- Duration
- 7 Days
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 18
The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone (Bozeman to Jackson)Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman, MT
Welcome to Bozeman! This evening during a welcome dinner, get to know fellow travel companions and your Orbridge Expedition Leaders as you discuss and anticipate the upcoming adventure.
Overnight: GranTree Inn (D)
Day 2: Bozeman / Paradise Valley / Lamar Valley, WY / Gardiner, MT
After breakfast, set out for wildlife watching in Paradise and Lamar Valleys. Climb aboard a specially equipped safari vehicle, featuring roof hatches for enhanced viewing, and venture into a winter wonderland where wolves and other wildlife play, hunt, and survive.
Dusted with snow, bison stand majestically within this protected area, and elk gather in the river valleys. Wolves stay in range of their prey. With the season's bare trees and frosty backdrops, conditions are better than any other time of year to spot the elusive predators.
During this full-day safari, your driver and guides will share a wealth of knowledge, stories, and trained eyes to spot wildlife.
Tonight before dinner, rejoin the group for a lovely reception featuring wine and cheese.
Overnight: Yellowstone Gateway Inn (B,L,R,D)
Day 3: Gardiner / Lamar Valley, WY / Cooke City, MT / Gardiner, MT
Another full-day safari in the Northern Range provides the opportunity to reach viewing points where wolves have been sighted. Learn about the wolves' evolving family tree, the packs currently roaming the park, and the dynamics between individuals and families. Dramatic stories and perspectives about the saga of the wolves' demise and comeback over the last several decades add to this second day of scouting.
Later, stop at the studio of an award-winning photographer and listen to his stories of amazing wildlife encounters. Admire the myriad of wildlife photography displayed in the gallery. Weather permitting, spot wildlife while venturing further into Yellowstone's Lamar Valley by snowshoeing along one of the park's ski trails that wind through mixed conifer and alpine forests.
Overnight: Yellowstone Gateway Inn (B,L,D)
Day 4: Gardiner / Lamar Valley, WY / Mammoth Hot Springs / Old Faithful
Before first light, make a final excursion in the Northern Range before heading to Mammoth Hot Springs, a unique area of Yellowstone where colorful, travertine terraces create mesmerizing, intricate landscapes. Take a walk through historic Fort Yellowstone or along the boardwalk of the nearby hot springs for an introduction to this section of the park.
Transfer to safari snow coaches to continue the journey south to Old Faithful. During a stop at the Lower Geyser Basin, discover the four hydrothermal features of the park: hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles.
Overnight: Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5: Old Faithful / Jackson
This morning, watch Old Faithful erupt, then enjoy a nature walk to the Castle Geyser to explore the upper Geyser Basin.
Spot for wildlife and embrace the snow-touched vista during the journey from Old Faithful to Flagg Ranch, transferring back to safari road vehicles mid-way before reaching Jackson.
This evening is at leisure to explore Jackson's town square—only a short walk from the hotel—and take advantage of the abundant and diverse dining options.
Overnight: The Lexington at Jackson Hole (B,L)
Day 6: Jackson / Grand Teton National Park / National Elk Refuge / Jackson
After breakfast, depart for a safari surveying Grand Teton National Park. Board a specially equipped vehicle, featuring roof hatches, for enhanced viewing to scout for various wildlife roaming the park.
Later, visit the National Elk Refuge—home to an estimated 7,000 elk—for a special horse-drawn sleigh ride. Celebrate this century-long tradition by getting close to the elk and learning about their habitat and means of survival while surrounded by the gorgeous Grand Tetons.
This grand adventure concludes with a festive farewell dinner to recount the week's memorable experiences and bid a fond goodbye to the magnificent Yellowstone wildlife, the park, and your traveling companions.
Overnight: The Lexington at Jackson Hole (B,L,D)
Day 7: Depart Jackson
After breakfast, guests may take the complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. Schedule a transfer at the front desk the evening prior to departure. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception
The itinerary for this wintertime program is a guideline that may change to maximize wildlife spotting, natural encounters, and weather conditions.
Activity Level:
Moderate
The majority of the program’s activities will take place outdoors with considerable walking on varying terrain to be expected. Many of the dirt trails and boardwalks in Yellowstone are not routinely shoveled in the winter. It is our expectation that guests on this program can withstand cold temperatures; walk on uneven, frozen, or snow-covered terrain; climb in and out of all-terrain vehicles; and manage stairs without assistance. Also keep in mind that you will experience varying altitudes, from 5,282 to 8,262 feet. This program operates with early morning starts.
Maximum elevation: 8,262 feet at the Continental Divide