What better way is there to appreciate history than to experience it. Have you ever thought of what it was like for the pioneers of the 1800’s who traveled west in covered wagons? This is your chance to find out first hand. There are not many places that offer wagon train trips, and they are extremely popular, with many people coming back year after year, so you have a bit of the adventurer in you, and would like to try something new, then make your reservations early. Be sure to follow their advice on what to bring. There are reasons for everything.
Wagons West
http://www.wagonswestwyo.com/
Box 1149
Afton, Wyoming 83110
Ph. (800) 447-4711
Turpin Meadows Base Camp (June-October)
(307) 543-2418
The original pioneers would have loved to have the kind if wagons that Wagons West uses. With rubber wheels and padded seats, you will be quite a bit more comfortable those in the original wagon trains were. The trip will take you through Bridger-Teton National Forest and Mount Leidy Highlands, so of the most beautiful wilderness anywhere. You will get the same feeling that the original pioneers had when they left the civilization of their time behind and headed out into the unknown. During the day you can take your turn at riding in the wagons, walking or riding a horse. There will be time for you to go on hikes and do a little exploring. Meals are provided and cooked like they were back in the pioneer days, right off the chuck wagon.
They have options available for 2 day one night trips up to 6 day 5 night trips. So you can be as adventurous as you want to be. If camping is new to you, you might want to consider a smaller trip to start and then move on up to a longer one.
Mc Nabb Wagon Trains
http://www.kmcnabb.com/
Cody Wyoming
This is a bit of a different experience where you get to do the wagon train driving. Don’t worry if you are inexperienced, They will spend a day going over everything you need to know before moving out. And the trails you will be driving over are the every same trails used by the original wagon trains. Over the course of the week, you will travel 50 miles, have meals cooked over an open fire and enjoy some beautiful scenery. There are seven scheduled trips this summer, so reserve early. They also have another western adventure, driving a stage coach. This a new adventure option for them and there are only two scheduled this year. The trip takes five days, covers 250 miles and again you travel over the original stage coach trails. However, you do get to stay in top hotels and eat at restaurants. Of course, the original stage coach passengers did the same, just not in this kind of style. There is a limit of 12 passengers per trip, so this is one that will sell out way in advance of the date. Everyone will get a chance to drive the coach. You will get a great appreciation of just how hard the stage coach drivers worked when it is you turn to control four horses at the same time.
Teton Wagon Train & Horse Adventure
http://www.tetonwagontrain.com/
Double H Bar, INC.
P.O. Box 10307
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83002-0307
1-888-734-6101 OR (307) 734-6101
FAX (208) 787-3435
This adventure will take you though Yellowstone Park and Grand Teton National Park. All trips are 4 day, 3 night. Along the trail, you will have the opportunity to take nature hikes, swim, trail ride on horseback, learn to handle a rope, canoe and explore the beautiful country. You will even have a visit from the local Native Americans and have mail delivered by pony express. There will be chuck wagon cooking, just like in the old days.
