Yellowstone & the Tetons
The best of Wyoming & Montana
Saturday 14 – Friday 27 June 2008 (14 days)
Saddle up for a fabulous trip to the real American West! We travel to the splendour of Yellowstone National Park at the best time of year, when its wonderful variety of resident birds will be in full song, and its amazing range of mammals have young of the year in abundance. In the words of one of Yellowstone's most famous residents, this is a tour that's "smarter than the average"!
© Mike Read
The Tetons seen just after sunrise from our lodge
We start our tour in the "Big Sky" state of Montana, where we will explore the great Rocky Mountain prairies, open farm country, local creeks and streams in search of special western species. We travel over the spectacular Beartooth Plateau before arriving at Yellowstone National Park itself.
In Yellowstone we visit Old Faithful and other spectacular geysers. Among the birds we should encounter are American Dipper, Townsend's Solitaire, Western Bluebird, Clark's Nutcracker, Red-naped and Williamson’s Sapsuckers, and Steller's Jay. Raptor enthusiasts should get a fill of Osprey, Bald and Golden Eagles, while a range of ducks and waders may include the much sought-after Harlequin Duck, Lesser Scaup and Spotted Sandpiper.
We should also draw up a cracking list of large and small mammals, including Beaver, Moose and Bighorn Sheep; with luck, we may glimpse Grizzly or Black Bear, or even a feeding pack of Gray Wolf. Judging by previous reports this is probably the best trip we run outside Africa for seeing large mammals!
We have arranged a superb raft trip and we will check to see if either barrel racing or a rodeo is going on in the evening for a final night of western fun!
Price: £ 3,195
Single supp.: £ 635
Deposit: £ 400 per person
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of flights London - Billings and Bozeman - London, full-board accommodation, transport, tips, and the services of the leaders.
The price excludes travel insurance, drinks and other personal expenses.
This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.
Leaders: Greg Smith and Mike Read
Itinerary
Days 1 - 3
We take a scheduled flight from London via Denver to Billings, located on the great prairies of Montana. Here the Yellowstone River is the largest wild river remaining undammed in the Rocky Mountain West. While a small city by national standards, Billings is the largest city in Montana, and, as a centre for an extended farming and ranching community, it retains distinctive western flair. We stay here for three nights.
At this time of year, the great mountain prairies are green and blooming; bird song is at its peak, and it is an excellent time to locate birds of the open country: American Pipit, Horned Lark, McCown's Longspur, Western Meadowlark, and possibly, the rare Mountain Plover, a breeding species here. These are the legendary open spaces of "Big Sky" country; in a full day's drive you'll see only small communities and a few scattered ranch buildings. Cottonwood trees and a variety of shrubs line local creeks and streams and we will check these green oases for songbirds such as Brown Thrasher, Yellow-breasted Chat, American Redstart, Western Kingbird and the colourful Bullock’s Oriole. We also observe a colony of inquisitive, highly social Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, with a chance of seeing Burrowing Owls as well.
Three nights Billings
Days 4 - 5
Today, en route to Yellowstone National Park, we drive up and over scenic Beartooth Pass, a drive sometimes described as one of the most scenic in North America. In June snow will still line the road at higher elevations; the snowploughs just get through over Memorial Day! This high country is home to some of America's most special western species and today we hope to find Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle and flocks of Rosy Finch. In groves of conifers we will look for seed-eating specialities such as Pine Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch and Pine Siskin. Groves of aspen invite Warbling Vireo and the beautiful Western Tanager. Our base for the next two nights will be in Cooke City, a small town at the north-east entrance to Yellowstone.
In Yellowstone National Park (America's first, established in 1872) we have two days to explore the remote and beautiful Lamar Valley, core area of the recent reintroduction efforts of the Gray Wolf.
Next day we return to the nearby Lamar Valley at dawn, with hopes of seeing activity in the Wolf packs. Grizzly and Black Bear are also active on the valley floor at this time of year, because snows in the high country hold the Elk down. Herds number in the thousands and there are young calves everywhere. Ravens, Coyote, Fox, and Black-billed Magpie follow the great predators and vie over the carcass remains.
Lamar is haven to all sorts of wildlife. Smaller numbers of Bison, Mule Deer and Pronghorn may also be grazing and enjoying the spring flush of grass. Lamar Creek is home to Barrow's and Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead and other species of waterfowl. Golden Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk both nest in the valley.
Two nights Cooke City
Days 6 - 7
We head into the heart of Yellowstone. From great meadows dotted by sagebrush and aspen woodlands, we will climb through lodgepole pine up to spruce-fir forests. Here we hope to find Clark’s Nutcracker, Gray Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch and other birds in the lush, beautiful forest. Before ascending the pass, we will stop to see the spectacular Tower Falls.
Our destination tonight is Yellowstone Lake, perhaps the most productive birding location in the park. At historic Fishing Bridge we enjoy the antics of White Pelican and both Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, and keep our eyes peeled for Bald Eagle – often being harassed by Osprey!
