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Montana

B Bar Ranch: Wildlife & Coexistence on the Edge of Yellowstone

Program No. 24096RJ
Explore the wild land in and around Yellowstone National Park while staying at the B Bar Ranch and learning about its sustainable ranching methods.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
B Bar Ranch
Program Concludes
B Bar Ranch
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 ( 5B, 4L, 5D )
Activity Level
Yellowstone National Park is a wild land, filled with unspoiled wilderness and animals, such as wolves, grizzly bears and mountain lions. Just beyond its borders lies the B Bar Ranch — a working ranch that fits into this unique ecosystem rather than trying to modify it. Enjoy five nights at the B Bar Ranch while you learn how it manages its herd, tests soil and otherwise operates as sustainably as possible while living among the wild animals of this region. Search for local wildlife yourself as you head into the heart of Yellowstone, making stops at iconic sites such as Old Faithful. Hear from ranch staff and outdoor educators about living and working among nature in one of the most amazing ecosystems in the world.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about the day-to-day life of the stewards of B Bar Ranch and the organic practices they implement.
  • Explore the 98% intact ecosystem of the Ranch through expert-led hikes.
  • Head into Yellowstone National Park to view natural wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, thermal features and learn about its incredible wildlife.
General Notes
Roommate matching is unavailable for solo travelers on this program. NOTE FOR UPCOMING SEASON (2025 DEPARTURES): We are aware of some disruptions within the Park Service and believe our programs in Yellowstone National Park can operate normally with minimal impact. Although the full effects of layoffs and hiring freezes for seasonal workers is unknown at this time, we have minimized our dependence on Park Service for lectures, clean-up and other services. We utilize lodging operated by both the park concessionaire and private hotels outside of the park. Neither are operated by the Park Service and shouldn’t be impacted by layoffs or hiring freezes. Our restaurants are also operated by residents of the gateway communities or employees of the park concessionaire. In accordance with the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, our groups pack out what they pack in and do not rely on Park Service for cleaning up after our visit. Finally, we don’t foresee Visitor Centers or sites in Yellowstone National Park to be closed due to staffing issues. We will of course be monitoring the situation through our partners within the gateway communities, National Park Service and the CUA office.
Profile Image
Kathy Lichtendahl
As a resident of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for more than 25 years, Kathy Lichtendahl has spent much of that time hiking, backpacking and skiing the area. Kathy was a member of Park County Search and Rescue for a dozen years and now works as a professional conservation photographer covering the wildlife and landscapes of the western United States. Kathy is a certified interpretive group leader through the National Association for Interpretation.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Patty Bates
Patty Bates
Patty Bates, with a bachelor's in wildlife management and a master's in range ecology, enjoyed a 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, including 20 years working in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. In retirement, she continues her work in wildland fire, and volunteers for Yellowstone Nature Connection, animal rescue transports, and Madison County Search and Rescue. Besides helping on Road Scholar trips, she keeps busy hosting guests to her sheep wagon and enjoying travel, camping, pets, quilting, and genealogy.
Profile Image of Zack Baker
Zack Baker
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
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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to four miles total throughout each day on varied terrain; getting on and off motorcoach multiple times daily; travel times vary within the park. Elevations of 5,260-9,000 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (6 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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