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Essential Yellowstone

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.

MacNeil is an extraordinary leader. He went “above and beyond” to insure that we had a great experience.

This is a tremendous course, it fully met and exceeded expectations. I came away not only with a desire to return, but a hunger to read and research much more on my own.

The instructor added so much to the experience, he was knowledgeable, respectful, interesting and able to ‘ad lib’ to the program due to unexpected conditions. He was the highlight of the trip by ensuring that we had the best experience possible.

Great program, exceeded all my expectations. Ashea Mills is incredible. Her passion and communication skills are superior. She is a credit to your organization.

MacNeil is an extraordinary leader. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great experience.

This is a tremendous course and fully met and exceeded my expectation. I came away not only with a desire to return, but a hunger to read and research much more on my own.

I think my family and I got more out of the three days with Janice than if we spent two weeks here on our own. We came wanting to see bears, moose, etc… We did and it was great. But we also enjoyed learning about the geology and hydrothermal features, as well as the general beauty of the park.

Our instructor made this program exciting. She was passionate about her job and shared her knowledge with all. She had good people skills and was very patient.

As a family, we were able to see sights and beauty that we would not have known to see on our own. This was a fantastic trip and worth every penny!

Old Times on the Grand Tour

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

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

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!

Our instructor did a superb job. We feel
as if we have attended a graduate course in the importance and value of protecting and improving our natural world.

We saw many more animals and learned more about them then we would have on our own.

The instructor went above and beyond in ensuring that this program met our expectations.

We saw so many animals (up close) and animal interactions. His instruction was superb. He is a master instructor and guide.

We saw many more animals and learned more about them than we ever would have on our own.

Eric did a superb job. We feel as if we have attended a graduate course on the importance and value of protecting and improving out natural world.

Brad was broadly knowledgeable about all aspects of the program and the park. He led us with humor and an ear for the inclinations of the group. He had an incredible eye for spotting wildlife and organizing each viewing session so no one was left out. He took all comments with equal weight, and treated us all equally. The course could not have been better for me and my granddaughter.

Brad was great in everything he did. The program exceeded my expectations in all areas. They talk about 'making someone’s day.' My life has been made.

Brad Bulin was an excellent instructor and presented the wolf and bear material thoroughly. We have great praise for the course and the instructor.

The extremely knowledgeable instructor made this program fully worthwhile. He was gently humorous, attentive to everyone’s needs, and had an uncanny knack for finding wildlife. He’s one of the park’s treasures.

All of the wildlife experiences were great, especially seeing wolves feeding on two different kills, and their interactions with ravens, coyote and bull bison. Seeing the grey wolf chase a black one and attack it was exceptional luck for us. Ashea’s interpretation of all this was very educational, helpful, and interesting. We enjoyed her sense of humor, excellent driving skills, and interaction with other YA staff and volunteers. We hope to join her again sometime.

Ashea was probably the most knowledgeable and passionate facilitator I’ve ever encountered. She’s a walking encyclopedia for Yellowstone, very congenial and considerate.

We saw a lot bears and wolves. We learned a lot about the wildlife and their environments. We have come to Yellowstone regularly for the last several years. It was very helpful to have a professional guide. We will do more of these types of courses.

It took me more than 50 years to discover Yellowstone and in the three times I’ve taken this program, I’ve learned more about it than if I’d been reading about it that whole time. You can’t know Yellowstone without experiencing this program-it is so much more than wolves and bears.

I enjoyed all the wildlife we saw. In 30+ years of coming to Yellowstone, one could say I had perhaps seen it all - not even close! I really enjoyed seeing all the claw marks on the trees, the stories, and the walks off the beaten path. This was an excellent adventure!

Amanda is an exceptional instructor. She has a broad knowledge of the park's history and cultural context in addition to it's wildlife and flora. Her enthusiasm and genuine love for the park are inspirational. She handled a diverse group efficiently and safely.

Brad knowledgeable, fun, interesting, accommodating, compassionate, and caring. He has an uncanny ability to locate and sight animals in the park.

Shauna Baron was excellent, really enthusiastic about getting everyone involved and getting to know everyone personally. She is full of information about each animal, park geology, and history. We learned so much!

Our instructor was phenomenal, incredibly knowledgeable, and extremely careful with the safety of the class and protection of park wildlife. She was absolutely tireless and unflagging in her enthusiasm and provided an experience of a lifetime!

