Yellowstone Park

A day in the life … well let me see.  Let’s start with a bit of history of who I am.  I am a Bison but a lot of people think of me as a Buffalo.  True buffaloes are my relatives but they live in Africa and Asia, the cape buffalo and water buffalo.  Only North American buffaloes are bison and two of the largest herds of bison live in Yellowstone National Park and in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park.  Below is a photo of me with my Mom when I was first born in Yellowstone National Park a few years back.  Am I not adorable!!

Figure 1:  Photo courtesy of Peak Photography of Montana

Anyway, back to my day.  We are a social bunch so you will typically find us in herds or groups and spend most of our day grazing.  We are the largest land animal in North America and therefore need a lot of food for energy.  We love to graze on grasses, herbs, shrubs and twigs for an hour or two and then we rest and "chew our cud" which is basically regurgitating what I have already eaten once.  I have 4 stomachs so I make sure that I get every nutrient that I can from my food before it moves along.  We are constantly eating and throughout the day can move 10 – 15 miles depending on how good the grazing area is.  If we are lucky we find a great spot and stay for a few days.

A couple of times a day I visit the local stream or pond for a drink of water, run and play with my friends, take several rests and occasionally take a dust bath which is my natural insect repellant! 

Since I live in Yellowstone National Park, I have a lot of visitors that want to view me and take my photo. I love to pose for photos but always remember that I like my space and to stay at least 25 yards away or more.  I may be big but I am agile and can run more than 30 miles per hour and pivot quickly!!  So please take photos but give me my space and stay a safe distance away.

A lot of people are curious about how our species survive what can sometimes be a brutal winter.  Well our thick, shaggy coat is so well insulated and we can have up to 2 inches of fat that snow can settle on our back without melting!  It can also help to keep us warm similar to how a blanket would.  We use our strong head and hooves in the winter to move the snow off of the vegetation below to eat. Did you know you can tell where we have been by our distinct hoof prints which look like 2 fat banana's facing each other!

Well there Old Faithful blows so better go!  If you would like to see a bison like me in our natural habitat, your best chance would be to visit Yellowstone National Park or Custer State Park in South Dakota!! 

As I sit here staring out my window at a melting, muddy landscape, my mind wanders to brighter summer days past filled with sunshine. Specifically, I keep dreaming of days spent on Austin-Lehman’s Yellowstone-Tetons Adventure, kayaking the cool, clear waters of Jackson Lake, the Teton Range seemingly shooting up out of its west side.

You just can’t beat kayaking or canoeing on Jackson Lake. Getting away from the crowds and onto the deserted waters will put you into a state of solitude.  Nothing but the noise of nature reaches your ears, and from your kayak you may see such wildlife as majestic bald eagles, tip-toeing mule deer, or playful river otters. As your paddle silently slices the glassy surface, you won’t believe your eyes again and again as you glance at the view in front of you: Mount Moran shooting out of the lake’s edge and rising skyward 12,605 feet!  That’s a wow in and of itself!

But wait, there’s more! Sure, the kayaking part of exploring Jackson Lake is pretty amazing, but did I mention that you get to go “chill out” on your own private island for an hour or two? About three-quarters of the way through our escapade on Jackson Lake, we stop for a break on the rocky shores of a small unnamed island. The views from here are spectacular, providing unmatched photo ops for those wanting an amazing picture of the granite monolith that is Mount Moran.

I love when kids experience kayaking Jackson Lake on our Family Adventure because there’s never a shortage of activities to do once we reach the island. Writing messages on the beach out of sticks, skipping rocks from the shore, creating log shelters out of drift wood, and searching for frogs are just a few things that completely capture a child’s imagination on this round rock paradise. Parents roll out a towel and bask in the sunshine as the guides flip over a boat, playing king of the kayak with the kids. All that can be heard are splashing and laughter as we enjoy ourselves (maybe a little too much) on our isolated island.

Once the stomachs start rumbling a bit, we jump into our kayaks again for the short paddle back to the mainland. It’s always hard to bid goodbye to the island, but you just can’t keep lunch waiting! Again and again, I hear from guests that kayaking/canoeing is their favorite activity on this adventure that visits two national parks: Grand Teton and Yellowstone.  I must say, that I am among them when it comes to the beauty, seclusion, and specialness of this little piece of paradise.

Where will you create your next memory?

Kasey Austin

Good ole Jackson, Wyoming. One of the most b-e-a-utiful towns in the West. It’s surrounded by mountains with the Grand Tetons right up the road. Not to mention, Yellowstone National Park being just a little further up that road. This place is full of adventurous opportunities. You can raft the Snake River, hike multiple trails, go paragliding, kayak Jackson Lake and bike just about anywhere as this is one of the most “biker-friendly” areas you will ever see. Downtown Jackson is loaded with great shopping, unique restaurants such as Local or Thai Me Up, the elk antler arches in Towne Square and of course, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

Coming into town from the North you can’t help but notice the rather large and rather steep ski slopes in front of you. That is Snow King, which also offers some great hiking in the summer season. At the top you will have gained about 1,600 feet elevation with one of the best views you will ever see! On a clear day, just about the entire Jackson Hole area can be viewed. The Grand Tetons, Teton Village, the National Elk Refuge and the Gros Ventre Mountain Range, all before you in all their glory. The town of Jackson is already about 6,200 feet elevation so get ready for some huffin and puffin on your hike and don’t forget to bring some water with you. In case you’re not in the mood to hike, the ski lifts run all year.

So before or after you head onto your Yellowstone/Teton Austin Lehman Adventure, make sure you spend a few extra days in the wonderful town of Jackson, Wyoming.

1. Fewer Crowds.  Not only does Yellowstone take on a whole new look in the winter, there are less people there to see it, meaning more space for you to enjoy.  

2. You get to ride in a snowcoach. No doubt the frigid temperatures scare some people away from taking a Yellowstone winter vacation.  However, nothing beats enjoying this unique perspective of the park from a heated, comfortable snowcoach.  The first snowcoach was patented in 1939 by J. Armand Bombardier (hence the Bombardier Snowbus), and was first brought to Yellowstone in 1955.  While the snowcoach has been much updated, you can still see a few of the original 1955 fleet cruising around. In fact, you may even have the chance to ride in one!



3. Frosted bison.  That’s right, frosted bison.  The Yellowstone Bison are famous, and seeing them hanging out around the thermal pools, covered in a dusting of snow, is pretty darn cool, and an incredible opportunity for the professional and casual photographer alike.  

4. Bald Eagles are WAY easier to see in the winter. Bald Eagles are probably the most incredible birds we have in this country (I know that’s a statement several people might debate), and seeing them in person (or bird) is a unique and unforgettable experience.

