Wyoming: Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks

Make your own arrangements for travel to Jackson. If you’re flying to Wyoming, Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa offers complimentary shuttle service from the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) between the hours of 7:15 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Please contact the hotel (800.323.9279) at least 24 hours prior to your arrival to arrange for a shuttle. If your flight is delayed, please contact the hotel directly to inform them.

Guests driving to the tour may leave their car in the Jackson Hole Airport long-term parking lot for the duration of the tour (daily rates apply and are not included in your tour). For more information visit jacksonholeairport.com/parking-transportation/parking/.

Your group meets at the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa at 12:30 p.m. Please plan to have lunch beforehand and come dressed for cycling (with your pedals and/or saddle if you use your own), as there will be no place to change into cycling clothes before the warm-up ride. Rooms may not be available for check in until 4:00 p.m., but you may store your luggage with the reception desk. Before you begin your Yellowstone biking tour, join your VBT trip leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride. At 6:30 p.m., meet again and walk to a nearby restaurant for a tour orientation and welcome reception before your 7:30 p.m. dinner.

*Please note: On each day there is a possibility that alternative rides or hikes of comparable terrain will be used in the event of road or trail closings due to wildlife activity, group size restrictions in the parks, or other circumstances.

Accommodation: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson
Included Meals: Dinner

Today’s Ride Choice:
Cumulative Distance Range: 16 miles
Afternoon
Warm-up Jackson: 16 miles

What to Expect: Ride along Jackson’s paved pathway heading south along Flat Creek and through ranch lands and riparian areas with a chance to view a variety of mammals and birds before looping back to town where you might catch a glimpse of the family of otters that has taken up residence near your hotel.

After a hearty American buffet breakfast, head out into the grand expanse of Grand Teton National Park. Cycle from your hotel or shuttle ahead to Moose and the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Watch the 24-minute high-definition movie Grand Teton National Park: Life on the Edge while your trip leader unloads your bicycles.

The pathway from Moose to Jenny Lake Visitor Center offers spectacular views of the rugged Teton Range and provides access to many scenic overlooks. You will be surrounded by natural beauty in every direction. Grab your deli box lunch from the VBT support vehicle and find your special place in the shadow of the Tetons to pause, refuel, and experience why they call these the mountains of imagination.

This afternoon you can cycle back to town on the car-free path or spend a few hours at Jenny Lake before shuttling back to the hotel.

In the late afternoon and evening, you can discover Jackson’s treasures at your leisure. The resort offers a full-service spa, outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. During fishing season, you can enjoy fly fishing on the iconic Flat Creek from your hotel property. Complimentary fishing pole rentals are available at your hotel but a Wyoming fishing license is required. A single day fee is available for purchase but is not included in your tour.

Stop in at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center across from your hotel. The visitor center offers beautiful views of the National Elk Refuge as well as indoor interpretive displays and a stunning series of paintings depicting the surrounding area at different elevations. During the summer you are unlikely to see elk since most of the herd has moved to mountain meadows and forests which offer abundant food and escape from the warmer temperatures, but other animals may be within viewing range.

Don’t miss the Jackson Town Square Shootout at 6:00 p.m. Your trip leaders will offer a list of some of their favorite local restaurants for dinner on your own this evening. Later, relax by one of the cozy fire pits offered at your 12-acre resort.

*Please note: The National Park Service limits the size of all groups. Grand Teton National Park does not permit guided hiking and you will bike in small groups with VBT leaders. You will hike without VBT leaders or local guides. Your leaders will provide pre-walk briefings, maps, and directions. We appreciate your cooperation with the park’s regulations.

Accommodation: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Distance Range:13-49 miles
Morning
Jackson to Moose: 13 miles
Moose to Jenny Lake with lake drive loop: 16 miles

Afternoon
Jenny Lake to Jackson: 20 miles

What to Expect: Weather in the mountains is quite variable so check the weather report and dress appropriately. Bike from your hotel on the paved and car-free path, slowly gaining elevation, to Moose. Pause here to explore the visitor’s center. Your leaders will offer a 20-minute shuttle from the hotel to Moose for those who choose not to ride that section.

