ADULT ONLY

Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure

  • 6 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 1
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Bozeman
  • Trip End: Bozeman
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Journey through Montana's vast wilderness and geothermal wonders on our Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure.

There's no doubt the Wild Wild West will entice your adventurous side as you spend 6-days exploring amongst the most dramatic landscapes of Montana on our Big Sky & Yellowstone Adventure Tour. Whether or not you've been to Yellowstone, new wonders await. Starting and finishing in Bozeman, you'll explore Gallatin National Forest, hike to Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains and spot magnificent wildlife in Hayden Valley. Tick off bucket list favorites like Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, and spend evenings relaxing in beautiful lodges. If you think you've seen Yellowstone, think again. Our Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure is sure to leave you awe-struck - time and time again.

Austin Adventures operates in part under a special use permit with the Custer Gallatin National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Bozeman Trip End: Bozeman

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Bozeman Creek walk, zip line tour across Gallatin River

  • Day 2Hike to Beehive Basin, Big Sky

  • Day 3Shuttle to Yellowstone, hike near the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring

  • Day 4Hike along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, raft down the Yellowstone River

  • Day 5Horseback ride in the Absaroka Mountains, soak in natural hot springs

  • Day 6Farewell, back to Bozeman

  • Day 1

    Bozeman Creek walk, zip line tour across Gallatin River

    #81653

    Your adventure begins with an easy hike to stretch your legs along Bozeman Creek. Wander along the old logging trails that run parallel to the creek before enjoying a tasty lunch. You'll then set off for Gallatin Canyon to your “zip base” where you’ll get ready for a zip line tour across the Gallatin River.

    As you make your way from base to base, behold towering limestone cliffs, pine-studded forests, and the rushing river below.
    Accommodation: 320 Guest Ranch, Gallatin Gateway
    Meals:
    Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers)

  • Day 2

    Hike to Beehive Basin, Big Sky

    #81654

    Embark on an all-day hike amid the Spanish Peaks to Beehive Basin with sweeping views of the Madison and Gallatin Ranges, including Big Sky’s Lone Mountain (an alternate hike may be arranged on early season departures, depending on trail conditions).

    Lunch trailside by the shore of an alpine lake. Continue your trek through wildflower meadows, glacial streams, and the distinctive crags of Beehive Peak.

    Enjoy a night on your own with a shuttle to Big Sky by your guides or choose to stay back at the ranch.
    Accommodation: 320 Guest Ranch, Gallatin Gateway
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 7 miles (11.3 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Shuttle to Yellowstone, hike near the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring

    #81655

    Shuttle to Yellowstone for a hike alongside Midway Geyser Basin to an unforgettable overlook of Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. A short drive away is Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest collection of geysers in the world. Take some time to explore this area with your knowledgeable guide before a delicious picnic lunch.

    Transfer to Canyon, stopping along the way to take in the astonishing West Thumb Geyser Basin, located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.

    This evening, enjoy dinner at Canyon Lodge.
    Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)

  • Day 4

    Hike along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, raft down the Yellowstone River

    #81656

    Embark on a backcountry hike along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, ending at a viewpoint of the incredible 308-foot Lower Falls. Shuttle to Gardiner where we enjoy lunch at the historic Roosevelt Arch. Load into rafts for a beautiful and splashy ride down the Yellowstone River before enjoying dinner in the quaint town of Gardiner.

    Then we drive through Paradise Valley to Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa.
    Accommodation: Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
    Rafting: 2 hours

  • Day 5

    Horseback ride in the Absaroka Mountains, soak in natural hot springs

    #81657

    Shuttle to the Flying Diamond Ranch and mount up for a leisurely morning horseback ride high into the Absaroka Mountains. Our picnic lunch spot boasts spectacular mountain views. A short afternoon hike to a Pine Creek Falls will set the stage for a perfect evening. Back at Chico, soak in a natural hot spring-fed pool before feasting on a candlelit farewell dinner.
    Accommodation: Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Horse-back Riding: 2-3 hours
    Hiking: 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)

  • Day 6

    Farewell, back to Bozeman

    #81658

    Take a morning hike to a nearby trout pond or enjoy a last morning soak in the pool. Return to Bozeman airport and area hotels.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals:
    Breakfast

Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure Departure Dates

Austin Adventures

This trip is operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

Want to bring the family? Check out our Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Family Vacation.

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What's Included

5 nights’ accommodation 
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners 
Our own highly experienced guides, with you from start to finish
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your trip
Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled 
Special ‘Wow’ moments you'll never forget
All activities described in the itinerary 
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities 
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

Canyon Lodge 1
Guest Ranch

Accommodations on Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventures

Unwind at Chico Hot Springs where the authentic western retreat meets mountainside relaxation and enjoy soaking in onsite hot springs. Between Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park is 320 Guest Ranch which will welcome you with its rich history and pioneering Montana spirit. You'll be super comfortable in the updated log cabins, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The Canyon Lodge is the newest accommodations in Yellowstone National Park, combining historic charm with a convenient location to the Mammoth Terraces and Lamar Valley.

 

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Book Now With Our Price Promise

Our Price Promise is designed to give you complete confidence when booking your unforgettable adventure. Here's how it works...

  • Book your next adventure now (no need to wait for any Black Friday sales and risk missing out on your preferred departure date!)
  • If the price of your trip drops within 60 days of booking, we promise to honor the lower price and apply it to your trip

With our Price Promise you don't have to wait for future sales to get the best price.

So go for it - secure your preferred trip and departure date by booking your dream adventure now!

*Terms and conditions apply - see below

 

*Price Promise is available for bookings made on or after October 16, 2024. If the advertised price of your booked future trip decreases within 60 days of your original booking date, you can contact us to request the lower price be applied to your existing booking. You must contact us no later than 60 days from your original booking date and provide details of the available price/discount you wish to avail. The price of your trip can be changed only once and only if you contact us during the time at which the lower price is advertised/available. Price Promise cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. The company reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time in its sole discretion. Other restrictions may apply.  

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Best Western GranTree Inn at 9am or The Element Hotel at 9:15am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Bozeman, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Bozeman Airport at 11:30am in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Bozeman around 12pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Bozeman at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Bozeman after 1:30pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Yellowstone. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Chico on Days 4 & 5.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip though you’ll be hiking on gentle to moderate trails and can still enjoy the scenery and relaxation. Typically, hikes range between two and four hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available too.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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