Overview
Explore the landscapes of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with an immersive journey through two of the most iconic national parks in the world. Your group will witness geyser eruptions—including at legendary Old Faithful, float along the Snake River, and hike to famous vistas like Inspiration Point.
Itinerary
Day 1
Lunch
Travel to Idaho Falls, ID
Lava Hot Springs visit
Soak in the world-famous Lava Hot Springs! Students can relax in geothermal pools ranging from 102° to 112°, all fueled by natural underground springs. They’ll explore the Sunken Gardens to spot local birds in a serene, volcanic landscape.
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Jackson Town Square Course Leader-led walking tour
Step into the Old West and the frontier way of life on this walking tour through this town, the very heart of the region. Snap a photograph under the iconic elk antler arch and find a keepsake at one of the many Western-themed shops.
Lunch
Snake River float
Float along the river in a large raft, with the Grand Tetons in the background, while you learn about this stunning region's ecology and history from expert guides. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, moose, and elk.
Dinner
Snow King Mountain scenic gondola ride
Board the gondola and ascend nearly 1,600 feet in about 15 minutes, all while taking in panoramic, bird’s-eye views of the Grand Tetons, the National Elk Refuge, and downtown Jackson, surrounded by spectacular 360-degree scenery.
Snow King Observatory and Planetarium show
Step into an immersive astronomical experience at the summit of Snow King Mountain. Gaze through a 1-meter Planewave telescope for mesmerizing views of planets, galaxies, and celestial bodies as you learn about constellations, planets, galaxy clusters, and more.
Day 3
Breakfast
Travel to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Authorized Permittee of Grand Teton National Park
Jenny Lake Visitor Center visit
Discover art's role in the Teton Range's conservation at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Inside, you'll view Crandall's collection of his photographs and oil paintings of the mountains. Then, step outside for breathtaking views of Teewinot Mountain and Cascade Canyon.
Jenny Lakes shuttle boat
On this scenic boat ride across a glacial lake, you’ll take in dramatic views of the Teton Range and may even spot local wildlife along the shoreline.
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Course Leader-led hikes
Take a short hike to the top of Hidden Falls while considering hydrology, erosion, and plant ecology. Learn about glacial geology, tectonic uplift, and alpine ecosystems and take in stunning, panoramic views atop Inspiration Point.
Lunch
Colter Bay photo stop
Enjoy lunch in a setting like none other at Colter Bay where you'll have a view of the picturesque and dramatic Teton Range and Mount Moran. Afterwards, stroll the rocky shoreline of the bay where you'll discover beautiful stones and driftwood, smoothed and shaped by the gentle passage of time.
West Thumb Geyser Basin visit
At West Thumb Geyser Basin, you’ll learn how geothermal features from volcanic activity take on an otherworldly hue. From the Abyss Pool to Fishing Cone, you'll learn how geothermal energy and hydrothermal ecosystems create brilliant, bold pools of color.
Canyon Village visit
Explore the Canyon Village area of Yellowstone, home to the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You’ll view the powerful Upper Falls and the 308-foot Lower Falls from Artist Point, taking in colorful canyon walls carved by the Yellowstone River.
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Enter Yellowstone National Park
Norris Geyser Basin visit
Explore a forested basin of geysers and hot springs, home to Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. Vivid colors from heat-loving bacteria showcase one of the park’s hottest, most acidic extreme environments.
Lower Geyser Basin visit
Explore the Fountain Paint Pot area to see all four hydrothermal features. You will view bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming vents while learning how heat, acidity, and microbes shape the landscape.
Midway Geyser Basin visit (time permitting)
Visit the largest hot spring in Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and marvel at its massive 370-foot width, circled by rainbow rings of color. Walk around Midway Geyser Basin and gain an understanding of how thermophiles have created this stunning display.
Lunch
Upper Geyser Basin visit
Learn about volcanic science and geothermal features at the world's largest concentration of geysers, home to Old Faithful. You'll walk through the Upper Geyser Basin along a scenic, and safe, boardwalk with a chance to see Old Faithful erupt, and many other lively geysers, springs, and pools.
Mammoth Hot Springs and Historic Fort Yellowstone visit
Stroll along the boardwalk as rising steam and brilliant bright colors from heat-loving bacteria swirl above the stone terraces. Learn about Historic Fort Yellowstone's history and wildlife, as well as the U.S. Army's role in protecting it.
Dinner
Free time in West Yellowstone
Recharge in the gateway town of West Yellowstone with classic American comfort food and local specialties such as bison and elk. Enjoy the charming, historic roots of this Western town and find a special souvenir to remember your trip.
Day 5
Breakfast
Return to Yellowstone National Park
Lamar Valley visit
Marvel at hundreds of bison grazing the open meadows at Lamar Valley, known as the "Serengeti of North America." Explore lush meadows and capture unforgettable views of Yellowstone's cherished wildlife in their natural habitat.
Lunch
Leave Yellowstone through Gardiner to Bozeman, MT
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Yellowstone and Grand Tetons
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.