5. Snow Shoeing the terrace loop at Mammoth Hot Springs. Take in the white, orange, and yellow limestone travertine formations, constantly changing over time, on the first day of your Yellowstone Winter trip.  It will set the tone for five days of adventure and exploration in Yellowstone’s winter wonderland!



6. Cross Country Skiing around the Old Faithful boardwalks.  Marvel as Old Faithful, surrounded by a blanket of snow, erupts, and glide past its fellow neighbors, as you cross country ski in the Upper Geyser Basin.

7. Hot Chocolate by the fire at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. After an exciting day of cross country skiing, relax, out your feet up, and get warm with a delicious cup of hot chocolate by the inviting fireplace in the lobby of the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

8. Geysers are steamier in the winter.  Steamy geysers attract a lot of wildlife, who use the heat to keep warm in the winter.  Keep an eye out for bison, elk, coyote and foxes around these natural hot (really hot) springs.

9. Dogsledding.  Experience the exquisiteness of the Paradise Valley as you glide on a sled pulled by eight friendly huskies. Who wouldn’t want to do that??

10. Chico Hot Springs in the winter.  There’s no better way to end your trip than a night at Chico Hot Springs.  Relax in the naturally heated waters of the hot springs, and follow up your soak by indulging in one of the best dinners in Montana at the Chico Dining Room.

Yellowstone National Park, our first National Park, is the only place in the continental U.S. where visitors can still see substantial herds of large mammals and the predators that hunt them. If you choose to visit the greater Yellowstone area this summer, you will likely see bison, elk, moose, deer, and big horn sheep. More rare, yet argueably more exciting are sightings of Grizzly bears, black bears, coyotes and the controversial Grey Wolf. Yellowstone has been called North America's Serengeti and although we cannot compete with the millions of migratory animals of South Africa, YNP is much closer to home.

With the reintroduction of the wolf into Yellowstone National Park in 1995, all of the large carnivores native to the region at the end of the last ice age, again roamed the forests and plains of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The decision to reintroduce the wolves has been surrounded by controversy. I have no desire to delve into the politics surrounding the decision to bring the much feared and equally revered wolf back into the Yellowstone ecosystem, but from a purely selfish perspective I'm hoping for a glimpse of a Yellowstone wolf this summer.

I've seen wild wolves many times, but for some reason its never enough. When I was a young girl, I lived in a small town outside of Anchorage, AK. My house sat on the edge of a large forest, a cold, clear stream ran through my back yard. I spent many hours during the long Alaskan summer days roaming through the woods with my friends. One late afternoon as we walked along a narrow animal trail on a bluff above the stream we noticed a family of wolves had come down to the stream several yards in front of and below us. The parents were bright silver with haunting yellow eyes. I remember thinking they were keenly aware of their surroundings, constantly sniffing the air and looking around for danger. Instinctually, we all ducked down behind some low shrubs growing along the trail and watched in wide-eyed silence through the branches as the parents led their litter of young pups to the bank of the stream to drink. They didn't drink for long before they disappeared into the forest again, but I was mystified, enraptured and intrigued. My mother didn't believe my story until the adult wolves showed up in our back yard a few days later trying to find an easy meal from the trash cans behind our house. Those two sightings left me forever changed.

If you've been considering a trip to the Tetons or Yellowstone Park this summer, we'd love to have you join us where the wild things still live. There are several packs of wolves now residing within the borders of Yellowstone Park, with many of the wolf sightings concentrated in the Lamar Valley. Catching a glimpse of these elusive predators is an encounter you will not quickly forget.
 

The idea, why…..

The idea of an exchange visit was conceived in a unique open air “board room”, in Namibia’s great Kunene region, Omatendeka conservancy at Otjomumbonde. Otjomumbonde area is the Omatendeka conservancy’s wildlife sanctuary. The area is endowed with much needed natural springs and great vegetation making it well suited for farming; however the conservancy has set it aside for wildlife therefore its attractiveness for tourism development. In this arid area, land use and management plans involve making substantial sacrifices by the communities who are generally described as farmers and not conservationists despite their well-known successes in conservation. These sacrifices are sometimes rewarded with unique tourism developments such as the planned Otjomumbonde lodge. It is a beautiful site in a pristine environment. Serenity combined with sincerity to connect people divided by not only an ocean but also lifestyles and cultures. Despite these divides, their souls connected in a common purpose and similarities in their love, respect and appreciation of nature. More similarities came to the fore, their common fight and plight to conserve and preserve the environment; this is why it was decide to undertake an exchange visit for Namibians to the US for both nations to share in their common journey.
 

The mastermind behind the exchange visit is Dan Austin of Austin-Lehman Adventures; a passionate visionary, an energetic individual who love life and all in it, particularly the stories of people as it relates to their space and history. In Namibia he was inspired by the harmony and balance of people and wildlife and their love for the environment which manifests through their passion for sharing their story and their environment with visitors.

The composition of the invitees covered people from Namibian conservation hotspots and a combination of veteran eco-tourism practitioners both in communal conservancy areas as well as government concession areas. In its entirety the group included representatives of key stakeholders making it appropriately representative of the relationships required and in most cases responsible for the successful implementation of eco-tourism and conservation operations in Namibia.

These relationships are a web network involving the government, conservancies, non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and private sector tourism investors, to mention but a few. Conservancies’ successes of conservation on their land are very well celebrated in Namibia over the years and continue to be the case. Amongst the selected representatives for the exchange visit is conservancy concessionaires, this is the latest government initiative to further extend natural resources management rights and benefits to conservancies neighboring protected areas. This allocation of concession rights to conservancies has not only increased the conservation foot print of the conservancies but also put at their disposal more resources from which to benefit. Unlike in the past where the concession rights were given to private sector operator, now the private sector operators are contracted only as operators and are only given rights to conduct their operations by entering into an agreement with the conservancies that hold the concession rights.   

The delegation also comprised a fair reflection of the Namibian peoples’ cultural diversity, with representation of people from the far northwest, the central north and far north east as well as people from the central heart land of Namibia giving both a rural and an urban reflection of the issues concerning sustainable utilization of natural resources.

The visit, what we saw…

Zoo Montana visit: A great welcome by the enthusiastic “Zoo Man” who has a voice that cuts through the mumblings of non-attentive visitors in the group, filled with passionate yet educational presentation of information of the various species in the collection of the zoo.

The tour through the zoo began at a well calculated significant stop for foreign visitors to see the Bald Eagle, America’s national bird appropriately welcoming visitors on a tour into the American wildlife kingdom, not only at Zoo Montana but for what was to follow during out tour of many wildlife sightings in the parks. To the delegation, a zoo is a new experience even though in Namibia there are various initiatives that operate with wildlife kept in captivity but in general parallels could be drawn especially regarding how the animals ended up in the zoo as well as their confined future in this captive environment. For majority of the group members, there was a general sense of mixed feelings regarding the freedom of the animals and their adopted constricted behavior. Nonetheless the essence and conclusions drawn are that these animals, despite their sad tales of what happened and what could have ended up in their death, have been offered a second chance at life at the zoo, maybe even a much better chance compared the their wilderness-dwelling families.

