Discover Yellowstone Adventure
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Discover the many natural wonders that make Yellowstone a world-renowned treasure. Endless geysers, thermal pools, mountains, lakes, and canyons stretching on to the horizon. You will visit memorable places such as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, Lewis Lake, and many others most visitors never see! Bring your camera as bison, elk, and other wildlife abound. You may even catch a glimpse of a wolf pack on the hunt in Hayden Valley. Experience Yellowstone in all its glory – from alpine lakes to remote and pristine vistas. You will enjoy all of this from a comfortable base camp, complete with modern facilities.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy campfire meals & snacks prepared together
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to Yellowstone, America’s first national park!
The trip starts at Grant Village in Yellowstone National Park late in the afternoon. Set up camp and get to know your trip mates. Over supper share expectations for the upcoming days. There are several options for activities in Yellowstone National Park, which your Wilderness Inquiry staff will share with you.
Day 2 – Visit the Midway Geyser Basin followed by an afternoon hike.
After a hearty camp breakfast take off for a sightseeing tour of Yellowstone. Get acquainted with some of Yellowstone’s geothermal activity at the Midway Geyser Basin. Take in the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring and other hot springs in the area. Choose a hiking option for the afternoon that could include Fairy Falls, Mystic Falls or Old Faithful!
Day 3 – Visit Old Faithful and hike to Lonestar Geyser.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and rock skipping along the lake shore before preparing for an afternoon hike. One option could include Lonestar Geyser. Nearly as predictable as Old Faithful, this geyser is off the beaten path in the midst of a beautiful forest.
Day 4 – Search for wildlife in Hayden Valley before heading to the “Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone.
Begin the day at the Mud Volcanoes where acid and hot water are turning the earth into roiling mud pots. Travel through beautiful Hayden Valley to look for bison, wolves, and bears. Finally, drive to the “Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone where there are breathtaking views of the upper and lower falls.
Day 5 – Trek amongst geothermal features, waterfalls, and dense forests before enjoying a swim in the Firehole River.
Today tour a mix of unique areas in Yellowstone. There are many hiking options that include exploring geothermal features, waterfalls, and forests! After a tasty lunch, enjoy a swim in the Firehole River. Enjoy one last evening relaxing around the campfire and taking in the beauty of the night sky.
Day 6 – Pack up camp before saying farewell to your trip mates.
Pack up camp and enjoy one last adventure before bidding everyone goodbye. The trip officially ends in the early afternoon after lunch. If traveling in the Wilderness Inquiry van, you can expect to return to Billings by evening or begin the long journey back to Minnesota
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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