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The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone (Bozeman to Jackson)

  • January 11 – January 17, 2025
$5,995

per person based on double occupancy

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  • DURATION

    7 Days

  • GROUP SIZE

    18

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

Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman, MT
Day 2: Bozeman | Paradise Valley | Lamar Valley, WY | Gardiner, MT
Day 3: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Cooke City, MT | Gardiner
Day 4: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Mammoth Hot Springs | Old Faithful
Day 5: Old Faithful | Jackson
Day 6: Jackson | Grand Teton National Park | National Elk Refuge | Jackson
Day 7: Depart Jackson

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 

Saturday, January 11, 2025 (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.

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

Sunday, January 12, 2025 (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.

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

Monday, January 13, 2025 (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.

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

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (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. 

Day 5: Old Faithful | Jackson 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (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.

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

Thursday, January 16, 2025 (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.

Day 7: Depart Jackson

Friday, January 17, 2025 (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: $5,995
Single: $8,395

*Special group rate; limited offer. 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

Though not required, we recommend that all guests purchase travel insurance as a means to recoup expenses if canceling or departing early from a trip becomes necessary. Information will be emailed to you with your confirmation documents. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. You can call Travel Insurance Services directly at 800.937.1387 or visit www.travelinsure.com/calalumni for detailed information about various coverage options. Please indicate if you purchased travel insurance on the Guest Information Form.

Membership Statement

One traveler per room, whether an alum or friend, must be a current Cal Alumni Association member at the time of departure to participate in Cal Discoveries Travel offerings. Payment of $60 for seniors 65 years and over and $75 for others establishes a membership with all Association benefits. Memberships are for individuals only, and are non-refundable and non-transferable. A traveling pair and their children under 21 years of age may travel on one membership. Please enroll online at alumni.berkeley.edu/join.

The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) is a self-funded nonprofit organization that relies on donations to provide programs and services that support students, alumni, and the University. To make a gift, please visit alumni.berkeley.edu/donate. Thank you for choosing CAA as the recipient of your generosity.


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)

Kevin Taylor – Expedition Leader

Kevin Taylor has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters of Science in Botany.  His biological research experience includes several wildlife research projects, as well as mapping distribution of rare plant species and the effects of global climate change on mountain plants.  He believes that it is critical to include modern humans when discussing natural history and ecology, and he studies and teaches ethnobotany and ethnozoology.  Hunting, gathering, gardening, raising chickens and bees, and constantly performing ethnological experiments in Jackson Hole allow Kevin to become increasingly intimate with the ecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and interpret the human history of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with a hands-on perspective.  

your guide(s)

Samantha Strauss — Expedition Leader

Samantha, born and raised in Michigan, spent her childhood dreaming of the mountains and vast deserts of the American West. As an adult, she moved to California to study at the University of San Diego. During that time, Sam began teaching wilderness skills and leading outdoor adventure trips throughout the Southwest.

Sam went on to work as a naturalist in Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest ecosystem, guiding river trips and leading backcountry expeditions throughout the "The Last Frontier" and Canada. The next stop on Sam’s journey was Wyoming, where Sam moved in 2018 for a dream job with Teton Science Schools. She has since become an active volunteer Firefighter and EMT with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS. 

Sam is passionate about experiential education, backcountry medicine, and science communication. She loves to share those passions with others, including sharing her love for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

In her free time, you can find Sam writing, trying to finish a crossword, or exploring a national park.

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