2-Day Yellowstone National Park Winter Wildlife Safari
Trip Highlights
Description
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tour info
Why take this tour?
This tour doubles down on what makes winter in Yellowstone special: wildlife pushed into the open valleys of the Northern Range, and far fewer crowds than summer. Overnighting in Cooke City puts guests in position for the two best wildlife-viewing windows — sunrise and sunset — instead of just passing through midday like a single-day trip allows. The extra day also means time for both a wildlife-focused first day and a slower, geology- and relaxation-focused second day, ending in a soak at Chico Hot Springs.
Wildlife You May Spot
Yellowstone's Northern Range in winter offers some of the most extraordinary wildlife viewing on the continent. Your guide uses Vortex™ spotting scopes and expert tracking skills to help you find: Wolves • Bison • Elk • Moose • Coyotes • Red Foxes • Bighorn Sheep • Mountain Goats • Bald Eagles • Owls • Mule Deer • River Otters • Beavers • Trumpeter Swans The Lamar Valley is renowned as one of the best places in North America to observe wild wolves. Overnighting in Cooke City means you’re in position for the two most productive wildlife hours: dawn and dusk.
Included
- Two full days of private, expert-guided winter touring in Yellowstone's Northern Range
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, or agreed-upon meeting point
- Professional CPR & First Aid certified guide with winter safety training
- Overnight accommodations in Cooke City, MT (double occupancy; single-room available for additional cost)
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and hot beverages (both days)
- Use of Vortex™ spotting scopes and binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Heated transportation in a Chevy Suburban SUV or Ford Transit Van
- Day-use passes at a mineral hot spring resort
Excluded
- National Park entry fees (purchase in advance at nps.gov/yell)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (18–20% is recommended and greatly appreciated)
Frequently asked questions
The Two-Day Winter Wildlife Safari runs November 1 through April 16, covering Yellowstone's full winter season when the Northern Range transforms into a snow-covered wildlife paradise.
By overnighting in Cooke City, Montana—just outside the park's Northeast Entrance—we're positioned right at the edge of the Lamar Valley for both sunrise and sunset wildlife tracking. Dawn and dusk are the two most productive times of day for spotting wolves, foxes, and other wildlife, and this overnight strategy lets us take full advantage of both.
Yellowstone's Northern Range in winter is extraordinary for wildlife. Possible sightings include wolves, bison, elk, moose, coyotes, red foxes, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bald eagles, owls, mule deer, river otters, beavers, and trumpeter swans. The Lamar Valley is one of the best places in North America to observe wild wolves.
Yes—one night of accommodations in Cooke City, Montana is included (based on double occupancy; single-room requests may be available for an additional cost). Breakfast, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and hot beverages are included on both days.
We pick up from hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, and custom meeting points. Typical start times are 7:00 AM from Bozeman, 7:30 AM from Paradise Valley, and 8:00 AM from Gardiner. If your location isn't listed, give us a call and we'll coordinate a convenient meeting point. Please allow a 10–15 minute grace window for guide arrival.
Yes—this tour is designed for adults only. The winter conditions, extended wildlife tracking focus, and pace of the two-day program are best suited to adult guests.
Yellowstone winters can be cold and snowy—layering is essential. We recommend a windproof hooded outer shell, insulated base layers (avoid cotton), wool or synthetic long underwear, thick socks and sturdy winter boots, a warm hat, gloves or mittens, and a neck gaiter or scarf. Optional: disposable hand warmers for added comfort. Your guide will have scopes, binoculars, snacks, water, and hot beverages on board.
Things to know
How Pricing Works
Pricing is per person at $1,995. Maximum of 8 guests per vehicle. For groups larger than 8 guests, an additional guide and vehicle are required to ensure comfort, safety, and the highest-quality experience.
Accommodations
One night of accommodations in Cooke City, Montana is included, based on double occupancy. Single-room requests may be available for an additional cost.
Pick-Up & Start Times
We pick up from hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, or a mutually agreed-upon location. Typical start times: 7:00 AM from Bozeman, 7:30 AM from Paradise Valley, 8:00 AM from Gardiner. Please allow a 10–15 minute grace window for guide arrival, as inclement weather, wildlife migration, and road conditions may affect travel times.
Group Size & Age
This tour is for adults only with a maximum of 8 guests per vehicle. For groups larger than 8, an additional guide and vehicle are required.
National Park Entry Fees
National Park entry fees are not included. We recommend purchasing your pass in advance at nps.gov/yell.
Gratuity
Guide gratuity is not included. An 18–20% gratuity is recommended and greatly appreciated.
Season & Availability
Available November 1 through April 16. Start times are adjusted seasonally to maximize daylight and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to Wear
Yellowstone winters demand proper layers. Bring: windproof hooded outer shell, insulated base layers (avoid cotton), wool or synthetic long underwear, thick socks and sturdy winter boots, warm hat, gloves or mittens, and a neck gaiter or scarf. Optional: disposable hand warmers. Your guide provides scopes, binoculars, snacks, water, and hot beverages.
How Pricing Works
Pricing is per person at $1,995. Maximum of 8 guests per vehicle. For groups larger than 8 guests, an additional guide and vehicle are required to ensure comfort, safety, and the highest-quality experience.
Accommodations
One night of accommodations in Cooke City, Montana is included, based on double occupancy. Single-room requests may be available for an additional cost.
Pick-Up & Start Times
We pick up from hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, or a mutually agreed-upon location. Typical start times: 7:00 AM from Bozeman, 7:30 AM from Paradise Valley, 8:00 AM from Gardiner. Please allow a 10–15 minute grace window for guide arrival, as inclement weather, wildlife migration, and road conditions may affect travel times.
Group Size & Age
This tour is for adults only with a maximum of 8 guests per vehicle. For groups larger than 8, an additional guide and vehicle are required.
National Park Entry Fees
National Park entry fees are not included. We recommend purchasing your pass in advance at nps.gov/yell.
Gratuity
Guide gratuity is not included. An 18–20% gratuity is recommended and greatly appreciated.
Season & Availability
Available November 1 through April 16. Start times are adjusted seasonally to maximize daylight and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to Wear
Yellowstone winters demand proper layers. Bring: windproof hooded outer shell, insulated base layers (avoid cotton), wool or synthetic long underwear, thick socks and sturdy winter boots, warm hat, gloves or mittens, and a neck gaiter or scarf. Optional: disposable hand warmers. Your guide provides scopes, binoculars, snacks, water, and hot beverages.
Check Availability
Why book with us?
- Book instantly directly with provider
- Get the lowest price guarantee
- Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
