With the wonders of Yellowstone and the towering Tetons as our setting, earn 80 hours of community service while helping build the Continental Divide Trail. Backpack through pristine wilderness, rock climb in the amazing Tetons, raft the thrilling whitewater of the Snake River, and sea kayak amidst the splendor of America's first National Park.
Help Build the Continental Divide Trail
Upon our arrival in Jackson Hole, we'll acclimatize, get to know each other, and prepare for an adventure we'll never forget. Our trip into the Greater Yellowstone Wilderness will see us take part in a project as we help construct the Continental Divide Trail. With supplies carried in by horsepacker, we'll roll up our sleeves and then clear trails, help build water bars to prevent erosion, and construct foot bridges.
Although we have all gathered to help with this project, there will be ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery. We'll hike to remote lakes and camp near flower-filled meadows. Wildlife will abound and we should see elk, deer, moose, bison, bears, and possibly wolves. Our time in the backcountry will also provide opportunities to learn no-trace camping skills as well as a wide variety of useful wilderness skills, including cooking, route finding, and map and compass reading.Sea Kayak on Yellowstone Lake
If you spend any time in Yellowstone, a paddle of Yellowstone Lake by sea kayak is a "must do" experience and no one knows this body of water better than we do. In our own 2-person sea-worthy kayaks, we'll ply a water wilderness where wildlife is unaware of our approach. Besides the large mammals Yellowstone is known for, we're likely to see osprey, white pelicans, bald eagles, and loons. Lunch at a nearby lakeside geyser basin is always a worthwhile event. Backpack Through Yellowstone
We'll then hike into the beautiful Yellowstone National Park, and if we've yet to see some of the wildlife mentioned earlier, we will surely see it here in the "American Serengeti." Our backpacking sojourn will conclude with visits to Yellowstone's famous sites, including geyser basins, Old Faithful, and Yellowstone Falls.Rock Climb in the Tetons
Our final days are action-packed with outdoor activity. The first of these days we'll spend with the famous Exum Guides, where we'll learn basic rock climbing skills in the shadow of the Teton Range, the most photographed mountain range in the world. After an initial day of rock climbing instruction, where we'll learn rope handling, bouldering, and low-angle rock climbing, we're off for an exciting climb of Baxter's Pinnacle or Cube Point.Raft the Snake River
Three weeks in Jackson Hole would not be complete without the opportunity to raft the thrilling whitewater in the Grand Canyon of the Snake River. Our day long trip in paddle rafts will see us shoot many thrilling rapids, including famous Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. It will be a wet and wild day to say the least.Earn 80 Hours of Community Service
Our 3-week service adventure concludes with other Wilderness Ventures groups at our traditional end-of-summer banquet in Jackson Hole. We'll receive our certificates of service and bid farewell to our trip mates in the most magical setting in the Rocky Mountain West. After 80 hours of hard work, we'll feel proud of the difference we've made.
All the major components of this trip have been offered by us over the past 37 years.
