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Essential Yellowstone

Great way for first time visitors to learn about and understand park ecology and geology.

Great group of interesting people and an excellent guide made each day exciting. I learned a lot!

Our guide was extraordinary. His knowledge of geology wildlife, plants, and history was surpassed only by his love for Yellowstone and doing what he does.

Best instructor I’ve had on a tour.

It is the best way to see Yellowstone.

Our guide was outstanding. She was knowledgeable, helpful, and always informative. She made our stay a wonderful experience. Ashea is ‘the best’ – a true professional.

I learned more than I ever could have imagined and Ashea’s good humor, leadership, and vast knowledge and passion were what made it so good!

The best way to see Yellowstone and learn about what you are seeing at the same time.
 
Without this program and guide, we probably would not have seen the more elusive wildlife and we certainly wouldn’t have had the breadth and depth of background information on many aspects of this marvelous park!

The instructor was unbelievably knowledgeable on all things Yellowstone, from history to science to general trivia and included her knowledge of happenings to keep the course entertaining. She adjusted the program to meet the group’s interests and physical activities in spite of road and trail conditions.

I will always have a deep love of Yellowstone because of our instructor. This has been a life-changing experience.

We aw so many great parts of Yellowstone and learned a ton about the park and its history in only four days! MacNeil was an incredible instructor who has a special gift to be able to teach and allow others to see the park he loves so much.

MacNeil did a fabulous job! We couldn’t have had a better tour guide.

We covered all the sites mentioned, but were still flexible if things needed to change.

MacNeil’s stories and insights made this program fantastic. He has set the bar high for all other programs and instructors.

Summer Wildlife Expedition

The instructors make these program.  Shauna was great!

I learned more from Shauna in four days than months of college lectures. She opened a lot of doors for me. This place is surreal to say the least.

This program brings the vast expanse of Yellowstone into very understandable slices presented in very clear dialog.

Old Times on the Grand Tour

Our tour guide, Zack, was incredibly knowledgeable about the park, the Association, and NPS. We found the history of the park as well as the sites and wildlife very interesting.

Most tours only touch the surface of the park. We found this tour to be very detailed and fun! We feel we really understand how Yellowstone was founded, controlled, and formed.

Zack, our guide, was so knowledgeable and informative on every step of this tour. Just when I thought I couldn’t see anything more spectacular or learn anything more fascinating he’d take things to the next level. He clearly loves what he does and it shows in every aspect.

Went way beyond my expectations.

The small group allowed for amazing interaction with our guide. I learned more about the history, geology, and wildlife in the park than any guidebook could contain.

The range of activities and sites provided a wonderful, comprehensive Yellowstone experience.

Ashea was a fantastic guide–extremely knowledgeable and responsive to the groups needs and left us with a good overview of the park.

One of the best teachers we’ve ever had.

Came away with a new appreciation of conservation. Spectacular scenery–geysers, thermal pools, and running bison.

The entire program was amazing. It’s the only way to experience the park.

Excellent program, saw all the highlights of Yellowstone plus many scenic places I would never have found on my own.

Great way to experience Yellowstone. Knowledgeable staff made Yellowstone come alive.

The combination of the scientific information with hikes and lodging made this program one we will never forget.

The opportunity to see wolves and bears was outstanding. The guide brought us to places where we were able to fulfill all our expectations.

A very good value with not having to worry about where to stop, arranging lodging and driving the roads.

Julianne and Tamer made this week one I will remember for a lifetime. They were professional, well prepared, and fun.

 
Julianne and Tamer is appreciation for nature was contagious and inspirational.
 
Julianne’s love of the park and knowledge is so wonderful. She has a calming influence and was very attentive, flexible, and fun.
 
Julianne gave us not only a view of the park’s treasures, but also a historical and cultural perspective that made our visit even more interesting.

The instructor was both extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. My prior knowledge of the park was almost nothing. I’m now curious to learn more. I also have an appreciation for the policies and mission or the National Park Service.

Snow dictated changes in our activities, but the changes were smooth and just as informative. The program has been such a wonderful experience that I want to tell others about it and to convince them to participate also. The national park lands and their inhabitants belong to all of us. We need to preserve them, learn about them and enjoy them.

