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Wildlife Safaris & Eco Tours
Yellowstone Tours from Big Sky
Big Sky, Montana, a small community nestled in the northern Rocky Mountains, is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This charming mountain town offers a diverse range of activities, from world-class skiing and hiking in pristine wilderness to fly fishing in the renowned Gallatin River and wildlife safaris and National Park tours in Yellowstone National Park. With its inviting community, picturesque landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere, Big Sky provides an idyllic escape for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deep connection with the natural wonders of Montana.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to unwind amidst stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone in this mountain town. Big Sky serves as a western gateway town to the park, providing visitors with convenient access to its wonders through the west entrance.
History of Big Sky
The rich history of the west draws fascination from all over, and Big Sky is in the heart of it. The first homesteader arrived in 1902, and for the next 70 years it was home to a small community of ranchers. Big Sky Resort opened in 1973, signaling the beginning of a booming tourism industry. Since then, Big Sky has transformed from a historic ranching area into a world-renowned resort community, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and maintaining a delicate balance between development and environmental preservation.
Things to Do in Big Sky
For outdoor enthusiasts, Big Sky is a paradise. In the warmer months, explore the region’s extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, with options for all skill levels. The Gallatin River beckons to anglers with its world-class fly fishing opportunities, while thrill-seekers can go whitewater rafting or zip-lining amidst the stunning mountain landscape. As winter blankets the area in snow, Big Sky becomes a haven for skiers and snowboarders, offering access to some of the best powder and slopes in the Rockies. Whether you prefer downhill or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy the snow-covered wonderland.
If you’re in search of a more leisurely experience, explore the charming town center with its unique shops, galleries, and delicious dining options. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at one of the local spas, or simply soak in the breathtaking views that surround you. Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to spot native animals like elk, moose, and bison, both in Big Sky and on guided tours in Yellowstone National Park. In every season, Big Sky’s natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its community ensure a memorable visit for all.
Staying in Big Sky
In terms of lodging, Big Sky offers a range of options to suit every traveler’s preferences. You can choose from cozy cabins, charming lodges, and comfortable hotels, all designed to provide you with a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. Whether you prefer rustic charm or modern luxury, Big Sky’s lodging options ensure you have a comfortable stay amidst the rugged beauty of the Montana landscape.
Visit Big Sky
When planning your Yellowstone adventure with Yellowstone Safari Company, it’s essential to secure your lodging and activities well in advance. This region experiences peak visitation during the summer months, so booking your accommodations and tours several months ahead is highly recommended to ensure availability and make the most of your visit.
Yellowstone Tours from Big Sky
Yellowstone Safari Company offers an array of guided tours that allow you to discover the park’s incredible wildlife, geothermal wonders, and scenic vistas. From wildlife safaris to geyser basin expeditions, their expert guides will lead you on unforgettable journeys through Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems. And as the seasons change, so do the park’s offerings. Whether you visit in the bustling summer months or the quieter, snow-covered winter, Yellowstone’s beauty never ceases to amaze.
Guest Favorites
Explore Yellowstone National Park with a professional naturalist guide.
Best of Yellowstone
Public & Private Tours
Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s great treasures. This full day safari will show off the highlights of this incredible place; volcanic thermal features, giant waterfalls, diverse wildlife, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Lake. Throughout the day we will drive scenic roads, walk historic boardwalks, enjoy the peace of natural landscapes and use our optics to view wildlife. Your guide is your driver, and their goal is to cover as many of Yellowstone’s famous features as they can in a day.
Public Safari (from Big Sky)
$350 per guest, (plus taxes and fees). Two person minimum booking requirement. Maximum per vehicle, 6-8 guests. Minimum age is 6. This is a mixed group safari.
From $350
Private Safari (from Big Sky)
$895 for 1-2 guests; $250 for each additional guest, (plus taxes and fees). Maximum per vehicle, 6-8 guests. This is a private safari.
