Grand Expedition
Contrasting Utah’s canyon country with Oregon’s volcano region, the sculpted terrain of the Grand Tetons with the rugged eastern Sierra, this 2300-nautical mile tour is nothing short of Grand. By morning you will enjoy the cockpit views of places like Zion, Crater Lake and Glacier National Park; by afternoon you will be snapping photos of sandstone monoliths, hulking bison and Yellowstone’s Old Faithful. Covering 9 states and 20 national parks, the Grand X allows you to conquer the west like never before.
|
Day 1, Friday
Arrive Grand Junction, Colorado; transfer to the Hawthorn Suites. Afternoon Tour Briefing followed by Welcome Dinner with other pilots and guests. D
Day 2, Saturday
After breakfast, there will be a Flight Briefing. Those who are being provided aircraft will complete an aircraft checkout with a flight instructor. In the afternoon, there will be a van tour of Colorado National Monument , followed by dinner. B/L/D
Day 3, Sunday
After breakfast and briefing, depart for Zion National Park in southwestern Utah. Fly across Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Capitol Reef, Escalante-Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon National Park. We’ll have an afternoon tour of Zion National Park and check into the historic Lodge set within the red canyon walls of the Park. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at the Red Rock Grille. B/L/D
Day 4, Monday
After breakfast and briefing, we’ll depart Utah’s red rock country for California’s beautiful Sierra. We’ll land at Mammoth, California and visit this famous ski town and tour nearby Devil’s Postpile National Monument. We’ll dine and overnight at Mammoth Mountain Inn, in the heart of Mammoth Lakes. B/L/D
Day 5, Tuesday
We’re up early to head for Oregon’s volcano region. After breakfast and briefing, we’ll fly across the Sierra, over Yosemite National Park, then over California’s Big Tree country en route to Klamath Falls, Oregon. We’ll enjoy a scenic drive up to Crater Lake National Park where we will enjoy a two-night stay at gorgeous Crater Lake Lodge. B/L/D
Day 6, Wednesday
Free day, no flying. You will have the opportunity to drive the beautiful rim road of Crater Lake. Additionally, you can make the steep hike down to the water’s edge for a scenic boat trip within the volcano’s crater. From above or below the rim, the views of the world’s seventh deepest lake are truly amazing.
|
Day 7, Thursday
After breakfast and briefing, fly to Joseph, Oregon. We'll transfer to the area near the beautiful Wallowa Lake at the base of the Eagle Cap mountains. Spend the afternoon enjoying the lake, a hike in the wilderness, or a 3700' tram ride to the top of Mt. Howard. B/L
Day 8, Friday
After breakfast and briefing, fly to Browning, Montana. Chartered group tour of Glacier National Park along the Going-To-The-Sun Road. Lodging and dinner at the Glacier Park Lodge. B/L/D
Day 9, Saturday
Free day at Glacier; no flying. You may spend the day enjoying a variety of park-provided activities including hiking, boat excursions, fishing, golf or horseback riding.
Day 10, Sunday
After breakfast and briefing, fly to West Yellowstone, Montana for a 2-day treat at Yellowstone National Park, our nation's first national park. Tour the spectacular Lower and Midway Geyser Basins en route to Old Faithful Village. Lodging at Old Faithful Village. B/L/D
Day 11, Monday
Free day to enjoy Yellowstone National Park; no flying. Enjoy hiking or touring Yellowstone or even sign up for a tour to Grand Teton National Park - your National Park pass is good for both! There are a variety of ways to spend this bonus day at Yellowstone.
Day 12, Tuesday
After breakfast and briefing, return to Grand Junction with an interim fuel stop, if needed. These final two flights will provide spectacular views of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Fossil Butte National Monument, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, and Dinosaur National Monument. Ground transfer to the Hawthorn Suites; farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B/L/D
Day 13, Wednesday
Breakfast in hotel; shuttle service to airport as needed. Please advise Parkwest if additional room nights are desired at Grand Junction. B
PLEASE NOTE: Weather conditions may affect this itinerary. Please see the weather information on our FAQ page for more information regarding weather delays. |
|
 |