The instructor was both extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. My prior knowledge of the park was almost nothing. I’m now curious to learn more. I also have an appreciation for the policies and mission of the National Park Service.

Snow dictated changes in our activities, but the changes were smooth and jut as informative. I especially liked our daily quotes.

The program has been such a wonderful experience that I want to tell others about it and convince them to participate also. National Park lands and their inhabitants belong to all of us. We need to preserve them, learn about them, and enjoy them!

The program was wonderful from start to finish. Julianne is an excellent instructor. She is knowledgeable and her love of the park and the wildlife is evident in her presentation.

Fall Wolf and Elk Discovery

I saw more than I ever dreamed I would see. It was amazing. Also when my Ph.D. friend said he learned much more than he thought he would, I knew this was a great educational program as well.

What a pleasure to leave the driving to a responsible, safe driver.

Great introduction to elk and wolves with enough information to use on one’s own when returning to Yellowstone.

Best way to learn and experience natural and wild Yellowstone.

People that attend these types of programs come away with an increased understanding and appreciation of our complex ecosystem.

Ashea was a perfect instructor. She took care of logistics seamlessly and her big picture view was really appreciated. She always got to her point and the tangential information and connections she made were relevant and informative.

Wildlife sightings were extraordinary – far, far better than what we would have seen on our own.

Even though we only saw wolves from far away. We saw and learned about many different species, habitats, hunting strategies of different species, etc. It was great.

Brad was the best guide we have ever had! He was so engaging, had so many stories about his adventures in Yellowstone. We will request him on our next trip.

Far surpassed our high expectations

We not only got to see great sights, like wolves on a kill, but we also learned about the pack behavior we were witnessing, and the interaction with other animals in the ecosystem.

This was a great introduction to elk and wolves with enough information to use on one’s own when returning to Yellowstone.

We saw so many wolves – fantastic – and to hear them as well. Our extremely knowledgeable guide made the learning experience brilliant.


Brad was very conscientious about our safety and that of the animals–the welfare of the animals.
 
Seeing all of the animals in their natural habitats was amazing but I also really enjoyed the learning experiences provided by our guide. He was very knowledgeable and it was obvious he truly cares about this place and everything that is here.
 
It was very informative and very inclusive. It made me want to stay in Yellowstone. I don’t want to go home!
 
This was an extraordinary program, primarily because of the knowledge and enthusiasm of the leader.
 
I’m a regular visitor to Yellowstone, but the instruction has given me a new level of knowledge I can use to better enjoy my future time in Yellowstone.
 
Seeing a wolf and grizzly bear interact is something I will never ever forget. Lifetime memory!

Shauna made the material come to life!

Brad Bulin helped make Yellowstone as an ecosystem come alive.

Brad's expertise along with a wildlife biology degree made him a Yellowstone expert. His sincere love of Yellowstone, a two-sided opinion for each controversial topic, and a great sense of humor make learning fun.

Brad's one of the best instructors we've had. His breadth of knowledge on all animals and aspects of wildlife and Yellowstone was truly impressive, a great resource. He was very aware of all class members' interests and desires.

I really think this is a first-rate program for people like us with no extensive experiences in an environment like Yellowstone. We could not be more satisfied with our experience.

Spring Wolf and Bear Discovery

The program was very well organized; the guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. The wildlife viewing was beyond all expectations.

We got to see many bears and wolves, but a lot of other rare wildlife, fox, moose, and a great grey owl. Brad was always knowledgeable and very entertaining.

Spring is the best time to be here. Seeing bears up close and wolves at a distance with a spotting scope made them seem big, made the trip worth it. We saw every animal!

Excellent value for the money. 

This was a life experience. Not only did we view the wolves, bears, goats, and many other animals, we saw them interacting under wild, natural conditions. We watched them feed, protect their young, escape their predators, play, and survive. How great is that?

I appreciated Ashea’s ability to handle the controversial topics in a fair and balanced way.  

We got to see many bears and wolves, but a lot of other rare wildlife, fox moose and a great grey owl. Brad was always knowledgeable and very entertaining.

Spring is the best time to be here. Seeing bears up close and wolves at a distance with a spotting scope made them seem big, made the trip worth it. We saw every animal!

