Teton-Yellowstone Multi-Sport
Teton-Yellowstone Multi-Sport
An Inn-to-Inn or camping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Whitewater Rafting and Horseback Riding Adventure
Imagine the thrill of a variety-packed adventure among two of America's treasured natural wonders, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. We'll experience hiking amid thundering geysers, biking beneath snow-capped peaks, rafting a roaring river, and riding horseback ... all in a land where elk, moose, deer, and antelope play.
Tracing tranquil footpaths, we'll explore Yellowstone's mighty canyons and waterfalls, rugged peaks, and remarkable thermal features. We'll discover steaming fumaroles, spewing geysers and bubbling mud pots; while also experiencing one of the world's premier wildlife sanctuaries. In the neighboring Teton Mountains, we swap to bikes and paddle oars beneath the shadows of one of the world's most dramatic mountain ranges ... rising abruptly more than 5,000' above the lake-studded Jackson Hole valley.
Designed for the light hiker and biker, this tour offers instruction on bike handling and technique. The cycling routes are generally level or downhill with more challenging biking and hiking options available.
Note: The following description describes our inn-to-inn trip. The activities for the camping and family camping departures are almost identical to the inn trip; the only difference being family departures combines family oriented lodging with activities specifically catered to children and adults alike. For a summary of our campsites, refer to the camping details that follow.
Day 1. Lake Yellowstone Hotel (307-242-3700/private baths)
Our group will rendezvous at 1:00 p.m. at the Alpine House in Jackson. We then shuttle to the Lake Yellowstone Hotel in Yellowstone National Park.
En route, we'll stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin, featuring a series of hot springs including Abyss Pool and Black Pool, both beautiful blue-green pools as alluring as any in the park. After touring the geysers, time permitting, we enjoy a short warm-up hike to Duck Lake that provides a fitting welcome to Yellowstone's pristine wilderness.
Our hotel is set close to the shores of Yellowstone Lake offering magnificent sweeping views. In the afternoon alpenglow, the views of the Absaroka Mountains across the lake's reflective waters are breathtaking. With time permitting, enjoy a short walk along the lake's sandy shores.
Tonight we will enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner and a short orientation on the week's adventures.
Day 2. Hiking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lake Yellowstone Hotel
Our exploration of Yellowstone begins in Hayden Valley, one of the park's premiers viewing areas for bison, elk, geese, trumpeter swans and pelicans.
From the valley's pastoral setting we head towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and lace up the hiking boots, don a daypack, and hit the trails. We walk through meadows and forests of lodge pole pine, past little-known mud pools and steam vents and on to Artists Point on the brink of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a stunning colorful chasm of echoing waterfalls. The 20-mile canyon is one of the world's most colorful wonders. With time permitting, we will also hike to another viewpoint of the Lower Falls (twice the height of Niagara) and marvel at the ever-changing perspectives of the golden-hued canyon walls.
- Artist's Point [5 - 6 miles, rolling terrain]
Day 3. Hiking Elephant Back Mountain/Avalanche Peak, Old Faithful Inn (307-545-4600 / private baths)
Two exciting options await today. For those looking for a challenging alpine hike, join us for a jaunt up Avalanche Peak. From the summit, we are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the rugged snow-capped Absaroka peaks and serene waters of Yellowstone Lake. The lake's expansive 135 square mile surface makes it the largest lake for its elevation in North America. If in the early summer, Avalanche Peak is still snowed in, we will opt for another guide favorite. For our second option, one can hike right from the hotel to Elephant Back Mountain for another unique view of Yellowstone Lake. Upon return to the hotel, you can roll out the bike for a quick lakeshore ride or head to the marina for a boat ride on the lake.
Our group reunites in the afternoon for a shuttle to the Upper Geyser Basin and our home for the night, the Old Faithful Inn. Originally built in 1903, the inn is a National Historic Landmark. Known as the world's largest log structure. From the inn's porch one can relax and watch the eruptions of Old Faithful.
- Avalanche Peak [4 miles, 2,000' of elevation gain/loss]
- Elephant Back Mt. [4.5 miles, 800 feet of elevation / loss]
Day 4. Hiking Upper Geyser Basin & Horseback Riding Togwotee Mountain Lodge (307-543-2847 / private baths)
This morning we walk through the Upper Geyser Basin that contains the world's largest concentration of active geysers in the world. The names of such natural wonders are as intriguing as they are to watch erupt, Beehive, Fireside, Sponge, Castle, Daisy and Morning Glory. As we walk, our guides will interpret the history and inner workings of the geyser basin.
After lunch we travel south to the Tetons and the remote Togwotee Mountain Lodge nestled in the pines of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Saddling up, we ride horseback on quiet mountain trails. The views are breathtaking as the glistening Teton Range fills the horizon. Our trail ride takes us on a loop ending at a special fireside cookout. Relive the pioneering days and kickback beside the campfire for a hearty meal and cup of cowboy coffee. For those who prefer to not horseback ride, join one of our guides for a short hike to a scenic vista.
- Upper Geyser Basin [2 miles]
- Horseback Ride [2 hours] Please note that horseback riding is not included as part of our camping and family camping tours.
Day 5. Backroads Mountain Biking, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Prospector Inn (307-733-4858 / private baths)
Switching gears, we roll out our mountain bikes and gain a new perspective to the Wyoming backcountry. We have two rides to choose from, and our choice will be based exclusively on our group's interests and ability level. Choose a challenging backwoods route complete with a singletrack option or a fun-filled downhill cruise along the Buffalo Fork River. To enhance your experience today, we will have a local guide join us on these scenic rides.
The trail's end today is at the Alpine House in Jackson. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea at the lodge, or choose to explore Jackson's unique shops, museums and galleries. This evening dinner is enjoyed at one of Jackson's fine restaurants. After dinner, mosey along Jackson's boardwalk and try a bit of country swing dance in the famous Million-Dollar Cowboy Bar.
- Moderate Option: Backwoods Ride [20 miles, rolling terrain with some short but steep climbs & descents]
- Moderately Easy Option: Buffalo Fork River [25 miles, dirt/paved roads]
Day 6. Backroads Mountain Biking & Whitewater Rafting
Our final day in paradise is a thriller! We begin with a ride directly from our B&B to Jackson Hole's National Elk Refuge. The refuge is home to somewhere between 7,500 and 12,000 elk in the winter, and though the elk spend their summers in the high country, there is a good chance we will spot some of the majestic creatures.
We then board rafts and enjoy a thrilling afternoon of whitewater fun on the Snake River. For those who prefer not to raft, relax or bicycle on your own along the Snake River. We return to Jackson at approximately 5:30 p.m. for our trip's conclusion.
- Backwoods Ride [approximately 20 miles, rolling terrain with some short climbs and descents]
- Snake River Raft Trip [Class II-III+]
Trip Type: Inn-to-Inn, Camping or Family Camping Tour
Trip Length: 6 days/5 nights
Trip Level: Moderately Easy, with 2 days of Moderate options
Dates: June 10-15, June 24-29, July 8-13 (family camping), August 19-24 (camping), August 26-31 (singles), September 9-14 (Life Enhancement Adventure)
Cost: $1795 (inn), $995 (camping and family camping)
Meeting Time & Place: 1:00 p.m., Prospector Inn, 155 North Jackson, Jackson, Wyoming, 307-733-4858. Please plan to arrive at the inn at the designated meeting time, and not earlier, for the convenience of the innkeeper. We recommend that you have lunch prior to our meeting, and arrive ready to hike. We recommend that you wear comfortable hiking boots with ankle support and wool socks coupled with a thin liner sock.
Trip Conclusion: 5:30 p.m., Prospector Inn or select Jackson lodges
Gateway City Transfer: Public transportation is available from Jackson Airport to Jackson. See Getting to the Meeting Place below.
