In the pale light of sunrise, we survey the open expanse of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, searching for wolves. Alongside expert naturalist guides, with spotting scopes poised, we hope to spy a pack emerge from the forest, energized by the awakening day. In the distance, a large male halts and sniffs the frozen air. Elegant predators, wolves are an important part of the Yellowstone ecosystem, where great herds of elk, snow-crusted bison and other prey provide sustenance. Winter’s white mantle offers a pristine backdrop against which to search for these elusive icons of wilderness. The landscape holds magic, too, with steaming geysers, bubbling mud pots and trees covered in glittering ice crystals beneath an immaculate blue sky. Discover Yellowstone and the Tetons on a rare winter wildlife safari—your spirit will never be the same.
Trip Highlights
Track Wolves with Expert Guides
Alongside our naturalist Expedition Leaders and scientist researchers, search for wolves in Yellowstone's remote Northern Range—the best place on Earth to find them
Experience Yellowstone's Fire & Ice in Winter
Make the winter journey to Old Faithful in a private snowcoach, stay inside the peaceful park, and watch steaming geysers erupt against the snowy backdrop
View Elk on a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Travel by sleigh over the silent, snowy expanse of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole for close-up views of the vast winter herds beneath the Teton spires
Winter Yellowstone Photo Expeditions
Our specialized Photo Expedition, limited to 12 photographers, includes one extra day in the heart of Yellowstone. Your Expedition Leader is both an expert naturalist and a photo pro adept at coaching photographers of all skill levels. Get personalized advice to improve your images as you capture iconic shots of legendary landscapes, bison, elk, and if we're lucky, wolves. Our small group size means quieter, closer photography encounters plus flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in order to maximize photo opportunities.
Wolves, Elk, Bison & More on One Epic Winter Wildlife Adventure!
You simply won't find a more comprehensive winter itinerary in Yellowstone Country. Our peerless wildlife odyssey includes all the highlights, including the Grand Tetons and extended wolf-search opportunities in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. We capitalize on the quiet season when wildlife viewing is best: crowds are non-existent, animals stand out against winter's white mantle, and Yellowstone's hidden pockets feel like ours alone. Here's what makes this adventure so distinctive:
A Small Group Enhances Wildlife Observation
With fewer travelers, we can use smaller vehicles with access to backroads and more remote areas. Explore with approximately 13 guests plus two guides and an adventure assistant. In a nimble small group, we can move quickly to places where wolves and other wildlife have recently been spotted, and to observe without disturbing them.Two Expedition Leaders for the Utmost in Attention & Interpretation
Travel with two naturalist guides whose in-depth knowledge and experience mean better, closer and more inspiring encounters with natural habitats and wildlife. With two guides, we can divide the group into two vehicles, offering the utmost in personalized interpretation. And we can split up for excursions based on physical ability and interest. You won't find a better guide-to-guest ratio!Exclusive Nat Hab Safari Cruisers with Pop-Top Roofs
A far cry from the typical buses or vans other companies use, Nat Hab has crafted new Mercedes Sprinters into specialty North America Safari Cruisers. Featuring luxury bucket seats, USB chargers, expansive side windows and a pop-top roof offering 360° views on the landscape, these impressive vehicles provide a superlative wildlife viewing experience, not to mention exceptional comfort. Every guest has a window seat and plenty of room for camera equipment and other gear. These exclusive vehicles make a big difference!Access the Heart of Yellowstone by Snowcoach
Much of Yellowstone National Park, including the Old Faithful area, is off-limits to regular vehicles in winter. But you won't miss out: We get you there via the park's newest state-of-the-art snowcoaches, with Bigfoot tires to reduce noise as we travel through quiet, wild habitat.Enjoy Coveted Stays at Secluded Yellowstone Destinations
Very few visitors have the opportunity to stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge near Old Faithful geyser. Inaccessible by road during winter, our access is via overland snowcoach—a trip highlight in its own right.Travel by Horse-Drawn Sleigh through the National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole protects and manages winter habitat for the nationally significant Jackson elk herd and for other big game and endangered birds. On a private horse-drawn sleigh ride, get close to the thousands of elk that winter here.Quality Time with Local Nature Photographers
Over the years, we've cultivated relationships with many locals, including Dan Hartman, a renowned regional naturalist and photographer who lives just outside the bounds of Yellowstone National Park in Montana. We visit Dan at the Hartman Gallery in Cooke City for a private presentation on wildlife photography. Acclaimed for his images of wolves and other Yellowstone wildlife, Dan will share tips for capturing the best shots of these often-elusive animals.Your Expedition Leaders are Professional Biologists, Naturalists and Educators
Our Expedition Leaders know the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and its wildlife intimately. They're in constant contact with local wolf researchers, obtaining the most current insider knowledge of wolf locations and activity. Our guides average a decade's experience leading trips in this region, and they receive additional training and resources from WWF scientists. We're proud that our Expedition Leaders are the ones called upon to train and teach new local guides. See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Winter Safari Experience
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures is World Wildlife Fund’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
