Day to Day Activities on the Rockies Trip

From the heights of the snowcapped Tetons, to the Jurassic dinosaur quarries of Thermopolis, our Rockies Adventure delivers non-stop learning, packed with fun and high adventure. Horseback ride under the 13 thousand foot peaks of the Teton Range, get close-up views of bison, moose and wolves, and see what makes Old Faithful tick. This trip is full of life-list sights, and learning opportunities that come only when you are led by world-class guides.

"Earth Explore has been the best experience of my life. Every day was filled with so much! I would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone. Earth Explore is an A+ ." Meghan Hughes

Day 1 Arrival Salt Lake City

Our adventure begins in Salt Lake, where we have lunch upon arrival and transfer to Park City's Utah Olympic Park for a thrilling ride on the Alpine Slide, and a look at the Olympic museums. Here we have a great time with new friends. This afternoon we journey north into Wyoming, for dinner and lodging in beautiful Afton.

Day 2 Afton to Jackson Hole

Jackson Elk Arch

Viewing famous “Intermittent Springs” after breakfast, we depart Afton driving north through the Star Valley, and arrive in Jackson Hole at lunch time. This afternoon we get our first look at the majestic Teton Range. After we check in at world famous Teton Science School we take part in orientation activities this afternoon and evening, and then free time for exploring the world-famous city of Jackson, including the town elk antler arch.

Day 3 Teton Science School

Canoeing in the Tetons

An amazing day in the Grand Tetons. We explore the wondrous landscapes of Jackson Hole, view bison and other wildlife with spotting scopes, canoe on String Lake in the shadow of 13 thousand foot peaks, and learn all about the environment of this amazing place. This afternoon we join our naturalist guides for wildlife spotting, and take part in teambuilding activities on the campus of Teton Science School.

Day 4 Teton Science School to Yellowstone

Riding at Grand Teton National Park

Saying farewell to the Tetons, we transfer to Yellowstone National Park with a morning stop at Jackson Lake Lodge for a horseback ride in spectacular scenery. Our ride takes us on a scenic trail ride at the foot of the Tetons, with views of the Snake River and abundant wildlife like bison and elk. This afternoon we arrive at Yellowstone, meeting our Yellowstone Institute guides at Old Faithful. This afternoon we spend exploring the geysers and hot springs in the Upper Geyser Basin, before arriving at historic Mammoth Hot Springs.

Day 5 Yellowstone with the Experts

Bison and Baby

Scenery takes center stage as we enjoy a "behind the scenes" look at America's most famous park with experts from the Yellowstone Institute. At the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, we gaze downward at the famous yellow cliffs and waterfall, and discuss the amazing geology of the park. In the spectacular Hayden Valley, we break out the spotting scopes for views of bison, moose, and endangered wolves and grizzly. By afternoon we arrive at azure blue Yellowstone Lake, a spectacular backdrop for lunch. This amazing day in Yellowstone comes to an end as we bid farewell to the park, and continue east to the town of Cody, center of frontier history and home of legendary cowboy Buffalo Bill Cody.

Day 6 Western History and River Rafting

Rafting the Shoshone River

This morning we awake in Cody and transfer to the Shoshone River for a rafting adventure in a wild and scenic red rock canyon. The river is filled with gentle rapids, and our guides will tell true tales of frontier life along the river, the geology of the red rock canyon, and point out the abundant wildlife of the area. After lunch this afternoon, we plunge into Western history at the famous Buffalo Bill Historical Center, and attend the rollicking Cody Nite Rodeo and meet real 21st century cowboys.

Dinosaur Dig at Thermopolis

Leaving Cody, we head south to Thermopolis for a true highlight of the trip; a dinosaur dig with actual paleontologists at a Jurassic Era quarry. Working alongside experts from the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, we have the rare change to dig in an active bone bed, then take part in fossil lab activities. This afternoon, we take a dip in world famous Thermopolis Hot Springs at the Star Plunge waterpark. Late this afternoon, we transfer to Rock Springs, and last-evening festivities.

History comes alive at histortic Ft. Bridger Historic Site, where we visit a frontier fort, and enjoy living history demonstrations from costumed guides. At a recreated frontier fort we have a chance to shop for a true western souvenir, before heading back to Salt Lake City and our flights home.