Yellowstone Vacations

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.

This past July, my family- myself, my husband and our daughters ages 5 & 7, took our first family adventure vacation- the Montana Family Adventure.  To say it was life-changing really isn’t far off.  But beyond that, our terrific guides- Patrick, James and John- taught us quite a few things…  About Montana, about nature and about ourselves.

If you’re lost in the woods, you should start liken’ the lichen
Not that we were in any danger of going hungry (see below), Patrick gave us all a nature lesson the first day about lichen, an edible fungus that, though not the most tasty of substances, is filled with nutrients.  Just in case you’re lost in the woods without food.  Of course, he also tricked us with mountain goat poo, it was a friendly prank, which tasted surprisingly like carob. 

There are no poisonous snakes in western Montana
To say I don’t like snakes would be an understatement.  I am terrified of them.  So I was (very) nervous about hiking through the wilds of Yellowstone.  In fact, one of my first questions was about snakes.  Patrick immediately put my fears to rest when he told us that western Montana isn’t warm enough for poisonous snakes.  (Yea!)

Don’t run from a griz

                  “Get your kids and start walking slowly backward towards the vans,” Patrick said. 

We had stopped at a pullout- along with at least a dozen other people- due to a Grizzly sighting.  As we stood safely at the edge of the road, hoping for a glimpse, others were walking up and over the hill to get an “up close and personal” look.  And then Patrick saw one of the men come running back over the hill.

“I was sure we would see an attack,” Patrick told me later.  “You never run from a Griz, they will chase you.”  So, what should you do?  Apparently, you slowly back away, hoping the bear is bluffing.  If he does charge, curl in a ball and play dead.  (Yeah, I think my “flight” instinct would overrule that, too!)

There’s flat…  and then there’s “Montana flat”
We were prepared for most of our hikes.  But there were a couple that we were told were flat.  Of course, it was our guide John who told us that.  What we didn’t take into consideration was that John had climbed Mount Everest, so a somewhat challenging hike to us, was flat to him.  About half way through the week we knew to ask, “Is it really flat, or is it Montana flat?” meaning no really steep parts but still uphill.

Humans, though the most intelligent species on the planet, can be incredibly dumb
Not including the bear incident, we witnessed, first hand, the ignorance of people in the wild.  I was sure we would see a young man get gored by a buffalo.  Tip:  stay in your car when a herd is crossing the road.  We also saw entire families creeping way too close to Black Bear and quite a few adults walking within feet of a Bull Elk so they could get good photos with their iPhones.

The tales our guides shared put these to shame- and they didn’t end so well.  “People can do really stupid things here,”  James said.  “It’s like they think the animals are tame and the rangers let them out every day for the tourists to see.”

It is possible to be pampered at 12,000 feet when you’re covered in dust
When you’re covered head to toe in dust, some of which is turning to cakey mud as rivulets of sweat trickle down your body, it’s difficult to imagine feeling pampered.  And then your guides bring out silver trays of iced coffee.  Or they bring you wet wipes followed by sliced apples with caramel dipping sauce.  Not only do you feel pampered, but you are so thankful you didn’t have to carry it up yourself!

The Pied Piper is real
Though he wasn’t carrying pipes, Patrick managed to charm all the children on our tour.  Wherever he was, they wanted to be.  By mid-week the adults had termed him “the Pied Piper” as we knew that if our children weren’t with us, they would be near him.      

Sometimes you have to work hard to see magnificence
Sure, you can see amazing things when you stay on the beaten path.  But to see truly breathtaking sights, you need to work harder.  This was truly driven home to us after we scraped and clawed our way up the steep hill behind the Grand Prismatic.  Only 10% of visitors to Yellowstone see this view.  It was worth every bruise and scrape.

You’ll never go hungry.
Despite the increased amount of physical activity, you will never feel a hunger pang during your AL vacation.  Between the filling breakfasts, fabulous lunches, morning and afternoon snacks on the trail, “just in case” munchies in the vans, and local specialties for dinner each evening, hunger doesn’t stand a chance.

