Montana
Yellowstone Safari: Journey Through a Dramatic Landscape
Program No. 164660MEADV-1116-60
Join a naturalist in Yellowstone for a grand adventure that’ll see you safari through the park to discover the natural activity of indigenous wildlife and the rhythms of the seasons.
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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
2
Spring Wildlife Viewing, Yellowstone Lake
Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY
3
Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY
5
Lamar Valley, Tower Falls
Gardiner, MT
6
Program Concludes
Gardiner, MT
At a Glance
Take an unforgettable journey into Yellowstone National Park’s dramatic and changing landscape. Explore the seasonal changes and the dramatic composition that unfolds on the stage of Yellowstone’s magnificent scenery. Discover how the seasonal activity of indigenous wildlife plays together with the natural history and the unique geothermal features in this ongoing symphony. An experienced naturalist will lead the safari, which will investigate the specific natural activity of the season and how it plays into the overall rhythm of what defines the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles; varied terrain. Getting on and off coach. Elevations up to 9,000 feet.
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…
- Safari through Yellowstone and watch the unfolding drama of the season that showcases the park’s grand and wild nature.
- Enjoy four field days in the park to learn about natural history and observe native wildlife.
- Experience Yellowstone's spectacular Northern Range as an expert naturalist provides lessons on the wildlife.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(11 books)
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.
Yellowstone Safari: Journey Through a Dramatic Landscape
Program Number: 1646
The Sibley Guide to Birds
Sibley, a talented painter, offers this wonderful, data-packed color guide with range maps and detailed descriptions of songs and calls. This book is perfect for field trips with short walks and may be too heavy for some to take to the field in which case it can await back in the car.
After the Fires: The Ecology of Change in Yellowstone National Park
The ravaging fires of 1988 caused many scientists to predict long-term devastation which did not come to pass. This scientific summary by wildlife biologists, ecosystem and forest scientists and landscape ecologists discusses the many things that changed and did not change in the Yellowstone area. Realize the role of fire in the ecosystem and the resiliency of nature.
Searching for Yellowstone: Ecology and Wonder in the Last Wilderness
Eloquent, elegant, truthful and practical - an environmental history of America's best idea, Yellowstone.
Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country
Updated, classic roadside geology book for the Yellowstone Region explains current geological theories.
Decade of the Wolf, revised and updated edition: Returning the Wild to Yellowstone
Research and storytelling meld to document wolf recovery in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Wolf biologist, Smith, and nature writer, Ferguson, provide an inside look at the Yellowstone Wolf Recovery Project ten years after the controversial decision was made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to reintroduce wolves into the park. Smith, wolf project leader who has worked with the Yellowstone Wolf Project since its inception, has studied wolves for 25 years. Ferguson, whose writing largely arises from intimate experiences, followed through the seasons, the first 14 wolves released into Yellowstone National Park. Their collaboration offers hard facts and 'impressionistic portraits of individual wolves that reveal their epic lives full of struggle and conquest.' Here is the history of the return of the top predator to Yellowstone.
To Save the Wild Bison: Life on the Edge in Yellowstone
The author brings clarity and revelation to one of Yellowstone's most complex struggles by tracing the history of bison and humans into the 19th century and further into the national parks era. Here's discussion of bison management and park policy - the battle over brucellosis, snowmobiles and groomed winter roads, desires of Native Americans, bison and predators.
Living Colors: Microbes of Yellowstone National Park
A full-color book published by Yellowstone Forever, Montana State University Biology Institute, and Montana Institute Ecosystems that identifies different types of microbes and where to find them in the park. 52 pages-soft cover. 8" x 8"
The Art of Yellowstone Science - Mammoth Hot Springs as a Window on the Universe
THIS PRODUCT IS DIGITAL ONLY
http://www.tmurphywild.com/product/the-art-of-yellowstone-science-mammoth-hot-springs-as-a-window-on-the-universe/
Letters from Yellowstone
Through correspondence - detailed letters and telegrams - follow an 1898 scientific expedition whose purpose is to collect flora unique to Yellowstone National Park. Learn of the park's early history, trials of pioneer scientists and the engrossing and often funny story of Cornell medical student and amateur botanist, Alexandria Bartram, who emerges as a brave leader and serious scientist. Delightful fiction.
