Visit Yellowstone in autumn with THE WILD SIDE to behold the wonder of fall in the nation’s first national park.  The golden leaves of aspen and cottonwood shimmer on the landscape but once a year—the late weeks of September and early October.  Crisp, frosty mornings give way to some of the most glorious days of the year with deep blue skies and sunny warm weather.  It rarely rains and the bugs of summer are gone!  This is an ideal time for wolf and wildlife viewing in Yellowstone.

The elk rut is at its peak--bellowing bugles echo from the hills as huge bulls busy themselves fighting off their rivals and herding large harems of cows.  Amid this annual spectacle, the wolf is ever present following the herds.

After the tourist hordes of summer have faded, we embark on a 6-day, 5-night adventure through Yellowstone’s richest wildlife habitats.  We search among the territories of 5+ wolf packs for excellent, extended opportunities viewing wild wolves in their element.  We will spend most mornings and some evenings viewing in prime habitats, seeing a multitude of other wildlife species like moose, bison, pronghorn, bighorn, mountain goat and more.  In the mid-day we explore the famous locations of Yellowstone while  touring throughout the park.  We will enjoy short (1-3 miles) day hikes to wilderness areas, meet and visit with local naturalists, and relax with exceptional dining and comfortable lodging.  Don’t miss this chance for a memorable wildlife viewing trip while basking in the glorious autumn weather and scenery!

Itinerary:

Day 1  Meet at NOON in Bozeman for transport to Gardiner, Montana, enjoying the scenery of Paradise Valley.  Entry into the park will be at the historic Roosevelt Arch followed by a picnic dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs where elk congregate during the breeding season.  Evening viewing of elk, and "the rut," wherein bull elk exhibit their dramatic courtship and guarding behavior.  Lodging will be in Gardiner, Montana, at the Absaroka Lodge with modern amenities including wifi and tv, as well as, a balcony for every room overlooking the Yellowstone River.

Day 2  We rise early for our best chances for wildlife sightings, and tour along the famous northern range of Yellowstone to Lamar Valley.  We will transect roughly 5 wolf pack territories on this route, and so will stop frequently to look and observe lots of wildlife.  We’ll have lunch at the tiny mountain town of Cooke City nestled into the stunning Absaroka Mountains.  At the Gallery of our friend, renowned naturalist and wildlife photographer Dan Hartman, we will see amazing wildlife photography and hear Dan's many stories of exploring the woods for his craft.  Dinner in the evening will be served by our chef Zac Kellerman of Zac's Montana Kitchen, who will do each of our dinners for the mid-week.

Day 3  Again we will rise early for a return trip to the Lamar for another search for wolves, bears, and other wildlife on the northern range.  This area is exceptional for wildlife, so one morning is just not enough! The afternoon will feature a short hike into gorgeous country in the Lamar Valley area.  Our route turns south from Lamar to the wildlife rich areas of Antelope Creek and Mount Washburn.  In the afternoon we will visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its spectacular views, a must-see for any visit to Yellowstone, prior to completing the park's "upper loop" back to Gardiner for dinner with chef Zac.

Day 4  Starting with wildlife sightings at dawn at the Gardner's Hole and Swan Lake Flats, we procede south into the interior of the park to view many of the wonders that have made Yellowstone famous.  Our route will be along the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers past many great hot springs, geysers, and bison herds to famous Old Faithful Geyser where the spouting torrents, deep blue hot pools, and burping mud pots will amaze and thrill.

Day 5  We will tour the scenic wilderness setting en route to Hayden Valley for search and observation time in one of Yellowstone’s most scenic wildlife viewing areas.  Huge herds of bison still thunder over open grasslands in Hayden’s vast expanses where wolves, elk, and grizzlies roam.  After lunch, we depart Yellowstone for our final destination, historic Chico Hot Springs resort lodge nestled in the foothills of Montana's gorgeous countryside.  Our final night features a tradition on The Wild Side trips:  gourmet cuisine in the exclusive wine cellar dining room (minimum 8 guests required).  You will also have the opportunity for a refreshing soak in the natural mineral hot pool before a restful stay at the cozy inn.

Day 6 After a hearty breakfast buffet at Chico Hot Springs, we will transport back to Bozeman for airline departures no earlier than 11:00 AM.

THE AUTUMN WOLF AND ELK ADVENTURE,  Details:

OCTOBER 1-6, 2012

HOSTS:  The Wild Side's founders, wildlife biologists Nathan Varley and Linda Thurston.

NPS CUA Outfitters:  THE WILD SIDE, LLC, and A Naturalist’s World, LTD.

Group size:  6-15 guests

Price:  $2180 per person based on double occupancy, $200 supplement for singles requesting private room 

Price includes all transportation to/from Bozeman airport (BZN), lodging, meals, spotting scopes, and guide services.

Reservations: Email or phone Nathan at 406 223 2152

$500 deposit due at time of booking, payable by check, remainder due 30 days prior to trip.  See policies.