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Great Outdoor Get-Together in The Tetons and Yellowstone

Program Number: 21211RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/28/2013 - 9/4/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: The Tetons (Jackson), Wyoming
Price starting at: $1,695.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking; National Parks; Water Sports; Natural History
Meals: 18; 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Join active lifelong learners from around the country as you converge on picturesque Jackson Hole, Wyo., for an outdoor educational adventure unlike any other. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the stage for hands-on learning under first-class educators from the Teton Science Schools as they bring their expert knowledge to inspiring, small-group encounters in America’s most revered wildernesses. Hikes, wildlife observation, rafting and the rodeo are just a few of the memorable events in store for you and other lifelong learners who share your love of the great outdoors, as well as sumptuous meals, access to local museums and a performance by a local musician.




Highlights

• Take a scenic float trip down the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park and watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone.
• Ride the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for a morning of high-elevation hiking and exploration of the unique plants and animals found only in the alpine ecosystem.
• Become familiar with the various challenges that face land and wildlife managers in and around Jackson Hole and do your part for the preservation of the parks through a morning service project.



Activity Particulars

For field days, participants will be in small groups with a maximum of 14; 15 including the instructor. Evening programs bring the entire group together. Hiking up to six miles over uneven terrain in groups split according to desired intensity. Paddling a canoe for several hours. Lodgings at 6,200 feet. Activity elevations up to 10,450 feet.



This program has been limited to 150 participants, but the group will be divided into smaller groups for most activities.




Date Specific Information

8-28-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



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
Your choice of Teton Science Schools campus lodgings or the Snow King Resort in the town of Jackson. Private bath at both.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Katie Hoskinson
Katie Hoskinson grew up in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. After graduating from St. Lawrence University in 2011, she joined the Teton Science Schools — sharing her passion for the natural world with students of all ages. She has traveled everywhere from the Bahamas exploring modern reef environments to North Dakota investigating 500-million-year-old rocks. Katie enjoys skiing, exploring the Tetons, backpacking and paddling.
 
Maddy Jacobson
Maddy Jacobsen grew up spending most of her time outdoors in the mountains of Colorado. Her interests in the outdoors lead her to the University of Montana in Missoula to study and to explore the Northwest. After college, Maddy spent her summers as a naturalist guide leading adults on day hike excursions in the Swan Mountain Range outside of Glacier National Park. Maddy has been a Field Instructor at Teton Science Schools since 2010, where she enjoys sharing her passion for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with students of all ages and backgrounds. While at TSS, Maddy has worked a wide variety of programs including Road Scholar, youth groups and place-based education workshops. In her free time she enjoys exploring the Tetons, on both land and water, to further her knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
 
Elsie Thompson
Elsie Thompson is a graduate of Maine’s Bowdoin College, where she earned a bachelor’s in biology and environmental studies and led trips for the Outing Club and coordinated programs for the community resource center. Since college, she has also worked as a biological research technician with the U.S. Geological Survey in Bozeman, Mont. Elsie loves pretty much anything outdoors, but particularly enjoys hiking, canoeing and spending time with family and friends.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
  Jackson Hole, WY 7 nights
 Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools
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 Rd
Jackson, WY 83001 USA
phone: 307-734-3750
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 table and chair.
  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

