Backpack the Jedediah Smith Wilderness

After being met by our trip leaders in Jackson Hole at the base of the Tetons, we'll travel to the northern end of the Teton Range to begin our 10-day wilderness trek along the backbone of the fabulous mountain range in both Grand Teton National Park and the adjoining Jedediah Smith Wilderness. This amazing journey has been recognized as one of the finest alpine trips in North America.

Our trek will enable us to learn and improve on a wide variety of outdoor leadership skills including map reading, compass navigation, route and campsite selection, backcountry cuisine, basic wilderness first aid, zero-impact camping, alpine travel, and group dynamics. Midway along our journey we will be resupplied.

Few words can describe the spectacular beauty and solitude of this rugged mountain environment of jagged spires, alpine meadows, glaciers, lake basins, and views as far as the eye can see. Our 10-day trek will afford ample opportunity to explore and learn much about the geology, and the flora and fauna of this classic western mountain range as we establish base camps at several locations. There will be plenty of time to scramble up peaks, learn to prepare delicious backcountry meals, and enjoy each other's company in this magical mountain environment.

Rock Climb in the Tetons

Our final days will be spent in Grand Teton National Park with the world famous Exum Mountain Guides. Amidst jagged spires we will learn basic and intermediate rock climbing skills. Then in a close-knit group, we will climb one of the park's many peaks. The tremendous sense of accomplishment we will feel will be the perfect end to our trip.

Whitewater Raft the Snake River

Our 2-week trek in the Tetons would not be complete without an afternoon to raft the Grand Canyon of the Snake River on some of the finest Class III and IV whitewater to be found in the West. That evening, we will celebrate our summer with our traditional banquet below the towering Tetons.

 

Important Information: This Leadership Expedition offers everything found in other nationally known outdoor leadership schools with one notable exception: our leaders eat, sleep, and live with our groups around the clock in order to enhance safety and better facilitate group interaction.

 

All the major components of this trip have been offered by us over the past 39 years.

 

Teachers/Group Leaders: This adventure or a variation of it can be offered as a private/custom trip with your own departure dates. Please contact our group desk at 800-533-2281.