Wyoming
Off the Map: Exploring the Heart of the Tetons by Boot and Boat
Program No. 22447RJ
Explore Grand Teton National Park through hikes, a float trip and a ferry as you learn about the park’s history and natural wonders, while staying at the historic, rustic Murie Ranch.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jul 13 - Jul 18, 2025
Starting at
2,749Jul 27 - Aug 1, 2025
Starting at
2,749Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2025
Starting at
2,749Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
2,749Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
At a Glance
Hike and float amidst the expansive landscapes and dramatic peaks of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. As you explore the Tetons on picturesque trails and over glittering water, discover their remarkable wildlife and unique landscapes firsthand. Stay at the venerable and rustic Murie Ranch within the national park, the former heart and soul of the early conservation movement, to truly connect with your surroundings and appreciate the quiet beauty of nature. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to museums and the historic Ranch as you experience these landscapes as the Muries once had.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking three to seven miles daily on varied terrain, with some options based on group interest and ability. Elevations just over 6,200 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hike iconic trails in Grand Teton National Park as you learn about the unique geology, plants, wildlife and human history of Jackson Hole.
- Take a scenic float down Snake River with an expert to experience the natural history of the Tetons up close.
- Stay at the historic and rustic Murie Ranch in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, where the stories of early conservationists Olaus and Mardy Murie will come to life.
General Notes
This program is part of our “Off the Map” series, exploring truly remote areas of the United States as a way to connect with local culture and landscapes, and disconnect with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Our goal is to bring you to places that have limited access to Wi-Fi, cell service and other technology so you can enjoy authentic learning experiences without modern distractions. Due to accommodation limitations, single rooms are limited for solo travelers. In keeping with the communal nature of the school, guests are asked to perform light chores during their stay.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Group Leader
Your Group Leader will be a Teton Science Schools Instructor who has diverse experience working with the flora and fauna of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The group leader is yet to be assigned; the assignment will be announced during Orientation on Day 1 of your program.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Group Leader
View biography
Your Group Leader will be a Teton Science Schools Instructor who has diverse experience working with the flora and fauna of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The group leader is yet to be assigned; the assignment will be announced during Orientation on Day 1 of your program.
Suggested Reading List
(7 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.
Off the Map: Exploring the Heart of the Tetons by Boot and Boat
Program Number: 22447
Peaks, Politics & Passion
Environmental historian Robert Righter tells the story of the preservation of the Teton Mountains and the surrounding areas. In this book, Righter adds to his previous works that chronicled the creation of Grand Teton National Park, bringing us up to date with the regions challenges in the decades since, including private land inholdings, fire and wildlife management, and preservation of local history.
The Creation of the Teton Landscape: The Geologic Story of Grand Teton National Park
This book outlines the earliest history of the area and delves deep into the extensive geology of the region. *Available for purchase on Amazon.com, USED COPIES ONLY*
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.
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!
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.
A Short Biography of Margaret and Olaus Murie
Written by Teton Science Schools lead faculty Christen Girard, who lives at the historic Murie Ranch and stewrads their story, this short biography tells the tale of Olaus and Mardy Murie, who dedicated their lives to each other and to the conservation of wildlife and wilderness. Their story is inspirational and relevant for anyone who cares about public lands, and especially for participants whose programs visit or stay at the Murie Ranch.
Two in the Far North
Two in the Far North chronicles the love story and adventures of Olaus and Mardy Murie, from Mardy's childhood in Washington and Alaska to the 500 mile research trip they took via dogsled for their honeymoon and the adventures that followed. This American classic is a must read for anyone staying at the Murie Ranch.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
5B, 5L, 4D
)
3 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Moose, WY
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Murie Ranch
Activity Note
Lodge check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival at the Murie Ranch of Teton Science Schools, please come to the main office to register with the program staff, get your cabin assignment, and receive your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in. Snacks, coffee, tea will be available in the main office.
