24 January 2026 - 7 days. Sold out.
25 January 2027 - 7 days for US$8,695* per person
Experience the magic of Yellowstone National Park in winter without the crowds, where steaming geysers meet snowy landscapes and the wildlife roams freely. Accompanied by an expert guide who will delve into the fascinating science behind the region’s dramatic geology and powerful geothermal features, from bubbling hot springs to erupting geysers.
During this tour, you will spend time exploring Yellowstone National Park, the oldest national park in the US, during the winter months. Its far-reaching grasslands are dotted with bison and bighorn sheep, and its forests echo with wolf howls at night.
This tour capitalises on the quiet season, when wildlife viewing is best because crowds are non-existent, animals stand out against winter’s snow and Yellowstone’s hidden pockets feel like yours alone. The landscape holds magic, too, with steaming geysers, bubbling mud pots and trees covered in glittering ice crystals beneath an immaculate blue sky.
New Scientist assistant news editor Corryn Wetzel recently joined this tour and has shared her experience.
“It was unbelievably special to see Yellowstone in winter. I won't soon forget being one of a handful of people witnessing wolves silently stalk a bison or watching Old Faithful erupt in a frosty plume. Conversations over dinners and experiences in the field were just as enriching, making the trip as much about connection with others as it was about exploration.”
In partnership with Natural Habitat Adventures.
DAY 1: JACKSON, WYOMING
Our Yellowstone wildlife tour begins in the Old West town of Jackson, which sits at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in the shadow of the mountain range’s jagged spires.
Throughout this tour, you will be accompanied by a Natural Habitat expedition leader who will further reveal the natural history and geology of yellowstone through a series of talks, walking seminars and fireside chats covering the following topics:
- Geology of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem
- Geothermal features and their volcanic origins
- The life and natural history of the grey wolf
- Predator and prey interactions between wolves, bison and elk
- The scientific process of wolf conservation and reintroduction into Yellowstone
- Keystone species ecology and how wolves restored Yellowstone’s balance
- History of national parks in the US and connections with local research
In the evening, you will meet with your expedition leader along with your fellow adventurers for an informal welcome dinner and orientation.
DAY 2: JACKSON HOLW TO NATIONAL ELK REFUGE
Our winter safari begins in the broad valley of Jackson Hole as we look for bald and golden eagles, bighorn sheep, coyote, bison, mule deer, moose and elk. After lunch at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, travel by horse-drawn sleigh through the National Elk Refuge. Gliding over the snow that blankets the valley floor, we capture close-up photos of the massive herd that winters here, with thousands of animals roaming the range.
DAY 3: GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK AND SNOWCOACH TO OLD FAITHFUL
A traverse of Grand Teton National Park offers a panorama of the iconic peaks rising above the Snake River.. Reaching the boundary of Yellowstone, we board heated snowcoaches that convey us into the pristine winter splendor of America's first national park. We stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin on the edge of Yellowstone Lake, looking along the way for moose, river otters and trumpeter swans before arriving at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Because winter access to the park's interior is limited to snow vehicles, an overnight stay here is a coveted experience. In silent seclusion, witness the park's most famous geothermal feature, Old Faithful geyser, erupt in a crystalline veil of spray. And on a clear night, we may even get to watch it shoot skyward by the light of the moon.
DAY 4: HAYDEN VALLEY, MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS AND NORTHERN RANGE WOLF TRACKING
Today we traverse Yellowstone’s interior by snowcoach on our transfer from Old Faithful to Mammoth Hot Springs. This over-the-snow journey gives us access to remote geothermal areas, where steaming features remain active even in the coldest months. As we pass through Hayden Valley, an open expanse of prime wildlife habitat, look for bison, red fox, coyote and other animals adapted to winter and active on the landscape. Along the way, our guides share insights into Yellowstone’s seasonal ecology, with ample chances to photograph wildlife and the wintry white landscape. Arriving at Mammoth Hot Springs in the afternoon, we often see elk near the white travertine terraces. Here, thermal water flows over limestone formations shaped by mineral deposits and heat-loving microorganisms called thermophiles, which create vivid color patterns across the rock. As evening approaches, continue into the Northern Range, a key corridor for winter wildlife. Bison are frequently spotted, their heavy coats cloaked in frost, and it's here that we begin our search for gray wolves, which roam this region year-round.
