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Montana

Choose Your Pace: A Walk on the Wild Side in Yellowstone

Program No. 4874RJ
Hike Yellowstone with a naturalist, exploring hidden trails, stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems and glacier-carved peaks in the world’s first national park.

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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
May 19 - May 24, 2025
Starting at
3,649
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2025
Starting at
3,649
Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2025
Starting at
3,649
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2025
Starting at
3,649
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2025
Starting at
3,649
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2025
Starting at
3,649
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
May 19 - May 24, 2025
Starting at
4,329
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2025
Starting at
4,329
Filling Fast!
Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2025
Starting at
4,329
Filling Fast!
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2025
Starting at
4,329
Filling Fast!
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2025
Starting at
4,329
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2025
Starting at
4,329
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Yellowstone National Park offers 1,200 miles of hiking, walking and backpacking trails that wind through the park’s 2.2 million acres of spectacular and mostly untouched terrain. Led by a naturalist, explore pathways that thread through Yellowstone’s matchless landscape of diverse flora, thermal features, landforms, canyons, cascades and waterways.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Choose Your Pace: Each day, choose from 3 hiking options based on your desired level of challenge and pace, ranging from 3-7 miles (2-6 hours) on primarily dirt/rocky trails with uneven terrain; some walking/hiking on boardwalks with stairs and paved trails. 2-4 hours each day in SUVs traveling to trailheads. Elevations of 5,800-10,243.
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…

  • Absorb a spectacular and mostly untouched landscape while hiking a fragment of Yellowstone's 1,200 miles of trails.
  • Enjoy tantalizing glimpses of the Great Caldera’s infinite wonders.
  • Experience an intimate look at the park’s wildlife, habitats and geology during field trips with an expert.

General Notes

Maximum of 12 participants in a hiking group. Participants are generally divided into three groups to hike.
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
Gardiner, MT
Program Concludes
Gardiner, MT
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 | 5B | 4L | 5D |
Activity Level
Yellowstone National Park offers 1,200 miles of hiking, walking and backpacking trails that wind through the park’s 2.2 million acres of spectacular and mostly untouched terrain. Led by a naturalist, explore pathways that thread through Yellowstone’s matchless landscape of diverse flora, thermal features, landforms, canyons, cascades and waterways.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Absorb a spectacular and mostly untouched landscape while hiking a fragment of Yellowstone's 1,200 miles of trails.
  • Enjoy tantalizing glimpses of the Great Caldera’s infinite wonders.
  • Experience an intimate look at the park’s wildlife, habitats and geology during field trips with an expert.
General Notes
Maximum of 12 participants in a hiking group. Participants are generally divided into three groups to hike.
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
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Choose Your Pace: Each day, choose from 3 hiking options based on your desired level of challenge and pace, ranging from 3-7 miles (2-6 hours) on primarily dirt/rocky trails with uneven terrain; some walking/hiking on boardwalks with stairs and paved trails. 2-4 hours each day in SUVs traveling to trailheads. Elevations of 5,800-10,243.
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 (8 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
1 hands-on experience
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 over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
Catered by a local restaurant.
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. The program is staffed with our Group Leader and an instructor who is an expert naturalist and who will lead the educational portion of the program. Transportation for field trips will be via Vans unless specified otherwise. This allows for small hiking groups and easier access to trail heads. We will have a choice of hikes each day to suit everyone’s abilities and interests. Hikes may vary based on current conditions and will be finalized and described by the instructor the night before. The Greater Yellowstone area is considered high desert, very dry. At high altitudes, you are more susceptible to dehydration and altitude sickness. Bring your own water bottle. Ice water will be available during travel, from which you may fill your water bottle; disposable cups will not be available. Periods in the 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
Getting in/out Vans; driving about 30 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour riding time. Choice of 3 hikes: 1) Slower paced 3 mile hike; . 2) Medium paced 4-5 mile hike; 3) Faster paced 6-7 mile hike; All hikes/walks on dirt and rocky trails with uneven terrain. Hikes subject to change based on current conditions.
