Road Scholar : Home
Yellowstone: From Colter's Hell to America's Hot Spot

Program Number: 18556RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/29/2013; 8/29/2013 - 9/4/2013; 9/24/2013 - 9/30/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Yellowstone, Wyoming
Price starting at: $1,495.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks; Science & Nature Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Yellowstone National Park’s past and present volcanic and tectonic activity is the foundation of its unique ecosystem and the ecological connections that make it so alluring. Join a park naturalist for a field study showcasing this UNESCO Heritage Site where landforms, together with climate, elevation and time, have resulted in a grand diversity of flora and fauna. Interpretive walks and field trips reveal wildlife, geology, forest, wildflowers and thermal features, as well as the park’s human history and current issues.




Highlights

• Discover the geological reasons why Quake Lake was formed in less than a minute and why Yellowstone Lake is tilting southward.
• Investigate effects of the volcanic and chemical phenomena which created the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
• Explore the wonders of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, fumaroles and their surrounding hydrothermal life zone within the geyser basins of Yellowstone.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to three miles per day over uneven terrain, boardwalks, some stairs.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013, 8-29-2013, 9-24-2013

Program takes place entirely in Yellowstone National Park with lodgings at the Mammoth, Old Faithful and Lake areas.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Mammoth Hot Springs, 2 nights; coach to Old Faithful, 1 night; coach to Lake Station, 1 night; coach to Mammoth Hot Springs, 2 nights; departure.



Coordinated by University of Montana Western.




Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Yellowstone is the world's first national park, established in 1872, and is famous for its geysers and thermal features as well as its plentiful and diverse flora and fauna. There is also considerable human history within the park, from the early explorers and settlers to the historic park lodges.
Accommodations
Clean and comfortable accommodations at various locations throughout Yellowstone Park.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Catherine Raven
A resident of the Greater Yellowstone region for 18 years, Dr. Catherine Raven began her career as a backcountry ranger at Glacier and Mt. Rainier National Parks. She later received her Ph.D. in biology from Montana State University while working as a biological technician in North Cascades and Voyageurs National Parks. Her high school Forestry textbook was published in 2006 and she has since published natural history essays in American Scientist, American Mensa and Montana magazines.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins
  Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY 2 nights
   Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
  Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, WY 1 night
   Lake Lodge Cabins
  Lake Station, Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. 1 night
   Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins
  Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY 2 nights
 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins
Type: Cabin
  Description: Mammoth Hot Springs cabins share the lawn with historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. When Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, it immediately came under threat of exploitation by poachers, souvenir hunters and developers. Civilian superintendents suffered from inexperience, lack of funds and manpower. After fourteen years, the US Army was called on for help and the Cavalry was sent in to protect Yellowstone's resources and visitors and headquartered in the Mammoth area. The year was 1886. After troops suffered through five harsh winters in a temporary camp and the realization dawned that no end was in sight, a guard house was built in 1891 to support the Cavalry's mission of protection and management. Clapboard buildings were built in 1891 with more added in 1897. 1909 saw stone buildings built as the fort's capacity grew to 400 men/four troops. The National Park Service was established in 1916 and the Cavalry gave control of Yellowstone back to the civilians; their duty concluded completely in 1918. Fort Yellowstone became the administrative center for the Park. Mammoth's beautiful travertine terraces are a magnificent backdrop to the Fort Yellowstone area. The landscape, turned "inside out," is a series of travertine terraces, sculpted by hot, mineral-laden water percolating up from beneath the earth's crust. About two tons of travertine are deposited daily, adding to terraces that began building thousands of years ago.
  Contact info: One Grand Loop Road
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
phone: 307-344-5357
web: www.TravelYellowstone.com
  Room amenities: Comfortable cabins contain a private bath and are among park accommodations that reflect the Park's natural surroundings; TV, telephone, radio, air-conditioning not available.
  Facility amenities: Centrally located in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone National Park, the cabins are within walking distance of several trailheads, Albright Visitor Center/Museum/bookstore, Fort Yellowstone, Mammoth Terraces, ATM, lounge, general store, dining room, quick-service restaurant, clinic, espresso service, gift shop, a service station and corrals with guided trail rides. Ample parking. Internet service is available for purchase in the lounge and restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: varies Seasonal rates; call (866) 439-7375 for information.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: varies Seasonal rates; call (866) 439-7375 for information.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM

 Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
Type: Cabin
  Description: Old Faithful Lodge cabins are located in the heart of Yellowstone and the Upper Geyser Basin near grand Old Faithful Geyser, Geyser Hill and the Firehole River. Hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles and geysers are accessible by numerous walking paths. Nearby is historic Old Faithful Inn, the modern Old Faithful Snow Lodge and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, the Park's newest, offering exhibits about the area's dynamic hydrothermal features, Yellowstone books and gifts.
  Contact info: 1 Grand Loop Road
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
phone: 307-344-7901
web: www.travelyellowstone.com/
  Room amenities: Comfortable cabins contain a private bath and are among park accommodations that reflect the Park's natural surroundings; TV, telephone, radio, air-conditioning not available.
  Facility amenities: Comfortable cabins are near Old Faithful Geyser and are directly adjacent to historic Old Faithful Lodge, built in the 1920's, featuring massive logs and stone pillars. Nearby is a cafeteria, dining room, fast food, lounge, general store, gift shop, ATM, interpretive sightseeing tours. Internet service is available for purchase in lobby area of Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Cabins contain shower only.

 Lake Lodge Cabins
Type: Cabin
  Description: Lake Lodge cabins are nestled around Lake Lodge which sports a delightful lobby with two fireplaces. The 'Lake Station' area is illuminated by Yellowstone Lake, America's largest mountain lake at 20 miles long, 14 miles wide and more than 390 feet deep at its deepest point. It freezes typically in late December, thawing in late May or early June. Nearby is the 'Grand Lady of the Lake', historic Lake Hotel, with its spacious, glassed-in Great Room where one may enjoy serenity, quiet conversation and uncommon views of the magnificent lake and pristine mountains. Lake Lodge, Lake Hotel, Hamilton General Store and National Park Service Lake Ranger Station are part of the Lake Historic District. Nearby is Lake Fish Hatchery Historic District which consists of nine buildings, significant for their architecture and their role in early conservation policies of the National Park Service. Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center displays the park's wildlife and birds and interprets Yellowstone Lake's geology including a relief map of the lake floor.
  Contact info: Grand Loop Road
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
phone: 307-344-7901
web: www.TravelYellowstone.com/
  Room amenities: Comfortable cabins contain a private bath and are among park accommodations that reflect the Park's natural surroundings; TV, telephone, radio, air-conditioning not available.
  Facility amenities: Lake Lodge offers a cafeteria, lounge, gift store and internet available for purchase; general store nearby. Adjacent Lake Hotel houses a dining room, deli, gift shop and safety deposit. Historic bus and boat tours available.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Bathroom contains shower only.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4-5 p.m. registration at hotel. You will be staying at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast buffet (available 6:30-10:30 a.m.) Airport shuttle departs at 8 a.m.. You will be staying at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Bring your National Park, Golden Age or Senior pass for entry into Yellowstone National Park enroute to Mammoth.
  Parking availability:
Free parking at hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY
  Nearest city or town:  Gardiner, MT
  Nearest highway: HWY 89
  Nearest airport:  Gallatin Field in Bozeman, MT
  From End of Program
  Location: Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Bozeman, MT

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Greater Valley Taxi
phone: 406-388-7938
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Group rate is approximately $68; call for current rate.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Two hours. 
 

Distance:

 

85 miles.
   

Reservations must be made at least three days in advance; call (406) 388-7938 for rates and reservations. You may be asked to leave a message. Group shuttle departs airport at 1:30 pm. In order to take advantage of the group shuttle rate, your flight must arrive before 1 pm on Sunday and depart after 11:30 am on Saturday. Arriving in Bozeman a day early or staying an extra day may be more economical than booking individual transportation.

 

Bozeman, MT

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Greater Valley Taxi
phone: 406-388-7938
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Group rate is approximately $68; call for current rate.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Two hours. 
 

