Adventure Travel
Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Adventure Abound
Join us for a week of action-packed multisport adventure in the two most distinguished National Parks of the Western Frontier. This week, while traveling in a grand circuit around Jackson Hole, Wyoming, we will bike, hike, kayak, rock climb and horseback ride through the classic American West. Prepare to bike past herds of wild buffalo along the famed Nez Perce trail. Gaze at the magnificant swirling colors, cascading falls and geysers of Yellowstone’s geothermal activity. Kayak through the glassy morning waters of Yellowstone Lake. Lace up your boots and hold on tight as we horseback ride through the lush forests and wild mountains surrounding Coulter Bay. Put your skills to the test as we climb the grand spires and rock formations of the Teton’s. Finally, treat yourself to four nights of luxury accommodations at the Snow King Resort and historic Old Faithful Inn. In this five day, six night adventure, you will do it all!
Activities
This is an adventure-packed trip designed to explore the best Yellowstone and Grand Teton has to offer. However, if you do not want to participate in certain activities, rest or alternative events can be arranged. This is your experience and we will do everything possible to make it a trip of a lifetime.
Event Details
- Day 1 Welcome to Jackson Hole
- Day 2 Yellowstone Hike & Biking
- Day 3 Kayak Yellowstone Lake
- Day 4 Kayak Coulter Bay, Horseback Riding
- Day 5 Rock Climbing
- Day 6 Bike Antelope Flats
- Day 7 Depart Jackson Hole
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Accommodations
Accommodations for this trip include four nights at luxury hotels, one night in tent cabins and one night camping.Snow King Resort
The Snow King Resort, conveniently located in historic downtown Jackson Hole, is just 4 miles from the Grand Teton National Park, 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park and minutes from the famous Jackson Hole ski area. Luxury room accommodations at the Snow King include double occupancy queen beds, color cable television, heating and air conditioning with individual thermostats, data port, complimentary Wi-Fi, direct dial telephone with voice mail, views of the surrounding mountains and the Grand Tetons. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, outdoor whirlpools, game room, masseuse, day spa and laundry facilities.Old Faithful Inn
The Old Faithful Inn is a National Historic Landmark and one of the last remaining log hotels in the United States. Built in 1903, the architect sought to reflect the asymmetry and chaos of nature. The hotel features a 65-foot ceiling, a massive fireplace, original copper and iron chandeliers, and railings made of contorted lodgepole pine- just to name a few. Its vast interior can be experienced on many different levels and from many different vantage points throughout the relaxing nooks and crannies of the hotel. This architectural wonder is within viewing distance of the Old Faithful Geyser and a short walk to numerous other attractions. Our single room accommodations include queen beds inside the historic building. Accommodations at the inn are in keeping with the rustic feel of Yellowstone and therefore do not provide modern amenities.Camping
Coulter Bay Tent Cabins are located within the Coulter Bay Village, tucked along the shores of Jackson Lake. There are two restaurants, launderette and showers, a grocery store, gift and apparel shops, corrals, service station and a full service marina. The Tent Cabins are constructed with log walls and a canvass roof with bunk beds, mattresses and pillows inside.Package Includes
- All accommodations (double occupancy)
- Outdoor Bound guide
- Many meals
- Transportation to and from Jackson Hole Airport
- Park entrance fees
- Rock climbing with professional guides
- Kayaking in Yellowstone Lake
- Horseback riding through Grand Teton National Park
- Guided hikes
- Guided bike rides and bike rentals
- Closing gourmet dinner in Jackson Hole
Does not include
- Airfare to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Optional activities such as canoeing and fishing
- Some meals
An Exhilarating Week in Wyoming
July 3 > Welcome to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole’s history begins over ten million years ago as the valley floor was uplifted by a major fault line and deposited to create the massive formations of the Grand Teton’s. The valley was home to prehistoric people until the last ice age and inhabited by American Indians until 200 years ago. The Lewis and Clark expedition spawned a massive migration of fur traders, trappers and homesteaders to Jackson’s lush valley, and today lives and breathes the air of the Western Frontier. Upon arrival at the Jackson Hole airport, we provide a free shuttle to the downtown Snow King Resort where you will meet your guide and team for the week.
July 4 > Old Faithful
Today, we pack up and head into the heart of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is perhaps most famous for the Old Faithful Geyser, which errupts with brilliant force on an average of once per hour. However, there over 500 geysers in the park as well as a plethora of other geothermal wonders such as colorful swirling pools, mud pots and fumaroles. Additionally, it’s hard to travel through the park without sighting wildlife of some kind. The park hosts healthy populations of grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, buffalo, elk, wild horses, pronghorn antelope, trumpeter swans, pelicans and eagles.
After breakfast in Jackson, we will drive into the park and begin by biking a mix of on and off-road terrain along the Nez Perce trail. The Nez Perce fled through this area in 1877 to avoid persecution by the American settlers. Today, the area is dedicated to the memory of this triumphant tribe and hosts countless cultural remains. We will arrive at the Old Faithful area in time for lunch and further exploration of the park.
Tonight’s dinner and sleeping accommodations are at the historic Old Faithful Inn, a true architectural feat unlike any other in the world.
