We Work and We Play
In Yellowstone National Park
Living in Yellowstone gives us the advantage of having the world's first national park as our backyard.
The Main Attraction
Yellowstone National Park is located on one of the world's Super-Volcanoes. Yes, it is awesome!
The good news is that, contrary to popular movies that make it look that way, Yellowstone is not due for a cataclismic explosion for about 15,000 more years. So, your summer here should be safe from earth-ending worry.
Geo-thermal features abound around the park, with hot water geysers, colorful hot springs, bubbling (and smelly) mud pots and hot steam vents constantly active and changing.
Hosting 2/3 of the world's active thermal features, our vibrant ecosystem attracts millions of visitors each summer.
As an employee in Yellowstone, we get to live in World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve and a Designated Wilderness Area, all wrapped up in the 2.2 million acres sometimes known as "Wonderland."
Really, it's a place that most people wait a lifetime to spend a few days in. We spend entire summers here.
Wildlife Watching
Yellowstone is home to the most abundant population of wild species in the lower 48-states. The park is home to the only undomesticated herd of bison (Yes, we call them buffalo, too) left in the country, as well as elk, black and grizzly bear, wolves, coyotes, fox, big horn sheep, otters and the occasional mountain lion, lynx and badger.
Finding Them is Half the Fun
Get in the car with a packed lunch (available in the EDR when you are out in the park for the day) and a camera. Then go on a search for your favorite creatures. Scouting wildlife is such a popular activity that we often run into "bear jams" or "wolf jams" that occur when everyone pulls the car over to observe our wild residents in action.
When stopped to get that award-winning picture, be sure to keep a proper distance from any wildlife and obey any directions a wildlife ranger announces while you observe.
Be sure to take the proper gear and clothing for that day's weather and don't forget water or another non-caffinated beverage. Our high-altitude living means lots and lots of water, especially on a hot summer day.
Need Some Peace, Quiet and a Little Exercise?
Yellowstone has 1,100 miles of hiking trails, located all around the Grand Loop road and near every village.
Before you say, "I can't hike, I'm Just Not in Shape."
You should know that there is a trail for you.
Front country trails, or boardwalks, offer easy access to some of our most popular natural attractions.
You can get close to hot thermal features, see mountainous vistas and learn about natural and human history in the park just by parking the car and strolling around for a while.
For the Hiking Enthusiast
You've come to the right place. Back country trails run throughout the park. Trails vary in length from one mile all the way to 20-mile overnight hikes across mountain ranges. You choose the length, elevation gain and scenery, then get out there and do it.
There are many guidebooks that hold the secrets to great hiking trails around the park. Or, visit the NPS Visitor Center for advice and information about the trails based in your village.
Of course, some of the best kept secrets are shared by your fellow employees who have been here for years and can give you great suggestions about where to go and what to look for. Long-time employees are here because we love this place and want to share Yellowstone knowledge with you.
Remember to play safe. Yellowstone is a designated wilderness area and with all those back country miles comes a little risk.
Three Basics of Hiking
- Never hike alone. Taking a hiking buddy allows for someone to go for help if you hurt yourself along the way. Talking keeps your voice heard on the trail, greatly reducing the chances of a surprise encounter with one of our wild residents.
- Take plenty of water (you'll dehydrate quickly). and high-protien snacks, along with a warm layer of clothing and a light source if you are going any distance. Just in case you spend an unplanned night outside.
- Tell someone where you are hiking. Anytime you leave your village, or location, tell someone where you are going. It can be a coworker, your supervisor, your roommate or anyone you know on location. The region is vast and someone needs to know where you're headed.
Even More Awaits You
Camping
We have "front country" camping for those of you who want to car camp or just be near the facilities and other humans. For the overnight hiker there are dozens of "back country" campsites that you can reserve on many of our longer trails. Still so close, but with all the adventure of total wilderness time.
Tours of Yellowstone
Xanterra Interpretive Tour Guides host numerous tours that originate from most villages in the park. You are invited to participate in one of our scenic bus, vintage tour car or tour van trips that range from just a half-hour to an all-day excursion around Yellowstone and beyond.
Even better, you may join one of the scheduled tours at no cost. Tours guides are entertaining, informative and make your time worth while. They know more about Yellowstone than the average bear, and welcome anyone who wants to learn more about Yellowstone.
Some rules about participating as an employee apply, so be sure to visit the front desk of your location's hotel or lodge to get the tour schedule and find out how employees get to ride for free.
Yellowstone Degree Program
While you're out having a great time touring, hiking, attending NPS programs about the area and absorbing all there is to know about Yellowstone, get some credit for learning.
Join the Yellowstone Degree Program and you can earn learning credits for a big range of approved activities, most of which you are going to do anyway.
Build up credits and earn one of three Yellowstone Degrees, along with designations for Location Knowledge and some specialties.
All those credits earn you a certificate, a uniform pin and a pretty nice gift. Credits never expire, so you can return year after year and keep working at it (as long as the program exists) at your own pace.
GO | LEARN | YELLOWSTONE®
Employee Co-op Recreation Program
All locations have access to the Employee Co-op Recreation Program. Most locations have an employee recreation hall, which typically houses facilities for sports (basketball, volleyball, table tennis), along with weight and exercise equipment.
Most locations have recreation staff on site who schedule activities such as interpretive hikes, shopping trips to town, movie night, open mic night, talent contests, educational programs, game nights. That's a lot of fun in one place!
You'll also find league sports through the recreation program. Softball league is serious business around the park, with all employees welcome to play regardless of natural talent. It's all about having fun out on the diamond. Tournaments around the park include volleyball, darts and soccer (futball, anyone?).
For complete information about the Employee Co-op Recreation Program in Yellowstone, just click here.
There's More
Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers an amazing amount of information to our guests about activities and sightseeing in Yellowstone National Park. Visit our YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com website and use the search tool to find out what you can enjoy at each village around the park!
And even more
Campfires with friends, gathering at the pub for pizza and billiards, making your way to one of the official swimming holes, getting a group together to see the rodeo in town. You can find a thousand things to do during days off.
Beyond Yellowstone
You will find National Forests that contain thousands of miles of trails for biking, hiking, camping and exploring. (Remember, bikes are not allowed on any Yellowstone trails!) You will find museums, rescued wolves and bears, rodeos, rafting, shopping; almost too much to mention. Follow the link to discover what you can explore Beyond Yellowstone!
It's your adventure! Now, if you can just decide what to do first.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Can I bring my bike?
Yes, make sure you bring a helmet (required for riding during working hours) and a lock. Keep in mind that many of the roads in the park do not have much of a shoulder. Also, the majority of YNP’s hiking trails do not permit bike traffic. Check out the “Play Here” section at www.yellowstonejobs.com for information about biking in the areas just outside Yellowstone. You can also visit a NPS Visitor Center when you arrive to learn about bike-friendly areas.
Are there religious services available?
Yellowstone has one formal chapel, located in Mammoth Hot Springs, which offers Christian-based non-denominational services. Other services are provided throughout the park during the summer season. More information about services can be obtained at your summer location.
Is there television reception in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone locations do not have television reception, and we do not have cable service. There are a very limited number of dormitory buildings that can accommodate satellite dish technology. If you choose to bring or obtain a dish, you may not be able to set up and use the equipment per National Park Service regulations.
What about radio reception?
Radio reception in Yellowstone is not consistent and is weak in most areas. Many employees bring their own music for quiet enjoyment during their off time.
Winter Interpretive Driver/Guides and their famous Snow Bombardiers.
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