Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone National Park may be the closest most people ever get to another planet!  Its a place where the ground is alive, where the water in the rivers, streams and lakes boils and bubbles like the whimsical brew that you would find in a wizard or witches pot!  Its the safari of North America!

 A Yellowstone National Park Vacation will undoubtedly leave one dumbfounded and scratching their head as they wonder.  How in the heck does this happen?   It might have something to do with the giant pool of magma beneath us I'd say... 

 As a guide in Yellowstone I have the pleasure and privilege of leading family adventure vacations to the far corners of the park to take in the beautiful vistas, hot springs and geysers.  It's nice to see all of the minds hard at work trying to digest what this magical place is trying to show all of us.  On a hiking vacation through Yellowstone Park one week is much more than most folks will spend in the park, but this is still not even close to the time it may take to truly digest and even begin to understand what has happened and is still happening here.

 I brought some of my family members here a few years ago, an uncle of mine had been adamant that Yosemite National Park was the greatest park of them all, even on our trip through Yellowstone he claimed that Yosemite was king!  You see, Yellowstone Park is so vast and different.  It slowly seeps into your soul and sticks with you after you've returned to regular life.  This past Easter I was with family and the National Park conversation came up again.  My uncles story had changed a little," while Yosemite may harbor the big mountain views, its Yellowstone Park that keeps me wondering" he said.   "There is something bigger going on there, and i need to see more of it!"

Your Friendly Adventure Guide,

Toby Grapner

Is there any better way of experiencing a place than cycling the back roads of a destination? I think not! 

Making your way to Old Faithful Geyser via bike will surely be a memorable part of your Yellowstone National Park vacations.  Cruising the rolling hills of California’s Wine Country, or the sea side trails of the San Juan Islands add an adventurous element to your trip that shouldn’t be missed.  Feeling the breeze on your face as you explore the natural wonders of not only our domestic destinations, but all across the globe, really helps give you a sense of peace and place as you travel.

Biking for vacation can seem overwhelming if you haven't done it before, but once you are on that seat, participating in all the elements around you, I promise, you will soon realize there is nothing better! Imagine pedaling your way through the small villages of Europe, coasting down hills to the salt pans of Peru, or biking the Michelson Trail in South Dakota.  Why not trade your 4 wheels in for 2 and see where it takes you! With so much to see and do I hope you will try incorporating biking into your future adventure vacation packages.

Your Friendly Adventure Consultant,

Mindy Vanderhoof

This little fuzzy guy is a Pika!

Pikas are small mammals that have short limbs and rounded ears. They kind of look like a guinea pig but they are not related to them.  They are active all year around and dart around on the rocks or travel through the snow in tunnels that they have created to/from their burrow holes.

Some call the Pika a “whistling hare” because they make a very distinct whistle call.  Chances are that you will hear a Pika before you would ever see one.

They are herbivores and feed on a wide variety of plant matter,   mostly grasses, shrubs, twigs, moss, and lichen.

I was able to catch a brief glimpse of a Pika last time we were hiking near Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.  Grand Prismatic is one of the most amazing hydrothermal features that Yellowstone has to offer.

Pika are not as well-known as a bison, elk or even an eagle but they definitely are one of the cutest animals around and fun to watch!!  Try to locate one of them on your next Yellowstone National Park vacation!

Your Friendly Pika Lover,

Christy

Now, I may be biased, because and I was born and raised in Montana, but I truly believe it is the last best place.  Every time I travel I am so happy to know that I get to come home to Montana!

If you are not lucky enough call Montana home, then you should consider it for one of your next Family Adventure Vacations!  Not only do you get to explore the areas in Montana, but also Yellowstone Park!  We hike, bike, horseback ride, and raft our way through the World’s first National Park and the surround areas!  Watch as Old Faithful Geyser shoots thermal waters sky high, examine the bacteria mats that make Grand Prismatic so beautiful, and wake up early to see wildlife exploring for food.  Nothing says Montana like bears and bison in the morning mist.

Yellowstone tours are not the only draw to this area.  On the Montana program you will also get to explore Big Sky, a glacial carved valley, and Paradise Valley, a river carved valley, pair those with the volcano caldera that is Yellowstone National Park and you will find yourself examining each geological area and experiencing firsthand how Mother Nature can create such varied terrains.  

I sincerely hope that Montana Vacations make your list of ‘must see’ destinations!  Contact your trusted Adventure Travel Companies to find out the offerings in the area, they truly are endless!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

One of my favorite memories of Grand Teton National Park has to do with a certain bear called Grizzly 399. Last summer, this momma bear gave birth to three quite adorable, playful cubs. Guiding our Yellowstone-Tetons Adventure all last season gave me the delightful opportunity to watch these “teddy bears” grow up over the course of a summer. But what really got me thinking was, what would have happened if Grand Teton National Park never came to be?

