New Year's in Yellowstone National Park
Tour Map
Daily Itinerary
December 28, 2008: Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park
Meet your guides this afternoon in Bozeman for the drive to Yellowstone National Park. On the way, pass through the scenic Paradise Valley along the Yellowstone River, flanked by the 11,000-foot peaks of the Absaroka Range. Dinner includes a brief orientation on the week ahead. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (D)
December 29, 2008: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for a dramatic drive through the remote Lamar Valley in the northeast corner of Yellowstone. This is home to many of the wolves now roaming the park. We arrive at daybreak for the best opportunities to see the wolves. A wildlife biologist will provide in-depth
background on their successful and controversial reintroduction in 1995. Learn how other animals have adjusted to their presence. The wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley is incredible, with vast herds of elk and bison, bighorn sheep, and coyote heading the list. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (B,L,D)
December 30, 2008: Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
Start your morning with a visit to the Albright Visitor Center at Park Headquarters, then enjoy a lively discussion with a park historian. Explore the marvelous and ever-changing limestone terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. After lunch, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing with your naturalist guides. Learn how to track wildlife along snowy trails. Equipment can be rented from the hotel. Best Western (B,L,D)
December 31, 2008: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
After breakfast, climb on board heated snowcoaches for a 50-mile trip to Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. On the way, we stop at the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for amazing views of frozen waterfalls. After checking into the newly rebuilt Old Faithful Snow Lodge, gather for special New Year’s Eve festivities and dinner. If conditions are favorable, we strike out after midnight for the Old Faithful Geyser and witness its first eruption of the New Year! Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)
January 1, 2009: Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
Today is all about geysers! In addition to Old Faithful guides will point out fumaroles, mudpots, and brilliantly colored hot pools. Wander the Upper Geyser Basin, home to many of the park’s 10,000 thermal features, including most of its geysers, with names like Castle, Beehive, Lion, and Grotto. See the famous Morning Glory Pool, as well as Beauty Pool, Crested Pool, and Chinaman Spring. Snow is packed down so that you can walk over the boardwalks. In the afternoon, you may opt to cross-country ski or snowshoe on trails around the Old Faithful area, or curl up with a cup of tea and a good book at the lodge Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)
January 2, 2009: Paradise Valley to Chico Hot Springs
On your final full day in the glorious Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, travel by snowcoach from Old Faithful north to Mammoth along the famed Firehole River. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of a dipper or water ouzel, or maybe a trumpeter swan. Wander through Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most active geyser basin in the world, complete with its icy “ghost trees” in winter. At day’s end, enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot springs pool, followed by a festive farewell dinner. Chico Hot Springs (B,L,D)
January 2, 2009: Chico Hot Springs to Bozeman
Flights home from Bozeman’s Gallatin Field in the afternoon. (B)
Special Tour Notes
Be prepared to walk on snow-covered trails. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are optional.
Much of the wildlife watching will be done close to the van or snow coach.