Cycling from Moose to Jenny Lake is on a mix of the car-free paths, the main paved park road, and a secondary paved road, and offers spectacular views of the Teton Range. There is continuous elevation gain for 11 miles until the turnoff onto Jenny Lake Road, a one-way low-traffic scenic ride past Jenny Lake Lodge and Jenny Lake.

It you intend to shuttle back to the hotel from Jenny Lake, you may consider the Jenny Lake boat service which provides easy access to hiking (fares apply and are not included in your tour; go to jennylakeboating.com/boat-trips/shuttle-service/ ). You will leave from the East Boat Dock and cruise across the lake to the base of Mount Teewinot for a hike to Hidden Falls (1/2 mile each way) or Inspiration Point (one mile each way). The boat shuttle eliminates a two-mile hike (each way), thereby saving time and energy for your optional, independent hike.

The afternoon bike ride from Jenny Lake to Jackson is the reverse from this morning’s ride but you will be descending in this direction!

After breakfast, you will transfer (driving time 2 ½ – 3 hours) to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. As you drive through this area, notice the jagged granite peaks, rolling green hills and new pine trees regrown from the ashes of the 1988 wildfires.

Exhale, explore Old Faithful Historic District and enjoy lunch on your own.

After lunch, meet your leaders for a guided hike from Old Faithful, pausing to view its eruption, right on schedule. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park has over 10,000 thermal features, of which more than 500 are geysers.

Old Faithful will leave an indelible impression on you with its stunning tall and feathery plume of steam and boiling water. Follow your leaders beyond the boardwalk and learn why Yellowstone National Park contains half of the world’s geothermal features. After your hike, you will have a short shuttle back to your lodge. Settle in and meet your group for dinner at Old Faithful Inn.

*Please note: groups staying at Grant Village will shuttle after the hike from Old Faithful to Grant Village (driving time 45 minutes – 1 hour). Dinner will be at Grant Village.

*Please note: groups with 16-20 guests will have an alternate itinerary on this day because the National Park Service limits the size of all groups. Please see Today’s Ride Choice below for details.

Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park
Alternate Accommodation:Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s Ride Choice (For Groups of Up to 15 Guests):
Cumulative Distance Range: three-mile guided hike

Afternoon
Old Faithful hike: three-mile guided hike

What to Expect: This one-way hike is easy, starting on the boardwalk near Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, then on a paved path to Morning Glory Pool and ending on a hard-packed gravel trail and mostly flat terrain with very little elevation gain. Once you reach your final destination, your leaders will shuttle you back.

Today’s Ride Choice (For Groups of 16-20 Guests):
Cumulative Distance Range: three-mile guided hike or 20 or 30 miles guided biking

The National Park Service limits the size of all groups. In Yellowstone National Park, you will bike in small groups with a VBT leader and you will hike on your own. We appreciate your cooperation with the park’s regulations.

Afternoon
Old Faithful hike: three-mile independent hike, non-cycling day (Group 1)
Old Faithful to Madison Junction and Gibbon Meadows: 30 miles guided biking (Group 2)

What to Expect:
Group 1 – Enjoy the afternoon exploring the area around Old Faithful. This out and back independent hike is easy and safe, starting on the boardwalk near Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, then on a paved path to Morning Glory Pool, with mostly flat terrain and very little elevation gain before retracing your steps back to Old Faithful. Your leaders will provide pre-walk briefings, maps, and directions.

