United States
United States - Yellowstone - On the trail of the wolves
United States - Yellowstone - On the trail of the wolves
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Bozeman
Tour type
Group
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Motel
Overview
When winter descends on Yellowstone, the park turns into a silent winter wonderland of steaming springs and snowy valleys. In the Lamar Valley, the "Serengeti of North America", you head out at sunrise to look for wolves and encounter bison, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
When winter arrives in Yellowstone National Park, the landscape transforms into a silent, almost magical winter wonderland. Snow-covered valleys, steaming hot springs, and frozen rivers create an unparalleled scene. During this season, Yellowstone's wilderness reveals itself in its most pristine state: rugged, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful. The Lamar Valley is particularly famous, often called the "Serengeti of North America." In winter, it attracts an impressive array of wildlife: huge herds of bison trudge through the deep snow, elk and bighorn sheep roam the mountain slopes, and nimble foxes and coyotes hunt their prey. But the true stars of the valley are the wolves, which, after their successful reintroduction in the 1990s, are once again among Yellowstone's iconic animals. Especially in winter, the chances of observing these fascinating animals are particularly good. The clear morning hours and the snowy landscape make it easy to spot packs of wolves hunting, playing, or patrolling their territory. With a bit of luck, you might even hear their howls echoing through the icy air: a truly moving experience. Winter in the Lamar Valley is a time of contrasts: here, the harsh realities of survival are interwoven with moments of wonder and tranquility. For you, this means an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wilderness up close, observe spectacular wildlife, and learn more about the fascinating role wolves play in Yellowstone's fragile ecosystem. Your experienced guide uses all his knowledge to maximise your chances of encountering wolves – and even if they do not show themselves, bison, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats await you.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival – From Bozeman to Gardiner
Between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in Bozeman. Even on the way to Gardiner, you'll have your first glimpse of wildlife; with a bit of luck, you might see white-tailed deer, mules, elk, pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, or bald eagles. After checking into your hotel in Gardiner, you'll have free time to explore the area. Weather permitting, we'll embark on our first sunset game drive in search of more animals.
Arrival – From Bozeman to Gardiner
Day 1
Between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in Bozeman. Even on the way to Gardiner, you'll have your first glimpse of wildlife; with a bit of luck, you might see white-tailed deer, mules, elk, pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, or bald eagles. After checking into your hotel in Gardiner, you'll have free time to explore the area. Weather permitting, we'll embark on our first sunset game drive in search of more animals.
Day 2
Gardiner – Cooke City
We depart early in the morning, the best time for wolf watching. We'll travel through the territory of three packs, increasing our chances of spotting these fascinating animals. Other wildlife, such as mules, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, elk, and even moose with impressive antlers, also inhabit this region. The combination of spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings makes this a truly unforgettable day.
Gardiner – Cooke City
Day 2
We depart early in the morning, the best time for wolf watching. We'll travel through the territory of three packs, increasing our chances of spotting these fascinating animals. Other wildlife, such as mules, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, elk, and even moose with impressive antlers, also inhabit this region. The combination of spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings makes this a truly unforgettable day.
Day 3
A whole day dedicated to wildlife.
Today we'll focus on wolf hunting: listening, observing, and tracking. Other predators, such as coyotes or red foxes, are often spotted near elk or bison carcasses, accompanied by eagles feeding on the scavengers. Your guide will use all their expertise to ensure unforgettable wildlife encounters. In the afternoon, we'll check into our lodge in Cooke City. The evening is free for you to enjoy: you can return to the park or simply relax in Cooke City.
A whole day dedicated to wildlife.
Day 3
Today we'll focus on wolf hunting: listening, observing, and tracking. Other predators, such as coyotes or red foxes, are often spotted near elk or bison carcasses, accompanied by eagles feeding on the scavengers. Your guide will use all their expertise to ensure unforgettable wildlife encounters. In the afternoon, we'll check into our lodge in Cooke City. The evening is free for you to enjoy: you can return to the park or simply relax in Cooke City.
Day 4
Farewell to Yellowstone: Return trip to Bozeman.
We'll depart early for one last safari. Along the way, we'll have numerous opportunities to capture stunning photos of bison, elk, bighorn sheep, antelope, mountain goats, coyotes, and foxes. On the return trip, we'll stop at the historic Mammoth Hotel for lunch and visit the breathtaking travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. In the afternoon, we'll return to Bozeman, where the tour concludes around 4:00 PM.
Farewell to Yellowstone: Return trip to Bozeman.
Day 4
We'll depart early for one last safari. Along the way, we'll have numerous opportunities to capture stunning photos of bison, elk, bighorn sheep, antelope, mountain goats, coyotes, and foxes. On the return trip, we'll stop at the historic Mammoth Hotel for lunch and visit the breathtaking travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. In the afternoon, we'll return to Bozeman, where the tour concludes around 4:00 PM.
Services
What's included
3 nights in accommodations/motels
3 breakfasts
Transfers to/from hotels in Bozeman
Professional English-speaking guide
Snacks and soft drinks to go
Comfortable tourist van
Use of binoculars, spotting scopes and tripods.
National Park entrance fee
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Advice
Lunch and dinner
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This trip has no special fitness requirements. You are mostly on game drives by vehicle, often starting early in the morning. However, while watching wildlife you spend long periods outdoors, and in the Yellowstone winter temperatures can drop well below freezing. Warm layered winter clothing, a hat, gloves and lined, non-slip winter boots are essential. You stay in motels and travel in a small group. Wildlife sightings, especially of wolves, cannot be guaranteed.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single rooms available upon request.
per person
per person