Big Sky Wildlife Safari

Big Sky is on the western side of Yellowstone and it does take about 2.5 hours to get to the North Gate from this location. The entire drive is within the Greater Yellowstone Ecoysystem and we have the opportunity of seeing wildlife and birds the entire way, as well as time to enjoy river canyons, forests and beautiful open valleys.

Our winter tour provides a transport so that guests staying in Big Sky can access the northern range (Lamar Valley) on this tour. You will have two guides for this tour; one will pick up guests in Big Sky and transport them to Bozeman, and the other will take guests into Yellowstone National Park from there. The transfer guide will be ready to transport them back to Big Sky at the end of the day. Our guests will benefit from door to door service on this tour to orient them to the region and provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing.

In the winter months, this tour includes a drive from Big Sky to the Northern Gate of Yellowstone National Park which is about 2.5 hours. That time going back and forth is about 5 hours. If guests would like to have a shorter day we focus our tour near the Northern Gate of Yellowstone, rather than venturing further into Lamar Valley.  If we did this, we would explore areas such as Mammoth Hot Springs and the Old Yellowstone Trail where many wildlife are typically be present, such as elk, pronghorn, deer, sheep and more. This will cut several hours out of our day if needed. Please note that this means we will not be able to visit Lamar Valley if you decide to have a shorter day.

Yes we are happy to offer this private safari to families with children of all ages. It is important to note that we do not provide car seats or boosters, (per insurance requirements), so guests with very young children will be responsible to provide their own if these items are needed. It is also important to note that winter in our region is marked by snowy conditions and cold temperatures. If parents feel that children may not be able to be comfortable in extreme temperatures or conditions, we are happy to discuss options.

In each vehicle we provide engaging hands-on naturalist kits so children can feel furs and bones of the animals they are looking at out their window. We can provide coloring books and crayons and a National Park animal bingo card. Our guides will help engage children throughout the day with all five senses when they are on the landscape and inspire awe when and however possible. Yellowstone does a lot of this work for us!

We offer all of our tours in all weather conditions. For winter tours, we monitor all of the roads on our route all winter long. We will communicate conditions to our guests and guides to make sure everyone is prepared to go out on the day of their tour or move their date to another day if possible. We will only cancel a tour if we feel it is unsafe to travel or roads in our scheduled route close, which sometimes does happen. Guests will receive a full refund if we choose to cancel the tour.

Guests can be assured that we have 4wd vehicles with snow tires and are all very capable winter drivers. Our office is always available to discuss concerns and offer advice and guidance for the best clothes and comfort items to bring.

Yellowstone is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, offering opportunities to see grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, coyotes, foxes, bald and golden eagles, trumpeter swans, and numerous species of hawks, falcons, and waterfowl. Guests may also encounter iconic hooved animals, including bison, elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and pronghorn antelope. Wildlife sightings vary by season, making every visit a unique experience

Our safari provides everything you need for an unforgettable Big Sky adventure. This includes high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes for wildlife viewing, snacks, hot beverages, a gourmet picnic lunch, and an expert naturalist guide. Your guide will craft a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, current wildlife activity, and seasonal weather conditions.  This is an excellent way to access Yellowstone National Park from Big Sky.

Winter in Yellowstone National Park offers an exclusive and serene experience, with snow-covered landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for observing gray wolves, one of the park’s most iconic predators. Crowds are not as prevalent in winter, so guests can enjoy a feeling of solitude while they explore the National Park.  Summer reveals a vibrant and busy ecosystem where bison herds gather for their famous rutting season, birds are in full activity, and wildflowers paint the landscape. Each season showcases the park’s incredible diversity in its own magical way.

Our knowledgeable guides customize each safari to match your interests and preferences. Whether you’re eager to spot a wolf pack in the wild, hike to a frozen waterfall, explore the thermal features at Mammoth Hot Springs in winter, or seek out grizzly bears in summer, our guides ensure a personalized experience tailored to your interests. They also adjust routes based on wildlife activity, weather, and road conditions to maximize your time in the park.

For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing weather-appropriate clothing, such as a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and winter boots for the winter months, and waterproof outer layers and warm layers you can remove for the summer months. Don’t forget a camera or smartphone for capturing memories! We’ll provide all necessary equipment for wildlife viewing and keep you fueled with snacks, beverages, and a gourmet lunch.

The wildlife safaris at Yellowstone Safari Co. are designed to accommodate all fitness levels. Activities can range from short walks to more active excursions, depending on your preferences. If you’d prefer a more relaxed experience with minimal physical activity, our guides will tailor the itinerary accordingly.  Please communicate your interests in advance so we can be sure that you have selected the ideal tour for your goals.

Yellowstone National Park offers incredible wildlife viewing year-round. Winter is perfect for spotting predators like wolves and enjoying the peaceful, snow-covered scenery. Spring brings new life with baby animals and blooming plants, while summer showcases thriving wildlife and active ecosystems. Fall offers stunning foliage and the chance to see animals preparing for winter. Each season has its own unique appeal, so the best time depends on your interests.  For a month-by-month guide to Yellowstone National Park, read our article.

Weather and road conditions are closely monitored to ensure your safety and optimize your experience. In winter, park roads in the Northern Range are open, offering incredible wildlife sightings and providing access to Yellowstone’s foremost wildlife viewing area. During other seasons, road conditions may dictate specific routes, but our guides expertly adapt to provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploration.