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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Protecting the Environment
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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
Group Leader
Your Group Leader will be a Teton Science Schools Instructor who has diverse experience working with the flora and fauna of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The group leader is yet to be assigned; the assignment will be announced during Orientation on Day 1 of your program.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Group Leader
View biography
Your Group Leader will be a Teton Science Schools Instructor who has diverse experience working with the flora and fauna of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The group leader is yet to be assigned; the assignment will be announced during Orientation on Day 1 of your program.
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
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*
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.
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.