If you ever read the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and were enthralled with pioneer life, now is your chance to find out just what it was like. Trek by covered Wagon, horseback or walk along the base of Wyoming's Rocky Mountains by day and sleep under the stars by night. In between, you'll take breaks, stop for lunch and explore the surrounding areas. The four- and six-day Wagon Train trips are headed by the wagon master and the crew (including a cook).
Along with other members of the wagon train, you will travel 8 to 10 miles a day through the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Mount Leidy Highlands, set at 7,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level. Many afternoons get thundershowers, so some days you may go farther, other days not quite as far. Count on daytime temperatures in the 80s and nighttime temperatures in the low 30s.
On the first day, each rider is fitted to a Western saddle and matched a friendly mixed-breed horse who will carry you about half of the day; the other half of the day you will either walk or ride in the wagon. If you want to ride full-time, there's a small extra fee. There is a 250 pound weight limit and most outfits require children to be at least six years old.
The wagons sleep four people or you can sleep in a two-person spring-bar tent that includes a mattress. Sleeping bags can be rented or you can bring your own. If you bring your own, make sure it can withstand temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't forget your pillow. While in camp, you'll be able to use the porta-potty Covered Wagon, but on the trail you'll use nature's facilities (the woods). Just like the pioneers, you'll have access to hot water and wash pans, but no showers.
Chuck-wagon meals served family-style are cooked in dutch ovens over an open campfire. Special diets can be accommodated on most trips. Typical fare includes stews, ham, eggs, roasts and so on. If you've never had dessert cooked in a dutch oven, you're in for a treat.
Count on packing for the trip as if you were going to camp. Everything should be packed in duffle bags that are easy to move. You'll need a warm jacket, sleeping bag, gloves, insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, riding or hiking boots and a wide-brimmed hat. Toiletries, sturdy clothing, a canteen, flashlight, swimming suit, towels, a camera and a sewing kit are also needed. If you plan to sleep on the ground, bring a ground mat, such as a Thermarest, for extra comfort.
After a full day's journey, you'll make camp by pulling the wagons into a circle. At night you'll sit around a campfire, tell stories, sing songs (bring an instrument if you play) and relax with your companions.
Most wagon train operations run only in August and may require at least six people to do the trip, otherwise it might be cancelled. Costs at the time of this post range between $800 and $1100 USD per person. If you're having a western-themed wedding, a wagon-train honeymoon is the perfect compliment.
Resources:
Grand Tetons Covered Wagon Train http://www.hiddentrails.com/
Wagons West http://www.wagonswestwyo.com/index.html
Teton Wagon Train and Horse Adventure http://tetonwagontrain.com/
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