Montana/Wyoming
The Best of Yellowstone: From Colter's Hell to America's Hot Spot
Program No. 1855660MEADV-1116-60
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.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Bozeman, Montana
2
Yellowstone Geology, Gallatin Canyon, Old Faithful
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, WY
3
Geyser Country, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, WY
4
Yellowstone Lake
Grant, Yellowstone National Park, WY
5
West Thumb, Mammoth Hot Springs
Gardiner, MT
6
Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, Closing Program
Bozeman, Montana
7
Program Concludes
Bozeman, Montana
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
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…
- 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 that 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
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
(10 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.
The Best of Yellowstone: From Colter's Hell to America's Hot Spot
Program Number: 18556
Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Find out about the forces that shaped and continue to shape the Greater Yellowstone-Teton region. Illustrations and driving tours of both parks help visitors enjoy and understand the Earth's creative forces in this wondrous region.
Searching for Yellowstone: Ecology and Wonder in the Last Wilderness
Eloquent, elegant, truthful and practical - an environmental history of America's best idea, Yellowstone.
Wolf Land
Carter Niemeyer has followed wolves – and captured many – since he helped reintroduce them in the Northern Rockies in the mid-1990s. In his second memoir, Wolf Land, he takes us across the rugged West as he tracks wolves, shares in their lives, and seeks middle ground for these iconic animals, both on the land and in our hearts.
Carter Niemeyer is an Iowa native and a recognized expert on wolves, livestock depredation, and trapping. He is the retired Idaho wolf manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Niemeyer wrote his first memoir, Wolfer, in 2010.
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.
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.
Scorched Earth: How the Fires of Yellowstone Changed America
The Yellowstone fires brought to the forefront longstanding conflict over whether federal land management should go with immediate fire suppression procedures or the ‘let it burn’ philosophy. The author, who experienced the Yellowstone fires of 1988 as an environmental reporter there, reviews US wildlands fire history by highlighting wildlands fire management. Discussion of this history and the history of federal lands management considers how these policies shaped the protection of public lands in the US today. Further explained are the details behind the creation of Yellowstone National Park and the role the US Army played in ‘protecting Yellowstone and shaping public lands in the West.’
Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country
Updated, classic roadside geology book for the Yellowstone Region explains current geological theories.
Interpreting the Landscape: Recent and Ongoing Geology of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Text, photography and graphics explain how both parks were formed - the product of volcanic eruptions, profound glaciation and earth movements. The authors describe 'how processes originating half way to the earth's center seem to be the primary force which created volcanic fires, glacial ice and the mountain ranges of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.'
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.
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.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Bozeman, Montana
Program Concludes
Bozeman, Montana
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
17
| 6B |
5L |
6D |
Activity Level
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.)
Best of all, you'll...
- 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 that 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
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 three miles; varied terrain. Getting on and off coach. Some stairs. Elevations up to 8,000 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
(10 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
Year
- 2025
Date
- May 12 - May 18
- May 26 - Jun 01
- Jun 09 - Jun 15
- Jul 14 - Jul 20
- Aug 04 - Aug 10
- Sep 01 - Sep 07
- Sep 15 - Sep 21
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
May 26 - Jun 1, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Accommodations for 2025 have not yet been assigned by the Yellowstone National Park concessionaire.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- May 12 - May 18
- May 26 - Jun 01
- Jun 09 - Jun 15
- Jul 14 - Jul 20
- Aug 04 - Aug 10
- Sep 01 - Sep 07
- Sep 15 - Sep 21
May 26 - Jun 1, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Accommodations for 2025 have not yet been assigned by the Yellowstone National Park concessionaire.
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
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
17 meals | 6B | 5L | 6D |
2 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Bozeman, Montana
Meals:
D
Stay:
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, Old Faithful
Location:
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Old Faithful Inn
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. We'll travel along the beautiful and thermal lined Firehole River as we go toward Old Faithful, breathtaking vistas of seemingly endless countryside roll out. Upon our arrival at Old Faithful, we will check into the Old Faithful Inn
Dinner:
At the Old Faithful Inn dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Geyser Country, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location:
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Old Faithful Inn
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 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 discovery of the Canyon area as we follow our instructor on a walk along a portion of the Canyon that is 20 miles long, 800 to 1,200 feet deep, and 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. This walk along the canyon trail will reveal extraordinary colors of muted scarlet, pale yellows, greens and blue, all created by hot water acting on volcanic rock.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near Old Faithful.
Evening:
The rest of the evening at leisure. Explore the geyser basin on your own or enjoy the historic Old Faithful Inn. Prepare for checkout in the morning.
Day
4
Yellowstone Lake
Location:
Grant, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
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 Inn
Morning:
After checking out of the Old Faithful Inn, we'll spend some time along the West side of the park taking in any of the geyser basins we may have missed along the way. The largest concentration of thermal features in the world is located in the few miles around Old Faithful.
Lunch:
Sack lunches in the park.
Afternoon:
We'll board our motorcoach and set out towards Grant Village via Craig Pass. We'll cross the continental divide three times as we wind our way up and over the pass, with beautiful views in all directions. Upon arriving at Grant Village we'll check in to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the Grant Village dining room.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
West Thumb, Mammoth Hot Springs
Location:
Gardiner, MT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
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 the Grant Village dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we'll board our motorcoach and travel to 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.
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 Norris Geyser Basin and on 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 local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, Closing Program
Location:
Bozeman, Montana
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
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:
From 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, meadowlarks 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
Location:
Bozeman, Montana
Meals:
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!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- May 26, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
- May 12, 2025 - May 18, 2025
- May 26, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
- Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
- Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
- Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
- Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
- Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 32 Reviews
Sort By:
Our trip to Yellowstone was fun, beautiful and educational. The Road Scholar staff who took us on the tour were friendly and very informative. Thank you Christy, Leslie and Briant.
— Review left October 4, 2024
We are first time Road Scholars participants and we believe this method of travel provides the opportunity to experience a National Park in a meaningful, educational and easy manner. We very much enjoyed our trip and the travel team was fun, efficient and just awesome!
— Review left September 24, 2024
Beauty far beyond what I expected!!
— Review left September 10, 2024
this is the best way to boil down 2.2 million acres of Yellowstone to the essence of the park
— Review left August 31, 2024
Wonderful geysers, springs and fumaroles. Saw many bison herds and some close-ups of elk. Also saw an osprey nest with 2 - 3 small birds in the nest.
— Review left August 27, 2024
I knew I wanted to visit and learn about Yellowstone National Park so I was looking for a guided tour program that could satisfy my educational desires and interests. Road Scholar met and exceeded my expectations.
— Review left August 26, 2024
The information provided about the physical part of the trip was accurate . The advice about clothing and weather was accurate and helpful. The trip provided a good overview of Yellowstone Park. I learned a good deal and enjoyed doing it.
— Review left August 25, 2024
Touring with Road Scholar enabled me to have a once in a lifetime experience in Yellowstone. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and personable. I look forward to taking another tour with them.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Absolutely Fabulous Trip! Great Guide/instructor very knowledgeable, staff personable & organized, met needs of group. Comfortable coach, great food, and the scenery, just WOW! Loved we circled all of Yellowstone and stopped at many areas to view wildlife, falls, geysers, etc. If you want a comprehensive view of Yellowstone- this program is for You! Highly recommend!
— Review left August 21, 2024
An excellent trip far exceeding expectations. The leader was a fountain of knowledge and all of the RS team were very personable and fun to spend time with. The trip was flexible for those of us who had mobility issues. A very interesting and educational experience that I highly recommend!
— Review left August 19, 2024
Wonderful experience at Yellowstone National Park.
— Review left August 14, 2024
This trip includes some of the most stunning and unique places in the world. Definitely worthwhile to promote understanding of how it became the park it is today.
— Review left June 17, 2024
First-class week of exploring details of Yellowstone that we would never have seen on our own, with expert, caring guides leading the way. A great group, a fun & wonderful trip.
— Review left May 30, 2024
Can’t think of a better way to visit Yellowstone National Park. I was there once before with my family but this experience with Road Scholar allowed me to learn and get an understanding of what I was seeing. Leslie was an exceptional naturalist!
— Review left December 21, 2023
Yellowstone National Park is an amazing place! Learning about its features from expert leadership really made me happy. If you decide to join a program, you'll learn more than you ever thought you would. It was wonderful!
— Review left October 6, 2023
I learned SO much about Yellowstone with like-minded active participants.
This was my first small group with Road Scholar - I may never go back to large groups again!
— Review left September 7, 2023
The program exceeded my expectations in every respect, especially with regard to the educational content and how much I learned. Also, it was a lot of fun!
— Review left August 29, 2023
You will really get to know the history and the uniqueness of the Yellowstone Park like never before.
Our guide Cathy was so excellent.
— Review left August 27, 2023
Just returned from the Best of Yellowstone trip. The leader and instructor were excellent, the accommodations and food fantastic, and I strongly recommend this trip to anyone who wants a comprehensive overview of what Yellowstone is all about. It's an exciting and awe-inspiring adventure!
— Review left June 19, 2023
Worth every penny!
— Review left May 30, 2023
I’ve participated in many Road Scholar programs over more than 15 years. The leaders on this Yellowstone National Park trip greatly enhanced this program to one of the most unique places on this planet. It was a fabulous adventure!
— Review left August 14, 2022
What a great way to get the most out of a visit to Yellowstone! We had a terrific instructor, wonderful guide and excellent bus driver who each added to how much we enjoyed our trip.
— Review left July 30, 2022
This program is exceptional. You should put a trip to Yellowstone on your "bucket list"
— Review left July 28, 2022
This will be a very mixed review. Due to dining room restrictions and lack of staff the food situation was appalling early in the trip. Thank goodness we brought granola bars because that is what we ate for breakfast on two mornings. Road Scholar should be made aware of the poorly managed Canyon Eatery in particular, where we had to wait for an hour in line for a barely edible cafeteria style grab and go style dinner. There were no alternatives (stores) in that area of the park that were open at dinnertime. In contrast the Grant Village dining room (also in the park) served gourmet level grab and go food ordered from a full menu with little wait.
The guides were extraordinary. They attempted to make up for the food situation by buying supplies from local stores (which had limited food) and taking us to an alternative restaurant. This was not their responsibility and it was appreciated. They had great knowledge and love of the area which they shared. I can't imagine anyone with more knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology of the area than Carl. Also, we were able to see incredible sites due the flexibility of the guides in adjusting our schedule when needed to avoid crowds. Thank you, Carl, Rick and Clark (driver)!
— Review left September 20, 2021
In normal times, this is undoubtedly a 5-star program, especially when hosted by experts Rick Havenfeld and Carl Schreier, who know Yellowstone amazingly well. You'll see nearly every accessible part of this huge national park, generally before or after the usual tourist crowds arrive in the same spot. Expect to see more bison and elk than you can count. Expect the usual Road Scholar excellence in all that is educational. However, Adaptability and Patience are key if you choose this program during the COVID pandemic and while visas are being restricted for those who would normally provide additional summer help, especially in food services. Park services, particularly dining, were only 25% staffed during September 2021, making for occasional long lines and "grab and go" meals for nearly every breakfast, lunch and dinner in the park. Hotels were all very clean and comfortable, both in and outside the park. Rick and Carl did everything they could to make this trip memorable for the right reasons, in spite of circumstances out of their control, and for those efforts, they are to be commended.
— Review left September 17, 2021
Yellowstone is absolutely incredible, not only for its scenery, but for the variety of scenery within a single trip. The educational component added immeasurably to the experience. Road Scholar guides are the best!
— Review left September 15, 2021
Super. Our leaders snd bus driver were beyond belief. Experienced and concerned for our needs and interests. What they were able to share is a gift, thank you.
— Review left September 12, 2021
This trip deserves a 5 star review. Yellowstone is such a wonderful area and out RS guides know and love it. So pleased that I was at this program
— Review left September 6, 2021
The program was very good and the instructor and the coordinator we friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed this trip immensely!!
— Review left August 16, 2021
You did a great job with the website!! Transportation to The first accommodation was the main problem for most. I would suggest including the shuttle.
— Review left August 15, 2021
This is an outstanding learning program. Leslie and Patty truly enhanced my experience in the greater Yellowstone area.
— Review left July 27, 2021
This Yellowstone trip was awe inspiring. Yellowstone has been on my bucket list and I thought we would see trees, mountains and Old Faithful. What a surprise! The thermal features were incredible...like being on another planet. I was so surprised at what I didn’t know about earth. Many of our national parks are beautiful but this one is indescribable...you have to see it. Guides were excellent...approachable , friendly and fun. Our fellow tripsters became new friends on the trip. Accom modations and food were up to my standards and the itinerary was well thought out and kept us busy and engaged. Not as active as I thought it would be from the description. As we were in the area we followed up with a four day road trip after to Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, The Badlands and Custer State Park and flew home from Cedar Rapids. A trip we will never forget!
— Review left November 25, 2019