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Mountains, Magma and Ice: Geology of the Tetons and Yellowstone Region

Program Number: 14180RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/15/2013 - 9/21/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: The Tetons (Jackson), Wyoming
Price starting at: $977.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 18; 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Explore past and present geology of the West in a must-experience adventure. Field lessons will provide illustrations of explosive events and Pleistocene glaciations alongside current examples of thermal dynamics and active fault uplifting. Spend two days in Grand Teton National Park and three days in Yellowstone National Park while studying the timeline of these land-altering forces.




Highlights

• Explore the glacially carved gem of Phelps Lake in the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve, a glorious land previously off-limits until donated by the Rockefellers in 2008.
• Visit the Gros Ventre Landslide—the largest in U.S. history, and see the impacts of the slide on the area.
• Hike along the rim of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon marvel at the 305 foot waterfall from Inspiration Point.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to four miles with elevation gain up to 500 feet. Elevations of 6,200-8,000 feet.



Coordinated by Teton Science Schools.




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
Comfortable dormitory-style rooms with private baths.
Meals and Lodgings
   Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
  Jackson, WY 3 nights
   Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins
  Lake Village Yellowstone National Park 1 night
   Yellowstone Super 8
  Gardiner, Montana 1 night
   Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
  Jackson, WY 2 nights
 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 new motel-style lodges and provide a clock radio, private bathroom, separate sink, toilet and shower area and small chair. Living room areas for social gathering in same building.
  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 Please call for availability, 307-734-3703.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $80.00 Please call for availability, 307-734-3703.
  Check out time: 1:00 PM

 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

 Yellowstone Super 8
Type: Motel
  Description: Accommodations include 66 clean, comfortable rooms. There are rooms with a view, adjoining rooms, special features for the physically challenged and a large suite with a full kitchen. We have a 24-hour front desk, and color cable television. Fax service Vending machines Hairdryers, irons and ironing boards are available. Free local phone calls Restaurants, bars, shops, grocery store, post office, galleries and many outdoor activities nearby 24 hour coffee and tea; juices in the morning Indoor, heated pool
  Contact info: 702 Scott St. West
Gardiner, MT 59030 USA
phone: 406-848-7401
web: http://www.yellowstonesuper8.com/
  Room amenities: Standard rooms include two queen beds ADA rooms equipped for the physically challenged Alarm clocksand Wake-up service Air-conditioning Cable television
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check-in for the program is 3:00pm-5:00pm You will be staying at Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after lunch at 1:00pm 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:
Free parking on site a short distance from the lodges.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Jackson, WY
  Nearest city or town:  Jackson, Wyoming
  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
Alltrans, Inc.
phone: 307-733-3135
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$16
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

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 taxi provider
 

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
Old West Transportation
phone: 307-690-8898
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
Cowboy Cab
phone: 307-413-1000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 
Driving Directions
  From Dubois, Hoback Junction or Idaho 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.
  From State Highway 89 Travel to Jackson, Wyoming. Take Highway 22 out of Jackson (to the west), travel one mile to campus.
Elevation Note: Site elevation is 6,200 feet above sea level.
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, September 15)
   
 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 and changes due to opportunity, need and weather.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introduction to the Geology of the Teton Range, Yellowstone Hot Spot and Jackson Hole Field trip the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Phelps Lake Evening Program: Geology of the Tetons and Yellowstone with Ann Mattson, GTNP Geologist
(Monday, September 16)

Note: Activity today will be a hike of approximately 3 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 300 feet. Participants will have the opportunity to go into one of two groups of hikers or stay back and enjoy nature at the preserve visitor's center.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: This morning we will journey into Grand Teton National Park to the Craig Thomas Discovery Center. Your instructor will highlight the geologic forces that are at work in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. There is a large map in the visitor center that will give you a chance to see from a bird's eye view how glaciers and volcanoes have shaped this landscape. The remainder of the morning will include a visit to the Laurance S. Rockefeller preserve and visitor's center. This center is the first environmentally sustainable and LEED Platinum Certified structure in a National Park. The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is a reflection of Rockefeller’s life-long commitment to making areas of natural scenic beauty accessible to the public. He strongly believed that nature has the power to restore and sustain the human spirit. It was his hope that, by experiencing this spiritual and emotional renewal, visitors to the Preserve would become aware of the importance of nature in their own lives and acknowledge their roles in acting as good stewards of the land.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Participants will get to make their own lunch and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: This afternoon will take us to Phelps Lake in the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve in the south end of Grand Teton National Park. Until recently, these lands were off limits to visitors as they were part of the Rockefeller family's private ranch. However, in 2007, the Rockefeller family donated the ranch and all of the surrounding lands. All visitors to Grand Teton National Park are now allowed to enjoy and explore this amazing piece of property. We will hike to and around Phelps Lake, a glacially carved gem at the base of Prospectors Mountain.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served in our Dining Lodge by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: Grand Teton National Park Ranger Dr. Ann Mattson will speak to the group this evening about the geology of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. In depth geology information will be covered so as to give participants a background knowledge of geologic terms and processes.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: The Gros Ventre Slide and Kelly Warm Springs String Lake hike Evening program - Wildlife Issues and Success Stories of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
(Tuesday, September 17)

