Yellowstone Teton Explorer

3 weeks

open to grades 8-12

Overview

Yellowstone’s two million acres stretch across a landscape as varied and magnificent as any on the planet, boasting mountains, lakes, waterfalls, geysers and abundant wildlife. During our three weeks together, we’ll explore Yellowstone’s beauty while backpacking, rock climbing and kayaking.

We’ll meet in Jackson, Wyoming, and then head north into the vast Yellowstone backcountry for two backpacking trips. A spectacular mountain environment, Yellowstone is home to bears, wolves, moose and herds of wild bison and elk. Our hiking in Yellowstone will give us ample time to discover the wildlife and natural beauty of America’s most celebrated national park.

After our backcountry hikes, we’ll take a break from the trail to spend two days rock climbing in Grand Teton National Park with world-renowned Exum Mountain Guides, learning to belay, rappel and tie climbing knots. We’ll also spend four days at kayaking school on the Snake River, just south of Yellowstone. With instruction from professional guides, we’ll learn to paddle hard-shell kayaks and navigate the rapids of this exciting and scenic river. Our trip will end with smiles in Jackson, as we proudly look back on three exciting weeks exploring the best of Yellowstone and the Tetons.

"Our leaders were the two most positive, supportive and fun people I have ever met."Atleigh Forden, Princeton, New Jersey

Highlights

Discover Yellowstone's wildlife
Backpack the Yellowstone high country
Learn to kayak on the scenic Snake River
Rock climb with Exum Mountain Guides

Grade

For students who will finish grades 8-12 in June 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

6 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Jackson, Wyoming.

Dates and Fees

Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 16 (for students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2010)
Sunday, July 18 to Friday, August 6 (for students who will finish grades 8 & 9 in June 2010)

$4095 (airfare not included).

“My leaders helped me to have the best Overland experience ever. They made every day fun." Ranjit Inamdar, Houston, Texas

Itinerary

Trip Start

We'll meet in Jackson and spend our first day together checking over our gear, learning how to pack our backpacks and getting to know one another before heading out on our first hike.

Yellowstone National Park

Our backcountry hikes will take us to the beautiful lands of Yellowstone National Park (www.nps.gov/yell/), the world’s oldest national park. Both backcountry hikes will be five days in length, our first averaging 5-6 miles per day and our second averaging 7-8 miles per day on the trail. We'll carry all of our gear, learn about Leave No Trace principles and work together to enhance our backpacking skills. Each morning we'll rise early, pack up camp and get out on the trail in hopes of tackling most of our mileage before the mid-day heat and arriving at camp in time to relax, play games or swim before dinner. Along the way we'll hope to glimpse some of Yellowstone's spectacular wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, coyotes, bison and elk.

Kayaking the Snake River

Taking a break from the trail, we'll spend four days at kayaking school on the Snake River just south of Jackson. We’ll work with Jackson-based Snake River Kayak and Canoe (www.snakeriverkayak.com) as we learn to paddle hard-shell kayaks and navigate the river. We’ll start out in a flat-water lake or pool to go over safety procedures, adjust to our equipment and learn some basic kayaking strokes. We’ll then head out on a calm section of the Snake to learn to read and navigate the river—negotiating peel-outs, eddy turns and ferries. Building on our skills, we’ll progress from flat water to moving water, and by day four, we'll have the option to tackle some Class II and III rapids. No previous kayaking experience is required—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn.

Rock Climbing

We’ll also spend two days rock climbing in Grand Teton National Park with world-renowned Exum Mountain Guides (www.exumguides.com). Exum has been guiding climbing trips for over 80 years and is well known for its superior guides and safety record. Our first day will be spent learning the basics of rock climbing: tying knots, anchoring, belaying, basic rappelling and top-roping. We'll expand on this knowledge our second day, spending more time climbing, rappelling and working on our new skills. Like kayaking, no previous climbing experience is required—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn.

Trip End

At the end of our three weeks together, we’ll head back to Jackson for an evening out to celebrate our adventures together in Wyoming on Yellowstone Teton Explorer, a life experience with value and resonance that extend far beyond the boundaries of a single summer!

