This tour is a classic wildlife expedition of Yellowstone National Park and Wyoming.  The winter safari spends time tracking wolves, moose, elk, bears, and other wildlife

Trip Overview

• Safari in search of wolves in Yellowstone’s remote Lamar Valley
• Travel by snowcoach to Old Faithful and watch geysers erupt against the snow
• Journey by sleigh across the National Elk Refuge to see the vast winter herds up close
• $3,895 per person

In the pale light of sunrise, a wolf pack emerges from the forest into the open expanse of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. They yelp and cavort, energized by the awakening day, oblivious to our still presence. A large male halts and sniffs the frozen air. As we watch from a distance, we 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 we view these wild creatures on a rare expedition away from summer crowds.

Location of Adventure: Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks

Included

Accommodations, meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on final day, bottled water, services of an expedition leader and local guides, most gratuities, airport transfer on Day 1, use of warm parkas and boots during the trip, permits and entrance fees, all taxes.

Not Included

Travel to and from start and end point of trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees, optional activities, airport transfer on final day, items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance.

Important Information about This Trip

This adventure combines the rare chance to view wolves in the wild with an all-encompassing adventure in one of North America’s most renowned wildlife preserves: Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Travelers must understand that even though to date we have had a 100% wolf sighting rate on our trips, these are very secretive animals and they may or may not come within close range. Much of our wolf viewing is done through spotting scopes to allow the wolves to go about their normal behavior. For those considering the photo tour please keep in mind that since this is a 100% wild experience the wolves are often far in the distance. However, the sheer beauty and grandeur of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in the winter provide remarkable nature imagery. On some dates we travel in reverse order of the itinerary listed on our trip page. Please contact our office for details.

Getting There & Getting Home ?You will be met at the airport on Day 1 and transferred to the hotel to meet your group for a 6:00 p.m. orientation dinner. You are free to depart anytime on the final day.

2012 Dates: Dec 31, 2011-Jan 6, Jan 7-13, Jan 14-21 (photo), Jan 21-28 (photo), Jan 28-Feb 3, Feb 4-10, Feb 11-17, Feb 18-24, Feb 25-Mar 3, Mar 4-9 (Wolf Quest)

2012 Pricing:

$3,895 per person
Single Supplement: $395
Deposit:  $500
Group size is limited to 14 travelers
Physical Rating: Easy to Moderate
Trip begins with dinner on day 1

Day 1: Arrive in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Day 2: Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Bald Eagles and Coyotes!

Day 3: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone

Day 4: Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley Wolves

Day 5: Lamar Valley Wolves

Day 6: Lamar Valley Wolves / Bozeman, Montana

Day 7: Free Day in Bozeman / Departure

Day 1:

Arrive in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Upon arrival in Jackson Hole, you will be met at the airport by a Natural Habitat Adventures representative and escorted to the Lexington at Jackson Hole, located only steps away from historic downtown Jackson. A traditional western town that has retained much of its charm, Jackson is situated on the edge of Grand Teton National Park and is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. At approximately 6pm, we will gather with our Expedition Leader for an informal welcome dinner and orientation.

Overnight Lexington at Jackson Hole (D)

Day 2:

Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Bald Eagles and Coyotes!

Today will be packed with great wildlife viewing opportunities. Following breakfast, we will safari in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, coyotes, mule deer, bison, moose and elk. This area is especially rich in wildlife during the winter, and we cannot miss on most species.

This afternoon, we break for lunch and a tour of the National Museum of Wildlife Art. We will also visit the National Elk Refuge by horse-drawn sleigh in order to get close-up photos of the thousands of elk that winter here. The National Elk Refuge was created in 1912 to protect habitat and provide sanctuary for the largest elk herd on earth. It is home to an average of 7,500 elk each winter. The refuge is nearly 25,000 acres of meadows and marshes along the valley floor as well as sagebrush and rock outcroppings along the mountain foothills. The largest single herd of bison under federal management, comprising 1,000 plus individuals, also winter on the refuge.

Overnight Lexington at Jackson Hole (B,L,D)

Day 3:

Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone

We begin our day exploring Buffalo Valley and the northern portion of Grand Teton National Park en route to Flagg Ranch. After lunch, enclosed, heated snow coaches (snowmobiles/vans large enough to carry our entire group, with plenty of room to spare) will transport us into the magic of a Yellowstone winter. By having our own private coaches, we can stop when we like and view wildlife as it appears. Otters and bald eagles may be spotted.

Once at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, we will have time to get situated in our rooms—access to the resort is limited to snow vehicles, so it will be quite secluded. Before dinner we will experience the magic of the famous geyser, Old Faithful, erupting in winter’s crystalline veil.

Overnight Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4:

Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley Wolves

This morning we will explore the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful. Mid-morning, we will return to our snow coaches and safari northward toward Mammoth Hot Springs, where the ancient aura of these thermal features invites your imagination to run wild. En route, we will see several different geothermal areas, bison and elk wintering in the interior of the park, and spectacular winter scenery. We will stop to explore Mammoth Hot Springs before continuing on through the Lamar Valley. In the early days, Yellowstone’s visitors began their park exploration at Mammoth Hot Springs, named after the steaming limestone terraces just above the hotel. Today, the hotel grounds are home to many elk at this time of year.

An evening drive through the Lamar Valley gives us our very first opportunity to view the wolves! We will end up in Cooke City, Montana, where we will spend the next two nights at the Alpine Inn, a rustic western lodge located along the Beartooth Highway, named by Charles Kuralt as one of the most scenic roadways in America.

Overnight Alpine Inn (B,L,D)

Day 5:

Lamar Valley Wolves

We will focus today’s activities on searching for wolves in the Lamar Valley—without question the best spot in North America to view these fascinating animals. Gray wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone in the 1990s amidst plenty of controversy, seventy years after they were eradicated by the government. The result has been tremendously successful, and the animals are now thriving thanks to an abundance of prey, especially elk.

We scan the open slopes for wolves as we drive along the road, stopping to view and photograph wildlife. At times we may see or hear single wolves as they comb the valley floor in search of food. Or, if we are lucky, we may see an entire pack as they test the elk herd for a weak or sick animal.

We will have lunch in Cooke City, an old western mining town worthy of some exploration, before our guide takes us back to the Lamar Valley once again to spend the afternoon with the wolves and other wildlife. In the late afternoon or early evening, we will return to our hotel.

Overnight Alpine Inn (B,L,D)

Day 6:

Lamar Valley Wolves / Bozeman, Montana

Early this morning, while the sun is still low, we will return to the Lamar Valley to search for wolves on our way back to Mammoth Hot Springs. Then it is on to Bozeman, Montana, where we will spend our last night.

We will arrive in Bozeman in the late afternoon or early evening in time for our farewell dinner.

Overnight GranTree Inn (B,L,D)

Day 7:

Free Day in Bozeman / Departure

Today is free for you to explore the town of Bozeman and enjoy the local activities at your leisure. Bozeman, only two hours from Yellowstone National Park, is home to Montana State University and provides the hip, intellectual charm of a college town, as well as cultural events appealing to both the cosmopolitan and cowboy cultures. Bozeman has become the unofficial capital of Montana environmental politics, with several nationally important groups that enjoy the combination of university and outdoor interests.

You will be responsible for making your own transportation arrangements to the airport for your return flight home. Shuttle service is available from the hotel and can be arranged at the front desk.

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