 Snow King Resort
Type: Resort
  Description: Snow King Resort is located in the Town of Jackson at the base of Snow King Mountain. It is a full-service property that offers 204 spacious hotel rooms, including 15 suites, as well as over 150 condominiums varying from one to four bedrooms. The hotel has seven stories with rooms beginning on the ground floor. Complimentary wi-fi throughout is available for our guests.
  Contact info: Snow King Ave
Jackson, WY  USA
phone: 800-522-KING
web: http://www.snowking.com/Lodging_Hotel.aspx
  Room amenities: Cable Television, Air Conditioning with individual thermostat, Hair Dryers, Coffee Makers, Iron and Ironing Boards, Complimentary Wi-Fi, and local phone calls. All rooms have views of the surrounding mountains and are non-smoking.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers the convenience of being close to town but provides a quiet and serene atmosphere for your vacation or getaway any time of year. Each room is decorated with an eye towards comfortable western design, providing regional lodgepole furnishings, vintage photography, and cozy comforters.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:00 pm You will be staying at Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort that night.
  End of Program:
9:00 am You will be staying at Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Teton Science Schools Paticipant Forms
  Parking availability:
Parking is available at the Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Jackson Hole, WY
  Nearest city or town:  Jackson, WY
  Nearest highway: WY State Highway 22
  Nearest airport:  Jackson Hole (JAC)
  From End of Program
  Location: Jackson Hole, WY
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Snow King Resort

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Teton Science School Shuttle
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Included
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 mins 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
   

Arrival and departure transfers to/from Jackson Hole Airport to your accommodation are included in the program cost.
 

Teton Science School Campus

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Teton Science School Shuttle
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Included
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 mins 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
   

Arrival and departure transfers to/from Jackson Hole Airport to your accommodation are included in the program cost.
 
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.
  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: The town of Jackson is at 6,200 feet. Program will visit location elevations of up to 10,450 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Participants may wish to bring trekking poles for hiking.
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: Arrival in Jackson, shuttle transfers from airport, registration with program’s group leaders, orientation meeting and dinner
(Wednesday, August 28)

Note: The large group will be split into field groups with a maximum of 14 participants. The order of the daily schedule will vary per group.
   
 Afternoon: Arrival and check in
 Dinner: Dinner will be served at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools by our executive chef. The menu varies greatly and is always healthy and balanced.
 Evening: The evening will give us a chance to get to know each other 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: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introduction to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Hike in Grand Teton National Park.
(Thursday, August 29)

Note: Activity today will be a 3-6 mile hike (depending on the desires of each group) with elevation gains of up to 600 feet.
   
 Breakfast: Hot Breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: We’ll start our day at the Craig Thomas Discovery Center at the southern end of Grand Teton National Park. Opened in 2007, this impressive center has 22,000 feet dedicated to education. Interpretive displays focus on people, place, and protection and provide an excellent educational overview of the natural and cultural resource of Grand Teton National Park. The reminder of the day will be spent hiking in the Park, witnessing firsthand the effects of glaciation, fire and more recent human influences.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch.
 Afternoon: The hike will continue this afternoon 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 magnificent.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools 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 Jackson Hole as well as learn facts about wildlife and how difficult it can be to manage populations across government borders.
   
Accommodations: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Canoeing in Grand Teton National Park
(Friday, August 30)

Note: Canoeing will involve paddling and stepping in and out of canoes. Participants can expect to canoe for an hour or two before lunch and an hour after lunch, with the option of an on shore activity after lunch.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Canoeing in Grand Teton National Park is an activity not experienced by many park visitors. We’ll begin the day with a thorough canoe training and embark on a natural history discovery on water. Flat water paddling on small glacial lakes at the base of the Teton Range provides great opportunity to soak up the spectacular views while scanning the shorelines for glimpses of native wildlife.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch.
 Afternoon: Canoeing on beautiful String Lake will continue. Participants can take advantage of further instruction of canoe techniques or relax on the water while taking in the sights. For those wishing for a shorter canoe excursion, an afternoon option includes a more relaxed educational program.
 Dinner: Dinner will be on your own at one of the many restaurants in downtown Jackson.
 Evening: Free evening to explore the town of Jackson or relax and spend time with new friends.
   
