Backcountry Bonanza
Want a little more excitement on your flying vacation? Enjoy the beautiful Rockies and the backcountry strips of Idaho while getting a taste of the true, unvarnished West. You will sleep in rustic lodges (perhaps a tepee) and enjoy the alpine splendor of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Your down time will include horseback riding and flyfishing, staple activities in these parts. You may not recognize any of the destination names on the itinerary, in fact we hope you don't. The Backcountry Bonanza was designed to highlight the simple, raw experience of the Rocky Mountain West. While mountain training isn't necessary for participation, we offer a Mountain Flying Clinic ahead of the tour, for those who want some high-altitude training before departure.
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Day 1, Saturday
Arrive Grand Junction by 1:00 pm, transfer to Hawthorn Suites Hotel in charming downtown Grand Junction. There will be a general Tour Briefing at 2:00 pm, followed by a Flight Briefing at the hotel. Welcome dinner with fellow pilots and companions that evening.
Day 2, Sunday
We will depart this morning for Smiley Creek, ID, the most beloved backcountry airstrip in the West. After checking into your lodge room/cabin/tepee, we will enjoy lunch at the restaurant (their milkshakes are renowned nationwide!), have some free time for a nice hike, then enjoy dinner under the stars.
Day 3, Monday
The group will enjoy a two-flight day through the Idaho backcountry. Our first destination is McCall for breakfast and fuel, followed by a spectacular flight into Big Creek. We will enjoy two nights at this wonderfully rustic lodge in the Payette National Forest. You'll love the peace and quiet of this area where the nearest town (of fifty people) is 25 miles away. We'll enjoy a horseback ride in the afternoon, followed by a scrumptious dinner.
Day 4, Tuesday
Free day to enjoy this beautiful country as you wish, which might include more flying (Idaho is a haven for backcountry opportunities!), hikes or other activities arranged through the Lodge.
Day 5, Wednesday
After breakfast we'll fly to Orofino, Idaho the "town for of all seasons" at the base of Idaho's panhandle. Lewis and Clark built canoes here before continuing their journey into the Columbia River system. Our Lodge at the River's Edge sits alongshore the scenic Clearwater River. Before dinner, enjoy an afternoon hike on the trail or a visit to some Lewis and Clark attractions nearby.
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Day 6, Thursday
We leave Idaho for historic Lincoln, Montana. Here you are scenically placed between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and bordered by the spectacular Bob Marshall ("The Bob," as locals call it) and Scapegoat Wilderness Areas. We'll enjoy a leisurely afternoon in town, followed by dinner.
Day 7, Friday
The only flying today will involve fish. Try your arm at fly-fishing on the scenic Blackfoot River. Local guides will provide the boats, gear and instruction for you to enjoy a day on the river as you try your hand at fly-fishing the original "river that runs through it."
Day 8, Saturday
Fly to Buffalo, Wyoming, the "real" Old West. You'll love this quaint town and summertime charm. After arrival we will get a flavor of local history at the Jim Gatchell museum, and leave enough time for you to take a dip in Wyoming's largest outdoor swimming pool in Washington Park. Dinner and lodging at the historic Occidental.
Day 9, Sunday
Return to Grand Junction through the scenic backcountry of Wyoming and northwestern Colorado. Check in to Hawthorn Suites, and evening Farewell Dinner and slide show.
Day 10, Monday
Breakfast in hotel; shuttle service to airport as needed. Please let us know if additional room nights are needed.
PLEASE NOTE: Weather conditions may affect this itinerary. Please see the weather information on our FAQ page for more information regarding weather delays.
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