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Hiking in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Program Number: 4937RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/11/2013 - 8/17/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Jackson, Wyoming
Price starting at: $906.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: n (see description)
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Fat; Low Salt    

Explore the magnificent trails of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks during an active, adventurous week. Learn about the ecology and biology of plants and animals living in this mountain environment. Investigate the geologic forces that shaped the region while hiking amongst geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles in Yellowstone National Park. Ride the aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 4,139 vertical feet to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for an alpine experience you will never forget.




Highlights

• Experience the Old Faithful Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park and its many geysers and other thermal features.
• Discover the diversity of animals in this ecosystem that contains one of the highest concentrations of large mammals in the country.
• Evening programs will highlight wildlife biology, issues and controversies taking place in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.



Activity Particulars

Hiking 3-8 miles daily with 500-1,000 feet elevation gain on uneven terrain.



Coordinated by Teton Science Schools.




Jackson (Wyoming)

Jackson is a major gateway for visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as well as a world-class ski resort. Located in Jackson Hole Valley, near the Idaho state line, the town has a strong western character and is surrounded by scenic beauty. Big game such as elk, moose and bison are a common sight beyond the town limits.
Accommodations
Comfortable dormitory-style rooms with private baths, private cabins and hotel rooms while in Yellowstone National Park.
Meals and Lodgings
   Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
  Jackson, WY 3 nights
   Grant Village
  Grant Village 1 night
   Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins
  Lake Village 1 night
   Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
  Jackson, WY 1 night
 Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Type: Lodge
  Description: From the highway at the base of Vogel's Hill, all you can see is a road disappearing into the contour of the land. But beyond that lies so much more: The Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools is busy servicing the educational needs of school children, teachers-in-learning and students of nature young and old, while maintaining and enhancing conservation easements on all but two percent of nearly 900 acres. Carefully integrated into the landscape are two residential lodges, five educational buildings, dining hall, maintenance building and welcome center. Built in 2004, all buildings were designed from a green perspective, using high-performance materials with low-level organic compounds and using minimal resources. Natural lighting and innovation in space design have resulted in an environment that benefits all who live, work and visit here. Ongoing ecological work at the campus specializes in field science experiences within the suburban-rural interface and human-use impacts on our natural communities. Our Jackson Campus has accommodated as many as 300 person events, including educational and wildlife conferences, teaching and professional development workshops and conferences, luncheons, board meetings, community events and weddings.
  Contact info: 700 Coyote Canyon Road
Jackson, WY 83001 USA
phone: 307-733-1313
web: www.tetonscience.org
  Room amenities: Rooms are located in our lodges and provide a clock radio, linens, private bathroom and small chair. Living room areas for social gathering in the same building on the first floor.
  Facility amenities: The Jackson Campus has laundry facilities, phones on all floors of the lodges, wireless internet access from all buildings, coffee, tea and snacks available all day, private bathrooms and on-site dining lodge with exceptional food service from our executive chef.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $80.00/night Please call for availability, 307-734-3750.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $80.00/night Please call for availability, 307-734-3750.
  Check out time: 1:00 PM

 Grant Village
Type: Hotel
  Description: Grant Village, named after president Ulysses S. Grant who signed the law which established Yellowstone as the world's first national park, was completed in 1984. The village is situated on the southwestern shore of Yellowstone Lake, approximately 20 miles from Old Faithful, and is the nearest location to Grand Teton National Park.
  Contact info: 1 Grand Loop Rd.
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
phone: 307-344-7311
web: http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/grant-village-92.html
  Room amenities: Attractively furnished rooms with telephones and private bathroom equipped with shower or tub/shower, toilet and sink.
  Facility amenities: The lodging complex includes 6 two-story buildings each containing 50 rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms. Also located in the area are two restaurants with lake views (one full menu and one specializing in a pub-style menu including a selection of burgers; beef, bison, chicken and black bean), a lounge and a small gift store.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins
Type: Cabin
  Description: Lake Yellowstone Pioneer Cabins were built in the 1920's but completely remodeled in 2003/04. These simple, comfortable duplex units are a short walk from the spectacular Yellowstone Lake, the largest high altitude lake in the North America.
  Contact info: Lake Village Rd
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
phone: 307-344-7901
web: http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lake-yellowstone-hotel-cabins-94.html
  Smoking allowed: No