Distance:

 

85 miles.
   

Return shuttle must be arranged at least three days in advance; call (406) 388-7938. Group shuttle departs site at 8:00 am Saturday. Outside of the above scheduled times, individual transportation (not at group rate) can be reserved through Greater Valley Taxi 406-388-7938 or Karst Stage 406-556-3540 (72 hours notice required). Car rental and drop-off are available at the Bozeman airport; drop-off is not available in West Yellowstone.

 
Driving Directions
  Billings, MT Drive west on I-90 116 miles to Livingston. Exit onto US HWY 89; proceed south 53 miles to Gardiner and then 5 more miles into Yellowstone National Park to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
  Bozeman, MT From Bozeman, drive 26 miles east on Interstate 90 to Livingston. Turn south on US HWY 89 and travel south 53 miles to Gardiner and then 5 more miles into Yellowstone National Park to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
  Cody, WY Roads in the park may or may not be open in May - depends on winter snows/snow removal schedule; call 307 344-2117 for road conditions; road closures, etc. Travel east into Yellowstone Park 80 miles on HWYs 20 and 14/16 past Fishing Bridge area to junction. Turn north here to Canyon (16 miles). Travel 12 miles west from Canyon to Norris Junction. Travel north 21 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
  Jackson, WY Travel north 86 miles on HWY 89/287 (slow miles as most of travel is through two national parks with speed limit averaging from 15-40 miles per hour) to West Thumb, then west and north 33 miles to Madison Junction. Drive east then north 14 miles to Norris Junction; carry on northward 21 miles to MammothHot Springs Hotel.
  Livingston, MT Exit I-90 onto US HWY 89. Drive south 53 miles to Gardiner and then 5 more miles into Yellowstone National Park to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Elevation Note: First site elevation 6239'. Program activities to 8,000'.

Equipment Requirements: Bring binoculars, durable water bottle (At high altitudes you are more susceptible to dehydration and altitude sickness. Carrying a water bottle with you and drinking plenty of water is of utmost importance to avoid these sometimes dangerous problems.) fanny or day pack, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots and a walking stick if you use one.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome!
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in from 4-5 pm in Map Room
 Dinner: Dinner served at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room
 Evening: Welcome, Introductions and Orientation in Conference Room. Optional Xanterra Parks & Resorts presentation/performance.
   
Accommodations: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Begin a geological journey into Yellowstone National Park focusing on geology as the foundation for so much of what is beautiful, inspiring, and powerful about Yellowstone.
(Monday, June 24)

Note: Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room.
 Morning: An overview of the Yellowstone area puts things in perspective. Review and discuss geologic processes that have shaped Yellowstone's landscape through the ages. Consider plate movement, the Yellowstone hotspot, and how Park's unique ecosystem and diverse habitats are a direct result of glaciations, tectonic and volcanic activity.
 Lunch: Lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room.
 Afternoon: Five field days in Yellowstone offer an exploration of a portion of Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres where wonder awaits around each bend in the road or trail. Field exploration will begin with an acclimation walk on the Mammoth Terraces, discovering the large complex of hot springs on a hill adjacent to Fort Yellowstone and the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District. Discover how the ever changing travertine terraces have been created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate. Visit the Albright Visitor Center and Museum, built by the US cavalry during "Fort Yellowstone" times, which includes history-themed exhibits-Native Americans, mountain men, early exploration, Army days and early National Park Service. Also included: predator-prey themed exhibit, Moran Gallery (reproductions of Thomas Moran watercolors), Jackson Gallery (original William Henry Jackson photographs and 1871 Hayden Survey photographs), theater, information desk and Yellowstone Association sales area (good selection of Yellowstone-related books, also prints, note cards, games, films, photographs, maps, etc.) Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day
 Dinner: Dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room
 Evening: Optional Xanterra Parks & Resorts presentation/performance.
   
