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8 Best Yellowstone Winter Tours For Wildlife Watching in 2023

LOOKING FOR THE BEST WINTER YELLOWSTONE TOURS?

If you’re eager to escape the confines of your home and embrace the chilly weather, you’ve come to the right place! Below are 8 incredible Yellowstone winter tours coming in from the North Entrance.

Note! Yellowstone Winter tours from Jackson Hole are only available as multi-day tours as the south and West entrances are closed.

Take your pick from snowshoeing adventures, scenic safaris, or extended trips that include nearby Grand Teton and beyond.

Want to book the best? Reserve this Private Full-Day Yellowstone Snowshoe Safari for a full-day, 5 star adventure through the snowy tundra to view plenty of wildlife.

As a snowboarding fan, I headed to the Yellowstone area in winter to shred the epic Big Sky powder. However, due to the unfortunate incident of my snowboard getting stolen at Jackson Hole, I opted for an extended trip to Yellowstone instead.

Below are the top 8 winter tours of Yellowstone to explore all the amazing options you have this season.

Top 3 Picks: Best Yellowstone Tours For The Winter Season

#1 Top Pick

Private Full-Day Yellowstone Snowshoe Safari

Snowshoe Trek & Equipment

Private Safari

2 Meals + Hotel Trasfers

Check Price
#2 Pick

Private Wolf & Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley

Flat Group Fee for 4

Private Safari with focus on Wolves

Check Price
#3 Pick

Yellowstone Wolves and Winter 4Day/3Night Adventure

Small Group 4 Day Safari

All-inclusive (except lunch/dinner)

Check Price

Visiting Yellowstone in the Winter

For most of the winter, Yellowstone National Park is covered in a heavy blanket of snow, which means road closures.

Is it Worth Going to Yellowstone in Winter?

Despite these closures, winter is an extraordinary time to visit Yellowstone, with guided tours being one of the few chances to see the park’s serene beauty and abundant wildlife in a way few ever do.

Is Yellowstone Closed in the Winter?

No, although Yellowstone is open year-round. But, from early November to late April, access to the park is primarily limited to snowmobiles, snow coaches, sleighs, and snowshoers.

The only exception is the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner to the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, which remains open year-round for wheeled vehicles.

This scenic drive provides access to some of the park’s best winter landscapes and wildlife viewing spots.

Note! Until spring, this road does not lead to other parts of Yellowstone or south to Grand Teton. So, click here if you’re looking for Grand Teton winter tours or Jackson Hole winter tours.


Top 8 Yellowstone Winter Tours

While most Yellowstone tours operate from West Yellowstone, Bozeman, and Jackson Hole in the summer, the tours listed below are only available between November and April.

These tours offer pickups from Bozeman to Gardiner and everywhere in between.

The national park pass is not included for most tours and requires an additional $20 per person. I recommend getting an America the Great National Park pass for $80, which grants unlimited access to all national parks for a year.

1. Private Full-Day Yellowstone Snowshoe Safari

Best Overall Yellowstone Winter Tour

RATING: 5/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 8-10 Hours | Book it!

Join in on the magic of Yellowstone in winter on this extraordinary Snowshoe Safari. This tour provides a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience, surrounded by the winter ecology of Yellowstone National Park.

Witness the frozen tracks of migrating wildlife on this full-day snowshoe adventure, passing plants, rivers, and wildlife thriving in the harsh winter.

The tour starts at Paradise Valley and then takes you to the Lamar Valley, known as “the Serengeti of North America.” In this area, you’ll get to track and observe wildlife in their natural habitat while snowshoeing.

Next, arrive at Mammoth Hot Springs, where you’ll encounter mineral deposits with unique hues of brown and reddish tones, colored from algae.

“Worthwhile Winter Wildlife Safari. Yes, you could drive through the park on your own, but the knowledge of what trails to snowshoe when everything is covered, the binoculars and scope, and the general spotting ability of our guide made the day feel truly worthwhile.”

