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Life Changing Travel
 

$5,495 | Grades 9–12

Yellowstone: Into the Geysers

JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026

JULY 26 – AUGUST 8, 2026

JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026 JULY 26 – AUGUST 8, 2026

 

Don’t read it. Feel it.

Want to hear what this trip is really like? Olly—our Director of Student Recruitment—has helped hundreds of families find the right fit, and in this short audio guide, he walks you through the trip.

An at-a-glance look at the trip

Want the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.

What real people say about our trips

 
Featured
Jay T, an RLT parent

Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.

Caitlin H, an RLT parent

Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.

Lisa G, an RLT parent

We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.

 

All the details in one place

From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Yellowstone.

  • Trip Name
    Yellowstone: Mountains & Geysers

    Who It's For
    High school students (grades 9–12)

    2026 Sessions
    Session 2: July 9 – July 22, 2026
    Session 3: July 26 – August 8, 2026

    Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
    Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

    Location
    Yellowstone National Park, Montana & Wyoming

    Trip Length
    14 Days

    Tuition
    $5,495

  • This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

    Day 1: Arrival & Camp Setup
    Fly into Bozeman, meet your group and leaders, and travel into Yellowstone. Get to know each other and settle into camp.

    Day 2: Group Orientation & Nature Hike
    Spend the day adjusting to life in Yellowstone—learn backcountry basics, cook your first group meal, and explore a local trail.

    Days 3–4: Kayaking on Yellowstone Lake
    Paddle the country’s largest high-elevation lake. Learn new skills, explore scenic coves, and camp nearby.

    Day 5: Explore the Geyser Basin
    Visit Old Faithful and the surrounding geothermal features. Hike trails through geysers, hot springs, and mud pots.

    Days 6–7: Whitewater Rafting & River Time
    Tackle Class I–III rapids with professional guides. Cool off in the river and enjoy time together back at camp.

    Days 8–9: Lamar Valley & Wildlife Watching
    Head into Yellowstone’s famous wildlife corridor to spot bison, elk, and (if lucky) wolves. Reflect and journal in open landscapes.

    Days 10–11: Rock Climbing at Red Cliff
    Spend two days building climbing skills on outdoor routes in nearby Montana. Learn to belay, set anchors, and encourage your team.

    Days 12–13: Hiking & Reflection
    Take on a final summit hike—like Mt. Washburn—and spend time reflecting as a group. Celebrate your journey around the campfire.

    Day 14: Departure
    Break down camp and head back to Bozeman for your flight home.

  • We’ll be tent camping in and around Yellowstone National Park for the full two weeks.

    Group Tents: Teens sleep in shared tents (2–3 per tent), organized by gender identity.

    Rustic Facilities: Campsites are simple but scenic, with access to restrooms and occasional showers.

    Setup & Breakdown: The group sets up camp, cooks meals, and keeps things clean—everyone pitches in.

    What to Expect: Sleeping outdoors, cooking under the trees, and falling asleep to the sounds of nature.

  • All meals are prepared together at camp.

    Cook Crew: Small groups rotate through planning, prepping, cooking, and cleaning.

    Simple + Fresh: Think oatmeal, pasta, stir-fry, burrito bowls, pancakes—easy-to-make meals for outdoor living.

    All Diets Welcome: We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.).

    Snacks + Hydration: Frequent snack breaks and plenty of water, especially during hikes and active days.

  • Flights
    Families book flights to and from Bozeman, Montana (BZN).
    Do not book flights until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

    Travel Days
    Session 2: Departs July 9 (Thurs) from Bozeman
    Session 3: Departs July 26 (Sun) from Bozeman
    These are departure dates. Teens arrive home on the last day of the trip.

    Unaccompanied Minor Info
    We’ll provide all check-in and pick-up details if your teen is flying as an unaccompanied minor.

    Packing
    You’ll receive a full packing list after enrollment—everything should fit in a backpack or duffel.

    Key items include:
    Sleeping bag + sleeping pad
    Headlamp
    Rain jacket
    Sturdy hiking shoes
    Swimsuit + towel
    No special gear required—we keep it simple.

    Luggage Note
    We recommend one checked bag and a small carry-on backpack.

  • Forms & Waivers
    After enrollment, you’ll access your RLT portal with required forms:

    Health history and medical forms

    Participant agreement and waiver

    Emergency contact info
    All forms must be submitted before the trip.

    Medical Clearance
    No doctor’s appointment needed unless your teen has a new or complex medical condition.
    We review all forms to ensure we’re prepared.

    Medications
    List all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your medical form. Trip leaders manage and dispense them as needed.

    Behavioral Expectations
    We’ll send a Code of Conduct before departure. This helps ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

    Trip Insurance
    Not required for domestic trips but encouraged. You’re welcome to use any provider. For recommendations, visit our FAQ or reach out.

    Vaccinations
    No specific vaccinations required. Please make sure your teen is up to date on routine immunizations per CDC guidelines.

    Passport
    Not needed for this program.

  • Device-Free Philosophy
    Phones and electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end.

    Why?
    Unplugging helps teens:

    • Be present in nature

    • Build stronger relationships

    • Gain independence and confidence

    Cameras Welcome
    Bring a digital camera or GoPro—anything without internet. Leaders also share photos in an online gallery after the trip.

    Communication
    Families receive updates throughout the program. For emergencies, our on-call team is available 24/7.

Save your spot for Yellowstone

Spots will go fast. Reserve yours now and get ready to dive in.