“A perfect trip!"Lacey Serletti, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Trip Details

Here's what a former Yellowstone Teton Explorer leader had to say about the trip:

“Yellowstone and the Jackson area are two of the most naturally beautiful places I have ever seen. I think that I spent most of the three weeks in as much awe as the kids! For instance, one night we were sitting in camp eating dinner when a moose family strolled by on their evening walk – we couldn’t believe it! Every time I thought the views couldn’t get any more stunning, we’d crest a hill or round a bend in the river and I’d be proven wrong. The best part was that the entire group was seeing the area for the first time so people were constantly laughing and taking pictures in order to capture as many moments as possible – what a great trip!”

“Ann had a wonderful trip. It was challenging, but it forced her to grow in positive ways. She really bonded with her group and leaders.” Lynn Whalen, Worcester, Massachusetts

Photos

Click thumbnails below to enlarge

Print View

Enrollment Forms

Admissions Material 2010

Yellowstone Teton Explorer Release Forms 2010

Prepare & Pack

Packing List 2010 as a PDF

Packing List for: High Sierra Explorer | Northwest Explorer | Rocky Mountain Explorer | Yellowstone Teton Explorer

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee that you'll appreciate them this summer, especially at night or when you’re at high elevations. Keep in mind that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well.

The most important part of preparing and packing for a hiking trip is breaking in your boots. We cannot emphasize enough how essential this is for a successful trip. Starting a month before your trip begins, wear your boots at home and go on several long walks or hikes in them. You should go on at least one 5-mile hike in your boots with a backpack with some weight in it. Students have had to leave trips early because of blisters so please, please, please break in your boots. You’ll be glad you did and it will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack.
If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time. Please do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 800.458.0588.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket and Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavyweight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Long-Sleeve Shirt and Pants
One or two tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
*High Sierra Explorer students should bring a second pair of warm waterproof gloves for their Shasta climb.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Insulated Vest
One insulated fleece or down vest. Make sure it’s compactable.

Shorts
Two pairs of synthetic shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts are recommended but cotton shirts are acceptable.

Underwear
Five.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. Flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable for water activities such as rafting or kayaking. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and when in camp.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Pajamas
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric and leather combination.

Backpack
The backpack should be 4000-5000 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.
*Rocky Mountain Explorer students only need a pack that is 1800-3000 cubic inches.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 25 Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on and will be used for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack but it should have two shoulder straps (not a satchel or messenger bag) and should big enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, some food, and some extra clothes.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.
*High Sierra Explorer students should know that water bladders are not recommend for the Shasta climb.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.
*Rocky Mountain Explorer and High Sierra Explorer students must have headlamps for their summit climbs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Mosquito Head Net
*High Sierra Explorer and Yellowstone Teton Explorer students are strongly advised to bring mosquito head nets. They are extremely useful in the backcountry when the bugs are bad at night or in low marshy areas.

Small Safety Whistle
Needed for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring lots and lots of sunscreen; it’s especially useful when on the water and at high elevations.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray or cream.

Moleskin
For blister prevention and care.

Gaiters
Optional.

Miscellaneous

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and two large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor
*High Sierra Explorer students should have sunglasses that wrap around to protect from the sun reflecting off of the snow on the Shasta climb and descent.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Jackson, Wyoming. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

Flight Arrival: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) between 10am and 12pm Sunday, 6/27 and 7/18.
Flight Departure: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) between 8am and 12pm Friday, 7/16 and 8/6.

Drop Off: United Baggage Claim at 1pm.
Pick Up: United Check-In at 9am.

Any other special cases: please call the Overland office to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Mail Stops

During the trip, students may receive mail sent to the below addresses.

Mail Notes:

1) On the lower left corner of the envelope, please write: "Please hold for Overland."
2) Mail sent to General Delivery addresses can only be sent via the USPS.

Yellowstone Teton Explorer 1

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before July 1st

Student's Name, Overland/YTX 1
General Delivery
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 12th

Student's Name, Overland/YTX 1
General Delivery
Jackson, WY 83001

Yellowstone Teton Explorer 2

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before July 22nd

Student's Name, Overland/YTX 2
General Delivery
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before August 2nd

Student's Name, Overland/YTX 2
General Delivery
Jackson, WY 83001

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2010

Apply Now

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.

Greg Rosenbaum

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
School: Kenyon College
More about Greg »

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