PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Wild Yellowstone: Tracks to Talons Lodging & Learning package focuses on the diverse and vibrant wildlife that calls this iconic landscape home. Dive into the world of Yellowstone’s top predators. Track wolves, bears, and other carnivores as they roam their natural habitats, learning about their behaviors, hunting strategies, and roles in the ecosystem. Then explore the lives of Yellowstone’s majestic ungulates. From bison and elk to bighorn sheep and pronghorn, witness these herbivores in their natural settings and understand their migration patterns and grazing habits. Conclude your adventure with a day dedicated to the park’s avian wonders. Engage in birdwatching activities, identify various bird species, and discover the unique adaptations and migratory journeys of Yellowstone’s feathered friends.
Short hikes may also be sprinkled through the entire trip to provide for an immersive experience. A Yellowstone field educator will ensure all logistics are accounted for while providing high quality interpretation of observations. Each evening, participants will return to their comfortable accommodations at the Canyon Lodge.
The first evening includes an informative orientation with a Yellowstone Forever field educator. The following three full days involve early departures to search for wildlife in their natural habitats. Afternoons are spent exploring ecosystems and hiking out to examine tracks and other animals sign. Participants will likely encounter many wildlife species during daily outings, where field educators will discuss the role these animals play in the ecosystem.
Most sightings of wildlife occur at a distance; the field educator will provide high-powered spotting scopes and binoculars for group use. However, participants are encouraged to bring additional scopes and binoculars if they have them.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
Participants are welcome to check into the Canyon Lodge beginning at 4:00 p.m. After checking in, guests will meet a Yellowstone Forever field educator for an orientation. Education staff will go over the program itinerary, discuss clothing and equipment needed for daily outings, and answer any questions participants may have. Participants will be spending this evening at the Canyon Lodge.
7:00 p.m. Meet at orientation location
Confirm specific meeting location with front desk staff during registration.
DAY 2
YELLOWSTONE’S PREDATORS
We will head out early for wildlife watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley and over Dunraven Pass. We will travel along Yellowstone’s northern range in search of Yellowstone’s carnivores. After viewing wildlife, you will be led on a hike while discussing ecology, behavior, recent research, and management.
6:00 a.m. Depart Canyon Lodge
- Hot beverages & box breakfast in the field
- Morning roadside animal viewing
- Deli lunch in the field
- Afternoon hike in wildlife habitat & scene investigation
2:00 p.m. Return to Canyon Lodge
DAY 3
HOOVED YELLOWSTONE
The herds of Yellowstone will dictate our travel day today with the group most likely ending up in Hayden or Lamar Valley. We will head out in search of Yellowstone’s hoofed animals from bison to elk and bighorn sheep to pronghorn, we will discuss their migration patterns and the impact of keystone species on the landscape.
Afternoon activity
Tracking tutorial
Return to Canyon Lodge
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Breakfast at Canyon Eatery
7:30 a.m. Depart Canyon Lodge
- Follow the herd (wildlife watching)
- Deli lunch in the field
- Afternoon activity – Tracking tutorial
3:30 p.m. Return to Canyon Lodge
DAY 4
BIRDING UNDER BIG SKIES
On the final day, we will conclude our wildlife week with a day dedicated to Yellowstone’s avian wonders. We will engage in birdwatching activities, identifying various bird species, and discussing how to spot, identify, and sound id birds through different techniques. Discover the unique adaptations and migratory journeys of Yellowstone’s feathered friends.
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Breakfast at Canyon Eatery
7:30 a.m. Depart Canyon Lodge
- Bird watching & identification techniques
- Deli lunch in the field
- Afternoon species review & closing
3:00 p.m. Return to Canyon Lodge
DAY 5
CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Monday and goes through 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Lodging:
- 4 nights lodging at Canyon Lodge – Deluxe Rooms
- Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Day 1
- Lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Day 5
Most meals, to include:
- 3 breakfasts (2 dine-in breakfasts at Canyon Eatery & 1 breakfast to-go)
- 3 lunches to-go
Transportation: In-park transportation via a 14-passenger minibus or transit van
Exceptional educational programming with a Yellowstone Forever field educator
A Nalgene water bottle (gift item)
High-powered scopes and binoculars
Field equipment (as needed)
ACTIVITY LEVEL 2
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day comfortably with elevation gains of up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking is possible.
- For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information, please contact the following:
- Reservations, lodging, food, and payment questions, please contact Yellowstone National Park Lodges at [email protected] or 307-344-7311
- Program itinerary, health forms, and activity questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
- Road updates, park conditions, and general park information, please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
- To review the cancellation policy for this program, please visit our webpage which outlines cancellation policies by program type here.
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YF Institute | Field Educator
Yellowstone Forever field educators are among the best experts in Yellowstone. Educational staff are passionate professionals with significant training who are dedicating their careers to this vital work. They live in the Yellowstone ecosystem, they work and train alongside park researchers and educators, and thus can provide accurate and exciting behind-the-scenes perspectives on the park’s natural and cultural history. They know where to go and when, and they handle all the details to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
