Yellowstone Teton Explorer

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.

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.

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

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Videos

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Prepare & Pack

Yellowstone Teton Explorer is rated 6 on a scale of 1-10 (1 is the easiest). This rating places Yellowstone Teton Explorer in a moderate category and means participants must be prepared for some long days on the trail (groups average 6-7 miles per day on backcountry sections over varied and sometimes challenging terrain).

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not broken in. The training guidelines below are designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Five weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Four weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10% of your body weight.

One week before your trip start: Take two 2-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 15-20% of your body weight.

Yellowstone Teton Explorer is considered to be an intermediate level trip and experience among participants will vary. No previous experience is required for either our kayaking or climbing sections—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn.

Your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on several factors:

1. Your fitness. Any reasonably fit, reasonably active teen will do just fine.
2. Your motivation. It’s not always easy—you must be motivated!
3. Your commitment to teamwork. Overland trips require compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your trip leaders and your trip mates, and you’ll find that you will have a great experience.

Packing for Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Nighttime temperatures are much cooler when you are at high elevation than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them this summer! Keep in mind, however, 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. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. 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 bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

Overland will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities. (e.g., climbing and kayaking) and this is included in your trip fee.

Clothing

• Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
  The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.


• Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt and Bottom
  One or two tops and one bottom. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.


• Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
  For cool nights in camp.


• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket and Pants
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• Insulated vest
  An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest will help keep your core warm during cool mornings out on the trail. Be sure it's compactable.


• Shorts To Hike In
  Two pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.


• T-Shirts
  Three. Synthetic are recommended; cotton are acceptable. At least one synthetic shirt is recommended because it will dry faster than cotton. One cotton shirt works well for at night in camp.

• Underwear
  Five.


• Socks
  Three pairs of thick wool/synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.


• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these will not be acceptable for kayaking. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for kayaking and around camp.


• Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
  A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

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/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.


• Backpack
  4,000-5,000 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.
  

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

• Day Pack
  Your day pack can be used as a carry-on and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm clothes.


• Sleeping Bag
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 30 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.


• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.


• 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.

• Mosquito Head Net
  A mesh net that fits over your head to keep mosquitos away from your face. Handy at night in camp when the bugs are out.

• Small Flashlight / Headlamp

• Small Safety Whistle
  Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.


• Utensils
  For meals you will need a 6" to 8" plastic Tupperware/Rubbermaid dish or bowl with a top and a spoon. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.


• Plastic Bags
  Ten large ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.


• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag).  If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.


• Moleskin or Molefoam
  One full package for blister protection.

• Sunglasses & Hat
  With visor (e.g., baseball cap).

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent


• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after your trip. If you would like to keep your own journal, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Spending Money
  $50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for Yellowstone Teton Explorer.

Admission Material 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Yellowstone Teton Explorer Release Form 2010

Apply

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.