DATES: May 2025
PRICING: See below
LOCATION: Mammoth Hot Springs
GROUP SIZE: 14
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Spring Wolf & Bear Discovery package focuses on wolves and bears in Yellowstone National Park. Both elusive species occupy important roles on the landscape and in our imaginations. Each day, you will visit strategic viewing locations along Yellowstone’s famous 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.
Session Start Dates:
2025
May – 5/6, 5/12, 5/13, 5/19, 5/20, 5/26, 5/27
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, 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:
- 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
“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
“We were so happy with the tour! We saw so many bears, both black bears and grizzly bear and lots with cubs. And through the scopes we saw wolves and cubs. Bison and their babies were everywhere in Lamar valley. A bull moose in the lake, elk and babies abound, osprey in a nest, a group of big horned sheep gentleman one day and the ladies the next, a mountain goat with a baby, horned owl and babies, pronghorn, badger and babies, the animal bingo was extensive! Coupled with great enthusiasm and stories of the wolf repopulating Yellowstone, the struggles for healthy elk and bison populations, mountain lion and pronghorn ranges and challenges. I learned to appreciate so much more about this wonderful park.” – Jennifer, NC
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.