Group 2 – Bike from Old Faithful to Madison Junction (19.5 miles, 325 feet elevation gain, 876 feet elevation loss), and continue on to Gibbon Meadows (10.5 miles, 729 feet elevation gain, 201 feet elevation loss). You will bike on paved roads with vehicular traffic and a shoulder most of the time and through the steam of hot springs and geysers burbling on both sides of Firehole Road. Pause at Madison Junction where the Firehole River joins the Madison River. The Madison is a blue-ribbon fly-fishing stream with brown and rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. The Firehole River is world-famous among anglers for its pristine beauty and abundant brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Next, stop at Gibbon Falls, which drop roughly 84 feet in a gradual descent. Conclude your ride at Gibbon Meadows, a peaceful picnic area where you are likely to see elk or bison along the Gibbon River. Your leaders will load your bikes onto the trailer and will shuttle you back to Old Faithful to join the rest of the group.

*Please note: groups staying at Grant Village will shuttle after your hike or bike ride from Old Faithful to Grant Village (driving time 45 minutes – one hour). Dinner will be at Grant Village.

After breakfast at your lodge, begin cycling in Yellowstone National Park. Your first destination is Firehole Road with hot springs and geysers burbling on either side of you. Continue on to Madison Junction, where the Firehole and Madison Rivers come together. Enjoy your box lunch by the water and if you’re in the mood, jump in for a refreshing swim.

After lunch, continue cycling or shuttle to Norris Junction. As you cycle, pause at Gibbon Falls, which drops roughly 84 feet in a gradual descent. Ride on to Gibbon Meadows, a peaceful picnic area where you are likely to see elk or bison along the Gibbon River. Arrive at Norris Junction and join the rest of your group. Stroll through Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone’s hottest, oldest and most dynamic thermal area, including Steamboat Geyser, the tallest geyser in the world at 300–400 feet. From here, your group will shuttle to Canyon Village (driving time 30 minutes).

As time allows, stroll from your lodge to the lookout point to view the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Tonight, dinner is on your own in Canyon Village.

*Please note: groups staying at Grant Village will shuttle after breakfast to Old Faithful (driving time 45 minutes – one hour).

*Please note: advanced reservations at the Canyon Lodge dining room were made for you by VBT to guarantee a seating time. Your leaders will confirm the time with you and the lodge a few days prior. Your leaders will cancel the reservation if you prefer to make other dinner plans.

*Please note: groups with 16-20 guests will have an alternate itinerary on this day because the National Park Service limits the size of all groups. Please see Today’s Ride Choice below for details.

Accommodation: Canyon Lodge, Yellowstone National Park

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s Ride Choice (For Groups of Up to 15 Guests):
Cumulative Distance Range: 14 – 34 miles

Morning
Old Faithful to Madison Junction: 20 miles

Afternoon
Madison Junction to Norris Junction: 14 miles

What to Expect: Bike from Old Faithful to Madison Junction (325 feet elevation gain, 876 feet elevation loss, maximum grade 2.6%). You will bike on paved roads with vehicular traffic and a shoulder most of the time, including a stretch through the steam of hot springs and geysers burbling on both sides of Firehole Road. Enjoy lunch at Madison Junction where the Firehole River joins the Madison River.

Shuttle from Madison Junction or continue cycling to Norris Junction (1,046 feet elevation gain, 270 feet elevation loss), stopping first at Gibbon Falls, which drops roughly 84 feet in a gradual descent. Further ahead, pause at Gibbon Meadows, a peaceful picnic area where you are likely to see elk or bison along the Gibbon River. Once you have arrived at Norris Junction, join the rest of the group, and if time allows, walk the Porcelain Basin loop (the shorter of the two main loops), while your leaders load your bikes onto the trailer. Everyone will shuttle from here to Canyon Village.

Today’s Ride Choice (For Groups of 16-20 Guests):

Cumulative Distance Range: three-mile independent hike and 18 or 23 miles guided biking

The National Park Service limits the size of all groups. In Yellowstone National Park you will bike in small groups with a VBT leader and hike on your own. We appreciate your cooperation with the park’s regulations.

