Spring Wolf & Bear Discovery

Spring Wolf & Bear Discovery

$1,535 per person, double occupancy*
$2,105 per person, single occupancy*
Dates:
4 days in total
Program start dates:
May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Location:
Mammoth Hot Springs
Meals Included?:
Breakfast and Lunch
Instructors:
Institute Staff
Age:
Adult
Program Type:
Lodging & Learning
Program Subject:
Wildlife

The Spring Wolf & Bear Discovery package focuses on wolves and bears in Yellowstone National Park. Both illusive species occupy important roles on the landscape and in our imaginations. Each day, you will visit strategic viewing locations along Yellowstone's infamous northern range and discuss the biology, ecology, and research surrounding these fascinating creatures. We will also take advantage of opportunities to observe and discuss other wildlife and their role in the ecological fabric of Yellowstone.

Short hikes may also be sprinkled through the entire trip to provide for an immersive experience. A Yellowstone field educator will ensure all logistics are accounted for while providing high quality interpretation of observations. The three full days will involve early departures to search for wolves and bears. Afternoons are spent exploring ecosystems and hiking out to examine tracks and other animal sign.

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.

Why choose this program?

  • 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.

Testimonals

"Keep up the good work!" - Leslie, CA

"Amazing experience with a small group and a knowledgeable guide." - Connie, CA

"This was the third Wolf and Bear tour for my friend and me. Morgan had a vast depth of knowledge and was very good company besides. She gets highest marks as a guide." - Judith, TX

Download Program Information:

Spring Wolf & Bear Discovery Itinerary

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.