Breakfast:
In our meeting room a short walk from the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather for an introductory presentation that will give us an overview of the Greater Yellowstone area. Known for its geothermal activity and diverse ecosystems, Yellowstone spans 2.2 million acres of valleys, canyons, rivers, lakes and mountain ranges. Sometimes called “Wonderland,” the park is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in the lower 48 states. It is at the core of one of the last undisturbed ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone. Mid-morning, our instructor will describe today’s three hiking choices. Our daily hikes with expert commentary will involve direct, personal exploration of life zones such as marshland, high desert, forest, hydrothermal, and grasslands. We will divide into small groups according to hike choices and hop into our transportation for our first hiking field trip. We’ll ride into Yellowstone National Park to our first destination. As we enter the Mammoth District, we’ll right away notice the Mammoth Hot Springs that are the main attraction of this area. These features are quite different from thermal areas elsewhere in the park. Travertine formations grow much more rapidly than sinter formations due to the softer nature of limestone. As hot water rises through limestone, large quantities of rock are dissolved by the hot water, and a white chalky mineral is deposited on the surface. Mammoth Hot Springs are a surficial expression of the deep volcanic forces at work in Yellowstone. All three hikes will be in and around this area and will help determine comfort levels as we cover rocky terrain amid high elevations.
Lunch:
On the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
We will continue our hikes immersed in the Yellowstone ecosystem and become more familiar with its various life zones. We’ll learn how their geologic bones — together with elevation and weather — evolved into vibrant habitats populated by the flora and fauna present today. For those up to the challenge, there will be an elective walk down several hundred stairs that lead over the large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine terraces.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Road Scholars and views from the back patio that overlooks the Yellowstone River.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Choice of 3 hikes: 1) Slower paced 2.5 mile hike; 2) The other two groups will undertake more difficult hikes of about 6 miles; . All hikes/walks on dirt and rocky trails with uneven terrain. Hikes subject to change based on current conditions.
Breakfast:
At a local restaurant.
Morning:
We will again have a choice of different levels of hikes based on abilities and interest. Our instructor will provide descriptions of all three hiking options offered. Today our journey will be to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We will hike amid the geologic splendor and ambiance of the canyon. All hiking group will stop at the Upper Falls where the mighty river roars and plunges 109 feet, and at the iconic Artist Point to appreciate the classic view of massive 308 foot Lower Falls. Our naturalist’s ongoing interpretation while hiking will provide meaningful insights into the mysteries of Yellowstone and its continuing drama.
Lunch:
On the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue hiking with our instructors leading the way as we learn more about this amazing “wonderland.”
Dinner:
At the Canyon Village Eatery
Evening:
Returning to Gardiner, take advantage of prime wildlife viewing time. To enhance your appreciation, watch through binoculars and spotting scopes.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of SUVs or vans; driving about 120 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Choice of 3 hikes: 1) Slower paced 3-4 mile 2) Medium paced 4-5 mile hike. 3) Faster paced 6-7 mile hike. Medium paced and faster paced hikes will be on some paved trails and some dirt/rocky trails with uneven terrain that could also include elevation gain of 160 feet. Hikes subject to change based on current conditions.
Breakfast:
At a local restaurant.
Morning:
We’ll set out early and ride into the heart of Yellowstone National Park, home to the most famous geyser in the world: Old Faithful. We will have a choice of three hikes with different levels of difficulty according to personal interest and ability. Our instructor will describe all three hikes that will be based on current conditions. We will hike in the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest numbers of fragile features found in the park. Within one square mile there are at least 150 of these hydrothermal wonders.
Lunch:
In the Park, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Our hikes will continue with time to see some of the many thermal features in the Upper Geyser Basin and to watch Old Faithful erupt, a Yellowstone tradition. The park’s wildlife and scenery might be as well-known today, but it was the unique thermal features that inspired the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872.
Dinner:
At the Old Faithful Cafeteria.
Evening:
Returning to Gardiner, take advantage of prime wildlife viewing time.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Choice of 3 hikes: 1) Slower paced 2.5 mile hike 2) The other two groups will undertake more difficult hikes of about 6 miles; All hikes/walks on dirt and rocky trails with uneven terrain. Hikes subject to change based on current conditions.
Breakfast:
At a local restaurant.
Morning:
We will set out early for our next hiking field trip into Yellowstone National Park’s Northern Range. It includes the Lamar Valley, often called America’s Serengeti for its large and easy-to-see populations of large animals; and Mount Washburn, a prominent mountain peak in the park, elevation 10,243 feet.< br> We will have a choice of three hikes with different levels of difficulty according to personal interest and ability. Our instructor will describe all three choices — based on current conditions — as we hike along a portion of Yellowstone’s spectacular and mostly untouched 2.2 million acres that offer a lifetime of discovery and 1,200 miles of hiking trails.
Lunch:
In the Park, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
We will continue our hiking adventure as Yellowstone’s grand landscape unfolds at every bend in the road and on the trail.
Dinner:
We will walk 1 block to a restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We will walk to our meeting room for a final presentation by our instructor with time for Q&A. We’ll review the hiking adventures in our program and all that makes Yellowstone one of the most dramatic environments on the planet. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure in the morning. Independent shuttle arrangements.
Activity Note
Independent shuttle arrangements. Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At a local restaurant. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. 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 22, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
  • Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
  • May 19, 2025 - May 24, 2025
  • Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
  • Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
  • Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
  • Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
  • Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
5 nights
Location: Gardiner
Absaroka Inn is centrally located in Yellowstone's northwest gateway of Gardiner, MT, situated along the bank, high above the Yellowstone River. Balconies and comfortable seating on the well kept lawn overlook the river and offer viewing of the mighty Gallatin Mountains to the west and Yellowstone National Park to the west and south.
5 nights
Location: Gardiner
Absaroka Inn is centrally located in Yellowstone's northwest gateway of Gardiner, MT, situated along the bank, high above the Yellowstone River. Balconies and comfortable seating on the well kept lawn overlook the river and offer viewing of the mighty Gallatin Mountains to the west and Yellowstone National Park to the west and south.
5 nights
Location: Gardiner
Absaroka Inn is centrally located in Yellowstone's northwest gateway of Gardiner, MT, situated along the bank, high above the Yellowstone River. Balconies and comfortable seating on the well kept lawn overlook the river and offer viewing of the mighty Gallatin Mountains to the west and Yellowstone National Park to the west and south.
5 nights
Location: Gardiner
Absaroka Inn is centrally located in Yellowstone's northwest gateway of Gardiner, MT, situated along the bank, high above the Yellowstone River. Balconies and comfortable seating on the well kept lawn overlook the river and offer viewing of the mighty Gallatin Mountains to the west and Yellowstone National Park to the west and south.
5 nights
Location: Gardiner
Absaroka Inn is centrally located in Yellowstone's northwest gateway of Gardiner, MT, situated along the bank, high above the Yellowstone River. Balconies and comfortable seating on the well kept lawn overlook the river and offer viewing of the mighty Gallatin Mountains to the west and Yellowstone National Park to the west and south.
5 nights
Location: Gardiner
Absaroka Inn is centrally located in Yellowstone's northwest gateway of Gardiner, MT, situated along the bank, high above the Yellowstone River. Balconies and comfortable seating on the well kept lawn overlook the river and offer viewing of the mighty Gallatin Mountains to the west and Yellowstone National Park to the west and south.
Participant Reviews
4.98
Based on 47 Reviews
Sort By:
Julie – Class of 2021 | Kalamazoo, MI
I never would had received so much knowledge of Yellowstone National Park if I would have gone on my own or with just a touring company. I have taken three tours with Road Scholar and every one was highly informative and enjoyable. I look forward to my next adventure with them.+
— Review left September 29, 2024
Kathleen – Class of 2016 | Rye, NH
The instructors were wonderful. The park is beautiful and I had a great time!
— Review left September 26, 2024
Kevin – Class of 2024 | Brookfield, WI
Amazing vistas in Yellowstone explored with the help of friendly, caring, and knowledgeable guides for any level of hiking.
— Review left September 23, 2024
Ann | Mantoloking, NJ
This was a wonderful trip. Yellowstone itself is amazing and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the instructors made it a fantastic learning experience. The various hikes available each day, the explanation of them and the versatility of the instructors made it possible to learn and explore at all levels.
— Review left September 23, 2024
Christine – Class of 2024 | Ewing, NJ
Road Scholar - thank you for a phenomenal experience at Yellowstone NP! The instructors provided wonderful on trail experiences and the “Choose Your Pace” was the best way to go. Keep up the great offerings as we all have bucket lists we want to complete.
— Review left September 21, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Sidney – Class of 2003 | Susanville, CA
Just completed this trip. It was great! All of the staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the natural environment of Yellowstone. But one of your staff deserves special recognition. Cathy Raven was especially knowledgeable about all things Yellowstone. We were so lucky to have someone with her academic background on this trip. And, she is a real delight to be around. I would sign up for any future trip where she might be on the staff on that basis alone.
— Review left August 18, 2024
Lenora – Class of 2019 | Jacksonville, FL
Yellowstone is up close and personal on this Road Scholar adventure.The guides were fantastic, the hikes were so much fun and the wildlife were astonishing! I just had a wonderful time with lots of fun tales to tell!
— Review left June 10, 2024
Bob – Class of 2015 | Kennesaw, GA
Great hiking, knowledgeable, personable instructors, lots of wildlife, sub-par accommodations and meals.
— Review left October 2, 2023
Jeananne – Class of 2017 | Winterville, NC
Road Scholar is my favorite group excursion.
— Review left September 11, 2023
Elaine – Class of 2017 | Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Fantastic trip with excellent leaders
— Review left September 9, 2023
Ann – Class of 2015 | Fort Collins, CO
This program was a wonderful introduction to Yellowstone - we experienced SO much variety in terrain, geographic and geologic features, and wildlife. We spent time in 4 distinct areas of the park, and there were 3 different levels of hikes each day. All participants could choose what suited them best, so no one was held back, nor pushed too far. The guides were all extremely personable, knowledgeable, and fun to be with. Highly recommended!!
— Review left September 9, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Mark – Class of 2023 | Duncan, OK
This was my first trip with Road Scholar. Aside from the shock of the rental car being more expensive than my plane ticket, the entire trip was amazing. I can't say enough positive comments about the Road Scholar team. Charlie, Kathy, Cathy, Leslie and, Denise were all wonderful; professional, knowledgeable, congenial, and helpful. I chose your organization as a test run for future travels. I have already booked my next trip, this time to New Zealand.
— Review left June 15, 2023
Andrew – Class of 2022 | Aurora, CO
While we are seniors in our 70's and 80's, we found this program to be very accessible. Some days were a bit more challenging than others, but we enjoyed all aspects of the program. We enjoyed the guides very much and other participants were also able to share their knowledge and experience and enriched the trip for us.
— Review left October 23, 2022
SUSAN – Class of 2021 | Los Gatos, CA
Hiking in Yellowstone was an outstanding experience! We saw so many elk bison, pronghorn and even a couple of bears. Our program guides -- Kathy, Denise and Andrea -- were true experts in the geology, plants, insects and wildlife of the area. Not only were they knowledgeable, they were kind, organized, and lots of fun. Our travel group was friendly, fun and developed a quick comradery with the guides and with each other. Challenge hikes were strenuous while providing amazing vistas the entire way. This was the perfect first RS trip for me to do as a solo. I am already dreaming about my next RS adventure but this trip will be hard to beat!
— Review left October 8, 2022
Mary – Class of 2017 | Minneapolis, MN
Of the seven Road Scholar trips I've taken, it is difficult to pick "the best," but Walk on the Wild Side is right up there at the top. Yellowstone Nat'l Park is by itself an out-of-this-world set of fabulous terrains, but it was made much more meaningful by our guides, Denise, Shauna, and Kathy. These women were beyond being qualified- the depth and breadth of their collective knowledge was stellar. Thank you, ladies!! I went to learn, and learn I did, as well as being inspired by the beauty of the park itself. This was a true, choose-your-pace trip, with three hikes of varying lengths and difficulty each day. I tried all three levels, and now want to go back and try the ones I did not experience! And once again, I had congenial, interesting, varied fellow hikers to become friends with. They helped make this first trip for me since 2019 an outstanding, soul refreshing adventure. Pro tip: bring more than one water bottle. I needed two every day, and wished I'd had three on one of the hot days.
— Review left October 7, 2022
Jodi – Class of 2018 | Erie, CO
The Road Scholar ‘Choose Your Pace: A Walk On The Wild Side in Yellowstone’ is an adventure unlike any other! It is a trek of self-exploration and endurance on many levels. The magnitude of personal achievement is experienced only through an adventure of this genre. The Yellowstone National Park experience of spending time exploring and marveling on of our American Treasures, is a privilege, and unforgettable and enlightening in countless ways. From beginning to end, the Road Scholar staff, correspondence, program itinerary and travel information were exceptional. An incredible team to say the least, our Road Scholar guides took the time to observe and attend to the strengths and vulnerabilities of each of our team members. Their professionalism, willingness to accommodate our needs, and abundant knowledge was more than expected. Andrea, Denise, Kathy, Louie, Ilene & Bob, I thank each of you for the unforgettable experience of a lifetime! You are an exceptional team bar none!! With Respect & Gratitude, -JJD,PhD
— Review left October 5, 2022
Lorraine – Class of 2015 | Astoria, NY
If you want an in-depth overview of Yellowstone -- its flora, fauna, and geological features, if you want to step into nature at a level comfortable for you, if you want to be guided by personable experts, this is the trip for you -- you will never forget it.
— Review left October 2, 2022
Laura – Class of 2022 | Okemos, MI
Our program exceeded our expectations in every way. We liked being able to choose our pace. The team leaders' subject matter expertise and their ability to work with each other and with our group made the trip extra special.
— Review left September 22, 2022
Sandra – Class of 2005 | Swarthmore, PA
This was an amazing trip full of beauty and wildlife. The group leader and instructors were friendly, knowledgeable, extremely competent and fun.
— Review left September 21, 2022
Julie – Class of 2019 | Atlanta, GA
Good hiking with great views. Loved the small group experience. Beautiful country.
— Review left September 20, 2022
Sharon – Class of 2022 | Canyon Lake, TX
Wonderful experience. So glad I went with Road Scholar, I would have missed so much without their instructors there to explain what I was seeing, how the landscape has changed and evolved, what various plants were and how they can be used, the interplay and dependence of all of the environment.
— Review left September 11, 2022
Kathryn – Class of 2022 | Rocklin, CA
This is a phenomenal program in a spectacular location.
— Review left August 25, 2022
Dawn – Class of 2012 | Minnetonka, MN
Hiking in Yellowstone was an outstanding experience. Our three guides -- Cathy, Shauna, and Andrea -- were true experts in the geology, plants, and wildlife of the area. I kept imagining myself touring that area on my own with a guidebook and thinking all that I would've missed, such as the black wolf running in the distance. Besides being knowledgeable, they were kind, organized, and lots of fun -- stellar guides.
— Review left August 24, 2022
David – Class of 2013 | Columbus, OH
This was a great introduction to Yellowstone. We saw many otherworldly natural phenomena that you can't see anywhere else. A wide range of hiking abilities were accommodated, and the leaders were friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible. Highly recommend
— Review left June 12, 2022
Jo Ann – Class of 2019 | Grand Rapids, MI
Road Scholar offers programs that are so informative and planned. We enjoy the other people in our groups, they come from interesting backgrounds. We have not been disappointed in the value we received.
— Review left June 2, 2022
Janice – Class of 2016 | Brewerton, NY
The flexibility of choosing your own hike length and elevation gain each day really worked very well for me. All the leaders made the educational component fun and amazing every single day. Also the leaders were expert in finding the wildlife hiding in plain sight which was thrilling to see. This was a fantastic trip and I highly recommend it.
— Review left May 25, 2022
Adria – Class of 2021 | Princeton Jct, NJ
Great itinerary, unique National Park, excellent guides, friendly group.
— Review left May 24, 2022
Margaret – Class of 2015 | Austin, TX
The right way to see and experience Yellowstone National Park.
— Review left October 12, 2021
Barbara – Class of 2020 | Bennington, NE
The excellent guides provided outstanding knowledge about the park.
— Review left October 4, 2021
Lisa – Class of 2020 | Centerville, MA
Just returned from A Walk on the Wild Side-Yellowstone this was my first Road Scholar program, and it exceeded all of my expectations. I enjoyed the activity level and the fantastic education provided. I can't wait to start planning my next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left October 3, 2021
Jean – Class of 2017 | Las Cruces, NM
Even if you have visited Yellowstone on your own, I can guarantee you you haven't really SEEN Yellowstone unless you go on this program. The spectacular breadth of the park was shown to us on every day and with many different activities. I cannot recommend this program highly enough!
— Review left September 28, 2021
Rhonda – Class of 2020 | Bristol, RI
As a solo traveler this was a great program -- very welcoming group of team leaders and travelers, and a range of amazing and beautiful hikes from easy to challenging to choose from each day. Overall, just a fabulous experience for this first-time Road Scholar participant.
— Review left September 22, 2021
Kathryn | Eureka, CA
Yellowstone is truly a wonder of the natural world. The program offers an overall view on the ground of the wonder and diversity of this extraordinary National Park.
— Review left September 22, 2021
David – Class of 2020 | Rio Rancho, NM
I would highly recommend Road Scholars for participation in any of their trips. the Yellowstone Hiking at your Pace was a wonderful experience and gave me a greater appreciation for nature's interconnectedness.
— Review left September 21, 2021
Donita – Class of 2020 | Pontiac, IL
My first Road Scholar program. We went to "Yellowstone: Choose your pace" in Sept 2021. Can't say enough about how great the trip was!. The group leaders were extremely helpful and the 3 trail guides were fantastic.
— Review left September 20, 2021
Mary Lou – Class of 2017 | Tampa, FL
Yellowstone National Park is a gift that people of all ages and abilities should experience. It is not a given that lands will be preserved, species protected or habitats maintained so getting to explore Yellowstone National Park with the guidance and expertise of a Road Scholar trip is extraordinary.
— Review left September 20, 2021
Mary – Class of 2016 | Claremore, OK
This was a great trip. The instructors were phenomenal!! Well done.
— Review left September 11, 2021
Peter – Class of 2019 | Salem, OR
If you want to turn an ordinary trip into an experience,a Road Scholar trip is the way to go. Be prepared to be flexible and roll with the changes. Group trips have a lot of moving parts.
— Review left September 11, 2021
Denise | Hemlock, NY
This was my first trip to Yellowstone (and with Road Scholar) and it couldn't have been more perfect! I arrived not knowing anyone and left with over 20 new friends. Hiking in the park, even in bad weather, was so satisfying. I felt like I really experienced the park, not just saw it.
— Review left August 31, 2021
David – Class of 2019 | Waupaca, WI
Great location and superb group leaders.
— Review left August 31, 2021
David – Class of 2017 | Tucson, AZ
I got to see Yellowstone beyond the roads and the obvious "attractions." It proved to be a much deeper and meaningful trip than I could ever have done by myself.
— Review left August 29, 2021
Judith – Class of 2014 | Northborough, MA
This was a wonderful program. We saw so much of Yellowstone in just a few days.
— Review left August 26, 2021
Linda – Class of 2021 | Tucson, AZ
If you’ve never been to Yellowstone like me, this is the best program to wow you. You gain an understanding of the complex ecosystems, see wonderful wildlife many bison, elk, and possibly a mama bear and her cubs like we did. You will appreciate the largest super volcano and caldera. I particularly was amazed with the thermal activity in the caldera and its breath. Having hikes with knowledgeable guides allows you to live and breathe in the ambience and see innumerable features this natural wonder has to offer. Without the guides and the motorcoach taking us to these various sites it would’ve been impossible to see and understand as much. The guides were absolutely spectacular both in their friendly personalities as well as their knowledge. And oh the stories they tell!
— Review left August 21, 2021
Pamela – Class of 2019 | Depoe Bay, OR
Very interesting and informative. I really enjoyed myself.
— Review left October 12, 2019
Sue – Class of 2012 | Brown City, MI
If hiking to stunning locations that you may not be able to access on your own, with knowledgeable and professional guides who are willing and able to share their expertise with you, consider this hiking program. Having just completed the program for women, I am astounded at how much I saw and learned and hiked in such a short amount of time. I especially appreciated having a "choice" regarding the type of hiking I wanted to do each day based on very accurate descriptions of the expectations for each level. As a midwestern, low altitude "flatlander," I highly recommend this program.
— Review left June 17, 2019
Joyce – Class of 2016 | Urbana, IL
A trip worth investigating!
— Review left June 16, 2019
Jamie – Class of 2017 | Mayo, FL
Wonderful program, enjoyed the women's only program. If you love nature this is a must.
— Review left June 14, 2019





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