Participate in a Ranger Program

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Ranger programs are a great way to learn more about the park and are scheduled Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

NPS / Neal Herbert

 

Important Note about 2020 Ranger Programs

Due to modified park operations for the 2020 summer season, there will not be any scheduled ranger programs. When visiting the park, please check at the local visitor center or message boards to see what activities are being offered.

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.

 

Yellowstone's Interactive Calendar

 

Printable and Sample 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

For the entire 2020 summer season, no scheduled ranger programs will be offered. When visiting the park this summer, please check locally at visitor center bulletin boards for any activities that might pop-up that day.

As an alternative, be sure to download the NPS Yellowstone app (and offline content within the app) before coming to the park. Then, you will be able to use the app to learn more about the park's magnificent natural and cultural wonders, as well as virtually take a ranger with you by using the self-guided tours option.

Fall

Programs still to be determined.

• 2019 Complete Fall Programs (667 KB PDF)

Winter

Programs are available mid-December to early- to mid-March at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and West Yellowstone.

Mammoth Programs

• Snowshoe Discovery: a guided ranger walk around the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Evening Program: a ranger program at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel that explores a natural or cultural resource topic.

West Yellowstone Programs

• Snowshoe Walk: Ranger-led walk along the Riverside Trail.
• Afternoon Talk: a ranger program at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center that explores a natural or cultural resource topic.

Old Faithful Programs

• Geysers Galore: a short program about Yellowstone's fascinating geysers presented daily before one of Old Faithful Geyser's midday erupts.
• Evening Program: an illustrated ranger program at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center that explores a natural or cultural resource topic.

 

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 Junior 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.
• Photo Skills Workshop: Join Yellowstone's park photographer, Jim Peaco, to enhance your photography skills.