DATES: AUGUST 3 – 5, 2026
TUITION: $441
LOCATION: GARDINER, MT
GROUP SIZE: 13
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 1 – 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Franco Littlelight will take participants to various locations in Yellowstone National Park recounting stories, practices, songs, and rituals associated with the area. Highlights of the expedition include Grand Prismatic Springs, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Artist’s Point, and other locations. At each site, Franco will interpret the specific Indigenous Crow tale connected to the landscape offering cultural insights.
Physical exertion will be kept to a minimum, however the hikes in this course will include strolling around the Old Faithful area, a mile hike to the Grand Prismatic Springs Overlook, and down the steps of the Mammoth Hot Springs Boardwalk (not going up the stairs). Throughout the experience, Franco will share songs, stories, and music providing a rich Indigenous perspective on Yellowstone’s iconic places and cultural background to the whole experience.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program begins with an evening orientation where participants will have the opportunity to get acquainted and learn about the program. During this session, we’ll review the itinerary, introduce key seminar concepts, and provide guidance on what to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2
OLD MAN COYOTE & LONG ARM – The Cycle of Creation & Destruction
Awakule – The Little People
Barukseh – The Under-Dwellers
The Warriors of the Sun – Progeny of the Sun
DAY 3
BULL-WHO-DOES-NOT-COME & THE SPIRITUALITY OF AN IMMORTAL SHAMAN
All Things Have a Spirit – The Energy of Creation Permeates all Things
Yellowstone: An Ancient Battle Ground
Old Man Coyote’s New Heaven and Earth
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Monday, August 3, 2026, and goes through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Lodging: This course does not include lodging, but we may have space available at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus. Click here to learn more. Otherwise, the town of Gardiner, MT has many places to stay. Click here to view a lodging directory from the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 1 – 2
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- This course includes at least one hike where students will be expected to be able to hike 1.5 miles with an elevation change of 200 feet.
- 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:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program 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
If running late for a program, please contact 406-848-9128.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Gardiner-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT & PACKING LIST:
Refer to the Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document for the suggested packing list.
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
None
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Franco Littlelight
Franco Littlelight is Crow Indian educator from the Crow Reservation in Montana. One of the Crow Tribe’s cultural treasures, Franco is the carrier of traditional, ceremonial, and ritual songs of the Crow People. In addition to his extensive repertoire of songs, he is an accomplished story-teller of Crow Indian mythology and folktales. His greatest passion is giving westerners and non-natives access to the rich cultural heritage of the Crow People by sharing his talents with audiences across the region.