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Ranger Programs

Ranger program at West Thumb Geyser Basin.

NPS/Janine Waller

 

One of the best ways to experience a national park is participating in a ranger program. Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of ranger programs throughout the park, and throughout the year. Check the calendar for specific program details.

 

 

Printable Schedules

Yellowstone's in-park ranger programs vary each season.

Spring

The spring season is a transitional period for the park, so no ranger programs are scheduled during this time.

Summer

Programs are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

• 2018 Complete Summer Programs (669 KB PDF)
• 2018 Yellowstone Wildlife Olympics & Stars Over Yellowstone (1,606 KB PDF)
• 2018 Canyon Village Programs (58 KB PDF)
• 2018 Fishing Bridge, Lake Village, & Bridge Bay Programs (62 KB PDF)
• 2018 Grant Village & West Thumb Programs (196 KB PDF)
• 2018 Old Faithful Programs (86 KB PDF)
• 2018 Madison & West Yellowstone Programs (62 KB PDF)
• 2018 Mammoth, Tower Fall, & Indian Creek Campground Programs (56 KB PDF)
• 2018 Norris Programs (166 KB PDF)

Fall

Programs are available Labor Day through the end of September. The 2018 schedule will be out in late summer. Until then, the 2017 program schedule gives an idea of the types of programs likely to be offered.

• 2017 Complete Fall Programs (320 kb PDF)

Winter

Programs are available December to March at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and West Yellowstone. The 2016-17 program schedule gives an idea of the types of programs likely to be offered.

• 2016-17 Complete Winter Programs (70 kb PDF)

 

Program Types

Talks

Experience a National Park Service tradition and join a ranger for a presentation exploring one of the many fascinating stories of Yellowstone National Park. Examples of ranger presentations include:

• Experience Wildlife in Yellowstone: Learn where to find wildlife in the park and experience them safely.
• Evening Program: Explore Yellowstone's natural and cultural history while enjoying a campfire outside.
• Gazing into the Abyss: Discover the secrets of Abyss Hot Spring, West Thumb Geyser Basin.
• Canyon Talks at Artist Point: Discover why artists continue to be drawn to this special place, Artist Point on South Rim Drive, Canyon area.

Tours

Explore a bit of Yellowstone with a ranger via a hike, walk, boat cruise, or citizen science program and gain a greater appreciation for this amazing place. Examples of ranger tours include:

• Mud Volcano Ramble: Find out what mudpots and hot springs reveal about Yellowstone's past and future, Mud Volcano.
• Lake SceniCruise: Join a ranger of a boat tour of Yellowstone Lake (fee program, reservations required), Bridge Bay.
• Hot Springs Terraces Walk: Meander around Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Geyser Hill Walk: Learn about relationships between Yellowstone's volcanic history and hydrothermal features, Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

Junior Ranger Activities

These programs are designed for kids and are a great way to immerse yourself in Yellowstone's stories. Examples of these activities include:

• Wildlife Olympics: Test your skills and compare your abilities to animals in Yellowstone.
• Junior Ranger Discovery Program: Investigate the many curiosities of Yellowstone, Grant Visitor Center.
• Junior Ranger Activity Site: Learn about Yellowstone's wonderful wildlife, geysers, history, and much more, Old Faithful Junioir Ranger Activity Site (near the Old Faithful yurts, east of the Visitor Education Center).

Arts in the Park

The National Park Service and Yellowstone Forever offer a variety of art and photography activities. These hands-on programs are designed to inspire new and creative ways of enjoying the beauty and wonder of Yellowstone.

• Pop-up Art Studio: Create your own art inspired by your surroundings, with artists and park staff ready to assist you.
• Pop-up Photo Workshop: Join Yellowstone's park photographer to enhance your photography skills.