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Close-up of male wolf
Buffalo grazing nearby a steaming geyser
A bison and a coyote standing at a distance in a field inside Yellowstone National Park
Visitor walking through snow on a boardwalk towards Mammoth Geyser
Snow covered trees in a geyser basin in Yellowstone National Park
White owl flying
Geyser erupting at a distance
Thermal Paint Pots at Yellowstone National Park
Teton Science Schools touring snow van
Bison laying beside a thermal paint pot
Close-up of Teton Science Schools touring snow van
Two otters running beside a river
Guests looking at a thermal feature
Guests looking for wolf activity through scopes
Thermal features at West Thumb on Yellowstone Lake
Guests snowshoeing through the woods in deep snow
Bald eagle perched on a tree branch
Gray wolf hunting during winter in Yellowstone
Guests snowshoeing on a bridge over flowing water
Guests watching the nearby wildlife from the touring snow van
Wolf pack interacting in the snow
Wolf howling with its pack
Guests posed for a picture around a Yellowstone National Park sign in the snow
Close-up of a young wolf
Entrance road to Yellowstone National Park below a brick archway with a sign that reads For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People
Steam rising from thermal features during a light snowfall
Guests walking through deep snow on a raised bridge pathway
Close-up of a guest looking for wolves through a scope
Male elk foraging in a field
Guests beside a touring snow van watching for wildlife through scopes
Close-up of a fox walking through deep snow
Close-up of a large bison with a snow-covered face walking through deep snow
Close-up of a small rabbit sitting in the snow
Guests standing behind a sign that reads 45th Parallel of Latitude Halfway Between Equator and North Pole
Sign marker for Yellowstone National Park
Grey wolf running through deep snow
Guests walking down a path next to thermal features while bison walk in the background
Pronghorn Antelope in a field in Yellowstone National Park
Wolf pack members being affectionate with each other
Bighorn sheep climbing over rocks during winter in Yellowstone
Duration
7 Days
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
18
The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone (Jackson to Bozeman)

The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone (Jackson to Bozeman)Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Jackson, WY 
Welcome to Jackson! 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: The Lexington at Jackson Hole (D)

Day 2: 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 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 3: Jackson / Old Faithful
Depart Jackson for Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy lunch en route, transferring to safari snow coaches at Flagg Ranch before continuing the journey north to Old Faithful.

Watch Old Faithful erupt, then enjoy a nature walk to the Castle Geyser and explore the Upper Geyser Basin. 
Overnight: Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D) 

Day 4: Old Faithful / Mammoth Hot Springs / Lamar Valley / Gardiner, MT
Head to Mammoth Hot Springs, a unique area of the park where colorful travertine terraces create mesmerizing, intricate landscapes. During a stop at the Lower Geyser Basin, discover the four hydrothermal features of the park: hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles. This afternoon, peruse the Albright Visitor Center, once a former army building built in 1909.

After lunch, set out for Lamar Valley—a prime wolf habitat. Climb aboard a heated, custom-outfitted van 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 Expedition Leaders will share a wealth of knowledge, stories, and a trained eye 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 5: Gardiner / Lamar Valley, WY / Cooke City, MT / Gardiner 
Before first light, begin another full-day adventure in the Northern Range—with opportunities to reach viewing points from 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.

Afterward, 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, take an opportunity to 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 6: Gardiner / Lamar Valley, WY / Paradise Valley, MT / Bozeman
This morning, make a final excursion in the Northern Range. After lunch, say goodbye to Yellowstone National Park, passing the iconic Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance through Paradise Valley on the way to Bozeman for a special evening. 

This grand adventure concludes with a festive farewell dinner to recount the week's highlights and memorable experiences and bid a fond good-bye to the magnificent Yellowstone wildlife, the park, and your traveling companions.
Overnight: GranTree (B,L,D) 

Day 7: Depart Bozeman
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.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level:

Moderate

The majority of the program’s activities will take place outdoors and a fair amount of walking on varying terrain is 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.

Maximum elevation: 8,262 feet at Craig's Pass and the Continental Divide