The Wild Yellowstone Lodging & Learning package focuses on the diverse and vibrant wildlife that call this iconic landscape home. Dive into the world of Yellowstone’s top predators. Track wolves, bears, and other carnivores as they roam their natural habitats, learning about their behaviors, hunting strategies, and roles in the ecosystem. Then explore the lives of Yellowstone’s majestic ungulates. From bison and elk to bighorn sheep and pronghorn, witness these herbivores in their natural settings and understand their migration patterns and grazing habits. Conclude your adventure with a day dedicated to the park’s avian wonders. Engage in birdwatching activities, identify various bird species, and discover the unique adaptations and migratory journeys of Yellowstone’s feathered friends.
Specific hikes are intentionally not listed in advance for this package; this allows education staff the flexibility to use their extensive knowledge to tailor the hikes to the group‘s interests, the weather, and seasonal trail conditions.
Most sightings of wildlife occur at a distance; the field educator will provide high-powered spotting scopes and binoculars for group use.
Activity Level – Participants should be prepared to comfortably hike up to 3 miles per day, with elevation gains of up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking is possible. Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 and 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
Lodging & Learning programs are offered in partnership with Yellowstone Forever.
Participants are welcome to check into the Canyon Lodge beginning at 4:00 p.m. Orientation meeting with Yellowstone Forever education staff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Education staff will review the program itinerary, discuss clothing and equipment needed for daily outings, and answer any questions participants may have.
We will head out early for wildlife watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley and over Dunraven Pass. We will travel along Yellowstone’s northern range in search of its carnivores. After viewing wildlife, you will be led on a hike while discussing ecology, behavior, recent research, and management.
The herds of Yellowstone will dictate our travel day today, with the group most likely ending up in Hayden or Lamar Valley. We will head out in search of Yellowstone’s hoofed animals — from bison and elk to bighorn sheep and pronghorn — and discuss their migration patterns and the impact of keystone species on the landscape.
On the final day, we will conclude our wildlife week with a day dedicated to Yellowstone’s avian wonders. We will engage in birdwatching activities, identifying various bird species, and discussing how to spot, identify, and recognize bird sounds using different techniques. Discover the unique adaptations and migratory journeys of Yellowstone’s feathered friends.
Depart Canyon Lodge at your leisure before check-out time.
| Package Dates | Double Occupancy Rate, Per Person | Single Occupancy Rate, Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| August 17 - 21, 2026 | $2,115 | $3,165 |
| August 24 - 28, 2026 | $2,115 | $3,165 |
| August 31 - September 4, 2026 | $2,115 | $3,165 |
| 2026 Packages can be booked starting November 5th. |
Terms & Conditions
Rates include taxes, fees, and gratuity. (Exception: The NPS Entrance fee is not included and Lodging & Learning packages do not include gratuity for Yellowstone Forever Field Educator and are at the discretion of the participants.) Rates, taxes, and fees subject to change and based on approved local, state, and NPS fees at the time of the session date. Availability at the time of booking may vary from what is shown above. Each session is limited to a maximum of 14 participants. A minimum of 4 participants is required for session to operate. Participants will be advised no later than 30 days prior to package start date if package minimum is not met. Minimum age to participate is 12 years old. Reservation policies.