July 5 > Kayak Yellowstone Lake
After a hearty breakfast at the Old Faithful Inn, we will pack up and head to the calm waters of Yellowstone Lake, the largest body of water in the park. Our Kayak session begins with a brief orientation into water safety and the skills necesseary to ensure a pleasant morning on the water. As we kayak along the shores of the West Thumb, you will notice the many geothermal features scattered throughout the coast and even in the water itself. After lunch, we head to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for an afternoon hike. 600,000 years ago, a huge volcanic erruption emptied an underground magma chamber. In a matter of minutes, massive volcanic debris flowed wildly throughout the area, collapsing the roof of the chamber. This resulted in wild-flowing streams of lava, which cut deep scars into the earth. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of these scars and we will explore the magnitude of this formation from top to bottom. Tonight we will stay under the brilliant summer sky at the Bridge Bay campground.
July 6 > Horseback Riding
This morning, you have a chance to sleep in a bit before we drive a short distance to the Coulter Bay of Yellowstone Lake. Here, you will find the down time and flexibility often sought after in the middle of a group trip. Optional activities this morning include: canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just exploring the Coulter Bay Marina. Our group will meet back up for an early lunch before diving into the next activity, horseback riding. The ride takes approximately 2.5 hours and meanders through beautiful lodgepole pine forests — a neat, perfectly manicured complilation of magnificant trees and very little undergrowth. Truly the perfect place to ride horses. Destinations today will include Heron Pond and Swan Lake where you will see numerous wildflowers and yellow pond lilies, hear birds, and maybe even spot some wildlife such as beavers, swans and moose. After our ride, we will retire to the quaint and rustic Coulter Bay tent cabins, where we will cook dinner and rest for the night.
July 7 > Rock Climbing Grand Tetons
Today we head into the high mountains at the edge of Jenny Lake for a full day of rock climbing. Fewer places offer the sheer magnitude and quantity of routes as the Tetons. With over 50 classic climbs, it can be difficult to narrow down your goal. Fortunately for you, we have scouted the best, most approachable route in the area. Our goal today is to climb the East Ridge of Symmetry Spire: one of the best routes around. A highly rewarding traverse of the peak can be made by approaching this ridge via beautiful Hanging Canyon and descending by way of the Southwest Couloir. Most of the terrain is simple scrambling, which will at once satisfy the adrenaline junkie while putting the novice at ease under the close supervision of your guides. All climbing guides are AMGA-certified; the best team in the industry. After a full day on the rock, we return to Jackson Hole and the Snow King Hotel where you may indulge in the niceties of civilian life.
July 8 > Biking Grand Tetons
After a well-earned sleep in your luxury resort, we saddle up again for one last day on the bikes. Today we will ride Antelope Flats, an easy four-hour mountain bike path on the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park. The trail winds through a beautiful valley of sweet-smelling sage brush and high prairie grasses home to large herds of Antelope. At every turn along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Grand Teton from across the flatlands. After our morning ride, we return to Jackson for lunch, shopping, exploration and a photography hike up Snow King Mountain. Tonight, our group will convene for a complimentary farewell banquet at the Snow King Hotel. While we enjoy our four-course dinner and fine dining atmosphere, we can share stories and laughs of your latest and greatest experience of the American West.
July 9 > Final Day in Wyoming
In your final day in Wyoming, check in with your guide to arrange a free shuttle to Jackson Hole airport. As you take off, look out the window for the Grand Teton, Antelope Flats and Yellowstone Lake as your plane gains elevation. Sit back, relax and marvel over your accomplishments of the week.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.
Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels
We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.
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Activity
How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
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Distances
You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
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Surfaces
What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
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Elevation Change
The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
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Altitude
The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.
Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful
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Activity
1 – 3 hours
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Distances
Walk or hike less than 3 miles
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Surfaces
Flat terrain
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Elevation Change
Little or none
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Altitude
Less than 3,000 feet
Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers
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Activity
2 – 5 hours
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Distances
Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days
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Surfaces
Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible
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Elevation Change
Up to 1,500 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 6,000 feet
Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above
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Activity
4 – 6 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days
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Surfaces
Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps
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Elevation Change
Up to 2,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 10,000 feet
Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills
Experience required.
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Activity
5 – 8 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
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Elevation Change
3,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 14,000 feet
Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers
Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).
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Activity
10 plus hours per day
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Distances
Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features
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Elevation Change
Up to 4,000+ feet per day
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Altitude
May well exceed 14,000 feet
Preparing for your trip to Wyoming
Packing
If you are unsure of what to bring, give us a call or send us an email! Our staff is happy to help ensure you are comfortably outfitted for your trip.
To prepare yourself for the activities, join Outdoor Bound on any of our local day trips. Our trained guides will coach you and offer helpful tips in preparing for your big adventure.
Weather
Temperatures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks can vary from 46 degrees fahrenheit in the evenings to 80 degrees during the day.
Essential Pack List
Two water bottles
Hiking boots or shoes
Hiking socks (four pairs minimum)
Base top layer (wicking t-shirts)
Heavy layer (sweater or fleece)
Pants, hiking shorts
Long Underwear/thermals
Waterproof Jacket and Pants
Jeans for horseback riding
Swimsuit
Underwear
Casual wear for town, camping
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Flashlight or headlamp
Sandals or shoes that can get wet and dry quickly
Recommended Items
Binoculars for viewing wildlife
Sleeping bag (you can rent one in Jackson)
Sleeping pad
Biking shorts
Liner socks
Camera
Book
Journal
Biodegradable soap and shampoo
Feminine hygiene products, small pack of tissue
Medications, prescription and non-prescription
Small towel and washcloth
General Information
Please read our terms and conditions and call us with any questions you may have about the trip before booking. A gear and departure check-list will be sent to you upon booking confirmation.
Bringing a Friend or Two?
Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.
Reminder about Winter Trip Conditions
We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.
Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.
