“The ultimate capstone - alpine wilderness and grizzly country”
Year
2032
Cost
$1,400-1,800
Ages
15-18
Duration
7-8 days
Overview
Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Parks, WY • Summer (July-August)
This is it - the pinnacle of your Trail Life adventure journey. Trek 50+ miles through Yellowstone or the Teton Crest Trail. Alpine lakes, grizzly country, mountains that scrape the sky. You've earned this.
What Makes This Special
- •50+ miles in America's most iconic mountain wilderness
- •Alpine environments above treeline
- •Grizzly bear country protocols
- •Teton peaks or Yellowstone backcountry
Skills You'll Develop
Requirements
- ✓Completed 2+ high adventure trips including at least 1 Tier 2
- ✓Pass fitness test: 12-mile hike with 40lb pack and 4,000+ ft elevation in under 5 hours
- ✓Positive evaluations from all prior trips
- ✓Application and selection process
Fitness Test:
12-mile hike with 40lb pack and 4,000+ ft elevation in under 5 hours
Difficulty Level
AdvancedSeason
Summer (July-August)Why This Trip?
Yellowstone and the Tetons represent the American West - vast wilderness, dramatic peaks, and real wildlife. This is grizzly country. This is where mountains touch clouds. This is the trip you'll tell your kids about. You've worked for years to get here.
The Experience
7-8 days backpacking 50+ miles through alpine wilderness. Routes include Yellowstone's remote Thorofare, the stunning Teton Crest Trail, or a combination. Camp at 8,000-9,000 ft. See elk, moose, possibly grizzlies. Hike above treeline with 360-degree mountain views.
The Challenges
- ⚠Altitude: 7,000-10,000+ ft elevation
- ⚠50+ miles with 3,000-7,000 ft total elevation gain
- ⚠Grizzly bear protocols (bear canisters, awareness)
- ⚠Weather: afternoon thunderstorms, possible snow in July
- ⚠Physical and mental demands after days on trail
The Rewards
- ✓America's most iconic wilderness
- ✓Alpine lakes and mountain vistas beyond words
- ✓Wildlife encounters (elk herds, moose, possibly grizzlies)
- ✓Accomplishment of years of preparation
- ✓Your adventure résumé - you earned this