Yellowstone Walks & Wolves

Welcome to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, gateway to spectacular Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.

This mountain resort is popular in the summer with walkers and thrill seekers making the most of its proximity to the national parks, while the colder months brings skiers and winter sports enthusiasts If you choose to spend extra days in Jackson Hole before the tour, we recommend an optional aerial tram ride to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for 360-degree views of the Snake River Valley and Grand Teton National Park, or you could spend time in the town itself, which maintains an authentic Wild West feel.

Your welcome briefing will usually take place in the morning of Day 2. Stay: Mountain Modern, Jackson (or similar).

Famed for its iconic soaring peaks, the 40mi (64km) Teton Range explodes out of the ground with jagged fang-like mountains. Rocky spires, lakes and forests fill the park, with more than 10 pinnacles reaching more than 12,000ft (6,660m). Inhabitants of the area include bison, elk, black and grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, moose and mule deer, all of which have been seen on this trip. There are many self-guided hikes to choose from today, walking through dramatic scenery and appreciating the geology and nature of the area.

Your leader will explain the different options. One popular choice is to hike around Jenny Lake and into Cascade Canyon, then up to Inspiration Point for scintillating views. You can then choose to return on the ferry across Jenny Lake (not included) or hike along the same route to return. It is commonplace to see moose and bears while hiking this trail. Stay: Mountain Modern, Jackson (or similar).

We spend another morning on the trails of Grand Teton National Park on a self-guided hike before heading north. It's a beautiful drive to the first and most revered national park in America, Yellowstone – our home for the next four nights. Part of the highway clings to the side of the 15mi (24km) long Jackson Lake, where the scenery changes from striking jagged peaks to colourful, open meadows and rolling terrain, the regular lava flows having flattened the largest geological features in the south of the park.

This afternoon, take a walk amid this fascinating volcanic environment, accompanied by our tour leader. Stay: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn (or similar).

Yellowstone overflows with geothermal features: geysers, bubbling mud pools, multi-coloured hot springs and fumaroles. The park is famous for its volcanic history and there are estimated to be around 10,000 thermal features – nowhere else on earth (not even Iceland or New Zealand) can boast this concentration of geysers, which are scattered among several distinct geyser basins.

We spend half a day with a local geology guide to explore the many effects of volcanism and enjoy walks around some of the most interesting park features. The brightly coloured springs, caused by the hot, nutrient-rich waters full of different species of coloured bacteria, are a photographic highlight. Stay: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn (or similar) (B).

When Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, northern Rocky mountain wolves (a subspecies of the grey wolf) were native to the area. In the years after, predator control saw the decline of this remarkable species but following a reintroduction programme there are now thought to be more than 1,000 wolves in the Greater Yellowstone area.

Today, we spend a full day with a specialist wolf and wildlife-tracking guide, venturing into the park wilderness on foot and by vehicle to learn about these extraordinary animals. Our guide explains how wolves live and hunt together in Yellowstone and how the pack hierarchy works. It's important to note that we may not always be lucky enough to see wolves; however, this is our goal and at the same time you're likely to see numerous other wildlife species as we explore. Stay: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn (or similar) (B).

Take your new-found knowledge of Yellowstone's wildlife and geology on a wilderness daywalk in the park, leaving some of the well-known geysers and crowds to explore the wilds with your tour leader. The route depends on the group's general ability and fitness; however, it's likely to involve a walk to view the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls. You'll also visit Mammoth Hot Springs, which have an otherworldly feel. Stay: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn (or similar) (B).

Today's drive reveals the wide open Big Sky scenery that Montana is so famous for. Journey through the ever-changing landscape of forest and mountain backdrops, all the way to Glacier National Park. While this is essentially a long driving day to ensure we have two full days in Glacier for hiking and exploration, it is a great way to experience the different faces of Montana as you cruise through the countryside. Stay: Mountain Pine Motel (or similar) (B).

With two full days to hike in Glacier National Park, you are in for a treat. The park puts on a shuttle bus so we can make the most of the self-guided trails and hopefully spot wildlife. Commonly sighted in Glacier are bears, moose, elk and deer. There are some truly beautiful trails above the treeline, with the chance to see wildflowers common to the area. Your tour leader will provide information and suggestions to help you pick the right trail for you.

Highly recommended is the Hidden Lake Trail, a moderate 5mi (8km) route near East Glacier Park, Montana, which features a lake. Please note: The National Park Service regulates guided hikes in Glacier and our tour leader is not permitted to walk with us on trails. They will, however, provide detailed briefings, directions, maps and transportation. Stay: Mountain Pine Motel (or similar).

Spend the day exploring the heart of the park along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. We stop en route for regular self-guided walks and to spot a variety of animal species for which this park is renowned, including grizzly bears, wolverines and lynx. Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves are also commonly sighted. If conditions are right, we can visit Iceberg Lake for more striking mountain scenes and wildflowers. Stay: Mountain Pine Motel (or similar).

The trip ends this morning at our accommodation in Glacier. You may choose to join the transfer to Great Falls International Airport or extend your trip in Glacier – speak to your sales representative for more information.