DAY 1

WELCOME & ORIENTATION

The program starts with an evening orientation. We will get to know one another and the Yellowstone landscape. We will discuss trail options, as well as what to pack for the field each day.

DAY 2

Off We Go: After catching the sunrise at the Buffalo Ranch, we’ll head to our hike, stopping en route for any wildlife viewing opportunities. We’ll spend most of the day hiking off trail, exploring the wonders of the fully intact Yellowstone ecosystem.

DAY 3

Off We Go: After catching the sunrise at the Buffalo Ranch, we’ll head to our hike, stopping en route for any wildlife viewing opportunities. We’ll spend most of the day hiking off trail, exploring the wonders of the fully intact Yellowstone ecosystem.

DAY 4

Blazing your own Trail: Our last day focuses on the significance of Yellowstone’s two million acres and public lands more broadly. We’ll be out most of the day looking for geologic artifacts, wildlife sign, and hidden vistas. The course ends after our last hike, with participants free to return to Gardiner for dinner or continue on to wherever your trails lead next.

DAY 5

CHECK OUT & DEPARTURE

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 20, 2025, and goes through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

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 4

• 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.
• 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.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:

Suggested Packing List located in General Information document under the ‘Whom to Contact’ tab. 

• Sandals or old shoes for stream crossings

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 Lamar-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.

To review the cancellation policy for this program, please visit our webpage which outlines cancellation policies by program type here.