Yellowstone for Families

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.

We learned so much from this program; and hopefully by indoctrinating our children, it will help to preserve our park system for the future.

Ashea had so much park knowledge we felt completely safe hiking and driving with her.

Great way for families to visit Yellowstone for the first time.

It was heart warming to see how children make friends with the other children in our group and see them explore the park together.

We’re leaving feeling like we got the most out of every minute and learned amazing things.

Fantastic program for kids. This is our second set of grandkids with Ashea. Her enthusiasm makes the program!

Our family really enjoyed learning together.

It’s an excellent program for families with children ages 8-12. The activity level was appropriate and the exposure to the diversity of Yellowstone National Park (wildlife, geysers, hiking) was perfect.

Program takes education, preservation, and FUN seriously.

We feel that we learned more and experienced more of the park than we ever could have on our own.

Our guide was fantastic. We received so much more information and stories than we expected.

This is the only way for a family of first time visitors to see the park!

Thanks to Brian, our family has experienced a week of memories we will cherish for a lifetime!

As a parent of an only child this program was fabulous. Not only was the instructor, Brian, clued into the needs of varying age groups but our daughter had children to explore with.

I can honestly say that Brian is one of the best! He was knowledgeable, friendly, upbeat, informative, and willing to go the extra mile!

I loved being encouraged and guided to experience the park in ways that I would not have on my own. Looking at the wildlife through scopes was so exciting and we saw a grizzly! I also do not think I would have walked to the brink of the Lower Falls on my own, but the view was breathtaking and I was so glad I did it. Thanks Brian!

Program exceeded my expectations. Truly an experience vs. ‘seeing the park’.

Simply a great way for a family to explore Yellowstone with a solid itinerary and a knowledgeable and engaging instructor.

Brain’s passion for the park was inspiring. I feel as though we made a new friend this week.

I feel a respect for the park I didn’t have before this experience.

Unless you are the type of person who wants to do a ton of research about the park, there is no way you could get as much out of your trip as we did with the help of Brian and his teaching materials.

Brian was fantastic. Knowledgeable, warm, friendly, and full of interesting stories.

Shauna Baron was beyond excellent because the high level of her intellect and teaching ability was matched with her deep love of the wild/natural world; AND her experiential stories are captivating.

Shauna was awesome; her knowledge of history, ecology, geology, and biology of the park was so interesting and engaging.

This is a wonderful way to see the park and its highlights without the stress of trying to figure out where to go and how to get there.

Jess was awesome, very knowledgeable and engaging–great stories and teaching! I’d recommend this trip to anyone, it really brings the park to life.

It’s hard to find programs that are interesting and stimulating for two very different kids. Both of ours are “gifted” and can get bored if there’s not enough intellectual stimulation. This was perfect! They were excited, challenged, learned a lot and so did the parents.

The experience was a beautiful tapestry filled with wildlife, history, culture, and excitement. When my eight-year-old got grouchy, he did a great job pulling her interest back in!

The instructor was very knowledgeable and great with the kids. The kids learn so much more form a teacher than from the parents.

I’m an educator and found our guide to be awesome. She was a perfect fit for teaching children. She was the highlight of the trip.

It’s a great way to experience Yellowstone as a family. To have someone guide you through Yellowstone really helps you get the most of your time in this beautiful park.

I really enjoyed the variety and in-depth study that we could do each day. My family knows so much more about history, geology, preservation, etc. I highly recommend this program for an educational family vacation.

This was amazing! I love everything. This program made me fall in love with Yellowstone. We learned so much while having fun!

My family had a great time in this program. One of the unexpected bonuses was the relationships that we started with other families. It really enhanced our vacation.

The instructors made all the difference. They really made the program. They were very good with children and did a nice job teaching them in a fun way.

Because of the guides’ knowledge, we learned more and saw more than we ever could have on our own. The guides were very good with the children and the program was age-appropriate.

Shannon was extremely engaging and energetic. She was great source of knowledge and the kids came away with a love, respect, and enthusiasm for the park and nature. This was a great way to see and learn about the park.

Our instructor, Brian, far exceeded what we expected. He was extremely knowledgeable of all aspects of Yellowstone. He was very conscious of the group’s safety and the preservation of the park.