From $895
Yellowstone Walking Safari
Private Tours
There are few places on Earth that can boast the diversity of landscape and wildlife as can Yellowstone. For adventurous and willing travelers, a walking safari is arguably the best way to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the incredible wildness that is the First National Park. This tour is your opportunity to experience Yellowstone in a way not many ever do. Though in the course of her 150-year history the Park has seen the creation of over 1000 miles of hiking trails, very few people actually embrace the challenge of venturing out onto them. The goal of this safari is to reach beyond the roads and boardwalks and see the beauty of the Rocky Mountains without distraction. Our guides are extremely well-trained and will offer guests their guidance, knowledge, care and various amenities so that they might have the most comfortable outdoor experience possible.
Private Safari (from Big Sky)
$895 for 1-2 guests; $250 for each additional guest, (plus taxes and fees). Maximum per vehicle, 6-8 guests. This is a private safari.
From $895
Big Sky Adventure
Private Tours
Big Sky, Montana is a wintertime wonderland. From December to April the region is draped in beautiful snow and ice, and there are many activities available for our visitors to partake in in the great outdoors. One of the best ways to see the area in winter is to snowshoe, an ancient activity that allows us to walk on top of snow like a winter hare. Snowshoeing is a great activity for any ability level, and affords intimate encounters across the meadows, forests and river bottoms that comprise this stunning landscape. Keeping warm is also important, and this safari will provide a hot meal in West Yellowstone, followed by an educational tour of the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, a unique opportunity to view bears, wolves and many other animals who can no longer live in the wild. The combination of outdoor excursion and wildlife makes for an incredible day of adventure in the Big Sky region.
Private Safari (from Big Sky)
$995 for 1-2 guests; $275 for each additional guest, (plus taxes and fees). Maximum per vehicle, 6-8 guests. This is a private safari.
From $995
Big Sky Snowshoe Safari
Private Tours
One of the best ways to experience the winter wonderland outside of Big Sky is to spend a few hours walking across the land as wildlife does. Snowshoes allow unfettered access to the forest, meadows and river systems that make this one of the most exciting ecosystems in North America. Our half-day snowshoe adventure starts with a journey to a beautiful and remote wilderness area, just outside of Big Sky. Although we will be snowshoeing within the Yellowstone National Park boundary, we will not enter through a National Park gate, and you will not be required to purchase a park pass.
Private Safari (from Big Sky)
$595 for 1-2 guests; $150 for each additional guest, (plus taxes and fees). Maximum per vehicle, 6-8 guests. This is a private safari.
From $595
Guides and Staff
Our Team
Local, experienced naturalist guides.
FAQs
Which Big Sky Yellowstone Tours should we book?
Yellowstone Safari Company offers a wide range of tours for all ages. If you are staying in Big Sky, you can book a day tour into Yellowstone National Park during the summer months, or a snowcoach into Old Faithful during the winter months, or a guided snowshoe adventure that lets you explore the landscape a different way.
Best of Yellowstone
This tour is ideal for those who want to see the major highlights of Yellowstone National Park in a single day. It covers iconic landmarks such as Old Faithful and other geothermal wonders, offering a comprehensive overview of the park’s natural beauty.
Highlights: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Geysers, Hot Spring, Mudpots and Fumaroles
Yellowstone Winter Tours: Old Faithful
This is a specialized winter tour via snowcoach into Yellowstone National Park to view Old Faithful and other geothermal features of Yellowstone National Park. This tour provides an opportunity to experience the park’s unique winter beauty and witness the steaming geysers amidst the snow-covered landscape. The tour is guided by experienced naturalists who share insights into the geothermal phenomena and the park’s ecology. (We utilize snowcoach transportation, provided by a partner, to enter the National Park during the winter months). Highlights: Old Faithful, Winter Solitude
Big Sky Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
This full day tour is a guided snowshoeing tour that takes you through the beautiful Montana backcountry near Big Sky. This adventure is designed to offer a unique and immersive experience in the wilderness, providing opportunities to see local wildlife and enjoy the stunning winter landscape. Highlights: Outdoor Snowshoe Experience, Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Which Big Sky activities should we explore?
