Our group programs offer engaging and educational experiences for people of all ages. From youth to adults, we have programs tailored to different interests and skill levels. Whether youâre a club looking for a fun and educational trip to Yellowstone or a school or university group interested in our curriculum offerings, our group programs are sure to provide a memorable experience.
What a group experience feels like
Every group comes to Yellowstone with different goals. We design experiences around who you areâand what matters most to your people.Â
Audience Groups We Serve
Speaker & Engagement Requests
Presentations, talks, and facilitated engagements led by Yellowstone Forever expertsâon or off site. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.
HOW WE BUILD GROUP EXPERIENCES
Most groups choose from our seasonal collection of readyâdesigned singleâday and multiâday itineraries. For groups with unique goals or specific needs, we also offer the option to create a custom itinerary for an additional design fee.
Groups may further personalize their experience by selecting from a menu of optional addâons, available for many itineraries.
Educational groups should note that we offer more specialized, standardsâaligned programs designed specifically for school, college, and educator audiences.
Single Day Experiences
Single Day Experiences
- Single day explorations led by an expert Yellowstone Forever educator.
- Ideal for conferences, meetings, or regional groups seeking meaningful time in the park.
- Focused, engaging, and easy to integrate into an existing itinerary.
Multi-Day Experiences
Multi-Day Experiences
- Immersive, multiâday learning experiences centered on science, ecology, and place.
- Ideal for groups seeking depth, continuity, and time for reflection and connection.
- Thoughtfully paced to balance learning, exploration, and group energy throughout each day.
Private Custom Itineraries
Private Custom Itineraries
- Fully tailored experiences built around your groupâs interests, goals, and accessibility needs.
- Designed collaboratively with our team from the ground up from concept through delivery.
- Wellâsuited for groups with specific learning objectives, pacing preferences, or logistical considerations.
Optional Enhancements & Add-Ons
Lodging & Hospitality
Lodging & Hospitality
- Lodging available at our Overlook Campus in Gardiner and Lamar Buffalo Ranch Â
- Optional locally catered mealsÂ
Evening Experiences
Evening Experiences
- Indigenous programs, campfires, art-based reflection kits, and guest presentations (lodging groups only)
Shuttle Service
Shuttle Service
- Roundtrip Bozeman airport shuttle service
- Shuttles for evening outings, including town visits, nearby hot springs, and more
Group Amenities
Group Amenities
Yellowstone Foreverâbranded Nalgene water bottles supporting the park’s efforts to reduce waste by choosing reusable over singleâuse plastics
When you go shapes the experience
Season, weather, road access, and natural change all influence whatâs possible. Yellowstone Forever programs respond to what the landscape is offering at the time.Â
Road access in Yellowstone varies by season and weather conditions.
The only road generally open to regular vehicles yearâround is the route from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through the park to Cooke City, Montana via Tower Junction.
From early November through late April, most park roads close to regular vehicle traffic. Within this period, access to the parkâs interior is available through commercially guided snowcoaches as part of Yellowstoneâs managed oversnow travel season, typically midâDecember through earlyâMarch.
For current road status, closures, and maps, visit the National Park Service: Yellowstone National Park Road Status & Maps
Current group program offerings divide the year into 2 seasons: Summer (May to October) and Winter (November to April).
Why summer works:Â
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See more of the park together. More park roads are open than during any other season.
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Momentum and Depth. Daylight is long allowing for flexible pacing and joy in the doing.
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Something for everyone. From hydrothermal wonders to wildlife behavior and riverscapes, summer offers the widest range of themes to match your goals.
