Expedition Details
Experience the magic of Yellowstone in the quiet of winter. Watch shaggy bison shake snow off their backs as elk browse nearby. Meet a biologist from the Yellowstone Wolf Project to learn about wolf reintroduction efforts. Take in brilliant views as you discover erupting geysers and dramatic canyons.
Trip Highlights
- Watch for elk, bison, big horn sheep, golden eagles, fox, coyotes, otters and the elusive gray wolf. Easily visible against the sparkling snow wildlife spend the winters in low elevation valleys where they are easier to see.
- Ride into the heart of Yellowstone in heated snow coaches — a unique way to travel over the snowy road.
- See famous geysers like Old Faithful and discover rarely seen sights away from the crowds
- Try snowshoeing on the gentle trails at Old Faithful
- Star gaze as the dark night skies reveal a blanket of constellations
- Ride a horse-drawn sleigh through a snowy forest
Itinerary - 6 Days
Day 1 — Bozeman/Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming
Travel from Bozeman, Montana, to Yellowstone National Park, on the lookout for bald eagles, mule deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep. At Mammoth Hot Springs, settle into a historic national park lodge, and stroll the steaming, colorful mineral spring terraces outlined in pure white snow.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins (D)
Day 2 — Mammoth Hot Springs/Lamar Valley
Head to the open, rolling meadows and wide vistas of the Lamar Valley, where wolves were first restored to Yellowstone in 1995. Using a spotting scope, search among herds of elk and bison for coyotes, eagles, and the elusive wolf. A wildlife biologist joins us this evening to discuss the return of Yellowstone's wolves and a study, partially funded by the National Geographic Society, on their impact on the park.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins (B,L,D)
Days 3 & 4 — Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone/Old Faithful
Today, travel by private snow coach to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Walk to the rim of the spectacular gorge to see its thundering waterfall and the ice arch that forms from the spray. Wander amid the bubbling mud pots and fumaroles of the lower geyser basin. Then continue to Old Faithful to explore on foot or by snowshoe a dramatic landscape of erupting geysers, frozen waterfalls, and gem-colored mineral pools. Keep an eye out for wildlife—bison, crusted in ice, often stand among the pools for warmth. After dark, step outside to admire the incredible canopy of stars in one of the world's best constellation-viewing spots.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Old Faithful/Big Sky, Montana
After visiting the whimsical Fountain Paint Pots, leave the park via the West Yellowstone gate. Travel to the Gallatin Canyon, near Big Sky, Montana, and settle into a comfortable log cabin lodge. Relax or enjoy a sleigh ride through the countryside. Then celebrate your winter adventure in Yellowstone at a farewell dinner.
320 Guest Ranch (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Bozeman
Return to Bozeman for your flight home.
(B)
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Jeremy Schmidt
Few people know Yellowstone country better than wildlife biologist Jeremy Schmidt. Jeremy has spent more than 30 years in the area, working as a winter keeper, park ranger, naturalist, photographer, and author. His writing includes several books for National Geographic and articles for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. His knowledge of Yellowstone will enrich your experience in this magnificent park.
Jeremy will join the following departures:
Dec 21 - 26, 2010 • Dec 28, 2010 - Jan 02, 2011Jan 16 - 21, 2011 • Jan 23 - 28, 2011
