Off Trail Adventures

$393 | Tuition & Lodging

Dates:
July 23 - 25

Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Meals Included?:
No

Instructors:
Sam Archibald, M.E.M.

Audience Type:
Adult

Program Type:
Field Seminars

Program Subject:
Hiking, Outdoor Recreation

Welcome to Off-Trail Adventures, where you'll experience three days of discovery beyond the asphalt, boardwalk, and even the trail. You will take advantage of the open landscape along the northern range to explore seldom-visited areas, hiking up to 8 miles a day through sagebrush and aspen groves, past rushing streams and wildflowers, and up to new vistas of iconic areas. Along the way, you will look for tracks, scat, bones, and general wildlife signs; evidence of Yellowstone's early human residents; and other unique features of this living landscape. You'll also engage in discussions about wildlife ecology, geology, park history, and more.

About the instructor

Sam Archibald is a Lead Field Educator for Yellowstone Forever. Sam first started with outdoor education as a US Peace Corps volunteer, working with an Ecuadorian nonprofit organization to develop outdoor leadership programs for youth. After earning his master’s degree in Environmental Management through Western Colorado University (Gunnison, CO), Sam joined the National Park Service, working as a Crew Leader for the Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps. What was supposed to be a single season in YNP turned into many as Sam fell in love the vivacity of this ecosystem. Sam first joined Yellowstone Forever's team as a winter seasonal educator and has been a permeant instructor since 2022. Sam is grateful for every day he gets to spend out in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and looks forward to the continual discoveries offered by this wild and wonderful landscape.

Testimonials

"I can't say enough good things about Sam. He is knowledgeable and patient and a wonderful hiking guide. This is my 4th and favorite YF seminar." - Cynthia, MT

"Sam was an awesome guide. He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the park. He is very polite and did a fantastic job. I have participated in the fall hiking twice prior and each time I have a greater appreciation of the beauty and splendor of the park. I Thank Sam and the volunteers, who were so enjoyable, for helping us have a exceptional hiking trip." - Rochelle, FL

Download Program Information:

Off Trail Adventures Course Letter

More Information:

Lodging | Audience Descriptions

We are continually updating and refining our COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety our guests, staff and volunteers. Read our COVID-19 guidelines for program participants.

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.