Winter Wildlife Safari Adventure in Yellowstone’s Northern Range
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed to handle winter conditions and walking on uneven terrain.
Overview
Experience Yellowstone’s Northern Range in winter on a private safari, spotting wolves and bison with expert guides. Discover breathtaking wildlife and landscapes away from the crowds.
Big Sky Wildlife Safari | North - Private Tour
10-12 hours • All ages • Maximum per vehicle: 6-8 guests • Season: Nov - Apr
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of a private winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone's stunning Northern Range. With expert guides, you'll explore exclusive areas for exceptional wildlife viewing, including wolves, while enjoying breathtaking winter landscapes. This tailored adventure promises unforgettable moments, complete with a catered picnic and all necessary equipment for an immersive experience.
Destination: Yellowstone, North Entrance
Recommended for guests who are staying in Big Sky.
Duration
10-12 hours
Overview
While winter may bring cold temperatures, snowy days and a resounding stillness to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, it is also undoubtedly one of the most exciting seasons to go on a wildlife safari.
Yellowstone in winter is an extreme, exclusive place. Of the 300 miles of road in the Park, only 50 miles are open to regular vehicles between the months of November to April. A private, full-day winter tour with Yellowstone Safari Co. focuses on this region, the spectacular Northern Range between Mammoth Hot Springs and Cooke City Montana, where some of the best wildlife viewing in North America can be found.
Highlights
- Wolf Watching in Yellowstone Nat'l Park
- Biodiversity on the Northern Range
- Winter Landscapes & Wildlife
Your exact route and itinerary will be determined by your interests, current wildlife sightings, and current weather and road conditions. Our guides are all highly experienced, with thousands of hours in the field, and will expertly tailor your safari to you and your group.
What's Included
- hotel pickup or central meeting point pickup
- special transport from Big Sky, MT to Bozeman, MT
- professional naturalist guide
- private safari: 8 guests per vehicle, maximum
- catered picnic lunch
- assorted snack basket
- non-alcoholic beverages (hot and cold)
- use of binoculars and spotting scopes
Pick-up
We pick up at central meeting points and various hotels throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Your exact pickup time and tour duration will be determined by your hotel location and the season. Please make note of your pickup time and location, and save it for your reference.
Please be ready and waiting in the central meeting location, or hotel lobby, a few minutes before your pickup. Please allow an additional 5-10 minutes for your guide to arrive just in case they are delayed for any reason.
Changes to trip timing may be made to accommodate daylight, or optimum wildlife viewing conditions.
Adventure Tips
Dress in insulated layers
Yellowstone winters are frigid; layering helps regulate your body temperature during long wildlife watches.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Many animals stay distant in winter; quality optics vastly improve viewing and photography.
Stay quiet and patient
Wildlife can be skittish—minimize noise and movement to increase your chances of close encounters.
Be prepared for uneven terrain
Snow and ice can make paths slippery; wear sturdy boots with good traction for safety.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Gray wolf
- American bison
History
The Northern Range is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where wolves were successfully reintroduced in 1995 after decades of absence.
Conservation
Big Sky Wildlife Safari promotes responsible viewing practices to minimize disturbance during the sensitive winter season.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bozeman
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated waterproof boots
Keep feet warm and dry in snowy, wet conditions.
winter specific
Thermal base layers
Retain body heat during extended outdoor exposure.
winter specific
High-quality binoculars
Essential for spotting distant wildlife clearly.
Camera with zoom lens
Capture detailed photos of wildlife and winter scenery.