Day 1
Welcome to Yellowstone
Arrive in Bozeman, Montana, and transfer as a group to the renovated Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel inside Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was the nation’s first national park, established by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, only two years after the first organized expedition of its wonders. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner and get to know your Chautauqua expert, Mark Wenzler, director of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative, who previously served as senior vice president at the National Parks Conservation Association. Special guest Stephanie Adams, associate director of the wildlife program for the National Parks Conservation Association, will also join the group this evening.
Included Meal: Dinner, Reception
Accommodations: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Day 2
The Lamar Valley
Depart before dawn for an unforgettable day of wildlife viewing deep in the northern range and Lamar Valley. Using spotting scopes, observe the resident herds in the valley, including bison. Wolves were reintroduced in 1995, and have flourished here, creating a new dynamic in the valley. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and relax. Those who choose can join Mark for a walk after lunch exploring the travertine terraces around Mammoth Hot Springs. A representative from Yellowstone Forever, Yellowstone’s nonprofit partner will join the group this afternoon to present on wolf reintroduction efforts.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Day 3
Old Faithful
This morning, board snow coaches for a spectacular trip through Yellowstone. Stop at several geyser basins. Yellowstone sits on one of the world’s largest super-volcanoes, but don’t worry: It has had no serious eruptions for more than 600,000 years! Even so, this constant activity creates the hot springs, geysers, and other unique features of the park. At the stunning Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, stop to see the dramatic, iced-over Upper and Lower Falls. They look so different from their familiar summer scenes. Though the water seems frozen in place, it is still flowing behind an icy exoskeleton. If you’re lucky, you might see a giant icicle fall off the face of the falls and shatter on the valley floor.
Check in to your hotel, then walk the short distance to Old Faithful to watch its spectacular eruptions, wreathed in steam. Old Faithful was named by members of the Washburn Expedition that charted the area in 1870, who reported that it erupted “nearly hourly.” The truth is that the eruption interval can be anywhere from 35 minutes to two hours. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Day 4
Upper Geyser Basin
Start the day with a morning talk from Mark before hiking the boardwalks and trails of the Upper Geyser Basin, which contains the largest concentration of geysers in the world. This fascinating array of geothermal features includes Castle Geyser, the amazing colors of the Morning Glory Pool, bubbling mud pots and fumaroles steaming with volcanic gases. Spend the afternoon on your own, taking advantage of the nearby trails, maybe with snowshoes or cross-country skis, or simply relaxing in front of the fire at the Snow Lodge. For an additional cost, those who choose can embark on a steam, stars, and winter soundscapes adventure this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Day 5
Across the Continental Divide
Travel by snow coach to Flagg Ranch, Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Cross the Continental Divide and drive through Grand Teton National Park, which abuts Yellowstone. Established in 1929 through the efforts of John D. Rockefeller, among other conservationists, the Grand Tetons are among the country’s youngest mountain ranges, as seen by the sharp peaks of its three instantly recognizable mountains. Continue to Jackson, stopping en route for lunch. After you settle into your hotel, join Mark for a discussion about the role of ecological connectivity in helping parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton adapt to climate change. Then, enjoy exploring Jackson’s charming downtown on your own this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa
Day 6
National Elk Refuge
Start your day with an exclusive before-hours visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, where a stunning collection of works is housed in a building that appears to emerge from the earth like a natural outcropping of rock. Later, visit the National Elk Refuge, established in 1912 to protect habitat and provide sanctuary for the country’s largest elk herd. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the refuge, where over 7,500 elk and as many as 48 other mammal species spend the winter. This evening, enjoy a private reception in the Mangelsen—Images of Nature Gallery, where the gallery director will share background about renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen’s work and commitment to conservation. Then, celebrate your Western adventure at a farewell dinner this evening along with special guest Craig Benjamin, Director of Conservation with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: The Rustic Inn
Day 7
Homeward Bound
After breakfast, depart Jackson this morning on individual flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast