Mt Rushmore & Yellowstone

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Mt.Rushmore, Yellowstone tour is fully guided with all hotels, activities, and some meals. Happy Travels! Caravan
Mount Rushmore
Grand Tetons
Tour Map

Everything You Need to Know About a Snake River Tour

Enjoy a Snake River tour and experience nature and wildlife like you never have before. Known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and endless wildlife, the Snake River is a world-class destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, offering a little something for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Consider pairing a Snake River adventure alongside a journey of Yellowstone National Park or even Teton National Park. As the waters span across multiple states, the Snake River offers deep adventure opportunities, helping guests from all over the world disconnect from modern life and experience something different.

What Makes Snake River So Special

The thousand-mile-long Snake River is a waterway stretching from Yellowstone National Park all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Flowing through both Yellowstone and the Teton Range, it features remarkable biodiversity, including geothermal activity, endless species, various waterfalls, many different rapids, and epic scenic landscapes.

Not only is it an iconic natural landmark home to rare birds and fish, but the Snake River is also a centerpiece for outdoor adventure travel, attracting visitors from across the world for its world-class rafting. Further, it remains a prime location for those who love bird and wildlife watching, photography, camping, hiking, and iconic sunrises and sunsets. While many visitors enjoy viewing the Snake River via Yellowstone National Park, many stretches of the river offer different opportunities for activities, including white water rafting at the well-known Hells Canyon.

Key Takeaways

  • Snake River is an incredible travel experience that helps guests better appreciate the landscapes of the Midwest.
  • Consider floating, rafting, camping, or hiking along the Snake River!
  • Tour groups can help you navigate the permit and booking system, avoiding complications along your trip.

Things To Do When Visiting Snake River

Let’s review some of the best things to do in and around Snake River.

Boating, Rafting, and Floating: The stretches of Snake River heading through Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Grand Teton National Park offer a mix of white water rafting and more gentle and guided floating trips, helping guests tap into excitement but also view the local wildlife alongside qualified guides.

Float tours are incredibly popular for those traveling as a family, while rapids remain available for those looking for something more thrilling. Hells Canyon attracts outdoor thrillseekers, with multi-day rafting experiences that can challenge even the most experienced adventurers. Hells Canyon is also well-known for high-speed jet boat tours, which are best reserved for those wanting to experience something truly fast-paced.

The Snake River waters in Grand Teton remain suitable for fishing, kayaking, and gentle boat tours, offering an easy-going approach to appreciating the area. Many guests canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard here.

Chasing Waterfalls: Many guests make a point of searching out the river’s various waterfalls, which rival the iconic Niagara Falls. Shoshone Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Auger Falls, and Snake River Falls are all worth a visit, despite being distributed across the entirety of the Snake River. Guests often road trip to the various falls and then hike to the destination.

Camping and Hiking: The camping opportunities available across the Snake River are extensive, with options that include Yellowstone National Park, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Snake River National Recreation Trail. All these sites include backcountry camping but also traditional camping, with RV parks that include modern amenities. Guests will need to adhere to the rules of each individual park, with some sites needing to be booked several months in advance.

The results of these camping trips are some of the most beautiful scenic landscapes in America, where guests can view wildlife in their natural habitat, but also enjoy the many attractions found in Yellowstone National Park. Explore hikes that include short loops suitable for beginners, or deep backcountry adventures that require guests to camp along their journey.

Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching: Those who love wildlife will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals they will encounter while exploring the Snake River. Float tours are great ways of taking in the area, but spots like Oxbow Bend, Snake River Outlook, and Moose-Wilson Road are world-renowned destinations for animal lovers.

Guests will be able to spot beaver, moose, elk, bison, exotic raptors, bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, many kinds of fish, and endless varieties of swans, pelicans, and falcons.

Best Time To Visit Snake River

Many guests report that late spring is the best time to visit and appreciate the Snake River. With temperatures beginning to rise, increased water flows, and blooming nature, tourists can experience the best that the area has to offer, with the reduced crowds and traffic that often arrive in the summer travel season.

