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 moose, 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 the 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 hardshell kayaks and navigate the rapids of this famous river. Our trip will end 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 Snake River
Rock climb with Exum Mountain Guides

Grade

For students completing grades 8-12 in June 2012

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

6 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Jackson, Wyoming

Accommodations

All camping in tents. Mix of frontcountry and backcountry.

12 nights of front-country camping. All campsites have bathrooms with flush toilets and running water. Three nights have showers and laundry available as well.
7 nights of backcountry camping. Groups camp at established backcountry campsites with bear hangs. Groups will split and camp in adjacent sites because permits do not allow large groups to share a single site.

Dates and Fees

3 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 13 (for students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2012)
Sunday, July 15 to Friday, August 3 (for students who will finish grades 8 & 9 in June 2012)

$4295 (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. We'll camp in Grand Teton National Park and spend the next day on a day hike in central Yellowstone to warm up.

Yellowstone National Park

Our backcountry hikes will take us to the beautiful lands of Yellowstone National Park, the world’s oldest national park. The first hike will be three days long,averaging 5-6 miles per day, and doing a small loop near Old Faithful; and the second will be six days long, averaging 7-8 miles per day on the trail doing a larger loop or point-to-point hike in northwest or southeast Yellowstone (depends on permits and snow conditions). 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 moose, deer, bison and elk.

Rock Climbing

We’ll also spend two days rock climbing in Grand Teton National Park with world-renowned Exum Mountain Guides. 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.

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 Rendezvous Riversports 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.

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 perfect trip!"Lacey Serletti, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Yellowstone Teton Explorer Release Forms

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have an intermediate 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 well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

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.

Packing for Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. Participants can bring one additional set of travel clothes (e.g. jeans and a t-shirt) to wear on the plane. These will be left in the van.
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.
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.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
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 413-458-9672.

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.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
Two or three tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
For cool nights in camp.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest.

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.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic 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.

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.

Pajamas
Optional.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

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 for your flight 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 layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 20 degrees 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.

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.

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.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.

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.

Telescoping Hiking Poles
Optional. Hiking poles are great for stability while hiking, reducing strain on the knees and providing balance while crossing streams or on rough terrain.

Gaiters
Optional. Recommended for Alaska Explorer.

Mosquito Head Net
Optional. Strongly advised for Yellowstone Teton Explorer, Northwest Explorer and Alaska Explorer.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and four 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.

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

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

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

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

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

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.

DROP OFF: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) at Baggage Claim at 1:00 p.m. Sunday
PICK UP: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in the main Ticketing Hall/Check-In Area at 9:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

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

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

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) General Delivery addresses: For some programs, a mail stop will be a General Delivery address—this is a post office; post offices can only receive U.S. Postal Service mail (they cannot accept UPS or FedEx).

Yellowstone Teton Explorer 1

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before June 28th

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

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 9th

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

Yellowstone Teton Explorer 2

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before July 19th

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

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 30th

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

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check 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

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Nick Sizer

Hometown: West Simsbury, Connecticut
School: Connecticut College
Leadership: New England Explorer, Yellowstone Teton Explorer
More about Nick »

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