Next morning we venture out to Hayden Valley very early to scan for Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf and herds of Bison.
After a field breakfast, we will make leisurely stops at Mud Volcano, and at the fast-moving waters of LeHardy Rapids where we will check for the beautiful but elusive Harlequin Duck. Birdwatching can be great here, both in the isolated groves of conifers and in the vast wetland areas that frame the lakeshore.
This afternoon, we continue on to the Old Faithful Geyser Basin, crossing over Craig Pass. Our route parallels the shore of Yellowstone Lake, which, rimmed by mountains, is one of the most beautiful in the West. West Thumb geyser basin holds rainbow-coloured thermal pools and hissing steam vents called fumaroles.
Crossing the continental divide, we arrive late afternoon to explore the Upper Geyser Basin, home to over seventy major geysers – including Old Faithful.
Two nights Lake, Yellowstone NP
Day 8 - 10
We spend the day heading for Grand Teton National Park, making several stops at some excellent birding spots en route. The first view of the magnificent Teton Mountains from Jackson Lake is just breathtaking.
After checking into our comfortable accommodation near the lakeshore, we will take a short walk in willow habitat before dinner and a relaxing evening.
We then have the next two days to explore Grand Teton National Park, considered to be amongst the top five US National Parks for birdwatching. Atop Signal Mountain we have a 360-degree view of magnificent mountains and a good chance of finding Blue Grouse. Then we’ll sit back and enjoy the scenery and some great birdwatching on a scenic raft trip on the Snake River. We will take the last float of the day when wildlife species are more active, for a relaxed and memorable finale to the trip. One night we visit Jackson Hole, known for its nightly rodeo events and western flair. While there we visit the renowned Wildlife Art Museum, and look for Yellow-headed Blackbird and Cinnamon Teal in ponds at the National Elk Refuge.
Three nights Grand Teton NP
Days 11 - 12
Today we drive a scenic back-country road through the remote southern reaches of Yellowstone. With luck we may find fields of wildflowers and nesting Common Loon. In the afternoon, we visit another birdwatching hotspot at Harriman State Park along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Here ponds attract Western, Clark’s and Red-necked Grebe as well as a variety of waterfowl.
We spend the next day at one of the most pristine valleys remaining in all the Rockies. In a remote valley west of Yellowstone we will find Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, a birdwatching paradise. Large shallow lakes fill the valley, providing habitat for Franklin’s Gulls, Long-billed Curlew, White-faced Ibis and other species. Sandhill Cranes are common – their loud calls rivalling only that of the Trumpeter Swan, signature species of the refuge.
In aspen groves and along the edges of conifer woodland we will listen and look for an excellent variety of birds. We may find Moose and Red Fox or catch glimpses of Marmot or Ground Squirrel. A system of roads allows us access to the vast area of the refuge, and we will enjoy picnic lunches and short walks in various habitats.
Returning to our lovely lodge on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, we watch for Caspian Tern from our balconies, and enjoy a delightful final dinner.
Two nights Henry’s Fork
Day 13
We end our journey with a very scenic morning drive back to Bozeman, Montana. If we get an early start we can see a few birds along the way – hoping for Red Crossbill and possibly Pine Grosbeak in feeders as we stop for coffee in the town of West Yellowstone. Mid-day, we depart for our flight to London, arriving on Day 14.
Accommodation: Hotels and lodges with all rooms en suite.
Numbers: Max. 14 clients
Days 1 - 3
We take a scheduled flight from London via Denver to Billings, located on the great prairies of Montana. Here the Yellowstone River is the largest wild river remaining undammed in the Rocky Mountain West. While a small city by national standards, Billings is the largest city in Montana, and, as a centre for an extended farming and ranching community, it retains distinctive western flair. We stay here for three nights.
At this time of year, the great mountain prairies are green and blooming; bird song is at its peak, and it is an excellent time to locate birds of the open country: American Pipit, Horned Lark, McCown's Longspur, Western Meadowlark, and possibly, the rare Mountain Plover, a breeding species here. These are the legendary open spaces of "Big Sky" country; in a full day's drive you'll see only small communities and a few scattered ranch buildings. Cottonwood trees and a variety of shrubs line local creeks and streams and we will check these green oases for songbirds such as Brown Thrasher, Yellow-breasted Chat, American Redstart, Western Kingbird and the colourful Bullock’s Oriole. We also observe a colony of inquisitive, highly social Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, with a chance of seeing Burrowing Owls as well.
Three nights Billings
Days 4 - 5
Today, en route to Yellowstone National Park, we drive up and over scenic Beartooth Pass, a drive sometimes described as one of the most scenic in North America. In June snow will still line the road at higher elevations; the snowploughs just get through over Memorial Day! This high country is home to some of America's most special western species and today we hope to find Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle and flocks of Rosy Finch. In groves of conifers we will look for seed-eating specialities such as Pine Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch and Pine Siskin. Groves of aspen invite Warbling Vireo and the beautiful Western Tanager. Our base for the next two nights will be in Cooke City, a small town at the north-east entrance to Yellowstone.
