What is an Elevation Science Expedition?
Ever dream of hunting dinosaurs? 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, then you have come to the right place!
Elevation Science's paleontologists have participated in field expeditions around the world, and they all agree, 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.
Are you ready to join the adventure?
What will you be excavating?
Our research focuses on uncovering the mysteries of the famously fossil-rich late Jurassic Morrison Formation (~150 million years old). This ancient ecosystem was home to dozens of dinosaurs you may already know - 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.
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, and that’s what makes this work so exciting and important.
What will you learn and find?
When you leave an Elevation Science expedition, you will not simply have seen science in action—you will have done the work yourself, gained skills used by professional scientists, and truly become a part of the discovery.
Through hands-on field work and engaging evening lessons, we will teach you everything you need to know to find, identify, and excavate dinosaur and other fossil remains.
In the field, you will work side-by-side with our paleontologists, learning professional excavation and stabilization techniques, and proper data collection along the way. You’ll deepen your understanding of geology, ancient ecosystems, and dinosaur anatomy, while using scientific tools and field protocols to excavate fossil remains. You’ll practice important problem-solving and communication skills.
Fees for the 2026 Field Expedition
$2,600/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 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.
*Cancellations before April 1, 2026 are eligible for a full refund less $100 administrative fee plus credit card transaction fees.
2026 Field Expedition Availability
UPDATED: August 8, 2025 (2% 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 SPOTS AVAILABLE
1 June 28 - July 4 20 of 21 Expedition Crew Members spots available
2 June 5 - 11 ERTH 491 Students ONLY
3 July 12 - 18 ERTH 491 Students ONLY
4 July 19 - 25 Reserved for Private Group
5 July 26 - Aug. 2 21 of 21 Expedition Crew Members spots available
6 August 2 - 8 21 of 21 Expedition Crew Members spots available
7 August 9 - 15 21 of 21 Expedition Crew Members spots available
**PLEASE NOTE**
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!
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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
Exploring & Excavating at the Andersen Area
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
Excavating at the Mother’s Day Site
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.
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Expedition Participants 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.Learn more at YBRA’s website
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Visitors Must Adhere to Federal Law
This is a research project first and foremost. Please only join with the intent of contributing to the scientific research goals of Elevation Science.
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.
You WILL NOT be allowed to collect and keep vertebrate fossils. There may be opportunities to collect non-vertebrate fossils for your personal collection, but you must have permission from Elevation Science Institute staff.
We do not allow the collection of any material for the purpose of selling under any conditions.
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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 3 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!