(READ MORE REVIEWS)

This winter in Yellowstone Tour offers a comprehensive package that includes snowshoes and wildlife equipment, convenient hotel pickup, and meals.

▷Check: Rates & Availability

2. Private Wolf & Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley

Best Value Winter Tour for Groups of 4

RATING: 5/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 6-8 Hours | Book it!

Join this private Wolf & Wildlife Safari, designed to provide an intimate look into Yellowstone’s wildlife as you explore the Lamar Valley during the magical winter season.

Bring your family and friends to see first-hand what it’s like to be up close and personal with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, especially the elusive gray wolves.

Your biologist guide will provide you with binoculars and spotting scopes so you get the best wildlife-viewing experience possible.

Get your Yellowstone Instagram captions ready, as this tour is perfect for photographers of all levels, and your guide can provide photography tips and tricks to help you take some amazing shots!

Hannah was our guide & she was terrific. She was friendly, full if interesting information, and obviously passionate about the park & it’s wildlife. We even got to see a wolf pup!

(Read more reviews)

The tour includes a flat fee for up to four people, making it an affordable option for families or small groups.

▷Check: Rates & Availability

3. VIP Private North Yellowstone National Park Winter Excursion

Best Wildlife and Sightseeing Day Tour

RATING: 5/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 5-7 Hours | Book it!

Bask in the serenity of Yellowstone’s winter wonderland on this Private North Yellowstone Tour designed just for you and your group.

Travel via the North Entrance and stop at Paradise Valley to glimpse the vast landscapes. Continue the adventure to Yankee Jim Canyon, which features rapids along the Yellowstone River.

Venturing further into Yellowstone, you’ll reach Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can marvel at Undine Falls, a beautiful frozen waterfall. Lastly, stop at Slough Creek, a place popular for wildlife sightings.

Highly recommend touring Yellowstone National Park with this group. Mimi was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable/gifted.

– MILTON (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Experience the best of Yellowstone in winter hassle-free with private transportation, bottled water, snacks, and binoculars.

This tour is only available three times a week, from Tuesday through Thursday.

▷Check: Rates & Availability

4. Winter Yellowstone Tour (With Optional Hike or Snowshoe)

Best Value Tour for Large Groups

RATING: 5/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 8-10 Hours | Book it!

This Private Winter Yellowstone Tour combines a full day of wildlife viewing with an optional hike or snowshoe.

Your adventure starts with pickup from your hotel in the morning. Then, board a luxury SUV to some of the best wildlife viewing spots in Lamar Valley after a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs.

You’ll explore the park’s pristine winter landscape and observe incredible wildlife up close with provided binoculars.

Around midday, stop for a gourmet picnic lunch. Then, take a hike or snowshoe at Calcite Springs Overlook, a scenic spot near Yellowstone’s northeast corner.

We had a wonderful winter day touring Yellowstone Park with Megan. She took us snowshoeing, something we had never done. I would recommend this tour if you travel to Yellowstone in the winter.

– Shari (Read more reviews)

The tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, and a professional guide.

▷Check: Rates & Availability

Multi-Day Yellowstone in Winter Tours

The following tours range from 4 to 9 days, with most including many more stops than just Yellowstone National Park.

Although the tours will still enter the park from Montana, the starting point will be Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or Salt Lake City, Utah. The only exception is the Yellowstone Wolves and Winter Tour, which starts from Montana. They can also pick up in many places in between the two.

5. Yellowstone Wolves And Winter 4Day/3Night Adventure From Montana

RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 4 Days | Book it!

Join in on the beauty of Yellowstone Park in winter with this exclusive 4-day tour from Montana.

Get picked up anywhere between Bozeman and Gardiner with a private shuttle for a four-day itinerary focusing on wildlife viewing. This is plenty of time to explore Yellowstone’s vast wilderness.

This amazing small-group tour, limited to 10 people, gets you up close with Yellowstone’s magnificent wolves and other big game creatures.

