The Wolf Within:
A Yellowstone Self-Discovery Retreat
Date: April 18-23, 2027
Location: Arrive/Depart from Bozeman, MT
THE WOLF WITHIN FAQ
How is The Wolf Within retreat different from other retreats and tours?
Visiting Yellowstone National Park is always an incredible experience! The variety of animals, wildflowers, and the thermal features can keep you entranced for days. However, The Wolf Within retreat takes that experience and turns it into an embrace of your own inner nature and learning powerful lessons from Mother Nature. Every moment of the retreat has been carefully designed to help you connect with your inner-knowing and rediscover the joy you were born to experience.
Will we be tracking wolves on foot?
While we will be learning the basics of animal tracking, we will not be hiking in the back country to track down a wolf. Yellowstone wildlife can be unpredictable. It is imperative to maintain a safe distance to avoid any unwanted and dangerous encounters. That said, we will be visiting areas in the park that Yellowstone wolves frequent and arriving early in the morning when they are most active to increase the probability of seeing them in action.
Is a National Parks Pass required to enter Yellowstone National Park?
Yes, you must have a National Parks Pass to enter Yellowstone National Park. If you do not already have an Annual National Parks Pass, you may purchase either a seven day pass or annual pass online. You must show proof of purchase and a matching photo ID, such as a Driver's License, to your Yellowstone guide prior to boarding the transport vehicle from Bozeman, MT to Gardiner, MT. National Parks Passes can be purchased here.
How does Walking Shadow Ecology handle Yellowstone safety?
Safety is taken very seriously but there are inherent risks in Yellowstone National Park. Our Yellowstone guides are certified as Wilderness First Responders or in Wilderness First Aid, and carry a first aid kit. They carry bear spray and radios connected to networks within the park that enable them to call for help if out of cell phone range.
Click here to learn more about how Walking Shadow Ecology Tours of Yellowstone handles safety in the park.
What will the weather be like?
Yellowstone weather can be highly variable. During the month of April, the average high is 43°F to 49°F and the average low is 18°F to 26°F. Snow, ice, rain, mud, and sun are all possible. We recommend bringing a variety of layers and different types of clothing, including gloves, scarf, and hat. You will be outside a good portion of the day.
What kind of clothes and shoes should I pack?
The weather will be somewhat unpredictable this time of year. We will be spending most of our time outdoors so bringing clothing that can be layered to adjust according to varying temperatures and conditions is a must.
Here are some things to include when you pack: long pants, a variety of long and short sleeve outdoor shirts, sweaters and sweatshirts, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, gloves, scarf, warm hat, windbreaker, warm fleece, down jacket or other suitable outdoor coat, and sturdy walking/hiking shoes with several pairs of socks. A more comprehensive packing list will be provided closer to the time of the event.
Keep in mind that luggage transportation space to and from the airport is limited. Try to keep your baggage limited to one suitcase and one personal item, such as a backpack.
How fit do I need to be?
Some of the experiences will be road-based and low impact while others will require moderate hiking and/or walking each day. Expect to walk 1-2 miles each day. Bring sturdy, warm shoes with good traction. Yellowstone averages 5200 to over 10,000 feet in altitude. It is an arid environment and staying on top of hydration is critical for your well-being.
Will there be cell phone reception?
Cell phone service can be spotty in the park. Verizon mobile gets the best coverage. However, we recommend taking the opportunity to disconnect from technology and connecting with your inner self and the beauty of Yellowstone. We encourage you to use your phones to capture the sites along the way.
Can someone who is not participating on the retreat room with me?
Only retreat participants are allowed to stay in the rooms dedicated to the retreat. Our our program will include activities throughout the days and evenings leaving little time to spend with someone who is not on retreat. In addition, the activities, meals, and facilities utilized for the retreat are not available to anyone who is not on retreat.
Can I arrive early or extend my stay?
It is not recommended to arrive early, the logistics of completing the mandatory orientation and safety training in Bozeman on our first morning make an early arrival difficult.
You may extend your stay if space is available. You will be responsible for any charges outside of the retreat dates. If you wish to extend your stay at the Ridgeline Hotel in Gardiner, MT beyond the end of the retreat, you may contact the hotel front desk at 460-848-4160 to check availability and rates.