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check-in begins at 3 pm. You will be staying at Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after lunch at 1 pm. You will be staying at Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Participants must sign Teton Science Schools risk/release liability waiver, supplemental health form and community living agreement.
  Parking availability:
Ample parking is available on-site a short distance from the residence lodges.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Jackson, WY
  Nearest city or town:  Jackson
  Nearest highway: WY State Hwy 22
  Nearest airport:  Jackson Hole (JAC)
  From End of Program
  Location: Jackson, WY
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Teton Taxi
phone: 307-733-1506
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Taxi Tim
phone: 307-690-4141
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Alltrans, Inc.
phone: 307-733-3135
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$16
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
 

Jackson Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Old Faithful Taxi
phone: 307-699-4020
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
   

Teton Science Schools' preferred Road Scholar provider
 
Driving Directions
  From the North, South or West FROM THE NORTH: Follow HWY 89/191 south to the Jackson Town Square. Turn right at the square onto Broadway. Continue 1.5 miles on Broadway to the US 89/191 and HWY 22 intersection (Albertsons & Jackson State Bank on your left). Turn right onto HWY 22. Head west on HWY 22 for approx. 1.7 miles. Watch for the Teton Science Schools sign on the right at Coyote Canyon Road. Turn right onto Coyote Canyon Road. Follow Coyote Canyon Road .6 miles to the Jackson Campus. FROM THE SOUTH: Follow HWY 89/191 north to the US 89/191 and HWY 22 intersection (Albertsons on your right side). Turn left at the light onto HWY 22. Proceed on HWY 22 for approx. 1.7 miles. Watch for the Teton Science Schools sign on the right at Coyote Canyon Road. Turn right on Coyote Canyon Road and follow it .6 miles to the Jackson Campus. FROM THE WEST: Follow HWY 22 (from Teton Pass) east to the town of Wilson. Stay on HWY 22. You will reach the HWY 390 junction after approx. 1.5 miles. Continue on HWY 22. Travel approx. 2.4 miles past the HWY 390 junction. Watch for the Teton Science Schools sign on the left at Coyote Canyon Road. Turn left onto Coyote Canyon Road and follow it 0.6 miles to the Jackson Campus.
Elevation Note: Field excursions into the National Park will bring the group to elevations of 6,900 feet and above.
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 and move into lodging; Orientation and introductions following dinner.
(Sunday, August 11)
   
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: This evening will give us a chance to get to know each other and the facility as we prepare for our week ahead. This is also a time in which the group will be brought up to date on the developments of the schedule, changes due to opportunity, need and weather.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introduction to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Hike in Grand Teton National Park. Evening Program- Bears & Wolves of the GYE.
(Monday, August 12)

Note: Activity today will be a 5 mile hike with elevation gains of 400-600 feet.
   
 Breakfast: Hot Breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Visit to the Craig Thomas Discovery Center in Grand Teton National Park. We will explore the visitor's center including watching the interpretive film and spending some time around the relief map exploring the valley on a small scale and get familiar with where locations are and where the program will take us throughout the week.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: We will go for an approximately 5 mile hike and will bring the group through a series of habitats, exploring the wildlife and geology present at the base of the Teton Range. Views of the Tetons will be awe-inspiring and magnificent.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: This evening will focus on the populations of grizzly bears and wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Topics highlighted will be the reintroduction of the wolf to Yellowstone, delisting of both species, behavior and biology of both species, bear interactions with humans and gray wolf interactions between packs. Also discussed will be the controversies surrounding the species and how current decisions will affect the animals future.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at Teton Village. Hike at 10,400 feet. Bears and Wolves of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem evening program.
(Tuesday, August 13)

Note: Activity will include a 2-4 mile hike with elevation losses of 500-1500ft.
   
