Will I see a cougar on the trip?

Cougar sightings are extremely rare; this trip focuses on finding tracks and signs rather than direct encounters.

Is prior tracking experience necessary?

No prior experience is required; guides provide expert instruction throughout the day.

What kind of terrain should I expect?

Expect rugged, steep, and uneven terrain, often off marked trails.

Are children allowed on this trip?

Due to physical demands and terrain, this trip is best suited for adults and teens in good physical condition.

What happens if the weather changes unexpectedly?

Guides monitor weather closely and adjust plans to maintain safety and comfort.

Is transportation included?

Yes, transportation from Gardiner, Montana, is provided as part of the tour.

Cougar Tracking Adventure with Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles | Guided Tour | Eco Tour

Yellowstone National Park, straddling Montana and Wyoming, is a sprawling wilderness where every ridge and valley teems with life. Among its many inhabitants, the elusive cougar reigns as one of the most secretive and enigmatic predators. Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles offers a full-day Cougar Tracking trip designed for those eager to step beyond the beaten path and connect with Yellowstone’s rugged backcountry in pursuit of these stealthy cats.

Led by a guide with over a decade of dedicated cougar tracking experience, this intimate tour invites participants to traverse steep, uneven terrain where cougars carve their hidden trails. This terrain demands physical endurance and attention but rewards with raw wilderness and footprints that tell stories of these solitary hunters. While actual sightings of the cats remain rare, the focus here shifts to reading tracks, scat, and scratch marks—clues revealing cougar behavior and ecology.

Between tracking lessons, guests absorb insight into the park’s geology, from volcanic rhyolite formations to sweeping valleys shaped by ancient glaciers. The experience melds natural history with hands-on discovery, bringing Yellowstone’s complex ecosystem to life. Snowshoeing may be required in winter’s deep snows, while summer treks reveal lush meadows and dense forests preferred by cougars.

Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles anchors its tours out of Gardiner, Montana—the historic northern gateway to the park. Their expertise and passion create an immersive, educational journey for wildlife enthusiasts who seek a deeper understanding of Yellowstone’s apex predators. The tour includes binoculars, hot beverages, and expert guidance, making it a standout for visitors seeking a meaningful connection to one of North America’s most iconic wild cats, set against the grandeur of America’s first national park.

About Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles

Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles is a guiding company that specializes in wildlife-focused experiences and naturalist-led trips in and around Yellowstone National Park. The business offers a comprehensive selection of guided excursions that highlight the park’s ecology and geology, including hiking, wolf and general wildlife viewing, geyser and hot spring tours, stargazing, snowshoeing, and multi-day retreats.

Trips on the roster include seasonal wolf and wildlife watches in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, volcano and geothermal tours focused on geysers and hot springs, a 3-day Yellowstone Yoga and Mindfulness retreat led by naturalist Jaclyn, stargazing and night-sky photography, youth-focused Young Scientists Adventure programs, and customizable private experiences. Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles also lists specialized experiences such as cougar tracking and waterfall-focused routes to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Guides operate with attention to visitor safety and adherence to park regulations and wildlife viewing guidelines. Interpretive content emphasizes natural history, animal behavior, and geological context to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the Yellowstone ecosystem. The business’s inclusion on The Adventure Collective provides an additional discovery channel for travelers researching responsible wildlife viewing and nature-based itineraries. Booking information, trip schedules, and seasonal availability are provided per trip; interested visitors should consult the specific trip listing for details on duration, difficulty, and recommended gear.

Trips accommodate a range of abilities and ages; specific age restrictions and accessibility details are listed with each experience. Itineraries vary seasonally to match wildlife patterns, with winter-focused wolf tracking and spring-to-fall sunrise wolf and wildlife outings for interested travelers.