Accommodations: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Prepare for adventure at Norris Geyser Basin, Madison River Canyon Earthquake Area, then on to Old Faithful.
(Tuesday, June 25)

Note: Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room.
 Morning: Check out. Travel to Norris Geyser Basin to enjoy a walking exploration here at Yellowstone's oldest, hottest and most active thermal area. The basin is situated at the intersection of three major fault lines; evidence shows that thermal features have existed here for the last 115,000 years. A scientific drill hole at Norris registered the highest temperature ever recorded in Yellowstone at 459 degrees F. Walk a portion of either the Porcelain or Back Basin Trail. The group will then veer just outside the park to take in the Madison River Canyon Earthquake Area.
 Lunch: Enjoy sack lunches in route to Madison River Canyon Earthquake Area.
 Afternoon: The expedition will continue at the Madison River Canyon Earthquake area where on August 17, 1959 an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale caused massive landslide which formed Quake Lake. The dynamics and physical history of the earth changed dramatically in less than a minute and moved 80 million tons of rock in this area. Adventurers will head back into the heart of Yellowstone National Park to the Old Faithful area to check in at Old Faithful Lodge Cabins. Nearby is Old Faithful Geyser, Geyser Hill and Firehole River, all of which can be explored and enjoyed by utilizing walking paths and boardwalks.
 Dinner: Dinner at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room.
 Evening: Free evening or optional geyser walk.
   
Accommodations: Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Time to explore Old Faithful Geyser Basin and its hot springs, fumaroles, geysers and mudpots and then Yellowstone Lake, North America's largest high elevation lake .
(Wednesday, June 26)

Note: Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room.
 Morning: Old Faithful Lodge Cabins check out then more adventure. Expect color, pungent sulfur, hissing, bubbling, spouting and sizzling as you take the morning to further explore the Upper Geyser Basin where the world's best known and most beloved hydrothermal feature, Old Faithful, holds forth offering thousands of gallons of water and billowing steam, gushing skyward with each eruption. Enjoy a Geyser Hill walk in this land like no other, this land that holds one half of the world's geothermal features - geysers, hot springs, mudpots and fumaroles! Interpretation reveals the secrets of geyser basin plumbing. Bring camera, binoculars and a walking stick if you use one.
 Lunch: Enjoy sack lunches in the park.
 Afternoon: Depart for Yellowstone Lake via Craig Pass and West Thumb Geyser Basin. West Thumb is the largest geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. It is speculated that its heat source is only 10,000 feet down! Thermal features here extend under the surface of the lake as well as along the shore; several underwater geysers were discovered in the early 1990s. Interpretation and exploration reveal geologic secrets. Glacial till! Vent! Dome! Magma chamber! Tilt! Check in at Lake Lodge Cabins then begin to enjoy the grounds of the beautiful Lake area. Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
 Dinner: Dinner at Lake Hotel Dining Room.
 Evening: Here's an opportunity to enjoy Lake Lodge lobby and fireplaces, shopping, walking or Lake Hotel's spacious, glassed-in Sun Room where one may enjoy the grand view of beautiful Yellowstone Lake, music and conversation.
   
Accommodations: Lake Lodge Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Prepare for wonder! Travel through the Hayden Valley, see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and then back to Mammoth over Dunraven Pass.
(Thursday, June 27)

Note: Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lake Hotel Dining Room
 Morning: Lake Lodge Cabins check out. Exploration will progress northward along the Yellowstone River through wide open Hayden Valley to the mighty Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, 20 miles long, 800' to 1,200' deep and 1,500' to 4,000' wide. The visit will begin at the Canyon Visitor Education Center, which features exhibits on Yellowstone's super volcano. A walk along a trail of the canyon will reveal extraordinary colors of muted scarlet, pale yellows, greens and blue created by hot water acting on volcanic rock. Experience close views of both 109' Upper and 308' Lower Falls and scenic overlooks to stun the senses. Examine the canyon's geologic story - of glaciers, a volcanic eruption, lava flows and huge ice dams. Watch for ospreys soaring on high; view their nests, five to six feet wide, built on pinnacles towering among the canyon walls. As stated by an early expedition member, "There are perhaps other canyons longer and deeper than this one, but surely none combining grandeur and immensity with peculiarity of formation and profusion of volcanic or chemical phenomena." Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
 Lunch: Enjoy sack lunches in the park.
 Afternoon: The days excursion will forge ahead through a magnificent landscape on the way to Mt. Washburn and then breathtaking vistas of a big country rolling down Dunraven Pass on the way back to Mammoth. Check into Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins.
 Dinner: Dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room
 Evening: Optional Xanterra Parks & Resorts presentation/performance.
   