Restoring a Presence: American Indians and Yellowstone National Park
This first comprehensive account of Indians in and around Yellowstone corrects more than a century of ignorance. Detailed here is Yellowstone's native peoples and their story of a long engagement with a remarkable landscape.
Knowing Yellowstone -Science in America's First National Park
Presently in Yellowstone there are almost 200 active research permits that involve over 500 investigators, but only a small fraction of this scientific work is reported in the popular press. Furthermore, the results are mixed and frequently confusing to the general public. The intent of this book is to explain both the general issues associated with the region and how science is done to understand those issues, from wolf and grizzly bear research to thermal activity. It further describes how science informs policy in the Greater Yellowstone Region, how scientists from an array of disciplines do their work, and finally, how the nature of that work enables or limits future plans for managing the park and surrounding lands.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Gardiner, MT
Program Concludes
Gardiner, MT
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14
| 5B |
4L |
5D |
Activity Level
Take an unforgettable journey into Yellowstone National Park’s dramatic and changing landscape. Explore the seasonal changes and the dramatic composition that unfolds on the stage of Yellowstone’s magnificent scenery. Discover how the seasonal activity of indigenous wildlife plays together with the natural history and the unique geothermal features in this ongoing symphony. An experienced naturalist will lead the safari, which will investigate the specific natural activity of the season and how it plays into the overall rhythm of what defines the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Safari through Yellowstone and watch the unfolding drama of the season that showcases the park’s grand and wild nature.
- Enjoy four field days in the park to learn about natural history and observe native wildlife.
- Experience Yellowstone's spectacular Northern Range as an expert naturalist provides lessons on the wildlife.
Featured Expert
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; varied terrain. Getting on and off coach. Elevations up to 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
(11 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 |
3 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Program Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Gardiner, MT
Meals:
D
Stay:
Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration is from 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, check in with your program staff to get your schedule for the week and other important information. Confirm when and where your Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please check in with your Instructor and Group Leader to get the program details for the week.
Dinner:
In a restaurant adjacent to the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader for this program will greet everyone and will lead your introductions. You will review the program schedule for the week, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and will have questions answered. This program will be staffed by both a resident Instructor, who will give lectures and lead field trips, and a Group Leader, who will deal primarily with logistics. “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. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “free time” and “at leisure” offer breaks in the group schedule to give you opportunities to do what you like. Please use these times to relax or enjoy sights and experiences that are not included with your daily schedule. These are periods of time to help make your experience even more meaningful and memorable. Your Instructor and Group Leader can help offer suggestions to occupy these times, should you need assistance. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and travel distances and times may change unexpectedly due to conditions such as weather, wildlife sightings, park construction, etc. In the event of changes, you will be alerted 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 days ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
2
Spring Wildlife Viewing, Yellowstone Lake
Location:
Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Canyon Lodge Room
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles total over several walks throughout the day; boardwalks, paved and dirt trails, uneven terrain. Driving approximately 40 miles at low speed limits with stops along the way; about 1.5 hours total spent aboard motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
Before checking out of the hotel, your instructor will welcome you to Yellowstone National Park and the week's adventure ahead with a morning presentation on Yellowstone. This presentation offers you a front row seat to the wildlife and geology of Yellowstone as they are enmeshed with each season. A variety of wildlife can be seen during this time of year. The magic of Yellowstone awaits. You will load on to the motorcoach for a mid-morning transfer deeper into our country's first National Park.
Lunch:
You will stop in the park for sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Continue your safari journey south towards Hayden Valley to the Canyon of the Yellowstone with stops along the way at various sites. Your Instructor will interpret and share with you the exciting scenes out the windows. Hayden Valley, which is known as one of the best locations to view wildlife in Yellowstone, will lead you to Canyon Village. Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel with some time to relax and explore the grounds before dinner.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Canyon Village.
Day
3
Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location:
Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Canyon Lodge Room
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles total throughout the day; boardwalks, paved and dirt trails with some uneven terrain. Driving approximately 42 miles round trip; about 2 hours total.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at a restaurant in Canyon Village.
