Yellowstone Snowshoe Tour

Snowshoeing is an experience that is for everyone.  But, even for those not familiar with snow related activities, putting on a pair of snowshoes to trek through a winter wonderland is fundamentally simple.  One of the greatest challenges is the physical aspect.  With the added weight of snowshoes on your feet, the quads and hip flexors are exposed to a greater strain than usual.  Then there is the coordination; snowshoes are wider than any normal shoe, resembling baskets attached to your winter boots.  This will require you to take broader steps as to not trip on your own shoes.  Fortunately, slipping and sliding is typically not a concern.  Unlike skis, which are built to slide along any downhill terrain, snowshoes are equipped with crampons (metal spikes on the bottom of the shoe) which increase traction in even the iciest conditions.  Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris snowshoe trips are private adventures, which means you will have plenty of one on one time with your guide to grasp the snowshoeing process and go at your own pace without feeling rushed.  With a Wilderness First Aid certification, Avalanche Awareness Training and first hand experience with snowshoeing, your guide will be prepared to make this experience enjoyable while minimizing risk, even if you are a beginner.  

Snowshoeing, regardless of the intensity, often results in the body heating up dramatically while moving even in below freezing conditions, and rapid cooling when stopping for a break (or lunch in the case of the longer trek from the south entrance of Yellowstone).  This is why layers are vital when participating in any outdoor recreation in the winters of the northwest.  While exerting yourself, it is perfect to be able to strip down to a thin synthetic or wool blend top layer that will provide a light layer of protection from the chill.  Cotton clothing is not recommended as it does not keep you warm once it is damp from sweat or snow.  When stationary, a warm fleece layer and/or puffy insulated jacket is heavenly to stay warm as your body cools down from exerting itself.  No matter the distance traveled, always pack a waterproof jacket and pair of pants.  This could be a jacket worn for skiing, or simply a rain coat as long as the proper insulating layers are worn underneath it.  Look for one with a hood so if it’s a blizzard-y day you can keep snow off your head.  Snow pants (or ski pants) are one of the best shell layers for snowshoeing.  Usually snow pants are insulated, and it’s always a good idea to wear a base layer of long underwear that is a synthetic or wool blend.  If looking to invest in your first pair of snow pants, consider a pair with vents that can be unzipped in order to allow for your legs to cool off if you do get overheated.  Gaiters are something to consider if you’re worried about snow getting into your shoes, which would result in cold, wet feet and discomfort.  Speaking of shoes, waterproof and insulated is essential.  Regardless of the brand and fit that is best for you, boots that go above the ankle are usually best.  This helps keep the snow out!  Other accessories to consider are a pair of waterproof, insulated gloves; a warm hat (that you might end up removing if you get too warm!) and a scarf or neck gaiter to keep wind and snow off your neck and face.  Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will provide lunch and snacks for your excursion, but you should bring plenty of water as well as any preferred snacks.  32oz should be enough fluids for the shorter snowshoe trip from West Yellowstone, but for the longer trek via the South Entrance do not hesitate to pack as much as 64oz to be safe.

Yellowstone National Park has five different entrances total, and one of the closest ones to Jackson Hole is the West Entrance.  

The West Entrance trail system offers snowshoeing opportunities of shorter, less strenuous distances.  One option takes you through the west gate and out to the embankments of the Madison River.  The secondary option will not take you through a traditional entrance station, instead you will start from the Bighorn Pass Trail in which immediately, the rushing waters of the Gallatin River will be there to greet you.  Both are relatively level out-and-back trails which will provide beautiful views of the Gallatin Mountains and snow flocked forests. 

Aside from experiencing unadulterated wilderness and immersing oneself in the peace and beauty of the natural world, Yellowstone National Park also offers the opportunity to observe a wonderful spectrum of wildlife.  Might wildlife sightings be expected on a snowshoeing excursion?  This is always a possibility!  Even in the depths of winter a variety of species remain active.  Amongst forested terrain the elusive ermine, pine marten, bobcat, fox and even the incredible gray wolf could be roaming, typically on the search for food to sustain themselves during this arduous season.  Near waterways like the Gallatin, Madison and Snake Rivers there is a chance to spot river otters, muskrats, beavers and even moose!  Our experienced guides will also be able to point out some of the smaller, feathered wildlife species that remain active year round.  This could include songbirds such as the lovely waxwings, pine siskins, finches, American dippers and shrikes, but also larger avians like bald eagles and owls.  Even if animals are not actively being seen, their tracks and signs should still be apparent, especially as they move through an impressionable substrate like snow!

Most snow oriented activities provide a satisfying degree of physical challenge.  When it comes to snowshoeing, if the trails are packed down and there hasn’t been much snowfall recently, the trek is usually not much more difficult than a moderately strenuous hike.  Cutting through deeper snowbanks, for which you will luckily have a guide to break the trail, is where things can get more taxing for the quads and hip flexors.  

If longer, strenuous hikes are not your thing, and you would rather enjoy a shorter, more leisurely trip, or you have children, then we’ll spend some time in the field, and then explore the Grizzly Wolf and Discovery Center.  This route overall provides the option of going no more than 2 miles round trip before returning to the vehicle and enjoying the rest of the afternoon in West Yellowstone, MT before heading back to Jackson Hole. 

If you’ve got a penchant for adventure, regularly engage in endurance sports, and the idea of a full day of snowshoeing into the park sounds like your cup of tea, then consider adding some time in the field for a longer day on snowshoes.  You can skip the discover center and spend the day in the great outdoors.