Accommodations: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Prepare for another day in Paradise visiting the Tower area and Lamar Valley.
(Friday, June 28)

Note: Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room.
 Morning: The expedition heads eastward to the Tower area. Your naturalist discusses Yellowstone's "forests of stone." Appreciate Tower Fall and Tower Creek's graceful 132-foot plunge among volcanic pinnacles. This area is known for its black bear habitat. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, you'll want to keep your eyes "peeled" and your binoculars handy.
 Lunch: Sack lunches in the park
 Afternoon: A fitting final destination to your week of discovery is a visit to Lamar Valley's beautiful, wide-open reaches. Here is rich habitat and its wealth of wildlife. Here are the hoofed, winged, clawed, antlered and horned ones. Here is evidence of an ancient flood that scoured the valley. Here is diverse vegetation of grasses, shrubs, willows, cottonwoods, aspens; here are coniferous timbered ridges, sagebrush covered hills, mixed forest habitat and rich, riparian areas. Stay alert and keep binoculars at the ready. You'll see pronghorn, elk, bison, meadowlarks and sandhill cranes; perhaps beaver, moose and wolf. Expect walks up to 3 miles per field day.
 Dinner: Dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room.
 Evening: Closing and reflections on Yellowstone's life zones and understanding how a landscape's "geologic bones", combined with climate and elevation, result in splendid and diverse vegetation and wildlife.
   
Accommodations: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Farewell breakfast at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and goodbyes.
(Saturday, June 29)
   
 Breakfast: 6:30-10:30 a.m. breakfast buffet at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room
 Morning: Airport shuttle departs at 8 a.m.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY Yellowstone Association
Founded in 1933 to assist with educational, historical and scientific programs that would benefit Yellowstone National Park and its visitors. Operates book sale outlets in park visitor centers which support expanded naturalist training and programs, finances publication of trail guides, books and pamphlets about the Park, helps with funding for museum exhibits and research equipment. The Yellowstone Association Institute sponsors outdoor courses for all age groups, some of which are especially designed for women, families and children. The Institute's purpose is to explore, understand and appreciate Yellowstone. For additional information, visit www.yellowstoneassociation.org
  Yellowstone National Park
Official web site for Yellowstone National Park provides information to the visitor. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/yell
  Yellowstone National Park concessionaire
For a closer look at Yellowstone and to find out what's available in the Park-horseback riding, ranger-led activities, wildlife excursions and any other park activities. Xanterra Parks and Resorts is Yellowstone's principal concessioner and includes operations of park's lodging facilities, some campgrounds, restaurants, gift shops, interpretive tours, etc. For additional information, visit www.TravelYellowstone.com
  Mammoth Hot Springs Yellowstone Association
Founded in 1933 to assist with educational, historical and scientific programs that would benefit Yellowstone National Park and its visitors. Operates book sale outlets in park visitor centers which support expanded naturalist training and programs, finances publication of trail guides, books and pamphlets about the Park, helps with funding for museum exhibits and research equipment. The Yellowstone Association Institute sponsors outdoor courses for all age groups, some of which are especially designed for women, families and children. The Institute's purpose is to explore, understand and appreciate Yellowstone. For additional information, visit www.yellowstoneassociation.org
  Yellowstone National Park
Official web site for Yellowstone National Park provides information to the visitor. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/yell
  Yellowstone National Park concessionaire
For a closer look at Yellowstone and to find out what's available in the Park-horseback riding, ranger-led activities, wildlife excursions and any other park activities. Xanterra Parks and Resorts is Yellowstone's principal concessioner and includes operations of park's lodging facilities, some campgrounds, restaurants, gift shops, interpretive tours, etc. For additional information, visit www.TravelYellowstone.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Searching for Yellowstone: Ecology and Wonder in the Last Wilderness


Author: Paul Schullery


Description: Eloquent, elegant, truthful and practical - an environmental history of America's best idea, Yellowstone.



Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country


Author: William Fritz & Robert Thomas


Description: Updated, classic roadside geology book for the Yellowstone Region explains current geological theories.



Restoring a Presence: American Indians and Yellowstone National Park


Author: Peter Nabokov and Lawrence Loendorf


Description: This first comprehensive account of Indians in and around Yellowstone corrects more than a century of ignorance. Detailed here is Yellowstone's native peoples and their story of a long engagement with a remarkable landscape.



To Save the Wild Bison: Life on the Edge in Yellowstone


Author: Mary Ann Franke


Description: The author brings clarity and revelation to one of Yellowstone's most complex struggles by tracing the history of bison and humans into the 19th century and further into the national parks era. Here's discussion of bison management and park policy - the battle over brucellosis, snowmobiles and groomed winter roads, desires of Native Americans, bison and predators.



Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks


Author: Robert B. Smith and Lee J. Siegel


Description: Find out about the forces that shaped and continue to shape the Greater Yellowstone-Teton region. Illustrations and driving tours of both parks help visitors enjoy and understand the Earth's creative forces in this wondrous region.



After the Fires: The Ecology of Change in Yellowstone National Park


Author: Linda Wallace, Editor


Description: The ravaging fires of 1988 caused many scientists to predict long-term devastation which did not come to pass. This scientific summary by wildlife biologists, ecosystem and forest scientists and landscape ecologists discusses the many things that changed and did not change in the Yellowstone area. Realize the role of fire in the ecosystem and the resiliency of nature.



Seen and unseen: Discovering the Microbes of Yellowstone


Author: K. Sheehan, D. Patterson, B. Dicks, J. Henson


Description: Discover the nearly unexplored world of Yellowstone's microbial flora and fauna - bacteria that color scalding hot springs, algae that thrive in acid, microbes that allow bison to digest grass and microbial mats in every color of the rainbow.



Decade of the Wolf, revised and updated edition: Returning the Wild to Yellowstone


Author: Douglas W. Smith and Gary Ferguson


Description: Research and storytelling meld to document wolf recovery in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Wolf biologist, Smith, and nature writer, Ferguson, provide an inside look at the Yellowstone Wolf Recovery Project ten years after the controversial decision was made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to reintroduce wolves into the park. Smith, wolf project leader who has worked with the Yellowstone Wolf Project since its inception, has studied wolves for 25 years. Ferguson, whose writing largely arises from intimate experiences, followed through the seasons, the first 14 wolves released into Yellowstone National Park. Their collaboration offers hard facts and 'impressionistic portraits of individual wolves that reveal their epic lives full of struggle and conquest.' Here is the history of the return of the top predator to Yellowstone.



The Sibley Guide to Birds


Author: David Allen Sibley


Description: Sibley, a talented painter, offers this wonderful, data-packed color guide with range maps and detailed descriptions of songs and calls. This book is perfect for field trips with short walks and may be too heavy for some to take to the field in which case it can await back in the car.



Yellowstone and the Great West: Journals, Letters and Images from the 1871 Hayden Expedition


Author: Marlene Deahl Merril, editor


Description: Daily record of Ferdinand Hayden's historic 1871 scientific expedition to the Yellowstone basin. This expedition's findings influenced Congress to establish Yellowstone as the world's first national park. The expedition made many scientific discoveries as well as producing the earliest on-site images of Yellowstone by photographer, William Henry Jackson, and guest artist, Thomas Moran.



Interpreting the Landscape: Recent and Ongoing Geology of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks


Author: John M. Good and Kenneth L. Pierce


Description: Text, photography and graphics explain how both parks were formed - the product of volcanic eruptions, profound glaciation and earth movements. The authors describe 'how processes originating half way to the earth's center seem to be the primary force which created volcanic fires, glacial ice and the mountain ranges of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.'





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768