 Their new role of Zoo Montana is to serve as ambassadors of their world out there and spread the message of their plight directly to their biggest enemy, the human race. The evening was enjoyed mingling with a high profile team from Billings including the Mayor and several representatives of congress, people entrusted by the masses with championing their prosperity including that of the wildlife and the environment. They are key role players in decisions that should bring justice, equity and a harmonious co-existence of man and beast.

The Crow Tribe dance: To cap the evening, a journey down the historical footsteps of the Crow Nation/Tribe was undertaken. They passionately shared their heritage and history and brought to life their increasingly threatened rituals and infected everyone with rhythm to join in song and dance.  We witnessed how music transcend boundaries of any kind be it tribe, race or nations from far across the oceans. The motion of dance to melody is a universal language and we full well connected and melted into the Crow’s cultural pot for the evening.  

              
Meeting the Crow Tribe/Apsaalooke Nation who have a reservation “conservancy” in the rural areas of Montana State, a state fully branded by their ancestors through their connection to the land, the names of the main natural  features such as rivers and mountains and grass plains bears names with meanings and cultural significance of the Crow nation. This is a story many a people can relate to and people in the delegation can relate fully. The challenges they face are similar to the challenges many Namibians face.

Yellowstone National Park can only be described as a “Must see”, seeing is believing in the truest sense of the statement. It was a visit in History, not only seeing what can arguably be the oldest park in the world but also getting the best chance or the closest chance to hear, feel, see and experience some of the most fascinating goings into grandmother earth’s belly. The park is a geological living museum, a living laboratory for academia that pursues the challenge of getting to understand the workings beneath the earth’s surface. It is a mind-blowing experience for the ordinary and it will not fail to ignite a curios debate in one’s mind about the forces of nature and the spiritual believe of divine powers of some sort. We experienced the soul healing powers of nature, the realization of how small and insignificantly young we are as humans on planet earth and how at times the forces of nature swallows our self-imposed egos over other species and our selfish dominance and exploitation of the resources of the earth all in the interest of the human species, the most destructive and harmful species to the planet.  

It is encouraging to note that this Park was set aside for conservation more than 100 years ago. Several success stories of game reintroduction in this park are visible such as the Bison and the Wolves, what is also visible is the ever unpredictable bio-diversity-balance/imbalance that in most cases is best left to nature.  The successful reintroduction of the wolves in the park seems to trigger some form of discontent with cattle ranchers neighboring the park, it appears that the wolves’ territories are spilling over on ranches and that the ranchers are experiencing losses of cattle and a reducing population of Elk that migrates seasonally from the park onto neighboring ranches. This migrating Elk onto ranches provides for a popular lucrative hunting season that provides a much needed alternative source of income during the winter period. The phenomenons above serve both as a sign of conservation success as well as in this case maybe a reminder of the possible reasons why the wolves were fiercely hunted to depletion in the first place.  At the moment, around the wolves issue in the Yellowstone Park, there is an urgent need for conservationists, government to engage ranchers more pro-actively and holistically if lessons can be drawn from our Cheetah Conservation Fund model on the fate of the cheetahs in Namibia. Meanwhile it appears that two even bigger threats to both the ranchers and the parks management and maybe to an extend to Montana and neighbouring states these are wild fires and as was explained a volcanic eruption. These are larger than life threats and therefore beyond anyone’s comprehension, hence left to grandmother nature to decide if not to divine power.

Rural Montana is “cowboy/girl” (gender equality) country; it is a culture, a heritage and a way of life of a people but more importantly an industry and its players who brave it out to rear cattle and hay fields to add their bit to feeding the nation. They are a people with character, a sense of profound pride and hospitality on their ranches and small towns. They are a community and a family, they all have “cow” blood in their veins. Yeah right they will defend their cows. Conservation in their vocabulary is grass lands management, rotational grazing methods and grass species restoration on their ranges as well as rooting out any threats to the cattle be it deceases or otherwise; that is conservation in their language. These guys represent everything tough and rough, big trucks, tough terrains, hectic chores and manual operations in stark contrast of the urban jungle life in this developed nation. They follow a history of their forbearers and continue to cherish a heritage for future generations to come. We did horse riding at a ranch and got a window into the reasons why they probably choose to remain rural, one trail “highway” single file procession, one traffic rule “follow the leader, stop when he stops”, simple “controls” to operate, speed limit is controlled by the cowboy in front. Now why would you trade this for the hustle and bustle of city life if you can eke out a living  in this serene space. After all city dwellers work very hard to earn a holiday the ranchers call their office and the activities such as horseback riding their daily chores.   

American football match: Dan Austin’s all time love appears to be football, in the short-time we spend together the word football kept popping up in conversations like some out of control pop up on a computer screen.  He sold the game to the Namibians in record time and worked tirelessly to plant enthusiasm in the group as he knew that making this group understand the game will take the same time it took Namibians to achieve conservation success. Nonetheless he put to good use every second at his disposal and within less than 15 minutes had total strangers at least memorize Andy’s number (his son who plays for the Bobcats) and the color of the Bobcats’ outfits which was necessary for the Namibians for their own safety at the stadium. Needless to say, on top of the above the game was lectured to the group in a typical Dan’s-Lewis-and-Clark version time, which simply means a story of any magnitude compressed to one breath. Determined, excited and motivated the group marched on the stadium with turbo-charged confidence to join the Bobcats’ die hard supporters in cheering the team to victory. The two distinct differences were the Made-in-Namibia chanting which was new on the scene as well as the dancing when the group took to the stage when a band played live music before the match, the Namibians’ rhythmic moves made others seem rhythm-handicapped, the Namibians shook the “stage” and attracted much admiration while at the same time doing their magic to ensure a win for the Bobcats.  As they say the rest is history Bobcats emerged victorious. Something that was must to rescue Dan from a deteriorating change in mood. An elevated Dan expressed as sigh of relieve which was echoed by the group in a typical father-to-children rubbing off energy.

