The danger of visiting Yellowstone isn't the threat of a bear attack, being gored by a bison, falling through a geothermal layer or drowning. Although these dangers exist, the biggest danger is that you might not be able to leave. If you're a city slicker (or a suburban socialite) and your idea of wildlife is the local bar after 9pm, then Yellowstone National Park will blow your mind.

Maybe you already know that Yellowstone is the first national park in the world, or that it has the largest concentration of free roaming wildlife in the lower 48, or even that it has more geysers and hot springs than the rest of the world combined. But knowing that there are 3,468 square miles of wilderness out there and experiencing them are two very different things.

Perhaps you'll drive through in mid-July, stop and take a picture of a bison grazing near the side of the road, get back in your car and say, "So what?" But if you want a real experience, get out of your car and hit the backcountry with a naturalist and learn as you explore.

A great way to do this is through the Yellowstone Association and Xanterra Parks & Resorts "Lodging and Learning" program. The Yellowstone Association is a non-profit organization that has been fostering the public's understanding of this wild place since 1933. Xanterra operates the Yellowstone National Park Lodges, which means that you can learn about the park through the Association during the day and stay in civilized comfort at night.

Bison are plentiful in Yellowstone

A "Lodging and Learning" program that I recently participated in is "Trails though Yellowstone." I stretched out my stay to visit the Old Faithful Lodge and the Lake Hotel, but normally, this is a four-night package where nights are spent at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Grant Village. Days are spent hiking the backcountry with a naturalist, who will tell you everything you want to know about the area. Having someone put all this beautiful landscape into geological and historical context, as well as pointing out wildlife, enhances the experience beyond measure.

Yellowstone National Park spreads across three states, although it is mostly in Wyoming. The closest airports are in Bozeman and West Yellowstone, MT, and in Jackson or Cody, WY. I flew into Cody, met up with some friends, and made an adventure of it. If for no other reason, it's good to plan to stay for a day or so in Cody in case your luggage doesn't come in on the same flight as you do. (CONTINUED...)