Exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with Road Scholar: Summer 2024 Highlights
Summer 2024 was an unforgettable season for Road Scholar (RS) participants who explored the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. With 271 participants, ranging from 50 to 85 years old, this year’s programs provided a rich blend of adventure, discovery, and learning through a variety of outdoor experiences.
Our partnership with Road Scholar allowed us to offer three distinct programs under Teton Science Schools’, designed to cater to different levels of fitness and outdoor interests:
- Choose Your Pace: Hiking in Grand Teton and Yellowstone Participants were able to set their own pace, hiking through the stunning landscapes of both parks. This flexible program allowed adventurers to take in the wonders of nature at a rhythm that suited them, whether they wanted a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek.
- Hike, Paddle & Float – Outdoor Adventures in the Grand Tetons This multi-sport adventure combined hiking, paddling, and floating along the waterways of the Tetons, offering participants a varied and active exploration of the region. With different modes of travel, each day offered a fresh perspective on the beauty of the natural world.
- Off the Map: Exploring the Tetons by Boot and Boat For those craving a more immersive experience, this program took adventurers off the beaten path. Combining hiking and boating, participants explored remote corners of the Tetons, experiencing the area’s wild beauty from two unique vantage points.
In addition to these, one other distinct program was offered through Teton Science Schools’ Wildlife Expeditions (WE) team:
- Wildlife Watching in Grand Teton & Yellowstone With dates available in both May and September, this program was tailored for wildlife enthusiasts. Participants journeyed through Grand Teton and Yellowstone, spotting bison, bears, elk, and other wildlife, all while learning about the region’s ecology and conservation efforts.
A Legacy of Learning and Exploration
Teton Science Schools and Road Scholar have enjoyed a partnership spanning over 20 years. Road Scholar’s mission to “inspire adults to learn, discover, and travel” aligns beautifully with Teton Science Schools’ goal of connecting people to place and nature through education. Over the years, we have offered a range of programs, including stewardship and conservation-focused experiences, intergenerational trips, and immersive hiking weeks. This summer continued the tradition of engaging participants in transformative learning in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
With five distinct RS programs currently offered, including Winter Adventures in Jackson Hole (a snowy expedition featuring dog sleds, snowshoes, and sleigh rides), the partnership remains a cornerstone of our adult education offerings.
