Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Tour: 5-Day Snowcoach, Snowshoe & Hot Springs Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days (approx.)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for short snowshoe sections and long vehicle-based travel days; able to walk on uneven, snowy terrain for 30–90 minutes.
Overview
Trade summer crowds for raw winter drama on this five-day small-group tour through Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Ride heated snow coaches, snowshoe past geysers, take a sleigh through an elk herd, and soak in geothermal hot springs.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Tour: 5-Day Snowcoach, Snowshoe & Hot Springs Adventure
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You step off the heated snow coach into a silence so clean it feels engineered: snow absorbs the world here, leaving only the hiss of steam from a nearby thermal vent and the distant rattle of an elk herd shifting in the sage. Over five days, this small-group tour threads Salt Lake City, the wide bowl of Jackson Hole, and the bone-white plains of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, trading crowds for winter’s choreography—bison plodding along snowed-in roads, wolves ghosting ridgelines, geysers coughing steam into the cold.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in breathable layers
Temperatures swing; wear a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell to manage sweat and windchill.
Protect batteries and cameras from cold
Carry extra batteries in an inner pocket and keep cameras warm between shots to avoid rapid drain.
Keep distance from wildlife
Always follow guide instructions—stay at least 25 yards from elk and 100 yards from bears or wolves; animals are unpredictable in winter.
Hydrate and acclimate to altitude
Drink water the first day, pace activity, and avoid heavy alcohol—altitude and cold can accelerate dehydration and fatigue.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bison (and possible wolf sightings at a distance)
History
Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in 1872; the region has long been seasonally used by Indigenous peoples including the Shoshone.
Conservation
Winter routes limit vehicle access to reduce disturbance to wildlife and protect thermal features—stay on designated paths and pack out all waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in West Yellowstone, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated waterproof winter boots
Keeps feet warm and dry on snowcoach transfers and while walking across packed snow.
winter specific
Layered clothing system (base, mid, shell)
Allows quick temperature management during active snowshoeing and sedentary wildlife viewing.
winter specific
Daypack with hydration and hand warmers
Carry snacks, water, extra gloves, and personal items during on-foot sections and lodge stops.
winter specific
Camera with spare batteries and waterproof case
Captures geysers, elk herds, and hot springs—batteries drain faster in cold so bring spares.
winter specific