TIES summit: Eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, pro-poor tourism, community based tourism are but some of the main themes and phrases coined over the years in an attempt to define an environmental friendly sustainable tourism concept that serve as the reason for yet another TIES gathering in Monterey, California. The group joined other delegations from all over the world and participated in sessions at the same level as their counterparts while in some cases it was obvious that many nations can learn a thing or two from Namibia’s conservation success as well as Namibia’s successful unique joint venture eco-tourism concept. The various presentations made where not strange to the Namibian delegation, especially the case studies that involved rural/communal/parks conservation and rural based tourism ventures. What was also evident is that Namibia has a long way to go in its application of environmental friendly practices in urban areas. Lessons on recycling and carbon emission reduction can be drawn from the developed world and maybe Namibia is best placed to do it right first time to be pro-active in order to avoid detrimental development planning. The lessons learnt by developing countries is that we must guard against developing only to end up redeveloping when it comes to making environmentally-friendly decisions, we are best placed in many ways to do it right the first time around and also to learn from the overwhelming examples and adopt systems and technologies of the developed countries proving to be good examples. Namibia has an advantage of having vast tracts of land available as well as an enabling legislation. The challenge we face is inclusive broad consultation on land use plans and prioritization of key sectors with a view to sustainability. Development of the Eco-tourism sector can lead to significant spin-offs that can stimulate a domino effect that will address socio-economic needs in rural areas where it is needed most. In our approach of development in this sector we should adopt a “Design for positive impact and sustainability approach”

Lessons and Recommendations….
•    In comparison to other countries Namibia has a conservation success story to tell of notable magnitude.
•    The importance of stakeholders’ relationships and the role that each play cannot be overemphasized.
•    It is vital for Namibia to be involved and affiliate at international level in conservation and eco-tourism sector
•    There is a need for more involvement and engagement of private sector in policy formation especially regarding tourism concessions
•    There is a need to actively engage academic institutions for both a refined documentation and thorough scrutiny of the conservation success stories and tourism operations in conservancies.
•    Donor’s continue to play a major role in the promotion and creation of needed synergies between key stakeholders for the benefit of sustainable conservation activities
•    There is a need to establish at ground level international mutually beneficial relationships with communities (conservancies), conservancy associations, local councils and regional government; such as signing twinning agreements at this level. E.g {game guard exchanges, committee exchanges and leadership mentorship etc}
    

  List of Delegates:
Ms Aisha Nakibuule (Acting Director), Namibia Development Trust
Ms Hilda Namwnyo (Manager), Sheya shUushona Conservancy
Ms Selma Nangolo (Grants Manager-Tourism), Millenium Challenge Account-Namibia
Mr Usiel Ndjavera (Tourism Business Advisor), WWF
Ms Martha Mulokoshi (Project Officer), WWF
Mr Dusty Rodgers (Investor-Tourism Ventures)
Ms Fabiola Katamila (Chief Warden, Concession Unit), Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Mr Pepe Giampietro Olivetto (Entrepreneur-Eco Lodges building and investments)    
Mr Gustaph Tjiundukamba (Chairman), Omatendeka Conservancy
Mr Rector Mbeha Kawana (Assistant Director) Namibian Association of Community Based CBNRM Support Organisations
Mr Jermain Ketji (Community Liaison Manager) Wilderness Safaris Namibia
Mr Cebens Munanzi (Manager-Tourism and Conservancy Support) Wuparo Conservancy
Mr Alex Ndango (Chairman) Muduva Nyangana Conservancy
Mr Bennet Kahuure (Manager-Tourism and Conservancy Support) Millennium Challenge Account Namibia

Itinerary
Day 1, Sept 6: Montana, Billings: Visit Montana Zoo
Day 2, Sept 7: Billings: Visit Crow Agency
Day 3, Sept 8: Red Lodge, Cooke City
Day 4, Sept 9: Cooke City, Yellowstone National Park
Day 5, Sept 10: The Tetons/ Jackson Lake
Day 6, Sept 11: Jackson Lake/ Grassy Island
Day 7, Sept 12: Yellowstone/ Upper Geyser Basin
Day 8, Sept 13: Lower Geyser Basin/ West Yellowstone/320 Guests Ranch
Day 9, Sept 14: Gallatin Canyon/ Ouzel Falls /Big Sky
Day 10, Sept 15: Bozeman/ MSU Campus
Day 11-16, Sept 16-20: Monterey, TIES Conference
Day 17-18, Sept 21-23 Traveling Back

Acknowledgements and thank you’s
•    Millennium Challenge Account Namibia
•     WWF Namibia
•    Austin-Lehman Adventures
•    NACSO
Ministry of Environment and Tourism

Have you ever had an experience where you knew, at a cellular level, that its very essence would impact you and stay with you for the rest of your life?  My recent experience guiding 14 dignitaries from Namibia, Africa through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park is one of those special moments that I will carry with me forever.  The name of our adventure was called "No Borders" and the foundation for the visit was to share ideas, through group discussion about sustainable tourism with representatives from our beautiful national parks and the concessions within them.

What is Sustainable Tourism? I learned this week that sustainable tourism is like a three-legged stool; the legs being economics, environmental and cultural preservation. It's the understanding of, and commitment to, the enduring value of conserving wildlife and wild places for the sake of human-wildlife coexistence.  Namibia has dedicated nearly half of its landmass to National Parks, Conservancies and private protected land. Conservation of land is even written into their constitution. So make no mistake about it, Namibians understand and are committed to sustainable tourism. And, they do it well. The "No Borders" adventure covered almost 700 miles in ten days and I had the privilege of spending all those miles hearing and joining in on discussions of Sustainable Tourism and how their model has manifested over the years.  I discovered that our Namibian friends are people of action; they move forward and get things done because they truly care. It is their way of being in the world, I believe, that brings this model to life. They truly care!

Dan Austin said, "They came as friends and left as family". That statement sums it up best. Their warm, caring ways are authentic and infectious, which creates a space of openness and flexibility and we bonded immediately. A special moment that will always be with me is when we all witnessed the Crow Indians perform traditional tribal dances. We all were drawn in by its ancient sound transporting us back to a time when there were "No Borders;" leaving us all a feeling that the tribal dance was coming from a long line of proud ancestors. It was especially inspiring when members of our Namibian family were motivated by The Crow and responded with their own ancient traditional dance.  This was spontaneous and genuine. Little did I know, the entire ten-day adventure would go this was; spontaneous, genuine and inspirational.  You see, at our core, humans have "No Borders," we just need to communicate and be vulnerable enough to share. To me, this tour was a perfect storm of genuine humanity.

By the second day, I was adopted by Hilda ( the manager of Sheya shu Shona Conservancy) and called her mom for the rest of the adventure. Gustaph ( chairman of Omatendeka Conservancy) was referred to as "Pastor" as he blessed all of our meals. As I recall all of our Namibian family members, I realize I have a unique bond with each and every one of them. Trust me, I will never forget them and hope to one day share more special moments with them.

As important as it is for the details of Sustainable Tourism to be discussed amongst all involved , I believe it is equally important to point out that deeply caring  about each other and the willingness to compromise is the platform  that our three-legged model of sustainable tourism truly rests upon. 