Well-suited for:Â
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First time Yellowstone groups eager to see the highlights
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Educational programs that want variety, energy, and field time
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Family and multigenerational groups
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Affinity and nonprofit groups seeking immersive, shared experiences
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Youth groups seeking more adventureÂ
Summer ready-to-go day itinerary options:
GEYSERS, HOT SPRINGS, AND MUDPOTS: Peering into the thermal geology of Yellowstoneâs Caldera
The group will depart to explore a unique thermal basin in Yellowstone. Through hikes around the basin, students will learn about the dynamic nature of the Yellowstone Volcano and how it affects life in Yellowstone. Students will use laser thermometers to compare features. Time permitting, students may visit additional geyser basins where they will observe other thermal features.
EXPLORING TROPHIC CASCADES: Yellowstoneâs Connected Ecosystem
An early-morning wildlife watching expedition along Yellowstoneâs Northern Range will start the day. By observing through spotting scopes and binoculars, students will learn about the ecology and behavior of many different animal species that call Yellowstone home. Mini-lessons will focus on the interconnectedness of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem using the case study of Yellowstone wolves. The afternoon will be spent on a hike or snowshoe through Lamar Valley or the surrounding Northern Range and will include stops to examine the evidence animals leave behind such as tracks, scat, and fur.
THE NATIONAL PARK IDEA: Cultural History and Research in the Worldâs First National Park
By exploring various historic sites within the park, instructors will paint the picture of Yellowstoneâs human history. On an afternoon hike, students will discuss management issues within the park while exploring the National Park Serviceâs âdual mandate.â Your instructor will also facilitate a âwhere do we go from here?â conversation about the importance of parks and preservation.
BEARS IN YOUR BACKYARD: Changing Management of Yellowstoneâs Grizzly and Black Bears
The grizzly bear is one of North Americaâs most respected carnivores. Expansive home ranges and a slow reproductive rate make bears vulnerable to human-caused mortality across agency boundaries. This day will include a morning of wildlife watching to examine the great bearâs fascinating biology and ecology. Through discussions and mini-lessons, instructors will present information on historical bear management in the park, and the challenges of living with bears today. Students will also participate in discussion and debate on the current grizzly bear delisting.
WILDERNESS ETHICS BY FOOT: Hike in Yellowstoneâs Backcountry
This morning will be spent creating a âsense of placeâ with students in Yellowstone on a hike. Through various readings from conservationists and discussions on these ideas, students will craft their own definition of wilderness while exploring it. Your instructor will introduce students to the Leave No Trace principles through mini-lessons and activities. At the end of the morning, students will take part in a discussion on wilderness in their own communities.
Why winter works:Â
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Wolf mornings. The Northern Range in winter offers unmatched opportunities for observing wolf behavior.
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Clarity in the quiet. Snow hushes the landscape; tracks and movement stand outâlearners notice more, ask better questions, and slow down to really see.
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Small group depth. Fewer distractions and intentional pacing support tight knit, high impact days.
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Elemental Yellowstone. Steam against cold air, crystalline light, and wide valleysâwinter is the park at its most contemplative and unforgettable.
Well-suited for:Â
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Educational groups
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Wildlife-focused groups
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Learners seeking immersive, small group experiences without the crowds
What winter requires:Â
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Curiosity and comfort with cold conditions and the potential for hiking with snowshoes.
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Optional access to interior parts of the park use guided snow coach travel at an additional cost as required by winter operations.Â
Winter favors groups seeking focus, patience, and deep learning.Â
Winter ready-to-go day itinerary options:
EXPLORING TROPHIC CASCADES: Yellowstoneâs Connected EcosystemÂ
An early-morning wildlife watching expedition along Yellowstoneâs Northern Range will start the day. By observing through spotting scopes and binoculars, students will learn about the ecology and behavior of many different animal species that call Yellowstone home. Mini-lessons will focus on the interconnectedness of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem using the case study of Yellowstone wolves. Students will also learn about the management of many of Yellowstoneâs animals.The afternoon will be spent on a hike through Lamar Valley or the surrounding Northern Range and will include stops to examine the evidence animals leave behind such as tracks, scat, and fur.