We saw so many animals (UP CLOSE!) and animal interactions. The instruction was superb. Brad is a master instructor and guide.

WOW! Best vacation ever! Far exceeded expectations. We saw the young of many animals and even birds. We saw animal interactions, black bears feeding on elk and fish, and a coyote feeding on a young bison. Our instructor was very accommodating about stopping for various opportunities to observe wildlife.

Ms. Stoltz is an extraordinary guide and leader, her knowledge, ability to understand the needs of her clients, and her insight and eyesight are all remarkable!

Yellowstone for Families

Awesome experience in every regard.

This is the only way to see (the real) Yellowstone.

Brain was knowledgeable, funny, and a great educator. He filled every minute with stories or education about Yellowstone while setting a good example.

Our guide was fantastic! He was a good actor and an excellent teacher who had the program well planned and organized. He was so knowledgeable about the plants and animals. Above all he was lovable and caring.

This program provided an enjoyable stay in Yellowstone. The biggest highlight was having an instructor that was knowledgeable, professional, entertaining, safety-conscious, and a joy to have as a leader.

Best way to experience Yellowstone. From the knowledge to the scopes and binoculars, it was incredible.

Well worth the price, especially for first-timers. Good value.

I learned more than I expected, and it was delivered in a manner that adults and children were able to appreciate. I felt that Brian really tailored the tour for our group to make sure we got the most out of the trip.

There is no way to appreciate Yellowstone without a knowledgeable guide. This was the perfect combination of fun and learning.

The best experience at Yellowstone National Park.

Really enjoyed Shauna, she knows her stuff, has a passion for the park, and was great with the kids.

I really feel I know Yellowstone now. Great way to learn about and see the park. Easier to see the sights with someone else driving.

Can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed Shauna! Her passion for wildlife and the park has led our son to want to come back here for a career when he grows up.

It was a great way to be introduced to the park.

We were awed by the natural beauty of the park. Our grandchildren got to take their own photos and take home a CD of their 50 best shots. We will all be able to share our highlights when we get home.

We became a ‘Yellowstone Family’ during the program and made wonderful memories.

Exceeded our highest expectations.

Great way to learn from the experts.

We made family memories that we will never forget!

Our instructor made our visit. She told stories about the park, she is very knowledgeable. We loved every part of the park we got to see. Yellowstone is beautiful!

I learned more and saw more than I ever thought I could.

It was a fun educational adventure. It means more when you understand what you’re looking at and my son had a blast!

Your program not only affords participants the opportunity to appreciate Yellowstone but to understand its geology and wildlife.

This is an awesome program for not only the young but the “old” as well. I would recommend it to not only first-time visitors but to repeat visitors as well.

I think the program is amazing for families with pre-adolescent-age children because it introduces them to Yellowstone and is geared toward them and maximizing the experience of this breath-taking park.

So nice to relax in the care of our expert guide. I always felt safe and comfortable, as did my child. I was able to do this trip without my husband’s help, thanks to our guide.

I wanted to learn more about the park rather than the usual drive through. I also wanted my daughter to appreciate nature–mission accomplished.

We were worried about how safe things were going to be. But, we were pleasantly surprised how safety was a top priority.

Great value. Exceptional learning experiences.

The hikes and views were awesome. Learning about the history and geography of Yellowstone was fun. Memories were made, we loved it.

It provided a nice package of studying the wildlife, scenery, geology, and history of the park. Having Ashea was like having our own encyclopedia resource/storyteller showing us the park.

We saw and learned more than we ever would have on our own. It was an incredible experience.


A wonderful way to see this stunning national treasure.
 
Best trip of my life!
 
I’ve been to national parks before on my own, and didn’t realize how much I was missing until I did this program. Learning so much about the park was a great family experience.
 
I am glad we had Brian to help us see the wildlife without endangering ourselves.
 
It was so nice to have someone do all the planning–all we had to do was show up!

Brian was outstanding in every way. Informative, engaging, funny, and flexible.
 
The difficulties of arranging for food, lodging, and activities are all pre-arranged and the program is really good. I initially was afraid this was going to be more like a tour-group, but instead it was more of a ‘naturalist outing.’ This was a very pleasant surprise.
 
So exciting, and it would be fun for children of all ages. I know all my friends would love it. I am so excited to tell them about the trip but they’ll have to come themselves if they want to see the real beauty!

Ann Balogh was the most professional and friendly guide I have ever been led by.

Fantastic program, it really emphasizes importance of protecting resources.

This program is great for people who love wildlife and want to get off the beaten path and see some incredible things.

MacNeil was a perfect guide for us. Not only was he friendly, knowledgeable, conscientious, patient, kind, and a great example for our boys, he was inspiring.

Ann did a fabulous job keeping all the adults and all the children interested and entertained while educating us on all aspects of Yellowstone.

It’s a great way for families to see and understand the park. We saw things we would have never thought of on our own.

It was a wonderful experience to tour the Yellowstone area with someone knowledgeable about what we were seeing and who could explain things like geologic processes to children.

Really enhances your experience here.

Perfect for people who want to get information as well as see the best locations for the park attributes. It eliminated the guesswork of where to look for wildlife.

I love how much effort was placed on teaching the kids. Cameras, scopes, and teaching supplies were such a plus and appreciated. Painting exercise was a nice touch to really teach appreciation of nature.

Brian was a great guide who taught us a lot, and brought the park to life with interesting stories about its history and animals.

Our children were highly engaged during the educational aspects and outdoor activities. Most of all, they had fun.

It was a very good introduction to the park. Highlighting the most unique features of the park. It provides the education needed to gain a better appreciation of the park.

In addition to showcasing Yellowstone, this program provided a wonderful time of special bonding with our granddaughter.

We wanted to bring our granddaughter to Yellowstone to see wildlife and we did. But we learned a lot more about thermal features, history, art, fire, and the park in general.

The instructor knew where to go for the best experiences – wildlife, history, and the best places to take pictures. The length and terrain of the hikes were great.

In addition to knowledgeable, Anne was superior in conveying the importance of stewardship and conservation to our children in a fun way.

The pace was terrific, the park was beautiful, and the whole experience was enhanced by our instructor. It’s the perfect mix of fun and learning for families.

It was an experience of a lifetime to be able to watch as my grandchildren were introduced to the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park.
 
We would never have learned a tenth as much if we had just been sightseeing on our own. The only way to see Yellowstone National Park!
 
We walked away with a greater appreciation of the park then if we would have came on our own. Our son made great friends.
 
This is a wonderful way for families to experience Yellowstone. We learned a great deal more and experienced things we wouldn’t have on our own.
 
Our guide was informative and we were able to view more of the park and take advantage of having someone else make the choices about the best sites and views. Had we been on our own, I simply don’t think we’d have seen as much of the park or sighted as many of the visual wonders.
 
It is a great way to see places in the park that many tourists miss. We learned much more and will retain more having interaction with the park and guide.

We saw four bears and watched three otters play in the lake. One of the grizzly bears was right by the bus. We could hear it munching before we saw it.
 
I found the program very moving. Observing the wildlife, learning about the ecology of the Yellowstone environment, and the geology of the landscape… it was all wonderful and worth the time and finances invested. This was a true investment especially into our children’s future.

Anastasia was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and had a great sense of humor. Everyone loved her!

This program gives an intensive, fun, and safe experience that very few Yellowstone visitors ever have a chance to enjoy. I have been to the park many times and ‘seen’ it from roadside stops and overviews–but I’d never ‘seen’ it like this! It was great!

It was great to be with such a knowledge guide and to feel safe on hikes even when bears are around.

Great combination of education with hiking and trekking in the park setting.

What a great way to see wildlife, meet great people, and learn about the park.

Incredible Guide! Awesome learning experience!

The park is so large that if you aren’t on a guided trip you could not see what we were able to see on the program.

Wonderful program to learn about the park and get away from the rat race.

Zack  shared his knowledge of Yellowstone with everyone in such a way that we learned an appreciation of the natural beauty of the park, animals, resources, history, and future.

I believe that this is the only way to see Yellowstone and truly understand and appreciate what you are seeing.

I think this is the best way to go through Yellowstone in a short time.

It was wonderful to be guided through many parts of the park with such a knowledgeable and skillful leader. It would be hard to see and hike as much on your own.

I loved it. I felt like I got the “inside scope” on the park and hidden trails and wildlife.

