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The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone (Jackson to Bozeman)

  • 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.

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

–  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 and who will accompany you throughout this journey.

day-by-day itinerary

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

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 Jackson, WY

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

Sunday, January 12, 2025 (B,L,R)

The first full day of this enriching tour features an exciting animal safari through Grand Teton National Park, providing an opportunity to spot for wildlife roaming through the stunning Teton Range. Climb aboard a specially equipped safari vehicle, featuring a roof hatch for enhanced viewing.

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.

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. 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 3: Jackson | Old Faithful

Monday, January 13, 2025 (B,L,D)

This morning depart Jackson for a scenic drive to Flagg Ranch keeping a keen eye open for wildlife across the snow-touched landscape.

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. Then set off on a nature walk to the Castle Geyser to explore the Upper Geyser Basin.

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

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (B,L,D)

Early morning watch Old Faithful erupt in a magnificent display of nature's power and beauty before heading to Mammoth Hot Springs.

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

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 5: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Cooke City, MT | Gardiner

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (B,L,D)

Today's full-day safari begins in 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 6: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Paradise Valley, MT | Bozeman

Thursday, January 16, 2025 (B,L,D)

Discover Paradise Valley during your final wildlife expedition. 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.

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 Bozeman

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

Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Information regarding an insurance program will be sent to you directly from your alumni association. You also may wish to visit your alumni association’s travel website at https://www.washington.edu/alumni/travel/travel-insurance/ for more information.

Membership Statement

UWAA Membership: While you do not have to be a UW grad to join this tour, we ask that one person, per reservation, join the UW Alumni Association. Member dues help support our travel program, making these tours possible. For UWAA membership details, please go to www.UWalum.com.


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)

Mike Rowell — Expedition Leader

Mike Rowell grew up on a farm near Buchanan, Georgia, where his family raised livestock, corn, soybeans, and pine timber. Recognizing the value and importance of the natural world at an early age, Mike developed a strong interest in natural resource conservation which led to a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Louisiana Tech University, and a Master of Science in Wildlife Science from Utah State University. In graduate school, Mike performed research on mammalian carnivore communities. His study subjects were coyotes and striped skunks in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and pine martens (his favorite) in Yellowstone National Park. Mike has worked as a professional wildlife biologist in the western U.S. since 1994. He is excited to share his passion for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as a guide.

your guide(s)

David Buth — Orbridge Expedition Leader

David first visited Greater Yellowstone as a teenager and grew up exploring the mixed hardwood forests and inland seas of the Upper Midwest. He has taught in the classroom and in the field, completed a Professional Residency in Environmental Education, and earned a Master of Science in Natural Science Education. David is an avid skier, climber, hiker, trail runner and forager. 2025 will be his 5th season as a guide in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

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