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The timing of this spring trip is ideal.  Wolves are out searching for prey for their young pups and grizzlies are visible foraging in the meadows and valleys like no other time of the year.  Newborn elk calves are hiding in the grass and sage while young bison calves are kicking and bucking as they follow the herds. This burst of new life is all around!

On a typical trip we see many wolves from several packs and dozens of grizzlies.  We have witnessed amazing behavior, too, including both grizzlies and wolves chasing their prey.  Being a resident of the Yellowstone area for nearly his entire life, Nathan specializes in the out-of-the-way places that few visitors get to enjoy.  Short walks will put us into amazingly scenic spots that abound with wildlife or colorful hot springs.  Don’t miss this opportunity to watch wolves on the move as the sun sets, grizzly bears bird-dogging through the sage hunting for elk calves, vast herds of bison stampeding across open valleys, and bighorn sheep walking precariously along narrow cliff walls.  While we may emphasize the “charismatic megafauna,” we don’t ignore the “enigmatic microfauna” either.  We will also look for birds of all sizes and color, and small carnivores like otters, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and weasels.

We base our trip at Gardiner, Montana, our hometown and the north entrance to Yellowstone Park--ideal for access to prime wolf and bear viewing areas.  Also, many of the locations that have made Yellowstone world famous, including the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Old Faithful Geyser are a day's journey away.  Read the detailed schedule below:

Yellowstone Spring Wolf and Bear Adventure 2008 May Schedule for reference:

May 24:  Rendezvous with THE WILD SIDE guides at Bozeman, Montana, at a pre-designated time and place in the late morning.  We will load our minibus and leave the city behind en route for the wilds of Yellowstone .  Hearty lunch will be provided on the drive.  Our first stop is in the picturesque Paradise Valley , just north of the park.  We will visit the Pine Creek overlook and talk about wildlife issues in the valley including what efforts Linda has been involved with to address wolf predation on livestock in the largely private, agricultural lands of the valley bottom.  Our destination is the Absaroka Lodge in Gardiner, Montana, where views of the Yellowstone River and its rolling green hills are crowned by stunning snow-clad mountains.  A welcome dinner will proceed an introductory talk about the wolves and bears of Yellowstone by Nathan and Linda.  Vegetarian and special diet options are available.  Overnight at the Absaroka Lodge.

May 25:  We wake early, as we often will, for a good start on our first trip to the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone.  We will tour through most of the park’s northern range where wildlife abounds in the spring, from bison to bears, from badgers to bald eagles.  We will search the Blacktail Plateau, Slough Creek, and Lamar Valley for the resident wolf packs.  Hearty picnic breakfast and lunch will be on-the-go to maximize our field time searching and observing.  In the afternoon we will visit Mt. Washburn and the fabulous Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.   At the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone we will enjoy a great hike along the south rim, marveling at the scenery while keeping watch for ospreys and peregrine falcons. A late dinner will follow at Pedalino’s restaurant in Gardiner, known for large cuts of Montana beef and savory pasta dishes with rich, tasty sauces.  Overnight at the Absaroka Lodge.

May 26:  We will leave early for a return trip to the Lamar Valley .  This area is one of the best in the park for wolves, bears and many other species.  The sheer abundance is what gives this area its well-earned nickname, “The Serengeti of North America.”  In the afternoon we will tour Yellowstone ’s famous hot-spots including short hikes by erupting geysers and colorful, burping mud pots.  We will go to Old Faithful for the timeless tradition of witnessing an eruption of the world’s most famous, and faithful, geyser.  The evening will be back at the Absaroka Lodge in Gardiner .

May 27:  A third early morning in search of wolves and bears will take us to Antelope Creek and Hayden Valley where we search the rolling hills and sweeping bends along the Yellowstone River as it makes its way through one of Yellowstone’s most lush and scenic mountain valleys.  The area is known for its high grizzly bear density and large bison herds reminiscent of the old Great Plains .  For dinner and lodging we transfer to our final inn, the rustic and charming Chico Hot Springs lodge north of Yellowstone .  We soak in the therapeutic waters of the pool prior to (and after) a gourmet banquet dinner in honor of our group at Chico’s private wine cellar.

May 28:  Following breakfast at the Chico lodge, we will transport 45 minutes to Bozeman for departures at the airport, or other nearby destinations. 

PRICE:  $1890/person, $250 single supplement

$500 deposit required to hold the spot, remainder due 60 days before the trip.

Guides: Dr. Nathan Varley & Linda Thurston, wildlife biologists

Outfitters:  A Naturalist's World, Ltd.

Group Size: 15

Deposit of $500 per person due at time of booking.

E-mail Nathan Varley or phone 406 223 2152 for information and reservations

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy:  We will provide a full refund for deposits or trip payments in all circumstances where we are able to fill your spot.  A full refund of the deposit will be given for all cancellations more than six months before the trip. For cancellations three to six months prior to departure, we will refund $250 of the initial deposit.  For cancellations less than three months before departure, the deposit is non-refundable. For cancellations one to two months prior to departure, 50% of the total trip cost will be refunded. Refunds will not be made for cancellations made less than a month prior to departure (unless, as stated above, your space on the trip can be filled). We cannot refund money for missed meals, missed portions of the trip or any other unused portions of the tour. Cancellations must be submitted in writing and are effective upon date of receipt.

Insurance:  Trip cancellation and trip health insurance is recommended.  We suggest you use CSA Travel Protection (1-800-348-9505) for trip cancellation insurance.   Trip participants must fill out a medical waiver and a liability waiver.

Health and Safety: The trip requires average physical fitness and is suitable for people of all ages. If you have health questions, consult your doctor for more information. The tour leaders must be advised in advance of any special health needs. Weather conditions can change without notice and it is the responsibility of the traveler to have proper clothing and equipment. Please contact our office for assistance in what to bring on the trip.

Responsibilities and Conditions: The Wild Side, LLC acts only in the capacity of agent in all matters of transportation and tour operation.  They are not responsible for delays, inconveniences, accidents, expense or mishap of any kind whatsoever resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of others or from causes beyond their control.  They can accept no responsibility of losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes.  All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the participant, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated.  The right is reserved to substitute accommodations or modes of transportation and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in transportation schedules.  The Wild Side, LLC take no responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by persons physically unable to participate in the planned activities.  No refund can be made for absence from the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of the booking.  The right is reserved to decline, to accept or to retain any person as a tour member for any reason which affects the operation of the tour or the rights and welfare or enjoyment of the other tour members.  The Wild Side, LLC will not discriminate against any individual because of race, sex, creed or nationality.

Canceled Trips: The Wild Side, LLC reserves the right to cancel any trip should an inadequate sign-up make the trip economically unfeasible for us to operate or should conditions arise beyond our control that adversely affect the well-being of the trip members.  In such a case, a full refund of the trip cost is given, but The Wild Side, LLC is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by members in preparing for the trip.

Wolf