It was terrific, perfect for teens and family.

Our guide, MacNeil, was passionate and informative.

MacNeil was the best. He kept everyone happy and engaged regardless of interest in each activity. He is an asset to the park and the Institute.

I think this was the best way to see Yellowstone.

Ideal program for family with young teens

Top-notch. I learned more on one day than I would have learned in a week on my own. Very professional, yet quite personable.

It is a great program that combines an active vacation with an educational experience. We really thought MacNeil was outstanding. Very knowledgeable with an eye for wildlife that nobody else saw.

I learned a lot more than I ever would have learned or experienced without a naturalist guide.

Ashea was a wonderful tour guide, the best imaginable.

I could never have discovered Yellowstone history, conservation, and wildlife with the same satisfaction. I feel connected to this place in a stakeholder/stewardship role that tourism cannot often.

I can’t think of a better way to discover Yellowstone.
 
The opportunity to have someone with MacNeil’s level of knowledge is well worth it! We would not have known where to see many of the things we saw, and even if we had we wouldn’t have understood what we were seeing without his guidance!
 
We “did” Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon on our own but decided to join a group this time. I’m glad we did!
 
You learn so much in just four days. I’ll definitely come back for more!
 
It’s the only way to truly see Yellowstone. I was thoroughly happy with the program.
This is the best way to see Yellowstone!
 
A great way to enjoy the park with no stress and learn a lot while having a great time.
 
Perfect introduction to Yellowstone: safe, informative, and fun.
 
I would recommend YA and this program to all who want to experience the park as opposed to just seeing its highlights.
 
Our guide, Julianne, not only guided us but she also infected us with her love of Yellowstone.
 
I really enjoyed being able to hike outdoors with my family. We all have different interests and different levels of fitness but the program was pitched just right for us to all participate and enjoy it together.
 
I had an amazing time. I had no idea that Yellowstone was full of so much history or that the geography was so varied.
 
Had we not participated in this program, we would not have seen a comprehensive view of the park. Seeing many animals, geological features, and receiving historical information, we felt like participants and not like the typical tourist.
 
We saw parts of the park we would not have seen on our own. We loved the long trail and off-trail experience with a knowledgeable guide. Everything was wonderful. We saw a sampling of the entire park.
 
We got to know Yellowstone in a very special way. A highlight in a lifetime.
 
We love this program. We learned so much and saw so many beautiful things. Ashea was fantastic. Her knowledge of geology, history, animals, and ecology was amazing.
 
Every hour of every day was spectacular. Every time I thought I had seen the best, we rounded the corner and I saw something new that was fascinating and amazing.
 
Very educational without being overdone. Fun and excellent choice of activities and trails. Far better than self-guided tours!
 
It’s so hard to decide what to see and do in Yellowstone. This program gave us so much more than we would have been able to discover on our own–lots of memorable moments, thank you.
 
Good introduction to Yellowstone for active adults who wanted to get the most of a week.
 
Great fun to get off the beaten path and see wildlife, thermal features, and learn history and geology from a guide during interpretive hikes.
 
I now feel like I could qualify as a forensic bison pathologist/scatologist/scratchologist. The program opens up hidden Yellowstone and makes it accessible to everyone.
 
This program made Yellowstone accessible to the inexperience hiker. MacNeil was a fountain of information and always had interesting asides. Any questions we asked were answered. I shared the trip with others but it was tailored for me!
 
A better learning experience could not be asked for!
 
This is our second time to the park–but the first time we actually saw it.
 
We experienced all aspects of Yellowstone and went to places and saw things most visitors don’t.
 
It was nice to have someone do the driving so we could watch the wildlife and scenery. Great to get all the interpretive information, history, and geology as we were seeing the areas. Complete package with food and lodging was nice.
 
It’s well organized and worth the money. You get to see what many visitors don’t.

Roosevelt Rendezvous

All of the instructors and speakers are excellent. Each of the tours provided insights to park features that would not be easy to find on your own.

Absolutely fabulous—educational and fun.

Best education vacation venue in the states.

You get more information history insight than if you did on your own. Great interaction with others.

Awesome. ! A real-deal experience. No artificial glitzy tourist-trap stuff. This is the true experience.

This is a flexible program that can meet diverse needs of couples or groups.

All instructors were very passionate about Yellowstone and they shared that passion with everyone.


Everyone should have this experience. They will look at the world from a better place.
 
The entire program was above my expectations. Each day ran according to schedule. Evening speakers were awesome!
 
There was something for everyone. I learned so much and want to learn more. This trip has fueled my interest in Yellowstone.
 
The commitment and passion of staff is extraordinary!
 
I enjoyed everything about this program. This being my first trip to Yellowstone, it was a great way to see the park and I learned much more than if we came and did things on our own. The whole staff was outstanding. Thanks for an awesome experience!
 
Great for people who have not been to Yellowstone before to see and learn about the majority of the park the general public never sees.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this course.  The evening speakers were all extremely knowledgeable and good speakers.  The field trip leaders were friendly, fun, and informative.  The volunteers were enthusiastic and fun to be around.  The food was great.  I have a much greater appreciation for Yellowstone than I ever would have reached on my own.

Every group leader was exceptional.  All were interesting, passionate about their field, entertaining–a good combination to create a learning experience.  Each one had impressive credentials, and all of them seemed to know Yellowstone in great detail.

It is clear that every instructor, speaker, administrator, and volunteer has an overwhelming love for Yellowstone and this program.

Winter Wildlife Expedition

Yellowstone is a jewel of America. I feel blessed to have taken part in my first YA program and by no means will it be my last.

Rachel was the highlight. Best guide/naturalist/interpreter we’ve ever had.

Brad was knowledgeable, professional and personable. Just out standing. We would return just to take a program with him.

Don was a wonderful guide! Many sightings of wolves with behavior and vocalizing.

This is the best way to experience Yellowstone in winter.

Hearing the wolves howl in the early morning before the sun was even up was an amazing and surreal experience. The hikes complemented the wildlife watching with beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air.

I can't imagine a better instructor: knowledgeable, sensitive to clients' needs, with a pleasant demeanor and great sense of humor.

I suppose it is possible to come on one's own and see wolves, but what made this trip worthwhile was the interpretation, history and ecology that accompanied seeing wildlife. I thought the interpretation and natural history exercises contributed greatly to the trip.

Winter Wolf Discovery

The best possible introduction to the Yellowstone National Park in winter, deeper appreciation for wolves and the whole ecosystem.

An outstanding program with a wonderful leader.

Amanda was the highlight. Her depth of knowledge, passion, and ability to fit all the pieces together elevated this program from wildlife tour to incredible life experience.

I was astounded by Amanda’s knowledge, engaging story telling ability, and passion.

Our instructor was great in all regards.

One of the most memorable educational positive experiences I’ve ever had.

So informative and really fun.

We enjoyed skiing in the park too and we liked the evening programs with Randy as they were quite informative and interesting, especially the history of Yellowstone.

A near-flawless experience for nature lovers.

The wildlife sightings were fantastic; it was great to meet people with similar interests. Totally unforgettable.

This program is an excellent way for either experienced or novice nature lovers to explore the park and learn about all it has to offer, from the animals to the geothermal features to the scenery.

The wildlife sightings were fantastic; it was great to meet people with similar interests. Totally unforgettable.

The instructor was knowledgeable and clearly communicated his knowledge and enthusiasm. His patience and rapport were exceptional.

This is the best vacation value under the sun!

Eric Bindseil is one of the best, if not the best, naturalist guides I’ve ever come across. Excellent job.

Our instructor, Barbara O’Grady, was a gift to us!! Her wit, wisdom, knowledge, gentleness, and passion for wildlife made this an unforgettable experience, even more than we had hoped for.

Barbara O’Grady was very informative, fun, energetic, and enthusiastic. The program and instructor exceeded my expectations, 10 out of 10!

It was great to have the Yellowstone Association's spotting scopes. We were able to see wolves, foxes, coyotes, and, of course, bison and elk.

Our instructor was top-notch. Brad's knowledge if wildlife issues within Yellowstone was excellent. To have an instructor with an M.S. in wildlife biology, a love of teaching, and a clear enjoyment of his job was a treat.

Brad Bulin enhanced our experience by noting particular behaviors, identifying the wolves, and keeping our days safe, comfortable, informative, and flexible. I will never forget what I learned and witnessed during my three days here.

