A Winter Wonderland Awaits You

Overview

Exploring Yellowstone National Park and the Lamar Valley (aka the American Serengeti) during winter with a professional guide is a truly magical experience. Yellowstone's Northern Range is home to free-ranging herds of wintering elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, as well as an array of steaming hot springs, frozen waterfalls, towering mountain peaks, and snowy landscapes.

Tour Itinerary

The Northern Range is also one of the best places in North America to see packs of gray wolves. During your half-day winter safari, your guide will highlight the complexities of wolf behavior, their specialized hunting strategies, how the return of Yellowstone’s wolves has impacted the region, and teach you how to track, spot, and photograph wolves from a safe distance.

As you travel through the park, your guide will also discuss how ancient tribes of Native Americans, mountain men, pioneers, artists, the military, and Presidents influenced the establishment of the World First National Park. And you will learn how ancient oceans, earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, and glaciers have sculpted the ecosystem.

Wildlife you could potentially see includes beavers, bighorn sheep, bison, coyotes, eagles, elk, redtail foxes, moose, mountain goats, mule deer, owls, trumpeter swans, and wolves.

Additional Notes

• Tour Length: 6-8 hours
• Start Time: 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM (start times adjusted seasonally)
• Price: $995 (for up to 4 people). $125 for each additional person
• Size: Maximum of 8 people per vehicle. Call to discuss options for larger groups

What's Included

• Pick up at your hotel, Airbnb or VRBO
• Professional, CPR & First Aid certified road-based tour guide
• All-day tour of Yellowstone National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Use of our professional Vortex™ spotting scopes and binoculars to see wildlife
• Transportation in a spacious, high-roofed AWD Ford Transit Van with large panoramic windows

Exclusions

• National Park entry fees (click here to pre-purchase online)
• Optional guide gratuity (15% recommended)
• Accommodations, airfare, and meals unrelated to the tour

Weather

Winter temperatures in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem can range from zero to 20°F (-18°C to -7°C) throughout the day. Sub-zero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. The record low temperature is -66°F (-54°C). The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through April. Annual snowfall averages nearly 150 inches in most of the park, and at higher elevations, 200–400 inches of snowfall have been recorded.

What to Wear

Winter weather in the Tetons can be severe, but it's fun to brave the cold when you're dressed appropriately. One of the most important tips for attire in this environment is: Wear layers.

Your layering lineup should include a windproof, hooded outer layer and base layers, like wool or synthetic long underwear, for your upper and lower body. Avoid cotton jeans and sweatshirts; these items lack wicking ability, leaving you wet and cold. Choose thick socks and sturdy boots. Warm hats are a must since you lose most of your heat from your head, and don't forget the gloves/mittens to keep those fingers warm.

Pro tip: Disposable hand-warmers stuffed into gloves or mittens can be a comfort saver for those who get cold easily or have poor hand circulation.