Dinner:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin, enjoy a buffet and family style meal featuring a variety of healthy and balanced options, plus coffee, tea (hot/iced), lemonade, water.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. All transportation is via Teton Science Schools' vans. All activities will be led by a combination of Teton Science Schools staff, Murie Ranch Staff, local experts, and experienced docents. All hikes will be on official trails in Grand Teton National park or the surrounding national forest land over uneven terrain with an elevation change of 500 to 1500 feet. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
Tetons Hike, Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Murie lecture
Location:
Moose, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Murie Ranch
Activity Note
Hike up to 6 miles over uneven terrain with elevation gains up to 1200 ft. Drive time 30 minutes.
Breakfast:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin, enjoy a hot breakfast buffet with granola, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and more, plus water, coffee, juice, and tea.
Morning:
This morning we will embark on our first hike, at the base of the Teton Mountains. We will travel through a series of habitats, exploring the wildlife and geology present while enjoying magnificent views of this iconic mountain range.
Lunch:
Enjoy a packed field lunch in a scenic location during our hike. Remember to bring plenty of water!
Afternoon:
After we finish our hike, we'll ride to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park, where displays provide a self-led introduction to the cultural and natural history of the park. Choose to walk 1/2 mile or ride in a van back to The Murie Ranch from the visitor center.
Dinner:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin.
Evening:
Murie Ranch staff will share the story of Wilderness and the Murie Legacy. Olaus and Mardy Murie left a legacy of conservation and preserving wilderness. Their work was integral to the passing of the Wilderness Act in 1964 and the creation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 1960. Mardy continued pioneering conservation work until her passing in 2003 at the age of 101.
Day
3
Rockefeller Preserve Hike, Snake River Scenic Float Trip
Location:
Moose, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Murie Ranch
Activity Note
Hike up to 6 miles with an elevation gain of 450 ft. Drive time 30 minutes.
Breakfast:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin.
Morning:
Today, we will explore the trails at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Opened to the public in 2008, the preserve is the most recent addition to Grand Teton National Park. It sits at the base of Phelps Lake at the southern end of the Teton Range. Laurance S. Rockefeller donated this parcel to the National Park with the requirement that it be preserved as a contemplative place where visitors can develop a connection with the beauty of the lake and the Tetons. During the hike, we will arrive at the stunning, glacially-carved Phelps Lake at the base of Death Canyon.
Lunch:
Packed field lunch.
Afternoon:
Following a morning hike, we will return to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Visitor Center. This center is the first environmentally sustainable and LEED Platinum Certified structure in a National Park. The displays inside entice the visitor to quiet reflection and contemplation. This could be a great time to bring out your journal!
Dinner:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin.
Evening:
Tonight we will take a scenic float trip down the Snake River. A local outfitter will supply and fit personal flotation devices (PFD) before transporting us via mini-bus to the launching point at the northern end of Grand Teton National Park. View the entire Teton mountain range as we float down the river, watching for wildlife along the shores.
Day
4
Rendezvous Mountain Aerial Tram, Alpine Hike, Teton Village
Location:
Moose, WY
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Murie Ranch
Activity Note
Hike will start at 10,400 feet, and will include elevation changes of 500-1,500 feet over the course of a 2-6 mile hike. Total drive time of one hour.
Breakfast:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin.
Morning:
Start the morning with a short lecture on alpine ecology. After the talk, we'll head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to ride the aerial tram to 10,450 feet. On a clear day, the summit of Rendezvous Mountain provides participants with a fantastic view of the Jackson Hole valley. Glacial processes, historical meanderings of the mighty Snake River and human settlement patterns are all seen from a bird’s eye view. Once we’ve reached the summit, our Group Leaders will offer choices for hikes that explore of the alpine environment and the unique flora and fauna found there. Our groups can choose a hike ranging from as little as 1/2 mile to as much as 5.5 miles. For those who may choose not to hike, the views from the top of the tram are worth it all the same!