Morning:
You will set out aboard your motorcoach for the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Enjoy onboard commentary by your Instructor. Your study will focus on animal habitat and seasonal adaptations which will including the ecology of local wildlife and plants and the connections they have with the life cycle of animals. Along the way, you will stop intermittently for interpretive walks with your Instructor.
Lunch:
You will have a sack lunch during one of the stops along the way.
Afternoon:
Your journey will continue on to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for a look at the Upper and Lower Falls and the canyon's beautifully tinted walls. You will go for a walk along the Yellowstone River to observe the unique riparian environment and will have a heart stopping experience where the mighty river roars and plunges straight down 109 feet! Here, the geologic splendor, that is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offers an ambiance that compliments the wealth of wildlife habitat and the interpretive exploration that you will experience.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Canyon Village.
Day
4
Great Caldera, Yellowstone's Famous Geyser Old Faithful
Location:
Gardiner, MT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles total throughout the day; boardwalks, paved and dirt trails with some uneven terrain. Driving approximately 75 miles at low speed limits with stops along the way; about 3 hours total.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at a restaurant in Canyon Village.
Morning:
Once you have checked out of the hotel, you will move on to see Old Faithful, the heart of Yellowstone. Upon arrival, you will walk with your Instructor to explore the Upper Geyser Basin. You will see Old Faithful erupt, the Firehole River, as well as a large variety of hot springs, fumaroles, and other geysers.
Lunch:
Sack lunches in the park. .
Afternoon:
Your instructor will offer commentary on the Great Caldera's violent geologic past as you continue your exploration of the thermal features in the Old Faithful area. Boarding the motorcoach afterwards, you will transfer back to Gardiner, MT where you will check back into the hotel.
Dinner:
You will have dinner at a local restaurant in Gardiner, MT.
Day
5
Lamar Valley, Tower Falls
Location:
Gardiner, MT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles total over several walks throughout the day; boardwalks, dirt trails, uneven terrain. Driving approximately 96 miles roundtrip; about 3.5 hours total.
Breakfast:
We will take breakfast to go in order to increase our chances of wildlife encounters in the morning.
Morning:
You will board the motorcoach and head east toward the Tower area. Your instructor will offer commentary on the bus and at various stops along the way, discussing Yellowstone's "forests of stone". While there, you will have time to view Tower Falls 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, you'll keep your eyes "peeled" with binoculars handy. You will continue traveling through Lamar Valley and see the beautiful wide-open reaches and rich habitat. The valley offers a wealth of wildlife and diverse vegetation. Your Instructor will talk about the evidence of an ancient flood that scoured the valley. Be ready with your binoculars as you may see pronghorn, elk, bison, meadowlarks, Sandhill Cranes, and perhaps more.
Lunch:
Sack lunches in the park
Afternoon:
After lunch, you will board the motorcoach and head back through Yellowstone's northern range. This is an expansive valley along the Lamar River. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you enjoy your instructor’s commentary along the way. This will bring you back to the hotel.
Dinner:
In the dining room, adjacent to the hotel, you will enjoy your farewell dinner
Evening:
You will join your Instructor in the hotel conference room for the Yellowstone finale wrap-up session to close your week-long adventure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Gardiner, MT
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the restaurant adjacent to 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
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- May 19, 2025 - May 24, 2025
- May 19, 2025 - May 24, 2025
- Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
- Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
- Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
- Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 18 Reviews
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Road Scholar outdoes itself in presenting trips and programs that are very satisfying. I just returned from the Yellowstone Safari program and recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about this incredible treasure. It is an awesome place, and to my mind, Road Scholar offers a great experience for a newcomer, like me. This was my first Road Scholar program, and I wIll definitely go on their trips again!
— Review left October 1, 2024
This was my second Road Scholar trip. It was a good trip and I met a lot of wonderful new friends. We did see a few animals,but not as many as I had hoped. It rained for the first two days. Kind of hard to see animals through rain soaked windows on a bus. I know no one can predict the weather, but that just makes it difficult to see the animals. And we were told we were not allowed slow down to take pictures, which caused us to miss some picture opportunities? We all had our rain gear on and we’re prepared to get off the bus. Finding the room to park the bus was another issue.
