including their distinctive curved horns and adaptations to their mountainous environments. The center often features detailed information about the challenges bighorn sheep face, such as habitat loss and disease, and the ongoing efforts to protect and sustain their populations.
We then drive along the Wind River Range and through the Wind River Reservation, home to two tribes, the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho on our way to Casper, WY to overnight. After our day of exploration, unwind with a delicious, included group dinner where you can all share stories of your adventures.

Day 9

Day 9: Friday, July 18, 2025
Have breakfast at the hotel this morning before we depart Casper and begin learning more about the settling of the west. The Oregon and California Trails were major routes used by pioneers traveling westward in the 19th century, and several important sights along these trails provide a glimpse into the history and challenges of westward expansion. The wagon ruts near Guernsey, Wyoming, are a remarkable historical site where you can see the deep, weathered impressions left by countless covered wagons as they traversed the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. These ruts, carved into the rock by the wheels of the pioneers’ wagons, offer a tangible connection to the challenges and endurance of the early settlers. After exploring the wagon ruts, visiting the Fort Laramie National Historic Site provides additional context to the westward migration. Fort Laramie was a key military outpost and trading post during the 19th century, serving as a crucial supply and protection point for travelers on the trails. The site features well-preserved historic buildings, including the original fort structures and various exhibits that detail the interactions between the U.S. Army, settlers, and Native American tribes. The fort’s history reflects its role in the settlement of the American West and offers a deeper understanding of the era’s complexities. We enjoy a box lunch today as we continue along and arrive in Nebraska. We visit Scotts Bluff National Monument as it stands out with its towering bluffs that served as a significant landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The monument offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the rugged terrain that pioneers navigated. The visitor center provides exhibits on the history of the trails and the geological formation of the bluffs. Continuing your journey, Chimney Rock National Monument is another iconic landmark that guided pioneers westward. The distinctive spire of Chimney Rock was a critical navigational aid and a symbol of progress for travelers on the trails. The site features a visitor center with displays on the trail history and the importance of Chimney Rock as a waypoint for settlers.
This evening, we arrive in Kearney, NE and partake in a group farewell dinner at a local favorite restaurant.

Day 10

Day 10: Saturday, July 19, 2025
It’s one final hotel breakfast this morning before we depart to return back home with some very fond memories of all that we have experienced – parts of the Badlands, Glacier National Park, the stunning beauty of Yellowstone National Park and the sereneness of Grand Tetons National Park. We will take scheduled rest and refresh breaks, and meal breaks as needed along our way back home today.