Our Storyteller Overland Getaway
While many of our coworkers stay in dorms, we’re lucky enough to call our Storyteller Overland van home. It’s our cozy getaway place where we can recharge, reflect, and enjoy a little privacy after busy days in the store and fountain. One of our favorite rituals is driving into Lamar Valley, climbing up on the roof, and watching the bison herds move across the landscape. There’s something magical about seeing these incredible animals from the comfort of our own rolling home, under the wide-open Yellowstone sky.
The Gift of Time Off
Our schedule runs on four nine-hour days, with three days off scattered throughout the week. This rhythm gives us the chance to fully immerse ourselves in both work and play. During our time off, we lace up our hiking boots and head into the park. Some days we wander a short trail to a waterfall. Other days we drive out to explore neighboring towns or scenic byways like the Beartooth Highway or go off road in the nearby national forest lands.
Yellowstone’s vastness means there’s always something new to discover. Even in our second season, we haven’t seen it all. And that’s part of the magic: each week offers a fresh adventure, whether it’s watching wildlife in Lamar Valley, going fishing on Yellowstone Lake with friends, or chasing the sunset from a mountain overlook.
A Family in the Making
Perhaps the most unexpected gift of working in Yellowstone has been the sense of family. For over four months, we live and work alongside the same group of people. We see each other at work, share meals, and cross paths in the rec hall in the evenings. By the time the season winds down, these coworkers aren’t just colleagues, they’re friends we’ll carry with us long after the snow begins to fall.
It’s a kind of community that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it. Living this closely with others can be intense, but it also fosters deep bonds. We celebrate each other’s birthdays, lend a hand when someone’s having a rough day, and cheer one another on when it’s time to tackle a challenging hike.
Why We Came Back
So why did we return for a second season? The answer is simple: Yellowstone has a way of getting into your soul. The chance to wake up every day in one of the most beautiful places on earth, to be part of a team that feels like family, and to balance meaningful work with adventurous play—it’s a rare combination.
There’s something incredibly grounding about living with fewer distractions, about trading the buzz of everyday life for the rhythm of the mountains and geysers. Here, we measure time not just by shifts worked, but by hikes completed, wildlife spotted, and friendships deepened.
Reflections on a Season
Working in Yellowstone isn’t always easy. The hours can be long, the pace intense, and the nearest “big” grocery store is an hour away. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Where else can you scoop ice cream for someone from halfway around the world, finish your shift, and then go watch the sunset over a thermal basin?
This life isn’t for everyone—but for us, it’s a perfect fit. It has taught us about teamwork, adaptability, and the joy of simplicity. Also, it reminds us that community isn’t about where you live, but who you share your days with.
Looking Ahead
As our second season comes to a close, we’re savoring every moment. The months have flown by, but the memories we’ve made—both big and small—will last far longer. For us, Yellowstone isn’t just a workplace. It’s a classroom, a playground, and a sanctuary all rolled into one.
So, if you find yourself wandering through the park next summer and craving an ice cream cone or a Yellowstone sweatshirt, stop by. You might just see us behind the counter, living our own version of the Yellowstone dream…for a third season.
