What is a Public Expedition?
Ever dream of hunting dinosaurs? The Elevation Science Institute offers an exciting opportunity to work alongside scientists in the fossil-rich & rugged landscapes of southern Montana and northern Wyoming. If you are interested in an unforgettable adventure - truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience - then continue reading to find out how you can become an Expedition Crew Member!
The Elevation Science Institute's paleontologists have participated in field expeditions around the world, and while adventure is always part of the process, there's nothing quite like the Bighorn Basin - one of the best natural laboratories on the planet - for studying the history of life on Earth. The Elevation Science Institute's paleontologists have led expeditions into the Basin since 2010, building on the decades-long research projects of their predecessors and mentors.
What will you be excavating?
It’s always great when we know ahead of time exactly what we’ll be working on. That’s the case for the 2023 Field Expedition, and that’s because all of the previous field seasons were so productive.
The Morrison Formation is world famous for holding the remains of many of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth, as well as many of the most iconic dinosaurs! Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus . . . these, and many others, are the dinosaurs we’re uncovering every day in the field. Last season we continued excavations in multiple quarries and bone beds, but completed operations in only one of them! The rest of those skeletons are waiting for our return and will keep us busy for the next few years!
Each of these specimens are preserved in continental rocks from the Jurassic Period (~150 million years ago). They’re preserved with the remains of many other lifeforms - all important pieces of the larger puzzle that we’re trying to assemble. Comparatively little is known about the Morrison or its fossil treasures this far north, though, and that’s where we come in!
What will you learn and potentially find?
You don’t have to be an expert to learn and contribute to the Expedition. Through engaging evening lessons and fully hands-on field work, we will teach you everything you need to know to find, identify, and excavate dinosaur and other fossil remains. Within the first few minutes on your first day in the field, you’ll develop an eye for fossils, and you’ll begin to see dinosaur bones everywhere!
We focus on the famously fossil-rich late Jurassic Morrison Formation (~150 million years old). This ancient ecosystem was home to dozens of dinosaurs you may remember from your childhood - Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. But it was also home to many others you likely haven’t heard of, like Suuwassea, Galeomopus, and Hesperosaurus, and Hesperornithoides. We’re hunting each of these dinosaurs, along with other clues to their ecosystem, including crocodiles, turtles, fish, amphibians, and plants.
Fees for the 2024 Field Expedition
$2,450/person/week which includes:
You don't have to spend a dime once you get yourself to Montana!
Requirements to Participate
Expedition Crew Members must:
Be at least 12 years of age (minors 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian also participating in the same Full Week Expedition).
Be at least 8 years of age for Daily Expeditions (with minors accompanied by a parent/guardian also participating in the same Daily Expedition).
Be in good physical condition.
Provide proof of medical insurance.
Daily activities likely will include strenuous tasks on loose, steep terrain, in high temperatures, and in intense summer sun. Please consult your physician if there is any question regarding your level of fitness and successfully accomplishing these tasks.
For the safety of the entire team, Elevation Science staff reserves the right to refuse to allow Expedition participants to go to certain sites if we believe they cannot safely traverse the terrain.
Do you have a companion that isn’t interested in joining the excavation?
We offer just a few spots each week in camp for those who want to enjoy the peace and serenity of camp, or explore the region on their own, but aren't interested in joining the expedition. Be sure to see the "Non-Digging Spots" option for details. (Please note: This is not an option for guardians of participating minors.)
Payment Schedule
Elevation Science Institute now offers a monthly payment plan! See details here. If you prefer, you may also pay in full at time of booking. Participant fees for the 2024 Field Season must be paid in full by May 15, 2024.
*Cancellations before May 1, 2024 are eligible for a full refund less $100 administrative fee.
2024 Field Expedition Availability
UPDATED: April 14, 2024 (88% FULL!!!)
The weekly availability information presented below will be updated frequently. However, it may not be 100% accurate, as new registrations occur all the time. Please contact us if you would like to confirm availability.
WEEK DATES NUMBER OF 2024 CREW MEMBER (ECM) SPOTS AVAILABLE
1 June 23 - 29 0 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
2 June 30 - 6 0 of 7 spots available (You will be joining ~20 ERTH 491 students)
3 July 7 - 13 0 of 7 spots available (You will be joining ~20 ERTH 491 students)
4 July 14 - 20 0 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
5 July 21 - 27 8 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
6 July 28 - Aug. 3 12 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
7 August 4 - 10 4 of 11 Expedition Crew Members spots available
**PLEASE NOTE**
Every year there are cancellations, and we fully anticipate that to be the case this spring. We also occasionally make extra spots available as our summer logistics allow. If you would like to join us but your preferred week is full, please email us at jschein(at)ElevationScience.org to be placed on a waiting list. We will email you as soon as a spot becomes available!
Note: Visitors Must Adhere to Federal Law
There are very strict rules governing the collection of fossils from the public lands where we work. These rules MUST be adhered to – revocation of our collecting permits, or even prosecution, may result if these rules are violated. There will be many opportunities to collect non-vertebrate fossils for your personal collection. Since this is a research project first and foremost though, all materials collected for personal use must be approved by Elevation Science Institute Expedition staff.
Week Itinerary
The following is a general daily itinerary for a full week expedition. The schedule each day and week is highly flexible, dependent on a number of factors, and subject to change upon short notice.
