Winter reveals Yellowstone’s hidden magic. The park transforms into a hushed landscape where coyotes howl, eagles soar overhead, and elk leave delicate tracks in pristine snow. While summer crowds disperse, nature’s spectacle intensifies – herds of bison roam freely across the frosted terrain, and visitors trade cars for snowcoaches, skis, and snowshoes to explore this transformed wilderness.
Experience the park’s famous features in their winter splendor: Old Faithful’s steam billowing dramatically against the cold sky, the Lower Falls thundering between ice-glazed canyon walls, and Lamar Valley’s wildlife theater playing out against a blanket of white. Your journey extends through three states – Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho – including an unforgettable traverse beneath the snow-crowned peaks of the Grand Tetons and a magical sleigh ride through Jackson’s National Elk Refuge, where the sound of bells mingles with the whisper of winter winds.
Why you’ll enjoy this trip:
♦ Fewer crowds: Winter is the off-season in Yellowstone, so you’ll have the opportunity to experience the park without the summer crowds.
♦ Yellowstone’s iconic animals, such as bison and wolves, are active during the winter months, making it a great time to spot them in their natural habitat.
♦ In winter, Yellowstone transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered forests, frozen waterfalls, and steaming geysers. It’s a truly magical sight!
♦ In addition to exploring the park, winter tours of Yellowstone may also include fun winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sleigh rides.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Jackson, WY
Upon arrival in Jackson, transfer to our hotel (on own) and check-in. After, we get together where you meet your fellow travelers over a welcome drink and kick off your adventure and start building connections with your group. Your Tour Director will use this time to provide important information about your itinerary, what to expect during your tour, and any logistical details you need to know.
Day 2 - Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park
Begin your morning with an enchanting sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge near Jackson. Then, traverse the stunning landscape of Grand Teton National Park, where dramatic peaks pierce the sky at heights over 13,000 feet. At Flagg Ranch, switch to a snowcoach for your entrance into Yellowstone National Park, America’s pioneering national park. Your journey takes you past remarkable natural wonders including the West Thumb Geyser Basin overlooking Yellowstone Lake, across the Continental Divide, and to the scenic Shoshone Point Overlook. Your destination is our lodge in Yellowstone, where you’ll unwind for two nights in the heart of this winter wonderland. (B,D)
Day 3 - Yellowstone National Park
Start your day breathing in Yellowstone’s invigorating winter air. After breakfast, join a guided exploration of the Upper Geyser Basin, home to an extraordinary collection of geothermal features. The afternoon is yours to embrace winter activities – perhaps venture out on snowshoes or glide along cross-country ski trails. As evening approaches, find comfort beside a warming fireplace with a steaming beverage in hand. (B,D)
Day 4 - Yellowstone National Park
Travel north through the park today by snowcoach, with stops to see the Lower Geyser Basin’s famous Fountain Paint Pots—named for the reds, yellows, and browns of the mud. At the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, see the thundering Lower Falls which are nearly twice the height of Niagara (weather permitting). Have your cameras ready as winter is ideal for wildlife spotting in the bright reflective snow. Later, enjoy a box lunch while continuing to the northern part of the park for mesmerizing Mammoth Hot Springs, where heat, water, limestone, and rock fractures have created a unique terrace feature. Overnight at our historic hotel where relaxing with a glass of wine are among the activities you can enjoy. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Yellowstone National Park - West Yellowstone, MT
Begin your day with an adventure through Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America” for its abundant wildlife. Journey north to Bozeman, Montana, then turn south toward the charming town of West Yellowstone. In the afternoon, you might want to explore the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, where you can safely observe and learn about these fascinating predators in their natural behaviors. (B)
Day 6 - West Yellowstone - Jackson, WY
The Grand Teton Range stands as one of the Rocky Mountains’ newest additions and among the world’s youngest mountain formations. These dramatic peaks took shape a mere 2 million years ago, sculpted by powerful earthquakes and grinding glaciers. Eight majestic summits rise above 12,000 feet, crowned by the namesake Grand Teton, which soars to an impressive 13,700 feet. The park’s extraordinary beauty inspired such passionate protection that three U.S. presidents – Calvin Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry Truman – advocated forcefully to expand its boundaries. Their efforts helped create the 310,000-acre Grand Teton National Park we cherish today. (B,D)
Day 7 - Depart Jackson
Wishing you a wonderful journey home – until next time! (B)