The instructor’s experience and trained eye enabled our group to see things we would not have been able to on our own.

We learned as much as our kids. Our park experience was greatly enhanced by our guide.

Very competent and engaging guide, made our entire experience of the park more enjoyable. The guide always stressed the respect for wildlife. In all our sightings, we managed to quietly and safely approach and observe animals without disturbing them.

MacNeil was amazing! He was patient and kept our interest with personal narratives and park histories. The experience was a beautiful tapestry filled with wildlife, history, culture, and excitement. When my eight-year-old got grouchy, he did a great job of pulling her interest back in!'

I’m an educator and found our guide to be awesome. She was a perfect fit for teaching children.

Brian’s knowledge of nature on hikes opened up a whole new world for my family. He is a great teacher and story-teller.

Could we have taken this trip on our own? Yes. Would we have learned as much about the history and geology of the park? No. It was the extra information and side hikes that made all the difference.

It’s a great way to see and learn about the park in a short amount of time, and I never had to use my car.

The park is stunning and the program was tailored perfectly to give maximum exposure in a minimum amount of time.

Absolutely fantastic educator, able to engage young and old. His passion for nature seems endless. We could not have asked for a better instructor.

This is the best way to get to see Yellowstone, through the eyes of an expert.

The highlight of the program was having an instructor who explained everything to the children on their level. This was a very memorable vacation for both children and adults, the best program that my family has ever attended.

The education and experience the children received will last their lifetime.

Shannon was very knowledgeable, extremely enthusiastic, patient and thorough in her efforts to educate both children and adults. She answered all our individual needs while making the adventure GREAT FUN!!

It was excellent family time–to learn and have fun. We would never have learned or seen all we did if we were not in this program.

Jess was amazing. It felt as if she was focused in on our group and it didn’t feel rote at all. She was engaging and accommodating, focused on just our experience.

Our guide, Ashea, was wonderful, friendly, and patient. We saw so many animals in the wild. It was great.

This course exceeded my expectations for both fun and educational value.

Ashea was awesome. She was on top of every detail. Her knowledge of the geology and wildlife in the park was incredible. Most importantly, she communicated in a way that everyone in the family could understand.

Shannon went out of her way to make this a fantastic family event.

The instructor was wonderful—very knowledgeable and very funny. The girls just loved her. I think they picked up lots more information than if we went by ourselves.

Brian Robinson was top-notch! He was friendly, great with the kids, and interesting for the adults.

Jessica did an awesome job. She made our trip. My daughters will remember this forever. It was better than Disney and very affordable!

Ashea was fantastic! She provided so much information at the appropriate level that it was a learning experience for the whole family. She was very flexible and that allowed us to see lots of things.

Our instructor, Ashea, was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the park. Her enthusiasm was contagious! We learned so much from her it made the trip a fabulous experience.

MacNeil was excellent with the kids. I very much appreciated his pacing the program to include everyone’s needs.

I teach beginning teachers. I wish all of my prospective teachers could observe Ashea’s teaching skills and knowledge of content. Her storytelling and passion for her subject are contagious.

I would give our guide a higher score than perfect if possible. Ashea far exceeded our expectations and made each moment measurable, educational, and entertaining.

Ashea Mills was our leader. What an exceptional individual. She shared with us not only the beauty of the park but also the history and challenges of the park. I could not imagine a finer experience. This program greatly exceeded my expectations. We did not waste any time during our stay. Even as we traveled, Ashea made certain that we were constantly learning.

Being in Yellowstone is always wonderful. However, the highlight if this trip was the leadership and teaching of MacNeil, coupled with the fun and learning that our grandchildren experienced.

It was fantastic having a personal guide to explain and show us things we’ll never see on our own. Our kids loved MacNeil. He presented material in a fun and exciting way.

I think this is one of my family’s most memorable vacations.

I really enjoyed the learning aspect. We were able to see parts of the park many don’t see. We also heard about history and stories of Yellowstone. It added so much to our experience.

Janice is very knowledgeable and we learned so much. Thank you for the emphasis on safety!

Janice did an excellent job. She conveyed information clearly and provided the level appropriate for the group. She conveys a great enthusiasm for the parks which is great for the kids to see and hear.