Lunch:
Packed field lunch.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue hiking one of the trails at the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, and return to the valley floor via the Aerial Tram or Bridger Gondola. Once there, we will enjoy some free time to explore the charming mountain village before returning to the ranch.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost, as you enjoy dinner with a view in Grand Teton National Park. A TSS shuttle will take you to Dornan's, where you may choose between the Pizza Pasta Company or the Chuckwagon.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Jenny Lake Hike & Ferry, Campfire
Location:
Moose, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Murie Ranch
Activity Note
Hike up to 7 miles at Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon with elevation gains of up to 1000 ft. Total drive time of one hour.
Breakfast:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin.
Morning:
Our final hike will be at Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon. Jenny Lake is one of the most famous and beautiful alpine lakes in the country. We'll take a ferry across the lake to start our trek. From there, the climb to Inspiration Point on the west side of the lake affords an unparalleled view of the Grand Teton, Jenny Lake, and the Jackson Hole valley. Motivated hikers can continue hiking into Cascade Canyon, entering into the heart of the Tetons, with breath-taking views of the Grand Teton throughout.
Lunch:
Packed field lunch.
Afternoon:
On our return, take a ferry ride across Jenny Lake back to the parking lot. Enjoy the views as you relax on the boat.
Dinner:
At the Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin.
Evening:
Relive a simpler time with an evening around a campfire at the ranch. Enjoy hearing local stories and share your own as you reminisce about the week with friends new and old.
Day
6
National Museum of Wildlife Art, Program Concludes
Location:
Jackson, WY
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
To complete our program, we’ll head to the National Museum of Wildlife Art to explore the museum with an experienced docent. Resting upon a cliff above the National Elk Refuge, the NMWA serves to inspire the relationship between humans and nature. The museum contains over 5,000 works of art, with exhibitions that focus on wildlife of the world. Following lunch at the museum, you may continue on your own adventure, get a ride into town from a Group Leader or secure a taxi to the airport.
Breakfast:
At The Murie Ranch Homestead Cabin.
Morning:
After checking out of the Ranch, load your luggage in a Teton Science Schools van and head to the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NWMA) to explore the museum with an experienced docent. Constructed to fit seamlessly into the landscape, the building was inspired by the ruins of Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The museum contains approximately 5,000 works of art. Reflect upon the connection between humans, art, nature, and our natural parks as you explore this world-class museum. At the end of our field trip, there will be free time to explore the museum on your own.
Lunch:
At the Palate restaurant at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, choose from a seasonal menu selected by the executive chef.
Afternoon:
This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy all your Road Scholar learning adventures and we look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. We encourage you to join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025 (Moose, WY to Jackson, WY)
Participant Reviews
Based on 17 Reviews
Sort By:
great trip!
— Review left November 6, 2024
Everything about this trip was wonderful. The Murie Ranch, the staff, the guides, the wonderful volunteers, the cook, the hikes, the float down the Snake River. One of my favorites!
— Review left September 12, 2024
What can I say. The program was exceptional. THis was my first experience with Roads Scholar but the guides, instructors, education went far beyond my expectations. Also the people in my group 14 in toal were amazing. We continually helped each other, laughed and had a wonderful time sharing our experiences. The other members of the group shared their previous experiences and has made me excited to think about my next adventure with Roads Scholar
— Review left September 9, 2024
This trip was outstanding! The cabin we stayed in, the support staff, and especially the surrounding Grand Teton National Park was a dream come true! Hiking was a new adventure every day and I was in awe of hiking in the very heart of those magnificent mountains!
— Review left September 3, 2024
Murie Ranch is a special place! The hikes brought us to beautiful places, the Snake River float trip was a wonderful experience, and Chef John prepared excellent meals! Thanks to our guides & coordinator for allowing us to have this experience. And you may get to see a few moose wandering nearby!