Day 1 (Sunday)
Arrive in Billings/Red Lodge, MT.
If flying, a staff member will collect you as a group and drive you to the base camp.
If you are driving, please plan to arrive in camp no later than 3 pm.
Following dinner, there will be an orientation in one of the classrooms giving a basic summary of camp and field safety protocols, local history, etc.
Day 2 - 6
Every morning after breakfast: Depart Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association (YBRA) no later than 7:45 am and head out to our field sites
Throughout the week, we will be orienting you to the local geology, paleontology, and geography throughout the Bighorn Basin. By the end of this week, you will be familiar with the landscape that existed in this area 150 - 50 million years ago, including its inhabitants. And, of course, you will have personally collected dozens of dinosaur and other fossils for the Elevation Science Institute’s research and education programs.
Field Sites:
“Andersen Area” - Monday, Tuesday, & (maybe) Wednesday
Mother’s Day Site - (maybe) Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday
Monday:
Exploring & Excavating at the Andersen Area
Evening Class: After dinner, we will be hosting lessons on local geology, paleontology, anatomy, fossil preparation, etc.
Tuesday
Exploring & Excavating at the Andersen Area
Evening Class: After dinner, we will be hosting lessons on local geology, paleontology, anatomy, fossil preparation, etc.
Wednesday
Excavating at the Mother’s Day Site
Wednesday evening (weather permitting): Beartooth Highway! After dinner, we’ll take a scenic drive to the top of the Beartooth Pass - 11,000 feet in elevation. Dress warm!
Thursday
Excavating at the Mother’s Day Site
Evening Class: After dinner, we will be hosting lessons on local geology, paleontology, anatomy, fossil preparation, etc.
Friday
Exploring & Excavating at the Andersen Area
Friday evening (after dinner): You will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous pig races at the historic Bear Creek Saloon. You can also eat at their famous steakhouse!
Day 7 ( Saturday)
Departure
After breakfast, we will transport you to the Billings airport, if needed. Please schedule your flight home for a late morning to mid-afternoon departure so that no one is rushed for time. If your only departure option requires you to leave early Saturday morning, you may have to stay in a hotel room in Billings Friday night.
Accommodations
Expedition Crew Members will stay at the Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association (YBRA) just south of Red Lodge, Montana.
First built in the 1930's, YBRA is a comfortable facility with cabins, showers, home-style cooking, spectacular views, and incredible sunsets almost every night! Camp is located on the edge of the front range of the Beartooth Mountains overlooking Red Lodge. Pets are not allowed.
What happens to the fossils we collect?
All of the fossils are delivered to the Cincinnati Museum Center, where our fossil prep staff and volunteers remove the fossil from the jackets, clean them, make any necessary repairs, and prepare them for study by our scientists. This process can be time consuming, especially when we commonly collect 2.5 TONS of material each summer or more! CMC is also our official repository, which means that all of the vertebrate and scientifically important plant and invertebrate fossils collected by Elevation Science Institute will be housed there permanently. We're extremely proud to be working with this internationally recognized and world-renowned institution!
Note: Visitors Must Adhere to Federal Law
There are very strict rules governing the collection of fossils from the public lands where we work. These rules MUST be adhered to – revocation of our collecting permits, or even prosecution, may result if these rules are violated. There will be many opportunities to collect non-vertebrate fossils for your personal collection. Since this is a research project first and foremost though, all materials collected for personal use must be approved by Elevation Science Institute Expedition staff.
Am I just going to be digging?
Our expeditions are so much more than just a paleontology or dinosaur dig! You will learn how to find and excavate huge Jurassic dinosaurs, dinosaur anatomy, geology of the area, regional natural and cultural history, and so much more. You will also be contributing to our decades old and ongoing paleontology research projects. Along with your fellow participants, you will actively put what you learn to the test to uncover exciting and scientifically-important specimens!
2025 Field Expedition Availability
UPDATED: April 11, 2024 (5% FULL already!!!)
The weekly availability information presented below will be updated frequently. However, it may not be 100% accurate, as new registrations occur all the time. Please contact us if you would like to confirm availability.
WEEK DATES NUMBER OF 2025 CREW MEMBER (ECM) SPOTS AVAILABLE
1 June 29 - July 5 ERTH491 Students Only
2 July 6 - 12 ERTH491 Students Only
3 July 13 - 19 22 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
4 July 20 - 26 Reserved for Repeat Crew Members (Inquire for details)
5 July 27 - Aug. 2 21 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
6 Aug. 3 - 9 21 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
7 Aug. 10 - 16 22 of 22 Expedition Crew Members spots available
***Cancellations before May 1, 2025 are eligible for a full refund less $125 administrative fee plus the credit card transaction fees, per registration.
**PLEASE NOTE**
If you are not yet sure which week(s) will work best, you can select ‘TBD’ on the registration form. You are always welcome to change week(s), without penalty, as long as there is availability.
Ready to Sign Up?
COVID and Assumption of Risk
Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit to our facilities or participation in our programs. The CDC advises that older adults, people who are unvaccinated for COVID-19, and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from Coronavirus. All attendees should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to participate in Elevation Science programming or events. By attending or participating in a Elevation Science program or event, you acknowledge and agree that you assume these inherent risks for yourself and your child(ren).