About the Experience
Northwest Wyoming has huge bragging rights. It’s home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (and the skiing mecca, Jackson Hole). The landscape is classic Wild West: frontier towns, powder-puffed peaks, grazing bison, elk and pronghorn antelope.
Glacier-scraped valleys and volcanic plateaus, fossil forests and eroded basaltic lava flows create an otherworldly region that transitions to serene lakes and fierce rivers that cascade into mighty falls.
Rainbow-hued canyons backdrop the powerful geothermal forces that fuel more than 10,000 natural hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles in Yellowstone.
On the Yellowstone Active Adventure we’ll explore Lamar Valley in the northeastern pocket of Yellowstone. It’s often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundance of bison, elk and antelope. And, wolves!
Floating down the snaking Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, we’ll learn about the park’s 200 miles of trails, alpine history and “mountains of the imagination.”
After setting up camp together, we’ll sleep under the constellations in tents for four nights at Canyon Campground inside Yellowstone National Park. High-quality camping gear will be provided to ensure a comfortable and authentic experience. Expect an impressive menu of fireside cuisine–it won’t be wieners on a stick and a can of cowboy beans (though, those are great too).
The highlight of this itinerary is the horseback ride up into the Absaroka Mountains and an al fresco lunch overlooking Paradise Valley. Later, we will visit the local hot spring where we can soak our muscles after a week of big-sky outdoor exploration. We know, we had you at “hot spring.”
About the Experience
Northwest Wyoming has huge bragging rights. It’s home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (and the skiing mecca, Jackson Hole). The landscape is classic Wild West: frontier towns, powder-puffed peaks, grazing bison, elk and pronghorn antelope.
Glacier-scraped valleys and volcanic plateaus, fossil forests and eroded basaltic lava flows create an otherworldly region that transitions to serene lakes and fierce rivers that cascade into mighty falls.
Rainbow-hued canyons backdrop the powerful geothermal forces that fuel more than 10,000 natural hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles in Yellowstone.
On the Yellowstone Active Adventure we’ll explore Lamar Valley in the northeastern pocket of Yellowstone. It’s often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundance of bison, elk and antelope. And, wolves!
Floating down the snaking Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, we’ll learn about the park’s 200 miles of trails, alpine history and “mountains of the imagination.”
After setting up camp together, we’ll sleep under the constellations in tents for four nights at Canyon Campground inside Yellowstone National Park. High-quality camping gear will be provided to ensure a comfortable and authentic experience. Expect an impressive menu of fireside cuisine–it won’t be wieners on a stick and a can of cowboy beans (though, those are great too).
The highlight of this itinerary is the horseback ride up into the Absaroka Mountains and an al fresco lunch overlooking Paradise Valley. Later, we will visit the local hot spring where we can soak our muscles after a week of big-sky outdoor exploration. We know, we had you at “hot spring.”
Arrive in Jackson Hole (Jackson Hole Airport – JAC). We recommend you choose a flight that arrives by noon (MST) on the first day. An airport transfer will be provided to the first night hotel based on your flight arrival time.
In the early afternoon, rendezvous with your Wild Women wolf pack in the main lobby of the hotel. Over lunch at a local brewery, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your Yellowstone crew and then we’ll crack off on a warm-up hike to take in the unforgettable Teton Mountain views.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner in one of Jackson’s coolest restaurants and then return to the hotel for a deep and pampered sleep.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Mountain Modern Motel
Grand Teton National Park sits in the mammoth shadows of the Teton Mountains. This morning, we will embark on a half-day wildlife tour in search of grazing elk, small bands of pronghorn antelope (the fastest land animal in North America!) and lurking coyotes. We’ll also be on high alert for Northern harriers, American kestrels hunting mice and Uinta ground squirrels. Sage grouse, sage thrashers and sparrows also frequent the area. Your binoculars are going to get a workout!
In the afternoon, we’ll spend three hours floating down 10 miles (16km) of the impressive Snake River within Grand Teton National Park. The Snake River is a major tributary of the Columbia River and has its headwaters just inside Yellowstone. Sections of this vital river have had at least 15 different names. The name, which comes from the Snake Nation (Shoshone band), is traced back to 1812, making it one of the oldest place names in the park.
After the float trip, we’ll drive to our campsite in Yellowstone National Park. We’ll set up camp together in anticipation of a savoury dinner cooked by the guides that we’ll enjoy by the crackling campfire. It’s time for sharing ghost stories, of course! Insert howling wolf and goosebumps here!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Camping in campground near Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is North America’s oldest national park (established in 1872) and home to some of the largest and most amazing thermal features. Old Faithful is so popular that virtual visitors can watch livestream webcam footage of it! With nearly 500 active geysers, the park is a geology phenom. For those of us who were introduced to Yellowstone via Yogi Bear’s “Jellystone”, this experience is a remarkable one to experience in real life.
Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of Yellowstone on foot. We’ll visit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and more! Feel free to quote Yogi at least once! “Hey Boo Boo, let’s go get us a pic-a-nic basket.”
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Camping in campground near Yellowstone National Park
We’ll jumpstart our day to take advantage of the opportunity to possibly see the wolves while they are still active. Lamar Valley is known as the “Serengeti of North America” and we’ll be on the heels (hooves?) of bison, elk and pronghorn. Just like the African Serengeti, it’s always a surprise as to what unfolds in the Valley…that’s the magnetic lure of wilderness. Each day is an unmatched, unpredictable and unscheduled adventure in the wild.
We’ll indulge in a picnic lunch and then ease into an easy hike (with only a small elevation change) to take in the vistas of the Yellowstone River.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Camping in campground near Yellowstone National Park
Today, we’ll head just north of the park to the appropriately named Paradise Valley. Here, we’ll meet our expert guide for a half-day horseback ride up into the Absaroka Mountains and enjoy lunch overlooking the Valley. We’ll take to the trails like Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane as we explore all the valley has to offer.
Did you know that Oakley could shoot a cigar from the lips of a willing participant? She was known for her precision in hitting targets over her shoulder using only a mirror to aim! “Little Sure Shot” Oakley was a true pioneer for empowering women and an advocate for women serving in combat. More than 15,000 women learned to shoot from Oakley in her lifetime.
After the ride, if time permits, we may visit the local hot springs for an indulgent soak. Our muscles will be happy for the thermal pampering after a long week.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Camping in campground near Yellowstone National Park
This morning, we’ll lace up our trail runners and hikers to explore some of the trails that slice through Yellowstone’s enormous 3,500-mile-square wilderness. Depending on the group’s interest, pace and skill-level, we can check out backcountry geysers, descend deep into the bellies of rainbow-hued canyons or summit a mountain!
In the early afternoon, we’ll make our way back to Jackson for our final evening together and reminisce over our (sigh!) farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Mountain Modern Motel
DAY SEVEN: ONWARDS (and upwards)
After a final breakfast with the Wild Women in town, our guide will take us to the Jackson Hole Airport for 11AM. We suggest booking a flight that departs after 2PM.
As you fly out and over the valleys, volcanic plateaus and peaks, there’s something you should know: you’re bound to come back!
Meals Included: Breakfast
FIELD NOTES
Hiking
The hikes on this itinerary are designated as easy to intermediate.
The majority of the hikes on this itinerary will be less than 5 miles with a maximum elevation change of 150m (500 ft). Depending on the group’s comfort and activity level, we can tailor the itinerary to include hikes that are up to 10.5km (6.5 mi) long with up to 450m (1500 ft) elevation change. Yellowstone’s average elevation is 2340m (8000ft) above sea level, so this dynamic change is important to keep in mind for women coming from lower elevations!
The hikes will be on established trails with some varied and rugged terrain but no technical aspects. There will be plenty of time for breaks and to absorb the views (with a few snacks, Yogi Bear-style).
The trails curl through lodgepole forests, backcountry thermal features, hug along cascading waterfalls and wind up the mountains. If a longer trail option is chosen, the elevation gain will be spread out gradually with no intensely steep sections.
Camping
We will be setting up our tents together at Yellowstone National Park. This is camping, not glamping! Though, it will be a glamorous experience in the company of your fellow Wild Women!
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!
Notes about Arrival on Day 1
- On Day 1, a transfer will be available from the airport based on your arrival time (please submit your travel details form at your earliest convenience). We ask that you arrive in Jackson Hole by noon on Day 1. If the best flight for you doesn’t arrive until a bit later in the day, don’t worry, we’ll still pick you up, but the group will be meeting for lunch around 1pm.
- Your guide will meet you at the door to the Baggage Claim area of the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) wearing a Wild Women Expeditions shirt. She will then transfer you to the first night hotel for check-in.
- If you are driving your personal vehicle to Jackson Hole or arriving a day early, you can meet the group at the Mountain Modern Motel (first night hotel) on Day 1 at 1pm.
- You can park your car at Mountain Modern Motel while we are in Jackson. When you go to Yellowstone, you can park your car on the street in Jackson for up to 72 hours but if you would prefer, you can also park your car at the airport’s long-term parking lot for $16 USD/day (2022 pricing).
