A Backstage Pass to YellowstoneWildlife Expeditions Takes People “Behind the Scenes” at Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons
by Eliza CastanedaRick and Helen Werner of Clinton, New York, feel like they experienced a side of Yellowstone National Park that most visitors never see. They signed up for Wildlife Expeditions’ Great Parks Expedition, a four-day trip that took them on a fantastic exploration of the area’s natural wonders and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Their adventure began when one of Wildlife Expeditions’ engaging biologist/guides, Paul Brown, picked up the Werners and another couple in Jackson Hole and drove them into Grand Teton National Park. As Brown guided the custom safari vehicle along the winding mountain roads, he pointed out the area’s varied wildlife habitats and beautiful mountain scenery and talked to them about the history of the area. Next, Paul drove the group to Yellowstone National Park where they experienced the park’s famous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Rick commented that, although the well-known attractions were spectacular, “the animals were even better.” Using the spotting scopes and binoculars that Paul provided, the Werners were thrilled to watch a pack of wolves trailing along a ridge at twilight. Throughout the four days they saw both grizzly and brown bears, moose, bison, elk, deer, eagles, osprey, cranes and numerous other animals. “For me, one of the highlights of the trip was coming upon an elk calf that had just been born.” Rick says, adding, “Paul knew exactly where to take us to see the wildlife.” The trip included guided tours through Mammoth Hot Springs, the Lamar Valley, and Hayden Valley -- often called the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone -- and culminated with a drive along the spectacular western shore of Yellowstone Lake. The Werners appreciated the fact that someone else did the driving, allowing them to see the scenery and wildlife instead of constantly watching the road. At night, the group stayed at several comfortable hotels in the area. “Some of the hotels were more rustic than others, but we always slept really well at night,” Rick says. “Paul also chose some great local restaurants for us to try throughout the trip. Helen and I found the staff at Wildlife Expeditions wonderful to deal with on the phone, and they even helped us find accommodations so we could extend our trip in Wyoming after the expedition.” Wildlife Expeditions is a division of the Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Teton Science Schools’ mission provides and encourages experiential education in natural science and ecology while fostering an appreciation for conservation ethics and practices. The Greater Yellowstone region preserves and nurtures a variety of wildlife species and serves as the school’s outdoor classroom and model for year-round programs. The trips are designed to maximize the wildlife experience while minimizing environmental impacts. Four-day Great Parks Expedition trips are available June through September and the package includes hotel accommodations for four nights, meals, snacks and beverages, all gratuities, round-trip transportation from Jackson in a custom-built safari vehicle, use of optics, and all entrance fees, and the expertise of a biologist/guide. For a complete itinerary or additional information, contact: Wildlife Expeditions |
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