Morning
Old Faithful to Madison Junction: 20 miles guided biking (Group 1)
Old Faithful hike: three-mile independent hike (Group 2)

Afternoon
Canyon Rim hike: three-mile independent hike (Group 1)
Canyon to Lake Yellowstone: 23 miles guided biking (Group 2)

What to Expect:
Group 1 – In the morning, bike from Old Faithful to Madison Junction (325 feet elevation gain, 876 feet elevation loss, maximum grade 2.6%). You will bike on paved bike roads with vehicular traffic and a shoulder most of the time, including a stretch through the steam of hot springs and geysers burbling on both sides of Firehole Road. Enjoy lunch at Madison Junction where the Firehole River joins the Madison River. The rest of the group will meet you here and everyone will shuttle to Canyon Village. This afternoon, enjoy an independent hike of the Canyon Rim. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Group 2 – Take the morning to explore Old Faithful on foot. This out and back independent hike is easy and safe, starting on the boardwalk near Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, then on a paved path to Morning Glory Pool, with mostly flat terrain and very little elevation gain, after which you will retrace your way back to Old Faithful. Your leaders will provide pre-walk briefings, maps and directions.

After an included box lunch, your leaders will shuttle you to Madison Junction to join the rest of the group. Everyone will shuttle to Canyon Village and you’ll bike from there to Lake Yellowstone through the Hayden Valley (1,093 feet elevation gain, 1,185 feet elevation loss, maximum grade 4.5%). Shuttle back to Canyon Village with your leaders. Dinner is on your own tonight.

*Please note: groups staying at Grant Village will shuttle after breakfast to Old Faithful (driving time 45 minutes –one hour).

*Please note: advanced reservations at the Canyon Lodge dining room were made for you by VBT to guarantee a seating time. Your leaders will confirm the time with you and the lodge a few days prior. Your leaders will cancel the reservation if you prefer to make other dinner plans.

After breakfast at the lodge, you will ride from Canyon Village to Hayden Valley, one of the best places to view Yellowstone’s abundant wildlife. This stretch of road reveals new vistas at every turn. The lush valley north of Yellowstone Lake is a popular gathering place for bison, elk, coyotes and grizzly bears. Just remember to keep a safe distance from the animals. Wildlife always have the right of way. The National Park Service advises staying at least 100 yards away from wolves and bears and roughly 25 yards away from other animals. As you approach Yellowstone Lake, look for trumpeter swans, named for their resonant call. There were 27 resident swans recorded in 2019, including three territorial pairs. Pause at Yellowstone Lake for a box lunch and share stories of the wildlife you encountered along the way.

This afternoon ride or shuttle from the lake to West Thumb Geyser Basin. South of Bridge Bay is Gull Point Drive, one of the few remaining sections of the original stage road in the park and a lovely two-mile jaunt. Back on the main road, you’ll ride through old-growth spruce forests as well as younger lodgepole pine thickets. Once you arrive in West Thumb, bid adieu to your bicycle and join your leaders for a guided hike of the geyser basin before transferring to your lodge. Tonight, regroup for a farewell dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge.

Accommodation: Jackson Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s Ride Choices (For Groups of Up to 15 Guests):
Cumulative Distance Range: 23 – 45 miles plus 0.6-mile guided hike at West Thumb Geyser Basin

Morning
Canyon Village to Lake Yellowstone: 23 miles

Afternoon
Lake Yellowstone to West Thumb Geyser: 22 miles
West Thumb Geyser Basin: 0.6-mile guided hike

What to Expect: Ride from Canyon Village to Lake Yellowstone through Hayden Valley (1,093 feet elevation gain, 1,185 feet elevation loss, maximum grade 4.5%).

After lunch you may shuttle or bike to West Thumb Geyser (839 feet elevation gain, 851 feet elevation loss, maximum grade 5.5 %). Rolling along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, you’ll catch views of the spectacular southern Absoroka Mountains. This section of Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road is in excellent condition, with few potholes and an intact edge, as well as the widest shoulders in the park.

