Our field season typically runs from the end of June - mid August. A number of factors - most importly, the weather - preclude us from field work outside of that time frame.

• AGE: Must be at least 8 years of age. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• TRANSPORTATION: You are required to drive your own vehicle to our field sites. 4-wheel drive vehicles are not usually required to access our field locations, but higher clearance vehicles such as SUVs are highly recommended. We also recommend that you carry at least one can of Fix-A-Flat or similar product.

• FOOD & WATER: You are required to bring your own water and lunch. You are free to eat lunch whenever you prefer.

• FOOTWEAR: Appropriate, closed-toe footwear. Stepping on a cactus in crocs is not enjoyable.

• SUN PROTECTION: Bring plenty of sunblock and a hat.

• You are responsible for your own Lodging
  Depending on availability, lodging at our base camp at the Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association may be possible for a fee of $150/person/night. This fee includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cabin availability may not be known until May 2023. Please contact us for details.

8 am: We will meet you at a pre-arranged location in Red Lodge, Montana on the morning(s) of your visit. We will leave for the field absolutely no later than 8:10am - NO EXCEPTIONS.

Depending on the site we are visiting that day, the commute may be between 45 and 70 minutes each way.

We work until as late as 4pm, although the weather sometimes drives us out of the field earlier than that*.

*Weather

The health and safety of our crew and participants are our first concern.  Weather is the the primary factor determining when we leave the field sites in the afternoon, and also happens to be extremely difficult to predict in this region. Storms or even rain can be quite dangerous in these areas, and even hazardous for vehicle travel. We must evacuate if there is a significant chance of rain. Excessive heat also often limits the amount of time we can spend in the field.  

• *Reimbursements of 50% will be provided only if weather forces us to evacuate the field before 12 noon.

2026 Single Day Expedition Fees

Regular Expedition Visitors: $200/person/day

Nonprofit: $50/person/day Available to:

• Student groups, including courses

• Individual or groups of actively teaching educators

• Museums and nonprofit groups dedicated to nature, science, and education

• must be affiliated with a registered nonprofit 501c3 organization

Nightly Stays at YBRA: $155/person/day

• Very limited availability. Must be approved by Elevation Science Institute staff prior to purchase.

• A stay at camp is not at all required - just offered to those who might want it.

Refunds and Cancellations:

• Refunds are available until April 1, 2026, and will be for the purchase price minus credit card transaction fees plus a $100 administrative fee.

• Refunds cannot be made after April, but the paid fees instead can be converted to a donation to the Elevation Science Institute.

• If your travel plans change, please email JSchein(at)ElevationScience.org