The creation of Grand Teton National Park contains a history of corruption, secrecy, and a few smart moves on behalf of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and President Franklin Roosevelt. When Rockefeller, Jr. visited the the area that was to become the Park in 1926, what he saw angered and upset him: roadside tourist camps, bill boards, hot dog stands, and signs proclaiming Jackson Hole as “The Home of the Hollywood Cowboy.” Rockefeller, Jr. quickly started to buy up all of the surrounding land (he was after all the son of the founder of the Standard Oil Company) and just as quickly donated it the Park Service.

 To cover his tracks, Rockefeller, Jr. formed the Snake River Land Company; if ranchers had known that Rockefeller, Jr. was buying their land, they might not have sold or would have jacked up the price (this was during the start of the Depression, when people were looking to sell). In 1929, the Teton Mountain Range itself was set aside as Grand Teton National Park (it did afterall stand little chance of development at the time). Soon after, Rockefeller, Jr. went public with his plans, enraging the ranching community. Due to local oppostion, Congress refused to accept Rockefeller Jr.’s gift of land for over a decade.

By 1943, President Roosevelt had had enough. He gladly accepted Rockefeller Jr.’s gift of land, combined it with 130,000 acres of Forest Service land and declared the area “Jackson Hole National Monument.” After much oppostion from the public, compromises were reached, and the current Grand Teton National Park made its debut in 1950.

Thinking about all of the opposition against the idea of the Park and the risks that Rockefeller, Jr. and Roosevelt (amongst a few others) took, I think about how lucky we are to experience cycling tours or rafting adventures beneath the shadow of the Tetons or the fortune we’ve come across in seeing such a breath-taking area saved from the development of a city (as it could have very well turned out that way!) Most of all, I think about the wildlife, like Grizzly 399 and her 3 cubs, and how without this land and the rules set in place to protect it, life would not exist. Every time I visit Grand Teton National Park, my favorite place on the planet, I spend a minute remembering how special this place is and what it could have become, and I take pride in knowing that future generations will see what I’ve been fortunate enough to see in this protected, powerful place.

See you on your next adventure,

Kasey Austin

I will always remember my first Yellowstone National Park Vacation. All I wanted to see was a bison, a big waterfall and a geyser.  Well I can honestly say that mission was more than accomplished! Now I have taken several Yellowstone vacations and each time I visit it feels like the first time.

Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1, 1872 and is the world's first national park.  Yellowstone has over 2 Million acres, approximately 290 waterfalls, is an active super volcano and is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states.  

Yellowstone tours provide an awe inspiring place filled with wildlife, waterfalls, mountains, trails, rivers, geysers, geothermal features, flowers, etc. You can hike, bike, photograph, bird watch, study the flora, fauna or just enjoy the peaceful quiet. You have to experience it yourself to truly understand the magical draw of this park!

Your friendly adventure coordinator,

Christy

Melissa here, playing match maker! Are you looking to travel to Yellowstone National Park in July? Do you have active young boys? We have an awesome family of 4 looking to join our July 22^nd Yellowstone National Park Family trip but they are hoping to travel with another family who has boys. Their boys are ages 9 and 11. Are you the perfect fit?

Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for adults and kids alike. Our expert guides create a secure and rewarding environment full of challenge, accomplishment and fun. Combined with exceptional accommodations and classic dining, this is the ultimate family adventure!

If you have any questions send me an email at melissa@austinlehman.com or give me a call 800.575.1540

Or for more information on our family Yellowstone vacations and to download a detailed itinerary visit our trip page: Yellowstone National Park Family

Plan your family adventure vacation with Austin-Lehman on our all-inclusive package where you indulge in heart pumping adventure with your family. We take care of your safety while you break all barriers to face your fears and prove yourself courageous in front of your kids.

The trip is all the more rewarding when you watch your kids do things that you never imagined them doing before. Explore Yellowstone Park and the amazing natural wonders like numerous geysers, mud pots, thundering waterfalls and serene lakes. Walk on the unexplored path of the forest off the main road and watch wild animals like grizzly bears, bison, elk and wolves in their natural abode.

Visit Old Faithful, the oldest geyser of the Yellowstone National Park, which splashes boiling water up to 160 feet high. Hiking vacations with the entire family provide a great memorable experience. Being able to enjoy crisp, clean air while climbing rugged hilltops brings inspiration to everyone that participates. With hiking options for every level from beginners to professionals, everyone can enjoy the simply breath taking views that hiking through the Park provide. The experience of a holiday with our adventures will give you memories to cherish a lifetime.
 

