JEREMY SCHMIDT

Few people know Yellowstone country better than wildlife biologist Jeremy Schmidt. He has spent more than 30 years in the area, working as a winterkeeper, park ranger, naturalist, photographer, and author. His writing includes several books for National Geographic; also articles for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. His four-season knowledge of Yellowstone will enrich your experience of this magnificent park.

Jeremy will accompany the December 28, 2005 family departure.

SANDRA NYKERK

Photographer and naturalist Sandra Nykerk has been teaching photography and leading cultural and natural history workshops for 20 years. She recently completed a research study in Yellowstone National Park, and has led numerous Yellowstone trips for National Geographic. Her photographs have been widely published and featured in galleries. Sandra lives in Gardiner, Montana, at the north entrance to Yellowstone.

Sandra will accompany the February departures.

Day 1 Bozeman/Mammoth Hot Springs
Travel from Bozeman, Montana, to Yellowstone National Park, looking for bald eagles, mule deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep en route. At Mammoth Hot Springs, settle into a historic national park lodge and stroll the steaming, colorful mineral spring terraces outlined in pure white snow.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (D)

Day 2 Mammoth Hot Springs/Lamar Valley
Head to the open, rolling meadows and wide vistas of the Lamar Valley, where wolves were first restored to Yellowstone in 1995. Using a spotting scope, search for wolves among herds of elk and bison. Wildlife biologist Doug Smith joins us to discuss the restoration of wolves to the park. Doug participated in a study, partially funded by the National Geographic Society, on the impact of this restoration.
(B,L,D)

Days 3 and 4 Lower Geyser Basin/Old Faithful
Today, travel by private snow coach into the heart of the snow-covered park and down into the caldera of Yellowstone’s massive volcano. Walk amid bubbling mud pots and steamy geysers at Lower Geyser Basin, then continue to Old Faithful, unbelievably stunning in the depth of winter. From Old Faithful, snowy trails wind through the geyser basins. Explore this dramatic landscape of erupting geysers, frozen waterfalls, and deep blue mineral pools on foot or snowshoe, or by cross-country skis. Bison, crusted in ice, stand among the pools for warmth. After dark, step outside to admire the incredible canopy of stars in one of the world’s best constellation-viewing spots.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5 Yellowstone Canyon
Leaving Old Faithful, travel north to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and walk to the rim for views of the ice arch that forms from water spray above the steep falls. Check into the renowned Chico Hot Springs Resort in Montana’s Paradise Valley and enjoy a soak in the natural hot spring pools before a festive farewell dinner.
Chico Hot Springs Resort (B,L,D)

Travelers on the December 26, 2005 family departure will stay at Buck's T-4 Lodge.

Day 6 Bozeman
Return to Bozeman for individual flights home.
(B)

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