Montana/Wyoming

The Best of Yellowstone: From Colter's Hell to America's Hot Spot

Program No. 18556RJ
Gain an insider’s perspective on Yellowstone National Park as you join local experts to explore regional geology, natural monuments and the issues facing Yellowstone today.

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7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
2
Yellowstone Geology, Gallatin Canyon
Grant, Yellowstone National Park, WY
3
Old Faithful, Geyser Hill
Grant, Yellowstone National Park, WY
4
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake
Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY
7
Program Concludes
Bozeman, Montana
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles; varied terrain. Getting on and off coach. Some stairs. Elevations up to 8,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

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

General Notes

Please note that accommodations vary by date. Accommodations in Yellowstone National Park are typically assigned by the park concessionaire in July for the next calendar year. Please check the Dates and Prices, Itinerary and Meals and Lodging Tabs to determine which accommodations have been assigned for your departure.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Leslie Stoltz
Raised and educated in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Leslie Stoltz now lives in Big Sky, Montana, surrounded by the wild places that she loves. Her decade of work for the National Park Service in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in the areas of research and education provided a wonderful foundation for her career as a teacher and park expert. Since the early 1990s, Leslie has worked for a variety of companies and non-profit organizations, teaching classes and leading trips in national parks and wild areas throughout the American West. Farther afield, she has led educational trips to Nepal, Bhutan, Tanzania, Botswana, Ecuador, and Mexico. Leslie also runs a non-profit with a mission to keep kids connected to the outdoors though scholarship opportunities for outdoor learning experiences.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Leslie Stoltz
Leslie Stoltz View biography
Raised and educated in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Leslie Stoltz now lives in Big Sky, Montana, surrounded by the wild places that she loves. Her decade of work for the National Park Service in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in the areas of research and education provided a wonderful foundation for her career as a teacher and park expert. Since the early 1990s, Leslie has worked for a variety of companies and non-profit organizations, teaching classes and leading trips in national parks and wild areas throughout the American West. Farther afield, she has led educational trips to Nepal, Bhutan, Tanzania, Botswana, Ecuador, and Mexico. Leslie also runs a non-profit with a mission to keep kids connected to the outdoors though scholarship opportunities for outdoor learning experiences.
Profile Image of Gene Ball
Gene Ball View biography
Raised along the rural Louisiana-Texas border, Gene's early outdoor experiences began a lifelong interest in wildlife, western heritage and preservation. After teaching and serving as director for the Hill Country Arts Foundation and Cowboy Artists Museum in Texas, he migrated to Wyoming to work at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. He then became director of the Yellowstone Association and Yellowstone Institute in Yellowstone National Park, and now freelances as a writer and naturalist.
Profile Image of Cathy Raven
Cathy Raven View biography
Catherine Raven, a Road Scholar instructor since 1999, has a botany/zoology degree from The University of Montana and a PhD in biology from Montana State University. She is the author of “Fox and I: An Uncommon Friendship” that was a New York Times bestseller, winner of the PEN/EO Wilson Award for Literary Science Writing and the Nautilus Gold Award for animals/nature writing. A former park ranger at Glacier, Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, Voyageurs, and North Cascades National Parks, Cathy currently teaches undergraduates at South University.
Profile Image of Catherine Cain
Catherine Cain View biography
Catherine is a professional naturalist. She attended UCSD and UCSB where she studied biology, cultural anthropology and immunology and received a Fulbright Scholarship to do reef research in Jamaica. Catherine has taught classes for UCLA, the Oceanic Society, and UCSB and worked for the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. She was also the owner of High Country Discovery, an ecotour business in southwest Montana. She currently spends winter and autumn teaching Road Scholar classes and dedicates summer to her Native Plant Nursery and Saturday Farmers Markets.
Profile Image of Fred Haas
Fred Haas View biography
Born in southern Idaho, but raised in Texas, Fred Haas has always enjoyed the outdoors. With a degree in forestry from Texas A&M, Fred headed out west to work with the U.S. Forest Service. Fred's 33 years of public land management included roles in reforestation, timber sale administration, grazing management, road and trail maintenance, special use permit administration, landownership adjustments, recreation and wilderness management. In retirement Fred enjoys hiking, camping, volunteering, and woodworking.
Profile Image of Patty Bates
Patty Bates View biography
With a background in recreation, wildlife and fire management, Patty has enjoyed a 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service. She's served as resource specialist, program manager, staff officer and District Ranger, with details as Deputy Forest Supervisor. She's been a District Ranger in four different states, including four years managing the Teton Basin Ranger District. Patty enjoys travel, camping, exploring, pets, genealogy, cooking, reading, crafting and getting used to retirement with her husband, Rick.
Profile Image of Rick Bush
Rick Bush View biography
Rick was raised in Wyoming and moved to Montana after college to work for the Bozeman Chronicle. His career includes working as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, web developer and IT Manager. He has a degree in Journalism from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s degree in photography. He lives in Helena with his wife and is an avid bicycle rider and enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, and travel. When he is not Group Leading, Rick enjoys adventuring with Road Scholar as a participant.
Profile Image of Ellen Bush
Ellen Bush View biography
Ellen Bush has enjoyed traveling through Montana and around the world during her career as a reporter, journalism professor, and non-profit director. She graduated from Northwestern University with a master’s degree in journalism and a minor in history, then worked as a reporter in Helena, Montana, and Syracuse, New York, before teaching journalism at the University of Florida. She served as Executive Director of CASA of Montana and retired as Executive Director of WorldMontana in 2016. She has also planned Montana explorations for international visitors.
Profile Image of Zack Baker
Zack Baker View biography
Zack Baker attended high school in Livingston, Montana, 52 miles north of Yellowstone. His love for the park started while snowshoeing and observing wildlife. At Montana State University in Bozeman, he earned a B.S. in plant science, but it was Yellowstone’s mammals that grabbed his interest. He led private wildlife watching, hiking, and photography trips, and drove snowcoaches in the winter. He joined up with Road Scholar in 2017 and is now the Program Director for Road Scholar at the University of Montana Western.
Profile Image of Shauna Baron
Shauna Baron View biography
Shauna Baron holds a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Science Education. She has more than 25 years of experience as an outdoor educator, studying large and small carnivores throughout the U.S., including wolves, bears, fishers, and bobcats. Shauna saw her first wild wolf while volunteering for the Yellowstone Wolf Project in 1996 and has since worked as a naturalist in Yellowstone National Park, developing outdoor educational classes for the Yellowstone Institute. She specializes in programs for disabled veterans, inner-city youth, and autistic groups.
Profile Image of Virginia Kelly
Virginia Kelly View biography
Virginia Kelly, a native Montanan, worked in Yellowstone, Yosemite, Sequoia, Lassen Volcanic, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap, and even the Washington Monument on a National Park Service travelling survey crew. With the Forest Service, Virginia was a land management planner in California, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. She served as executive coordinator for the federal Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, and finalized her career with the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Bozeman, Montana. Virginia enjoys travel, hiking, camping, rafting, and cross-country skiing.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Jul 15 - Jul 21
  • May 20 - May 26
  • Jun 10 - Jun 16
  • Jul 15 - Jul 21
  • Aug 05 - Aug 11
  • Aug 19 - Aug 25
  • Sep 02 - Sep 08
  • Sep 16 - Sep 22
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Jul 15 - Jul 21, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Two nights at Grant Village and one night at Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Jul 15 - Jul 21
  • May 20 - May 26
  • Jun 10 - Jun 16
  • Jul 15 - Jul 21
  • Aug 05 - Aug 11
  • Aug 19 - Aug 25
  • Sep 02 - Sep 08
  • Sep 16 - Sep 22
Jul 15 - Jul 21, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Two nights at Grant Village and one night at Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6 B 5 L 6 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Bozeman, Montana
D
Springhill Suites

