DATES: SEPTEMBER 22 – 25, 2025
TUITION: $631
LOCATION: GARDINER, MT
GROUP SIZE: 14
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Welcome to Yellowstone’s Northern Range! This iconic stretch of mountains, meadows, rivers, and glacial valleys lies at the heart of the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is home to 14 carnivores, 8 ungulates, over 150 birds, as well as rodents, reptiles, and more. Autumn casts this landscape in a beautiful light with golden aspen, amber grasses, and crisp foggy mornings. Cooler days mean more active wildlife. Elk herd their harems, wolves wander farther in search of food at a time when prey species are in peak physical condition and bears frantically feast in preparation for winter. You’ll be starting early to catch animals when they are most active and using binoculars or high-powered spotting scopes to observe their unaltered behavior. In the afternoons, you will leave the road for short hikes (up to 5 miles) to examine tracks, scat, and other sign.
A tentative itinerary is included below, but the bulk of the program can be adapted to your shared interests. You will seek a better understanding of how these species interact with one another, and the management concerns that surround many of our more controversial or threatened species. Open discussion is always encouraged, so bring your questions, concerns, and even personal experiences with you as you explore one of the most intact and diverse ecosystems on the planet.
DAY 1
The program starts with an evening orientation. You will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.
DAYS 2 – 4
Each day begins at sunrise to catch wildlife when they are most active. You will focus on elusive species like wolves, bears, and moose in the early morning, then turn to other species like elk, bison, and bighorn sheep as the day warms. After lunch, you will go on a short hike in search of tracks and sign while discussing ecology, behavior, recent research, and management. You can expect to return around 4:00 p.m. every day.
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Monday, September 22, 2025, and goes through 4:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
Lodging: If interested in lodging, there is some lodging available at our Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus. For those who book lodging, check-in begins 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, September 22, 2025, and goes through 9:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025. Lodging can be added to your order during the registration process.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 2
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking 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:
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 406-641-2185.
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.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Amanda Evans | Lead Field Educator
Amanda Evans is a Lead Field Educator for Yellowstone Forever. After extensive wildlife and outdoor education experience in a variety of ecosystems derived from a lifelong passion for wildlife, she has lived and worked on the edge of Yellowstone for the past five years. She feels that it is through firsthand experience with the natural world that people build the strongest connections to it. Her goal is to use education to foster the same appreciation she feels and to inspire others to preserve and protect nature in all spaces.
Two young bull moose spar during the breeding season in late September, in Bechler Meadows. NPS Photo/D. Stahler