DATES: SEPTEMBER 15 – 18, 2026
TUITION: $648
LOCATION: GARDINER, MT
GROUP SIZE: 13
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Join Dr. Mike Poland, Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, for a dynamic three-day field seminar exploring the geologic forces that shape Yellowstone National Park. Through guided excursions to key volcanic features, participants will gain firsthand insight into the Yellowstone Caldera, hydrothermal systems, and the cutting-edge technologies used to monitor volcanic activity.
Dr. Poland will share his expertise in volcano geodesy, including satellite-based InSAR and microgravity techniques, to illuminate how scientists study surface deformation and fluid movement beneath the park. This immersive experience blends field science with engaging discussion, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the nation’s leading volcano experts.
The itinerary is presented in a detailed, ideal‑scenario format with planned flexibility. While it reflects the best possible sequence of activities, adjustments may be required to accommodate weather, wildlife behavior, holidays, road construction, or the interests of participants.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program begins with an evening orientation where participants will have the opportunity to get acquainted and learn about the program. During this session, we’ll review the itinerary, introduce key seminar concepts, and provide guidance on what to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2
- 8:00 AM | Depart classrooms
- 9:00 AM | Gibbon Falls
- 10:30 AM – 1:30/2:00 PM | Quake Lake area
- Cabin Creek scarp
- Refugee Point
- Quake Lake visitor Center
- Lunch at visitor center
- 3:00/3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Norris Geyser Basin
- 6:30 PM | Return Gardiner
DAY 3
- 8:00 AM | Depart classrooms
- 8:30 AM | Silver Gate
- 10:00 AM | Fountain Flat Drive
- Walk to Ojo Caliente and Pocket Basin
- 11:30 AM | Old Faithful
- Lunch
- Explore Geyser Hill
- 3:00 PM | Biscuit Basin area (if time allows)
- 4:30 PM | Terrace Spring
- 6:30 PM | Return Gardiner
DAY 4
- 8:00 AM | Depart classrooms
- 9:30 AM | Artist Point
- 11:00 AM | Lake Butte
- 12:00 PM | Indian Pond
- Lunch
- Hike to Storm Point
- 2:30/3:00 PM | Mud Volcano
- 4:30 PM | Sheepeater Cliff
- 5:00 PM | Mammoth Hot Springs
- 6:30 PM | Return Gardiner
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and goes through 6:30 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Lodging: This course does not include lodging, but there is limited space available at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus. Click here to learn more. Otherwise, the town of Gardiner, MT has many places to stay. Click here to view a lodging directory from the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce.
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 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 406-848-9128.
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.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT & PACKING LIST:
Refer to the Gardiner-Based Field Seminars – General Information document for the suggested packing list.
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
None
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Mike Poland, Ph.D.
Mike Poland is a research geophysicist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
Mike’s area of specialization is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity. This work involves the use of space-based technologies, like Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), as well as ground-based techniques, like microgravity surveys. Mike has taken part in studies on a variety of volcanic systems in the United States, including Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest, Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes in Hawaii, and the Yellowstone caldera. His recent work has focused on using gravity change over time to understand the character of the fluids that drive volcanic unrest, and also on the potential of satellite data to improve forecasts of future changes in volcanic activity.