Experience the Great American Eclipse in Beautiful Wyoming

Moose Head Ride

August 18 - 23, 2017

with Professor Bill Blair

It has been 99 years since a total eclipse of the sun cut a swath across the United States, and it has been 38 years since one touched the continental United States. This August presents a premiere opportunity to view this rare event, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming is directly in its path.  You can experience this event guided by astronomer Dr. Bill Blair, a professor of physics and astronomy in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University.  Dr. Blair will provide several lectures in the evenings and be available to answer your questions.  Among other things, Dr. Blair will explain how and why eclipses occur and how to view it safely, share the latest news from the Hubble Space Telescope, and provide a preview of the soon to be launched James Webb Space Telescope, both of which are managed for NASA at the Space Telescope Science Institute on the Hopkins Homewood campus. 

Your base for five nights will be the acclaimed and award winning Moose Head Ranch located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. Enjoy an unparalleled natural experience with the opportunity to observe bison, moose, elk, eagles, and hawks and enjoy a guided trip to Yellowstone for its geologic and natural wonders. Fill your day with hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and gourmet meals, all included at this authentic Dude Ranch. Or head to nearby Jackson for some Wild West fun at the rodeo, saloons, and the cowboy shootout, and some amazing Old West art museums and galleries. 

Lodging: 
Moose Head Ranch has a variety of cabins, both 1BR as well as 2BR with a living room. Each bedroom has its own bath. Cabins will be assigned first come, first served and you might share a living room. 

Price: $5,000 per person, double occupancy
Due to the special appeal of this celestial event, the town of Jackson is experiencing sold out hotels and Moose Head Ranch is remaining open an additional week for this special program.  The price of the program is competitive with other packages in the area. A $2,000 per person deposit (check only) is required to hold your space. Johns Hopkins is not receiving any commission from this program.

Space is limited and few openings remain for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Reserve by March 15th to guarantee your spot. Cancellation policies apply. Please check with the ranch. 

We hope you can join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Included:

  • 5 nights lodging in room with private bath
  • 3 meals a day provided by gourmet chefs
  • Eclipse viewing on Monday
  • Lectures
  • Daily horseback riding
  • Fly fishing with instruction on ranch ponds
  • Hiking 
  • Full-day guided excursion to Yellowstone on Sunday or Tuesday
  • All taxes and tipping

Not Included:

  • Travel to Wyoming
  • Transportation to/from the Ranch from the airport

 

Optional Activities Include:

Scenic Snake River Float Trips (2-3 hours time spent away from the ranch)

Float a 10-mile stretch of the renowned Snake River on a scenic trip wholly within Grand Teton National Park. Wild nature surrounds you on these river rafting trips. You’ll float beneath the Grand Tetons in an area untouched by human development for generations. Experienced river guides will share fascinating information on:

  • The unique history of Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole
  • The geology and ecology of the pristine Snake River environment
  • The abundant wildlife in our valley and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Cost: $75 per person

Whitewater Rafting Trip (3-4 hours time spent away from the ranch)

Whitewater raft down the Snake River Canyon and have the time of your life! Rapids such as Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter and Ropes are sure to give you a bumpy and wet ride but have you smiling the whole time.

Cost: $80 per person

Jenny Lake Scenic Cruise (2 hours time spent away from the ranch)

A scenic cruise on Jenny Lake is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Grand Teton National Park. You will spend approximately 1 hour on Jenny Lake with a knowledgeable guide. You will learn about the history and geology of the area as well as the flora and fauna around the lake. The photo opportunities on the scenic cruise are second to none. 

Cost: $19 per person; Trips daily at 11, 2 & 5

Jackson Hole Rodeo: (Saturday night 8 -10; early ranch dinner to accommodate those wanting to drive in--allow 40 minutes)

Rodeo has been a part of Jackson Hole’s cowboy culture for more than 100 years. Events include bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing and roping.

Cost: $30-35 per person reserved seats (jhrodeo.com)

Hiking:

Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and beyond. Easy level and up.

Phelps Lake Easy to moderate. Visit the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve. The Preserve provides a special opportunity to connect with nature in an environment designed to reduce congestion and provide an opportunity for solitude and reflection

Town of Jackson (26 miles south of Moose Head)

National Museum of Wildlife Art - a relatively new and unique museum on the outskirts of Jackson with a wonderful collection of North American wildlife art, supplemented by wildlife art found throughout the world.  The Museum enriches and inspires appreciation and knowledge of humanity’s relationship with nature.  August exhibit includes National Geographic Photo Ark, featuring photographs by Joel Satore of more than 5,000 creatures.

Cost: $14 per person

Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum and numerous art galleries and shops.

     

    JACKSON HOLE MAP:

    Map

    View all upcoming alumni journeys here.

    Reservations are not through JHU, but directly through the ranch. To reserve, please contact :

    Louise Davenport 
    Moose Head Ranch 
    Call 850-877-1431 or visit www.mooseheadranch.com.

    For Johns Hopkins information, please contact Leah Murphy or Marguerite Jones at 800-548-5481.

    William Blair

    William P. Blair is an astrophysicist and research professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The Johns Hopkins University. He currently splits time between ongoing research projects at Johns Hopkins and as a planning system liaison scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute, working on development activities for the James Webb Space Telescope project.

    Click here to read more.