Packing Checklist for Experiencing Snake River

Use this checklist and pack carefully for your upcoming trip to Snake River:

  • Multiple layers of clothing that can quickly dry but also keep you comfortable during warm days and cooler nights.
  • A rain jacket or a windbreaker that can be used during boating trips or white water rafting.
  • Swimming gear, suitable for any occasion. Consider bringing multiple forms of swimming gear.
  • Waterproof bags that can keep key valuables dry.
  • Smartphone, including a solar portable charger.
  • Sunscreen and sun protection, including sunglasses and hats.
  • Camera or binoculars suitable for viewing wildlife from a distance.
  • Bear-proof food containers that can keep your snacks and other foods safe.
  • Camping gear if you plan on camping during your adventure.
  • Fishing gear if you plan on fishing.
  • Multiple pairs of shoes, especially if you plan on rafting or floating.

Before ever camping or fishing, ensure you have pre-purchased the correct permits. If you are unsure about booking or reservation systems, consider speaking directly with a park ranger or qualified guide.

Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to these FAQs on visiting and enjoying the Snake River.

Is the Snake River near Yellowstone?

Yes. The Snake River runs through Yellowstone National Park all the way to America’s west coast.

Do you need a permit for the Snake River?

Yes. Camping, floating, and rafting all require permits that must be purchased in advance.

Is the Snake River float worth it?

Yes! Float tours of the Snake River are an incredibly unique way of enjoying and appreciating the nature that is found throughout the area. Guests will be able to see endless wildlife, beautiful natural scenery, and make lifelong memories.

Are there bears on the Snake River?

Yes! Bears are known to live throughout the area, including Yellowstone National Park.

Does the Snake River have waterfalls?

Yes, there are many waterfalls along the Snake River.

Can you drive along the Snake River?

Yes. Many roadways run adjacent to the Snake River, allowing guests to pick specific sections to visit, and then take a short walk or hike towards the river itself.

How much does it cost to float the Snake River?

Travel groups and rafting companies all offer individual or group rates for rafting or floating experiences. Prices can vary based on season and the size of your group. Contact a qualified tour operator for a detailed quote.

Have Caravan Lead You On a Journey to Snake River

Caravan provides a full multi-day trip of the Snake River and Yellowstone National Park, helping guests who are unfamiliar with the experience enjoy everything from floating, hiking, and outdoor exploration.

America’s Midwest is rich in adventure, but it comes with many rules and requirements that guests must strictly follow. Caravan’s guided tours take away the complexities of traveling through this area, allowing you and your family to focus on the full enjoyment of the trip, rather than trying to navigate the complex permit and booking systems.

Let Caravan lead the way through an incredible multi-day tour of America’s Midwest that includes stops along the Snake River and Yellowstone National Park. Never miss an important detail, and look to our guides for their deep knowledge and expertise of the area to ensure you have the best possible experience. Many of our guides can also provide extensive educational information on your destination, helping you better appreciate the natural scenery, but also take home important knowledge.

Ready to experience the Midwest?

Book a vacation of a lifetime and explore Caravan’s guided tour of Yellowstone. This is one of America’s greatest travel destinations, and we are excited to take you along for the journey! Explore group travel offerings that are incredibly safe and suitable for people of all ages! Bring along your family for a fully-booked experience that includes accommodations, activities, and ground transportation. We continue to provide exceptional travel experiences across the world, with decades of experience in group private travel in The United States, but also Mexico, Panama, and much more.

Reach out to one of Caravan’s travel specialists and call us directly at 1 (312)-321-9800 or 1-800-CARAVAN for more information. Have more questions? No problem, reach out to learn more about the many tours available from Caravan.

We expect a busy upcoming travel season; spaces are limited for this tour offering. So don’t delay, reach out now and book today!

Old Faithful
Grand Teton Raft Trip
Yellowstone Park

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2026 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.


Rushmore Hotel

Days 1, 2, 3 • Rapid City, South Dakota

Rushmore Hotel

Rushmore Hotel

The Rushmore Hotel is located in the heart of Rapid City. The lobby has a marble floor design intricately pieced together with 75 different exotic stones from all over the world. All guest rooms at the Rushmore Hotel have coffee makers and high speed internet. All rooms are non-smoking. In Rapid City, “The City of Presidents,” there are now 43 life size bronze statues of former U.S. presidents on city street corners. A statue of President John F. Kennedy and his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. stands outside the hotel.