Brad is an extraordinary instructor. His passion and knowledge of Yellowstone, its ecosystem, and particularly its animals is deep and very effectively communicated.

This is a great program educating the public and making people aware of our wonderful natural resources.

A friend told me about the program and asked me if I wanted to come along. I said yes and am glad I did. Experiencing the park and seeing and hearing the wolves ended up being a dream come true, a dream I didn't even know I had.

Brad's stories about the wolves made the experience more personal and enjoyable. The way Brad talked about adaptations of all animals in the park to their environment was a great learning experience. I really enjoyed going to the Lamar Valley Buffalo Ranch. It was neat to visit an historical site in the park.

Nathan was broadly knowledgeable, presented accurate information in a professional manner, and was very personable; a near perfect instructor.

Seeing the wolves in the wild was a thrill of a lifetime.  Nathan was an incredible guide and teacher; there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer.  He also took very good care of our group.

Winter in Wonderland

Seeing Yellowstone in winter is a must. The YA program allows you to absorb, not just see.

Great variety, great way to see so much of the park. Winter in the park is stunning and this is a safe and fun way to experience it. Loved the variety of exercise–skiing, snowshoes, hiking.

Anyone who wants to experience the beauty, majesty, and mystery of Yellowstone would be totally satisfied… a magical journey.

Seeing so much of the wildlife was fascinating and educational. Loved seeing Yellowstone in the winter time–its beauty is spectacular.

Well organized, yet also flexible–an excellent overview of the park.

Rachel was one of the best guides that we have ever had in our travels.

Danielle was so professional and so personable. She was the best instructor we could have hoped for.

The entire program was wonderful. Each day was diverse and filled with highlights. I was so pleased with the program.

This is the best program I have ever been on.

The entire program was so enjoyable. Each day passed by so quickly and I did not want the days to end. The week flew by. I especially liked Norris Geyser Basin as it was a true winter wonderland.

Danielle Chalfant is a wonderful representative of the spirit of the national park–very respectful of rules and of not disturbing the animals. She is fun and makes sure we all learned and had a great time doing it all. What a gift she is to YA.

Could not have had more friendly, engaging, knowledgeable guide than Danielle–she was great.

Danielle was beyond knowledgeable in all areas, geology, wildlife, history, etc. Her enthusiasm, smile, and wealth of knowledge and passion for NPS and Yellowstone made our trip even more special.

The guides truly made this an awesome experience.

Michelle knew everything about everything. She’s the best guide we’ve ever had.

Everything has been so very well coordinated. This has been a trip of a lifetime.

Loved the educational references made each time we saw something new and interesting. It broadened the experience and deepened our love of Yellowstone.

Fun. Educational. Very nice collaborative effort between YAI, Xanterra, and NPS. Thanks!

It is a wonderful way to experience Yellowstone in the winter. I enjoyed the educational content and the skiing and hikes were great fun. The wildlife viewing was outstanding.

You feed my eyes with beauty, engaged my mind with questions and answers and it was just plain fun. Seeing the bison in the snow seemed like the spirit of our country.

MacNeil never passed up an opportunity to educate. We are all going home with a much greater appreciation of the Yellowstone ecosystem.

I absolutely am a better, more enriched, wiser person for this course. Thank you!

Seeing the geothermal features and the wildlife was just amazing. You can’t get the same feeling from a PBS special!

MacNeil is the most informative, entertaining, and well informed guild we’ve ever had. His warmth and attentiveness our every need and wish are amazing, a lovely and loving person.

The eight days we spent in Yellowstone are among the highlight experiences of my life. I just left work as of January 1st entering a new phase of my life–MacNeil opened my eyes and full immersed me in a renewed appreciation of the bones and mysteries of our world.

The program was excellent and met all of my expectations with many more pleasant surprises. I can honestly say that this was my best vacation that I have ever shared with my husband.

The two key components of this trip were Yellowstone itself and and our excellent guide. This was the nineth trip to Yellowstone and our enjoyment was significantly increased with the guide.

I’ve come out to Yellowstone in August for the last five years and have had a wonderful time. I’d heard it was beautiful in the winter to I had to see it myself. If is more beautiful and wonderful than I could ever have imagined.

