Wild Yellowstone Escape

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains just north of Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman is a historic Old West town with a rich mining, ranching and trapping heritage. Today, it has become a booming center for tourism, tech and higher education, home to Montana State University. Although our trip officially begins with a welcome dinner this evening with our Expedition Leaders and fellow adventurers, guests arriving before 1 pm have the option to visit the Museum of the Rockies with one of our Expedition Leaders. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, planetarium and a distinctive regional focus highlighting the area's natural and cultural history.

Big Sky Country awaits as we follow the Yellowstone River south toward the park through Montana’s renowned Paradise Valley. Flanked by the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges, the valleys expansive meadows and surrounding serrated peaks offer some of the Rocky Mountain West's finest scenery. Famed for its diverse and abundant wildlife, we hope to see some of the valley's resident elk, bison and pronghorn roaming the lush grasslands, knowing that elusive grizzlies, black bears and wolves prowl the forested slopes of the surrounding mountains. Look for a range of raptors, including bald and golden eagles and osprey.

Entering Yellowstone National Park through the gateway town of Gardiner, we arrive at Mammoth Hot Springs. Here, thermal water spills over travertine terraces that have been described as a “cave turned inside out.” Heat-loving microorganisms called thermophiles add distinct colors to the mineral-laden formations. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, this landscape provides a vivid introduction to Yellowstone’s geothermal phenomena, while prolific grazing elk are among the first of many wild animals we will see.

Rising early, we set out in search of wolves, grizzly bears and large herds of elk and bison in the broad meadows of the Lamar Valley. Located in the park’s remote northeast corner, the valley is sometimes referred to as “America’s Serengeti” for its abundant and diverse wildlife. It is also one of the very best places to see wolves in the wild. In 1995, the federal government reintroduced wolves into Yellowstone amid much controversy. After a 70-year absence following their government-sanctioned eradication, the wolf population has flourished, supported by bountiful prey—and the wolves' predatory behavior has helped restore balance to the ecosystem, bringing prey numbers back to a sustainable level. But as prey has decreased and wolf hunting outside the park has increased, the frequency and proximity of wolf sightings has diminished. We do often spy them, though, as we are in constant contact with wolf researchers in the park, and our guides' high-powered spotting scopes bring their activities in for a closer view. Late this afternoon, traverse the Lamar Valley once more in hopes of spotting more wildlife before returning to Gardiner for the night.

Today we take a closer look at Yellowstone's celebrated geothermal features. From bubbling mud pots and steaming thermal pools to geysers that rocket boiling water skyward, these natural phenomena have long intrigued and enchanted visitors. The park's dynamic landscape is a testament to the powerful forces shaping Earth’s crust. Early explorers like John Colter and Jim Bridger revered these natural wonders, and the geothermal activity prompted the protection of the area as the world's first national park in 1872. Conservationists like Teddy Roosevelt were also inspired to protect Yellowstone's natural assets for future generations to come. Of course, we stop to witness the park’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful, with ample time to watch it erupt and to walk among the nearby fumaroles and hot springs. Traversing more of Yellowstone, learn about fire ecology as we drive through recovering areas once ravaged by earlier conflagrations.

While our Yellowstone wildlife adventure comes to a close this morning, we have a final chance for wildlife viewing as we make our way back through the Paradise Valley to Bozeman. If your flight schedule permits, you may enjoy exploring this lively western town and surroundings on your own.