EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE AND THE GRAND TETONS
Come join us on a Rocky Mountain adventure to Yellowstone National Park. This is America's first National Park, established in 1872, and is the most awe-inspiring region in the US. Among its many treasures are the famous Old Faithful Geyser and the picturesque Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The park is also known for its amazing wildlife from moose, grizzly bears, elk, and a variety of other North American flora and fauna. Appleseed Expeditions school trips to Yellowstone National Park provide opportunities for students to learn about this national treasure from naturalists and wildlife biologists. Along with the ecological interpretation, students will also be able to volunteer and make a positive impact on the fragile ecosystems.
Day 1: SALT LAKE CITY TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK:
Begin your school tour to Yellowstone by flying into Utah. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Tetons, you will journey with a wildlife biologist and discover the unique ecosystems of the northern Rockies.
Day 2: GRAND TETON & YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS:
You may see and learn about moose, bald eagles, deer, elk, and other wildlife on your scenic smooth-water float trip at the base of the Grand Tetons. You will also tour reforestation areas from the Great Yellowstone Fire of 1988. Finally, you will visit Old Faithful Geyser and enjoy dinner at the Old Faithful Lodge.
Day 3: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK:
This morning begins with a guided hike along the most active thermal area in Yellowstone: Norris Basin. Here you will see thermal features including geysers, steam vents, mud pots, and mineral pools. After lunch, you are treated to breath-taking views of Yellowstone's Canyon, with views of the Upper and Lower Falls. Next we traverse Hayden Valley with an excellent chance to spot Yellowstone's Bison herd. Then late afternoon, we follow the Yellowstone River to Lake Lodge, where you will have dinner.
Day 4: YELLOWSTONE NP, CODY & THERMOPOLIS, WY:
After a scenic drive along the north shore of Yellowstone Lake, you enter prime grizzly bear country, where you stand an excellent chance of spotting one of these magnificent creatures. And if that hasn't made your morning, perhaps a white-water rafting trip down Shoshone Canyon will. For lunch, step back in time at the Irma Hotel, built over 100 years ago. Afternoon stops include the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and the Star Plunge Waterpark, fed by the world's largest hot springs.
Day 5: WHITEWATER RAFT DOWN THE SNAKE RIVER:
Journey down the class II-III intermediate Snake River with stunning canyon scenery, calm stretches, and fun rapids, including the two biggest waves on the river, Big Kahuna and Lunchcounter. Your guide will teach you how to paddle, position yourself, and overall water safety while rafting the river.
Day 6: VOLUNTEERS AT NATIVE TROUT CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION:
Your group may volunteer with the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program at Yellowstone National Park. They assist with cutthroat trout preservation and restoration; remove nonnative fish; monitor lakes and streams for fish, macro invertebrates, and/or water quality.
Day 7: EXPLORE JACKSON HOLE AND HEAD HOME:
On this school trip to Yellowstone National Park, your students will finish their trip by shopping and exploring Jackson Hole and then head back to Salt Lake City, Utah for the flight home.