This is the most outstanding and comprehensive trip, well balanced and fun!

MacNeil Lyons was an excellent guide, couldn’t have asked for anyone better. The program exceeded my expectations. Wildlife, geology, the variety of activities-all were highlights. I’m leaving with a greater appreciation and respect for wildlife and geology. Yellowstone has changed my perspective.

MacNeil was a wonderful instructor! I learned so much more about Yellowstone through his presentations than I would have if I came on my own to Yellowstone.

MacNeil Lyons was a superb guide—knowledgeable, well spoken, personable, available, and agreeable.

This program was the best integration of wildlife and geology that I have ever witnessed in decades of expeditions.

Our guide was just the right mix of information, fun, and caring.  Her excitement about the park and the wildlife was contagious.

Keri and Holly are two of the best interpreters I’ve seen.  They are both professional, extremely knowledgeable, very safety conscious, sensitive to individual participant’s needs, and willing to be flexible enough to accommodate everyone.

I have had many outdoor adventures in the past 30 years all over the world.  This was the best.

Yellowstone on Skis

If someone wishes to see and ski Yellowstone, this is it.

I really liked the science-based information.

Yellowstone was spectacular in the winter and the program more than met my expectations.

This program was well executed with friendly knowledgeable personnel. This allowed us to fully enjoy the experience of being in the park during the winter

De Lacy Creek was so special. We had a great day of honing our skiing skills in a winter wonderland all to our selves.

It was awesome to have certified ski instructors in Julianne and Point. Their certifications added a great deal to their teaching.

This is a wonderful program for anyone who loves to be active and also appreciate nature especially in winter and specifically Yellowstone. Having more people experience this place beyond the usual superficial park experience will make people appreciate this treasure and strive to protect it.

It was a fantastic experience. This was my first trip to Yellowstone, and I will be back! The skiing was great, the scenery was amazing, and the guides were excellent.

The skiing was beyond description. We will never forget our trip to the “Divide” and out to Shoshone Lake. That day became the benchmark for all new adventures for us.

Julianne was very knowledgeable, congenial, and safety conscious. Her love of the park was always evident.

Julianne was wonderful. She has a passion for Yellowstone that is contagious. Chris was a great ski instructor. Tyrene was also passionate about her job. I can’t say enough good things about this trip.

Julianne was enthusiastic, encouraging, very knowledgeable, and fun! The skiing was beyond all expectations. The ski trips showed incredibly beautiful locations in the park beyond the normal tourist spots. Riding in the snow coach was a blast!

The history and narrative provided by Julianne Baker was superb. I never thought I would learn so much about Yellowstone on a cross-country ski trip.

Julianne and MacNeil were so knowledgeable, so enthusiastic, so dedicated to teaching about this wonderful park. They were just superb - they made the trip!

I knew that I would have fun skiing when I signed up for the trip, and I knew I would see great beauty here, but what has made the trip so very special is all that I have learned! I never expected I would have the chance to watch a wolf pack and then learn so much about wolves, for example. Everything we saw we also learned about and that was wonderful.

All of our day trips were well-chosen and quite beautiful.  Brian’s level of knowledge about Yellowstone, enthusiasm about nature, and ability to communicate are all top-notch.

I liked the blending of recreation and education.  This course far exceeded my expectations.  Brian was an excellent, genuine, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic instructor.

Old Faithful Winter Expedition


Shauna was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I could not imagine a better instructor.

A wonderful experience to share with my teenage daughter, and the chance to see nature in a pristine state.

Seeing Yellowstone in winter without the crowds was really rewarding and relaxing.

Beautiful, fun, we got to see many features and animals. A great guide and accommodations.

I have waited years to do this and it was even more spectacular than I hoped– Julianne made the trip.

It’s a privilege and a thrill to be in the park off season – to miss the crowds, to enjoy the wonders of winter.

It is the best way to see Yellowstone in the winter.

Very good quality–worth the cost!

Julianne Baker is a jewel! What a joy to spend three days with a person of such knowledge, passion, and humor!

We had no idea that Yellowstone was had such a richness of diversity. We were awestruck by the majesty of wildlife, geothermal features, plains, falls, and mountains. Yellowstone stripped away any preconceived images we had and gave us three days of “aliveness”.

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