Question 1

What will be provided on a Yellowstone day trip?

Accepted Answer

Each Yellowstone day trip includes engaging, age-appropriate, fun expert instruction and interpretation by your own private Yellowstone guide.
We also provide:
High-quality, high-powered spotting scopes
Binoculars for all
Hot and cold drinks
Continental breakfast and hearty snacks
Bear spray
First aid kit
Water jug from which to refill your bottles throughout the day
Trekking poles upon request
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes

For longer day hikes, we also provide a water filter (if we know water will be available along the trail).

Question 2

What should I pack for a Yellowstone tour?

Accepted Answer

For any of our Yellowstone day trip tours, you should bring:
Water (We will have a canteen to refill your bottle. We recommend one liter of water minimum, preferably in a reusable bottle, 2-3 liters if hiking).
Layers for cool morning temperatures, including a rain/wind proof jacket and closed-toed shoes with good traction. A light hat and even mittens might feel welcome especially in spring and fall. It is not uncommon to see a 50° temperature change over the course of a day here in the Rocky Mountains.
Sun hat and sunscreen.
Camera  (don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!)
Anything else to make you comfortable and safe (i.e. sunglasses, lip balm, personal medications, inhaler).
A guide gratuity
For winter in Yellowstone: A heavy jacket, warm winter boots, thermal under layers, a warm hat, gloves or mittens, neck gaitor or scarf. If cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, bring layers for activity (wicking base layers, fleece, snowpants, and a breathable shell).
If meeting outside the park, your National Parks Pass or entrance fee. Pre-purchase your pass here: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/72451. If you're planning on visiting other national parks this next year, we suggest an annual Interagency Pass that allows access to other parks and federal lands. Click here for more information: https://store.usgs.gov/
In addition, FOR YELLOWSTONE DAY HIKING, SKIING or SNOWSHOEING:
Personal day pack
Extra water (2-3 liters/day)

Question 3

What Yellowstone wildlife will we see on our tour?

Accepted Answer

While we cannot guarantee any specific animal sightings, our Naturalist Guides are intimately acquainted with Yellowstone's landscape, wildlife behavior and habitat, and are connected to a network of wildlife spotters. We  take advantage of early mornings when Yellowstone's wildlife is most active. While everyday is different, we have great success with finding the park's large carnivores (Yellowstone's wolves and bears in particular) as well as elk, bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, moose, coyotes, fox and more, along with a suite of smaller mammals. There are over 300 species of birds in Yellowstone. We are always listening and looking up! No two days are ever the same. Even if your day is not specific to Yellowstone's wildlife, we always take advantage of animal sightings which present themselves while traveling through the park.

Question 4

Can you make recommendations for food and lodging near Yellowstone?

Accepted Answer

For Yellowstone lodging options at our home base in Gardiner, MT, see https://www.visitgardinermt.com/plan-your-trip/tourism-directory.
For in-park lodging and food, see https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/.
For lodging options in West Yellowstone, MT, visit: https://www.destinationyellowstone.com/.
If staying in Cooke City, MT, click here: https://www.cookecitychamber.org/.
For where to eat in Gardiner, we especially appreciate locally-owned businesses. Great choices are:
Tumbleweed Bookstore and Cafe
The Corral
Eat Cafe 
Wonderland Cafe
Gardiner Market (for your box lunches and other grocery needs)

While we pride ourselves on getting to know you as we personalize your time with us, for your entire Yellowstone itinerary, plan on scheduling a session with Yellowstone Trip Planning.   Shauna can make recommendations on any realm of trip planning and questions you may have! We trust her completely, and know she'll enhance your entire experience.

Question 5

How does Walking Shadow Ecology handle Yellowstone safety?

Accepted Answer

We take safety very seriously. While we expect a fun-filled, meaningful day, there are inherent risks here in Yellowstone National Park.
All our Naturalist Guides are certified as Wilderness First Responders or in Wilderness First Aid, and carry a comprehensive first aid kit.
We always carry bear spray.
We carry radios connected to networks within the park to call for help if out of cell range (Verizon works best, but still spotty in our vast wilderness area).
We keep a close eye on Yellowstone weather forecasts and adjust plans if necessary.
Yellowstone is a high-altitude, arid region. We encourage you to drink water before and during your trip with us. Take the altitude into account when planning activities, especially for your first day or two. The road system averages between 7,000 feet and 8000 feet (2100 meters to 2400 meters). 
We ask you to sign an Acknowledgement of Risk at the start of our trip. Feel free to bring a signed copy with you.
If the threat of infectious conditions reach higher numbers in our area, we will employ two personal air filters in our luxury touring vehicle, offer face masks and follow NPS guidelines.

Question 6

How fit do I need to be for my Yellowstone tour?

Accepted Answer

We will customize your day to your group's interests and abilities. Yellowstone averages 5200 feet to over 10,000 feet (1500 meters to over 3000 meters) in altitude, and can take some getting used to. We are in an arid environment, and you may need more water than normal. Drink lots of water and get rest in advance of your trip. Some of our experiences are road-based and low impact (maybe a short walk to a better wildlife viewing area, or a thermal area boardwalk). We will scale it up for those seeking deeper immersion in Yellowstone's wilderness.

Question 7

What if I need to cancel my Yellowstone tour?

Accepted Answer

We understand life happens. We also appreciate you knowing we work hard to be able to provide top-quality, personalized Yellowstone tours.

Your payment is refundable up to 30 days from your reserved date, minus a $50 booking fee.
We will refund 50% of your payment from 15-29 days, minus a $50 booking fee.
Your payment is non-refundable within 14 days of your trip.
Please call 406-223-5967 or email info@yellowstone.education as soon as you know your plans are changing. We can often work with you if we're able to re-book days, however we recommend traveler's insurance for situations when we cannot accommodate a cancellation.

We are adept at pivoting when roads or routes close due to unforeseeable circumstances, mostly weather related, but could include wildlife-related closures, construction delays, or emergency actions on the part of local law enforcement. We will plan on adjusting our day, and continuing with the tour in the event of closures, and discuss on a case-by-case basis. We recommend travel insurance for your family or group. We know coming to Yellowstone is an investment, and want to serve you the best we can within the parameters of being in an enormous wilderness area.

Question 8

What are the rates for my Yellowstone Tour?

Accepted Answer

Meeting at or near our home base in Gardiner, MT or Mammoth Hot Springs WY,  our base rates are:
	  1 person $750 
	  2 people $800 
	  3 people $850 
	  4 people $900
	  5 people $950
	  6 people $1000
	
For the Total Yellowstone Tour, which includes Yellowstone's Grand Loop, add-on $150.
If meeting at Tower Junction, Canyon Village (after Memorial Day to mid-October), or Norris Junction, add-on $125.
If meeting at Madison Junction or Lake Yellowstone Hotel, add-on $150.
Inquire about other meeting locations. 
Please inquire for multi-day trips, Custom Educational Experiences, Virtual Tours, Webinars, and any other questions by emailing info@yellowstone.education, or calling 406-223-5967.

Walking Shadow Ecology
Tours of Yellowstone

Frequently Asked Questions