Yellowstone in Winter

Arrive in Bozeman by early afternoon and meet your tour staff for the drive to Yellowstone National Park. Your route follows the Yellowstone River through breathtaking Paradise Valley, flanked by the 11,000-foot peaks of the Absaroka Range. Arrive in Mammoth Hot Springs in the late afternoon and head out for a walk along the steaming travertine terraces, set off by the winter landscape. Kick off your adventure with a welcome reception and dinner. (R,D)

Rise early this morning to observe wildlife in the Lamar Valley, home to bison, pronghorns, eagles, and wintering elk as well as several resident wolf packs. With your naturalist guides, watch for interactions between predator and prey, and witness how animals adapt to the harsh winter conditions while preparing for the spring birthing season. Learn about the intriguing social dynamics of a wolf pack, and gain insights into the controversial effort to reintroduce wolves to Yellowstone. After lunch, enjoy a presentation from wildlife photographers Dan and Cindy Hartman, who have spent years capturing images of animal in their natural habitat—in Yellowstone and elsewhere. Your wildlife sightings continue on the way back through the park to Mammoth. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, board heated snow coaches for a scenic journey to Old Faithful. Along the way, stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to see its iconic waterfalls creating surreal sculptures in ice within the colorful canyon walls. Settle into your cozy accommodations at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, the only lodging open inside Yellowstone during the winter. (B,L,D)

Old Faithful is just one of more than 500 geysers in Yellowstone National Park. Set out with guides today to discover some of the lesser known geysers, as well as fumaroles, mud pots, and gem-colored hot pools. Meander among the many geothermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin, each with its own unique character. See the famous Morning Glory Pool and other jewel-toned springs, their colors radiant against the surrounding snows. In the afternoon, opt to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing (at additional cost) on trails around the Old Faithful area, or find a cozy nook at the lodge to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. Tonight, gather for a lecture by your expert followed by a private dinner at the lodge. (B,L,D)

Travel by snow coach back to Mammoth Hot Springs, following the Firehole River as it winds through the steaming, snowy landscape. On the way, stop in the Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most active geyser basin in the world. Take a walk to the Fountain Paint Pots to see pools of hot mud burbling and belching. Leave the park in the afternoon and travel north for our final night at a historic property that has welcomed travelers to Montana for more than a century.  Gather for a festive farewell reception and a fabulous meal at the resort’s acclaimed restaurant. (B,L,D)

Start the day with a morning soak before enjoying Chico’s delicious breakfast buffet. Return to the Bozeman airport today for afternoon flights home. (B)