An Exclusive Winter Wildlife Expedition Deep into Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
In the pale light of sunrise, we survey the open expanse of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, searching for wolves. With expert naturalist guides at our side and spotting scopes and cameras poised, we hope to see a pack emerge from the forest, energized by the awakening day. In the distance, a large male halts and sniffs the frozen air. We sense the mystical aura of this beast of legend. Elegant predators, wolves are an important part of the Yellowstone ecosystem, where elk, bison and other prey provide sustenance. Winter’s white mantle offers a pristine backdrop against which to search for these elusive wilderness icons. The landscape is part of the magic, too, with steaming geysers, bubbling mud pots and trees covered in glittering ice crystals beneath an immaculate blue sky. Discover Yellowstone with us on this rare winter wildlife safari—your spirit will never be the same.
Click here to learn about our special photo departures.
Click here to learn about our special photo departures.
Trip Highlights
- Track Wolves with Naturalist GuidesSpend two full days searching for wolves in Yellowstone's remote Lamar Valley—the best place on Earth to see them—with the aid of scientist researchers
- Experience "Fire & Ice" in YellowstoneMake the winter journey to Old Faithful in a private snowcoach and watch steaming geysers erupt in a crystalline spray against the snowy backdrop
- View Elk on a Teton Sleigh RideTravel by horse-drawn sleigh across the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole for close-up views of the vast winter herds beneath the Grand Teton spires
Wolves, Elk, Bison & More on One EPIC Winter Wildlife Adventure!
You simply won't find a more comprehensive winter itinerary in Yellowstone Country. On this one-of-a-kind wildlife odyssey, we capitalize on the quiet season when wildlife viewing is best: crowds are non-existent, animals stand out against winter's white mantle of snow, and Yellowstone's hidden pockets feel like ours alone. Read on to learn more about what makes this adventure so distinctive:
- A Small Group Enhances Wildlife Observation
Our small group size means we can travel in smaller vehicles with access to back roads and more remote areas. Explore with approximately 14 travelers plus two guides and an adventure assistant—or make a special photo expedition in the company of approximately 12 travelers. We're nimble enough to move quickly to places where wolves and other wildlife have most recently been spotted, and to quietly observe without disturbing them. - Two Expedition Leaders for the Utmost in Attention & Interpretation
You'll travel with two Nat Hab Expedition Leaders—expert naturalist guides whose in-depth knowledge and experience mean better, closer and more inspiring encounters with natural habitats and their wild denizens. With two guides, we can divide the group into two vehicles, each benefiting from personalized interactions with a highly qualified guide. And two guides means we can also split up for excursions based on physical ability and interest. You won't find a better guide-to-guest ratio! - Exclusive Nat Hab Safari Trucks—with Pop-Top Roofs
A far cry from the typical buses most companies use, our custom adventure vehicles are designed for wildlife viewing. Nat Hab has crafted new Mercedes Sprinters into specialty North American Safari Trucks. Three double-wide pop-top roof hatches plus large side windows offer a 360-degree vantage point. Everyone gets a window seat and plenty of room for camera equipment and other gear. These 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 Remote Yellowstone Destinations
Very few visitors have the rare opportunity to stay at the secluded Old Faithful Snow Lodge near Old Faithful geyser. Inaccessible by road during winter, our non-photo itineraries arrive via overland snowcoach—a trip highlight in its own right. By contrast, on on our special photo departures you'll savor your own private winter cabin, complete with a bonfire pit, at the Explorer Cabins in West Yellowstone. Out here, you'll immerse in—and photograph—some of Yellowstone's most secluded winter terrain. - 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-up photos of the thousands of elk that winter here. - Quality Time with Local Photographer-Naturalists
Over the years, we've cultivated relationships with many locals including Dan and Cindy Hartman, renowned regional naturalists and photographers who live just outside the bounds of Yellowstone National Park in Montana. We visit them at the Hartman Gallery in Cooke City, where we enjoy a private presentation on wildlife photography. On special photo departures, Dan also joins us in the field in the Lamar Valley, where we’ll have our best chance to see wolves in their natural environment. Renowned for his outstanding images of wolves and other Yellowstone wildlife, Dan is at our side to 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. Expedition Leaders on our photo adventures are accomplished photographers, too, and they are eager to share their expertise and help you get the best photos. 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!
