The Trails Through Yellowstone Lodging & Learning package is designed for those who want to enjoy a more active adventure in Yellowstone National Park. On this program, participants will spend time exploring Yellowstone’s wild backcountry, hike along some of the most scenic trails the park has to offer while being led by an expert Yellowstone Forever field educator. Daily outings begin early to beat the crowds and increase odds of seeing wildlife that are most active at dawn. After exploring the park, the group will return to their lodging early every evening, so they can relax on their own.

Specific hikes are intentionally not listed in advance for this package; this allows education staff the flexibility to use their extensive knowledge to cater the hikes to the group’s interests, the weather, and seasonal trail conditions.

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 a Lodging & Learning Program?

These award-winning Lodging & Learning packages are developed through a partnership with Yellowstone National Park Lodges and Yellowstone Forever. These packages combine the best lodging locations with an exceptional immersive field education experience. Here’s why this package stands out:

• 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.
• Incredible in-park lodging. All lodging in this package is in the park, within short walking distance from popular features and spectacular scenery. This minimizes drive time during daily outings and allows more time to enjoy the park’s features at a relaxing pace. It also allows more time in the evenings, after daily outings, to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Testimonials

"I'm not really sure how one could improve upon what was an extraordinary experience." - Albert, PA

"Everything was perfect! We've never done a guided tour at a national park, and this turned out to be one of the most memorable trips we've taken recently. Mark is a wonderful guide and teacher, with amazing Yellowstone eyes for spotting wildlife." - Bo, TX

"The trip exceeded my expectations. Excellent choice of hikes and all different. Phenomenal wildlife. So enjoyed Amanda's information." - Laura, FL

"Amanda Evans provided an amazing experience for our group. Her knowledge of the park and its wildlife was informative, entertaining and inspiring. Her passion for educating the park visitors is clear from moment the program begins. I would absolutely recommend the 'Trails Through Yellowstone' package." - Bob, IL