ECOTOURISM

Wolves of Yellowstone

Highlights:

• Travel daily into the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park, the area where wolves, grizzly bears, elk and bison are most visible.
• Wolf experts will be on hand to answer questions and assist with viewing techniques in the field. Work with the researchers!
• Days will be spent in the field, learning wolf behavior and ecology, tracking and track casting techniques, and understanding the Yellowstone ecosystem’s predator/prey association. You will also spend time searching for the magnificent grizzly bear!
• Evenings will be spent in comfortable motels just outside Yellowstone National Park.

Tour Details

• Days 1-4: Best Western by Mammoth Hot Springs, Gardiner, Montana
• Day 5: Chico Hot Springs Resort, Pray, Montana

Day 1: Bozeman to Gardiner, Montana
Arrangements will be made to meet guests at the airport in Bozeman around noon. Head towards Yellowstone National Park, making several stops along the way for natural and cultural resource interpretation. The guide is an expert naturalist and will explain the ecological issues surrounding the Yellowstone ecosystem. Arrive in Gardiner, Montana for the evening. After checking into the hotel, guests will be able to enjoy a brisk walk around town, take photographs and shop. The evening will include dinner at one of the local restaurants, a presentation on the reintroduction of the gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park, and an orientation to the week’s activities.

Overnight at Best Western by Mammoth (D)

Day 2: Gardiner to Yellowstone’s Northern Range
In previous years, 60% of the sightings were between sunrise and 8:00am; 40% occurred in the evening after 6:00pm. To see wolves you must think like a wolf, active in the morning and evening, nap in the afternoon. So, begin days very early, most likely departing from the hotel between 5:30 and 6:00am.

First make your way along the Gardner River then the Yellowstone River, heading to Lamar Valley. Stopping frequently, search for pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, elk, coyotes, bald and golden eagles, and wolves along the way. Set up observation points along the roadway and wait. With any wildlife observation, patience is the key! You may be able to make casts of animal tracks, enjoy naturalist’s sessions in the field, or just relax while the wolves are not active. Plan on having continental breakfast in the field consisting of hot and cold cereals, bagels, fruit, and plenty of hot drinks.

Dine indoors for lunch in Cooke City, Montana, just outside Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. Evenings will be filled with wolf and bear ecology lectures and wonderful dinners from local restaurants.

Overnight at Best Western by Mammoth (B,L,D)

Days 3-4: Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone
Depart from the hotel early and head for Lamar Valley. After wildlife searching and breakfast in the field, guests will have the option of either cross country skiing or snowshoeing along an easy trail. Examine subnivean activity, search for animal sign such as, scat and tracks and enjoy the majesty of Yellowstone in winter. You will have a field lunch along the trail this day. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to soak in a thermal-fed river while looking at elk and possibly a family of river otters.

Overnight Pine Edge Cabins, Silvergate, MT. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Yellowstone, Mammoth to Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana
After enjoying a hot breakfast at a local restaurant, spend the day at Mammoth Hot Springs exploring the thermal features. Visit the park’s headquarters and take some time to visit the Visitor’s Center to view the art and wolf displays. Later, travel to Chico Hot Springs for an enjoyable soak in the hot pool, a wonderful dinner and social.

Overnight at Chico Hot Springs (B,L,D)

Day 6: Chico Hot Springs to Bozeman, Montana
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and perhaps an early morning hot spring soak. Leave for Bozeman and the airport at 8:30am. As you travel back to Bozeman, follow the Yellowstone River through the magnificent Paradise Valley, constantly looking for bald eagles perched majestically in the shoreline trees.

EAC will offer an option of either visiting the Museum of the Rockies or shopping in downtown Bozeman prior to departing on afternoon flights. You will develop many wonderful stories and many rolls of film after this trip. (B)

Clothing
Numerous advances have been made in cold weather clothing in recent years. No longer must one be so weighted down with clothing that it makes it impossible to move. With the invention of synthetics, the weight is down and the warmth is in! The layering system is preferred over a single heavy weight outer garment. Remember, it much easier to remove a layer when you are too warm. Review the following suggestions for proper layering of clothing:

• First layer: A polypropylene or similar type material to be worn next to your skin, avoid cotton if possible. This synthetic application will wick any moisture away that may be generated during any physical activity.
• Second layer: A wool, wool-blend or synthetic layer over the base layer. Avoid a tight fitting second layer that may restrict movement. The second layer of socks can and should be form fitting.
• Third layer: Sweater, vest, polypropylene pull-over or similar type layer that adds warmth and can be used as the main warmth supply when the weather warms.
• Fourth layer: A mid-length coat filled with goose-down, thinsulate or similar type of insulation with wind-stopping capabilities such as nylon, as the outer layer. This coat should have an attached hood.
• Feet: A pair of leather or rubberized boots or pacs with removable insulating liners. Extra socks! Tennis shoes or similar for evening indoor activities.
• Head/Hands: A wool or synthetic hat; insulated gloves with synthetic liners.
• Wind/Rain: Breathable rain gear such as Gore-Tex or similar type parka and pant set is recommended.

Luggage Information
EAC requests that luggage be kept to a minimum of one large (preferably soft-sided) suitcase and one carry-on/backpack per person.

Physical Activity
Most everyone in a reasonably good physical condition can participate in this tour offered by the Environmental Adventure Company. The activities will include some hiking in conditions ranging from snow and mud to dry conditions. Standing and observing for periods of time and kneeling or squatting to examine wildlife tracks or signs, are part of the activities. In some areas of travel, you will be at altitudes above 7500 feet, and the air is thinner with less oxygen. Consult with your physician if you have questions about the elevation. It is your responsibility to let the tour operator know of any complications that may be associated with traveling under any of these conditions.

Other Equipment
Medicine: Be sure to pack any prescription medication you are currently taking and let the tour operator know of any medical issues they need to be informed about.

Sunglasses: A good pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection is VERY important.

Sun Screen: The sun can be intense in the mountain regions, especially when reflecting off a snow base and will create a miserable sunburn. Sunblock with SPF 15 or greater is recommended - bring plenty! Remember your lips and bring sunblock lip protection.

Water Bottle: In the high altitudes one can dehydrate very quickly. It is recommended that each person have at least two full water bottles, for each day's adventure.

Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is necessary in field wildlife observations.

Scope: A spotting scope and tripod are valuable tools for observing wildlife.

Camera: A camera with extra film is a must for adventure seekers. For photographing wildlife at a distance, a lens with a focal length of greater the 300 mm is recommended. Since some of the photographs will be taken during dusk and dawn conditions, an ASA 400 or greater film is recommended. Remember to bring two sets of extra batteries.

Cell Phones: There is little to no cellular phone transmission available in the Yellowstone National Park, so your cell phone is unnecessary.

Other: Reading and writing material, small flashlight with extra batteries and extra prescription glasses are also recommended.

First and foremost EAC wants to you to have a great travel adventure with the Environmental Adventure Company, but of equal importance they also want you to be safe and comfortable during your trip. If you have specific questions about the above mentioned equipment list, please feel free to give them a call and a member of their staff will happy to assist you. They spend many days a year in the changing environment of Yellowstone and have first-hand knowledge to help you prepare for your adventure.