Explore and Hike Grand Teton National Park

Our trip will begin in Wilderness Ventures' own backyard, Grand Teton National Park, with a series of introductory hikes. We'll hike with small daypacks, carrying just our lunch and supplies for the day. Words cannot describe the beauty of the snowcovered Teton peaks and the sparkling lakes reflecting their images. During our first 3 days, we will be amazed at the wildlife here as we see elk, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, moose, bison, and possibly black bears.

Discover the "Wonderland" of Yellowstone

Early explorers referred to Yellowstone National Park as "Wonderland" and in our next several days we'll see why. We'll spend several wonderful days here, exploring Old Faithful and the most extraordinary geothermal features to be found on Earth. We'll day hike to some amazing, seldom-visited geyser basins where we'll see colorful hot pools, steaming fumaroles and strange bubbling mud pots. We'll spend our evenings enjoying delicious meals with great company around our campfires.

Next we'll hike around the amazing Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, viewing its giant waterfalls while bald eagles and osprey soar in the sky above us and the canyon below. Later, we'll hike to the top of Mount Washburn for extraordinary views of the entire park. Then we'll swim in the invigorating warmth of our very own natural hot springs.

Whitewater Raft the Yellowstone River

Whitewater rafting is great fun and the rolling rapids of the Upper Yellowstone will provide some great excitement as we paddle our safe, 10-person rafts down this great river. At journey's end, we'll ride a real Western chuck wagon through Yellowstone's meadows to a real cowboy dinner.

Sea Kayak on Yellowstone Lake

We'll meet our Wilderness Ventures sea kayaking guides for a day of fun paddling on the calm waters of beautiful Yellowstone Lake. If we've missed any wildlife so far, we'll likely see it here as the lakeshore is home to just about every species of bird and mammal to be found in Yellowstone.

Whitewater Raft the Snake River

We will conclude our wilderness discovery with two remarkable river trips. First we'll float the quiet waters along side the Teton Range with professional guides, where we'll likely see plenty of moose, bald eagles, and possibly bears. Then, in 10-person paddle rafts, we will shoot the thrilling rapids of the Grand Canyon of the Snake River.

Our final day will be a fun exploration of the town of Jackson, often described as "the last of the Old West," where we'll have a chance to buy souvenirs and, if time permits, take in a real Western rodeo following our end-of-trip banquet.

 

Introductory Adventure Designed for 6th Graders: This area had been our home for 37 years; we know all of the "secret" places where we can provide truly unique experiences.

Please Note: All aspects of this adventure have been conducted for the past 37 years. All activities, their duration and intensity, are designed for adventurous 6th graders. Equipment need are minimal: sleeping bag, daypack and clothing packed in a duffel. We use 4-person tents, segregated by gender. Showers are available every day. Most meals are prepared in our campsites but restaurant meals will also be provided on selected days.