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Montana

Yellowstone: The Great Caldera

Program No. 13845RJ
Yellowstone is both the world at its most primordial and the world at its most sublime. Come explore the park’s many natural wonders on the learning adventure of a lifetime.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
May 19 - May 24, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Aug 18 - Aug 23, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2025
Starting at
2,999
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 19 - May 24, 2025
Starting at
3,879
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2025
Starting at
3,879
Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2025
Starting at
3,879
Aug 18 - Aug 23, 2025
Starting at
3,879
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2025
Starting at
3,879
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Yellowstone's cast of thousands includes bears, wolves, volcanoes, thermal features, winter range, flora, fire and history. Understand their vital roles in a magnificent ecosystem. Naturalist leads discussion and provides interpretation during four full days in the field for exploration of diverse habitats and steaming geyser basins.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two 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
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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy four full days in Yellowstone exploring pristine rivers, waterfalls, beautiful vistas and wildlife.
  • Meet exploration and survey parties and learn about current issues and evolving philosophy.
  • Visit the Yellowstone National Park Heritage and Research Center, which houses a collection of 5.3 million items.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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.

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

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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Bozeman, Montana
Program Concludes
Bozeman, Montana
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 | 5B | 4L | 5D |
Activity Level
Yellowstone's cast of thousands includes bears, wolves, volcanoes, thermal features, winter range, flora, fire and history. Understand their vital roles in a magnificent ecosystem. Naturalist leads discussion and provides interpretation during four full days in the field for exploration of diverse habitats and steaming geyser basins.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy four full days in Yellowstone exploring pristine rivers, waterfalls, beautiful vistas and wildlife.
  • Meet exploration and survey parties and learn about current issues and evolving philosophy.
  • Visit the Yellowstone National Park Heritage and Research Center, which houses a collection of 5.3 million items.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
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.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two 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 (9 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
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.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 4L | 5D |
2 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At a conference room in the hotel.
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. Expect to walk an average of 2 miles per day. The Greater Yellowstone area is considered high desert, very dry. At high altitudes you are more susceptible to dehydration and altitude sickness. 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles total over several moderate walks throughout the day; established trails, asphalt paths, boardwalks. Getting on/off motor coach; driving approx. 120 miles throughout the day; about 4 hours.
Breakfast:
At a local restaurant.
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 and West Yellowstone.
Lunch:
Sack lunches along the way.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motor coach and continue the day's discovery. Our instructor will offer commentary as we travel along the Madison and Firehole Rivers, and get a taste of the thermal areas that make Yellowstone so special. Breathtaking vistas of seemingly endless countryside roll out. Upon our arrival in West Yellowstone, we will check into the hotel
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles total on several walks throughout the day; pavement, boardwalks, rocky and uneven terrain; Driving approx. 110 miles total; about 3.5 hours, with stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
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:
We'll continue our exploration of the area that includes Hayden Valley. The Hayden valley is a vast open, mostly grassland that sits at close to 8,000 ft in elevation. The slow moving Yellowstone river meanders through the bottom.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Canyon Village.
Evening:
We’ll then return to our accommodation and, on our way back, we will have the opportunity to take advantage of the crepuscular hour for some great wildlife viewing opportunities. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2.5 miles miles total on several walks throughout the day. Driving approx. 110 miles total; about 3.5 hours with stops.
Breakfast:
At a local restaurant.
Morning:
We’ll begin our day’s journey aboard our motorcoach listening to enlightening commentary given by our instructor about the Great Caldera and its underground “plumbing system”. We’ll make various stops throughout the day to see some of Yellowstone National Park’s 10,000 thermal features – hot springs, mudpots and fumaroles – and over 300 geysers. They’re all a reminder of the area’s recent volcanic past, which laid the foundation for the world’s most diverse and intact collection of thermal activity in the world. Our journey will lead us to the Upper, Midway and Lower Geyser Basins, which spans 11 square miles and features one of the most diverse collections of thermal features found in the park. And of course, Old Faithful being the most famous.
Lunch:
Sack lunches in the park.
Afternoon:
Our exploration will continue as we travel up and over Craig Pass. As we traverse the pass we'll cross the continental divide along the way to Yellowstone Lake. Late afternoon return to West Yellowstone.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Evening at leisure. Prepare for checkout in the morning.
Activity Note
Walking about 1-2 miles total on several walks throughout the day. Getting on/off the motor coach; driving approx. 200 miles; about 4.5 hours with stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel, we’ll journey toward the Lamar Valley, an expansive valley along the Lamar River in Yellowstone’s northern range, which is a wide-open haven for wildlife. Our instructor will offer onboard commentary as we soak in the expanses of open space with possible sightings of bison, elk, waterfowl, coyotes and more. As we drive and during stops along the way, we’ll consider the magnificent ecosystem and how all its aspects intersect to create a tapestry of life not to be found anywhere else in the nation.
Lunch:
Sack lunches in the park.
Afternoon:
We'll continue our exploration of northern Yellowstone with a stop at Mammoth Hot Springs.We'll exlore the beautiful travertine terraces and also discuss the military's presence in Yellowstone as we see parts of Fort Yellowstone. We'll then set off for Bozeman via the beautiful paradise valley. We'll check in upon arrival at Springhill Suites.
Dinner:
At the hotel conference room, we'll enjoy our final dinner.
Evening:
We’ll gather for a wrap-up in our meeting room to review what we have learned and seen during our Yellowstone adventure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
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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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
  • Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
  • May 19, 2025 - May 24, 2025
  • Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
  • Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
  • Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
  • Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
2 nights
Location: Bozeman
Located less than seven miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Springhill Suites Bozeman is ideal for adventurers exploring Yellowstone or corporate travelers visiting Oracle, Workiva, or Montana State University. Not an ordinary Springhill Suites, we're a custom Bozeman hotel that features studios with a divided living and sleep area, workspace, pantry with microwave and mini-fridge, sofa sleeper, plush bedding, and a 50" flat-screen TV with streaming capabilities. Start your day with a free breakfast, enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, get a workout at the fitness center, grab a drink at our bar, or stay connected with free WiFi. Business travelers love our flexible meeting space ideal for small gatherings. We're minutes from Historic Downtown, which is full of local flavor, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Renowned for its hunting, fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and impressive wildlife, Bozeman offers unlimited activities for outdoor lovers
2 nights
Location: West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone Holiday Inn is located near the most central entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The small town offers many family attractions such as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, Yellowstone Imax Theater and Museum of the Yellowstone plus shops, restaurants, rodeos, playhouses and more. Yellowstone National Park offers an Interpretive Ranger Program daily during the summer at the Chamber of Commerce. Kids ages 18 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Up to four kids ages 11 and under eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn® on-site restaurant.
1 night
Location: Gardiner
Lodgings are located on Gardiner's main street, Park Street, on Yellowstone's northern boundary. Yellowstone's northwest entrance at Roosevelt Arch is three blocks from motel. The Gardiner entrance was dedicated in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt. Remember, you are experiencing the atmosphere of a small, rural community and meal options are naturally limited. Meals served at local restaurants.
2 nights
Location: Bozeman
Located less than seven miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Springhill Suites Bozeman is ideal for adventurers exploring Yellowstone or corporate travelers visiting Oracle, Workiva, or Montana State University. Not an ordinary Springhill Suites, we're a custom Bozeman hotel that features studios with a divided living and sleep area, workspace, pantry with microwave and mini-fridge, sofa sleeper, plush bedding, and a 50" flat-screen TV with streaming capabilities. Start your day with a free breakfast, enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, get a workout at the fitness center, grab a drink at our bar, or stay connected with free WiFi. Business travelers love our flexible meeting space ideal for small gatherings. We're minutes from Historic Downtown, which is full of local flavor, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Renowned for its hunting, fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and impressive wildlife, Bozeman offers unlimited activities for outdoor lovers
2 nights
Location: West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone Holiday Inn is located near the most central entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The small town offers many family attractions such as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, Yellowstone Imax Theater and Museum of the Yellowstone plus shops, restaurants, rodeos, playhouses and more. Yellowstone National Park offers an Interpretive Ranger Program daily during the summer at the Chamber of Commerce. Kids ages 18 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Up to four kids ages 11 and under eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn® on-site restaurant.
1 night
Location: Gardiner
Lodgings are located on Gardiner's main street, Park Street, on Yellowstone's northern boundary. Yellowstone's northwest entrance at Roosevelt Arch is three blocks from motel. The Gardiner entrance was dedicated in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt. Remember, you are experiencing the atmosphere of a small, rural community and meal options are naturally limited. Meals served at local restaurants.
