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Wyoming's Wild West Adventure: Rodeo, Rafting Rapids and Riding Horseback in the Tetons

Program Number: 17628RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/16/2013 - 6/21/2013; 6/16/2013 - 6/21/2013; 6/24/2013 - 6/29/2013; 8/11/2013 - 8/16/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: The Tetons (Jackson), Wyoming
Price starting at: $899.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; National Parks
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 12 years of age.

Saddle up! Join us for an exciting week of Western adventure that includes horseback riding, a rodeo, mountain bike riding and whitewater rafting! Marvel at majestic views of the Teton Mountain Range as you explore local trails on horseback or bike along the Buffalo River Valley of Grand Teton National Park. Whitewater raft through rolling rapids in the Grand Canyon of the Snake River. At the Jackson Hole Rodeo watch bull riders, bareback riders and try your hand at the calf ribbon pull, a favorite local event. With a naturalist expert, study the region's variety of flora and fauna while scouting for eagles, elk, moose or grizzly bears. Discover the lifestyles of native animals through "hands-on" investigation of real skins and skulls.




Highlights

• Whitewater raft through rolling rapids in the Grand Canyon of the Snake River.
• At the Jackson Hole Rodeo, watch bull riders, bareback riders and try your hand at the calf ribbon pull, a favorite local event.
• Construct a teepee and learn about mountain-survival skills.



Activity Particulars

Moderate activity 3-6 hours daily. Elevations of 6,400-10,000 feet




Date Specific Information

6-16-2013

This is a family program for participants and family members ages 7 and up.



Coordinated by Targhee Institute at UMW.




The Tetons (Jackson)

Awe-inspiring Grand Teton National Park reflects the ecological diversity of the Teton Range. Towering peaks rise 7000 feet from the valley floor, reflecting the majestic beauty of the Teton Ecosystem that includes wildlife such as elk, grizzly bear and moose. The historic town of Jackson is home to the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Accommodations
Togwotee Mountain Lodge is nestled on the eastern rim of Jackson Hole in the spectacular mountains of Bridger-Teton National Forest. Full-service lodge offers modern guest rooms, hot tubs and a comfortable western-design gathering room. The town of Jackson is a scenic one hour drive. Numerous hiking trails available from your doorstep.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Cindy Sebesta
Cindy Sebesta is a former backcountry ranger for the U.S. Forest Service in the Tetons. With a bachelor's in biology and a master’s in environmental education from Antioch New England, she has lived and worked in the Teton/Yellowstone region for 30 years. She has a keen interest in photographing wildflowers, observing birds and mammals and studying the unique fossil record of the region. Cindy has led Road Scholar hikes in the area for 20 years and teaches "leave no trace" low-impact hiking.
 
Erica Tremblay
Erica Tremblay fell in love with mountains as a child and gravitated to the Tetons in 2001. Never without her camera, she’s won several awards for her work. Erica has written and published a children’s book and is working on republishing her mother’s well-received “Wild Wildflowers of the West” guide with her own photography. She loves the outdoors and enjoys children of all ages.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Togwotee Mountain Lodge
  Tetons 5 nights
 Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Type: Resort
  Description: Togwotee Mountain Lodge is located in the spectacular country around Togwotee Pass - on the eastern rim of Jackson Hole. The town of Jackson is a scenic one hour drive. The full-service lodge offers a beautiful dining room, hot tubs,and modern guest rooms. The lodge interior is finished in white pine trim, giving it a warm, western feel. A commitment to service and the friendliness of staff combine with the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere to make sure that your summer vacation spot at Togwotee Mountain Lodge will be unmatched.
  Contact info: 27755 East Highway 287
PO Box 91
Moran, WY 83013 USA
phone: 866-278-4245
web: togwoteelodge.com
  Room amenities: Each has two queen beds, a full bath and color cable television, coffee maker, hair dryer and telephone.
  Facility amenities: After a busy, activity-filled day, soak in one of the hot tubs, relax with a book on the porch, cook out underneath the trees or stars, or have a hearty meal at the Grizzly Steakhouse, open for 3 meals a day.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: contact lodge 1 866-278-4245 Pricing according to season.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: contact lodge 1 866-278-4245 Pricing according to season.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check in time after 4 pm. At 5:30 pm Sunday we will meet in the Fireside Conference Room for Road Scholar Registration. You will be staying at Togwotee Mountain Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
Ends 8:30 am following breakfast last morning. Check out by 11 am. Group shuttle to airport (reservation only) 9:30 am. You will be staying at Togwotee Mountain Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Liability release forms for 1) bike ride, 2) whitewater raft trip, 3) horseback ride. Release forms for minors MUST be signed by parent/legal guardian.
  Parking availability:
parking free at lodge with your stay
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Tetons
  Nearest city or town:  Jackson, WY
  Nearest highway: US 287/26
  Nearest airport:  Jackson Hole Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Tetons
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Jackson Hole, WY

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Cowboy Cab
phone: 307-413-1000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

call for current prices
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

40 miles
   

All ground transportation by reservation only. You are responsible for contacting the taxi company. Group taxi time 2:30 pm arrival day, 9:30 am departure day. Your flight should arrive by 2 pm on Sunday and depart no earlier than 12:30 pm on Friday. Can call for Sunday 2 pm taxi pickup at Jackson's in-town hotels. Outside scheduled times individual transportation (not at the group rate) can be reserved through Cowboy Cab. Payment will be collected at the airport.
 