GEOLOGY OF YELLOWSTONE: Reading the landscapes of Yellowstoneâs Northern Range
During various geology stops on the Northern Range, your instructor will convey the geologic history of the area through activities and mini-lessons. Students will learn about the dynamic nature of the Yellowstone Volcano and how it affects life in Yellowstone. Students will connect observed geologic features with geology concepts throughout the day, and an afternoon hike will allow students to observe geologic patterns and hypothesize their origins.
YELLOWSTONEâS WINTER WORLD & CLIMATE CHANGE: Observing winter survival in a changing Yellowstone
Another day of early-morning wildlife watching will focus on winter adaptations of wildlife that call Yellowstone home. Mini-lessons and activities will focus on Yellowstoneâs rugged winter and how animals survive. Students will also discuss what effect climate change has on Yellowstoneâs species and the connection to other trends across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students will also use observational data to explore the effects of climate change on forest fires.
YELLOWSTONE BY SKI OR SNOWSHOE: Exploring Yellowstone’s Backcountry
On the final day, students will have the opportunity to have an all-day Yellowstone adventure on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Students will rent skis prior to heading into the park. YF can provide snowshoes. During this time, students will learn basic cross-country ski/snowshoe techniques while experiencing the park landscape. Your instructor will facilitate a âsense of placeâ and discuss the future of the national parks to wrap up your week together.
Pricing
Itinerary Options:
Single Day – $875.00
- Single bus pricing for 14 participants
- 8-hour experience
- Choose a topic from multi-day options above
Condensed Itinerary – $2,843.75
- Single bus pricing for 14 participants
- Choose 3 topics from the options above
- Starts with an evening orientation, followed by 3 full days in the park
Expanded Itinerary – $3,718.75
- Single bus pricing for 14 participants
- Starts with an evening orientation, followed by 4 full days in the park
- Choose 4 topics from the options above
Optional Add-ons
- Meals: Field breakfasts and lunches can be added for $40 per person per day (most groups opt to bring their own food to prepare in the fully equipped kitchen space at the cabins).
- Shuttle: A round-trip Bozeman airport shuttle would be available for an additional $575 per bus.
- Guest speakers: Costs vary depending on the speaker, most start around $250 for an hour.
- Nalgenes: You may opt for reusable 32 oz Yellowstone Forever branded bottles for $15 per person.
What Groups Are Saying
National Park Service Ranger Led Youth Programming
Expedition Yellowstone
Grades: 4 – 8
Offered: School Year | Monday – Friday or Friday – Monday
Designed for middle school students, this immersive program explores Yellowstoneâs geology, ecology, and human history through curriculumâbased learning led by National Park rangers. Students engage in handsâon investigations, hikes, discussions, and reflection, with evening activities that connect Yellowstone to current issues in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Scholarships are available to support participating schools.
Yellowstone Field Trips
Grades: K-12 & College
Offered: Flexible Days
Only visiting Yellowstone for a day? Yellowstone Field Trips offer flexible, singleâday learning experiences ranging from short programs to fullâday explorations. Students participate in ageâappropriate, handsâon activities such as hikes, citizen science, discussions, and career talks, led by educators and resource experts in the park. Field trips are available for Kâ12 and college groups, with options tailored to specific subject areas and learning goals.
Distance Learning
Grades:Â K-12
Offered: Flexible Days
Too far to visit Yellowstone in person? Bring the park to your classroom through live, virtual programs led by Yellowstone National Park rangers. These interactive distanceâlearning experiences introduce students to Yellowstoneâs natural and cultural resources and the idea of preservation and shared stewardship, with programs tailored to your instructional goals.
Kids & Youth
Grades:Â K-12
Offered:Â Throughout the year
If youâre a kid (or a kid at heart), Yellowstone National Park is the perfect place to explore. Whether youâre watching a geyser erupt, spotting wildlife from a safe distance, earning your Junior Ranger badge, or learning about one of the many cool jobs in the park, thereâs always something new to discover.