2 nights
Location: Bozeman
Located less than seven miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Springhill Suites Bozeman is ideal for adventurers exploring Yellowstone or corporate travelers visiting Oracle, Workiva, or Montana State University. Not an ordinary Springhill Suites, we're a custom Bozeman hotel that features studios with a divided living and sleep area, workspace, pantry with microwave and mini-fridge, sofa sleeper, plush bedding, and a 50" flat-screen TV with streaming capabilities. Start your day with a free breakfast, enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, get a workout at the fitness center, grab a drink at our bar, or stay connected with free WiFi. Business travelers love our flexible meeting space ideal for small gatherings. We're minutes from Historic Downtown, which is full of local flavor, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Renowned for its hunting, fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and impressive wildlife, Bozeman offers unlimited activities for outdoor lovers
2 nights
Location: West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone Holiday Inn is located near the most central entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The small town offers many family attractions such as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, Yellowstone Imax Theater and Museum of the Yellowstone plus shops, restaurants, rodeos, playhouses and more. Yellowstone National Park offers an Interpretive Ranger Program daily during the summer at the Chamber of Commerce. Kids ages 18 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Up to four kids ages 11 and under eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn® on-site restaurant.
1 night
Location: Gardiner
Lodgings are located on Gardiner's main street, Park Street, on Yellowstone's northern boundary. Yellowstone's northwest entrance at Roosevelt Arch is three blocks from motel. The Gardiner entrance was dedicated in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt. Remember, you are experiencing the atmosphere of a small, rural community and meal options are naturally limited. Meals served at local restaurants.
2 nights
Location: Bozeman
Located less than seven miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Springhill Suites Bozeman is ideal for adventurers exploring Yellowstone or corporate travelers visiting Oracle, Workiva, or Montana State University. Not an ordinary Springhill Suites, we're a custom Bozeman hotel that features studios with a divided living and sleep area, workspace, pantry with microwave and mini-fridge, sofa sleeper, plush bedding, and a 50" flat-screen TV with streaming capabilities. Start your day with a free breakfast, enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, get a workout at the fitness center, grab a drink at our bar, or stay connected with free WiFi. Business travelers love our flexible meeting space ideal for small gatherings. We're minutes from Historic Downtown, which is full of local flavor, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Renowned for its hunting, fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and impressive wildlife, Bozeman offers unlimited activities for outdoor lovers
2 nights
Location: West Yellowstone
Well-appointed rooms, free Wi-Fi, a heated indoor swimming pool and a hot tub are just a few of the comforts you’ll enjoy at the Yellowstone Park Hotel. Others may include fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking or sightseeing. Another perk is that every room is non-smoking. Just three blocks from the park’s West Entrance, the hotel puts you within striking distance of some of Yellowstone’s signature features. Both the Lower Geyser Basin and Old Faithful are less than an hour’s drive from the Yellowstone Park Hotel.
1 night
Location: Gardiner
Lodgings are located on Gardiner's main street, Park Street, on Yellowstone's northern boundary. Yellowstone's northwest entrance at Roosevelt Arch is three blocks from motel. The Gardiner entrance was dedicated in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt. Remember, you are experiencing the atmosphere of a small, rural community and meal options are naturally limited. Meals served at local restaurants.
2 nights
Location: Bozeman
Located less than seven miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Springhill Suites Bozeman is ideal for adventurers exploring Yellowstone or corporate travelers visiting Oracle, Workiva, or Montana State University. Not an ordinary Springhill Suites, we're a custom Bozeman hotel that features studios with a divided living and sleep area, workspace, pantry with microwave and mini-fridge, sofa sleeper, plush bedding, and a 50" flat-screen TV with streaming capabilities. Start your day with a free breakfast, enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, get a workout at the fitness center, grab a drink at our bar, or stay connected with free WiFi. Business travelers love our flexible meeting space ideal for small gatherings. We're minutes from Historic Downtown, which is full of local flavor, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Renowned for its hunting, fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and impressive wildlife, Bozeman offers unlimited activities for outdoor lovers
2 nights
Location: West Yellowstone
A stay at Gray Wolf Inn & Suites places you in the heart of West Yellowstone, within a 15-minute walk of Yellowstone Park West Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. This hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Gallatin National Forest. Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, ski storage, and a fireplace in the lobby. Make yourself at home in one of the 102 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls.
1 night
Location: Gardiner
Lodgings are located on Gardiner's main street, Park Street, on Yellowstone's northern boundary. Yellowstone's northwest entrance at Roosevelt Arch is three blocks from motel. The Gardiner entrance was dedicated in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt. Remember, you are experiencing the atmosphere of a small, rural community and meal options are naturally limited. Meals served at local restaurants.
Participant Reviews
4.84
Based on 28 Reviews
Sort By:
This participant did not give a star rating.