I wish my new family well and was honored to be a part of something bigger than any individual;  helping to create a part of the world that knows " No Borders."

After an amazing ten days spent guiding and exploring the expansive regions between Billings, MT and Jackson, WY with fourteen wonderful new friends from Namibia, I felt the need to write about a few learnings I took away from this remarkable opportunity of a trip. As a short background, my father, Dan Austin, took a trip to Namibia (his favorite place in the whole world) back in May. After lively and meaningful conversations amongst the group he was traveling with, he ended up extending an invitation to his friendly Namibian acquaintances to come and explore the Yellowstone and Grand Teton regions of the United States. Little did he know, that this welcoming invite would open up doors to these people who wanted to see the world. Read on to discover my three “take-aways” from this trip that has been deemed in our office as “The Nam Fam”.

1. These Namibians are one of a kind….

From the moment we picked our crew up from the airport, I could tell it was going to be a special week. The kindness these people show is like none other that I’ve seen in my travels around the world. We had quite the variety of Namibians in our group – village leaders, government officials, lodge contractors, WWF members, and conservancy workers were just some of the titles represented amongst these people. Their willingness and desire to learn about the geology, history, flora/fauna, and culture of the area made me see the lands I grew up in with a fresh perspective. Along our way, we met with numerous representatives of Montana and Wyoming – Cooke City’s historian, Yellowstone and Grand Teton’s sustainability directors, local World Wildlife Fund reps, wildlife biologists, ranchers, Native Americans and more. I couldn’t believe the amount of interaction and learning that took place within our “on-the-road classrooms.” All in all, the educational factor in this adventure was beneficial for each member (including myself) that was involved, and I believe that the Namibians’ excitement to learn made the whole experience that much more fun!

2. We experienced a whole lot of “firsts”!

Going into this adventure and not knowing the background of each of the Namibian members, left us planning this trip for fourteen people without knowing just how exciting a lot of our activities would be. Little did we know that many of our friends had never been on a plane before, and this was just the first of all of the “Wow’s” we would hear along the way. Visiting the Crow Reservation near Billings allowed our Namibians to make comparisons between the Crow tribe and the Namibian people such as the San and the Himba, a first time for them since they had never seen an American Indian reservation before. At the top of the Beartooth Pass (near 11,000 feet), many of our guests saw snow for the first time and of course we had our first snowball fight! Since none of our Namibians had been to North America before, each wildlife sighting was a first for them too – coyotes, wolves, black bears, moose, elk, and bison were just a few of the animals we saw (although we did hear a lot about the animals we needed to come and see back in Namibia!) Kayaking Jackson Lake was also a first in that many of our friends had never ridden in a boat of any kind, let alone a small two person kayak floating so close to the water. (There were many nervous questions about what could possibly eat you in a lake so large – I made sure everyone knew that alligators and hippos did not exist in the Tetons!) The last first I will mention is the American college football game that we attended on our last day together in Bozeman, Montana – the Bobcats versus the Lumberjacks. What an experience this was – from tailgating before the game to cheering the Cats on to victory, the excitement at this event was incomparable to any football game I’d ever been to before. Each and every first time activity left me grinning ear to ear – how neat to be able to share with these eager people America’s finest gems – it truly was a pleasure!

3. Sustainable tourism – walking the walk

When it comes to sustainable tourism, there are a lot of people and companies that talk the talk, but how many are really out there that walk the walk? Sustainable tourism is defined as tourism that can efficiently and effectively occur over the long term that benefits the environments, cultures, and economies of where it takes place. As a company dedicated to sustainable tourism (as Austin-Lehman’s efforts in our nonprofit organization Wheels of Change shows), we felt that this fam trip definitely took a step in the direction of sustainable tourism in providing our fellow Namibians with connections, practices, ideas, and learnings to bring home to their people and businesses. Not only did we share America’s practices, but we compared our uses of sustainable tourism with the Namibians’ conservancy model. In a nutshell, Namibians use a conservancy to set aside land to protect natural resources (such as the local wildlife, a watershed, or a historic area) while employing almost all local people, therefore improving the economic livelihoods of those benefitting from the conservancies (the locals!). We discussed many times how the idea of a conservancy could be used in America, especially on our Native American reservations. All in all, the discussions regarding sustainable tourism in our lands near and far brought about interesting conversations and ideas that could lead to better sustainable practices both in Namibia and America.

Overall, this trip opened my eyes to the Namibian culture and way of life. These special people really are gems in this world we live in, and to get to know one (let alone fourteen of them)  is like inviting a brother or sister into your life. The fascination with our national parks and Native American reservations was evident in the questions asked throughout the trip. I couldn’t believe the number of “first times” we had for each activity we completed as a group, and just one of these experiences was extraordinary for these people let alone a whole list of them – I feel so lucky to have “relived” these firsts through fresh sets of eyes. Last of all, the ideas shared and connections made regarding sustainable tourism are sure to bring up some interesting questions and conversations that will last far beyond our time spent together in Montana and Wyoming. I can’t wait to see where this trip has led to when I visit Namibia for my very first time in 2013!!

As a guide in Yellowstone National Park, it’s very important for myself as well as my guests to be able to tell the differences between a black bear and a grizzly bear. Why? In a bear encounter on a trail, you handle a grizzly bear differently than a black bear, and this handling can be the difference between a peaceful encounter and a more unpleasant experience. Read on to see if you came up with the same major differences between blacks and grizzlies that I did…

First of all, did you think that you could tell the difference between a black and a grizzly by the color and size? Well, maybe – but this doesn’t always work. Despite the “black” bear’s given name, it can actually range in color from blonde to black and everything in between. The same goes for a grizzly, which most people think of as being  a brown bear. The size is also a good indicator of the species…sometimes. Grizzlies are usually bigger than black bears in their full grown state, but this isn’t always the case. I’ve seen some pretty huge black bears in my time in the Park! Let’s move on to discover the physical differences between a black and a grizzly.

The number one thing I look for first and foremost is the telltale hump between a grizzly bear’s shoulders. A black bear will not have that hump, but in comparison to a grizzly bear, it will appear to slump. And a black bear’s back end, or rump, will appear to be higher than its front end. When it comes down to it, I think to myself “Grizzly Bear = Hump, Black Bear = Rump”. You can imagine how the kids on our Yellowstone Family Adventure have fun with this word play!

Secondly, I look at the face/head of the bear. When looking at the bear from the side, you will notice that a black bear has a straight face profile while a grizzly has a dished face profile. Also, a grizzly has short, round ears while a black bear has taller, longer ears.

