Yellowstone, our first National Park, hardly needs any introduction. Famous for its wildlife, geysers and thermal features, and beautiful scenery, it was designated as a National Park in 1872. The 2.2 million acre park has also been designated as a biosphere reserve and World Heritage site. Most of the park lies in the state of Wyoming, but parts of it are also in Montana and Idaho. There are more geysers in Yellowstone than anywhere else on earth. Wildlife sightings of bison, elk, grizzly and black bears, and even wolves are likely on a visit to the park. At this time of year, the elk will be in rut, with their bugling calls filling the air, and the trees should be in fall color.  There is so much to see in Yellowstone that it would be impossible to see it all in a week long trip. I have planned our itinerary to include the major areas for which the park is famous as well as some areas that most visitors don’t get to.  I have been to Yellowstone six times, and have hiked many of the trails on our itinerary. I always look forward to going back to the park!

Our outfitter and guide will be the Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI), a non-profit organization dedicated to “preservation through education” about Yellowstone NP.,
www.yellowstoneassociation.org . We will hike each day with a guide/naturalist from the Association/Institute who will present, as we hike, an interpretive program, on various features of the area in which we are hiking. These are mostly moderately paced, interpretive hikes with stops for observation and instruction along the way. You need to carry only a day pack on the hikes. The park is less crowded in September, so we should have the trails pretty much to ourselves. This is a good trip either for people who are visiting Yellowstone for the first time, or for people who have been to the park but would like to return and see it and learn about it in more depth. This is an active hiking trip (see itinerary and hike descriptions), but if your preference is for fast-paced, non-stop hiking this is probably not the trip for you. This trip is meant to be a learning experience taking place on scenic trails in an area that is unique in the world. One does not want to rush through this!

Hiking will be mostly easy to moderate, with possibly some strenuous hikes. Distances will be between 4-8 miles a day at elevations of 7,000- 10,000- feet, and with elevation changes ranging from 40 ft. to 1400 feet or more. Hikes will be guided, over marked and maintained trails, and may involve exposure to unprotected heights, wildlife, sun, wind, geothermal features, rain (or snow!), cold or hot temperatures, insects, and crossing of cold water streams and possibly, snowfields. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good tread are essential.

This trip is intended for persons who are in good physical condition and are willing and able to hike distances of 4-8 miles per day at elevations above 7,000 feet.
Transportation to and from trailheads will be provided by YAI. There can be trail closures (and road closures) due to bear activity or forest fires, in which case alternative hiking trails or travel routes will be determined by YAI guides.

Trip Itinerary

Included in trip price:

• 7 nights lodging in cabin at Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus
• All ground transportation- from Bozeman Gallatin Field airport to Field Campus, and back to airport on last day; to and from trailheads each day, in YAI van.
• All fees and permits
• 7 breakfasts, 6 trail (sack) lunches, and 4 dinners

NOT included in trip price:

• Airfare to and from Bozeman, MT (BZN)
• 3 dinners
• Alcoholic beverages
• All items of a personal nature

Payment Policy:
A deposit of $500 is due at time of registration.  The remaining balance of $875 is due no later than July 1, 2011.

For more information, an application and to sign up, contact the leader, Mary Krueger, 163 Scenic Point Lane, Jay, NY 12941; 518 647-8646; FKKMEK@Frontiernet.net