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Glacier, Yellowstone & Grand Tetons - KELO TV
Three National Parks
Smokejumper Visitor Center
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
Helena
Cowboy Cookout
Mitchell Olson
Mitchell Olson
I’m from a farm outside Vermillion South Dakota and attended South Dakota State University on a Vocal and Theatre scholarship. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance I moved to NYC where I lived for 13 years. A decade ago, I returned to the…
Embark on the ultimate Rockies vacation, featuring awe-inspiring natural beauty in three famous national parks. Begin in Missoula, Montana with a visit to the country’s largest smokejumper base, then take in spectacular views atop Whitefish Mountain Resort. Head to Glacier National Park for an exciting drive aboard vintage Red Buses with otherworldly views along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Travel eastbound to Great Falls to explore the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center and be immersed in Indigenous history at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. In Helena, see the vibrant city’s best sights on a guided tour and relax on a boat ride through Gates of the Mountains. Spend two unforgettable days in Yellowstone, soaking up all of the wildlife and amazing geologic wonders while staying overnight in America’s first national park, including iconic Old Faithful. Venture across the state border to Jackson, Wyoming, for a tour of Grand Teton National Park with the Chapel of the Transfiguration before a covered wagon ride to an included Old West barbecue dinner. Our adventure concludes in Salt Lake City with a special Farewell Dinner.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour
Watch the storied history of Lewis and Clark’s explorations unfold before us as we glide along the Missouri River on a narrated open-air boat tour. Receiving its name from Meriwether Lewis back in 1805, Gates of the Mountains surrounds us with rugged limestone cliffs. Marvel at the Hauser Dam collapse, see Native pictographs on a rock wall, and watch for bighorn sheep, otters, eagles, and other wildlife!
Yellowstone National Park
Spanning over two million acres, Yellowstone is our country’s first national park and one of the most visited by tourists around the globe. Not only is it home to the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48, but it also boasts more geysers and hot springs than anywhere else on Earth! Enjoy a guided tour to marvel at the majestic wildlife and gaze upon Mother Nature’s geothermal wonders. Find yourself captivated at every sight in the park, such as the vibrant colors and fascinating white travertine on Mammoth Hot Springs.
Glacier National Park
Board famous vintage 1930s Red Buses with roll-back tops and wide windows for unrivaled views and picturetaking as we discover the park’s crown jewel: Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Our excursion takes us along the banks of glacial lakes, passes through green forests along sheer cliff walls, and reveals delightful wildflowers and wildlife. Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable park guide shares fascinating facts, stories, and rich cultural history of this magnificent area.
Grand Teton National Park
Immerse yourself in the captivating wonders of these preserved lands, where majestic wildlife roams amidst untouched landscapes and pristine lakes. Explore renowned viewpoints like the Snake River, famously seen in Ansel Adams’ photographs. Don’t forget your camera for the park’s iconic centerpiece, Grand Teton, which towers more than 7,000 feet above the sweeping plains, and the Chapel of the Transfiguration, dating back over 100 years.