Last but not least, you can tell by a bear’s claws as to whether it’s a grizzly or a black. A grizzly’s long, light-colored claws are good for digging while a black bear’s short, dark claws are perfect for climbing trees. However, if you can tell which kind of bear you’re looking at by its claws, you are FAR too close to that bear for comfort! Always stay at least 100 yards (the length of a football field) away from any bear if you can help it. I always use “The Thumb Rule” with the kids on my trips. With a bear (or any wildlife) if you stick your arm straight out in front of you with your thumb up, your thumb should cover the entire bear which means you’re far enough away for safety. If the bear appears around the edges of your thumb, it’s time to slowly back up to get to a safer distance.

There you have it, a full list of physical characteristics for when you head out on your next Austin-Lehman Montana or Wyoming Adventure. Remember, you can’t always tell a grizzly and a black bear apart from their size and color, but you should be able to see the differences in the “hump” and “rump,” face profile, ears, and claws.

Your friendly bear-lover,

Kasey Austin

On all the Austin-Lehman trips that I have led, I encounter a multitude of questions; from the size of the park, to what time are the animals released from their cage (however, this one is not often asked). But without fail one question that is always brought up is, "What can I do around Bozeman before or after my awesome vacation?" My recommendation would first include rephrasing the question to what can't I do around this town!?

    If you consider yourself a history buff, or are seeking the inner child in you head to the Museum of the Rockies. You are instantly surrounded by the dinosaurs that walked in the same streets as you are now! Also, there are a ton of other historical artifacts from the pioneer times as well! While moseying around town, simply walk down main street for a few hours. There are great stores for some last minute gear purchases or finally get that kayak to start your hobby (inspired from your Austin-Lehman adventure)! Also on Main you can grab some of the best food Montana has to offer including the famed, Ted's Montana Grill for a hearty cut of bison steak raised on one of Mr. Turner's farms! Also those looking to stay out a little later can indulge in the nightlife of Bozeman that more often than not will include live music and dancing!
     If you would like to push yourself a little bit more towards the outdoorsy lifestyle of the area your options only continue to grow! A short drive to Big Sky resort can have you flying downhill on a mountain bike or Zipping through the sky on their newly installed zip line systems. Also a quick call to the office or one of your guides can get a connection to a fly fishing guide that has newly been added to the Austin-Lehman family! All the local shops also rent everything from bikes to paddle boards! So turn an afternoon into an adventure taking some rented or purchased gear into Hyalite Canyon just outside of town. Paddle the reservoir or bike the seemingly endless trails! In short, Bozeman is an excellent town to start or finish off your Yellowstone National Park Vacation or Montana family adventure offering fun for all ages and interests! Myself and the rest of the guide staff all look forward to meeting you future adventurers!

Cheers,

Patrick McGarry

Today I wanted to talk about and share one of my favorite towns in the world, Jackson, Wyoming. With a population just under 10,000 and located just outside Grand Teton National it is prime time for adventurers. I was lucky enough to guide our Wyoming Family- Yellowstone/Teton adventure this past week, which starts and ends in the beautiful town of Jackson.

Some History on Jackson:
As part of the Hayden Expedition of 1871 and 1872, William Henry Jackson took the first photos of the Tetons and Yellowstone Park.  His photos, along with paintings by Tom Moran, convinced Congress to protect Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park became the first National Park in 1872.  Grand Teton National Park was created in 1920 and greatly expanded in 1950 by the generous efforts of John D. Rockefeller, who purchased and then donated over 30,000 acres. The Town of Jackson was named in 1894,  some of the early buildings remain and can be found throughout the area of the Town Square.  

What to do in Jackson:
1) Bike Antelope Flats, it is a great and easy ride! Enjoy the scenery with the Tetons in view the whole bike ride and make sure you stop by the T. A. Moulton Barn. Often referred to as the most photographed barn in America, I think the backdrop of the Tetons soaring up might have something to do with that.

2) Cable car ride, take the tram to the top of Jackson Hole Resort for some amazing views!

3) Look Up! If you head to Jackson and don't take the time to look at the stars over the Tetons, then you are missing out.

4) Yee Haw! Head on down to the Jackson Rodeo, experience a real wild west rodeo!

5) Jenny Lake, just outside Jackson sits this beautiful lake. The Jenny Lake Loop Road is about 5 miles long and can be easily accessed from the Teton Loop Road. There is also a 6.5 mile hike around the lake, which is a pretty flat and easy trail.

One more thing, I'm sure you'll be hungry after all these activities... I recommend the Trio for dinner, they are an American Bistro with delicious cuisine. Save some room for dessert, the s'more pie is amazing! 

That's it, 5 fun things to do in Jackson! Now all you need to do is go experience it for yourself! Austin-Lehman offers family and adult trips that show you the best of Grand Teton and Yellostone National Park. Check out our Wyoming Vacations.

Your friendly adventurer,

Jonathan

Jonathan here checking in from Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park! Today we had an amazing start to our Yellowstone/Teton Family Adventure. We started our morning bright and early in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, then we drove up to Antelope Flats and had a gorgeous bike ride in front of the Grand Tetons. (photo below) We also stopped at the T.A Moulton Barn "the most photographed barn in America" and of course I took a photo of it. (photo below) Then we headed up to have a picnic lunch at Jackson Lake and then we headed into Yellowstone Park and hiked around Old Faithful. Tonight we are staying at the beautiful Old Faithful Inn, the worlds largest log cabin hotel. Right outside the inn is Old Faithful!

Tomorrow we have a big day of hiking and biking in Yellowstone National Park! Our Yellowstone tour is going hiking at Fountain Paint Pots, biking to Grand Prismatic, hiking the Wapiti Trail and finishing at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. I'm going to keep this blog short, because we have a big day tomorrow! But below you'll see some photos from today, keep checking back for more stories from my trip!

Your friendly adventure guide,

Jonathan

Some new friends enjoying a picinic at Jackson Lake

ALA Guide Eric serving up some starberry shortcake on a pinic and a wildflower at Jackson Lake

This week I will be guiding our Yellowstone/Teton Family Adventure and I couldn't be more excited about it. First of all I will be guiding with two other amazing guides, Eric and Nikki Keely; two of the funnest people I know. Second I'm ecstatic about guiding a family trip in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, because I remember when I was young and got to visit these amazing National Parks. I would say that visiting Yellowstone Park was one of the defining moments that got me hooked on the outdoors and nature. There is nothing quite like Yellowstone, from geology to the wildlife, it's an epicenter for the outdoor enthusiast. I think this is going to be an amazing week and I can't wait to meet all our guests tomorrow morning. Tomorrow we will be biking Antelope Flats right in the shadow of the Tetons, checking out Moulton Barn,  having lunch at Jackson Lake and watching Old Faithful go off. Then calling it a night at Old Faithful Inn, the largest log hotel in the world; possibly even the largest log building in the world! 

This week I will trying my best to blog and post photos from the trip, so you can get a first-hand experience of an Austin-Lehman adventure! So keep checking pack for some updates!

