Montana/Wyoming
The Best of Yellowstone: From Colter's Hell to America's Hot Spot
Program No. 18556RJ
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The Best of Yellowstone: From Colter's Hell to America's Hot Spot
The Best of Yellowstone: From Colter's Hell to America's Hot Spot
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Participant Reviews
Based on 40 Reviews
SHOWING
Wonderful trip of an amazing National Park! The geysers and the bison were great, and so were the rest of the thermal features (hot springs, fumaroles, mud pits) and wildlife (elk, bears, wolfs, pronghorn, etc.). Shauna (our instructor) was exceptional: a wealth of knowledge, a great teaching style, and passionate about the park and the animals. It was wonderful to see so many different areas of the park and learn about the geology and the wildlife. It was especially nice to be able to stay near Old Faithful for 2 days to have more time to explore the area.
— Review left September 23, 2025
If you value learning from people with vast knowledge and passion for their subject, consider a Road Scholar trip!
— Review left September 22, 2025
Keep the Pace for our age (late 70s) and health was perfect. Distance each day was great..not too much and at a reasonable pace. Balance between information given of history, geology, botany, and wildlife was informative and appreciated. Cathy was a wealth of knowledge and always took and answered our questions. All accommodations were quiet and comfortable and clean. Definitely would recommend RS.
— Review left September 17, 2025
A great overview of a huge park. The leader and instructor were absolutely top notch. I'd happily recommend this program to friends.
— Review left September 12, 2025
Seeing and experiencing Yellowstone's beauty and grandeur with Road Scholar was the best way to enjoy and learn about this beautiful national park.
— Review left July 22, 2025
The leader's knowledge of Yellowstone was superb.
— Review left June 16, 2025
What a wonderful experience. Terrific scenery including waterfalls and geysers, modern hotels in the park, and two terrific guides! Couldn't ask for anything more! Anne
— Review left June 16, 2025
The Best of Yellowstone trip was spectacular! Prior to the trip, I was not fully aware of the size and magnificence of Yellowstone. We covered a large part of the park; the transportation thru the park was comfortable. The days were full and at an enjoyable pace. We learned so much about the history of the park, how the park has evolved over millions of years, and what is happening currently - learning historical, ecological, and geological perspectives as well. RS takes the work out of planning and researching a trip, and allows the participants to get the best travel experience, in the company of others with like interests
This trip is highly recommended - the best way to experience Yellowstone!
— Review left June 11, 2025
For those seeking to learn more about the world, with knowledgeable leaders, this is the program for you. We could not have been more pleased with our tour and the wonderful leader and instructor!
— Review left June 2, 2025
Our trip to Yellowstone was fun, beautiful and educational. The Road Scholar staff who took us on the tour were friendly and very informative. Thank you Christy, Leslie and Briant.
— Review left October 4, 2024
We are first time Road Scholars participants and we believe this method of travel provides the opportunity to experience a National Park in a meaningful, educational and easy manner. We very much enjoyed our trip and the travel team was fun, efficient and just awesome!
— Review left September 24, 2024
Beauty far beyond what I expected!!
— Review left September 10, 2024
Wonderful geysers, springs and fumaroles. Saw many bison herds and some close-ups of elk. Also saw an osprey nest with 2 - 3 small birds in the nest.
— Review left August 27, 2024
I knew I wanted to visit and learn about Yellowstone National Park so I was looking for a guided tour program that could satisfy my educational desires and interests. Road Scholar met and exceeded my expectations.
— Review left August 26, 2024
The information provided about the physical part of the trip was accurate . The advice about clothing and weather was accurate and helpful. The trip provided a good overview of Yellowstone Park. I learned a good deal and enjoyed doing it.
— Review left August 25, 2024
Touring with Road Scholar enabled me to have a once in a lifetime experience in Yellowstone. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and personable. I look forward to taking another tour with them.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Absolutely Fabulous Trip! Great Guide/instructor very knowledgeable, staff personable & organized, met needs of group. Comfortable coach, great food, and the scenery, just WOW! Loved we circled all of Yellowstone and stopped at many areas to view wildlife, falls, geysers, etc. If you want a comprehensive view of Yellowstone- this program is for You! Highly recommend!
— Review left August 21, 2024
An excellent trip far exceeding expectations. The leader was a fountain of knowledge and all of the RS team were very personable and fun to spend time with. The trip was flexible for those of us who had mobility issues. A very interesting and educational experience that I highly recommend!
— Review left August 19, 2024
Wonderful experience at Yellowstone National Park.
— Review left August 14, 2024
This trip includes some of the most stunning and unique places in the world. Definitely worthwhile to promote understanding of how it became the park it is today.
— Review left June 17, 2024
First-class week of exploring details of Yellowstone that we would never have seen on our own, with expert, caring guides leading the way. A great group, a fun & wonderful trip.
— Review left May 30, 2024
Can’t think of a better way to visit Yellowstone National Park. I was there once before with my family but this experience with Road Scholar allowed me to learn and get an understanding of what I was seeing. Leslie was an exceptional naturalist!
