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

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

Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman, MT 
Saturday, January 11, 2025
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.
Overnight: GranTree Inn (D)

Day 2: Bozeman | Paradise Valley | Lamar Valley, WY | Gardiner, MT
Sunday, January 12, 2025
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.
Overnight: Yellowstone Gateway Inn (B,L,D) 

Day 3: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Cooke City, MT | Gardiner, MT
Monday, January 13, 2025
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.
Overnight: Yellowstone Gateway Inn (B,L,D) 

Day 4: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Mammoth Hot Springs | Old Faithful
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
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. 
Overnight: Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D) 

Day 5: Old Faithful | Jackson 
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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, award-winning 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.
Overnight: The Rockwell Inn (B,L,R) 

Day 6: Jackson | Grand Teton National Park | National Elk Refuge | Jackson
Thursday, January 16, 2025
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.
Overnight: The Rockwell Inn (B,L,D) 

Day 7: Depart Jackson
Friday, January 17, 2025
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. (B)

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

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Many trails and boardwalks in Yellowstone are not routinely shoveled in the winter.

• Guests must withstand cold temperatures; walk on uneven, frozen, or snow-covered terrain; and climb in and out of all-terrain vehicles.

• Guests will experience varying altitudes, from 5,282 to 8,391 feet with the maximum elevation at the Continental Divide.