Wyoming
Off the Map: Exploring the Heart of the Tetons by Boot and Boat
Program No. 22447RJ
Explore Grand Teton National Park through hikes, a float trip and a ferry as you learn about the park’s history and natural wonders, while staying at the historic, rustic Murie Ranch.
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At a Glance
Hike and float amidst the expansive landscapes and dramatic peaks of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. As you explore the Tetons on picturesque trails and over glittering water, discover their remarkable wildlife and unique landscapes firsthand. Stay at the venerable and rustic Murie Ranch within the national park, the former heart and soul of the early conservation movement, to truly connect with your surroundings and appreciate the quiet beauty of nature. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to museums and the historic Ranch as you experience these landscapes as the Muries once had.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking three to seven miles daily on varied terrain, with some options based on group interest and ability. Elevations just over 6,200 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hike iconic trails in Grand Teton National Park as you learn about the unique geology, plants, wildlife and human history of Jackson Hole.
- Take a scenic float down Snake River with an expert to experience the natural history of the Tetons up close.
- Stay at the historic and rustic Murie Ranch in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, where the stories of early conservationists Olaus and Mardy Murie will come to life.
General Notes
This program is part of our “Off the Map” series, exploring truly remote areas of the United States as a way to connect with local culture and landscapes, and disconnect with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Our goal is to bring you to places that have limited access to Wi-Fi, cell service and other technology so you can enjoy authentic learning experiences without modern distractions. Due to accommodation limitations, single rooms are limited for solo travelers. In keeping with the communal nature of the school, guests are asked to perform light chores during their stay.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Ruby Jenco
Ruby Jenco, originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, has been a part of TSS since June 2023. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming in the spring of 2023 with a double major in environment and natural resources and wildlife biology and management. In years past, Ruby has worked at Custer State Park, creating educational programs for park visitors as well as the Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, developing the curriculum for first-year learners.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Ruby Jenco
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Ruby Jenco, originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, has been a part of TSS since June 2023. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming in the spring of 2023 with a double major in environment and natural resources and wildlife biology and management. In years past, Ruby has worked at Custer State Park, creating educational programs for park visitors as well as the Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, developing the curriculum for first-year learners.
Liz LaScala
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Liz LaScala joined the TSS team in January of 2023 as a field instructor. She grew up in Illinois climbing trees, exploring creeks, and building fairy houses out of sticks. She realized at a young age that she wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. Later in life, Liz attended Central Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology with a minor in outdoor education. She especially loves rock climbing, backpacking, and jumping into natural bodies of water.
Sophie Lisle
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Sophie Lisle graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in biology. She developed a passion for science education when she taught marine biology on an island off the coast of Maine, and she fell in love with the Wyoming mountains working as a horse wrangler on a ranch in Cody. Sophie joined TSS as an AmeriCorps member in 2023 before becoming a field instructor in January 2024. Sophie loves to trail run, ski, climb mountains, bake cookies, and bask in the sun.
Abby Sand
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Abby Sand was born and raised in Minnesota and moved out west in 2019 to attend Colorado State University where she studied ecosystem science and sustainability. Abby has been a field instructor with Teton Science Schools since January 2024. Her goal is to create a positive learning atmosphere to inspire curious, excited, and optimistic environmental stewards. Beyond education, Abby is passionate about traveling and has had the privilege to travel to parts of Central America, South America, and Asia. She is also an enthusiastic birder.
Pippa Barratt
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Pippa Barratt's love for the outdoors began with frequent explorations of the national historical parks near her hometown outside Philadelphia. She joined Teton Science Schools as an AmeriCorps member in 2023, where she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. After some time away, her enthusiasm for this unique environment and her passion for outdoor education brought her back to TSS. Pippa holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a geology focus from Temple University and previously led sustainability and conservation programs for the School District of Philadelphia. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, exploring new places with friends, and is learning to rock climb, knit, and snowboard.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Off the Map: Exploring the Heart of the Tetons by Boot and Boat
Program Number: 22447
Wapiti Wilderness
Margaret and Olaus Murie made their home in the Tetons for over thirty-seven years. During this time, Olaus Murie conducted studies of the American elk, the wapiti, and both he and Mardy worked tirelessly for conservation efforts and the preservation of wilderness. Wapiti Wilderness tells the story of their adventurous life raising children while conducting research in the Tetons. This book is available at the Teton Science Schools gift shop.
Common Wildflowers of Grand Teton National Park
This small pocket guidebook includes more than 100 of the most common wildflowers in Grand Teton National Park. Photographs are by award-winning photographer Henry H. Holdsworth, and descriptions are by naturalist Charles Craighead. Small enough to carry on a hike and focused only on the areas we will be hiking, this book is a great option for participants who want to look up wildflowers while they hike!
Letters from Yellowstone
At the end of the 19th century, an intrepid young woman joins a scientific research team in Yellowstone National Park, to the surprise of the other members of the expedition. This historical fiction brings Yellowstone and the surrounding region at the turn of the 19th century to life.
Peaks, Politics & Passion
Environmental historian Robert Righter tells the story of the preservation of the Teton Mountains and the surrounding areas. In this book, Righter adds to his previous works that chronicled the creation of Grand Teton National Park, bringing us up to date with the regions challenges in the decades since, including private land inholdings, fire and wildlife management, and preservation of local history.
The Creation of the Teton Landscape: The Geologic Story of Grand Teton National Park
This book outlines the earliest history of the area and delves deep into the extensive geology of the region. *Available for purchase on Amazon.com, USED COPIES ONLY*
A Short Biography of Margaret and Olaus Murie
Written by Teton Science Schools lead faculty Christen Girard, who lives at the historic Murie Ranch and stewrads their story, this short biography tells the tale of Olaus and Mardy Murie, who dedicated their lives to each other and to the conservation of wildlife and wilderness. Their story is inspirational and relevant for anyone who cares about public lands, and especially for participants whose programs visit or stay at the Murie Ranch.
Two in the Far North
Two in the Far North chronicles the love story and adventures of Olaus and Mardy Murie, from Mardy's childhood in Washington and Alaska to the 500 mile research trip they took via dogsled for their honeymoon and the adventures that followed. This American classic is a must read for anyone staying at the Murie Ranch.