Yellowstone Teton Challenge

Trip Summary

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on an action-packed trip to Wyoming's stunning Rocky Mountains this summer! For four days, hike through Wyoming's wildlife-rich backcountry trails—spotting bison, black bears, lynx, elk, mountain goats, and more. Learn the ins and outs of whitewater kayaking the Snake River, and spend two days climbing in the famed Wind Rivers. Trek up to an alpine lake for an incredible view in Grand Teton National Park, and then cap off your journey with a thrilling whitewater rafting ride down the Snake River. Don't miss out on an unforgettable adventure in America's first national park!

Itinerary

After a day hike on day two to get your trail legs ready, embark on an epic four-day hiking trip through Yellowstone's stunning Rocky Mountains! Escape the crowds and explore trails that lead past some of the park's 500+ active geysers—the largest concentration in the world. Experience the incredible biodiversity and keep an eye out for Yellowstone's famous wildlife as you hike. Shaped by ancient volcanic activity, these mountains offer a breathtaking and unique landscape you won't forget.

*We may backpack in Bridger Teton National Forest instead.

Get ready to scale the granite domes of the famous Wind River Range! Known for its glaciers, lush valleys, soaring peaks, and pristine lakes, this area attracts climbers from around the world. Spend two jam-packed days honing your climbing skills and tackling various grades, all while surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery in North America. At the end of the day, feed your inner thrill-seeker by with an exciting rappel down the crag!

A crowd favorite, you're guaranteed to fall in love with whitewater kayaking on the Snake River. Don't worry if you don't have experience; we will teach you everything you need to know to have tons of fun and learn new skills. You'll walk away with a solid background in kayaking basics and a new passion for rivers!

Though smaller than its big brother Yellowstone, the Tetons pack a lot of punch in their trails and views! As you hike through the lush conifer forest, you'll catch stunning vistas of Bradley, Taggart, and the famed Jenny lakes and the expansive green prairies below. Keep an eye out for black bears, mule deer, and grouse along the way.

No Adventure Treks is complete without some awesome whitewater rafting. First, hop on the Gallatin River in Montana's Big Sky country for a great day of riding class II to IV rapids. At the end of the trip, get ready for some of the bounciest water you've ever encountered with your new best friends at your side on the Snake River. With the majestic Tetons towering overhead, every moment will make you fall in love with rafting!

Trip Details

Arrival/Departure

Jackson Hole, WY (JAC)

Grades

9th, 10th, 11th

Length

17 days

Dates

6/25 - 7/117/16 - 8/1

Tuition

$5,795

Activities

Backpacking
Whitewater rafting
Whitewater kayaking
Mountain summit
Rock climbing

ENROLL

More InfoReviews

Included in tuition:

  • All meals
  • Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
  • Guided activities

Not included in tuition:

  • Airfare to and from Jackson, WY (JAC)
  • Travel protection (more info here)
  • Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled families)

Travel information

  • Arrive in JAC on opening day between 9 am and 2 pm
  • Depart from JAC on closing day between 6 am and 11 am
  • Find more travel information here

Camping

Most of our nights are spent at "frontcountry" campsites, where we'll generally have a more developed campsite with running water, toilets, and sometimes cell phone service. This may be a public or private campground. We often stay at the same frontcountry site a few days in a row.

The other few nights will be spent "backcountry" camping, referring to wilderness locations where we are most likely out of cell phone service and away from our vehicles, electricity, and other amenities. Multi-day activities like backpacking take place in the backcountry.

Challenge/fitness level

No experience necessary; all outdoor skill levels welcome! We'll teach students everything they need to know to be successful and have lots of fun.

Fitness and physical challenge are subjective, so Adventure Treks does not "rate" its trips based on challenge. However, because we’ll be highly engaged in strenuous and backcountry activities throughout trip, our students have the responsibility to be physically fit. We know physical fitness looks different for everyone, but it’s important to come prepared so that you and your fellow students can succeed. One student not coming prepared with physical fitness will negatively impact the entire group. In the months leading up to their trip, students should develop a routine that emphasizes stamina and sustaining a moderate level of exertion for many hours, several days in a row. Running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics classes, lifting weights, and team sports are all beneficial and will help improve cardiovascular fitness in preparation for a student’s trip.

Kimberly Cavill, parent from Harpers Ferry, WV:

Zoe had an amazing adventure this summer. She met some great people and learned a lot about the outdoors and herself. I loved the pictures and the updates. Very happy they were device-free except for the one-time check-in midway through the trip. I believe the most valuable learning lesson was perseverance. They were up against some uncomfortable situations like weather, bugs, terrain, camping. She came home with a sense of accomplishment.

Emery Bettis, parent from Winston Salem, NC:

Ames enjoyed the variety of activities and loved the different locations within Yellowstone and the Tetons. He also really enjoyed the others in his group; everyone had a great attitude and was invested in the experience. It was a great experience for Ames, and as parents we were well informed throughout the process. The entire process was top-notch. Great communication.

Aly Gutierrez, parent from Springfield, VA:

My son gained confidence and was proud of his accomplishments because he achieved things he never had before. He had the best summer of his life.

Laura Sklenicka, parent from Atlantic Beach, FL:

Adventures Treks trips have provided both of our daughters the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, both physically and socially in safe and accepting environments. Whether on a two-week trip to Colorado or a four-week trip to Alaska, the experiences offered to the kids allow them to challenge themselves with the support, love, and encouragement of the instructors and other students. On the trip, the kids can be kids without the worry of social media. They interact face-to-face with one another and develop bonds unlike anywhere else that can connect them for life. The trip can truly be transformative in a teen’s life and be something they look forward to doing every summer.

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