
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,
When you wake in the morning, what’s the first thing on your mind? Mine is always “where am I going
next?” You never know working for adventure travel companies, but this year it has been
Yosemite National Park, our Nation’s first State Park. Yellowstone beats it in the status ranking of the first National Park for technical reasons. You see, California became a State in 1850. That allowed the government to give Yosemite to the State of California in 1864, for protection and preservation. Yellowstone Park's magnificence became known in the 1860’s and 1870’s and needed to be protected. It became a National Park in 1872, because the lands were only territories, in order to preserve the land for the betterment and enjoyment of the people.
That all seems a little complicated, I know. But it is an important part to understanding their crucial role in bettering our country as a whole. Yellowstone Park prides itself in being Americas first National Park while Yosemite the first State Park. Both, today, are National Parks and incredible corners of our world that so needed to be protected for our generations to enjoy. But in the end it is Yosemite that was noticed first by a Scotsman named John Muir.
On the Austin-Lehman
Yosemite National Park Adventure we begin our journey in San Francisco on Sunday morning. From there we head east toward those 750,000 acres of playground. Each time we head out I think about John and his journey along that almost same path… through that San Joaquin valley, over the foothills of the Sierra Mountains and toward that hidden treasure. We do his 2 month walking excursion in almost 4 hours by car. And we think we’re tired when we get there!
Most of Sunday is a little cycling tour and playing along the edge of the Park boundaries. You can feel the pull all day of Yosemite asking us to come explore and see. Ahh, but there is so much to see everywhere! Monday we head to Toulmne Meadows, my favorite meadow in the world! Glacially carved rolling hills, cold streams full of beauty and life, hikers and climbers taking it all in, its that wordless beauty – the kind you just can’t describe. You have to see it to believe it. But, to top that off, as if you ever thought that was possible – Tuesday we make our way into Yosemite Valley. That 7 mile valley that awaits us all… and even though I’ve seen it before it never ceases to amaze me, this might be one of my favorite
family adventure vacations. I know how to explain its phenomenon geographically but at that moment, no, at those moments… its just not important. Standing there, whether from above or amidst, it is important just to be there, just to breath in its awesomeness and appreciate all its glory. And then of course to have a cold drink and say “Ahhh… sure am glad I didn’t walk here!”
Your friendly adventure guide,
Blair Peck

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



Kasey's Kids Webinar
Kasey Austin is leading a group of young adventurers into an interactive webinar about what kids really want from their family adventure vacation. We first said we would give the first 25 kids a "certified cool" kids pack and an ALA gift. But since the boss is out of town till after the webinar, Kasey and I have agreed to give every kid that attends a "certified cool" kids pack and an ALA gift!!!! Is that cool or what?
Who is Kasey Austin? Kasey Austin is one of our top veteran guides and has been guiding family adventure vacations since she was 6 years old. Kasey's passion for the outdoors is contagious and she is always a hit with the kids. The few trips I've been on with Kasey there is always 1 or 2 kids that say "I want to be a guide like Kasey when I grow up."
Last summer Kasey guided our Yellowstone tours, Alaska adventure vacations and cycling tours in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
This summer she will be guiding and working in the office, sharing her knowledge and passion for the outdoors to help us create even better trips. That is the focus of Kasey's Kids Webinar, to find out what kids really want from an adventure vacation. Then we can take knowledge we get from this webinar and apply it in the field to make our family adventure vacations the best they could be!
For more information on Kasey's webinar check out www.austinlehman.com/kids
This Webinar is Sunday, April 14 @ 4pm EST.
Thanks and hope to see you there!
ALA Adventurer,
Jonathan

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 22nd 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.
Our family vacation to Montana and Yellowstone Park was our first experience with Austin-Lehman, and we definitely plan to be back! The guides were great. The itinerary was perfect. We ate very well. As a matter of fact, we were treated like VIPs and loved every minute of it. I noticed from the very beginning that you guys treat your customers like family, and it shows throughout the entire trip. And talk about great food! It was diverse and tasty. The Chico Hot Springs Resort was our favorite, and I think our dinner with them was the best! The guides were very friendly and professional. Keep doing what you are doing. Don’t ever change a thing – it was perfect!
Name: Sam Shaw
City: Hillsdale
State: New Jersey
Country: USA

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.
My family and I dreamed about visiting Yellowstone Park so I was thrilled when my husband surprised us by booking our trip last summer. We had never been on a guided tour before, and I have to say everything about the trip was excellent. The travel plans were executed perfectly from start to finish including the yummy snacks. Thanks again to the professional folks at Austin Lehman for a wonderful Montana adventure!
Name: Bridget
City: Cincinnati
State: Ohio
Country: USA

Explore the unparalleled beauty and wonders of Yellowstone Park with your whole family. Austin- Lehman organizes family adventure vacations that are equally entertaining for kids and adults. We make sure that you achieve a sense of accomplishment by journeying with us to the ultimate fun destination.
This year take the challenge, and join us on a week-long adventure trip to Yellowstone National Park, the first national park of the country. Visit the Yellowstone Lake centered over the largest super volcano of the continent, Yellowstone Caldera. The park has numerous other lakes, geysers and mud pots. The Old Faithful geyser is a must visit place. Trek through the subalpine forest, and enjoy the spectacular view of wildlife in their natural abode. Watch grizzly bears, eagles, bison, elk and wolves live as you drive through Hayden Valley.
Families want to make sure to try rafting in beautiful Yellowstone River that is an apt place for both beginners to professionals. Before starting the hike, register your kids as “junior rangers”, then enjoy hiking through the backcountry exploring thundering waterfalls and shooting geysers spraying steaming water up to approximately 100 feet high in the air. We make your adventure trips worthwhile by incorporating a variety of activities to suit the diverse interests of your family. It will be a trip that will explore your wild side, and you’ll watch your kids face their fears while learning to take up new challenges.
Our Yellowstone Park Adventure was the best vacation we’ve ever taken. We loved the “red carpet” and surprise snacks. I don’t think we have laughed so much or really enjoyed each other’s company while on the road. What a great group of people! I can’t say enough kind things about our guides, Michael and Blair. Our group was small so there was a lot of one on one time. Our two guides were the nicest people I think I’ve ever met. It really felt like we had known them forever. They were very knowledgeable and caring. We sang and shared experiences together so this trip will stay forever in our memories and hearts. Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful vacation!
Name: Donna Evans
City: Harrisburg
State: PA
Country: USA