Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Adventure

Day 1 – Welcome to Salt Lake City!

Optional transfers from one of our departure points this morning will have you at LAX or the Long Beach Airport for a scheduled non-stop flight arriving in Salt Lake City this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements should arrive at the Salt Lake International Airport by 1:00 p.m. to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel and city tour. You’ll board a deluxe van (14 guests maximum) and continue to a deluxe hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. Here you’ll join your local tour director for a panoramic tour of Salt Lake City, Utah’s political and cultural center silhouetted by the lovely Wasatch Mountains. In 1847 Brigham Young chose the Salt Lake Valley to become the major settlement of the Mormon pioneers. Laid out more than 150 years ago, the “City of the Saints” still manages to keep its rustic charm. Sights generally include the Utah State Capitol, This is the Place Monument and venues used during the 2002 Winter Olympics Games and the upcoming 2034 Olympic Games. Enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Salt Lake City, West Yellowstone

Following an included breakfast, you’ll attend a live broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word, featuring the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting). You’ll then travel north from Salt Lake City past the Great Salt Lake and into the picturesque landscape of southeast Idaho, making a stop for lunch on your own. This afternoon you’ll travel through the Idaho’s Island Park region and over Montana’s Targhee Pass. Take in the incredible views of the winter landscape enroute to West Yellowstone, where you’ll enjoy a two-night stay just outside the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – Yellowstone National Park

After an included breakfast this morning, you’ll board a private, heated snowcoach or snowmobile and enter Yellowstone National Park for a full day of guided sightseeing. The heated snowcoach is driven by an experienced and knowledgable driver-guide and provides clear views as it moves easily over the snow-covered roads. The snowmobile option is an additional $250 per person (payable at time of tour payment) and includes the necessary gear (snowmobile suit, helmet and goggles), driving instructions and a professional guide leading you on a day of adventure! Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, you’ll have an unforgettable experience exploring this winter wonderland at the time of year when there are no crowds and you seemingly have the place to yourself! You’ll visit some of Yellowstone’s most famous sights, including the Madison River, the Fountain Paint Pots area and Old Faithful – the world’s most famous geyser that faithfully rises more than 60 feet in the air. Enjoy an included lunch and time to explore the Old Faithful area at leisure. You’ll return to West Yellowstone late this afternoon with the evening at leisure to walk to a number of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 – Jackson, Grand Teton National Park

Following an included breakfast, you’ll travel south to Jackson, Wyoming and enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own in this old west town situated in the heart of the Jackson Hole Valley. This afternoon you’ll enter Grand Teton National Park and enjoy a winter day in the shadow of the Teton Range, America’s youngest and most rugged mountains. The Tetons pierce the clouds in majestic splendor and you’ll make several photo stops to appreciate their unparalleled scenic beauty. At the National Elk Refuge you’ll board a horse-drawn sleigh with a knowledgeable sleigh driver and travel right into the middle of this winter refuge for thousands of elk for up-close views of these majestic creatures. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to stroll along the boardwalks of Jackson, the charming town that features a variety of restaurants, boutiques and galleries. (Breakfast)

Day 5 – Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake City

After an included breakfast, you’ll travel south through scenic western Wyoming into Idaho, all the while surrounded by silver streams, soaring peaks, and lush meadows. Drive through the rugged Snake River Canyon and stop in the pastoral Starr Valley. Enjoy lunch on your own in Evanston, Idaho before you continue to Utah Olympic Park. Enjoy time at leisure browsing the Alf Engen Ski Museum and Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum before a guided tour of this amazing facility that hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, continues to host World Cup events and will host the Olympic Winter Games again in 2034! See the ski jumps as well as the track for the bobsled and luge – home to “the fastest ice on Earth!” Return to Salt Lake City this evening with an included farewell dinner at a locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 – Salt Lake City, Journey Home

Enjoy an included breakfast before a short transfer to the Salt Lake International Airport for a return flight to Los Angeles or Long Beach. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can depart Salt Lake City at any time today. Upon arrival in Southern California, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-off points. Return home with many fond memories of the incredible scenery and magnificent wildlife on this unique winter adventure. (Breakfast)

This tour may be different from other tours offered by Good Times Travel, as the walking can be strenuous due to the high elevation (8,000 feet) and the snow and ice underfoot. Guests should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over slippery surfaces. Comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots as well as winter clothing are required for this tour.

The land portion of this unique tour is operated by a local tour operator partner of ours (Southwest Adventure Tours) that specializes in this region and provides a professional tour director to lead the group upon arrival in Salt Lake City. Our group will be joined by guests from other parts of the U.S. A Good Times Travel tour director will accompany our group only with a minimum number of Good Times Travel guests.

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.