- Day 1: Fly to MontanaUpon arriving in Missoula, we check in to our comfortable accommodations and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Day 2: WhitefishOur day begins with a visit to Smokejumper Visitor Center, the largest smokejumper base in the country. Enjoy a tour of the jump base, ready room, national memorial, loft, and lookout tower while learning more about this crucial occupation. Afterwards, we travel north to Whitefish, viewing some of the most spectacular scenery in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Along the way, we break for a delicious Welcome Lunch in Polson and take in amazing vistas of Flathead Lake and the surrounding Flathead National Forest. Arriving in Whitefish, we stop at a nearby mountain resort for a scenic gondola ride to the summit for bird’s-eye views of the stunning landscape. We then check in to our overnight accommodations and have the evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 3: Going-to-the-Sun RoadThis morning, we’re off to Glacier National Park, which features over 20 glaciers and 200 lakes as standing reminders of the last Ice Age. We board vintage Red Buses with roll-back tops for a journey on one of the world’s most scenic routes: Going-to-the-Sun Road. During our drive, learn about the park’s history from an expert guide, take in views of the towering mountains, and watch for a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Afterwards, enjoy an included lunch in St. Mary Village before we continue to Great Falls and check in to our accommodations for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 4: Lewis & Clark DiscoveriesToday’s adventure starts with reliving the brave journey of two famous explorers at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Overlooking the beautiful Missouri River, this center includes exhibits, artifacts, films, and a two-story diorama. After an included lunch, we visit First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, a fascinating archaeological site and presumably the largest bison cliff jump in North America. Explore the visitor center to learn about the rich history of these lands and enjoy views of the Rocky Mountain Front and Missouri River Valley. Later, we check in to our hotel in Helena, Montana’s capital and heart of the Big Sky State.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Gates of the MountainsA local guide boards our motorcoach this morning to provide expert insight during a tour of Helena. Learn about the storied history of this vibrant city, see the Montana State Capitol building, and marvel at the Gothic-style cathedral’s stunning towers and stained-glass windows which rival those in Europe. After lunch at leisure, we board a riverboat to discover the epitome of Montana’s natural beauty, Gates of the Mountains, coined by Meriwether Lewis. A guide recounts the explorers’ famous journey down the Missouri River as we marvel at the rugged scenery with towering limestone cliffs and watch for intriguing wildlife. Tonight, we enjoy an included dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6: Yellowstone National ParkWe drive beside the crystal-clear Gallatin River today, making our way to Gardiner, the original gateway to America’s first national park. Upon arriving in Yellowstone, enjoy free time in the awe-inspiring Mammoth Hot Springs area before we travel along part of the northern loop, where we may have the opportunity to be part of the notorious bison traffic jam. This evening, we check in to our accommodations nestled inside the park and have dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Old FaithfulRevel in a full day of exploring Yellowstone National Park’s breathtaking wonders! A park guide joins us for an exciting tour including stops at Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser, and Artist Point. We also see stunning views of Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls as well as the multicolored Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Our scenic drive continues through Hayden Valley, a haven for wildlife with lush forests. Later, we depart Yellowstone and settle in for a comfortable two-night stay in Jackson, Wyoming.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: The Grand TetonsThis morning, we visit Grand Teton National Park for picturesque views of shimmering lakes, rolling meadows, and soaring mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. Watch for elk, bison, foxes, moose, and bald eagles as we venture through the park and take advantage of premier photo opportunities. Learn about this protected area with immaculate exhibits during our stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, followed by a visit to the Chapel of the Transfiguration, a rustic log chapel with a 100-year-old history and picture-perfect vistas of Grand Teton. The afternoon is yours at leisure to relax or explore! Tonight, we enjoy a covered wagon ride in Cache Creek Canyon to our included dinner – a tasty barbecue cookout accompanied by music and songs of the Old West!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: Salt Lake CityStep aboard our comfortable motorcoach this morning for one last scenic drive, taking us from Jackson into Salt Lake City. Along the way, we break at Bear Lake Overlook to stretch our legs as we take in spectacular views of the turquoise water nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Tonight, we celebrate with our new friends at a special Farewell Dinner and settle into accommodations in downtown Salt Lake City.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Fly HomeWe return home with fond memories of our Rockies adventure.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Holiday Inn Downtown Missoula
- 1 night at Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge in Whitefish
- 1 night in Great Falls, MT
- 2 nights in Helena, MT
- 1 night inside Yellowstone National Park
- 2 nights in Jackson, WY
- 1 night at Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
Attractions & Highlights
- Smokejumper Visitor Center
- Glacier National Park feat. Going-to-the-Sun Road
- First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
- Gates of the Mountains boat tour
- Helena guided city tour feat. the Montana State Capitol building
- Yellowstone National Park guided tour feat. Old Faithful & Hayden Valley
- Grand Teton National Park feat. the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and the Chapel of the Transfiguration
15 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Lunch in Polson, MT
- Lunch in Glacier National Park
- Dinner in Yellowstone National Park
- Cache Creek Canyon cookout
- Farewell Dinner in Salt Lake City
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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