 Breakfast: Hot Breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Ride the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Then spend the morning hiking at high elevations and exploring the alpine ecosystem that is found above 8,000 feet. Unique plants and animals are found in alpine regions that cannot be found anywhere else. See wildflowers, done blooming at lower elevations in August, in a riotous display of color and texture above 8,000 feet.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: Continued hiking from the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. Afterwards, enjoy a little bit of free time in Teton Village to browse the shops or have a drink in this charming alpine village.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: This evening will present a lecture/discussion on the natural history of the American bison, as well as its’ place in Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Two night trip to Yellowstone National Park. West Thumb and Old Faithful Geyser Basins
(Wednesday, August 14)

Note: Activity today will including walking around the geyser basin at Old Faithful and West Thumb on boardwalks and paved trails. Afternoon will include a 2-3 mile hike with an elevation gain of 500 feet.
   
 Breakfast: Hot Breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Journey to the Old Faithful Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. There the group will explore the geysers and other thermal features, focusing on the unique geologic aspects of Yellowstone and the caldera.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Each participant will get to make their own sandwich and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: After visiting the Old Faithful Geyser Basin, we will venture on a hike to Mystic Falls.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Grant Village Lake House Restaurant.
 Evening: Evening exploration of West Thumb Geyser basin geothermal features. West Thumb lies on the shore of Yellowstone Lake and may be the most scenic geyser basin in Yellowstone National Park.
   
Accommodations: Grant Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Fountain Paint Pots, Terrace Mountain Hike, Overnight in Lake Village
(Thursday, August 15)

Note: Terrace Mountain Loop: 7 miles, 500 feet elevation gain.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Grant Village Dining Room.
 Morning: Wake up in beautiful Yellowstone National Park. We will drive from Grant Village to Mammoth today and stop along the way to check out the boiling mud at Fountain Paint Pots. We will then begin the Terrace Mountain hike.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a box lunches eaten as a field lunch.
 Afternoon: We will enjoy unusual rock formations and scenic views along the Terrace Mountain Hike. At the conclusion of the hike we will spend some time exploring the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces. Finally, we'll depart for Lake Village on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
 Dinner: Dinner will be on your own at Lake Village.
 Evening: Free evening to relax after a big day! Enjoy a sunset walk along the shores of sip a drink and soak in the view from the Yellowstone Lake Hotel lobby.
   
Accommodations: Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Hayden Valley wildlife viewing, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Dinner at Dornan's.
(Friday, August 16)

Note: Today's hike will be to the bottom of the lower falls. 300 steps take you to the breathtaking views of the lower falls. A half mile descent and ascent back to the parking lot (500 feet elevaiton change). Additionally, walk 3.5 mostly flat miles along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone rim.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the Lake Village Cafeteria.
 Morning: We'll drive through the spectacular Hayden Valley this morning with our eyes tuned to the large mammals that call this valley home. We may see bison, bears, elk and all kinds of birds. We'll stop at the Canyon visitor center and take an in-depth look at the geology and geologic forces that are active in Yellowstone. We'll witness the spectacular upper and lower falls amidst the beauty of the sulfurous rocks.
 Lunch: Lunch at Canyon Cafeteria
 Afternoon: Hike at Uncle Tom's Trail at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. 300 steps will take you to a breathtaking view of the 305 foot lower falls. Take a walk along the rim of the Canyon and gaze into the depths of the colorful rock at the churning river below. We will head back to Grand Teton National Park after the Canyon walks.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at Dornan’s in Grand Teton National Park. Dornans is a third, fourth, and fifth generation, family-owned/operated resort located in the heart of the Jackson Hole valley on the banks of the Snake River. The Pizza Pasta Company at Dornan’s reflects more modern tastes -serving fresh pastas, crisp salads, gourmet pizza, and hot sandwiches on our bakery-fresh breads. The Spur Bar serves an assortment of microbrewed beers and fine wines.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Closing activities. Hands to Work. National Museum of Wildlife Art. Good-Byes.
(Saturday, August 17)
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: After breakfast, all participants will take part in "hands-to-work." Hands-to-work is a part of Teton Science Schools' community philosophy. Participants along with staff will address and clean the spaces they have used throughout the week. All participants of Teton Science Schools' programs take part in this which builds a sense of community and rapport amongst program participants throughout the campus. A group that eats, sleeps and cleans up after itself together is stronger and closer. After hands-to-work, there will be a closing ceremony which will draw a close to the program and give us a chance to look back at the fun times we had through the week. The remainder of the morning will be spent at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Participants will be treated to a docent tour and then be given time to explore the museum on their own.
 Lunch: Program will end after lunch at the Rising Sage Cafe at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Jackson, WY Jackson Hole Info
For additional information, visit www.jacksonholechamber.com/chamber/index.php
  Wyoming Tourism Info
For additional information, visit www.wyomingtourism.org
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