If you’re planning a trip to Big Sky, Montana, you’re in for a treat with a wide range of activities that cater to different interests and seasons. Here are some of the top-rated attractions and activities in Big Sky:
- Outdoor Adventure at Big Sky Resort: Big Sky Resort is not just a winter destination but also a hub of summer activities. In summer, the resort offers scenic lift rides, downhill mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, and an 18-hole golf course. In winter, it’s a paradise for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
- Fly Fishing in Blue Ribbon Waterways: The area around Big Sky is renowned for its blue-ribbon waterways, including the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Madison Rivers, making it a haven for anglers. You can consult local guide shops for guided fishing trips.
- Hiking Trails: Big Sky boasts several hiking trails, with the Beehive Basin Trail being a top choice. This 6.6-mile round trip offers stunning mountain views, wildflowers, and a beautiful glacier cirque at the end. Another popular hike is the Ousel Falls Trail, a family-friendly 1.6-mile round trip that leads to impressive waterfalls.
- Exploring Yellowstone National Park: Being close to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is a perfect base for exploring this iconic natural wonder. You can embark on guided tours from Big Sky to visit major attractions like Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic.
- White Water Rafting on the Gallatin River: For thrill-seekers, white water rafting on the Gallatin River is a must-do. There are several outfitters in Big Sky offering half- and full-day trips on the river, providing a mix of adventure and scenic beauty.
- Horseback Riding and Winter Activities: Engage in traditional horseback riding through the Montana landscape with outfitters like Cache Creek Outfitters and Lone Mountain Ranch. In winter, activities like snowshoeing and dogsledding are also popular.
- Zip-lining and Snowshoeing: For a different perspective, try zip-lining over the Gallatin River or go snowshoeing in the winter to appreciate the beauty of the Montana backcountry in a unique way.
- Relaxation at Solace Spa and Salon: After a day full of activities, unwind at the Solace Spa and Salon at Big Sky Resort for a rejuvenating spa experience.
- Cultural and Community Events: Don’t miss the Music in the Mountains summer concert series for a taste of local culture and community, or participate in The Rut Mountain Runs if you are into trail running.
Each of these activities offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty and adventure that Big Sky has to offer. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a relaxation seeker, or just looking to explore new places, Big Sky provides an array of options to make your visit memorable.
How do I get from Big Sky to Yellowstone?
Traveling from Big Sky to Yellowstone National Park is relatively easy, and filled with scenic views and wildlife sightings. To enhance this experience, consider joining a guided tour with Yellowstone Safari Co. We specialize in providing in-depth, educational, and enjoyable tours of Yellowstone National Park.
Wildlife safari tours are an excellent way to experience the park with professional guides who have extensive knowledge of the area’s ecology, geology, and wildlife. Pickups for day tours are offered from downtown Big Sky during both the summer and winter months.
The tours cater to a range of interests and provide different experiences depending on the season. For instance, winter safaris focus on wolf watching and observing other wildlife against the snowy backdrop of the park. In contrast, summer safaris offer the chance to see a wider range of animals and explore the park’s lush landscapes and geothermal highlights.
Each tour includes transportation, meals, and the use of equipment like binoculars and spotting scopes to enhance wildlife viewing. There is an emphasis, during each tour, on sustainability and conservation, ensuring that your tour is not only enjoyable but also responsible.
There are no words to describe the wonderful experience we had while visiting Yellowstone. Our tour guide was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable, knew all the spots to visit, friendly and down right awesome! A tour is definitely the way to go. We would not have been able to see everything we did and learn everything we did without this tour. We are forever grateful for our guide and a beautiful day!
Angie M.
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All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
Further Reading
Visiting Yellowstone in the Summer
Jun 18, 2021
Yellowstone is one of the most popular National Parks, and it’s no wonder why. Between the stunning scenery, unique wildlife, and hot springs, there’s plenty to do and see during your stay, no matter the season.
The Best Things to See in Yellowstone National Park
Mar 8, 2021
Yellowstone National Park truly has something for everyone. From wildlife watchers to geyser gazers, and history buffs to the most intrepid of explorers, this iconic wonderland offers endless opportunities for observation, adventure, and inspiration.
