In the pale light of sunrise, a wolf pack emerges from the forest into the open expanse of Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley. They yelp and cavort, energized by the awakening day, oblivious to your still presence. A large male halts and sniffs the frozen air. As you watch from a distance, sense the mystical aura of this beast of legend. Elegant predators, wolves are thriving in Yellowstone’s environs where abundant elk, moose and other prey provide sustenance. Winter’s white mantle offers a pristine backdrop against which you view these wild creatures on a rare western safari away from summer crowds.
Tour Details
Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
Location
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons National Parks
Season
Winter
Tour Type
Fully Guided
Nearest City
Jackson Hole
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Wyoming, United States
Activities
Optional Dog Sledding Extension
A scenic, warm ride in a modern sled allows you to explore Granite Creek Canyon in Bridger Teton National Forest. You will have the opportunity to relive the old days of mushing by running the dogs yourself (with the supervision and assistance of experienced guides). Deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and bald eagles may be spotted along the way. This extension requires no special degree of physical fitness.
Fee: $145 per person.
Included: Transportation to and from the Wyoming Inn, half-day tour and lunch.
Not Included: Extra night in Jackson Hole (NHA's office would be happy to help you make these arrangements)
Guest Capacity
14
Accommodations
The accommodations chosen for this trip are designed to take you as close as possible to the wildlife and the scenic areas of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Some are fancier than others but all are clean and comfortable and have private facilities. They are generally western in motif. An extremely important feature that NHA has arranged for this trip is the use of privately chartered snow vehicles during some portions of the itinerary. These allow them to exclusively set an itinerary around the best wildlife viewing, enabling you to stop and view animals when and where you like. Also, NHA has arranged for groups to be extremely small in size. In Jackson Hole, stay in a Western-style lodge located just minutes from downtown.
Rates
$3,895.00 - $4,290.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
January - March Fees $3,895 Single Supplement: $395
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in US Dollars.
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Tour Itinerary
Days 1-2: Jackson Hole: Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Bald Eagles and Coyotes Old-West Jackson sits at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in the shadow of the mountain range’s jagged spires. Still retaining a cowboy flavor, Jackson hosts visitors with panache. On Day 1, meet for an informal welcome dinner and orientation. The winter safari begins the following morning as you venture into Jackson Hole in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, coyotes, bison, mule deer, moose and elk. Later, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Then, by horse-drawn sleigh, glide across the snows blanketing the National Elk Refuge for close-up photos of the massive herd that winters there, with thousands of animals roaming the valley floor.
Day 3: Old Faithful A traverse of Buffalo Valley offers a panorama of the Tetons rising above the Snake River en route to Yellowstone National Park. An enclosed, heated snowcoach conveys you into the park’s silent winter splendor. Since access to the resort is limited to snow vehicles, you'll find yourself in peaceful seclusion, experiencing the magic of Old Faithful erupting in winter’s crystalline veil.
Day 4: Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley Wolves Back aboard the snowcoach, head northward through the park’s geyser basins to the silver terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, where you may see many elk. The evening destination is Cooke City, Montana, where you’ll spend two nights at the Alpine Inn, a rustic western lodge in the Beartooth Mountains. As dusk descends, an evening drive through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone’s far northeast corner offers the first chance to see wolves.
Day 5: Wolves / Lamar Valley A full day is yours to look for wolves in the best place in North America to view these magnetic animals. Reintroduced to Yellowstone in the 1990s amid much controversy, wolves were returned to this native ecosystem after a 70-year absence following their government-sanctioned eradication. Now they are flourishing, supported by bountiful prey including a multitude of elk. You may see an entire pack as they test the elk herd for a weak or sick animal, or spot lonely individuals who forage on their own.
Day 6: Lamar Valley Wolves / Bozeman, Montana As dawn illumines the Lamar Valley’s snowy meadows, return once more in search of wolves. When they are far off, your on-board scopes help you to observe their activities from a distance without disturbing their natural behavior. You may even experience the thrill of a close-up encounter. Many of the Expedition Leaders have worked for years with the onsite scientists who track these wolves daily, and together they provide you every opportunity to see these elusive creatures in their natural surroundings. Returning to Mammoth Hot Springs, leave Yellowstone’s wintry quiet and continue to the hip university town of Bozeman for the final night.
Day 7: Bozeman / Home If your schedule allows, you may enjoy exploring Bozeman on your own today. Transfer to the airport for your flight home is at your convenience.
Please note: This trip operates in reverse on selected departures.
This Package Includes
Accommodations
Meals
Land Transportation
Airport Transfer on Day One
Permits and Park Fees
Services of NHA's Professional Expedition Leaders
Use of Warm Parkas and Boots During Trip
Reservation Policy
Deposit: $500
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
Click on any visitor guide below to request a free copy.
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