Winter Wonderland in Yellowstone
Tour Description
NPCA is proud to present this favored ParkScapes tour, not once but twice this year. Whether you select these February dates or the December departure, you will experience extraordinary opportunities to watch and photograph wildlife in the transformed snowy landscapes. Pronghorn and elk will likely greet you en route to Mammoth Hot Springs. Head out to Hayden Valley in search of wolf packs that call this wintry valley home. Ride into the park’s interior for more views of bison, coyotes, and trumpeter swans. Walk the snow-covered boardwalk around Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin and return to the classic, rustic grandeur of the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Each day of this trip offers unforgettable adventure.
ParkScapes Highlights
Wildlife Watching
Blanketed in snow, Yellowstone comes alive with wildlife—coyotes, eagles, elk, wolves, and huge herds of bison. Watch through binoculars and spotting scopes with knowledgeable naturalists. Learn how the reintroduction of the wolves has altered the interactions of all Yellowstone wildlife.
The Quiet Season
Discover the magic of winter in Yellowstone. Enjoy strolling through the heart of the park past steaming geysers and snowshoeing through pine forests.
Superior Guides
Accomplished naturalists will show you rarely seen sights. They know where to find wildlife and can share stories of their unique experiences in this park. Learn about park issues from local NPCA staff, and be entertained by a Yellowstone historian’s stories of early park explorers and visitors.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
February 4: Arrivals in Bozeman, Montana
Meet your guides this afternoon in Bozeman for the drive to Yellowstone National Park. On the way, pass through the scenic Paradise Valley along the Yellowstone River, flanked by the 11,000-foot peaks of the Absaroka Range. Dinner includes a brief orientation on the week ahead. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (D)
February 5: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for a dramatic drive through the remote Lamar Valley in the northeast corner of Yellowstone. This is home to many of the wolves now roaming the park. We arrive at daybreak for the best opportunities to see the wolves. A wildlife biologist will provide in-depth background on their successful and controversial reintroduction in 1995. Learn how other animals have adjusted to their presence. The wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley is awe-inspiring, with vast herds of elk and bison, bighorn sheep, and coyote heading the list. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (B,L,D)
February 6: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park
After breakfast, climb aboard heated snowcoaches (a special over-the-snow vehicle) for a scenic journey to Old Faithful. On the way, we stop at the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for amazing views of frozen waterfalls. Then carry on, keeping our eyes open for the great herds of elk and other wildlife of the Hayden Valley. After checking into the newly rebuilt Old Faithful Snow Lodge, we will walk out to view the geyser eruption, which is every bit as active in winter as in summer. Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)
February 7: Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
Today is all about geysers! In addition to Old Faithful, guides will point out fumaroles, mudpots, and brilliantly colored hot pools. Wander the Upper Geyser Basin, home to many of the park's 10,000 thermal features, including most of its geysers, with names like Castle, Beehive, Lion, and Grotto. See the famous Morning Glory Pool, as well as Beauty Pool, Crested Pool, and Chinaman Spring. Snow is packed down so that you can walk over the boardwalks. In the afternoon, you may opt to cross-country ski or snowshoe on trails around the Old Faithful area, or curl up with a cup of tea and a good book at the lodge. Old Faithful Snow Lodge (B,L,D)
February 8: Norris Geyser Basin to Paradise Valley, Montana
On your final full day in the glorious Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, travel by snowcoach from Old Faithful north to Mammoth along the famed Firehole River. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of a dipper or water ouzel, or maybe a trumpeter swan. Wander through Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most active geyser basin in the world, complete with its icy "ghost trees" in winter. At day's end, enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot springs pool, followed by a festive farewell dinner. Chico Hot Springs (B,L,D)
February 9: Departures from Bozeman, Montana
Start the day with breakfast at Chico and then return to Bozeman over the scenic Bozeman Pass. Flights home from Bozeman's Gallatin Field after noon. (B)
Note: Be prepared to walk on snow-covered trails. Much of the wildlife watching will be done close to the van or snow coach. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are optional.
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$2,995 per person double occupancy; $550 single supplement.
Price Includes
Airport transfers, transportation during the journey, all accommodations, meals specified in the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, and D-Dinner), professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination; gratuities for naturalist guides, alcoholic beverages, extra equipment rental, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 90 days prior receive a refund, less the $250 per person handling fee. Cancellations 90-61 days prior to departure, 25% of the tour cost is forfeited; 60-31 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost is forfeited; 30 days or fewer prior to departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services.
Arrive/Depart
Bozeman, Montana
Length of tour
6 days/5 nights
Pace
Moderately active, offering a choice of activities each day to suit different activity levels and interests.
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