Some of the food was just awful. I understand the food voucher. I just wish we had more choices. This cafeteria food is just not the best.
Our Guide was very knowledgeable. On the first night, they asked what we were all interested in, and every single one of us said the wild animals. We never got to see any bears, moose, beavers playing in the water. I think we just missed a lot of opportunities, or we were in the wrong place at the wrong time! I think it was a very busy summer for our Guide. She did let us know several times how tired she was and what a busy summer it had been for her. Which, in my opinion, I think was a little inappropriate.
We also didn’t take group pictures like we did on my first Road Scholar trip. We ended up taking one group picture at the very end(only after being reminded again), and it was on our Guides phone. After several attempts of trying to get her to send the pictures, it has failed. We asked her about Tripcast. She let us know that she was not going to set that up and if anybody else wanted to tackle it that was fine. Everyone has posted pictures, and we’re all waiting on the group picture. Hoping to see those pictures one day!
I will go on more trips with Road Scholar. I really enjoy these trips just a little disappointed in this last one.
— Review left September 25, 2024
As a result of this carefully curated program, including a very experienced and knowledgeable instructor and leader, I feel I got to know and experience Yellowstone National Park very intimately, and I care about it very much.
— Review left September 12, 2024
Staff other guests were knowledgeable, and well-traveled enhancing the trip experience. The accommodations and dietary options left something to be desired.
— Review left September 8, 2024
This program includes the usual attractions of Yellowstone, but the extensive knowledge of the naturalist enhanced the experience by providing information and insight about the region's history and geology and how wildlife and natural systems work.
— Review left September 20, 2023
If you desire a deeper understanding of eco-systems in Yellowstone, this is the trip for you. Well organized, insightful experiences.
— Review left September 20, 2023
If you want a genuine experience in a fabulous setting, and enjoy learning about nature, and enjoy the outdoors, this is a MUST trip for you to take. The instructors are the best and you'll be amazed at all the sights and activities you'll participate in.
— Review left September 5, 2023
Outstanding program with great leadership. Main instructor gave examples and enhanced his teaching with stories and examples. Always addressed questions with patience.
— Review left June 12, 2023
Yellowstone Safari
— Review left June 11, 2023
Everything about this trip was amazing!
— Review left June 11, 2023
An awesome trip through one of the most beautiful parks in North America. Had we visited Yellowstone on our own, I'm sure we'd have had a good time, but without Road Scholar we would not have seen, learned or enjoyed ourselves half as much. Along with seeing the "must-see" sites, we gained insights, stories, history, explanations about geology, flora and fauna. We saw grizzlies, mountain goats, wolves on a carcass, eagles and so much more because our guides knew where and when to find them. I recommend this Road Scholar without hesitation to anyone interested to learn about Yellowstone.
— Review left May 27, 2023
This is a wonderful tour. Lee, our instructor, Glynis, our group leader, and Bryant, our motorcoach driver, were the best. The landscape of Yellowstone is spectacular. I learned so much and I'm so glad I took the journey.
— Review left September 30, 2022
Shauna and Zack provided us with a once in a lifetime experience. We understand the importance of places like Yellowstone in a whole new way. Their extensive knowledge and familiarity with the park helped us to understand how its vitality represents fundamental principles of nature.
— Review left May 31, 2022
Such fabulous experinces with each and every trip. Always have top notch leaders full of amazing knowledge which they generously share so very well!
— Review left May 30, 2022
I'm so glad we finally tried Road Scholar! Yellowstone is beautiful all on its own, but the leader and presenter of this program were simply excellent, sharing their knowledge and passion. It was the trip of a lifetime!
— Review left May 29, 2022
I greatly enjoyed the trip. I learned so much about the park and its history and geology. I greatly enjoyed the trip and will take another one soon!
— Review left September 30, 2019
Excellent trip. Really organized and concentrated. I would recommend this tour to anyone considering going to Yellowstone.
— Review left June 16, 2019
I have already given to Road Scholar the name and address of friends who are interested in taking trips with this group.
— Review left June 7, 2019