Please note: The tours that start on June 5, July 17, September 6, 13 and 20 will stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown.

The tours that start on July 15, August 19, September 2, and September 11 will stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City.


Hilton Garden Inn

Day 4 • Billings, Montana

Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn

Billings, Montana's largest city, is located in the south-central portion of the state. The Hilton Garden Inn is a modern mid-rise hotel located in the newer retail area of Billings, approximately 1/4 mile from Rimrock Mall. Each of the rooms has complimentary wired and wireless internet access, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, and hairdryer. All rooms are non-smoking. The Hilton Garden Inn's fitness center includes a heated indoor pool and whirlpool. The hotel has a restaurant and lobby bar and is within easy walking distance of several restaurants.


Kelly Inn
ClubHouse Inn
Best Western Desert Inn
Yellowstone West Gate Hotel

Day 5 • West Yellowstone, Montana

Kelly Inn

Kelly Inn

Your hotel is centrally located for walking to restaurants, shops and attractions. Enjoy the heated indoor pool and hot tub, large outdoor patio with gas fire pit, picnic tables with charcoal grill. Complimentary 24 hour coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available in the lobby. First and second floor guest laundry. Free high speed wireless internet throughout the hotel. Room amenities include Direct TV, free local calls, coffee maker, microwave, mini refrigerator, alarm clock, extra USB charge ports in every room, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, individual heat and AC units, 100% non-smoking rooms.

ClubHouse Inn

ClubHouse Inn

Your hotel is centrally located for walking to restaurants, shops and attractions. Enjoy the indoor pool and spa. Room amenities include free wi-fi, hair dryer, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, iron and ironing board, wake-up service, alarm clock, flat screen TV, telephone, radio, individually controlled AC and heat. 100% non-smoking rooms.

Best Western Desert Inn

Best Western Desert Inn

Your hotel is centrally located for walking to restaurants, shops and attractions. Enjoy the indoor pool and spa, guest laundry. All rooms include free wireless internet access. a microwave, refrigerator, 40-inch HDTV. 100% smoke-free hotel.

Yellowstone West Gate Hotel

Yellowstone West Gate Hotel

Conveniently located for walking to downtown restaurants and shops. Indoor heated pool and spa, guest laundry, business center, heating and air conditioning. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, air conditioning and heating, alarm clock, desk, iron and ironing board, radio, sitting area, telephone.


Jackson Lake Lodge

Days 6, 7 • Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Jackson Lake Lodge

Jackson Lake Lodge

Your National Park Service lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, is a National Historic Landmark located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. The lobby has huge panoramic windows with views overlooking the snow capped Grand Tetons. Enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool and tennis court. There are no televisions or air conditioning in the rooms. The lodge offers recreational activities for purchase, including horseback riding, boat rides, golf and lake and river fishing. Dining facilities include the elegant Mural Room, the casual Pioneer Grill and the Blue Heron, a scenic cocktail lounge with outdoor seating overlooking the Tetons. The lodge has a gift shop and a medical clinic. Room amenities include WiFi Access. Your cottage room is separate from the Main Lodge and is nestled in the pine trees. Your cottage includes a private bathroom, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, mini refrigerator and telephone.


The Hilton

Day 8 • Salt Lake City, Utah

The Hilton

The Hilton

The Hilton Salt Lake City is located in the heart of Salt Lake City, two blocks from Temple Square and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The rooms have all the modern amenities, including television, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, phone, voice mail, data port. All rooms are non-smoking.

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Airport Transfers

Arrival Transfers

Caravan's Rapid City, South Dakota hotel, the Rushmore Hotel provides a courtesy shuttle from the Rapid City Airport (RAP). Upon arrival, request your shuttle by calling the Rushmore Hotel at 605-348-8300. The shuttle operates daily from 5:00 am to 10 pm. For tours staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown (the tours beginning on June 5, July 17 and September 6, 13, and 20), please request your shuttle by calling the DoubleTree at 605-348-4000 upon arrival. The DoubleTree shuttle operates daily from 5:30 am to 11 pm. For tours staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City (the tours beginning on July 15, August 19, September 2, and September 11), please call the Airport Express Shuttle when you arrive at 605-399-9999 to advise that you are with Caravan Tours and that you just landed. After you have retrieved your luggage, walk outside to the transportation island and your driver will meet you there.

