Overview
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. This tour offers a pick-up at guest’s accommodation early in the morning and full service throughout the day. Guests can choose from a compilation of short hikes or one long hike in order to fulfill the urge to see the wild. We utilize trails to thundering waterfalls, pristine river valleys, rugged mountain peaks, and secret thermal areas out of reach to the unsuspecting tourist. Each and every option is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Each and every route will include potential wildlife sightings such as elk, deer, moose, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, grizzly and black bears, wolves, rodents, weasels, bald eagles, and a menagerie of other birds. We will build our itinerary based on our guests desires, abilities and areas of interest throughout the park.
Your exact route and itinerary will be determined by your interests, current wildlife sightings, and current weather and road conditions. Our guides are all highly experienced, with thousands of hours in the field, and will expertly tailor your safari to you and your group.
Yellowstone is a World Biosphere and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park’s history is dramatic, inspiring and hopeful, a continual lesson for our relationship with our planet. The ecosystem is completely intact and thriving, a showcase for conservation. There is no better way to experience the complexity of the land than to walk across it at a slow and steady pace, practicing awareness for all the sights, sounds and smells around you. Moments of solitude are plenty. Engaging conversations are likely. Guides will draw attention to the finer details of wilderness experience; a bison’s winter hair caught on sagebrush, the rusty smell of a fox den, the tracks of a deer fawn escaping the pursuit of a coyote, the sound of a Trumpeter Swan as it calls to its mate from the marsh. They will also help paint the greater picture of the West; this contested, wonderful, inexplicable place.
Hiking and walking are essentially the same thing with a slightly different intention. Walking implies the desire to pay attention to your surroundings and your experience. Yellowstone was created as a National Park if not exactly for this purpose, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. Life was slower at Park’s creation (in 1872), and this walking safari is an opportunity to get back to that pace. Throughout the tour guests will be provided every convenience so that their energy can be devoted to enjoyment. Guides will offer snacks, beverages, optics, and a full picnic lunch on the trail are provided for your enjoyment. Reconnect to a different way of experiencing nature.
What's Included
-
Hotel pickup
-
Professional naturalist guide
-
Private safari
-
Catered picnic lunch
-
Assorted snack basket
-
Non-alcoholic beverages (hot and cold)
-
Use of UHD binoculars and spotting scopes
-
Guide gratuities
-
National Park entrance fees
Private Safari NORTH or WEST
$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.
Private Safari EAST / Park Interior
$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.
Pickup Options
Private Tours
For guests staying North or West of Yellowstone, we offer pickups in Bozeman, Paradise Valley, Gardiner, Mammoth, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, and specialty pickups at Madison Junction**.
For guests staying in Cody or Eastern Yellowstone, we offer pickups in Cody, and specialty pickups at Fishing Bridge**, Lake Hotel** and Canyon Lodge**. At the time of reservation, we’ll confirm your exact pickup time, based on the season, as well as your exact pickup location.
Please allow your guide an additional 5-10 minutes before and after the scheduled pickup time in case of weather delays or traffic conditions.
Approximate pickup times include:
North Entrance
- 6:00AM Bozeman
- 6:45AM Paradise Valley
- 7:30AM Gardiner
- 7:45AM Mammoth
West Entrance
- 6:45AM Big Sky
- 7:45AM West Yellowstone
- 6:30AM Madison Junction**
East Entrance
- 6:00AM Cody
- 7:00AM Fishing Bridge**
- 7:00AM Lake Hotel**
- 7:30AM Canyon Lodge**
**Specialty pickups in these specified locations within Yellowstone National Park are available for an additional fee of $100.
We had a great day with our guide in northern Yellowstone National Park. We learned a lot from her. She is an extremely pleasant person and can bring you close to animals and nature. The Yellowstone Safari Company is highly recommended.
Safari Tour Gallery
All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
FAQs
What is a Yellowstone walking safari?
A Yellowstone walking safari is a guided tour through Yellowstone National Park on foot. Unlike traditional safaris, this tour allows you to experience the park’s wildlife and landscapes at a slower pace, guided by experts who help you spot animals like bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
When is the best time to go on a Yellowstone walking safari?
The best time for a Yellowstone walking safari is in the spring and fall. During these seasons, wildlife is most active, and the weather is cooler, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
What animals can you see on a Yellowstone walking safari?
On a Yellowstone walking safari, you can potentially see a wide variety of animals, including bison, elk, mule deer, grizzly bears and black bears, coyotes, foxes, various bird species, and if you’re lucky maybe even wolves! Your guide will help identify tracks, signs, and wildlife along the way.
Is a walking safari in Yellowstone safe?
Yes, walking safaris in Yellowstone are led by trained, experienced guides who are certified in wilderness first aid and will ensure your safety. They provide thorough safety instructions before the tour, know the park and its terrain well, and are equipped to handle wildlife encounters safely.
How physically demanding is a Yellowstone walking safari?
Yellowstone walking safaris are moderate in difficulty. While walking is the main activity, it’s important to be prepared for varying terrain. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing water.
How long is a typical Yellowstone walking safari?
A Yellowstone walking safari typically lasts between 8 to 10 hours, including travel time. You’ll spend much of the time on foot, exploring different wildlife habitats and iconic spots in the park.
Guides and Staff
Our Team
Local, experienced naturalist guides.