Note: The hike at Gros Ventre Slide will be 1 mile rount trip with an elevation gain of 200 feet. The hike at String Lake will be 3 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 300 feet.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: This morning will include a field trip to the Gros Ventre Slide, the largest landslide in U.S. history. The Gros Ventre Slide is a perfect location to discuss and explore the effects of geology on the cultural history of an area. We will go on a short nature hike in the terminus of the slide to see the impacts of the slide as well as have the chance to see pika and golden-mantled ground squirrels. After the Gros Ventre Slide we will also stop by the Kelly Warm Spring which remains a constant 80 degrees year-round.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch. Participants will get to make their own lunch and pack what they like.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we will go on a hike on the eastern shore of String Lake and get an up close view of Mt. Moran that was named for Thomas Moran, the painter that accompanied the Hayden Expedition. Mt. Moran has many geologic features that are displayed in plain view and tell a story about the creation of the Tetons. Participants will have the option of going on a longer hike to Leigh Lake or going on a shorter hike along the gentle shores of String Lake.
 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 be an introduction to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Participants will become familiar with the various challenges that face land and wildlife managers in and around the Jackson Hole area as well as learn facts about wildlife and how difficult it can be to manage populations across government borders.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful Geyser Basin. Yellowstone Lake.
(Wednesday, September 18)

Note: Activity today includes walking around the geyser basin at Old Faithful on boardwalks and paved trails.
   
 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: Field lunch in Yellowstone.
 Afternoon: Continued exploration of the Old Faithful area. Depart Old Faithful area for Lake Village.
 Dinner: Dinner will be on your own at Lake Village.
 Evening: Free evening to relax and enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone Lake.
   
Accommodations: Lake Yellowstone Hotel Frontier Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Breakfast at Lake Hotel. Hayden Valley. Mud Volcano. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
(Thursday, September 19)

Note: Activity today includes several short walks in and around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Mud Volcano area.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the Lake Hotel
 Morning: Wake up in beautiful Yellowstone National Park. We will head into Hayden Valley this morning to see what wildlife is out and about. The soil here permits little tree growth and the shrub and grassland valley plants are used by grazing animals such as elk and bison, which in turn attract coyotes, wolves and bears. We will stop to see the boiling mass of mud and rock at Mud Volcano and the steaming, roaring Dragon's Mouth Spring.
 Lunch: Field lunch will be a deli box lunch.
 Afternoon: We will visit the Canyon Visitor Center for an in-depth look at the geology and geologic forces that are active in Yellowstone. We will step to the edge of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to witness the spectacular 300 foot waterfall amidst the beauty of the sulfurous rocks. We will check into our lodging before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant in Gardiner, Montana
 Evening: Free evening to relax or explore Gardiner.
   
Accommodations: Yellowstone Super 8
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mammoth Terraces. Fountain Paint Pots. West Thumb Geyser Basin. Dinner at Dornan's.
(Friday, September 20)

Note: Activity today includes short walks around the geyser basins on boardwalks and trails.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be a restaurant in Gardiner.
 Morning: After breakfast we will depart for the travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs. As we leave Mammoth, we will begin making our way back to Jackson. We'll stop at interesting geothermal features along the way, such as Fountain Paint Pots.
 Lunch: Field lunch will be a deli box lunch.
 Afternoon: We will visit West Thumb Geyser Basin, on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, before climbing out of the Yellowstone caldera, over the continental divide, and back to Jackson Hole.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at Dornan’s in Grand Teton National Park. Dornans is a 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 serves fresh pastas, crisp salads, gourmet pizza, and hot sandwiches on 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: National Museum of Wildlife Art. Lunch at the Rising Sage Cafe
(Saturday, September 21)
   
 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: Lunch will be at the Rising Sage Cafe at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
   
Accommodations: Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Jackson, WY Chamber of Commerce
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start looking for activities in the area. For additional information, visit www.jacksonholechamber.com
  Jackson Center for the Arts
The Center for the Arts is a growing art center campus in downtown Jackson, Wyoming. This facility, often referred to as "the Center," currently consists of the 41,000 square foot Arts & Education Pavilion, as well as the recently completed Performing Arts Pavilion, which includes a 500-seat theater, a Music Center, theater rehearsal space, and additional administrative space. The Center for the Arts is located at 240 South Glenwood Street. For additional information, visit www.jhcenterforthearts.org
  Wyoming Tourist 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


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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.





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