Wonderful Wyoming
August 10-17, 2024
Day 1 Today we depart for Wonderful Wyoming! Seeking cooler weather, our first overnight is at the Historic Plains Hotel. During dinner, we learn about the history of the hotel and Rosie the resident ghost. (D)
Day 2 This morning we found the Historic Trails West. Ride in a covered wagon along the Oregon Trial like the pioneers experienced. The covered wagons take us to a Dutch oven lunch out on the trail. Continuing north we check into our hotel in Cody WY for a 3-night stay. (B, L)
Day 3 This morning learn 100 years of Cody history during our Cody Trolley Tour. We also visit the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center. A walk across the dam allows us an impressive view 280 feet down to the Shoshone River and the other direction the Buffalo Bill Reservoir.
Next, we stop at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Within the center, there are five museums to explore. The Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, and the Whitney Western Art Museum. Tonight we headed to the Cody Cattle Company for dinner and a western show. (B, D)
Day 4 This morning sit back and relax as you enjoy the incredible views as you drive along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway which crosses America's first National Forest, The Shoshone. We eventually turn onto the Beartooth Scenic Highway, one of only 37 designated All-American Roads, which will not only take your breath away but take you into Yellowstone. Often called America’s Serengeti, the Lamar Valley is home to bison, antelope, bears (grizzly and black), bald eagles, big horn sheep, elk, and many other species. However, the most famous residents are wolves, as this was the area where they were reintroduced into the Yellowstone ecosystem. We pass the Roosevelt Lodge located near Roosevelt’s camp spot when he came to visit. Then on to Mammoth Hot Springs where you see some buildings that were part of Fort Yellowstone of 1891. At this juncture, we hope to see the resident Elk herd lounging on the grass around the Mammoth Hotel. Tonight we go to the Grand Old Lady of Cody, Irma’s. For over 100 years, everyone from Colonel Cody to Indian chiefs and cowboys “came as they were” to the Irma. The cherrywood back bar in the restaurant was presented to Colonel Cody by Queen Victoria of England after a command performance he gave for her. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Our step-on guide joins us again today to explore the lower loop of Yellowstone. Things heat up with a day of exploring Yellowstone’s colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and spouting geysers. The geology of Yellowstone makes it unlike any other place on Earth. We visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its beautiful waterfall and a stop at Old Faithful to view Yellowstone’s most famous attraction. Overnight in Jackson WY for the next 2 nights. (B, L)
Day 6 This morning we head into Teton National Park. The Grand Teton Park roads provide one of the most delightful views in the region with the Teton Range dominating the park’s skyline. We see forests, pristine lakes, and meadow floors with blooms during the summer. This morning enjoy an amazing float trip on the Snake River, seeing the majestic Tetons towering in front of us. This is one of the highlights of the tour! We will have some time to explore downtown Jackson with the antler archways and wonderful shops. Our hotel is only a block from downtown. (B, L)
Day 7 Today we travel along the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway known for its breathtaking scenery of three mountain ranges, its open ranch land, historical sites, and abundant wildlife viewing. Overnight in the Denver area. (B)
Day 8 We say goodbye to the mountains as we reminisce about all the natural beauty and adventure we experienced. (B)