Yellowstone Wildlife Safari & Beartooth Pass Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Requires good stamina for long periods outdoors with some walking on uneven terrain
Overview
Experience the rugged beauty of Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Pass with a private naturalist-led tour featuring wildlife sightings, alpine vistas, and a catered picnic.
Yellowstone & Beartooth Pass Tour - Private Tour
10-11 hours • All ages • Maximum per vehicle: 6-8 guests • Season: Jun - Oct
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure through Yellowstone National Park and the stunning Beartooth Pass. Led by a professional naturalist, you'll explore diverse ecosystems while searching for iconic wildlife like bears and bison. Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and enjoy a catered picnic amidst America’s Serengeti in this tailored safari.
Destination: Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness & Yellowstone National Park
Recommended for guests who are staying in Cody.
Duration
10-11 hours
Overview
Yellowstone National Park offers opportunities to view a wide diversity of wildlife and landscape unmatched throughout the lower 48 States. This full-day journey from Cody into Northern Yellowstone and over the famed Beartooth Pass endeavors to highlight the hundreds of species of animals and birds that thrive in this protected ecosystem, as well as spectacular mountain vistas. Along the way we will explore the valleys, river systems, and forests where we search for our predators such as bears and wolves, and herds of ungulates such as bison, elk and pronghorn in a region lovingly referred to as America’s Serengeti. We will then climb over 10,000 ft in elevation and view the volcanic behemoths that are the Absaroka Mountains; an area referred to as the Top of the World. Each tour is led by a professional naturalist who will use high powered optics to find and observe wildlife at a distance as well as orient you to this fantastic corner of the Rocky Mountains.
Highlights
- Beartooth Pass, One of the Most Scenic Drives in America
- Potential Wolf & Bear Sightings
- 5 Ecotones Traversed, from Sage Steppe – Tundra
Your exact route and itinerary will be determined by your interests, current wildlife sightings, 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
- Professional naturalist guide
- Private safari
- Assorted snack basket
- Non-alcoholic beverages (hot and cold)
- Catered picnic lunch
- Use of spotting scopes and binoculars
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
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting
Wildlife can be distant; binoculars enhance your viewing experience, especially for bison and bears.
Dress in layers for changing mountain weather
Temperatures fluctuate rapidly at Beartooth Pass—wear moisture-wicking layers and a windproof jacket.
Start early to avoid crowds
Early morning departures increase your chances of spotting active wildlife before visitor congestion peaks.
Carry water and snacks despite catered lunch
Hydration and energy between stops keep your experience comfortable during this full-day outing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American bison
- Black bear
History
Yellowstone was the first national park established in 1872, a cornerstone of America’s conservation movement.
Conservation
The tour promotes leave-no-trace principles to protect fragile alpine ecosystems along the Beartooth Pass and within Yellowstone.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bozeman
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction are vital for walking on rocky or uneven surfaces during stops.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing from a safe distance without disturbing habitats.
Layered clothing
Adaptable to rapidly changing weather, especially at high elevation.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
High-altitude sun exposure can be intense; protect your skin and eyes.
summer specific