Itinerary forGardiner
Exploring Wild Lands, Wild Lives, and Wild Ideas
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Day 1: Welcome to the Wild!
Travel to Montana and Arrive at Yellowstone’s North Entrance
Our adventure begins as we take to the skies, flying toward one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth! We’ll land in Bozeman, Montana — a vibrant town full of college spirit, outdoor culture, and big mountain views. After grabbing any last-minute gear, we’ll journey two hours upstream along the Yellowstone River. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring hawks and eagles!
Our destination is the cozy town of Gardiner (population 800), perched right at the park’s north gate. As we settle into our home base at A Naturalist’s World, overlooking the river and mountains, the excitement builds. In this tiny walkable town, elk, deer, and even the occasional bison wander the streets — so stay alert!
After a delicious catered dinner, we’ll gather for an evening orientation: meet your guides, learn how to stay safe around wildlife, and dive into the big ideas behind this week’s journey into Yellowstone’s wild heart.
Day 2: From Volcanoes to Voices
The National Park Idea & Yellowstone’s Human Story
Today, we step into history — both geologic and human. We’ll explore Mammoth Hot Springs, where steaming terraces reveal the hidden power of the world’s largest volcano. Short hikes and boardwalks lead us through this surreal landscape.
We’ll also uncover Yellowstone’s human story, from the old Fort Yellowstone days (when the U.S. Army ran the park!) to hearing from a local Tribal educator, who will share Native perspectives and stories that stretch back thousands of years — long before “Yellowstone” was on any map.
Day 3: Wildlife Safari – Eyes on the Wild
Connecting with the Land
We’re up before the sun today — because the animals are too! As we drive across the northern tier of the park, we’ll look for bears, wolves, and herds of bison waking up in the misty dawn.
Today is all about connection: meeting wildlife experts and conservationists in the field, learning what it takes to protect these incredible species, and discovering how you can be a voice for wild places back home.
Day 4: Living with the Land
Working Lands and Restorative Agriculture
What does it mean to live and work with the land instead of against it? Today, we visit a family-run ranch on the park’s edge to learn about regenerative agriculture — a way of farming that heals the land, not just uses it.
We’ll get our hands dirty with a service project, hear stories from real ranchers about life with grizzly bears as neighbors, and think deeply about how our everyday choices as consumers ripple out to affect ecosystems everywhere.
Day 5: Hidden Wonders and Famous Sights
Wildlife, Waterfalls, and Walkabouts
Yellowstone’s famous geysers and wildlife get all the headlines — but it’s often the unexpected that steals your heart. Today, we explore iconic places like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the sparkling shores of Yellowstone Lake. We’ll dive into the epic stories of how these landscapes formed, and why they are protected today.
Short hikes, scenic drives, and plenty of quiet moments in nature will help us reflect on the future of wild spaces — and our role in protecting them.
Day 6: Into the Heart of Fire and Water
Inside the Caldera
Yellowstone’s supervolcano is massive — you can’t see it all at once, but today, we feel its heartbeat. We’ll walk among geysers, rainbow-hued springs, and bubbling mudpots, including world-famous sights like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
Day 7: Weaving It All Together
A Final Wildlife Safari and Reflection
For our last full day, we return to Yellowstone’s thriving wildlife corridors. As we scan for bison, wolves, and bears one last time, we’ll gather all the lessons from the week.
Through reflection, discussion, and quiet time outdoors, we’ll honor the deep personal journey each of us has taken.
Day 8: Journey Home – Carry It Forward
Departure Day
This morning, we say goodbye to Gardiner and travel back downstream along the Yellowstone River to Bozeman for our flights home.
As the peaks roll by, take these last moments to journal, reflect, and dream:
- How will you stay present and connected to the land in your daily life?
- What small (or big!) steps will you take to support the health of your community and the wild places you love?
Because once you’ve spent time in Yellowstone, you don’t leave unchanged.
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Goals
Goal 3: Good Health & Well-Being
Dive into healing health; learn about mental and physical well-being, and how time spent in nature can create personal balance.
Goal 15: Life on Land
Learn about endangered species (bears and wolves in particular), how to engage in activism with local, regional, and national venues, and learn about their threats.
EDUCATIONAL & Cultural Connections
- Agriculture – We will visit a family-run ranch on the park’s edge to learn about regenerative agriculture — a way of farming that heals the land, not just uses it.
- Conservation – Taking short hikes, scenic drives, and enjoying plenty of quiet moments in nature will help us reflect on the future of wild spaces — and our role in protecting them.
- Economic Development – We’ll hear stories from real ranchers about life with grizzly bears as neighbors, and think deeply about how our everyday choices as consumers ripple out to affect ecosystems everywhere.
- Education – We’ll learn from a local Tribal educator, who will share Native perspectives and stories that stretch back thousands of years — long before “Yellowstone” was on any map.
- Health – We’ll learn how spending time in nature creates personal balance and increased mental and physical well-being.