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, find your Group Leader who will have a Road Scholar sign, register with the program staff, and get your welcome packet containing your up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and confirm when and where dinner and the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: In the hotel conference room.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program will be led by both the Group Leader and an instructor, who is an expert naturalist and will lead the educational portion of the program. Unless specified otherwise, all transportation will be provided via private motorcoach, requiring the ascending/descending of a few steps when getting on/off. Remember to bring your own water bottle. Ice water will be available in coolers on the bus during travel, from which you may fill your water bottle; disposable cups will not be available. “America the Beautiful” passes cover entrance fees at national parks and wildlife refuges for up to 4 adults. If you have one of these national park passes, please bring it with you to the program and on our field trips to benefit other members of the group. The Greater Yellowstone area is considered high desert, very dry. At high altitudes you are more susceptible to dehydration and altitude sickness. Hiking an average of 3 miles per day at elevations of up to 8,000 feet. Elevation gains can range from up to 600 feet in 1/2 mile to 1,400 feet in 3 miles. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

DAY
2
Yellowstone Geology, Gallatin Canyon
Grant, Yellowstone National Park, WY
B,L,D
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

Activity note: Hiking about 3 miles total throughout the day; maintained trails, asphalt paths, some uneven and rocky terrain, boardwalks. Elevations ranging from 5,800 to 8,000 feet. Walking distance does not include walking around overnight sites (e.g. to and from dining locations, restroom stops, etc.). Getting on/off motorcoach; Driving about 150 miles; about 3.5 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: Enjoy an introductory lecture given by our instructor. During our morning class time our instructor will put Yellowstone into perspective as we hit the road and discuss some of the geologic processes that have shaped Yellowstone's landscape through the ages. We’ll consider tectonic plate movement, the Yellowstone hot spot, and how the Park's unique ecosystem and diverse habitats are a direct result of glaciations, as well as tectonic and volcanic activity. We will check out of our hotel, meet our motorcoach, and transfer to Yellowstone Park via the beautiful Gallatin Canyon.

