Yellowstone National Park is a treasure trove of awe-striking vistas and natural wonders brimming with the promise of adventure. Roaming the wild landscape are many species of wildlife that most only ever dream to see: bears, moose, elk, bison, wolves, and so many more. In such vast wilderness, a Yellowstone wildlife tour led by a professional and knowledgeable guide to navigate the sprawling 2.2 million acres to find some of the most elusive animals that live in the US is an excellent choice! Located less than 60 miles from the town of Jackson, Wyoming, you can enjoy either a day trip into the park, or embark on a multi-day adventure in a fully immersive experience!
A Yellowstone National Park tour is sure to fill your senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of the region’s varied habitats. Yawning canyons, thick pine forests, roaring waterfalls, and the characteristic aroma of sulphur amongst the plumes of steam found across the entire park. You’ll have the opportunity to see some of the most famous features like Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Lamar Valley. While you may not be able to cover all that you wish to see in a day, our multi-day option allows you to travel further into the park and visit more sights. This also increases your chances for amazing wildlife sightings!
Your day will begin early- there is a lot of ground to cover and many destinations to visit, so you will be picked up from your place of lodging around sunrise. From there, you will leave Jackson with a field breakfast provided in the vehicle and travel north through scenic Grand Teton National Park. You will enjoy sunrise views of the towering Teton Mountain Range on your way to the South Entrance of Yellowstone. Many animals are crepuscular, which means they are most active during the hours around dawn and dusk, so this is prime time to be out! Once in Yellowstone, you will travel the southern loop of the park. You will see Old Faithful Geyser, walk a thermal area to see other geothermal features, explore Hayden Valley to search for wildlife, and marvel at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Along the way you will enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot, perhaps by a river or in the trees. Wildlife can be anywhere, so always be on the lookout!
It helps to know what to be watching for while traveling through the park. Bison are everywhere and can even be seen walking down the middle of the road! Elk are mostly active in the morning and evening, and in the fall months they can be heard demonstrating their famous “bugle”. Moose are not a common sight in Yellowstone. With a low population and a solitary nature, they are trickier to spot than our herd animals that travel in groups, but it is exciting when we do! Bears are at the top of everyone’s list to see, but they are not a guarantee. We do not see them every day, especially in the hot summer months. Visiting in the spring and fall will increase your chances of a bear sighting, so keep that in mind if bears are something you really want to see. Wolves are also highly sought after, but even less of a guarantee to find. For wolves, a little strategy helps a lot, and spending more time within the park in particular areas that are known for wolf watching is the way to go. That being said, anything can be seen anywhere at any time, and we are constantly surprised by what the park throws our way!
As the seasons provide different wildlife opportunities depending on the species, it is important to know what you should bring to be comfortable for the season you will be visiting. You don’t want to be confined to the vehicle because the temperatures are too cold for the coat you wore, or your shoes aren’t suitable for the terrain.
- If you’re visiting in the spring between April and June, assume you might experience winter weather. Sturdy, comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots are highly recommended to explore away from the roadside. A wicking base layer covered by an insulating mid layer like a puffy or a fleece will keep you warm, yet allow you to shed layers when the afternoon warms up. A waterproof, insulated coat is essential during these months, particularly during the early mornings!
- Summer months will certainly be warmer, but will still see cool mornings and evenings. A warm jacket is still recommended, and comfortable hiking shoes. These are the months when you’ll want plenty of sun protection like hats and sunglasses.
- During September and October, the fall weather can go either way. We see both summer temperatures and icy mornings with the potential for snowfall, so layers are also key this time of year.
Figuring out what to wear is one thing, but what else are you going to need? Personal medications are the most important. This is a long day (or days) in remote locations with limited cell phone service, so you want to make sure you are covered for the day with any medications you may need. If traveling with small children, take whatever items would make the day most comfortable for them as there is a lot of car time. We provide snacks and lunch, but if you have a child with specific food preferences, feel free to bring them along! Sunscreen is important as we spend significant time in the sun, and UV levels are stronger at this elevation. Don’t forget the camera! We have phones now that take incredible images, so that may be all you need. If you are a photography buff and have a more substantial camera with a long lens, this is the place to bring it!
Multi-Day Tours
Want a fully immersive experience within Yellowstone National Park and have time to spare? We encourage you to explore our multi-day options! We offer 2-day and 3-day tours to expand your experience within both beautiful national parks.
2-Day Tours
This extended tour will slow things down and allow you to spend more time in areas that interest you most. It also allows for more time searching for wildlife, or staying put to observe when you do find them. You will also be able to explore areas of the park that aren’t possible on day tours. These excursions will take you through prime grizzly and wolf habitat like Pilgrim Creek, Hayden Valley, and the world renowned Lamar Valley (known for wolf watching!) You will stay in comfortable, yet remote lodging just outside the park’s boundary, offering an excellent jumping off point for late evening and early morning game drives. You will travel up one side of the park on the first day, and down the other side on your way back to Jackson on the second. You will hit all of the highlights that you can in Yellowstone and Grand Teton with ample wildlife opportunities along the way!
3-Day Tours
If you want to see the major highlights of the park plus some of the lesser known hidden gems, you may want to opt for more time! Additionally, the more early morning and evening hours you spend in the park, the more wildlife opportunities you will have during times of peak activity. This option will give you three exciting mornings and two evening game drives!
A typical day in the field with us is nothing short of incredible. But the best part is that all of our tours are customizable, and we are able to make adjustments where possible depending on your interests. No matter if you are spending a day in the park or enjoying a longer stretch of time, a trip to Yellowstone National Park with one of our friendly, expert guides is sure to give you the adventure of a lifetime!
More Adventures
Guided Tours of Yellowstone