The program was so organized and well run-as the Mom I really appreciated that. The kids were fully engaged all day long.

What a great way to learn about Yellowstone!

Ashea’s knowledge of and passion about the park was evident at every moment. This transferred to every member of our group.

Janice did a great job, very clear and knowledgeable, especially about wildlife. She really had a great sense of how to engage all the participants and the level at which to pitch the information.

Janice was an excellent instructor, extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and had the patience of Job. She was always in a good mood and is an excellent ambassador for Yellowstone Park.

Seeing the wildlife was very exciting! I learned a lot about the geology, which was surprisingly interesting. Janie, our instructor, mane everything fun while we were learning. I also really enjoyed the other participants in our group-we had a great time together.

Janice was fabulous, very informative, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. She made the program worthwhile. When the program was over, it felt like she was part of our family.

These were well rounded activities, a nice balance of physical, mental, and creative emphasis. The educational components really helped to make hikes and visuals significant for all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed each day and activity. Janice was exceptional. I have a new found respect and appreciation for this park and all its wonders.

Ashea Mills, our guide, was phenomenal. She had a great mix of professionalism and being laid back and easy-going enough to make you feel very comfortable. She is an amazing story teller.

Our guide, MacNeil Lyons, was knowledgeable about everything in the park. There was no question he couldn’t answer. He knew the best places in the park for viewing wildlife and the places with the most beautiful scenery. He also had many great stories to tell.

The instructor was absolutely outstanding. Everyone in the family learned something. His passion and enthusiasm for this place is contagious and inspiring.

We chose this program for the educational and guide interpretation offered. We wanted more than the typical tourist experience. The program exceeded my expectations. It was really enjoyable.

This was an excellent program, much better than expected. The instructor worked hard to include all participants at each level of interest and involvement.

Ashea was a fantastic instructor. She possesses a wealth of information and is a terrific story teller. She conveys information in a memorable way. We will remember what she taught us. She took us to spectacular out-of-the-way spots and was able to explain things I would have overlooked without her.

Ashea, our guide, made our program. She was outstanding, had great communication skills, and made learning fun. We loved her stories.

This was an outstanding experience, wonderful people and an engaging, knowledgeable, inspiring, and talented instructor. She was great with the kids and very well organized.

The instructor’s knowledge and how he communicated with both adults and kids made this a truly wonderful learning experience.

Our naturalist, Ashea, was well-informed, exciting, and fun! She knew the best places to see bears, wolves, and other wildlife. She taught us all about the thermal features. We saw much more than we would have on our own and learned so much! The kids were not only educated but continuously entertained.

Our instructor, Janice, did a spectacular job. She was knowledgeable, safety conscious, and highly motivated. She was wonderful with the kids, outstanding job!

Excellent program and instructor. I would like to come back and do another program through the Institute and would not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family.

Janice was absolutely phenomenal. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made this an incredible experience and I would recommend both the program and Janice to friends and family.

It was wonderful to be guided through each activity. It took so much stress away from the vacation and we were able to focus on being a family.

We wanted a fun and educational way to introduce our sons to a national treasure. Our instructor made learning about the wonders of Yellowstone fun and interesting. He kept us alert to our own and the group’s safety at all times and instilled in all of the children a strong desire to protect the wildlife and resources of the park. We firmly believe that we never would have seen and heard the things we did without Yellowstone for Families.

Our family truly enjoyed all of the activities in this course! Some of our favorites were visiting Norris Basin and doing the temperature readings, hiking up to the Canyon and doing the watercolor painting, and the hike to Beaver Pond. We particularly enjoyed not having to plan activities appropriate for our family and the educational experience. We could never have duplicated this on our own!

After each day we thought things couldn't get any better, but they did. As a family we learned things and experienced things that will last a lifetime.

Trails Through Yellowstone

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.

Patty Walton educated and inspired us. She is an environmentalist who strongly wants to preserve the animal’s habitat.

It is educational, invigorating, and inspirational.

Shauna Baron was wonderful! She was incredibly knowledgeable, infectiously enthusiastic, and always watching out for us. 11 out of 10!

We learned so much history of the park–far more than I could have expected to learn in such a short time. Shauna’s excitement over all parts of the park was very catching! Our group soaked up her enthusiasm!

