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Wildlife Safaris & Eco Tours
Yellowstone Tours from Gardiner
Nestled at the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner, Montana, beckons travelers with its unrivaled proximity to the wonders of the natural world. As the Roosevelt Arch welcomes you into this picturesque town, the air is charged with anticipation for an adventure that seamlessly blends outdoor exploration, wildlife encounters, and a charming touch of Western hospitality.
Yellowstone Safari Company offers daily tours from Gardiner into the Lamar Valley for wildlife watching and into the park interior to see the highlights of Yellowstone National Park. During the winter months, the Lamar Valley remains accessible and it’s an excellent time for spotting wolves and other wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts can join a 3-Day Winter Wolves and Wildlife tour to maximize their experience in the region.
History of Gardiner
Earliest references to the area date back as far as 1805. With the exception of Yellowstone National Park, it is the oldest known place name in the region, dubbed Gardiner in 1870 after Johnson Gardner. Not much is known about him, and it is thought that the extra “i” in the name came from a mispronunciation from explorer Jim Bridger. The town served as the main gateway to the park since its creation in 1872 due to its extremely close proximity. Its purpose was to serve the needs of visitors to the park, a role which it still plays today.
Things to do in Gardiner, MT
While Gardiner is known for its immediate access to Yellowstone National Park, there is so much more to this charming western town. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a way to unwind and relax, there are plenty of options!
Feel the rush of the Yellowstone River on a river rafting adventure, where guided trips cater to all skill levels. Navigate through canyons, pass by wildlife habitats, and let the river’s flow carry you through a landscape of unparalleled beauty. After a day of exploration, find solace and rejuvenation at Chico Hot Springs Resort. Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by mountain views, indulging in a moment of tranquility and luxury. Fine dining completes the experience, creating a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Wander through the historic streets of downtown Gardiner, where Western architecture harmonizes with a vibrant community spirit. Local shops offer unique souvenirs, quaint eateries beckon with local flavors, and friendly locals embody the town’s welcoming atmosphere, inviting you to become a part of its story.
Lodging in Gardiner, MT
Gardiner, Montana offers a spectrum of lodging experiences harmoniously intertwined with the town’s rustic charm and natural splendor. From cozy bed and breakfasts and historic inns that evoke the spirit of the West to comfortable hotels and lodges with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, visitors are presented with a diverse range of accommodations. Charming cabins and vacation rentals tucked amidst the wilderness provide a secluded retreat, while campgrounds near the Yellowstone River offer a closer connection to nature. Whether you seek the warmth of personalized hospitality, the convenience of a hotel, or the tranquility of a secluded cabin, Gardiner ensures a restful and memorable stay, complementing the adventure that awaits within Yellowstone’s captivating landscapes.
Gateway to Yellowstone
Gardiner lies mere moments from the iconic Yellowstone National Park, making it an ideal base camp for park goers and wildlife enthusiasts who wish to maximize their time within its boundaries. It’s a fantastic launching point for a tour with Yellowstone Safari Company, where seasoned guides lead immersive journeys into the diverse landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. From wildlife safaris to geyser explorations to walking tours, these tailored tours provide insights and connections with the pristine beauty of the park. Witness untouched wilderness and capture memorable moments, creating an unforgettable adventure at this iconic natural wonder.
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 Gardiner)
$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 Gardiner)
$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 Wildlife Safari
Public & Private Tours
Yellowstone National Park showcases some of the best and most diverse wildlife in North America. Our full day wildlife safari endeavors to highlight the hundreds of species of animals and birds that thrive in this protected ecosystem. We will visit valleys, river systems, and forests throughout central and northern Yellowstone, a region lovingly referred to as America’s Serengeti. Throughout the Northern Range especially, we will search for predators, like wolves and bears, as they hunt through herds of bison and elk. Each eco tour is led by a professional naturalist who will use high powered optics to find and observe wildlife at a distance as well as show you animal tracks and sign right at your feet.