— Review left December 21, 2023
Yellowstone National Park is an amazing place! Learning about its features from expert leadership really made me happy. If you decide to join a program, you'll learn more than you ever thought you would. It was wonderful!
— Review left October 6, 2023
I learned SO much about Yellowstone with like-minded active participants.
This was my first small group with Road Scholar - I may never go back to large groups again!
— Review left September 7, 2023
The program exceeded my expectations in every respect, especially with regard to the educational content and how much I learned. Also, it was a lot of fun!
— Review left August 29, 2023
You will really get to know the history and the uniqueness of the Yellowstone Park like never before.
Our guide Cathy was so excellent.
— Review left August 27, 2023
Just returned from the Best of Yellowstone trip. The leader and instructor were excellent, the accommodations and food fantastic, and I strongly recommend this trip to anyone who wants a comprehensive overview of what Yellowstone is all about. It's an exciting and awe-inspiring adventure!
— Review left June 19, 2023
Worth every penny!
— Review left May 30, 2023
I’ve participated in many Road Scholar programs over more than 15 years. The leaders on this Yellowstone National Park trip greatly enhanced this program to one of the most unique places on this planet. It was a fabulous adventure!
— Review left August 14, 2022
What a great way to get the most out of a visit to Yellowstone! We had a terrific instructor, wonderful guide and excellent bus driver who each added to how much we enjoyed our trip.
— Review left July 30, 2022
This program is exceptional. You should put a trip to Yellowstone on your "bucket list"
— Review left July 28, 2022
This will be a very mixed review. Due to dining room restrictions and lack of staff the food situation was appalling early in the trip. Thank goodness we brought granola bars because that is what we ate for breakfast on two mornings. Road Scholar should be made aware of the poorly managed Canyon Eatery in particular, where we had to wait for an hour in line for a barely edible cafeteria style grab and go style dinner. There were no alternatives (stores) in that area of the park that were open at dinnertime. In contrast the Grant Village dining room (also in the park) served gourmet level grab and go food ordered from a full menu with little wait.
The guides were extraordinary. They attempted to make up for the food situation by buying supplies from local stores (which had limited food) and taking us to an alternative restaurant. This was not their responsibility and it was appreciated. They had great knowledge and love of the area which they shared. I can't imagine anyone with more knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology of the area than Carl. Also, we were able to see incredible sites due the flexibility of the guides in adjusting our schedule when needed to avoid crowds. Thank you, Carl, Rick and Clark (driver)!
— Review left September 20, 2021
In normal times, this is undoubtedly a 5-star program, especially when hosted by experts Rick Havenfeld and Carl Schreier, who know Yellowstone amazingly well. You'll see nearly every accessible part of this huge national park, generally before or after the usual tourist crowds arrive in the same spot. Expect to see more bison and elk than you can count. Expect the usual Road Scholar excellence in all that is educational. However, Adaptability and Patience are key if you choose this program during the COVID pandemic and while visas are being restricted for those who would normally provide additional summer help, especially in food services. Park services, particularly dining, were only 25% staffed during September 2021, making for occasional long lines and "grab and go" meals for nearly every breakfast, lunch and dinner in the park. Hotels were all very clean and comfortable, both in and outside the park. Rick and Carl did everything they could to make this trip memorable for the right reasons, in spite of circumstances out of their control, and for those efforts, they are to be commended.
— Review left September 17, 2021
Yellowstone is absolutely incredible, not only for its scenery, but for the variety of scenery within a single trip. The educational component added immeasurably to the experience. Road Scholar guides are the best!
— Review left September 15, 2021
Super. Our leaders snd bus driver were beyond belief. Experienced and concerned for our needs and interests. What they were able to share is a gift, thank you.
— Review left September 12, 2021
This trip deserves a 5 star review. Yellowstone is such a wonderful area and out RS guides know and love it. So pleased that I was at this program
— Review left September 6, 2021
The program was very good and the instructor and the coordinator we friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed this trip immensely!!
— Review left August 16, 2021
You did a great job with the website!! Transportation to The first accommodation was the main problem for most. I would suggest including the shuttle.
— Review left August 15, 2021
This is an outstanding learning program. Leslie and Patty truly enhanced my experience in the greater Yellowstone area.
— Review left July 27, 2021
This Yellowstone trip was awe inspiring. Yellowstone has been on my bucket list and I thought we would see trees, mountains and Old Faithful. What a surprise! The thermal features were incredible...like being on another planet. I was so surprised at what I didn’t know about earth. Many of our national parks are beautiful but this one is indescribable...you have to see it. Guides were excellent...approachable , friendly and fun. Our fellow tripsters became new friends on the trip. Accom modations and food were up to my standards and the itinerary was well thought out and kept us busy and engaged. Not as active as I thought it would be from the description. As we were in the area we followed up with a four day road trip after to Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, The Badlands and Custer State Park and flew home from Cedar Rapids. A trip we will never forget!
— Review left November 25, 2019