Shauna did a wonderful job. She is the perfect blend of knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm. She also exudes an obvious love for the environment and particularly, Yellowstone.

Julianne was knowledgeable, patient, and charming. She kept everyone involved, made sure we had a good time, and made sure we came away with great knowledge of and respect for Yellowstone and all national parks.

Phil was great! I have to say he exceeded my expectations 100 times over! I can only hope all my other hiking experiences are as great as this one’s been.

I had no idea of the beautiful wilderness that lies beyond the often visited sites. We hiked for miles and saw no one but did see towering mountains, crystal clear streams, and fields of gorgeous wildflowers. I felt as close to an original pioneer as I could be.

Upon completion of the program, I felt connected to Yellowstone in a way that was totally unexpected. All aspects of the program were superb. We would highly recommend it for any multi-day visitor. It gets you off the road.

The wildlife and scenery was amazing. I never thought I would be able to see such a variety of attractions in such a short amount of time.

There is no better way to experience Yellowstone.

Brad was phenomenal! He really knows the park and excelled at explaining how the things we saw were all a part of the ecosystem.

Julianne was an extraordinary guide. She was passionate about her respect for wildlife and an inspiration to me.

I can’t imagine how anyone could see Yellowstone without this program.

Brad was an excellent guide, utterly professional, great fun, enthusiastic at all times, and very well informed.

Ashea was absolutely superb. Her energy and enthusiasm were infectious. Her encyclopedic knowledge and her talents as a story teller added immensely to our enjoyment of the trip. Her conscientious care for attendees helped everyone get the most out of the experience.

I can’t imagine doing this without a guide. We would have missed so much. It’s a great program and I have no suggestions for improvement.

Four stars for Brad. His professionalism and sense of humor were outstanding.

This program is the only way to see Yellowstone. I can’t wait to sign up for the next program.

Spectacular hikes, great information, nice group of people, and the evening in the Lamar Valley was unbelievable!

Julianne was a delight to be around, very well spoken, showed great knowledge of the park and its history. She was concerned for everyone in our party and always went the extra mile.

Our guide, Julianne, made the trip. She taught us a lot and we had so much fun everywhere we went.

Julianne was outstanding. She opened my eyes, ears, and mind to all that Yellowstone offers. I could never have learned so much on my own.

Every day was a highlight. The education/information we got along the way was superb. Very good emphasis on ecology.

Our guide, Keri, made this week. She was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, adaptable, and a wonderful teacher. She was so enthusiastic and stressed preservation of the environment.

Although I could have read and learned the information myself, Keri made it all interesting and alive.

This is a fantastic program! The days’ itineraries were perfect–very full and busy, but not too much so.

Roosevelt Rendezvous

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.

Best of Yellowstone

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

Winter Rendezvous

All instructors demonstrated superior knowledge of the park and respect for both the wildlife and the ecosystem.

A love and respect for nature was consistently communicated by all of the instructors. I was impressed by their knowledge, upbeat attitude, and commitment to provide opportunities for the participants to experience the wonder of Yellowstone.

The enthusiasm of the instructors and volunteers makes you feel immediately passionate about the whole experience. Within seconds, you forget the cold and cannot wait for the next adventure!

Family Winter Holiday

This trip was absolutely wonderful and I would highly recommend it to others. I have enjoyed Yellowstone in summertime in the past and always wanted to see it in winter. We’re not big outdoors people and didn’t know how to plan a winter trip until we heard of the family program. It exceeded my expectations—we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Shauna is astounding. She knows her ecology, geology, and all the flora of the park. I don’t think there was a question she couldn’t answer for us. And she was great with the kids, a huge bonus for us!

It was an information- and activity-packed three days. The balance of information and activity was just right for the ranges of ages of kids participating. We loved the animal watching and observing the kids getting totally turned on to the whole Yellowstone experience. Our grandson said he wished he didn't have to leave.

Shauna made us feel at home and welcome. Seeing wildlife with a scientist instead of a "tour guide" made me feel like I was getting the real deal. I learned a lot and have a new and strong appreciation of Yellowstone Park, its history and current state.

Northern Yellowstone Adventure

MacNeil was the best instructor-guide I have ever encountered in an outdoor/nature program. Aside form the wonders of natural wildlife, he was what made the experience so great!

Winter Wildlife Expedition

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 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

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

De Lacey 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

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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