Public Safari (from Gardiner)
$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 Gardiner)
$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 Winter Wildlife Safari
Public & Private Tours
While winter may bring cold temperatures, snowy days and a resounding stillness to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, it is also undoubtedly one of the most exciting seasons to go on a wildlife safari. Yellowstone in winter is an extreme, exclusive place. Of the 300 miles of road in the Park, only 50 miles are open to regular vehicles between the months of November to April. A private, full-day winter eco tour with Yellowstone Safari Co. focuses on this region, the spectacular Northern Range between Mammoth Hot Springs and Cooke City Montana, where some of the best wildlife viewing in North America can be found.
Public Safari (from Gardiner)
$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 Gardiner)
$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 Photography Tour
Private Tours
Explore the wilderness of Yellowstone National Park through a photographer’s lens. This private safari is an opportunity to practice and enhance your photography skills while you travel through Yellowstone National Park’s incredible landscapes, all with the guidance and keen attention of your professional photography guide. This region offers diverse photo opportunities you’ll only find here in Yellowstone. Mountains, rivers, snow and ice, sunshine and shadow, wildlife from North America’s greatest apex predators, like wolves and bears, to the smallest mammals and birds, like red foxes, and birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons, marsh birds and waterfowl. On this private wildlife and landscape photography tour, you will have the best chance to capture the many changing scenarios of weather, wildlife and mystery that the National Park has to offer.
Private Safari (Summer; from Gardiner)
$895 for 1-2 guests; $250 for each additional guest, (plus taxes and fees). Maximum per vehicle, 6 guests. This is a private safari.
From $895
Private Safari (Winter; from Gardiner)
$895 for 1-2 guests; $250 for each additional guest, (plus taxes and fees). Maximum per vehicle, 6 guests. This is a private safari.
From $895
Guides and Staff
Our Team
Local, experienced naturalist guides.
FAQs
Can I access Yellowstone National Park from Gardiner during the winter?
Yes! Gardiner is the only entrance that stays open year round for vehicles to enter and explore the northern range. Yellowstone Safari Company runs tours daily in the winter months into the park from the north entrance.
When is the best time of year to visit Gardiner, MT?
The summer months are undeniably the most popular with favorable weather and conditions. Spring and fall see more wildlife movement while the temperatures aren’t so warm. Winter is a much quieter time with fewer crowds and no shortage of snow! Every season offers something unique.
What activities are available in Gardiner, MT?
Gardiner offers numerous outdoor activities, including wildlife watching, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, photography, and fishing. You can also enjoy rafting on the Yellowstone River and horseback riding through scenic landscapes. Yellowstone Safari Company runs tours in summer and winter into the northern range in Yellowstone National Park.
From Gardiner, you can take a walking safari during the summer months or a snowshoe safari during the winter months for a unique adventure and a more immersive approach to wildlife watching in the park.
How far is Gardiner from Yellowstone National Park?
Gardiner, Montana, is actually located right at the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The historic Roosevelt Arch, which is the iconic entrance to the park, is situated in Gardiner. Visitors staying in Gardiner are essentially at the doorstep of Yellowstone, making it an ideal location for those looking to explore the park. The town serves as a convenient base for entering Yellowstone National Park, with easy access to popular areas within the park such as Mammoth Hot Springs.
This was a wonderful tour and a great time. The small group added to the fun. Our guide was a wonderful and had our best interest at heart while working hard to find things special for us to see - yet showed great respect for the park, the wildlife and the environment. Would do this again if I could. Don't miss it.
Karen C.
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All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
Further Reading
A Month by Month Guide to Yellowstone National Park
Aug 17, 2022
The best time to visit Yellowstone is most dependent on your own planning; each month provides its own outstanding experience. Read through the highlights of each month to help plan your visit according to your interests.
A Brief History of Yellowstone National Park
Nov 3, 2020
Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1, 1872 as the world’s first national park. Yellowstone is an active volcano with one of the world’s largest calderas, measuring approximately 45 miles by 30 miles.
