Know Before You Go

Wolves are some of the most elusive creatures in North America. The best time to see them in Yellowstone is the peak of winter, when the open snow-covered expanses of the Lamar Valley provide maximum possible viewing opportunities.

However, working closely with experienced wolf researchers in the park who help us track them, we have excellent luck spotting wolves all year long, and our guides' high-powered spotting scopes bring their activities in for a closer view. 

The Lamar Valley of Yellowstone’s northern range is the best spot on the planet for wolf viewing. Due to the area’s wide-open expanses, our views of the animals are unimpeded, allowing for clear viewing from any distance.

Wolves are characteristically elusive, but our relationship with researchers—and the special design of our safari trucks—maximize our chances for encounters with the animals. Over the past several decades we have operated hundreds and hundreds of departures and have seen wolves on all but a handful. At times these sightings are relatively close, and at other times the wolves are spotted at a great distance. You never know with nature!

Because this experience is 100% wild, we never know exactly how we will encounter the wolves. As they are typically very elusive animals and tend to keep their distance from humans, and because it is vital that we do not disturb their natural behaviors, much of our viewing happens from a distance, often using spotting scopes to observe their behavior across the vast expanse of Lamar Valley. There may also be times when we will have fleeting, close-up encounters, where the animals will surprise us and appear within very close range.

Aside from wolves, we are likely to see coyote, bison, bald eagles, red fox, elk, pronghorn and moose. We may also see bighorn sheep, black bears and grizzly bears.

Nat Hab has created customized Mercedes Sprinter vans specifically for wildlife viewing in this U.S. national park. These vehicles are spacious (they hold 12 guests, but we limit our capacity to 7) with comfortable seats. On most trips we use two vans, each driven by an Expedition Leader, so that we can cover more ground and share information on wolf locations.

In winter, Yellowstone country is snowy and frigid, as temperatures often dip below 0°F. Warm outerwear is an absolute necessity to remain comfortable when you’ll be outside the vehicles viewing wolves. Your packing list should reflect the unpredictable nature of the cold of Yellowstone, including multiple warm layers, thermal under layers, hats and gloves. A winter parka and warm boots will be provided, so you will not have to make unnecessary purchases, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. For further details of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

Layers are also essential during the spring and fall, when mornings and evenings are cool but days are often warm. We recommend packing a warm, windproof fleece jacket; lightweight, waterproof (not just water-resistant) rain gear; waterproof hiking boots; a warm hat, gloves and neck gaiter or scarf; long pants, both long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts; lightweight thermal underwear; and wool or wool-blend socks. If you're traveling in the summer, bring more warm-weather clothes, such as shorts and/or short-sleeved shirts and a wide-brimmed hat, as temperatures will be warmer—and sometimes hot—in high summer.

Group sizes for our Yellowstone trips range from 12 to 14 guests divided into two trucks. On all trips each vehicle is filled well below capacity so each guest will have a window seat.

The photo tours tend to begin a little earlier in the morning, and we will stay out a little later to take advantage of the better light for photography. We will also linger a longer at sightings so that guests can have a better chance to capture that perfect image.

Absolutely! In fact, it’s encouraged, for this is the best way to learn. Not only are you likely to be in the company of other beginners, but you’ll also be able to learn from more seasoned photo travelers as well as your professional photographer Expedition Leader throughout the trip. Whether you have a point-and-shoot and use “full auto” settings or have an advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera and want to know more about how to best use it to its full capabilities, you’ll return with hundreds or thousands of great images.

Internet access is available at all our accommodations but can be slow in some locations. There is no cell service in the northern range of Yellowstone. With the focus of our trips on immersive nature and wildlife experiences, Nat Hab encourages minimizing the use of electronics, so we ask guests to refrain from using technology during group activities.

Nat Hab’s Expedition Leaders are known for their excellent rapport with kids. This fun dynamic, along with a diverse array of activities and unforgettable wildlife encounters, will leave children with lifelong memories. We strongly encourage you to call our office to speak with an Adventure Specialist about the specific requirements of our Yellowstone adventures. If you’re looking for a trip designed specifically for children and families, consider our Family Adventures.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

Most of our Yellowstone trips begin in Bozeman, Montana, and end in Jackson, Wyoming, or run in reverse (beginning in Bozeman and ending in Jackson). Guests are responsible for making their own travel arrangements from their home city to Jackson or Bozeman, and from Jackson or Bozeman back to their home city, depending on the itinerary. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home section on the Dates, Prices & Info page for details on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you in Bozeman or Jackson before your Yellowstone tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please speak with our Travel Desk if you’re interested in booking extra nights.