Till then enjoy the photo above from Grand Teton Nation Park and the photo below of Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park.

Your friendly adventure guide,

Jonathan

After guiding ALA’s Yellowstone-Tetons Adventure for ten weeks straight last summer, I feel that I have some insider knowledge as to why this trip is one of Austin-Lehman’s best products. Read on for some reasons why YOU should look into Yellowstone National Park Vacations with Austin-Lehman!

1. Two National Parks in One

Many people all over the world want to see Yellowstone National Park, after all it is the world’s first national park and famous for its geothermal features, historic significance, and wildlife. BUT, why not take the trip down to Yellowstone’s neighboring Park which is just as amazing in its awe-inspiring scenery? As a guide, I can’t believe the number of people who visit Yellowstone each year only to skip the gem next door. If you’re going to come out west, take advantage of seeing two national parks in less than 100 miles of each other. You won’t regret it!

2. Geology/Geography

You will be amazed that neighboring national parks can look completely different from one another! Both have been sculpted in their own individual ways and possess their own reasons as to why they look completely opposite. Yellowstone was created by molten magma and an explosive past while the Tetons have uplifted (and the valley has “sunk”) due to major earthquakes over its history. Glaciers have bulldozed and sculpted the land in both parks for thousands of years creating an unforgettably beautiful landscape. Today we are lucky enough to continue witnessing history in the making in regards to geography (and you will see what I mean by this if you visit both Parks!)

3. Yes, You Can Have That Dessert After Dinner

You burned a ton of calories today! You just got done kayaking the clear, blue waters of Jackson Lake or biked the back trails behind the third largest hot spring in the world, Grand Prismatic. On this one trip, you will hike, bike, kayak, and raft your way to places like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Lake Yellowstone, Colter Bay, the Snake River, and Wilson to name a few. By the end of the day, you’re going to be hungry for a finger lickin’ good meal at a restaurant like Trio Bistro or Teton Pines. Make sure when you sit down for dessert in the dining room of the Old Faithful Inn, you order a Yellowstone Caldera for me! Yum!

4. Yeehaw! Go Get ‘Em Cowboy!

If you haven’t been out West before, chances are you haven’t witnessed a true western rodeo. In Jackson, Wyoming you will see the best of the best – the cowboys who have been riding since they were old enough to walk and the cowgirls who can race around a set of barrels faster than you can say, “Yippie-Yi-Yay-Ki-Oh, Cowgirl!” All in all, the rodeo is a great time, a little cheesy yes, but a knee-slappin’ great time all the same!  Bring your cowboy hat if you want to fit in with the crowd!

5. Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

Alright, so maybe Yellowstone and the Tetons don’t have lions or tigers (except maybe the occasional mountain lion), but chances are high that you will see a bear sometime on your week long journey! Also keep an eye out for bison in Hayden Valley, elk near the Madison River, otters in Jackson Lake, and moose in the small town of Moose, WY. The diversity of wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is unmatched by any place in the continental U.S. and you can consider yourself privileged if you see one or more of the wildlife I mentioned above! A good pair of binoculars is something you will definitely use!

There you have it, my top reasons to look into Yellowstone tours with Austin-Lehman Adventures. Between the jaw-dropping scenery and the abundant wildlife, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons. The trips are selling out quickly, but we still have some availability in August – give me a call if you want to know more!

See you on the trails,

Kasey Austin

To help you get inspired to bike it up this summer, I thought I’d share with you some of my past biking adventures that you can experience yourself by jumping on one of our cycling tours in the Yellowstone-Tetons area! Here we go!

Antelope Flats

As the name implies, this bike ride is pretty darn flat which allows you to take in the scenery AND the wildlife as you coast around this back road in Grand Teton National Park.  I’ve seen everything on this ride: moose, bison, pronghorn, fox, coyote – I can almost guarantee that you will see something if you keep your eyes on your surroundings (and the road of course!!) You might even run into a bison jam on the road itself! Your ride ends at the famous and historic T.A. Moulton Barn, so if you’re a photographer, bring your camera!!

Grand Prismatic Trail

This flat gravel trail takes you the “back way” around the third largest hot spring in the world! Your guides will take you to the absolute best spot to view this colorful hot spring that will leave you awed and amazed. Plus, you get to ride through an area that was burned in the Yellowstone fires of 1988. Now this section of burned area is a beautiful bright green, filled with lodgepole pines as far as the eye can see, with the occasional ghost tree still standing and charred from those fires of nearly 25 years ago!

Wilson-Teton Village Bike Path

Beginning in the sleepy town of Wilson at the base of the Teton Pass, you’ll cycle from the local park, past the little red school house to a bike trail that passes horse pastures filled with daisies and lupine. From this path, you get a pretty neat view of the ski hill as you bike to the base of the world-renowned Jackson Hole ski resort. Keep an eye out as you cross over the creeks – you just might glimpse a moose’s antlers peeking out from the willows.

Teton Bike Path

The town of Jackson and the nearby valley (Jackson Hole) are an absolute outdoor Mecca. To keep up with the region’s image of being the ultimate outdoor playground, construction crews are working every summer on improving the valley’s bike paths and extending them from the town and beyond. Cycling on one of these paths directly beneath the towering Tetons is something you will never forget. The mountain range will seem to shift as you move along, sending illusions through your mind. That mountain you thought was the Grand Teton might actually be Teewinot or Mt. Owen! Your ride takes you to Jenny Lake, where the water is so clear you can see the trout swimming in the sparkling depths.

If these bike rides sound tantalizing to you, then you will want to check out our Yellowstone Vacation Packages to plan your next trip! If anything, I hope I can inspire you to grab that old bike in the garage, pump up the air in the tires, and get out for a summer ride on the bike path nearest to you!

See you on the trails,

Kasey Austin

When most people think of beating the heat of summer they think of heading to the beach, but for me beating the heat is heading up to the mountains. Crowded hot beaches aren't the way to escape the heat, if you really want to escape the heat you go on a glacier trek or summit an alpine peak. So here you go, 5 of my favorite places to beat the heat of summer.

Alberta- Home to glaciers, soaring peaks and electric blue/green alpine lakes. There really isn't a better place to cool off then with a trip to Alberta. Glacier trekking, biking at 7,000 feet and riding through forest, hiking to alpine lakes and hanging glaciers. But my favorite way to cool of in Alberta is with a Canadian Kiss... A Canadian Kiss is a big splash of cold water to your face while your rafting down a river, it packs a lot bigger punch than a French kiss.

Glacier National Park- Just saying Glacier National Park should cool you off a little. Glacier is home to absolutely breathtaking views, gorgeous lakes and rich alpine valleys. The glaciers that carved out these magnificent rocky peaks are still at work, but not for too much longer. Cool off in Glacier while there are still glaciers to marvel at. 

