FALL WOLF & ELK DISCOVERY
TRIP LENGTH
4 DAYS
GROUP SIZE
13
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
START DATES
Sept. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24
LOCATION
Mammoth Hot Springs
PRICING
$1,535 per person, double occupancy
$2,105 per person, single occupancy
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Fall Wolf & Elk Discovery package focuses on learning about wolves, elk, and other exciting wildlife. Yellowstone’s famous northern range is a prime location to view wolves in Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs is the best place in the park to view the annual elk rut. This package is designed to take advantage of both rare opportunities. A Yellowstone Forever field educator will share up-to-date information about Yellowstone wildlife biology, behavior, and ecology throughout daily outings. Each evening, participants will return to their accommodations at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
The first evening includes an informative orientation with a Yellowstone Forever field educator. The following three full days involve early departures to search for wolves and watch elk perform their mating rituals. Afternoons are spent exploring wildlife habitats and hiking out to examine tracks and other animal signs. Participants will likely encounter many other wildlife species during daily outings, where field educators will discuss the role these other species 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
You are welcome to check into the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel 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 itinerary, discuss clothing and equipment needed for daily outings, and answer any questions participants may have.
Participants will be spending this evening at the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel.
7:00 p.m. Orientation at Mammoth Hot Springs Conference Room
Specific room to be determined; ask front desk for directions
DAYS 2 – 4
WILDLIFE WATCHING & HABITAT EXPLORATION
Each day begins early to catch morning wildlife activity. Wolves and bears tend to be most active in the early morning, while mountain goats, moose, bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and birds continue to be active later in the day. After viewing wildlife, you will be led on a hike in search of tracks and sign while discussing ecology, behavior, recent research, and management.
6:00 a.m. Depart Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Hot beverages and box breakfast in the field
Morning & afternoon roadside animal viewing
Deli lunch in the field
Afternoon hike in wildlife habitat
3:00 p.m. Return to Mammoth Hot Springs
DAY 5
CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE
SEPTEMBER
- 9/2/2024 – 9/6/2024
- 9/3/2024 – 9/7/2024
- 9/9/2024 – 9/13/2024
- 9/10/2024 – 9/14/2024
- 9/16/2024 – 9/20/2024
- 9/17/2024 – 9/21/2024
- 9/23/2024 – 9/27/2024
- 9/24/2024 – 9/28/2024
ACTIVITY LEVEL 2
- Participants must be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible. 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.
- Yellowstone Forever is Yellowstone National Park’s official nonprofit education and fundraising partner. Yellowstone Forever’s mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. To learn more about Yellowstone Forever, visit our website, yellowstone.org.
- Support Yellowstone National Park. Proceeds collected by Yellowstone Forever educational programs are used to preserve Yellowstone National Park and provide more opportunities for people to experience its magic.
- Yellowstone Forever Field Educators are formally trained. The Yellowstone Institute has been providing in-depth educational programs in Yellowstone for over 40 years. 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.
- Small group size. Lodging & Learning programs have a max capacity of 13. The program capacity size allows participants to enjoy camaraderie with fellow participants and receive more attention in a small group setting. It allows the educator to take an inquiry-based approach to learning and tailoring the experience to the group’s specific interests.
- Essential equipment provided. Yellowstone Forever provides high-quality scoping equipment to bring distant wildlife into crisp, clear view. Educators are at a minimum Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified. They carry a first aid kit and handheld radio during all outings and provide bear spray to participants if hiking in bear country. Additionally, they incorporate teaching aids such as skulls, tracks, pelts, books, and test equipment such as temperature guns for thermal features.
“Amanda was an excellent guide. Extremely knowledgeable, patient and positive.” – Malinda, MT
“It was action packed days! Maybe a four day option? I was thrilled with the experience” – Shellee, IL
“Honestly the whole experience was amazing and we’ve been suggesting all our friends do one of these lodging and learning programs.” – Alicia & Michael
“It was excellent in every way. Sam Archibald was encyclopedic in his knowledge.” – James & Cheryl, ID
© Amanda Evans