A Naturalist’s Guide to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks


Author: Frank C. Craighead Jr.


Description: A memoir and classic natural history of the wildlife of Jackson Hole and the Tetons by a celebrated local biologist, organized week-by-week throughout the year.



Along the Ramparts of the Tetons: The Saga of Jackson Hole, Wyoming


Author: Robert E. Betts


Description: The magnificent valley of Jackson Hole at the base of the soaring Teton Range has long been a stage on which a remarkable series of events has been acted out by an equally remarkable cast of characters. This is that story, told with a verve and excitement which brings the past alive.



Legacy of the Tetons: Homesteading in Jackson Hole


Author: Candy Vyvey Moulton


Description: This second edition of Legacy of the Tetons is a narrative of the bravery, love, heartbreak, joy, and fortitude of the early pioneers. Candy Moulton shares the struggles of those who lived and died on the land—some of whom came on foot in the Mormon Handcart Migration and established the settlement known today as Mormon Row.



Plants of the Rocky Mountains


Author: Kershaw, MacKinnon, Pojar


Description: Over 1300 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, ferns, mosses and lichens are described and illustrated. Notes on origin of name, ecology, native uses, edibility and similar species are included, as are color-coded sections to allow for quick identification. 900 color photographs, 700+ line drawings.



Scats and Tracks of the Rocky Mountains


Author: James Halfpenny


Description: Wonder no more about those tracks in the mud or that poop on the path. With this packable guide, identification in the field is easy. Featured are the tracks, scats, and signs of 70 different species including wolf, ferret, grizzly bear, as well as birds, frogs and salamanders. Scales for scat diameter and footprint size are included along the edge of each descriptive page. Plus, for accurate measurements, there's a ruler on the back cover.



Searching for Yellowstone, Ecology and Wonder in the Last Wilderness


Author: Paul D. Schullery


Description: An engaging social and environmental history of Yellowstone from the Pleistocene to the present focusing on the park since its founding in 1872. Schullery has worked in Yellowstone as a ranger, a historian and the chief of cultural resources.



The Creation of the Teton Landscape: The Geologic Story of Grand Teton National Park


Author: Love, Reed and Pierce


Description: This book outlines the earliest history of the area and delves deep into the extensive geology of the region.



The Grizzly Bear


Author: Thomas McNamee


Description: A natural history of “Ursus arctos horribilis” – lyrical, well written and provocative. An appropriate introduction to the beast for anyone traveling to grizzly country. McNamee also wrote “The Return of the Wolf to Yellowstone.”



The Natural World of Jackson Hole: An Ecological Primer


Author: Tim Clark


Description: An introduction to the natural world of Jackson Hole and to the principles of ecology as they operate in the valley.



Windows into the Earth, the Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks


Author: Lee J. Siegel and Robert B. Smith


Description: A geologic history and tour of the northern Rockies, particularly Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.





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