Lunch: Sack lunches in the park.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will board our motor coach and continue the day's discovery. Our instructor will offer commentary as we travel south through a magnificent landscape. . As we go toward Grant Village breathtaking vistas of seemingly endless countryside roll out. Upon our arrival in Grant Village, we will check into the hotel.

Dinner: At the Old Faithful Inn dining room.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Old Faithful, Geyser Hill
Grant, Yellowstone National Park, WY
B,L,D
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

Activity note: Walking about 3 miles total over approx. 2 hours; pavement, some boardwalks with stairs, uneven and rocky terrain with loose gravel. Driving approx. 90 miles; about 3.5 hour total.

Breakfast: At the Inn.

Morning: We'll board our motorcoach and set out for Old Faithful area 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. A number of geological forces are still at work here and are affecting the active hydrothermal features. As we travel our instructor will offer onboard commentary and, when possible, we will stop to explore the nearby area on foot.

Lunch: Sack lunches in the park.

Afternoon: We will continue our exploration around Old Faithful. We will experience the colors, pungent smells of sulfur, and the hissing, bubbling, spouting and sizzling as we explore the Upper Geyser Basin. Here, the world's best known and most beloved hydrothermal feature, Old Faithful, pours forth an offering of thousands of gallons of water and billowing steam, gushing skyward with each eruption. We'll transfer back to Grant Village for dinner.

Dinner: At the Grant Village Dining room.

Evening: Evening at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
4
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake
Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY
B,L,D
Canyon Lodge Room

Activity note: Walking about 3 miles; paved trails, boardwalks with some stairs, rocky and uneven terrain. Driving about 40 miles split into 2 drives of approximately 20 miles each; about 2 hours total.

Breakfast: At the Grant Village Dining room.

Morning: After checking out of our hotel, We will board our motorcoach and continue our expedition toward the mighty Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Through our exploration, we will experience the roar of the 109-foot Upper Falls and see the mighty Lower Fall's 308-foot plunge into its Canyon depths. Our instructor will lead our examination of the canyon's geologic story of glaciers, a volcanic eruption, lava flows and huge ice dams as we have a clear view of the pinnacles towering among the canyon walls. As an early explorer wrote, "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."

Lunch: Sack lunches in the park.

Afternoon: Continued exploration of the upper and lower falls and the Hayden Valley.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Canyon Village.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
5
Dunraven Pass, Mammoth Hot Springs
Gardiner, MT
B,L,D
Yellowstone River Motel

Activity note: Hiking about 3 miles throughout the day; some inclines; paved trails, boardwalks with some stairs, rocky and uneven terrain. . Driving approx. 70 miles; about 2.5 hours total.

Breakfast: At a restaurant in Canyon Village.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel , we'll join our instructor for more exploration around the Canyon and surrounding areas. We will go up and over Dunraven pass and explore Yellowstone's "upper loop"

Lunch: Sack lunches in the park.

Afternoon: We'll board our motorcoach and begin our trek North to Gardiner. Our Journey will then lead us to Mammoth Hot Springs. As we travel our instructor will offer on board commentary and, when possible, we will stop to explore! We'll check into the hotel upon arriving in Gardiner

Dinner: At a restaurant adjacent to the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Lamar Valley, Closing Program
Bozeman, Montana
B,L,D
Springhill Suites

Activity note: Walking about 3 miles over approx. 1.5 hours; well-maintained dirt trails with some rocky and uneven terrain. Driving approx. 170 miles; about 4.5 hours with several stops.

Breakfast: At a local restaurant.

Morning: Our expedition will then head eastward to the Tower area as our naturalist discusses Yellowstone's "forests of stone" en route. Upon arrival, we’ll go on a walk with our instructor in the lead to appreciate Tower Fall and Tower Creek's graceful 132-foot plunge among volcanic pinnacles. This area is known for its black bear habitat and, while sightings cannot be guaranteed, we'll want to keep our eyes "peeled" and our binoculars handy.

Lunch: Sack lunches in the park.

Afternoon: We’ll then travel to Lamar Valley's beautiful, wide-open reaches – a fitting final destination to our week of discovery. Here is rich habitat with an abundance of wildlife including hoofed, winged, clawed, antlered and horned creatures. As we travel our instructor will provide onboard commentary to help us understand and see evidence of an ancient flood that scoured the valley. The instructor will point out the diverse vegetation of the area, which includes varieties of grasses, shrubs and trees, sagebrush covered hills, mixed forest habitat, and rich riparian areas. Stay alert and keep binoculars at the ready because we may be lucky enough to see pronghorn, elk, bison, coyotes and sandhill cranes. We’ll then set off back towards Bozeman. Check in upon arrival.

Dinner: At the hotel conference room. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: We’ll then gather for our wrap-up session and reflect on our time in Yellowstone. Afterwards, be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY
7
Program Concludes
Bozeman, Montana
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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