Departure Transfers

Caravan provides departure transfers from the Hilton Salt Lake City Center Hotel to the Salt Lake City Airport (SLC). Taxis cost approximately $25.00 to $35.00. Please allow 20 minutes for the drive.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

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Passports & Visas

Non U.S. citizens, please check your passport and visa requirements.

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Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

Rapid CityBillingsYellowstoneGrand Teton National ParkSalt Lake City
TempRainTempRainTempRainTempRainTempRain
Jan34/110.438/210.128/91.125/60.336/191.1
Feb38/150.543/240.134/130.7530/90.444/271.2
Mar46/221.052/310.439/171.139/180.652/311.9
Apr58/321.961/381.049/261.249/261.161/382.1
May68/422.770/471.970/342.060/341.872/461.8
Jun78/513.080/551.679/461.570/401.383/550.9
Jul86/582.089/620.878/451.579/440.892/630.8
Aug85/561.787/600.768/371.477/420.889/620.9
Sep74/461.276/510.955/291.368/351.179/511.3
Oct63/351.162/410.838/191.054/271.166/401.4
Nov47/230.647/300.230/121.037/180.851/311.3
Dec36/130.537/220.153/271.026/80.538/221.4

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rapid City
temp34/1138/1546/2258/3268/4278/5186/5885/5674/4663/3547/2336/13
rainfall0.40.51.01.92.73.02.01.71.21.10.60.5
Billings
temp38/2143/2452/3161/3870/4780/5589/6287/6076/5162/4147/3037/22
rainfall0.10.10.41.01.91.60.80.70.90.80.20.1
Yellowstone
temp28/934/1339/1749/2670/3479/4678/4568/3755/2938/1930/1253/27
rainfall1.10.751.11.22.01.51.51.41.31.01.01.0
Grand Teton National Park
temp25/630/939/1849/2660/3470/4079/4477/4268/3554/2737/1826/8
rainfall0.30.40.61.11.81.30.80.81.11.10.80.5
Salt Lake City
temp36/1944/2752/3161/3872/4683/5592/6389/6279/5166/4051/3138/22
rainfall1.11.21.92.11.80.90.80.91.31.41.31.4

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.

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Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 49 Travel Tips

Meals

Meals included in the land price are indicated at the beginning of each day by B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner). Dinner, when included, is served at your hotel except when, as indicated in the itinerary, it is at a special restaurant outside the hotel. Coffee or tea is provided at all included meals.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, many meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides.

Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Size of Tour Group

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

Forms of Payment

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

REAL ID Required to Fly

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. If you do not have a REAL ID, a valid passport or passport card is also acceptable documentation for domestic flights. More information is available at www.TSA.gov or via your state’s department of motor vehicles.

Read All 49 Travel TipsClick Here for All 49 Travel Tips

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Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 190 Customer Reviews

"This was by far the best bus tour I've ever been on! The tour guide and driver made it exceptional. Seeing all the sights and animals especially, for me, was the highlight of the tour!"

C. K., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Being able to see four national parks, a state park and three national monuments in one trip was unbelievable."

B. &. S. C., Lebanon, Indiana

"This was our first group tour experience, as we have traveled the country ourselves by motorhome for the past 35 years. This experience was so positive that it will no doubt change the way we travel in the future. From the easy booking process to the quality of the bus, hotels, eateries, shops, staff, servers, and all the scenic and educational stops we were able to fully enjoy ourselves from start to finish."

S. B., Beaumont, California

"All hotels were wonderful and we really enjoyed the cabins in the Grand Tetons."

D. D., Jacksonville, Florida

"Very good information, great wildlife experiences, and majestic views at numerous locations. Caravan did a great job arranging things ahead of time with the hotels, luggage, parks and some restaurants, which really did alleviate the burden of travel from guests."

J. G., Conway, South Carolina

"The overall tour was GREAT! We would not have been able to see all that we seen had we taken the trip on our own."

C. F., Westwego, Louisiana

"We got to see, learn & visit more than we could have done on our own."

S., Oscar & Susie, Brooksville, Florida

Read All 190 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 190 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA