FALL LODGING & LEARNING PROGRAMS IN YELLOWSTONE FOCUS ON WILDLIFE WATCHING AND CAMP FOR GROWNUPS
When the kids head back to school, the adults head to Yellowstone to experience superior wildlife watching, camp for grownups and more.
Xanterra Parks & Resorts and the non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute are offering a variety of “Lodging & Learning” packages this fall, including two that will appeal to wildlife aficionados and those who want to enjoy the exclusive use of Roosevelt Lodge during September.
The popular multi-day Lodging & Learning packages are designed for visitors who want to explore the park by day and stay in comfortable hotels at night. The concept has proven to be extremely popular, and each year more programs have been added to respond to continually increasing demand.
The “Fall Wolf & Elk Discovery” is a four-night program offered starting August 23 and 29, Sept. 4, 10, 16, 22 and 28 and Oct. 4, 2012. This program includes lodging at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, breakfast and box lunch daily, dinner on the last night, in-park van transportation, optional evening programs and expert instruction by an Institute naturalist. Field activities include sunrise and sunset trips to Yellowstone’s Northern Range to watch elk during their annual rutting season, to look for wolves in their natural habitat, short hikes and two classroom presentations. The Fall Wolf & Elk Discovery is offered for a maximum of 12 people and for participants who are at least12 years old. This program is priced at $649 per person for double occupancy and $873 for single occupancy.
“Fall is prime elk-viewing season as the bulls bugle and posture for the attention of their female counterparts,” said Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing for Xanterra’s Yellowstone operations. “There’s lots of activity, including some intense sparring between bulls.”
The “Roosevelt Rendezvous” is a popular fall-season program that includes four nights of lodging in a private cabin with a shared bath at Roosevelt Lodge; expert instruction by Institute naturalist/guides and guest speakers; breakfast, lunch and dinner each day; in-park van transportation and optional evening programs. The “Roosevelt Rendezvous” is designed as a four-day educational experience for up to 52 participants who will have exclusive use of the Roosevelt Lodge. Participants can explore the park on their own or choose from a variety of small-group activities that suit their interests and physical abilities. Examples include vigorous guided hikes, easy geology strolls or searching for wolves with a wolf biologist. Each evening participants convene in the main lodge for buffet-style meals and evening programs. This program is priced at $739 per person for double occupancy and $869 for single occupancy. “Roosevelt Rendezvous” is offered beginning Sept. 7, 11 and 15, 2012.
“The ‘Rendezvous’ consistently receives high reviews from participants because it prompts many of the fond memories people had of camp when they were kids, except for the bug juice and the late-night pranks on fellow campers,” said Hoeninghausen. “What hasn’t changed are the friendships and camaraderie people develop as they explore the park and share their stories.”
In addition to the two packages, Lodging & learning programs offered this summer include Essential Yellowstone, Old Times on the Grand Tour, Trails Through Yellowstone, Yellowstone for Families and Summer Wildlife Expedition.
Rates quoted do not include taxes, utility fee or gratuities. Members of the Yellowstone Association receive $10 off the price of each program. Reservations for all programs can be made by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375). Online information is available at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com and www.yellowstoneassociation.org.
Lodging & Learning programs can be booked by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375). Yellowstone Association members receive a $10 discount on all courses, and family memberships begin at just $35 per year.
For more information about accommodations, restaurants and activities in Yellowstone visit www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com or call toll-free (1) 866-GEYSERLAND (1-866-439-7375).