Yellowstone Private Tour Recommendations

[Amy]

Finally, after years of on and off planning, I've got something that should work for 2014. This will be the first trip for the kids and me; my husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law last visited around 30 years ago. Given my FIL's age, this may be his last visit. I wanted to go in June before the crowds rush in, but July ended up working best for everyone. Right now the itinerary looks like this:

- 2 nights in Grand Teton
- 2 nights Grant Village
- 2 nights Canyon Lodge
- 2 nights Mammoth Hot Springs (debating whether to drop a night since lots of online reviews say that it's not worth the extra night)

I'm a bit overwhelmed at the size of the parks and trying to find things that would interest both the young and old. I'd like to schedule at least a couple of tours with expert guides to maximize what we see and learn (with re wildlife, geography, etc.). I've look at the tour offerings by Xanterra, and I'd like to compare them with private outfits. If you've taken a private tour and have good/bad things to say about your experience, please share. Everyone is in good physical shape so moderate hiking trips are no problem.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SMHarman]

Beaverbrook outfitters

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[Passepartout]

You can do a lot on your own. We have taken our grands. They like the float trips, horseback rides, chuckwagon dinners, hikes- remember, you can only see 3-5% of Yellowstone from any road. There are Ranger walks at all the main sites- especially those you've mentioned where you are staying. Don't miss those. They are free and very informative.

July will be quite impacted with people, so get your reservations in early. Most of the wildlife will be up in the higher country, so sightings will not be as plentiful as earlier or later, but you'll still see wildlife every day. We have a TS near there and spend the 3rd week of July in the Parks every year and never tire of it. 'Course we just live less than 4 hours away so it's almost in the neighborhood by our standards.

Have a great time planning your trip.

Jim

 

[Amy]

Thanks, SMHarman. I'll check them out.

Jim, we do plan to do many of the ranger-led tours. I just want to look into good alternatives that I can reserve in advance given how busy the park will be in July.

 

[SMHarman]

Thanks, SMHarman. I'll check them out.

Jim, we do plan to do many of the ranger-led tours. I just want to look into good alternatives that I can reserve in advance given how busy the park will be in July.

Ah, I meant
http://www.yellowstonetourguides.com/tours/winter/index.php
Beaverbrook is in upstate New York and does whitewater rafting up there!

Here are my and other peoples photos from Yellowstone and Big Sky.
http://hobokenskiclub.com/flickr/set/72157629908245087