Jane Vatz | Charlotte, NC
Virginia was an excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable, informative, helpful, organized, and had a sense of humor. I was absolutely impressed with her omniscient view of Yellowstone with regard to the geography, history, people, botanical aspects, and animals, to say the least. Lewis also was very skilled in his organizational duties and certainly wanted to be sure the travelers could more easily manage during the six days of our tour. The bus driver, Bryan, was so helpful in terms of answering questions, navigating the route, and assisting with the luggage. I was very disappointed in the Grey Wolf Inn in West Yellowstone as the bathrooms had mold in them. The motel in Gardiner was a real "dump", and it seemed like a motel from the 1940s. However, the SpringHill Suites in Bozeman, Montana was absolutely delightful The bag lunches were the same every day except when we ate at the Mammoth Springs Hotel, so the lunches were somewhat boring and redundant. There were no choices for our dinners which was disconcerting.
— Review left September 20, 2024
Reply from Road Scholar
Dear Jane, We are glad to hear you enjoyed your overall experience. There is much to learn and see at Yellowstone. Since it is a remote location the options for accommodations are limited. We use these National Park properties due to their location, proximity to the parts of the park we wish to visit and to avoid long daily bus rides to give our participants more time to explore. We have shared this feedback with the staff to see where improvements can be made. We hope to see you on your next adventure soon. Sincerely, Road Scholar
Ilona – Class of 2018 | Redford, MI
Now I know why Yellowstone is such a popular destination - the animals! They’re everywhere. And this program is a safe way to observe and experience the amazing landscape.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Marilyn – Class of 2021 | Greenwood, SC
Stupendous beauty and exceptional amount of interesting info were presented. Our leaders were just great.
— Review left June 4, 2024
Karen | Deltona, FL
I cannot express how impressed we were with Road Scholar. They are well organized, small groups foster better learning. Just can't say enough. We will be back.
— Review left June 2, 2024
Connie | San Antonio, TX
This was the best tour and educational experience I ever had. The guides and instructors were amazingly knowledgeable about "everything Yellowstone"! It was a perfect way to see an incredible part of our country and I would highly recommend it!
— Review left May 24, 2024
Manfried – Class of 2024 | Stockholm, NJ
Although I'm not a big fan of traveling, I found this trip to be a totally enriching experience. The education was excellent and the comradery with the group greatly enhanced the experience.
— Review left May 22, 2024
Jutta – Class of 2024 | Stockholm, NJ
Great program in a beautiful place! Life-changing learning with personable, passionate, and knowledgeable teachers.
— Review left May 21, 2024
Lizabeth – Class of 2023 | Holt, MI
Amazing program. I would recommend it to anyone interested in America's first National Park. There is so much to see. September was a beautiful time in the park.
— Review left September 18, 2023
Harold | Greenville, OH
If you enjoy seeing beautiful landscapes and wildlife from a safe vantage point, Road Scholar's Yellowstone National Park program is perfect for you.
— Review left August 21, 2023
Joanne – Class of 1994 | Farmington Hills, MI
This is an outstanding program that greatly increases ones knowledge of all the sciences involved both in Yellowstone's creation and its current status as the major volcanic site in the world as well as home to America's largest mammals.
— Review left June 12, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ronald – Class of 2023 | Bluffton, SC
First Road Scholar trip, and what a positive experience! Leslie and Glynis were fabulous. Having locals guide us through the park was incredibly priceless. Leslie’s insights and information was at a startling level, yet delivered in a manner pleasing to hear and easy to digest. As a speaker myself, a mentor long ago told me, “your audience will remember the height of your enthusiasm long after they have forgotten the depth of your knowledge.” Leslie leaves me impressed by both. A true love and passion for the park and the work she does. I understand now how this is often described as one of the truly most amazing areas in the world. Also, special thank you to Zach for arranging the visit to the Heritage and Research Center.
— Review left June 1, 2023
Mary – Class of 2015 | Novi, MI
Yellowstone: The Great Caldera was a great program. Leaders were very knowledgeable. I highly recommend it. Marianne Balding, MI
— Review left October 5, 2022
Susan – Class of 2019 | Las Animas, CO
What an absolutely amazing experience!! When the flood happened, I was so afraid the progam would be cancelled, but kudos to both Road Scholar and Yellowstone for making it happen! I learned so much; the instructors and group leader were exceptional. Their love of Yellowstone was apparent, and it was contagious. I know I have so much more to learn and experience. The farther I was away from Yellowstone, the more I felt it tugging me back. I shall return! An experience not to be missed!
— Review left October 1, 2022
Nevada – Class of 2022 | Concord, CA
Yellowstone: The Great Caldera tour is an exceptional blend of spectacular nature and landscape, abundant wildlife and fantastic learning opportunities. It also includes some daily physical activity but at various levels accommodating all participants.
— Review left May 31, 2022
Barbara – Class of 2018 | Harrisburg, PA
Great way to visit Yellowstone Park. We saw more animals than I expected to. Leslie and Charlie were great guides and were a pleasure to be around.
— Review left May 19, 2022
Marjorie – Class of 2022 | Harrisburg, PA
Our RS Program Leader & Instructor were wonderful & were able to partially resolve a housing error caused by RS scheduling staff. Their local solution made it possible for me to participate however I may not have scheduled this trip if I had known that a triple room was not an option (even though it was described as such when I signed up).
— Review left May 19, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Joanne – Class of 2000 | Saint Louis, MO
I loved this program! Perhaps partly because it was my first trip after the pandemic! But it would have been wonderful anyway. The guides were beyond excellent and our small group (19) was quite cozy and compatible. Yellowstone exceeded my expectations. Loved it all, especially the geysers and the waterfalls. I found the trip was active enough for me if I took every opportunity to walk and hike. The food was adequate as were the accommodations. The scenery balanced those aspects out! The motel was conveniently located right at the entrance to the park, and our transportation by bus was comfortable. I highly recommend this program if you haven't been to Yellowstone yet. It is a great introduction to a fabulous park. I would have loved to have at least one day where we got up super early to see the wildlife. Some animals can only be sighted early in the morning. Other than that slight revision, I think the program is perfect.
— Review left October 19, 2021
Jim – Class of 2011 | Hallstead, PA
This was a very interesting program and I learned much about our world . And I truely enjoyed seeing all the wildlife.
— Review left September 28, 2021
Lynn – Class of 2006 | Northville, MI
Wonderful trip. Great leaders. Very informative.
— Review left September 25, 2021
Patricia – Class of 2021 | Walden, NY
This is a great experience. I would have never understood Yellowstone's meaning and value without the leaders. They were such and enhancement to the trip
— Review left September 13, 2021
Elizabeth – Class of 2019 | Mansfield, GA
Yellowstone is a lot more than Old Faithful. Its a massive wonder and this program allowed me to experience the major features and learn about the eco-system of the region.
— Review left September 7, 2021
Dawn – Class of 2013 | Reisterstown, MD
Yellowstone was amazing. This trip was just the right amount of time to see most of the major attractions at the park. Our guide was a wealth of knowledge and knew the park inside and out. I loved learning about how all the features were formed and how the animals interacted with it all. I cannot recommend this trip enough!
— Review left August 17, 2021
Lauraine – Class of 2015 | Salt Lake City, UT
I enjoyed the Yellowstone River Motel. (Comfortable but not fussy). I loved the five mile drive along the river to Mammouth Hot Springs. There are always elk around the Barracks. The bus driver was most co-operative. He always gave me a helping hand off the bus. He stopped for the double rainbow we saw and all bears!
— Review left June 23, 2019
Carol – Class of 2005 | Columbia, MO
This program far exceeded my expectations, though I have visited the park in the past. I especially enjoyed reading many of the books from the recommended reading list provided prior to the program. Leslie and Charlie were among some of the very best instructors we have had in our 22 Road Scholar programs. We covered a lot of territory over six very active days and saw more wildlife than expected. We enjoyed great weather early in the season and a very congenial small group of new friends.
— Review left June 16, 2019
Nancy – Class of 2017 | Gresham, OR
Good wildlife divesity and great wildlife viewing, warm/clean motel room and convenient location, knowledgeable guides. The meals need improvement. You will learn the volcanic magnitude of this hotspot.
— Review left June 10, 2019
Sharon – Class of 2015 | Port Townsend, WA
Wonderful trip! Leslie and Charlie were excellent guides/instructors and provided great information on wildlife, geology, history, and several more topics. Yellowstone National Park is amazing, and this trip included visits to many of the iconic sights. We also saw elk, bison, bears, moose, trumpeter swans, pronghorn antelope and other animals. It's great to have Road Scholar handle the logistics and the itinerary and just be able to enjoy the experience.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Jim – Class of 2017 | Los Gatos, CA
The Caldera cam alive for us on this trip! Our guides and presenters gave us an appreciation of the Park, animals, geology, and biological rational for the wonders we experienced. Unbelievable beauty - an inspirational week of knowledge, lore and an expanded understanding of our world!
— Review left May 25, 2019
Carolyn – Class of 2019 | La Conner, WA
I am 67 years old and hike at least once a week and walk the other days. The Yellowstone caldera trip provided daily walking of at least 2 miles. I would have liked a little more. The educational value was excellent. Field trips allowed me to learn about the history and geology of the Park, as well as the hydrothermal features and wildlife. The food was good and you will not go hungry. The accommodations were clean and close to the area restaurants. Two nights we had dinner in the Park. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left May 25, 2019





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