The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone / BZN-JAC

DURATION
7 Days
GROUP SIZE
18

Activity Level: 3
Moderate
E-BROCHURE
View
TOUR VIDEO
Watch

overview

Embark upon a thrilling wintertime expedition to Yellowstone National Park for a unique opportunity to witness packs of wolves in their pristine natural habitat. Aboard specially equipped vehicles that allow for both comfort and proximity to incredible wildlife, you’ll have a chance to view wolves, bison, elk, an array of bird species, and other magnificent creatures that call the park home. Visiting Yellowstone in winter is an experience that transcends words. The air is crisp with the scent of pine trees and the promise of adventure. A serene hush envelops the snow-covered landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop to nature's drama unfolding before your eyes.

tour map

tour highlights

– Venture into the heart of Yellowstone National Park to scout for wildlife aboard custom-outfitted safari vans. These heated vehicles feature oversized windows and a rooftop hatch for premium viewing from every seat.

– Prepare for incredible photography opportunities. Yellowstone is a prime location for spotting majestic wolves from a respectable distance.

– Keep binoculars close at hand as you explore this Serengeti of North America, home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. Resident bison, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, moose, and other wildlife live among seven large predator species.

– Experience awe-inspiring geothermal features at Mammoth Hot Springs, including Old Faithful—a true icon of Yellowstone's marvels—as well as mud pots and fumaroles.

– Gain a deep understanding of the wolves' revival story as well as the vast flora and fauna that exist in this complex ecosystem from knowledgeable naturalists who will accompany you throughout this journey.

– Delight in a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, a sanctuary to one of the largest elk herds in North America.

day-by-day itinerary

full itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions and to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman, MT

(D)

Refresh at the hotel before gathering with fellow travel companions for a special welcome dinner. Meet your Orbridge Expedition Leaders who will be your professional naturalist guides throughout the adventure-filled week ahead.

GranTree Inn

Day 2: Bozeman | Paradise Valley | Lamar Valley, WY | Gardiner, MT

(B,L,D)

Your winter wildlife expedition begins this morning in Paradise Valley. Climb aboard a specially equipped safari vehicle, featuring a roof hatch for enhanced viewing. Venture into this protected river valley flanked by snow-covered ranges to the east and west where bison, elk and coyotes are often seen wandering. Stay alert for wolf packs tracking from a distance, as they stay in range of their prey.

Continue to Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America. This pristine setting is a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts—it's teeming with bison, bald eagles and of course, elusive wolves. Observe and photograph these creatures in their natural habitat.

Your guides will accompany you on each safari outing, imparting their wisdom and insights about wolves and the intricate ecosystem of this remarkable region.

Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Day 3: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Cooke City, MT | Gardiner

(B,L,D)

Awake for an early morning start.

Today's full-day safari spans the Northern Range reaching locations where wolf packs have been spotted. Your guides will share historical perspectives of the wolves' demise in the park and their remarkable revival since being reintroduced to the region in the early 1990s. Learn about the packs currently roaming the park, and the social dynamics and complex hierarchical behaviors within family units and between other packs.

This afternoon visit an award-winning photographer at his studio for a tour of his impressive gallery. Be captivated as he recalls thrilling personal wildlife encounters and experiences throughout his career.

Before returning to the hotel, and if weather permits, snowshoe along one of Lamar Valley's forested ski trails with hopes of spotting and photographing additional wildlife.

Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Day 4: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Mammoth Hot Springs | Old Faithful

(B,L,D)

Before first light take a final drive through the Northern Range before arriving to Mammoth Hot Springs for afternoon exploration.

This unique area of Yellowstone features colorful travertine terraces that create mesmerizing, intricate landscapes. Walk through historic Fort Yellowstone or along the boardwalk above steaming hydrothermal features for an introduction to this section of the park.

Journey aboard special safari snow coaches to reach the iconic Old Faithful geyser, which, to this day, lives up to its name due to the usual predictability of its eruptions.

At the Lower Geyser Basin discover the three other hydrothermal features of the park: hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Day 5: Old Faithful | Jackson

(B,L,R)

This morning watch Old Faithful erupt in a magnificent display of nature's power and beauty, then set off on a nature walk to the Castle Geyser to explore the Upper Geyser Basin.

Depart the park for a scenic drive to Flagg Ranch keeping a keen eye open for wildlife across the snow-touched landscape. Mid way transfer to safari road vehicles for the final stretch to Jackson.

This evening is at leisure to explore Jackson's acclaimed town square—only a short walk from the hotel. Take advantage of shopping opportunities, diverse dining options and the festive nightlife.

At the hotel embrace time to unwind from this adventure-filled week. This charming property perfectly merges a rustic mountain vibe with luxurious amenities. Warm up by the fire, take a dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub.

Tonight gather with the group for a relaxing wine and cheese reception.

The Rockwell Inn

Day 6: Jackson | Grand Teton National Park | National Elk Refuge | Jackson

(B,L,D)

The final day of this enriching adventure features an exciting animal safari through Grand Teton National Park, providing an opportunity to spot for wildlife roaming through the stunning Teton Range.

Visit the National Elk Refuge—home to an estimated 7,000 elk—for a special horse-drawn sleigh ride. Observe herds of elk in their wintering grounds and learn about their habitat and means of survival through the season.

Tonight gather together for a convivial farewell dinner. Recount the week's memorable experiences and bid a fond goodbye to the magnificent Yellowstone wildlife, the park and your travel companions.

