Two-Day Winter Wildlife Safari in Yellowstone

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel or Airbnb and a scenic drive north toward Yellowstone’s historic North Entrance. After a brief comfort stop in Gardiner, Montana, you’ll pass through the iconic Roosevelt Arch, where the words “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People” mark the official gateway into America’s first national park.

Inside the park, explore Fort Yellowstone and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel area, where the U.S. Army once safeguarded this wild landscape before the National Park Service was established.

Continue to Undine Falls and Junction Butte, winter habitats for bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and other hardy wildlife that thrive in the cold season.

Stretch your legs on a short hike to Calcite Springs Overlook, where steam rises from the canyon walls along the Yellowstone River—a striking reminder of the park’s volcanic heartbeat.

Then, journey deeper into the park on a wildlife-focused safari through Specimen Ridge, Slough Creek, and the legendary Lamar Valley, renowned as one of the best places in North America to spot wild wolves.

As daylight fades, arrive in Cooke City, Montana, a peaceful mountain town nestled against the Absaroka Range, where your winter adventure continues amid snow-covered peaks and starlit skies.

Why this day matters: By overnighting in Cooke City, we’re positioned for sunrise and sunset wildlife tracking in the Lamar Valley—the two most productive times of day for sightings.

Photography Focus: Capture snow-dusted ridges, wide-open valleys, and wildlife moving against a pristine white backdrop.

Note: Accommodations in Cooke City are based on double occupancy; single-room requests may be available for an additional cost.

The day begins with an early morning departure from Cooke City, retracing your route through Lamar Valley and Slough Creek—prime habitats for wolves, foxes, and bison. As dawn breaks over the snow-covered landscape, you’ll have another opportunity to spot wildlife and follow fresh tracks etched in the frost, a vivid reminder of Yellowstone’s untamed rhythm.

Next, explore the Upper Terrace Trail at Mammoth Hot Springs, where mineral-rich waters sculpt terraces that shimmer and steam against the winter cold.

Depending on conditions, you’ll either snowshoe or hike past vibrant formations like Canary Spring and Orange Mound Spring, creating a surreal contrast of color, heat, and ice.

In the afternoon, unwind with a mineral hot spring soak at one of Montana’s most beloved historic retreats. The warm, soothing waters provide the perfect way to relax and reflect after a day of crisp mountain air and adventure.

As evening falls, your journey concludes with a scenic return to your accommodations, carrying with you the stillness, beauty, and unforgettable wildlife moments of Yellowstone in winter.

Why this day matters: We spend twice as much time in prime wildlife country, then shift our focus to Yellowstone’s living geology and conclude with restorative relaxation.

Photography Focus: Steaming terraces, icy waterfalls, and the dramatic contrast of geothermal

We offer convenient pick-up services from hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, or a mutually agreed-upon location.

If your desired pick-up location isn’t listed, give us a call—we’re happy to coordinate a convenient meeting point. Start times are adjusted seasonally to maximize daylight and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Approximate Pick-Up Times:

• 7:00 AM – Bozeman
• 7:30 AM – Paradise Valley
• 8:00 AM – Gardiner

Please allow a 10–15-minute grace window for guide arrival, as inclement weather, seasonal wildlife migration, and road construction may impact travel times.

Note: For groups larger than 8 guests, an additional guide and vehicle are required to ensure comfort, safety, and the highest quality experience.

• National Park entry fee
• Private AWD Ford Transit Van (high roof, panoramic windows).
• Professional guide with avalanche safety, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid certifications.
• Spotting scopes, binoculars, snowshoes, and poles are provided.
• Light breakfast, picnic lunches, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Day-use passes at a hot spring resort.

• Alcoholic beverages.
• Guide gratuity (15% customary).

Yellowstone winters can be cold and snowy, but dressing in layers makes all the difference:

We recommend you bring the following: 

• Windproof, hooded outer shell
• Insulated base layers (avoid cotton)
• Wool or synthetic long underwear
• Thick socks and sturdy winter boots
• Warm hat, gloves/mittens, and a neck gaiter or scarf
• Optional: disposable hand warmers for extra comfort

Pro Tip: Those prone to cold hands should consider using glove liners or mittens with inner heat packs for added warmth and dexterity.