Winter Night Sky Photography with Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles

The enormous sky of Montana is legendary.

These vast, open areas are breathtaking, and at night they are much more so. We'll explore areas of the park that are rarely visited by people and will get to experience the park in a completely different way.

As we observe the Milky Way move across the sky, we will also learn about different constellations and stars and the uses they were given throughout history to navigate and tell stories of different cultures. People have been looking at the stars for as long as humans have existed; the ancient practice of stargazing connects us to cultures past and present around the world - and what better place to enjoy the peace of the night sky than in Yellowstone!

For photographers - whether amateurs with smartphones or professionals - we will use photography to explore the night sky in a whole new way. For non-photographers, we will enjoy the peace and stillness of an evening under the stars in this wild place.

The National Park Service started monitoring (and protecting) the night skies within the parks in 1999 after realizing that more than 60% of national parks were affected by light pollution. They started by monitoring the nighttime sky's brightness at numerous parks, including Canyonlands, Arches, Death Valley, and Organ Pipe National Monument, among others. Today, Yellowstone National Park has some of the most pristine skies in the National Parks system.

With the growth of civilization, the bulk of the populous places in the United States (and around the world) have lost their pristine views of the night sky. We may be able to make out a planet or a few conspicuous stars of a disjointed constellation, but the true splendor of the night sky is lost for most people. The dark skies of Yellowstone provide the perfect opportunity to be awed by truly natural lightscapes and to reconnect with the stories of our past while listening to the gentle bubbling of mud pots, the distant howling of wolves, or the bellows and grunts of bison.

So join us for a truly unique nighttime experience in Yellowstone. Your expert guide is experienced in exploring Yellowstone safely after dark, so you can relax, enjoy, and photograph this wonderful landscape.

Milky Way night sky programs

Are usually presented during the summer when the core of the Milky Way galaxy is visible. Dates are between the crescent and new moon offering the perfect settings to observe the skies.

Full Moon programs

Are offered to enjoy the light of this celestial object. Small hikes under the moonlight will give us the perfect setting to listen to wildlife across the park and capture the magic of it.

For safety reasons, full moon programs that include short walks require at least 2 guests. If you are a solo traveler looking to book this program, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you by having another person join your party.

What’s Included in your Tour

• Approximately 3-5 hours with your expert naturalist guide who is also an experienced night sky photography instructor (duration may vary based on meeting location and interests)
• Transportation in our touring vehicle, if desired
• Optics suitable for observation of larger celestial objects
• Hot beverages
• Light snacks
• Bear spray, wildlife safety instruction, and other safety equipment for exploring Yellowstone after dark
• An engaging nighttime experience in Yellowstone - your guide is an expert at exploring and photographing the park safely after dark!

What You Need to Bring

• Your park pass.
• Layered clothing. Come prepared for all types of weather, as it can be cold and windy even in the summer at the high altitudes of Yellowstone. Comfortable shoes, rain gear, and extra layers are highly recommended.
• Food. We provide hot beverages and light snacks. Please bring your field-friendly dinner with you (or plan to eat dinner before you meet your guide, if you prefer).
• Reusable water bottle. Your guide will have a large cooler of water from which you can refill your bottle.
• Camera Equipment (for photographers). Cameras with manual settings, wide-angle lenses, clickers, and tripods are recommended.
• Headlamp or flashlight with red mode
• Small Backpack to carry water, snacks, and photo gear while away from the vehicle for short periods of time.
• Age-appropriate child car seats or booster seats for any children in your party.
• Lots of questions, enthusiasm, and curiosity!
• Gratuity is not included in the price of your tour. If you would like to recognize your guide for great service, gratuity at your discretion is permitted and appreciated.