Driving Directions
  Jackson Hole Airport As you leave the airport, take a left and drive north on Highway 26/89/189. When you reach Moran Junction, bear right continuing on Highway 26/287. The road will continue south-east along the valley floor until you start to climb up Togwotee Pass. Togwotee Mountain Lodge will be well-marked on the left, 16.5 miles past Moran Junction. Total distance from Jackson Hole Airport: 40 miles.
  Yellowstone Continue south out of Yellowstone along the Rockefeller Parkway (Highway 89/189/287) until you reach Moran Junction. Bear left on Highway 26/287. The road will continue south-east along the valley floor until you start to climb up Togwotee Pass. Togwotee Mountain Lodge will be well-marked on the left, 17.5 miles past Moran Junction. Total distance from the south entrance: 44 Miles
  town of Jackson Drive north from the Town Square on Cache Street. Cache turns into Highway 26/89/189. When you reach Moran Junction, bear right continuing on Highway 26/287. The road will continue south-east along the valley floor until you start to climb up Togwotee Pass. Togwotee Mountain Lodge will be well-marked on the left, 16.5 miles past Moran Junction. Total distance from the town of Jackson: 48 miles.
Elevation Note: Togwotee Lodge sleeping elevation 7,600 feet. Most activities take place below this elevation.

Equipment Requirements: Hiking boots, riding pants (jeans), sneakers for bike ride, day pack, refillable quart water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, chap stick, swimsuit. Rain gear, warm hat and gloves in case of inclement weather.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration / Dinner / Orientation Meeting
(Sunday, June 16)
   
 Arrive To: Check in to lodge after 4 pm.
 Afternoon: Meet Road Scholar participants at Road Scholar Registration in Fireside Conference Room 5:30 pm.
 Dinner: Dinner at lodge 6 pm.
 Evening: Orientation meeting following dinner. Meet fellow participants, review week's schedule of activities.
   
Accommodations: Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Teton Habitats Presentation / Mountain Bike Ride / The Bear Video / Hands-On Skins and Skulls
(Monday, June 17)

Note: BIKE TRIP: Company provides mountain bike, helmet, filled water bottle and lunch; gel seats for adults; SAG wagon follows so you can opt out or join riding at any time. TRIP: 15 mile ride; 4 hour riding time including lunch break.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at lodge, 7:30 am.
 Morning: Teton Habitats: view images and discuss the 5 major habitats we visit during the week and plants and wildlife you are likely to see. Mountain Bike Ride Buffalo Valley trip begins in mountain pine forests of the Angle Mountain area right at Togwotee Mountain Lodge, with a steady but gradual descent through beautiful alpine meadows to the Buffalo River Valley. The trip follows scenic country roads, an outstanding family experience. First 5 miles on downhill on a US Forest gravel service road. Last 10 miles on a paved rural road; rolling terrain with one sustained uphill. SAG wagon follows us so you can opt to bike or rest during different legs of the journey.
 Lunch: Lunch in the field.
 Afternoon: Mountain Bike Ride continued. Afternoon meeting: The Bear, (video 1988) , known as L'Ours in its original release, a feature film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The screenplay by Gérard Brach was adapted from the novel The Grizzly King by James Oliver Curwood. The movie was nominated for and won numerous international film awards. Will include discussion about the authenticity of the depiction of wild animals in the movie.
 Dinner: Dinner at lodge, 6 pm.
 Evening: Hands-on activity: Skins and Skulls; examine authentic mammal skins and skulls and work in family groups to create a poster about the animal of your choice.
   
Accommodations: Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Construct a Teepee/ Hike Angle Mountain Ridge / Catch Me If You Can
(Tuesday, June 18)

Note: Angle Mountain Ridge Hike: The group will hike together, at a slow to moderate pace, allowing all participants to feel the exhilaration of climbing a mountain ridge. Angle Mountain Ridge provides incredible views of the entire 40 mile long Teton Mountain Range with wonderful photographic opportunities.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet at lodge
 Morning: Kid's Meeting to finish animal posters. / Join Joe Brandl, tanner and scoutmaster as he explains wilderness challenges and preparedness. Construct a teepee with the group and learn about how to pack for excursions in the mountains. What are critical supplies to bring with you? How can you be prepared to survive adverse conditions? Hands-on activities delight; you won’t be disappointed!
 Lunch: Lunch at the lodge
 Afternoon: Hike to Angle Mountain ridge. Along the way, teams will engage in a scavenger hunt searching for sounds, aromas, and colors of nature along the trail. / Catch Me If You Can; the best sequences of playing animals the videographer has filmed. "Play is important, and for each animal I will show you how their seemingly carefree activity mirrors their adult lives." -Bob Landis, filmmaker
 Dinner: Dinner at Lodge
 Evening: Skins and Skulls Presentation: You are the expert! Present interesting facts about your chosen animal to the entire group.
   
Accommodations: Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Grand Teton National Park / Snake River Whitewater Rafting / Jackson Hole Rodeo
(Wednesday, June 19)

Note: RAFT TRIP: Company provides safety and paddling instruction; splash gear and Coast Guard approved life jacket; wetsuits available for rent (nominal fee). TRIP: 8 mile float; 1.5-2 hours on the water, depending on water levels; Class III rapids; 14-man rafts; paddling is optional.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at lodge, 7:30 am.
 Morning: Bus leaves for Grand Teton National Park at 9 am. / Explore scenic String Lake. You may even have a chance to swim in fresh mountain waters backdropped by the majestic Tetons.
 Lunch: Sack lunch picnic at String Lake.
 Afternoon: Visit the new Craig Thomas Discovery Center with interactive exhibits on plants and animals, history and mountain-building. / Whitewater trip on the Snake River; float 2-4 pm. Combining spectacular scenery with the excitement of rolling rapids, this whitewater rafting trip has all the ingredients for the perfect river adventure. Sands Wild Water River Trips take you through 8 miles of whitewater in the Grand Canyon of the Snake River south of the town of Jackson. You can choose to help paddle the boat!
 Dinner: Free time in the picturesque western town of Jackson (time permitting) and dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Jackson Hole Rodeo, 8 pm. Unlike the larger gatherings in other parts of the state, Jackson maintains its local "anyone who has the gumption can do it" attitude that makes it representative of both the community and the original intention of the sport. Noted for fine stock, young cowboys coming up through the ranks, and people who just love it, it's a great choice for action-packed fun. Activities include, Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronco Riding, Bareback Bronco Riding. Kids get a chance to win prizes in the calf yellow ribbon pull.
   
Accommodations: Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Exploratory Hike/ Horseback Ride / Teton Geology Presentation
(Thursday, June 20)

Note: HORSEBACK RIDE: 2 hours through lush meadows and forests with superb Teton Range views.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at lodge 7:30 am.
 Morning: Exploratory Hike: possible activities include capturing butterflies, sampling wild edible plants, blindfold walk, looking for tracks and signs of wild critters / Horseback Ride (1/2 of group).
 Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.
 Afternoon: Exploratory Hike / Horseback Ride (1/2 of group) / Teton Geology: Why do the Tetons look the way they do? What you see in the mountains today is what we’ll discuss. We'll talk about 4.5 billion years of history in 45 minutes!
 Dinner: Dinner at lodge 6:00 pm.
 Evening: Closure Meeting / Campfire; s'mores and more. Share your thoughts about the week while roasting marshmallows.
   
Accommodations: Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Breakfast, Good-byes, Check out by 11 am
(Friday, June 21)

Note: Program ends at breakfast.
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 am breakfast at lodge.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Tetons Additional Activites
Hot air ballon rides; Teton Village aerial tram,bungee jump; Snow King Ski Area chairlift, alpine slide; scenic float trips, guided fishing, golf courses, etc. For additional information, visit jacksonholewy.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Homesteading with the Elk


Author: Bertha Chambers Gillette


Description: From a child's memories of growing up on a ranch in early Jackson Hole, depicts pioneer life of early settlers of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, continuing through the development of the Jackson Hole Elk Refuge in 1912. This is an interesting read for children of all ages.



The White Indian Boy


Author: Elijah Nicholas Wilson


Description: Fascinating tale of a Jackson Hole early settler who spent years with native tribes as an 11-12 year-old boy. Great read with grandchildren.



Wapiti Wilderness


Author: Margaret & Olaus Murie


Description: Family nature book set in the Grand Tetons, where the Muries lived for 37 years and raised their children and where Olaus conducted his famous studies of the elk herd of Jackson Hole. Mardy lived in Moose, Wyoming until her death at age 101 summer 2007.



For Everything There is a Season


Author: Frank C. Craighead, Jr.


Description: Monthly account of seasonal changes in the Grand Teton National Park area; a sequence of natural history events written in narrative prose.



Teewinot


Author: Jack Turner


Description: Engaging prose recollecting the author’s experiences of the last 40 years climbing and contemplating the Teton Range.



Creation of the Teton Landscape


Author: J. David Love, J. Reed & K. Pierce


Description: A geologic chronicle of Jackson Hole & the Teton Range.



Common Wildflowers of Grand Teton National Park


Author: Charles Craighead


Description: Wonderful photos by local photographer Henry Holdsworth, a flower guide organized by color. Very user friendly. Includes flowering shrubs and berries.



Plants of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks


Author: Richard J. Shaw


Description: This compact volume includes 213 species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers found in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Perfect for the backpack or glove compartment, beautiful full-color photographs make plant identification easy for even the novice naturalist,





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