DATES: September 2025
PRICING: See below
LOCATION: Mammoth Hot Springs
GROUP SIZE: 14
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
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.
Session Start Dates:
2025
September – 9/1, 9/2, 9/8, 9/9, 9/15, 9/16, 9/22, 9/23
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
Participants 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 program 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. Participants will be spending each evening at the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel.
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
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Monday and goes through 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Lodging:
- 4 nights lodging at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel – Frontier Cabin available for most sessions
- Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Day 1
- Lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Day 5
Most meals, to include:
- 3 breakfasts to-go
- 3 lunches to-go
Transportation: In-park transportation via a 14-passenger minibus or transit van
Exceptional educational programming with a Yellowstone Forever field educator
A Nalgene water bottle (gift item)
High-powered scopes and binoculars
Field equipment (as needed)
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, 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:
- Reservations, lodging, food, and payment questions, please contact Yellowstone National Park Lodges at [email protected] or 307-344-7311
- Program itinerary, health forms, and activity 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
- To review the cancellation policy for this program, please visit our webpage which outlines cancellation policies by program type here.
TESTIMONIALS
“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
“I don’t think anything could have made our experience greater…it was an amazing time, exceeded our expectations for what we learned, were able to witness and take part in, and Nancy was absolutely fabulous!” – Karen, MD
“Abbey is terrific and her commentary, knowledge, and experience is probably why I enjoyed this so much. The entire experience was a highlight for me having done this for the first time.” – Maryanne, CA
BOOK THIS PACKAGE NOWREAD THE COURSE LETTER
YF Institute | Field Educator
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.
