
Wyoming
Hike, Paddle & Float: Outdoor Adventures in the Grand Tetons
Program No. 21211RJ
Explore the natural wonders of the Grand Tetons with experts as you hike trails, paddle a canoe and float down the Snake River to learn about the ecology of this national park.
Enroll with Confidence
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 5L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Jackson Hole, WY
2
Tetons Hike, Discovery Center, Geology Lecture
Jackson Hole, WY
3
Snake River Float Trip, Murie Ranch, Wildlife Lecture
Jackson Hole, WY
4
Canoeing in Grand Teton National Park, Free Evening
Jackson Hole, WY
5
Aerial Tram, Rendezvous Mountain Alpine Hike, Chuckwagon
Jackson Hole, WY
6
Closing, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Departure
Jackson Hole, WY
At a Glance
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors on a learning adventure in picturesque Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Grand Tetons ecosystem sets the stage for hands-on learning during Teton Science Schools’ expert-led encounters in some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. Invigorating hikes, exciting canoe adventures and an inspiring float excursion are just a few of the memorable events in store for you and your fellow adventurers.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking up to six miles over varied terrain in groups split by desired intensity. Paddling a canoe for 1-2 hours. Elevations of 6,200-10,450 feet.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover Grand Teton National Park from a new perspective as you float down the Snake River.
- Take an aerial tram to high-elevation hiking.
- Canoe on String Lake while learning about the geologic forces that shaped this majestic mountain range.
General Notes
Smaller groups for activities.
Featured Expert
All trip experts

Liz LaScala
Liz LaScala joined the TSS team in January of 2023 as a field instructor. She grew up in Illinois climbing trees, exploring creeks, and building fairy houses out of sticks. She realized at a young age that she wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. Later in life, Liz attended Central Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology with a minor in outdoor education. She especially loves rock climbing, backpacking, and jumping into natural bodies of water.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Liz LaScala
View biography
Liz LaScala joined the TSS team in January of 2023 as a field instructor. She grew up in Illinois climbing trees, exploring creeks, and building fairy houses out of sticks. She realized at a young age that she wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. Later in life, Liz attended Central Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology with a minor in outdoor education. She especially loves rock climbing, backpacking, and jumping into natural bodies of water.

Sophie Lisle
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Sophie Lisle graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in biology. She developed a passion for science education when she taught marine biology on an island off the coast of Maine, and she fell in love with the Wyoming mountains working as a horse wrangler on a ranch in Cody. Sophie joined TSS as an AmeriCorps member in 2023 before becoming a field instructor in January 2024. Sophie loves to trail run, ski, climb mountains, bake cookies, and bask in the sun.

Abby Sand
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Abby Sand was born and raised in Minnesota and moved out west in 2019 to attend Colorado State University where she studied ecosystem science and sustainability. Abby has been a field instructor with Teton Science Schools since January 2024. Her goal is to create a positive learning atmosphere to inspire curious, excited, and optimistic environmental stewards. Beyond education, Abby is passionate about traveling and has had the privilege to travel to parts of Central America, South America, and Asia. She is also an enthusiastic birder.

Naomi Gregory-Orchard
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Naomi Gregory-Orchard, a field education instructor at Teton Science Schools, grew up in the Sonoran Desert. Naomi has lived, worked, and studied in New Zealand, Serbia, Bosnia, and Nepal. As she completed her bachelor’s degree in management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems at Utah State University, Naomi spent her summers as a whitewater river guide on the Colorado, Green, and Snake Rivers. In her free time, Naomi enjoys rafting, skiing, a good book, and exploring the outdoors.

Sydney Vander Waerdt
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Sydney Vander Waerdt is a lead field instructor at Teton Science Schools. She is a passionate explorer, naturalist, and educator. She grew up in Colorado's Front Range. Sydney earned her B.A. in cultural anthropology and environmental sustainability from Colorado State University, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding both human and environmental systems that sparked her curiosity about melding modern culture with ecology for a better world. She loves to read, craft, and participate in various outdoor activities.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Hike, Paddle & Float: Outdoor Adventures in the Grand Tetons
Program Number: 21211
Wapiti Wilderness
Margaret and Olaus Murie made their home in the Tetons for over thirty-seven years. During this time, Olaus Murie conducted studies of the American elk, the wapiti, and both he and Mardy worked tirelessly for conservation efforts and the preservation of wilderness. Wapiti Wilderness tells the story of their adventurous life raising children while conducting research in the Tetons. This book is available at the Teton Science Schools gift shop.
Along the Ramparts of the Tetons: The Saga of Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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
A geologic history and tour of the northern Rockies, particularly Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.
Letters from Yellowstone
At the end of the 19th century, an intrepid young woman joins a scientific research team in Yellowstone National Park, to the surprise of the other members of the expedition. This historical fiction brings Yellowstone and the surrounding region at the turn of the 19th century to life.
History of Grand Teton National Park: People in the Landscape
For those who don't want to read a full length book on the history of the region, this 55-page pocket guide provides a brief overview of local history with a focus on Grand Teton National Park.
Common Wildflowers of Grand Teton National Park
This small pocket guidebook includes more than 100 of the most common wildflowers in Grand Teton National Park. Photographs are by award-winning photographer Henry H. Holdsworth, and descriptions are by naturalist Charles Craighead. Small enough to carry on a hike and focused only on the areas we will be hiking, this book is a great option for participants who want to look up wildflowers while they hike!