Step into a winter wonderland complete with snow-covered bison, frosted trees, frozen waterfalls, and steamy geothermal features – all without the crowds. Relax each night in cozy lodges, in and nearby Yellowstone National Park.
Start - End: Bozeman - Bozeman
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 1
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As winter descends and the crowds retreat, a peaceful stillness settles over iconic Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife begins to emerge from hiding — it's prime wildlife spotting season with wolves, elk, bison, moose, and bighorn sheep easier to see against a backdrop of snow — and the park’s legendary geothermal features take on an even more dramatic presence in the crisp, quiet air. Yellowstone in Winter is something words can barely capture — it's simply unforgettable.
Get ready to spot wildlife by snowcoach, hike around geysers by snowshoe, soak in steamy hot springs, and unwind in cozy accommodations nestled beneath a soft blanket of snow.
Snowshoeing around Old Faithful
Mammoth Hot Springs
Upper Geyser Basin
Lamar Valley Winter Wildlife Drive
Private Snowcoach to Old Faithful
Soak at Chico Hot Springs
Click map to explore.
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In the early morning hours, your tour begins in Bozeman, Montana. A scenic drive takes you along Old Yellowstone Trail Road, passing Corwin Springs with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife roaming the frosted valleys.
We'll make a short stop in Gardiner, the gateway to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, to stretch our legs and enjoy an early lunch. Be sure to fuel up as it's time to head into the park for a walk among hot springs and terraces. The frozen rock formations provide a stark contrast to the steaming geysers, and thermal activity Yellowstone is known for.
A short drive brings you to your accommodation for the night, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Accommodation: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
We'll wake up nice and early today for a sunrise Lamar Valley winter wildlife drive in Yellowstone's northeast corner. You'll quickly discover why Lamar Valley is deemed the “Serengeti of the West.” Keep your eye out for wolves, bison, elk, moose and bighorn sheep standing against the breathtaking snowy backdrop. We will enjoy lunch during our journey through the valley before making a stop in the Tower Fall region of Yellowstone for a snowshoe adventure.
Take time to relax and refresh at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Accommodation: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yellowstone's busy roads have turned into a frozen wonderland, and one of the few ways to get deep into the park's magnificent landscapes is by hopping aboard a snowcoach - which is exactly your plan for the day. Specially designed to handle the snowy roads, a private snowcoach provides the ideal opportunity to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and Lake Yellowstone with their winter coats on. Keep your eye out for frozen waterfalls, snow-covered bison, wolves, and coyotes along the way.
After a full day of exploring, you'll be ready for a delicious dinner at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another exciting day is on the horizon! After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you'll explore the peaceful landscapes on cross-country skis or snowshoes. After lunch, you'll set out on a breathtaking snowy walk along Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks to Old Faithful. Spot bison and elk taking advantage of the warm ground and watch Old Faithful erupt in all its promised glory.
The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, meeting up with your fellow adventurers later for dinner in the lodge.
Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you're back on the snowcoach for a beautiful ride to Mammoth. With no other vehicles around for as far as the eye can see, it's easy to lose track of time as you watch frozen landscapes, snow-covered trees, and fascinating geothermal features drift past the windows.
After transferring to Gardiner for lunch, we'll head to the historic Chico Hot Springs resort located in the heart of Paradise Valley.
Here you can soak in the rejuvenating mineral waters before or after tonight’s celebratory dinner.
Accommodation: Chico Hot Springs Resort, Pray
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early and spend your last morning soaking in the hot springs, or sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast - the choice is yours. We'll then hop into the van one last time for a short drive back to Bozeman. Wave farewell to the magical landscapes you've called home for the past five days, and say your goodbyes to newly found friends.
We hope you had an incredible time discovering the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in winter!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Please note accommodations are subject to change as outlined in the itinerary.
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Best Western GranTree at 8:45am, or The Element Hotel at 9:00am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Bozeman, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Bozeman Airport at 11am in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Bozeman around 11:15am.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Bozeman at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Bozeman after 1pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Yellowstone. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.
While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be when we are at Chico Hot Springs on Day 5.
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
