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The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone (Bozeman to Jackson)

Explore the remarkable great American wilderness inside Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks during a sublimely special time of year—amidst winter's crisp air, bare trees, frosted earth, and brilliant thermal features. Here, unique and iconic wildlife roam throughout, including bison, gray wolves, coyotes, bald eagles, foxes, and robust herds of elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, and pronghorn. Scan snow-covered landscapes to notice a wide variety of animal tracks. While some species such as grizzly bears hibernate, others trudge, scurry, and slide through the snow to survive in winter. The elements of nature are in full sway, and fascinating inhabitants—such as close-knit packs of wolves—are hunting, mating, and thriving throughout the greater Yellowstone region that comprises one of the largest nearly intact ecosystems in the world. Safari through snow-kissed valleys and iconic mountain ranges for a true wonderland of natural beauty and inspiration. 


NOTE: This program information is current as of 6/7/2023.

Program Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and dramatic tales of this unique ecosystem during this exclusive wintertime program.
  • Experience Yellowstone in its winter incarnation: a world with frozen geyser rain, ghost trees with a frosty glaze, surprising winter wildflowers, and dynamic hydrothermal features set in snow and ice.
  • Scout for wildlife from the comfort of a custom-outfitted, heated vehicle, featuring oversized windows and a rooftop viewing hatch. Yellowstone is considered one of the best wolf-watching habitats in the country.
  • Joined by two expert Orbridge Expedition Leaders and professional naturalist guides, learn informed perspectives and first-person accounts of the wolves’ setbacks, survival, and victories.
  • Meet an award-winning wildlife photographer for a presentation during a visit to his gallery.
  • Keep binoculars close at hand: this is the 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 predators, one of the most elusive being the gray wolf.
  • Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. Created in 1912, this sanctuary is home to one of the largest elk herds in North America.
  • What's included: 6 nights accommodations; 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners (including special welcome and farewell dinners), and a wine and cheese reception; a fully guided program with 2 Orbridge Expedition Leaders and professional naturalists, plus expert local guides; all unique excursions and activities listed in the 7-day itinerary, including transportation; in-field lectures and presentations, including an overview of the wolf packs, a naturalist's summary of the science and research on the biological impact of the repopulation of the wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and a discussion of the political history of the wolves' reintroduction; 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, local guides, hotel housekeeping staff, drivers, porters, and wait staff for included meals; and airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times.

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
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, 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 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.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

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.

Maximum elevation: 8,262 feet at the Continental Divide

What's Included

  • 6 nights accommodations
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners (including special welcome and farewell dinners), and a wine and cheese reception
  • A fully guided program with 2 Orbridge Expedition Leaders and professional naturalists, plus expert local guides.
  • All unique excursions and activities listed in the 7-day itinerary, including transportation
  • In-field lectures and presentations, including an overview of the wolf packs and family trees, a naturalist's summary of the science and research on the biological impact of the repopulation of the wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and a discussion of the political history of the wolves' reintroduction
  • 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, local guides, hotel housekeeping staff, drivers, porters, and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

Accommodations

GranTree Inn

The GranTree Inn features comfortable guest rooms near the best of Bozeman, Montana. Relax at the indoor pool and hot tub, get a workout in at the fitness center, or mingle with fellow travelers at the onsite Club Tavern & Grill. This property has been awarded the "Best of Housekeeping" distinction by AAA. 

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, writing desk and chair, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, mini-fridge, microwave, safe, iron and ironing board, and ensuite bathroom with sundries and hairdryer. 

Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Conveniently located near the North Entrance of Yellowstone, this all-suite property features recently renovated apartment-style rooms and a self-service laundry facility. Each spacious suite offers a fully equipped kitchen and living room, and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops.

Room Amenities: Denver Euro Top mattress, phone, flat-screen TV, Blue-ray DVD player and complimentary movies, complimentary Wi-Fi, safe, fair trade organic coffee and tea, iron and ironing board, en suite bathroom with organic sundries and hair dryer.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

A short walk from its famous namesake, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge makes abundant use of natural wood and big-beam construction, with fixtures that echo back to historic Yellowstone lodges. The rooms are simple, comfortable, and outfitted with lodge details, such as wooden shutters over windows that open for fresh air. Take in its cozy fireplace and long wall of windows facing out toward Old Faithful Geyser.

Room Amenities: Phone, Wi-Fi (additional fee), refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

The Lexington at Jackson Hole

Located in the heart of picturesque Jackson with endless mountain views, The Lexington offers comfortable, contemporary, western-style accommodations with a cozy and charming atmosphere. After a full day of outdoor activities, sip a hot chocolate beside the fireplace or take a dip in the beautiful indoor pool or hot tub.  

Start your day with a complimentary, hearty, hot buffet breakfast—offering many options that include local granola, fresh baked goods, breakfast burritos, and biscuits and gravy. Savor craft-roasted coffee from Jackson Hole's own Snake River Roasting Company.      

Additional hotel amenities include complimentary coffee and fresh baked cookies each afternoon in the lobby, a coin-operated laundry facility, a business center with complimentary computer and printer use, and complimentary property-wide Wi-Fi.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, Heavenly-style Serta Perfect Sleeper Pillowtop Mattress, cable HDTV, private living area with love seat and second TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee and tea maker, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with Rusk sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

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