Enjoy a guided walk at West Thumb Geyser Basin with your leaders before shuttling to Jackson Lake Lodge (driving time 1 hour and 15 minutes).

Today’s Ride Choices (For Groups of 16-20 Guests):
Cumulative Distance Range: 0.6-mile guided hike and 23 miles guided biking or three miles independent hiking

The National Park Service limits the size of all groups. In Yellowstone National Park you will bike in small groups with a VBT leader and hike on your own. We appreciate your cooperation with the park’s regulations.

Morning
Canyon Village to Lake Yellowstone: 23 miles (Group 1)
Canyon Rim hike: three-mile independent hike (Group 2, non-cycling day)

Afternoon
West Thumb Geyser Basin: 0.6-mile guided hike (both groups)

What to Expect:
Group 1 – This morning, bike from Canyon Village to Lake Yellowstone through the Hayden Valley (1,093 feet elevation gain, 1,185 feet elevation loss, maximum grade 4.5%). Pause for a box lunch at Yellowstone Lake. This afternoon, shuttle with the whole group to West Thumb Geyser Basin for a guided hike with your leaders. Then, everyone will shuttle to Jackson Lake Lodge.

Group 2 – Enjoy the morning by exploring Canyon Rim independently. Walk to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a geologic wonder and home to the park’s biggest waterfall. Your leaders will provide pre-walk briefings, maps and directions. After your independent hike, meet your leaders at Canyon Lodge for a shuttle to Yellowstone Lake to meet with the rest of your group.
After an included box lunch at Yellowstone Lake, shuttle with the whole group to West Thumb Geyser Basin for a guided hike with your leaders. Then everyone will shuttle to Jackson Lake Lodge.

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast at Jackson Lake Lodge where there is access to a number of easy to moderate trails with Teton views including Lunch Tree Hill loop, Christian Pond loop, and Grand View Point trail. Your leaders will shuttle you to Hermitage Point for hikes departing from Colter Bay. As you bid farewell to the Tetons, you’ll agree that these are aptly named the mountains of imagination.

Your trip leaders will transfer you from Jackson Lake Lodge, departing no later than 11:15 a.m. to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), arriving by 12:00 p.m. (travel time approximately 45 minutes). For this reason, we suggest a flight departure no earlier than 2:00 p.m. If you wish to spend more time at Jackson Lake Lodge and wish to book one of their guided activities in advance, please contact the lodge directly (307.543.3100). The lodge recommends guests book their activities at least 90 days prior to arrival for the best availability, but many guests are still able to book large group activities like rafting or lakes cruises upon arrival. Some of the small group activities like horseback riding book up quickly, and they recommend booking these ahead of time. Canoe and kayak rentals are on a first-come basis at Colter Bay Marina, guests should be aware that there is a 2-hour rental minimum. The Jackson Lake Lodge complimentary guest shuttle schedule from the lodge to the town of Jackson is on a first-come basis and guests do not need to reserve tickets in advance. The shuttle schedule is subject to change and only drops off in downtown Jackson (not able to offer shuttle service to and from the airport).

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today’s Walk Choices:
Cumulative Distance Range: 0.5, 3 or 6 miles

Morning
Lunch Tree Hill Loop: 0.5 miles easy
OR
Christian Pond Loop: 3.3 miles easy
OR
Grand View Point Trail: 5.6 mile round trip moderate
OR
Colter Bay hikes: available options will be discussed on tour with your leaders.

Begin your hike from the lodge or shuttle with your leaders to Colter Bay for a hike starting from this location. Your leaders will offer trail recommendations based on your preferred hike length and difficulty.

What to Expect: Grand Teton National Park does not permit guided hiking. You will hike without VBT leaders or local guides. Your leaders will provide pre-walk briefings, maps and directions. We appreciate your cooperation with the park’s regulations.