Yellowstone National Park-  Yellowstone park is a world renown destination for adventure, but what better place to cool off then somewhere where theres snow in July! Yellowstone's Plateau sits at 8,000 feet, being this high in elevation tends to leave the park at a pretty nice temperature in the summer. But if you do get hot try taking a dip in Yellowstone Lake, the largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet. 

Yosemite National Park- Growing up in Los Angeles, Yosemite was my getaway from the hot crowed beaches of Southern California. For me walking amongst giant 300ft tall giant Sequoia trees is a lot better than walking through crowds of people on the beach. Also the beach is lacking 3,000ft granite walls, huge waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. 

Austria- I can't not include a country famous for its mountain peaks. Imagine cooling of in the same mountain meadows where they filmed "The Sound of Music" or cycling along the Salzach River. If that's not enough to cool you off, you can always go paragliding over the Austrian Alps. Just a thought...

Well that's it, 5 places that will help you beat the heat of summer! Also for your viewing pleasure I made a flickr galley: 50 Photos to beat the heat

How do you like to beat the heat? Leave a comment and let me know!

Your friendly mountain man,

Jonathan

P.S. I have been to all of these destinations, so if you have any question just shoot me an email: jon@austinlehman dot com

You know that spring is in the air when you smell the lilac bushes in bloom and see the first robin arrive.  You know that the adventures for the season are about to begin when the guides start arriving in Billings for training around the first week in June!  Let the fun begin. 

This year we are so lucky to have such a gifted and fun group of guides.  For those of you traveling on our Yellowstone vacation you will get to know and love Lauren!

This is Lauren’s first year at ALA, but she is no stranger to the outdoors, nature and adventure.  At a young age Lauren headed to England, South Africa, various parts of the United States and later to Costa Rica where she could be found exploring the rain forests and perfecting her Eco Tourism skills.  She majored in Hospitality Management, Travel and Adventure, Sport and Nature based Tourism. 

Oh and did I mention that both of our favorite places to visit is Tortuguero, Costa Rica?  Tortuguero can be translated to “Land of Turtles”.  Its beaches are a key nesting sites for four species of sea turtles.    So if you have an interest in wildlife, Lauren can talk with you about everything from turtles in Costa Rica to the bison and wolves of Yellowstone!

You will find that Lauren is fun loving, compassionate and is so very excited to show everyone up close the natural wonders of Yellowstone Park!

To learn more about Lauren, check out her guide profile!

Your friend in adventure,

Christy

The summer season is upon us, and what better way to pass the time then to embark on a trek though the wonderland provided by beautiful Mother Nature. While you could venture out to hike Patagonia in Chile, or retrace the ancient path of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you don’t even have to venture out of the United States to experience breathtaking beauty. The United States is a hiker’s playground from the sheer massive beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, to the ancient forests of Sequoias at Yosemite National Park in California, or even travel back in time to the great Wild West to the Black Hills of South Dakota. For your summer travels why not take an adventure vacation in your own back yard and experience the awe inspiring sights that United States has to offer. 

Journey to the Rocky Mountain Range in Montana

To explore the world of hiking, one must venture out to the Rocky Mountains of Montana. The beautiful state of Montana is a perfect representation of untamed, natural beauty, and is simply stunning in its vast mountain ranges. Experience wildlife from grizzlies and wolves to bison and bears. Explore nature from their point of view and experience the geological wonders that bring amazing life and color to its National Parks. Experience unique adventures from roping and saddling a horse, to watching good Old Faithful erupt on cue. Hike with the family, roast s’mores, and retell old campfire stories that you grew up on. Explore Yellowstone’s countless geothermal features including Fountain Paint Pots and the Morning Glory Pool, and take a dip in the Boling River.

Visit Zion National Park in Utah

If the Wild West is not quite your style, maybe you would like to explore Zion National Park in Utah. Ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic, these views will take your breath away as you hike past waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. Zion has one of the most diverse groupings of plants in Utah, with over 900 species for you to experience. You can soak up the colorful hues of red, orange and amber during the daylight hours, and at night be surprised by the amazing clarity in the night sky. Kick back and relax as you enjoy the bright star formations in the skies, as you have probably never observed them before.

Visiting The Grand Canyon in Arizona

Looking for a hiking location with a little piece of paradise awaiting you at the finish line? Havasupai is a hidden gem amongst the vast ranges of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Accessible only by foot this is a beautiful place to explore and bask in the natural rich pools at the base of a thundering 100-ft falls. After a fairly difficult hike to the falls you will feel like you are imagining this oasis as its beauty in the arid space of Arizona doesn’t seem fit for such crystal clear waters. This Grand Canyon Vacation is also equipped with a visit to an old galena mine, hunt for fossils, a visit to a natural mineral rich whirl pool, and a stunning trek en route to Beaver falls.

  
Trekking Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Teton National Parks

You cannot possibly discuss the amazing hiking in the United States without mentioning Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park in 1872, proving that even then, people realized this beautiful gem needed to be preserved.  Take in the neon blue, 300-foot wide Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest of hot springs in the entire U.S. and the third largest in the world.  You can also experience an adventure packed whitewater-rafting excursion down the scenic Snake Water Canyon.  From hiking, to biking, to kayaking, rafting, and rodeos, Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park Vacation and Teton National Park are fantastic locations to explore some of nature’s finest views of the great outdoors.  

5 Great Items to Pack

There is no better time than now to explore the wonders of the world located in our own National Parks. Take your family to see how beautiful and diverse this country is, and how many different adventures are just waiting to be experienced. The possibilities are endless from the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming to the red rocks of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona in the Southwest to the Coastal breezes of Alaska, California and Washington. Contact Austin Lehman Adventures as your trusted Adventure Travel Company to book a hiking tour for your next vacation.

Check out some other great photos of Domestic hiking adventures on our Pinterest

Your Friendly Travel Experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

The Guides are here at the ALA office, and to the staff that signals the beginning of the travel season!  We have spent the last 9 months talking to our amazing guests about the trips we offer, and with the guides come the reassurance that all the experiences we offer are going to be top notch!  I have gotten to know the guides over the course of training and am excited to introduce you to Jenny Young!

Jenny is a natural outdoors woman as she grew up on Lake Erie in Ohio!   She translated her love of the outdoors into not only a degree but also into a career!  She loves whitewater rafting, hiking, and basically anything that gets her active in the outdoors!  She is one of the AMAZING guides that will be leading groups through Yellowstone tours on our Yellowstone National Park Program as well as my personal favorite, the Montana| Big Sky, Yellowstone, & Paradise Valley!   If you get cold, (not likely in a Montana summer) she can even teach you how to crochet a hat!

To learn more about Jenny, check out her guide profile!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof