Road Scholar : Home
Intergenerational Rocky Mountain High: Riding, Rafting and Climbing in the Tetons

Program Number: 2587RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/7/2013 - 7/12/2013; 7/14/2013 - 7/19/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: The Tetons (Alta), Wyoming
Price starting at: $936.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; National Parks
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

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

Enjoy an action-packed week in spectacular mountainous country offering beautiful panoramas, incredible wildflowers and a variety of wildlife. Whitewater raft through rolling rapids in the Grand Canyon of the Snake River. Challenge yourself on a climbing wall and climb a mountain peak to be rewarded with majestic 360 degree views. Experience the thrill of horseback riding in the scenic Tetons. At the Jackson Hole Rodeo watch the local cowboys; bull riders, bareback riders, and more. Enjoy the scenic grandeur of Grand Teton National Park. Examine nature close-up on the trail; capture and identify butterflies and hunt for fossils. Discover the lifestyles of native animals through "hands-on" investigation of real skins and skulls.




Highlights

• Enjoy whitewater rafting on the rolling rapids in the Grand Canyon of the Snake River.
• Experience the thrill of horseback riding and see real cowboys in action at the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
• Climb a mountain peak to be rewarded with majestic 360 degree views.



Activity Particulars

3-6 hours of physical activity daily including hiking a mountain trail, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Elevations of 6 -10,000 feet.



A permittee of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.




Date Specific Information

7-14-2013

16 Mile Overnight Scenic and Whitewater Combination Float a scenic 8-mile stretch of the Snake River and spend one night on the river bank in teepees with comfortable sleeping cots. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner served by a campfire and wake to a hot breakfast; then get ready for 8 miles of exhilarating whitewater. Program schedule does not permit a rodeo visit, but does include horseback ride, mountain peak hike and a day in Grand Teton National Park. 3 nights Grand Targhee Resort, 1 night camping, 1 night Jackson (last night.)



Coordinated by Targhee Institute at UMW.




The Tetons (Alta)

Residents call this "the quiet side of the Tetons." Not far from Jackson Hole and the bustle of the national parks, the Alta/Grand Targhee area is surrounded by a wilderness of sub-alpine meadows and forest. This stunning mountain scenery is one of America's richest unspoiled natural settings and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Accommodations
Resort hotel in the Tetons, heated outdoor pool and hot tub.

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.
 
Carole Lowe
Shortly after obtaining her degree from Utah State University in education, Carole Lowe began a life-long career as a mountain guide. She first worked for Outward Bound, Colorado, then owned and operated a backcountry ski outfitter company for several decades. Along the way, Carole worked for Jackson Hole Hikes and served as a backcountry ranger in the Tetons. A wildflower and hiking enthusiast, Carole particularly enjoys sharing her knowledge of the natural history of the Tetons.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Grand Targhee Resort
  Alta, WY 3 nights
   Snake River Campsite at Pine Bar
  Snake River Campsite at Pine Bar 1 night
   49er Inn
  Jackson, Wyoming 1 night
 Grand Targhee Resort
Type: Resort
  Description: Surrounded by sub-alpine forest wilderness, 60 minutes from Jackson, WY and located in the Grand Teton/Yellowstone national park area. Hiking trails and mountainside activities right from your door.
  Contact info: 3300 East Ski Hill Road
Alta, WY 83414 USA
phone: 800-827-4433
web: grandtarghee.com
  Room amenities: Standard motel rooms, phone, satellite television, shower/tub, Wi-fi, coffee maker.
  Facility amenities: Heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, spa open by appointment. Retail stores include General Store for sundries and snacks and Outfitting Store for gear and clothing. Outdoor activities may include horseback riding, biking, Frisbee disc golf course, mountain bike rentals and scenic chairlift ride, from June 21-Labor Day, weather dependent. On-site restaurant and bar (limited hours) open to the public. Meals served to Road Scholar group during their stay.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Call for price. Call Grand Targhee Resort 1-800-827-4433 for current prices and to book. Mention you are with Road Scholar for possible Road Scholar discounts and to assure your stay in the same room during the program.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM

 Snake River Campsite at Pine Bar
Type: Luxury Tented Camp
  Description: Custom canvas Tipis with sleeping cots provide the ideal blend of luxury and outdoor experience. Freshly prepared dinner served by a campfire complement the serenity of your overnight stay. Wake up to a hot breakfast.
  Contact info: on the banks of the Snake River south of Jackson
Jackson, WY 83001 USA
phone: 300-358-8184
web: sandswhitewater.com
  Room amenities: Camping in private family tipis on custom cots, group toilet.
  Facility amenities: Custom pit toilets.
  Smoking allowed: No

 49er Inn
Type: Motel
  Description: Located in downtown Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the 49er has a great location and many amenities. AAA and 3 Diamond Rating. Set amid Jackson's wonderful restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and nightspots. One block from the historic Jackson town square. Free in-town START bustop located across the street.
  Contact info: 330 West Pearl Street
Jackson, WY 83001 USA
phone: 800-451-2980
web: www.townsquareinns.com
  Room amenities: Wi-fi, cable television with HBO, and coffeemaker in rooms.
  Facility amenities: Extended continental breakfast, 35 person indoor hot tub, 12 person outdoor hot tub, fitness room, sauna, and 2 conference rooms, non-smoking rooms available.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights after: Call motel 800-451-2980. Call motel 800-451-2980 for current prices. Mention you are with Road Scholar for stay in same room.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check-in after 4 pm. Road Scholar check-in 5:30 pm in Teewinot Conference Room. You will be staying at Grand Targhee Resort that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast 8:30 AM. Check out time no later than 11:00 AM. Inexpensive convenient airport transportation on Alltrans. You will be staying at 49er Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Grand Targhee Assumption of Risk, USFS Acknowledgement of Risk, Sands Whitewater Raft Acknowledgement of Risk
  Parking availability:
no fee
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Alta, WY
  Nearest city or town:  Driggs, ID
  Nearest highway: Hwy 33 in Driggs, ID
  Nearest airport:  Jackson Hole, WY
  From End of Program
  Location:  Jackson, Wyoming
  Nearest city or town:  in Jackson
  Nearest highway: Wyoming State Highway 22
  Nearest airport:  Jackson Hole Airport
Travel Details
 

Alta, WY

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

call taxi company for current cost
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 hours, weather dependent 
 

Distance:

 

50 miles
   

All transportation by reservation only. You are responsible for contacting the taxi company in advance. Group time 2:30 pm arrival day. Your flight should arrive by 2 pm on Sunday . Call taxi company for Sunday afternoon group taxi pickup at Jackson's in-town hotels. Outside of the above scheduled time individual transportation can be reserved through Cowboy Cab. Payment collected at the airport.
 

Jackson, WY

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Alltrans
phone: 800-443-6133
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$16 - $18
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20-30 minutes, depending on stops 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

By reservation only. Alltrans meets all flights arriving to and departing from the airport.
 
Driving Directions
  Driggs, Idaho Turn East at the only stoplight in town and proceed 12 miles until the end of Ski Hill Road.
  Jackson Hole Airport Exit airport, turn R on Hwy 89. Go to Jackson and through town square. Turn R on Broadway (stop light) towards Wilson. Go through Jackson to Hwy. 22/Teton Pass/Wilson. Follow right lane for exit. Drive over Teton Pass, cross border into Idaho and Hwy 22 becomes Hwy 33. Stay on Hwy 33 through Victor and 8 miles to Driggs. Turn right at the stoplight in Driggs. Follow the paved road (Ski Hill Road) 12 miles. Road ends at Grand Targhee.
Elevation Note: Sleeping elevation 8000'. Maximum elevation 10,000' by chairlift (weather permitting.)

Equipment Requirements: Refillable quart water bottle (the water out of the tap is excellent.) Daypack to carry field lunches and water. Comfortable hiking boots, vibram soles (good tread.) Walking stick recommended. Water shoes for whitewater raft trip. Jeans and shoes with heels recommended for horseback ride. SMALL bag for overnight raft clothes and toiletries (Your daypack can be used for this.)
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: Check-In / Dinner / Orientation
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Arrive To: Check-in Grand Targhee after 4 pm. Road Scholar check-in 5:30 pm in Teewinot Conference Room.
 Dinner: Dinner at resort.
 Evening: Orientation Meeting 7 pm. Meet fellow participants and review week's activity schedule.
   
Accommodations: Grand Targhee Resort
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Teton Habitats Class / Exploratory Hike / Horseback Ride / Hands-on Skins and Skulls Activity
(Monday, July 15)

Note: HORSEBACK RIDE: 2 hours. Enjoy wildflower meadows and sub-alpine spruce/fir forests on a horseback ride with incredible views. Hikers visit fossil sites to hunt for fossils of resident critters from 350 million years ago.
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:15 am breakfast at resort.
 Morning: Class: Teton Habitats. Learn about 4 major habitats we will visit this week and the plants and animals you are likely to see in each. / Exploratory Hike: possible activities include fossil hunt, capturing butterflies, sampling wild edible plants, blindfold walk, looking for tracks and signs of wild critters. / Horseback Ride (1/2 of group)
 Lunch: Hot lunch at Resort
 Afternoon: Exploratory Hike: possible activities include fossil hunt, capturing butterflies, sampling wild edible plants, blindfold walk, looking for tracks and signs of wild critters. / Horseback Ride (1/2 of group) / Kid's Movie: The Bear, (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. Prefaced and followed by discussion of accuracy of the film and whether it's anthropomorphic.
 Dinner: Dinner at the resort.
 Evening: Hands-on class: Skins and Skulls; Learn about Teton animals through examination of authentic skins and skulls. You become the expert while creating a poster about the critter of your choice.
   
Accommodations: Grand Targhee Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Geology Class/Chairlift Ride and Mountain Summit Climb / Climbing Wall / Present Animal Posters
(Tuesday, July 16)

Note: MARY'S PEAK HIKE: Ride the chairlift to the summit of Fred’s Mountain. Hike 1.7 miles to the saddle below Mary’s Peak. You can decide if you want to make the 20 minute climb up the last 340' to the summit of Mary’s once you view it from the saddle. Hike 1.7 miles back to the chairlift for ride down the mountain. Total elevation gain/loss 1170 feet.



   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:15 AM breakfast at the resort.
 Morning: ADULTS: Teton Geology Class: 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! KIDS: meet for hands-on project. FIELD TRIP: Chairlift Ride and optional Mary's summit hike. Challenge yourself to climb Mary's Peak with wonderful 360 degree summit views of the major Teton peaks. Feel the exhiliration of reaching the top of a mountain peak! As well as spectaular scenery, you have the opportunity to possibly see a pika or mountain goat!
 Lunch: Sack lunch on the hike.
 Afternoon: Field trip continued / Climbing Wall (optonal): at resort 5:00 pm. For both children and adults. Challenge yourself to use strength and endurance and reach the top of the wall. Certified outfitter provides rops, harnesses and belaying.
 Dinner: Dinner at the resort.
 Evening: Animal Posters Presentations / Time to pack for raft overnight trip; SMALL bag allowed per person; pack evening warm clothing and toiletries. We'll review the packing list before you pack. All other personal gear should be packed in ONE bag for overnight storage while we camp.
   
Accommodations: Grand Targhee Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field Trip: Grand Teton National Park / Overnight Raft Trip
(Wednesday, July 17)

Note: NATIONAL PARK: String Lake; enjoy "Jackson's Swimming Hole" with a dip in fresh mountain waters. Explore the lakeside habitat on a short walk. OVERNIGHT RAFT TRIP: Luggage will be stored at a secure building. Scenic 8 mile (2 hour) float to Pine Bar campsite.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the resort
 Morning: Check out from Grand Targhee. Field Trip 9 am departure:Grand Teton National Park. 10:30 restroom break at Jackson Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
 Lunch: Sack lunch picnic at String Lake. Eat a picnic lunch with the grandeur of the Tetons as a panoramic backdrop. Time to swim and explore the lakeshore.
 Afternoon: String Lake visit continued. Craig Thomas Discovery Center: experience wonderful interactive displays in the new visitor center which has exhibits on history, flora, fauna and artwork of the Tetons. Meet Sands Whitewater Company in Jackson for overnight raft trip 4:00 pm. Scenic 8 mile (2 hour) float to Pine Bar campsite.
 Dinner: Freshly prepared dinner served by a campfire complement the serenity of your overnight stay at the Pine Bar campsite.
 Evening: Camping overnight on the banks of the Snake River at the comfortable Pine Bar campsite, located riverside in a wooded forest with mountain meadows. Custom canvas tepees with sleeping cots provide the ideal blend of luxury and outdoor experience.
   
Accommodations: Snake River Campsite at Pine Bar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Breakfast at camp along Snake River. Whitewater rafting section of the Snake / Return to Jackson / Check in to hotel / Dinner at local restaurant. / Closure Meeting.
(Thursday, July 18)

Note: RAFT TRIP: Company provides safety and paddling instruction; splash gear and Coast Guard approved life jacket; wetsuits available for rent (nominal fee). 8 mile float; 2 hours on the water, depending on water levels; Class III rapids; 14-man rafts; paddling is optional.
   
 Breakfast: Wake up to a hardy hot breakfast at Snake River campsite at Pine Bar.
 Morning: Whitewater trip on the Snake River; 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.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Jackson.
 Afternoon: Check-in at Jackson motel after 2 pm. Free time in Jackson until dinner at a local restaurant.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Closure meeting at the motel to review the week.
   
Accommodations: 49er Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Good-byes
(Friday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: Expanded buffet breakfast at the motel.
 Morning: Good-byes at breakfast. Program ends to allow you to travel to your next destination.
 Morning: Check out by 11 am. Frequent airport shuttles by Alltrans, reservation only.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Alta, WY General Overview
Airplane/Glider scenic flights, guided fly-fishing trips, 4 golf courses, drive-in movie theatre all available in Teton Valley near Driggs, ID 12 miles from the resort. Mountain bike rentals/horseback rides available mid-June through Labor Day at the resort (no ground transportation required.) Aerial Tram, whitewater rafting, covered wagon cookout with musical entertainment available in Jackson Hole, 42 miles from the resort. For additional information, visit www.grandtarghee.com
  chamber of commerce
For additional information, visit www.tetonvalleychamber.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: 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 with beautiful photographs.



Spindrift; Stories of Teton Basin


Author: Anderson, Meyer, Whitfield, eds


Description: Anthology of writings by housewives, writers, farmers, musicians, biologists, artists, skiers and teachers; the people of Teton Basin. The memoirs, poetry, essays and fiction in this volume reflect the kaleidoscope of lives and nature that fill this place.



Arctic Dreams: The Mardy Murie Story


Author: Charles Craighead & Bonnie Kreps


Description: Based on the video documentary “Arctic Dreams”; a biographic photo-essay of a remarkable woman and Jackson Hole notable in the conservation movement.



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.



Creation of the Teton Landscape


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


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



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,





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768