Accommodations: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Service project or optional activities. Heritage of Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole Rodeo.
(Saturday, August 31)

Note: Service project will involve some physical labor.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: This morning the group will depart to work on a service project. The project will develop as time draws closer to the program. Teton Science Schools works with a variety of non-profit and government agencies in Jackson Hole. Some possible organizations we might work with are Grand Teton National Park, the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Wyoming Wetlands Society, US Forest Service or the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. We might also complete projects on Teton Science Schools' 880 acre property which serves as a migration path and home to many animals both large and small. Projects often include barbed wire fence removal, restoration of historic buildings, landscape and planting projects or invasive species removal.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we will explore the heritage of Jackson Hole. Participants will visit the Kelly Campus of Teton Science Schools where we will discover the Murie Museum which houses thousands of specimens from Olaus and Mardy Murie's personal collection. We will also visit Mormon Row Historic District where remnants of barns and traditional log cabins dot the sagebrush landscape under the background of the Teton Mountains.
 Dinner: Dinner for the whole group will be at the historic Wort Hotel in downtown Jackson.
 Evening: Rodeo has been a part of Jackson Hole since the first settlers arrived and no vacation to Jackson would be complete without experiencing the Jackson Hole Rodeo. We will head to the rodeo grounds and take part in over 100 years of true cowboy culture!
   
Accommodations: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Alpine hike at the top of the Teton Range.
(Sunday, September 1)

Note: Today's 2-4 mile hike will begin at an elevation of 10,450 feet and lose 500-1500ft of elevation.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: On a clear day, a summit to Rendezvous Mountain provides participants with a fantastic view of the valley of Jackson Hole. A nine minute ride on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram climbs 4,139 feet above the valley floor to the final elevation of 10,450 feet. Glacial processes, historic meanderings of the mighty Snake River and human settlement patterns are all seen from a bird’s eye view. At the top, we’ll explore the alpine environment and the unique plants and animals found there. The end of the summer might even provide participants with their first dusting of snow for the season!
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch.
 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 mountain village.
 Dinner: Dinner will be on your own, with the chance to choose from one of the many restaurants in downtown Jackson.
 Evening: Free evening to explore the town of Jackson or relax and spend time with new friends.
   
Accommodations: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Yellowstone National Park
(Monday, September 2)

Note: Walking on boardwalks and other trails for up to two miles with minimal elevation gain/loss.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Today participants will explore America’s first National Park. An early morning departure will ensure that we have a full day exploring the geothermal features and wildlife of Yellowstone. Visit West Thumb Geyser Basin, on the shore of Yellowstone Lake and watch Old Faithful erupt in the midst of the world's largest caldera.
 Lunch: Lunch will be a packed field lunch.
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Yellowstone's geyser basins. Witness boiling mud, colorful hot springs and fumaroles shooting steam out of the earth.
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in Grand Teton National Park.
 Evening: We will arrive back in Jackson after dinner. Enjoy some time to relax after a long day!
   
Accommodations: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Snake River Float Trip. Docent tour at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
(Tuesday, September 3)
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning float trip on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. Chances abound to see moose, eagles, osprey and beavers. The river guide as well as a Teton Science Schools' naturalist will be along to interpret the sights along this most beautiful stretch of the Snake.
 Lunch: Today we will eat lunch at the Rising Sage Cafe at the National Museum of Wildlife Art
 Afternoon: The National Museum of Wildlife Art is home to the largest collection of wildlife art in the country. The collection chronicles much of the history of wildlife in art, focusing primarily on European and American painting and sculpture. Participants will be treated to a docent tour and then be given time to explore the museum on their own.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools.
 Evening: Enjoy the performance of a local musician at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools.
   
Accommodations: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools or Snow King Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Farewell and departure. Morning shuttles to airport.
(Wednesday, September 4)
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast with cereals, granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, etc.
 Morning: Shuttles will depart from the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools and Snow King Resort to airport throughout the morning.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Jackson Hole, WY Jackson Hole Info
For additional information, visit www.jacksonholechamber.com/chamber/index.php
  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 Grizzly Bear


Author: Thomas McNamee


Description: A natural history of Ursus arctos: 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.



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.



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.



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.



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 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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