Group Rendezvous Point
- Date: Day 1
- Time: TBA
- Location: TBA
Official rendezvous time and location will be sent out in the 30 day pre trip bulletin, along with other relevant pre trip details.
or Rustic Inn are good choices, too.
- A group transfer to the Jackson Hole Airport will depart after breakfast from your last night hotel.
- It is recommended to arrange flights to depart after 2 PM MST.
Drop-Off Point:
- Date: Day 7
- Time: 11 AM
- Location: Jackson Hole Airport
or Rustic Inn are good choices, too.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
- Visa
No visas are required for Canadian and most European citizens. Visas are required for some Asian, Central American and Eastern European countries.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
- Rooming Arrangements
Rooming will be provided on a shared basis – 2 women per room in own beds at hotel, and 2 women per tent.
- Private Upgrades
Private upgrades are subject to availability and may be available upon request for hotel nights and a solo tent while camping. To request, please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com.
- Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage
Wireless internet access is available in the guestrooms of Mountain Modern Motel.
- Sleeping Bags
These are required for the camping nights. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for a one time fee of $55 USD. To request please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com or clearly indicate this request in your travel details form.
The sleeping bags are Mountain Hardware bags that are rated to 15 degrees (-9C) and you will be provided sleeping pads with an R rating of 5+, so rated for winter camping on snow!
- Potable Water
Purified water is provided throughout the expedition to refill your water bottles. Tap water is fine to drink as well.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
- Mountain Modern Motel
Two blocks from Town Square in the heart of Jackson Hole, Mountain Modern Motel is your perfect adventure basecamp. Modern rooms, fun amenities & space for all your gear.
- Camping in Yellowstone National Park
We will be setting up our tents together at Yellowstone National Park in campsites at Canyon Campground. This is camping, not glamping! Though, it will be a glamorous experience in the company of your fellow Wild Women!
Campground facilities:
- The tents that you will be sleeping in are 2 or 3-person Mountain Hardwear Mineral King tents. This particular tent won Outside magazine’s coveted Gear of the Year award in 2020 for its expansive space!
- There are no electricity, water, or sewer hookups at any of the campsites. Water is accessible nearby the sites.
- 15 public restrooms with flush toilets and faucets with cold running water.
- Dishwashing stations are located at most restroom buildings.
- Shower and laundry facilities are located at the nearby camper services facility. Personal portable showers are permitted at your campsite only if the wastewater is collected and disposed of properly.
- Internet service/Wifi is not available in the campgrounds. Cell service is limited. Read more about internet and cell service in the park. Please ensure you have a cellular data package if access to email and internet is needed during the trip.
- Charging devices: there is no electricity available at the campsite at the campground. If you have a USB port that can be plugged into a lighter socket in a vehicle, you may be able to charge your devices in the group van.
- This is a front country campsite, so we drive to the site, but luggage and other camp items will need to be carried about 50 feet to get set up. We do ask that you pack light – one small suitcase and a backpack should be plenty for what we’re doing!
Note: You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for a one-time fee of $55 USD.
To request, please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com or indicate this clearly in your travel details form.
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
If you need to change currency you will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports in the USA. You will have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
One of the most convenient ways to get cash in the US dollars is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network.
- Credit Cards
Most places take Visa and MasterCard. Many also take American Express.
- Cash
USD cash, credit or debit is the best way to pay for items in the communities we will be visiting.
The hikes will be on established trails with some varied and rugged terrain but no technical aspects. There will be plenty of time for breaks and to absorb the views (with a few snacks, Yogi Bear-style).
The trails curl through lodgepole forests, backcountry thermal features, hug along cascading waterfalls and wind up the mountains. If a longer trail option is chosen, the elevation gain will be spread out gradually with no intensely steep sections.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Hill training.
The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Break in your hiking boots.
Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
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Starting At$3,795Deposit$495Duration7 DAYS
- 🇺🇸USD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
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What's Included
- All ground transfers from Jackson Hole Airport on Day 1 to return drop-off on Day 7
- All meals from Day 1 Lunch to Day 7 Breakfast
- All accommodation (based on double occupancy) including 2 nights in a Jackson Hole hotel and 4 nights camping in Yellowstone National Park
- Optional single private upgrade, subject to availability
- Medically-trained, naturalist. AWESOME female guides
- Park entry, camping and permit fees
- High-quality camping equipment including tents and sleeping pads (sleeping bags are not included but are available to rent)
- All activities and associated equipment as described in itinerary
- All applicable taxes are included in the trip price