— Review left September 2, 2024
Spending 6 days in the cabins at the Murie Ranch, a National Historic Landmark, is an incredible way to experience the wilderness and connect with the legacy of devoted conservationists Olaf and Marty Murie! Off the Map: Exploring the Heart of the Tetons by Boot and Boat offered a variety of scenic daily hikes with options for different hiker levels. Besides hiking, the aerial tram and gondola ride treated us to spectacular vistas of the Tetons and we spotted eagles, beaver and moose on our river raft float trip. Having feasted on nature’s beauty during the day, our chef nourished us in the evening with wonderful meals as we recapped the day’s experiences. Rustic setting, full days, and a small group of participants made for a week of lifetime memories!
— Review left August 29, 2024
This was a well organized program with good leadership. Each day had 3 hike choices to accommodate all levels. The cabins were rustic and separate from the bathhouse but that never detracted from our experience. All breakfasts and dinners were prepared by a professionally trained chef so they far exceeded my expectations. All in all, we saw bears, elk, pelicans, pronghorns and moose - all at a safe distance.
Couple of heads up - A. the ride from the airport can be expensive so use UBER if you have that App. B. regardless of the weather forecast, it will rain. C. Waffles at Corbetts are considered "finger food" so maybe you'd do well to pack a plastic fork up the gondola.
Overall - a very good program.
— Review left August 18, 2024
As one who hadn’t been in a wilderness environment before, and hadn’t done much hiking, I was given incredible support by the guides so that this program was an A+ for me. Those participants who were experienced also had a stellar experience because the guides had hikes that suited each of our fitness levels. It was remarkable how we all were accomodated. I loved this trip!
— Review left July 22, 2024
Breathtaking wilderness hikes, enthusiastic leaders and instructors, humbling historical significance of simple accommodations. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat!
— Review left September 24, 2023
It is with pleasure that I review the program Exploring the Tetons, by Boot and Boat. This excellent trip took place at the Teton Science School’s Murie Ranch in Moose, Wyoming. The accommodations at the ranch were rustic, comfortable, and helped me see how the Murie’s lived. The chef prepared food was excellent and welcomed at the end of our busy days. The hike leaders were pleasant and accommodating with encyclopedic knowledge of the area. The schedule was well thought out and comprehensive… We were able to see so much of the wildlife and the amazing Tetons. This trip was definitely a 10 out of 10!
— Review left September 12, 2023
Great program, in a unique location. The Murie Ranch is both a slice of history and the perfect way to feel you are experiencing nature up close and personal. Gorgeous hikes.
— Review left September 2, 2023
Great program. Beautiful scenery. Our leaders were knowledgeable, outgoing and friendly and shared all of their vast stores of information in ways that were interesting, informative and fun. Several options for daily hikes seemed to meet the needs of everyone in the program.
— Review left August 27, 2023
the alpine flowers were spectacular.I have been many places in the world but never seen such a bloom!
Elizabeth
— Review left July 22, 2023
Very enjoyable time in nature. I enjoyed staying within the national park on the historic Murie Ranch. It was fun to have bears and other wildlife nearby. The hiking was wonderful and the scenery gorgeous. Highly recommend this program to those who love to hike and care about our national parks. I thought that overall, the hiking was at the easier end of the Outdoor Spirited level of difficulty.
— Review left September 26, 2022
An exceptional program. The hikes were beautiful, the guides knowledgeable and helpful, the presentations insightful, and the food delicious. Having day-long hikes (packing our lunches) and staying at the ranch meant that almost all of our time was outdoors -- a big plus. Learning more about Mardy and Olaus Murie's lives and work was inspiring -- highly recommend reading _Two in the Far North_ and _Wapiti Wilderness_ before, during, or after the program. Another treat was the amazing dark night sky. Would gladly do this program again.
— Review left September 14, 2022
It's a beautiful area to hike in, and an historic setting to stay in.
— Review left August 31, 2022
The Grand Tetons boot and boat program is an amazing experience that you will never regret! The float trip down the Snake River with the Tetons backdrop is just so majestic. The hiking experiences were all excellent.
— Review left October 13, 2019