Yellowstone's Northern Range remains the best place in the world to observe wolves the wild, though they are almost always seen at a distance with the use of our guides' high-powered spotting scopes. The next two days are devoted to tracking these elusive predators alongside other more readily seen wildlife. Although wolf sightings are never guaranteed—pack movements are unpredictable and wolves tend to avoid people—our Expedition Leader is a skilled tracker and educator. We also collaborate with local researchers who provide up-to-date sighting reports, increasing our chances of locating active pack. After a full day in the field, we arrive at our hotel near Yellowstone’s northern boundary, where we spend the next two nights.
DAY 5: NORTHERN RANGE AND LAMAR VALLEY WOLF SAFARI, COOKE CITY, PRIVATE GALLERY VISIT
A full day is ours to scout for Yellowstone's legendary wolves and other wildlife. Reintroduced to the park in 1995 amid much controversy, the gray wolf was returned to this native ecosystem after a 70-year absence following a policy of government-sanctioned eradication. Since then, they have flourished, supported by bountiful prey including a multitude of elk. Yet much rancor continues to surround their presence, and we learn in detail from our guides about the current conditions in which wolves exist within the greater Yellowstone area. As the wolves have restored more balance to the natural ecosystem, elk numbers have dropped, and we may not be as likely to see as many wolves as visitors did several years ago. If we are especially lucky, though, we might see a pack test an elk herd for a weak or sick animal, or spot lone individuals foraging on their own. But even if the wolves remain elusive, the winter landscape is magical, and we're sure to see plenty of other wildlife native to the park.
After an exhilarating morning on safari, continue east to Cooke City for a visit to the Hartman Gallery, with a slide presentation by Dan Hartman. Dan is a local naturalist and renowned Yellowstone wildlife photographer whose wolf images are widely acclaimed. He'll share insightful observations about wolf behavior gleaned from countless hours in their presence, as well as tips for pursuing photos of wolves and other wildlife. In the waning light of mid-afternoon, we head back across the Lamar Valley for more wolf tracking, knowing our chances to see them are best at dawn and dusk.
DAY 6: LAMAR VALLEY WOLF TRACKING, PARADISE VALLEY AND BOZEMAN
As dawn illumines the snowy meadows of the Lamar Valley and the peaks of the Northern Range, we return once more in search of wolves. If we are fortunate to sight them, our onboard spotting scope enhances our observation of their activities from a distance without disturbing their natural behavior. Many of our Expedition Leaders have worked for years with the field researchers who track these wolves daily, and together they provide us every opportunity to find these intriguing animals in their natural surroundings. Returning to Mammoth Hot Springs and exiting the park once more, we leave Yellowstone’s frozen silence and continue up the Paradise Valley along the Yellowstone River, flanked by the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges on either side. Reaching Bozeman for a final night, we gather for a farewell dinner this evening.
DAY 7: BOZEMAN DEPARTURE
If your flight schedule permits, you may enjoy exploring Bozeman on your own today. This historic Old West/New West town, with a rich mining and trapping heritage, boasts 40 individual properties on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to Montana State University, with a thriving contemporary economy built on growing tourism and tech sectors. With a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities, Bozeman offers plenty to do. A transfer to the airport is included to meet your departing flight.
Please note: While this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Yellowstone’s dramatic winter landscapes and learn about its famous wolf populations, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Wolves and other animals roam freely across vast territories, and their movements are unpredictable. Your expert guides will use their knowledge and spotting equipment to maximize viewing opportunities, but the experience is ultimately about witnessing Yellowstone’s wild beauty and behavior in its natural state.
