Northern Rockies

Day 1: Rapid City - Welcome Dinner & Orientation
Upon arrival in Rapid City, SD, you will be met by your AAW guide and transferred in a luxury SUV to your accommodations. The afternoon is free to settle in, relax and explore the surrounding area. Your AAW guide will provide a welcome dinner and orientation later in the evening. After a delicious meal and the opportunity to get to know your guide, you will spend the night in Rapid City. (D) Accommodations at the Days Inn.

Day 2: Rapid City - Visit Mt. Rushmore & Explore the Black Hills
This morning, you will visit one of the grandest sights in the United States, Mt. Rushmore. These legendary granite faces tower 5,500 feet above sea level and are scaled to men who would stand 465 feet tall! They were sculpted to appear more lifelike in the morning sun, and you will get there in time to catch this special phenomenon. You will spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Black Hills, which are home to the highest peaks of continental North America east of the Rockies. The mountain range’s name was taken from the Lakota, who called them that because of their appearance from a distance, covered in trees. Your last stop will be a drive-through wildlife park, where you will witness bear, elk, reindeer, sheep, fox, buffalo and many more species in their natural habitats. The park even features a special baby animal exhibit, where you will be able to see many different types of adorable baby animals! The night will be spent in Rapid City. (B) Accommodations at the Days Inn.

Day 3: Rapid City to Cody - Old West Chuckwagon Dinner Show
Today you will head west, stepping back in time as your AAW guide transports you in your luxury SUV to Cody, WY. Named after one its founders, William Cody (more commonly known as Buffalo Bill!), this small town has stayed true to its roots and still maintains that Wild West feel. Back in cowboy days, each long, hard day in the saddle ended with food and entertainment in front of the chuckwagon. After a long day of traveling, you too, will be able to experience this by partaking in a lively chuckwagon dinner and show for an authentic Old West experience. The night will be spent in Cody. (B) Accommodations at the Cody Cowboy Village.

Day 4: Cody to Yellowstone - Yellowstone Horseback Ride
In the morning, you will travel into the spectacular Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States. It sits upon a “hot spot” on the earth’s surface, making it one of the most geologically active lands on the planet, featuring geysers, fumaroles, and frequent earthquakes. It also is home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzlies, buffalo, and wolves. Upon entering the park, you will first spot the stunning Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high altitude lakes in the country. You will have the opportunity to take scenic stops wherever you wish. Continuing north to Canyon Village, you will have amazing views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Upper and Lower Falls area of the Yellowstone River. After a short hike and the opportunity to take photos, you will delver further into the park on horseback! You will then proceed north through Tower Falls to stay the night in Mammoth. (B) Accommodations at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

Day 5: Yellowstone - Mammoth Hiking & Hot Springs
The Mammoth region of the park offers a variety of exquisite hiking trails for all experience and difficulty levels. Depending on your desires, your AAW guide will choose the best trail, and you will spend the day hiking through the natural beauty of the park. Upon returning from your exploration, you will spend the late afternoon recouping in the Boiling River, a run-off from the Mammoth Hot Springs. This area is unique, because you can stand with one leg in the icy Gardner River and the other in the Boiling River hot springs. Relax in the small pools carved into delicate rock formations and enjoy views of the magnificent Gardner River canyon walls. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife in the water and the air! The night will be spent in Mammoth. (B) Accommodations at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

Day 6: Yellowstone - Bike Cruise Around Old Faithful
In the morning, you’ll jump on the road to discovery once again. Your first stop will be in the Madison Junction area to visit the Artist Paint Pots, a colorful and scenic thermal area featuring large mudpots, brightly colored hot springs, and a few small geysers. You’ll continue on to witness the glory of Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser. Though not the largest geyser in the park, Old Faithful is legendary for its punctuality and predictability, erupting approximately every 80 minutes for one to five minutes, spraying water and steam up to 184 feet vertically! Your AAW guide will show you around the area and all of the surrounding geological sites. This afternoon, you’ll hop on a bike to enjoy a cruise around this region and take in more of the stunning scenery. The night will be spent in Old Faithful. (B) Accommodations at the Old Faithful Inn.

Day 7: Yellowstone to Jackson - Snake River Rafting Trip
Today you will travel in your luxury SUV to Grand Teton National Park, famous for the incredibly beautiful snowcapped peaks that rise abruptly from the sagebrush-covered valleys of Jackson Hole. After arriving, you will depart for a breathtaking float trip down the Snake River. Envision gentle waves rippling around you, eagles soaring overhead, moose grazing in the willows, the sun sparkling on the water, and you relaxing against your seat as your experienced guide rows you down a tranquil stretch of the mighty Snake River. In addition to spectacular wildlife viewing, you will enjoy great views of the majestic Grand Teton mountain range. What an afternoon! After the float trip you will be transferred to Jackson Hole, WY for the night. (B) Accommodations at the Rustic Inn.

Day 8: Jackson - Private Fly-Fishing Lessons
Jackson Hole is known as a mecca for fly fishermen, and this morning you’ll have the incredible opportunity to take a private fly-fishing lesson in this exquisite wilderness. You will have your afternoon free to explore Jackson Hole, a quaint resort town with a Wild West feel. You’ll also take a ride on the newly redone tram, which boasts the longest continual vertical rise of all U.S. resorts (4,139 feet!). At the top of the tram, you will be able to get out and take pictures of the awe-inspiring views. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Jackson Hole’s fine restaurants to reminisce on the past week. Then enjoy a drink at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where the bar stools are made from saddles! The night will be spent in Jackson Hole. (B, D) Accommodations at the Rustic Inn.

Day 9: Jackson - Return Flight Home
Depending on your departure flight time, your AAW guide will transfer you to the Jackson Hole Airport for your return flight home. (B)