In Yellowstone National Park (America's first, established in 1872) we have two days to explore the remote and beautiful Lamar Valley, core area of the recent reintroduction efforts of the Gray Wolf.
Next day we return to the nearby Lamar Valley at dawn, with hopes of seeing activity in the Wolf packs. Grizzly and Black Bear are also active on the valley floor at this time of year, because snows in the high country hold the Elk down. Herds number in the thousands and there are young calves everywhere. Ravens, Coyote, Fox, and Black-billed Magpie follow the great predators and vie over the carcass remains.
Lamar is haven to all sorts of wildlife. Smaller numbers of Bison, Mule Deer and Pronghorn may also be grazing and enjoying the spring flush of grass. Lamar Creek is home to Barrow's and Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead and other species of waterfowl. Golden Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk both nest in the valley.
Two nights Cooke City
Days 6 - 7
We head into the heart of Yellowstone. From great meadows dotted by sagebrush and aspen woodlands, we will climb through lodgepole pine up to spruce-fir forests. Here we hope to find Clark’s Nutcracker, Gray Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch and other birds in the lush, beautiful forest. Before ascending the pass, we will stop to see the spectacular Tower Falls.
Our destination tonight is Yellowstone Lake, perhaps the most productive birding location in the park. At historic Fishing Bridge we enjoy the antics of White Pelican and both Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, and keep our eyes peeled for Bald Eagle – often being harassed by Osprey!
Next morning we venture out to Hayden Valley very early to scan for Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf and herds of Bison.
After a field breakfast, we will make leisurely stops at Mud Volcano, and at the fast-moving waters of LeHardy Rapids where we will check for the beautiful but elusive Harlequin Duck. Birdwatching can be great here, both in the isolated groves of conifers and in the vast wetland areas that frame the lakeshore.
This afternoon, we continue on to the Old Faithful Geyser Basin, crossing over Craig Pass. Our route parallels the shore of Yellowstone Lake, which, rimmed by mountains, is one of the most beautiful in the West. West Thumb geyser basin holds rainbow-coloured thermal pools and hissing steam vents called fumaroles.
Crossing the continental divide, we arrive late afternoon to explore the Upper Geyser Basin, home to over seventy major geysers – including Old Faithful.
Two nights Lake, Yellowstone NP
Day 8 - 10
We spend the day heading for Grand Teton National Park, making several stops at some excellent birding spots en route. The first view of the magnificent Teton Mountains from Jackson Lake is just breathtaking.
After checking into our comfortable accommodation near the lakeshore, we will take a short walk in willow habitat before dinner and a relaxing evening.
We then have the next two days to explore Grand Teton National Park, considered to be amongst the top five US National Parks for birdwatching. Atop Signal Mountain we have a 360-degree view of magnificent mountains and a good chance of finding Blue Grouse. Then we’ll sit back and enjoy the scenery and some great birdwatching on a scenic raft trip on the Snake River. We will take the last float of the day when wildlife species are more active, for a relaxed and memorable finale to the trip. One night we visit Jackson Hole, known for its nightly rodeo events and western flair. While there we visit the renowned Wildlife Art Museum, and look for Yellow-headed Blackbird and Cinnamon Teal in ponds at the National Elk Refuge.
Three nights Grand Teton NP
Days 11 - 12
Today we drive a scenic back-country road through the remote southern reaches of Yellowstone. With luck we may find fields of wildflowers and nesting Common Loon. In the afternoon, we visit another birdwatching hotspot at Harriman State Park along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Here ponds attract Western, Clark’s and Red-necked Grebe as well as a variety of waterfowl.
We spend the next day at one of the most pristine valleys remaining in all the Rockies. In a remote valley west of Yellowstone we will find Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, a birdwatching paradise. Large shallow lakes fill the valley, providing habitat for Franklin’s Gulls, Long-billed Curlew, White-faced Ibis and other species. Sandhill Cranes are common – their loud calls rivalling only that of the Trumpeter Swan, signature species of the refuge.
In aspen groves and along the edges of conifer woodland we will listen and look for an excellent variety of birds. We may find Moose and Red Fox or catch glimpses of Marmot or Ground Squirrel. A system of roads allows us access to the vast area of the refuge, and we will enjoy picnic lunches and short walks in various habitats.
Returning to our lovely lodge on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, we watch for Caspian Tern from our balconies, and enjoy a delightful final dinner.
Two nights Henry’s Fork
Day 13
We end our journey with a very scenic morning drive back to Bozeman, Montana. If we get an early start we can see a few birds along the way – hoping for Red Crossbill and possibly Pine Grosbeak in feeders as we stop for coffee in the town of West Yellowstone. Mid-day, we depart for our flight to London, arriving on Day 14.
Accommodation: Hotels and lodges with all rooms en suite.
Numbers: Max. 14 clients