Family adventure vacations are double the fun with our adventure trips to Grand Teton and Yellowstone.  These national parks are wonderful playgrounds for the young and old alike.   Antelope Flats is great area to bike with family.  The flat land makes it easy to bike leisurely while taking in the scenic views of the Teton mountain range.  

While there, you’ll observe bison and antelopes grazing the fields. Hiking vacations really add to the adventure, and with plenty of trails to choose from, Grand Teton National Park makes a six day vacation way too short. The Jackson Lake area also offers trails for different levels of experience. All trails have scenic routes so everyone will have an enjoyable time.  Those who enjoy water based activities will definitely want to try kayaking in the calm waters of Jackson Lake.  Adventure seekers can conquer the rapids of the Snake River.  And after a full day of being on the water, relieve your tired muscles at the Teton Mountain Lodge Spa.

While on this vacation in the Wyoming area, you’ll also want to take some time to explore Yellowstone Park. Hiking trails lead to Storm Point where kids will enjoy spotting marmots and other forest critters may lurking amidst forest trees and the grasslands. Rocky promontories overlook Yellowstone Lake, and a visit to the Grand Prismatic Spring will enthrall everyone with its vivid colors.  

Have a wonderful Wyoming trip with the family by reviewing our adventure vacation packages available in our online travel catalog.
 

Night skies filled with stars, towering trees, majestic wildlife and clean, brisk air are closer than you think. Yellowstone National Park vacation packages can prove it.

Montana vacations provide an impeccable way to explore a beautiful place untouched by nature with majestic wildlife roaming freely in their beloved home. Explorers who appreciate the water can experience fishing, kayaking or rafting in the spectacular white water of the Yellowstone River. Animal lovers will love looking out for elk, bison, bears and eagles.

Kids will enjoy snacking on delicious fruit kebabs on the lovely shore of a glacial stream in Beehive Basin, where they can dip their feet in an alpine lake surrounded by wildflower studded hillsides. If you dare, raft the Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in North America. To unleash your inner cowboy, saddle up for a gentle horseback ride up Pine Creek to the Absaroka Mountains and enjoy awe inspiring scenery unlike anything else in the world.  

Austin Lehman adventures are the perfect choice for families looking to create lasting memories with each other. Plan your family’s trip to Yellowstone Park this year by visiting our online catalog to learn more about all of the activities available in our vacation travel itineraries. Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.
 

We at Austin-Lehman understand the diverse interests, varying personalities and different athletic levels of people in a family. And that is why our family adventure vacations are especially designed with loads of activities and something to suit everyone.

Yellowstone Park
On your journey into one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Yellowstone Park, you’ll be amazed to see the spectacular scenic beauty of America’s oldest national park. It’s a place that has fun activities for everyone including kids and adults, and a week-long stay in this natural paradise definitely brings out the kid in you. Our guides make sure you experience the joy of adventure without worrying about your kids’ security. While in Yellowstone, drive through the Hayden valley, but watch out for grizzly bears lazing around and playing with their cubs in their natural abode. You might even catch a glimpse of wolf, bison, elk and eagles while on your wildlife adventure. Register your kids as “junior rangers” before starting the hike into Yellowstone’s marvellous backcountry.

Grand Canyon
Take a tour of the Grand Canyon National Park on our Grand Canyon Vacations, and you’ll be overwhelmed at the sight of the gigantic structure of the canyon spread across 277 miles of land. There cannot be a better experience where parents can soak up and relax in natural pools while kids are playing and splashing in water nearby. The cascading waterfalls are a welcome respite after your day of hiking.

No matter which family vacation you choose, we have something special for every member of the family. Visit us online to learn more about our exciting family vacations where we handle all the details for you.
 

Yellowstone Park is one of those destinations that every family must visit at least once in their lifetime. Imagine a big blue sky, soaring mountain peaks and acres of lush backcountry seemingly untouched by the outside world. Then multiple that by at least 5, and you begin to understand the enormity and magnificence of this stunning national park.

With so many activities and sights to see, it can be a challenge to get everything in, but our Yellowstone tours offer all the enough excitement and fun to deliver a full and exceptional family adventure that won’t ever be forgotten. Here are the top 3 adventure activities every family will enjoy while on an Austin Lehman tour of the park.

Hiking
Spring vacations in Yellowstone offer guests such a natural setting for hiking that they might not ever want to stop. The fresh air and exercise as families venture out on the trail is only the tip of the iceberg. Hiking as a family really brings everyone together in such an awe inspiring and peaceful place.

