What's so special about this Wilderness Ventures trip?
The Yellowstone Wilderness Expedition offers the ultimate backcountry experience -- both in terms of the destinations visited and the integration of backcountry activities. While Wilderness Ventures offers an abundance of programs that explore Yellowstone National Park, this is the only outdoor adventure program that approaches the park boundary on foot, through the wilderness. Hiking through the park, we'll be amongst the lucky few who ever have a chance to experience Yellowstone's famous Thoroughfare Region, which is known as the furthest point from any road in the lower 48 United States! At the conclusion of our backpacking adventure, we'll meet our official Wilderness Ventures Sea Kayaking Specialist on the undeveloped eastern shores of pristine Yellowstone Lake, paddling out of the backcountry at the conclustion of what is considered the most scenic, spendid and well integrated backcountry expedition of a lifetime.
I’ve never backpacked before. Do I need experience?
No. Both beginners and experienced hikers are welcome on this trip. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about carrying your home on your back. For example, you’ll learn how to choose a campsite, where to get your water from, how to leave a minimal amount of impact, and how to cook great food in the backcountry.
What will the backpacking be like?
This trip takes you backpacking in the Teton wilderness and Yellowstone National Park. For 12 days you’ll hike 4-8 miles, growing stronger by the day. Below towering spires, through flower-strewn meadows and along the rolling Yellowstone River you’ll delve deeper into the wilderness. At one point, you’ll be the furthest anyone can be from a road anywhere in the lower forty-eight states. We’ll teach you how to pack your backpack, so that it rests comfortably on your waist. The sense of accomplishment you’ll experience by carrying your home on your back will fill you with confidence to last you a lifetime.
What should we expect while sea kayaking?
Sea kayaking on Yellowstone Lake is a great experience. We will look for elk, moose, bears, eagles, swans, white pelicans, and trout while we paddle along the shore for several days. Sea kayaking is a great way to build strength in a relaxing, beautiful setting. No experience is necessary.
I’ve never been white water rafting before; do I need experience?
Absolutely not! You will raft the thrilling waters of both the Yellowstone and Snake Rivers in safe, multi-person paddle rafts. You will be with professional guides who will teach you and your peers how to raft these Class II and III rapids as a team. It will be a fun-filled day bonding with your group.
Who is this trip designed for?
This Leadership Expedition program is designed for students who are looking for a more challenging trip than our traditional domestic wilderness trips. The trip will focus on improving outdoor leadership skills, including map reading, compass skills, route and campsite selection, backcountry cuisine, basic wilderness first aid, zero impact camping, alpine travel, and group dynamics. This program is designed for both returning participants and participants new to Wilderness Ventures.
What’s the weather like in Wyoming?
Wyoming is beautiful in the summertime. Daytime temperatures are in the 80’s and nighttime temps fall into the 50’s. The humidity is very low, thus creating the perfect atmosphere for being outside.
How often will we get to shower?
You will have the opportunity to shower after completing the sea kayaking section of your trip. Throughout your trip, you’ll learn to stay clean by swimming in delightfully warm streams and lakes. You will also shower and do laundry before departing home.
What kind of food will we eat?
Your fellow trip participants, with the help of your leaders, will create the menu for your trip. Everyone will be involved in this process to ensure a wide variety of food choices that provide a balanced diet to fuel our bodies. We shop in regular grocery stores and teach you how to plan and shop for great food for camping expeditions. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it!
What are things I can do before the to physically prepare myself?
Any reasonably fit and active teen grader will be successful on this trip. If you are playing a sport this spring, that will provide you with the preparation you need. At least four weeks before your trip, you should begin to break in your boots. Start out with small walks around your neighborhood and work your way up to three-hour hikes. Your Yellowstone Wilderness experience will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken in boots.