The Rockwell Inn

Day 7: Depart Jackson

(B)

After breakfast guests may take the complimentary hotel shuttle to the airport for flights home. Schedule a transfer at the front desk the evening prior to departure.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

6 nights accommodations
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners (including special welcome and farewell dinners) plus a wine and cheese reception
A fully guided program with 2 expert Orbridge Expedition Leaders who are professional naturalists
All unique excursions and activities listed in the 7-day itinerary including transportation
All in-field lectures and presentations
Use of in-field gear, including high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes, Yaktrax, snowshoes and adjustable hiking poles
Hot beverages, water and snacks throughout touring
Admission and park fees throughout
Luggage porterage
Gratuities to Orbridge Expedition Leaders, hotel housekeeping staff, porters and wait staff for included meals
Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

rates

Category	Rate*
Double:	$6,499
Single:	$8,899

*Rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.

Travel Insurance

We recommend you look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. It's important to note that some coverage can be linked to timing of your initial payment.

Orbridge's travel insurance partner, Redpoint, has a specific policy option to meet your needs. Visit redpointtravelprotection.com/partner/orbridgeharbor for a quote and more information. To speak with a Redpoint agent directly, call (415) 481-0610 and their team will be glad to assist.

Booking Flights

Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.

your guide(s)

Two Orbridge Expedition Leaders

On this program, you will have the benefit of two expert Expedition Leaders with extensive local knowledge and experience as cultural, historic, and naturalist interpreters. With their contribution of exceptional know-how and enthusiasm adding depth to your experience, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation.

guest feedback

The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone program is wonderful. We enjoyed the opportunity to see so much of the northern range. The Expedition Leaders were knowledgeable and kept on top of where the next opportunity for wildlife viewing was. The number of types of wildlife we were able to see was incredible. We've visited Yellowstone in the summer, and it doesn't even compare to what we were able to see on this trip.

–Karen A., Yardley, PA

This was our second Orbridge tour! Highly recommend it and looking forward to more adventures! This experience will stay with us for years to come. It was truly unforgettable and magical. The variety of wildlife we saw was incredible. Viewing Old Faithful with just a handful of other people is truly a rare experience. The scenery was also just beautiful.

–Laurel M., Gastonia, NC

Our guides were excellent. Both were knowledgeable and reflected their experience both in finding wildlife, allowing us to appreciate it through scopes, explained what was happening as we watched, and took excellent care of us to assure our safety and comfort.

We found our “North American Safari” met more than our expectations. Without a doubt the excellent finding and coverage of the wolves will always reside in our memory, as will the other animals we have seen in their natural habitat.

–Robert & Judy W., Mission Viejo, CA

I enjoyed the tour being respectful to the environment and wildlife. I felt very educated about the park and was grateful to be guided with such knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.

The highlights of this program were seeing wolves three times, learning about the geysers, and learning how to snowshoe!

–Caitlin N., Memphis, TN

Our guides were fantastic—we were in very good hands! I enjoyed all aspects of the trip, especially opportunities to hike/walk/snowshoe in the beautiful surroundings.

The program is very well run—structured without being rigid; the expertise of the guides was absolutely critical to the overall success of the trip.

–Lauren L., Whitehouse Station, NJ

For a one week trip, the activities were very well planned and executed with great efficiency. Our guides were very organized and got us to each activity and meal with no wasted time.

Far exceeded my expectations. First trip to both National Parks and coming in the winter and taking part in your tour was a wonderful experience.

–Ron W., Houston, TX

Words are inadequate to describe this program. The fact that I’m planning to come back and do this again soon should be a small token of how much fun, informational and life changing it was.

It was a superb tour—absolutely best vacation ever. The passion the guides had for the wildlife was uplifting. The beauty of Yellowstone in winter was breathtaking.

–Tom S., Dallas, TX

A top tier tour which far exceeded our expectations. Highly professional guides made the grandeur of Yellowstone come alive in a way we did not think possible. They possessed unsurpassed knowledge of the history, topography, natural wonders, and especially the wildlife.

–Frank & Shirley A., Cumming, GA

The guides were knowledgeable, well-organized, passionate about sharing their love for Yellowstone National Park. They were accommodating, patient, and gracious towards those participating. They made all the difference and were top notch!

It was an excellent trip. Experiencing Yellowstone in winter is a trip I will never forget. I thought it was well run and one of the top experiences in travel I have ever had. The excitement of seeing the animals is unparalleled. The park is majestic, vast, and splendid—an American treasure!

–Susan C., Wallace, NC

We have never been to Yellowstone and this trip taught us so many things about the park, animals living there, the environment, park service, and the ecosystem. It was a spectacular experience!

It was an extremely well run and thought out program. Organized and anticipated every possible need or issue and was a fun and relaxing way of travel.

The guides were exceptional! Patient, extremely knowledgeable, warm, and never hurried and worked very hard to meet all expectations.

–Linda J. & Larry S., Ardmore, PA

I would travel with Orbridge again—I seldom travel with groups, but this trip was wonderful. Excellent planning, preparation, focus on the things that matter and are the reasons I took the trip.

–Joan B., San Francisco, CA

Share This Tour

DURATION

GROUP SIZE

Activity Level: 3

E-BROCHURE

TOUR VIDEO

overview

tour map

tour highlights

day-by-day itinerary

full itinerary

Inclusions

rates

Travel Insurance

Booking Flights

your guide(s)

Two Orbridge Expedition Leaders

guest feedback