Whitewater Rafting
No experience is needed to participate in this cool (and wet) river rafting experience. The Yellowstone River is the longest free flowing river of its kind in the U.S. (lower 48 states) with inspiring scenic views.

Horseback Rides
A gentle walking horseback ride takes everyone up Pine Creek as they venture on their four legged friends into the Mountains of Absaroka. The incredible views of the mountain top lookouts as the family ventures out with 4th generation Montana cowboys will create long lasting memories sure to be spoken of for years to come.

Don’t wait to experience this family trip of a lifetime. Visit us online to find out how to book your vacation today.
 

There’s no better time to see Yellowstone National Park than well…just about any time. Yellowstone Park is one of those destinations that offer an incredible adventure vacation any time of year. Each season in the park provides a unique experience for travelers.

As you might imagine, the busy time of the year is in the summer between June and September with the busiest months being July and August. Of course, our adventure vacation packages bring our guests to backcountry locations where crowds are few so that the magnificence of the landscapes and unique natural features can be fully appreciated.

An abundance of wildflowers greet visitors in June and July, and June, in particular, brings plenty of wildlife for travelers to see and snap photos. In September the fall flowers are in bloom and the elk come calling their mates. The winter brings an abundance of snow along with opportunities to snowshoe and glide through the trail on snowmobile.

Our Montana vacations offer summer travel times to Yellowstone to experience all the nature and wildlife that this season brings. We also have a five day wintertime journey in February for those ready to hit the scenic slopes with cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and of course, no winter adventure is complete without ice skates and snow mobiles too!

Call today or visit our website to learn more about visiting Montana and Yellowstone this year.
 

Vacations are great source of energy and relaxation for many people. Family adventure vacations also happen to provide a little something more – an opportunity to bond with family members.

There’s no better travel destination to experience some great family time than on our Yellowstone tours.  The clean air and beauty of Yellowstone Park offers such an amazing environment to experience nature and each other. The lively scents for morning walks, the deep natural silence and stunning landscape vistas are ideal for reconnecting and reviving relationships. There’s something spiritual about being surrounded by mountains, open plains and flowing water that just begs travelers to stay a while.

Hiking through the winding trails to encounter wildlife or find the majestic Old Faithful provides a lifetime experience that is truly unforgettable. White water rafting down the Yellowstone River brings some exciting fun, and spotting wildlife in its natural habitat offers such a different view than typical viewing behind fences at a zoo. The whole family enjoys time on horseback riding through the stunning landscapes, and parents also have the opportunity to spend a little alone time together while the kids have a pizza party pool side at the Chico Hot Springs.

Request our travel catalog to begin your family adventure by calling us at (800) 575-1540 or visiting us online today.

 

If you missed our Big Sky Winter Getaway this month then it is time to definitely start planning now for next year’s Montana vacations in the winter season. Our wintertime family excursion to southwest Montana lasts 6 days and gives families all the soft power, ski slopes and stunning scenery that you could ever need for good winter fun.

This hiking vacation offers a little something for everyone. Ski or snowboard lessons from the Big Sky Resort will have your skills in tip top shape so you can make a run on the slopes or cross country in Yellowstone Park. Some in the group may want to try their luck on a snowmobile touring the picturesque winter vista of the park or snowshoe in the backcountry of Moonlight Basin.

The whole family will want to try their hand on the dogsled as it speeds through Moonlight Basin as well, and photography buffs will want to have the camera at the ready to snap shots of the indescribable big sky country that is Montana. Spending time with the family on vacation has never been so fun, and really, where else can families dine in a dinner yurt?

Learn more about winter family adventure vacations to Montana and other destinations by visiting our online travel site or giving us a call to request a catalog.
 

While we offer a large selection of adventure vacations to destinations around the world, there are some adventurers who want to add a little customization to their travel itineraries. That’s why our custom adventure trips can be just the ticket to the vacation of a lifetime for you, your family or group.

For over 20 years we’ve been designing custom itineraries for couples adventures, honeymoons, reunions and family adventure vacations. Whether you want to adventure to the tulip fields of Holland or experience a whitewater rafting adventure down the Yellowstone Park River, we can help put the accommodations, dining and activities together to make your trip or event really special.

All we need to design a complete custom vacation package is information about what you and your group envision as the ideal vacation spot and a list of activities you all enjoy. With just that information, we can put together a week or two weeks of fun adventure for everyone.

So if you’re dreaming of a tropical Hawaiian paradise or a family reunion in Zion National Park, we can make it happen. It’s best to start planning your adventure tours early to ensure that everyone has enough time to schedule vacation time around the custom itinerary. Give us a call at (800) 575-1540 to learn more or request our travel catalog.