Overview
Enjoy a catered experience of Yellowstone National Park’s interior geologic gems, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, amidst the backdrop of winter’s beauty.
Highlights
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Snowcoach Excursion into the Interior
- Waterfalls and Wintering Wildlife
Yellowstone National Park is a year-round gem, but it truly shines during the winter months. This magical season transforms the park into a mesmerizing wonderland. As you explore, you’ll witness the remarkable interplay between geothermal activity and the park’s volcanic history, with hot water bubbling up from geysers and hot springs. Towering cliffs, composed of basalt, obsidian, and rhyolite, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich geological past.
*Tour availability is based on snowcoach availability with our partner. We will verify availability before confirming the tour.
The entire landscape glistens with a pristine layer of ice and snow, providing a stunning contrast to the vibrant wildlife that thrives in this white wilderness. In winter, a significant portion of Yellowstone is inaccessible by vehicle. However, our specialized winter tours grant you access to these remote and restricted areas using specially designed vehicles capable of traversing the snow-covered terrain.
Our full-day snowcoach adventure, departing from either Gardiner or West Yellowstone, is expertly guided by our knowledgeable naturalists. They tailor the experience to match the abilities and interests of our guests. Your journey begins with a comfortable ride in a Yellowstone Safari Co vehicle from your lodging to our departure point, located headquartered in Mammoth or West Yellowstone. From there, we embark on a captivating journey towards the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Throughout the day, our guides will provide insightful and passionate interpretations of the park’s wonders. Depending on weather conditions and your interests, they may lead short outdoor excursions, share captivating wildlife encounters, and offer explanations of unique geological features. We ensure that you are well taken care of during the trip, providing healthy and hearty snacks, a delectable picnic lunch, and the ultimate indulgence: steaming hot cocoa or coffee when you need it most.
Whether this marks your first or tenth visit to Yellowstone, experiencing it in winter promises unforgettable memories and pure enjoyment.
During this extraordinary tour, you’ll have the chance to observe North America’s largest mammals exhibiting fascinating winter behaviors as they adapt to the harsh conditions. Bison, elk, deer, moose, and sheep roam freely across valleys, gorges, and cliff sides. The skies come alive with the graceful flight of raptors like bald and golden eagles, falcons, and hawks, either perched on trees or soaring in search of their next meal. Predators like wolves, coyotes, and foxes are particularly active during winter, capitalizing on the vulnerability of their prey.
To enhance your wildlife viewing experience, our guides provide binoculars, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of these wild creatures from a safe and respectful distance. Yellowstone in winter is a realm of wonder and a testament to nature’s resilience, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
What's Included
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Hotel pickup
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Professional naturalist guide
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Specialty wildlife safari
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Public snowcoach tour
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Catered picnic lunch
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Assorted snack basket
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Non-alcoholic beverages (hot and cold)
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Use of UHD binoculars and spotting scopes
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Guide gratuities
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National Park entrance fees
Snowcoach Tour
Pickup Information
For specialty tours, all our guests are picked up (and dropped off) at their lodging location. We pick up in Bozeman and Big Sky. When you reserve, 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:
West Entrance Tours
- 6:00AM Bozeman
- 6:30AM Big Sky
Most incredible tour ever. Insane breathtaking views and wildlife magnified by best expert guide ever to make it even better. He knew every piece of information you could possibly ask and kept the tour beyond engaging and interesting. He spotted awesome animals from hundreds of meters away that we’d never spot on our own, set up spotting scopes on tripods and gave us binoculars to see them close, and then explained every cool tidbit of information in laymen’s terms in a way that kept me super captivated.
Safari Tour Gallery
All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
FAQs
What can I expect to see during a winter tour with Yellowstone Safari Company?
Our winter tours with Yellowstone Safari Company offer a chance to witness the stunning winter landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. You’ll have the opportunity to observe North America’s largest mammals, such as bison, elk, deer, moose, and sheep, exhibiting fascinating winter behaviors. Additionally, you may spot raptors like bald and golden eagles, falcons, and hawks in flight, and even predators like wolves, coyotes, and foxes that are particularly active during the winter months. For those guests wanting a wolf watching tour, please join us for a 3 Day Winter Wildlife Safari, for a dedicated wolf-watching experience.
How long is a typical winter tour with Yellowstone Safari Company?
Our full-day winter tours are designed to provide you with an immersive experience of Yellowstone’s winter wonderland. These tours typically last a full day, allowing you ample time to explore and enjoy the park’s unique beauty during the winter months.
What amenities are provided during the winter tours with Yellowstone Safari Company?
During your winter tour, we provide healthy and hearty snacks, a full picnic lunch, and the ultimate indulgence: steaming hot cocoa or coffee when you need it most. Our guides also offer binoculars for wildlife viewing, ensuring you can appreciate the beauty of the park’s wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. Additionally, our vehicles are specially designed for winter conditions to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Are there age or skill restrictions for participating in snowcoach tours in Yellowstone during winter?
Yellowstone National Park has specific regulations regarding age and skill requirements for snowmobiling, but not snowcoach tours. Snowcoach tours, being less physically demanding, are generally suitable for a broader range of ages and abilities. However, it’s essential to check with the tour operator for specific age and skill requirements, as they may vary depending on the tour and route chosen. Our snowcoach tours are designed to accommodate nearly everyone. Children 6 and older are welcome to join us on our winter tours. If you have children younger than 6 years of age, please contact us directly to inquire about a custom snowcoach tour.
Will we see thermal features on this tour?
Yes, the tours almost always stop at Norris Geyser basin for a short walk to see several hot springs and geysers.
What's the difference between a snowmobile tour and a snowcoach tour?
Yes, both snowmobile and snowcoach tours are available in Yellowstone during the winter. Snowmobile tours offer a more active and immersive experience, allowing guests to explore the park on snowmobiles. Snowcoach tours, on the other hand, use specialized vehicles to transport guests through the park, providing a comfortable and enclosed ride. The choice between the two often depends on personal preference and mobility.
Guides and Staff
Our Team
Local, experienced naturalist guides.
Further Reading
Why You Should Book A Winter Wildlife Safari
Feb 22, 2021
One of the most common responses that I hear when I tell my summer-time clients about our winter wildlife safaris is: I didn’t even know that Yellowstone was open in the winter! Not only is Yellowstone open, but winter is arguably one of the most spectacular times to visit!
Yellowstone in Winter
Feb 27, 2023
As November approaches, a dramatic transformation occurs- the days shorten, the temperatures drop, the chance of snow escalates, and eventually, over 200 miles of roadway in the park will close to regular vehicle traffic. Fortunately, this does not mean the entire park is inaccessible.
