Our world-class field seminars examine specific aspects of the park ecosystem through a combination of fun field excursions and presentations. Our seminar leaders are experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists, scientists, and acclaimed photographers, writers, historians, and artists. This option is a favorite for those who want to participate in a highly educational, fully immersive Yellowstone experience.
Field Seminars
Field Seminars
Yellowstone Backcountry Skills
$1,123
Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Instructors:
Debra Dirksen, Ph.D, John Dirksen, M.S., Orville (Butch) Bach, Jr. Ed.D
Debra Dirksen, Ph.D, John Dirksen, M.S., Orville (Butch) Bach, Jr. Ed.D
This course will introduce you to the skills necessary for exploring and enjoying Yellowstone’s backcountry. You will learn about the proper gear and equipment, how to navigate by map and compass, hiking and camping in grizzly country, no-trace camping techniques, the proper use of a…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
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.
Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.