Yellowstone Explorer

After an introductory day hike in Grand Teton National Park and sufficient prep time for your upcoming backcountry adventure, a sea kayaking voyage on Yellowstone Lake.

Home to the second-largest high alpine lake in the world, Yellowstone is an ideal location to explore via kayak. Once you’re in your sea kayak, you’ll rest your legs and put your arms to use as you glide across the clear waters of this vast lake. From your boats you may even be able to see steaming geysers and bubbles coming from the bottom of the lake! Your second morning on the water will be spent paddling with high hopes of seeing wildlife. You’re likely to see bald eagles, elk, mule deer, bison, moose and possibly wolves! This is an incredibly unique experience to explore parts of the park that most visitors will never see. The next day, you’ll get off the water, take showers and do laundry, and then head over to the Gallatin Canyon of Montana for your next adventure!

Setting your sites north to Montana, your first goal will be to hit the whitewater! You and your trip mates will hop into rafts and take to the Gallatin River. Before you start however, your professional river guides will show you the proper paddling techniques so that you’re well-prepared to encounter the exciting rapids. This section of the river not only has top notch rafting waters, but it also winds through an impressive steep-walled canyon. You’ll zipline high above the Gallatin River rapids in an exciting conclusion to your first day in Montana. Afterwards, you’ll take a shower, do some laundry and prepare for your backpacking excursion!

Your backpacking adventure will take you high into the alpine wilderness! The Spanish Peaks Wilderness is filled with crystal clear, glassy lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows. Initially, you’ll begin hiking low mileage to allow your body to adjust to carrying your backpack. Each day of hiking will have two team members acting as “Leaders of the Day.” These individuals will carry the maps, help coordinate rest breaks, and set up camp. One afternoon, you’ll take a short day hike leading to the summit of a nearby peak. Few words can come close to describing the immense sense of accomplishment that you’ll feel standing tall on top of the world.

Your final day together is spent celebrating the end of your quest by rafting the wild Snake River in Jackson Hole! By now, you are truly seasoned whitewater rafters and are sure to conquer rapids such as “Big Kahuna” and “Lunch Counter.” Following the rapids you’ll enjoy an end-of-summer banquet. Tonight you’ll sleep out under the stars one last time!