You can trust someone you just met with your kids in less than a week
At the beginning of our trip, we kept near the girls as we hiked.  By mid-week we kept them in our sights.  By the end of the week, as we were hiking through an area where bears had been sighted only the day before, our girls were separated- one in front of us and one behind- each so far away we couldn’t see or hear them.  As Doug and I walked along, we commented on the fact that we weren’t worried at all.  We knew that our youngest was at the front of the pack with John, while our eldest was tagging along at the end with Patrick.  And we knew that both were completely safe.

Our family so thoroughly enjoyed our Austin-Lehman vacation that we are hoping to do another one next summer!  We’re thinking the Yellowstone/ Tetons trip…  unfortunately it has no horseback riding- which is a “must” for my youngest, who fell in love with her four legged guide this year.

Sincerely,

Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is a writer specializing in family travel.  You can follow her family’s adventures at FamilyRambling.com.

See Jody's photos from her Austin-Lehman Adventure: Montana Family Adventure Photos

If you are anything like me, the thought of checking luggage for a trip adds another layer of stress that seems unnecessary for a vacation!  Are they going to charge me? Are they going to lose my bag?  Who might be going through my things?  Will my bag end up with big black stains on them (which I still haven’t figured out how to remove)?  So, now I try to always travel with only carry-on luggage (I just purchased a Briggs and Riley Bag, and think it might be perfect)!  

This becomes a little more challenging in the shoulder seasons when you need to prepare for a multitude of weather conditions, but with these tips you will be packing lightly and efficiently for your next fall or spring get away.

1. Light Layers:  This is the key to packing light; be prepared to pack items that can be ‘stacked’ on.  By bringing a base layer (I like The North Face, mid weight base layers), and a medium weight sweater or fleece pull over, along with a good quality rain jacket (mine is a Marmot) you don’t have to worry about packing a parka for chilly days.  Don’t forget a nice pair of thin, but wind proof, gloves and a light hat and you will be set for anything!

2. A Pashmina:  These things are so versatile, and if you have read my blogs before you know they have a myriad of purposes.  They can be a scarf if you are cold, a head covering if you need to go into a Mosque, a blanket on a cold plane, a makeshift picnic blanket, a bathing suit cover up, and they can also be worn as a shall to dress up a dinner outfit.  With a neutral pashmina, you’ll look like a true Parisian as you stroll along the Seine.  This is a serious must for all lady travelers.

3. Socks:  Not just socks, but moisture wicking socks, like wool.  (My favorite is Smartwool).  This is an all year item, as wool will keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat.  I recommend not only bringing short socks for hiking or biking, but also a few pairs of knee high socks to help keep your legs warm. This pairs with:

4. Undies:  A good pair of long underwear bottoms.  I know we talked about base layers for the top half, but having a good quality bottom base layer will keep you warm as you take in the sights of Prague, of any city, on a rainy day!  You don’t need to be relegated to museums or shops if the weather gets ugly.

5. Color:  Lastly, to keep packing to a minimum, try to color coordinate the items that you pack.  Choose one neutral color (black, grey, brown, or navy) and build your wardrobe around that.  Make sure that everything matches everything else, and that way you will end up having more options (and fewer shoes).

I hope this helps condense your travel items as you plan your next European Vacation or Yellowstone Tour.  By packing thoughtfully you will save space as well as time and money as you traverse through airports.

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Teini

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

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

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

We just wrapped up guide training at the ALA Farm and one of my favorite parts of training is seeing all the guides. Working in the office we don't get to see too much of them during the season, so I enjoy spending some time with them while they are here. But today I want to highlight James Bradbury, this guy makes me proud to sell our trips. His passion for guiding and sharing his love for the outdoors is contagious... James just knows how to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable, its kind of a gift he has! This season James will be guiding our Yellowstone Tours and Montana Vacations and I couldn't be more excited for our guest to meet James. I'm pretty sure he feels the same way about meeting our guest, he just loves showing everyone a good time.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on a truly amazing guide! To learn more about James check out his guide profile.

Sincerely, 

Jonathan

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,

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

Or to sign up for this webinar, please visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/571338808

This Webinar is Sunday, April 14 @ 4pm EST.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

ALA Adventurer,

Jonathan