Trip Fees Include: Whitewater rafting, horseback ride, all meals (dinner Day 1-lunch Day 6), all accommodations (double occupancy), T-shirt, water bottle, support vehicle, maps & historical information packet, professional naturalist guides and bicycle riding instruction.
General Information, Questions & Answers ...
How do I join this trip? Call us at 1 800 443 9216
How do I book airfare for this trip?Call us at 1 800 443 9216
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss, accident and trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness, as well as cover any evacuation expenses should you become ill during the trip.
Getting to the Meeting Place:
From Jackson Hole Airport: Public transportation is available from Jackson Hole Airport to Jackson for $12 each way $21 round trip. This service is provided by Alltrans, and advance reservations are recommended. They may be reached at 800-443-6133 or 307-733-1700.
By Car: Jackson is located at the intersection of State Highway 22, US Highway 89 and US Highway 191. Follow Broadway into the center of town, take Cache St. north and take a right on Deloney Ave. During the trip, cars can be left at a nearby free public parking lot.
Car Rentals: Avis 800-331-1212; Hertz 800-654-3131; National 800-328-4567
Pre & Post Trip Accommodations: If you arrive in Jackson the evening before the trip, or stay over after the trip, we recommend the following hotels:
- Prospector: 307-733-4858; please let them know you are with The World Outdoors
- Alpine House: 307-739-1570; please let them know you are with The World Outdoors
Huff House B&B: 307-733-4164; please let them know you are with The World Outdoors
Wort Hotel: 800-322-2727 / 307-733-2190 [rate: $115-$175]
Antler Motel: 800-522-2406 / 307-733-2535 [rate: $66-$110]
Sundance: 307-733-3444 [rate: $65-$150]
Ranch Inn: 800-348-5599 / 307-733-6363 [rate: $50-$150]
Four Winds Motel: 800-228-6461 / 307-733-2474 [rate: $54-$80]
What type of weather should I expect? You can expect the average daytime temperature to range from 65° to 75° F, with evening temperatures being much cooler. As in other mountainous regions, weather conditions in Yellowstone are extremely variable.
How will the change in altitude affect me? This is a difficult question to answer as altitude physiologically affects different people in different ways. Yellowstone ranges from 6,000 feet to over 12,000 feet of elevation, and has an extremely dry climate. Thus, to prevent altitude sickness we recommend that you always remain well hydrated, gradually expose yourself to higher elevations, exercise moderately until altitude acclimatized, eat a diet consisting of at least 70% carbohydrates beginning 1 to 2 days prior to ascent, and get plenty of rest. Furthermore, we suggest that you arrive at our gateway city at least 1 to 2 days prior to the first day of your trip.
How difficult is this trip? ... Really? This terrain on this trip is more challenging than our Easy tours. It is intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable being active exercising 4-6 hours a day. The hikes are 4-8 miles, with additional miles optional, and include climbs of up to 1200 feet with options of up to 1500 feet. The bike rides are up to 25 miles/day, and climbs up to 1200 feet where some shuttling may be involved.
Evening Camps for July 8-13 Family Camping and August 19-24 Camping Departures
Because we realize the value of quality vacation, we have designed the July 8-13 tour for families looking for a bit of adventure coupled with variety. Both tours are designed with the light hiker and biker and offer instruction on bike handling and technique. The routes we have chosen can easily be catered to varying ability levels, and our itinerary is flexible allowing an opportunity for each trip participant to do what they want to do.
- Bridge Bay - on days 1 and 2 we'll camp on Lake Yellowstone's west shore. This site is set next to Bridge Bay Marina and offers showers, boat rental and fishing opportunities.
- Grant Village - on day 3, we'll enjoy lakeside camping in an alpine setting complete with spectacular views of the Absaroka Mt. Range. Here we have both showers and lake access.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest - on days 4 & 5, we'll stay just outside of Grand Teton National Park in one of several choice campsites complete with world class views; here we utilize solar showers.
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary. Our actual activities and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. As a result, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary since unforseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itninerary changes are made to improve the trip and your experience.
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