Yellowstone & Tetons: Geysers & Grand Peaks

This trip mixes easygoing days with a couple of bigger ones. Wandering the geyser basins and strolling the lakeshores are gentle and open to everyone; our climb up Mount Washburn (about 7 miles and 1,400 feet) and our hike into Cascade Canyon are longer and more demanding — though Cascade Canyon lets you choose how far you go. None of it is technical, but a couple of days are long, so a little training beforehand goes a long way. Put in some miles this spring and you'll be ready to take on these mountains and feel fantastic doing it.

One note: the Highline Trail begins with a famous cliffside ledge — narrow, with a cable to hold onto and a big drop-off. It's completely walkable and wildly scenic, but if heights aren't your thing, let us know and we'll make a plan.

Yellowstone's trails are all about the wonders: boardwalks winding through steaming geyser basins, a canyon-rim path to golden waterfall views, and a big, rewarding climb up Mount Washburn for the sweeping panorama. In the Tetons, the trails turn dramatic — a boat ride across Jenny Lake drops us at the mouth of Cascade Canyon, where we hike beneath sheer granite peaks alongside a rushing creek (with a good chance of spotting moose). It's a wonderful range of terrain, and there's a comfortable option every day.

Your first and last nights are spent at the same comfortable hotel near the Idaho Falls airport (the Hampton Inn), with your own bed and time to settle in. Your final night's stay is included in your trip.

For the heart of the trip, we glamp inside both parks: first at Canyon Campground in Yellowstone, close to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, then at Colter Bay in Grand Teton, right on the shore of Jackson Lake with the peaks reflected in the water. You'll share a large, walk-in tent (two women per tent) outfitted with cots, sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, a rug underfoot, and a shared nightstand with a lantern — and you'll always have your own bed. Showers and flushing toilets are available at both.

A note on weather: at this elevation, late-summer days are gorgeous but nights and early mornings get cold (sometimes near freezing, especially in September). Please bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves — we'll have extra blankets at camp so you stay toasty. And because this is grizzly and black bear country, we follow careful bear-safety and food-storage practices throughout; your guide will walk you through everything.

Fly into Idaho Falls and settle in at our hotel. This evening, meet Michele in the lobby for a welcome dinner, where you'll meet your fellow adventurers and we'll walk through the exciting week ahead. (Dinner included.)

After breakfast, we'll drive up into Yellowstone and set up our basecamp near the canyon. To ease in, we'll hike the Clear Lake–Artist Point loop, a beautiful walk past a thermal lake and along the rim to Artist Point, the classic view of the Lower Falls plunging into the golden Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Today we climb. The Dunraven Pass trail up Mount Washburn (7.1 miles, 1,400 ft) leads through wildflower meadows to a 10,000-foot summit with a fire lookout and a jaw-dropping 360-degree view across all of Yellowstone. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep — this is one of the best spots to see them. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

This morning we'll explore the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful (about 4.9 miles of easy boardwalk strolling), timing our visit for an eruption and wandering past Morning Glory Pool and the greatest concentration of geysers on Earth — with a stop at the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring along the way. Then we'll drive south into Grand Teton and set up camp on the shore of Jackson Lake. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

The Tetons' signature hike, and a jaw-dropper. We'll take the Jenny Lake shuttle boat across the water to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, then hike up into Cascade Canyon beneath the towering peaks, following a rushing creek deeper into the range (go as far as you like — the whole canyon is spectacular). Watch for moose in the willows! (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Time to play! This morning we'll hit the Snake River for a guided whitewater rafting trip — splashy, thrilling, and a total blast. In the afternoon, we'll take it easy with a gentle lakeshore stroll and time to relax at camp with those Teton views. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

On our final morning, we'll have breakfast, break camp, and begin the drive back to Idaho Falls, stopping for lunch along the way. We'll arrive back at our hotel for your final, included night. (Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own tonight — go toast to an incredible week!)

Planning your flights home: Your final night's hotel is included, so most guests fly out on Saturday. If you'd rather head home Friday evening, just be sure to book your flight for after 5:00 PM so we have time to make the drive back.