Day 1: Explore Paradise Valley, home to white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, and majestic eagles. Stay overnight in Gardiner.

Day 2, 3, & 4: Safari in the renowned Lamar Valley, often referred to as the “American Serengeti.” Observe elusive wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and moose. And if you’re lucky, wild wolves hunting.

Colin of Good Trip was an excellent guide! He is knowledgeable as well as personable. He knew where various animals were likely to be, and he answered any questions we had about the park or wildlife.

(Read more reviews)

When you’re not wolf searching, find other hidden gems in the park, like Mammoth Hot Springs.

This Yellowstone in the winter package includes transportation, knowledgeable guides, delicious snacks, refreshing beverages, and a comfortable 3-night stay. Kickstart each morning with a hearty breakfast to energize yourself for the rest of the day.

Book Early! This tour only leaves several times a season. So check the available dates and book as soon as you know!

▷Check: Rates & Availability

6. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Winter Tour: Small Group 4-Day Tour

RATING: 4/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 4 Days | Book it!

Visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on this 4-day winter tour from Jackson or Salt Lake City on a private guided tour. It’s the perfect way to see the best of both iconic parks in one trip.

Your expert guide will take you on snow-covered roads to remote areas of the parks. This is one of the few trips to geothermal features, usually only accessible in the summer.

Perfect time arrangement & trip experience there! The sight sight to see and information from tour guide are truly amazing & crucial components of my overall experience! I highly recommend this to you.

(Read more reviews)

Trip Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Choose to go on either a Salt Lake City Tour or Lava Hot Springs half-day trip.
  • Day 2: Explore Antelope Island State Park for a glimpse of the Great Salt Lake before heading to West Yellowstone. Choose an optional self-paid Yellowstone snowmobile tour or go to Big Sky.
  • Day 3:Snow coach tour to Old Faithful Geyser and Fountain Paint Pot – the only way to see them in winter. Enjoy this peaceful place with no crowds.
  • Day 4: Head to Grand Teton for some wildlife viewing on a sleigh ride, then drive back.

This package includes 3 nights of accommodation, hotel pickups and drop-offs, park entrance fees, a Yellowstone snow coach tour, sleigh rides in the National Elk Refuge, natural hot spring admission fees, hand warmers, and select meals.

▷Check: Rates & Availability

7. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Private Winter Tour 5-Day

RATING: 5/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 5 Days | Book it!

For a longer, more immersive adventure in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, this 5-day private winter tour has a similar itinerary to the one above but is less rushed.

You’ll set off for this private tour from either Jackson or Salt Lake City, where you can customize your itinerary.

Great for adventure seekers, there are plenty of activities for everyone. Snowshoeing, snowmobile tour, and a horse-drawn sleigh ride are included, but you can add on an optional helicopter tour or dog sledding in Yellowstone National Park (for an additional cost).

I had a perfect time there with my friends. It is definitely a perfect choice I would like to recommend to you for a winter trip.

(Read more reviews)

Trip Itinerary:

  • Day 1:Salt Lake City tour before heading to Idaho Falls for a hotel stay.
  • Day 2:Sleigh ride in Grand Teton National Park, watching wild animals roam free.
  • Day 3: Snowcoach tour to Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pot, followed by an optional snowshoe trek.
  • Day 4: Explore Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone River before heading to Big Sky for a helicopter or dog sledding tour in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
  • Day 5: Visit the Lava Hot Springs Resort and explore Antelope Island State Park before returning to Jackson or Salt Lake City.

This package includes 4 nights of accommodation, luxury transportation, park entrance fees, and all breakfasts and lunches.

▷Check: Rates & Availability

8. Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Utah Mighty 5 Winter Tour: Small Group 9-Day Tour

Best Multi-Day National Park Winter Tour



This post first appeared on Nomadicated, please read the originial post: here

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8 Best Yellowstone Winter Tours For Wildlife Watching in 2023

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