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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 24 Reviews
SHOWING
The Road Scholar Off the Map: Exploring the Tetons by Boot and Boat is a spectacular and unforgettable adventure! To experience Grand Teton National Park, one of the most magnificent National Parks in our country, is indeed a privilege and beyond captivating. The experience of spending time exploring and marveling one of our American Treasures, is a privilege and enlightening in many ways. The history, hikes, accommodation at the Murie Ranch, and meals were incredible to say the least.
From beginning to end, the Road Scholar staff, correspondence, program itinerary and travel information were great. An incredible team to say the least, our Road Scholar guides took the time to observe and attend to the needs of each of our team members. Their professionalism, willingness to accommodate our needs, and abundance of knowledge was more than expected.
Thank you, host Lena, program assistant Campbell, group leaders Sophie, Clare, and Leila, the wonderful greeters, Carmie and Janet, and phenomenal chef John! You are an exceptional team bar none!
With Respect & Gratitude -JJD
— Review left October 7, 2025
An awesome trip to the Murie Ranch. The hiking and wildlife sightings were superb. It was a little unnerving because of bear sightings near the cabins- they were definitely enjoying the berries. The staff at Teton Science was passionate about the ranch, the park and their programs. Their enthusiasm was definitely contagious. This trip is not for everyone, make sure you are really capable of the hiking and comfortable with rustic surroundings. But if you are good with that, the views, hikes and float trip are wonderful. Now I need to decide on my next trip.
— Review left September 23, 2025
This was my first Road Scholar program and it exceeded expectations! The planning, location choice, staff/instructors, activities, and organization were all superb. I plan on attending other RS programs,and highly recommend this organization to other prospective clients. I especially appreciated the choice of Murie Ranch and learning about the Muries-wish we had them with us today!
— Review left September 22, 2025
We went to the Grand Tetons and learned so much about this part of the country with some wonderful people and very knowledgeable leaders and experienced beauty that was very inspiring!
— Review left September 1, 2025
The area is very beautiful and this trip allows you to access parts of the park easily even in a busy season. The Murie Ranch is an interesting place and the the history behind it is fascinating. Note that most of the lodging is in rustic cabins that require a walk to the bathroom. The instructors from Teton Science School are very enthusiastic but young.
— Review left August 28, 2025
Murie Ranch is beautiful and the Tetons are magnificent. The hiking is just perfect and the Teton Science School provided wonderful guides and leadership. If you love hiking, this is a perfect trip.
— Review left August 11, 2025
The mountains and landscapes are breathtaking. The accommodations at Murie Ranch are primitive, uncomfortable, and not secure. The general public is welcome on site and might make use of the bathroom facilities. Staff leave after dinner, and you are on your own at that point until morning. Cell service is spotty at best; don't count on it. There is no security. Do not bring valuables. The cabin lock is a sliding latch which may or may not work and is only available when you're inside. Otherwise, no lock. The hike leaders are young, mature for their ages, but still young with little life experience. There are real dangers on site and in the mountains. This is grizzly bear country. You will be taught how to use bear spray and provided with a one shot canister in your cabin. The cabins are hot and, for the most part, furnished with second hand furniture. One cabin has a fan; the others do not. The electrical system is old and cannot handle modern devices without overheating. Mosquito nets surround the beds to keep the "critters" off you in the night time. Mattress pads are waterproof, i.e. plastic. There are two cabins with indoor bathrooms. Everyone else needs to walk 50-200+ yards to get to the bathhouse, depending on the location of your cabin. You will need to take your bear spray with you when you go... The Murie Ranch is isolated. Travel from the airport is about 10 minutes, but may cost you in excess of $60-$70 one way. Food must be stored in the main lodge; otherwise you will attract wildlife to your cabin. The hikes in the mountains can be a bit challenging for those who don't hike regularly, slow for those who do. Be aware, electrical storms pop up and you may be exposed to lightening strikes. Hike leaders are EMT trained in the event something untoward occurs.
All this said, I would not recommend this trip unless you are comfortable camping in an area with dangerous wildlife.
This was my 11th RS trip. All others were well vetted; this one needs revisiting.
— Review left July 23, 2025
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






