YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

Grizzly & Wolf Conservation

Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and has stood as a beacon of success for environmental awareness and preservation of wild landscapes for almost 150 years. However, it is a fragile ecosystem facing many potential environmental risks. From climate change to invasive species, park managers are constantly monitoring numerous “vital signs” in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to ensure its long-term health. Partnering with local conservation organizations we learn about Yellowstone’s long history, these important “vital signs,” and examine the issues centering on Yellowstone’s most iconic wildlife – grizzly bears and grey wolves. This behind-the-scenes look at America’s most famous National Park and its unique wildlife provides an experience like no other!

Welcome to Jackson, Wyoming & Grand Teton National Park

Our adventure begins in the adventure town of Jackson, WY nestled in the shadows of the stunning Teton Range and home to famed Jackson Hole resort. We quickly load into our 15-passenger van and make our way to our campground at the base of the incredible snow-capped peaks of the Tetons. Our first days are used to explore Jackson and Grand Teton National Park as we get acquainted with our new environment, learn about our camping gear, set goals for our adventure, and bond with our new friends.

Grizzly Bear & Wolf Conservation in Yellowstone National Park

Partnering with a local non-profit organization we immerse ourselves in the dynamic nature of Yellowstone National Park. From the bubbling mud pots, spouting geysers, towering peaks, and wildlife-filled meadows we gain a deeper understanding of this awe-inspiring landscape through our guided explorations. 

With the help of our conservation partners, we next dive into our focused animal conservation programming centered on Yellowstone’s most iconic megafauna, wolves and grizzly bears. For our wolf recovery component, we take time tracking local wolf packs with our skilled rangers and observe their territories, behaviors, and study abandoned wolf dens. We also take a further dive into grizzly conservation in the National Park, shadowing specialists and interviewing biologists about the important roles of grizzlies and ongoing threats to their populations. Our time with these wildlife specialists is enlightening, but most of all fun and exhilarating!

Before departing the park, we make sure to take time to explore the famous sights, hiking to unbelievable hot springs, observing herds of grazing bison, and make sure to stop at the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Whitewater Raft the Snake River

Continuing our exploration of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem we meet up with local rafting guides and tackle the perfect beginner rapids of the Snake River. Gearing up with helmets and lifejackets, we learn important water safety and paddling techniques from our professional guides and then hop into our rafts for a day in the sun. Alternating between exciting rapids such as “Big Kahuna” and “Lunch Counter” and pools of slower water which allow us to search for local wildlife and take in unbelievable views of the Teton Range, our day is perfect for gaining a new perspective on this incredible landscape.

Explore the Tetons and the Teton Raptor Center

The snowcapped, jagged peaks of the Grand Teton Range provide the backdrop for our next adventure as we learn from Park Rangers about the geologic forces that shaped the majestic Teton Range, some of the youngest mountains in the world. We then explore the park’s rocky cliffs and canyons, swim in hidden alpine lakes, and lazily saunter through beautiful mountain meadows.

Our next stop is to the Teton Raptor Center where we learn about native birds of prey including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. We meet with a professional ornithologist, see these birds up close, and learn about the importance of raptors to the park’s ecosystem and how we can ensure their survival.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Our final activity takes place on stunning String Lake. Armed with paddles and lunch, we glide across the lake for our day’s adventure exploring coves and inlets lining the shore. At no more than three feet at the deepest, String Lake is the perfect place to perfect our paddle board skills, falls off the board and all. It is also the warmest lake in the park so swimming, splashing and fun are part of the adventure. Surrounded by towering peaks and hanging valleys, this experience in one of the most beautiful areas of the park is a great way to cap off our Teton adventure. We finish with ARCC’s traditional Final Feast meal and trip closing ceremonies before heading for home with memories that will be with us forever.