Day 9: Kennecott Copper Mine – Salt Lake City

Our onward journey takes us to one of  the largest open-pit copper mines, the Kennecott Mine, with expansive views.  Drive along the Great Salt Lake on our way to Salt Lake City, with a stop at the Antelope Island where buffalo and pronghorn antelope roam free.  In the evening we arrive in the pedestrian friendly capitol city of Utah, where we spend the next two nights.

Day 10: Salt Lake City – Capital of Utah

Salt Lake City is a clean, pedestrian-friendly city with free public transportation. On foot we explore the state capitol and the Mormon Temple grounds. Next to our hotel is a stylish shopping mall with many stores and an inviting outside area. Search for your ancestors (before 1920) at the largest genealogical library in the world, the Family History Center. A lovely city park is another venue for quiet relaxation.

Day 11: Olympic Park – Fossil Butte National Monument – Alpine, Wyoming

Leaving Salt Lake City we stop at the 2002 Winter Olympics Park, featuring the Alf Engen Ski Museum. Superb outlet mall shopping opportunities are nearby. We then cross into Wyoming to explore the unique landscape and fossil displays of Fossil Butte National Monument.  Tonight, we will stay in the historic Western town of Jackson Wyoming.

Day 12: Jackson Hole – Grand Teton National Park – West Yellowstone, Montana

Explore Teton National Park on various walks and one short hike to photogenic views and famous sights.  There’s a good chance of spotting moose, bears and other wildlife in this region.  In the evening enjoy the attractive downtown of Jackson Hole with galleries, shops and excellent restaurants.

Day 13:  Jackson Hole – West Yellowstone, Montana

Today we arrive at Yellowstone National Park and get our first peeks at the incredible geothermal landscape at Yellowstone Lake.  We wander along pathways through many colorful areas around Old Faithful and wonder at the gurgling, steaming hot springs and geysers.  We spend the night at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

Day 14: Yellowstone National Park – Yellowstone Canyon, Lower Falls – Old Faithful

This day’s highlights include Yellowstone’s own chasm, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, where we hike along the canyon rim, with impressive views of nearby Lower & Upper Falls. We picnic on the banks of Yellowstone River. Later we drive along beautiful Yellowstone Lake with a stop at the thermal area of West Thumb. Visit Old Faithful Lodge, view the famous geyser, and stroll along thermal pools, boiling streams, roaring gas vents, and vividly-colored algal mats. 2 nights at the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Day 15:  Yellowstone National Park– Mammoth Hot Springs

We focus on the rightly famous Mammoth Hot Springs with its many gorgeous pools and terraces.  Later we take a walk through Norris Geyser Basin, known for its colorful hot springs and geysers.  A drive over the Dunraven Pass (dependent on snow levels) gives ample opportunity for more wildlife viewing.

Day 16: Yellowstone National Park – Lamar Valley – Chief Joseph Highway – Cody

In the morning we drive through Lamar Valley in Yellowstone NP, where we get our final and possibly best views of wildlife.  Fantastic landscapes welcome us on the Beartooth and Chief Joseph Highways to Cody (alt. Route dependent on snow levels takes us through Shoshone Valley where Buffalo Bills hunting cabin can be visited).  The remainder of the day is spent at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, where we get final insight into the wild west and its culture.  We say our goodbyes at dinner in Buffalo Bill’s restaurant.  Overnight in Cody, Wyoming.

Day 17: Tour ends.

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