Day Trips from Gardiner to Lamar Valley

Ideal for travelers with limited time in the region, this private, full-day excursion lets you skip the time-consuming group tours and see more of Yellowstone than you could alone—and not have to worry about traffic and parking. Choose between areas of the park, visiting geysers, canyons, and taking short hikes at your own pace (all with your own guide). Explore the famous landmarks or skip them entirely, as the day is up to you.

Go beyond the crowds and follow a wildlife biologist/ecologist into the true wilds of Yellowstone. Visiting the Lamar Valley—the “Serengeti of Yellowstone”—and beyond, you’ll spy on bison, wolves, bears, coyotes, and more, all between witnessing geysers erupt and waterfalls cascade. Stop for a picnic lunch and take an easy hike or two for a bit more scenic exploration before ending your private, documentary-worthy adventure.

Yellowstone National Park is so large that it can be difficult to know where to explore if you’re going to do so on your own, and you could miss a lot that way, too. Instead, book this Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari and Mammoth Hot Springs Private Tour to create an intimate day inside the park. Your private guide knows the best places to stop to see wildlife and also provides details on the Mammoth Hot Springs.

Get up for a sunrise at Yellowstone, followed by a day of looking for wolves and other wildlife along with your guide. Groups can be up to 20 people, so you can bring many friends and family, and the day will all be organized, including lunch. You’ll explore the Lamar Valley, have lunch in Cooke City, and then the rest of the day spent in the mountain air, spotting wildlife.

A great opportunity for those who don't wish to be tied down to a structured tour, this self-guided driving tour lets you explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park at your own pace. Leisurely drive from place to place or see as much as you can in one day. Visit geysers, peaks, and hot springs. Keep a look out for bison as you indulge in the serenity of glacial lakes, delve into the history of homesteads, and conquer mountain passes.

Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! Experience the raw power and beauty of nature at Yellowstone National Park. This enormous volcanic caldera has captured the American imagination for decades thanks to its explosive geysers, prismatic hot springs, and astonishing waterfalls. Home to some of the only wild bison and wolves on the continent, this park can’t be missed. The tour can begin at any of the park’s entrances. Due to poor signal in the park, download BEFORE arrival & use OFFLINE MODE. Note road closures on park website. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, & enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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 full-day winter 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 American can be found. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a region steeped in history and wildness, where nature thrives as it did prior to human settlement. On your safari you will have an opportunity to view hundreds, if not thousands, of large mammals and other wildlife, including herds of bison and elk, gray wolves, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and more.

Yellowstone National Park forms the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with one of the highest levels of wildlife diversity in North America. Our full-day private safari endeavors to highlight the hundreds of species of animals and plants that call this place home by utilizing the vast knowledge and experience of our naturalist guides. Our guides provide not only the understanding of wildlife habits, and the story of their importance on the landscape. Throughout the day as you ride in our comfortable vehicles, your guide will educate and converse with you about the incredible ecosystem. They will also be attuned to all our guests' needs and desires, and will plan accordingly for walking, viewing, picnicking and moments of wilderness solitude. The use of optics such as binoculars and spotting scopes makes for incredible and personal moments of connection with this wild place. Your guide is at your service to help you have the best experience from start to finish.

We will provide you with a history of the wild animals that are in Yellowstone. We strive to make each tour the best tour you will ever go on. We provide swag, snacks, drinks and lunch. You will be guided by a professional that has spent countless hours searching for animals to show you and make your trip a trip of a lifetime. Winter Tours - We only run our wildlife tour out of Gardiner, MT(north entrance). We begin our Lower Loop tours April 16th, 2022

We pride ourselves on educating our groups while giving them an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Our guides are trained and skilled but also bring loads of energy to make every experience one that will stick for life.

Discover the wild beauty of Yellowstone's Lamar Valley on this exclusive winter wildlife tour, paired with an unforgettable snowshoeing experience. Lamar Valley is the best place to spot Yellowstone's famous wolves, along with bison, elk, coyotes, and foxes roaming the snow-covered plains. With the snow enhancing visibility, you'll enjoy prime wildlife viewing opportunities in this serene, wintery landscape. After observing Yellowstone’s iconic wildlife, strap on snowshoes and explore the park’s stunning, snow-blanketed terrain up close. Your guide will lead you through peaceful meadows and frosty forests, offering breathtaking views of the park’s winter wonderland. Perfect for all skill levels, this snowshoeing excursion adds a fun and active element to your wildlife tour. This tour offers an intimate look at Yellowstone's untamed winter wilderness, blending wildlife viewing with the thrill of snowshoeing through one of the most iconic landscapes in the world.

This private tour takes you on an adventure in Yellowstone searching for wildlife in the Upper Loop. Use provided binoculars to search for eagles, black and grizzly bears, moose, and many more animals. Breakfast, lunch, and hot drinks are provided to keep your energy up as you and your guide explore Yellowstone.

Explore Yellowstone’s Winter Wonderland with Sky's the Limit Tours! We will visit Lamar Valley, where the country’s most iconic animals—wolves, bison, elk, and fox—roam free across the snow-covered landscape. Travel in a heated AWD vehicle from Bozeman or anywhere along the route to Gardiner (including Livingston) on a fully private tour tailored specifically to your group. Hike or snowshoe through the winter scenery, or spend most of the time inside or near the warm vehicle—your choice. Enjoy hot coffee, tea, and cocoa while spotting wildlife with professional scopes, and learn fascinating stories about the park’s wildlife, geology, and history. Marvel at Mammoth Hot Springs, frozen waterfalls, and Yellowstone’s breathtaking winter landscapes. Includes a catered lunch, professional photos, and expert guidance from certified local, park-authorized guides for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure.

Experience Yellowstone like never before on our Private Wildlife Tour, an intimate adventure into some of the park’s most iconic landscapes and animal habitats. With a knowledgeable naturalist guide and a tailored itinerary, you’ll explore wildlife-rich areas like the Lamar Valley, often called the Serengeti of North America, where we'll have the opportunity to spot wolves in the wild, grizzlies grazing, bison thundering across open plains, or elk bugling in the morning. Using high-powered scopes and local knowledge, your guide will bring the hidden world of Yellowstone’s wildlife to life, sharing fascinating stories about the park’s complex ecosystem and the creatures that call it home. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a nature lover, or simply curious, this tour offers a front-row seat to the wild with maximum flexibility, comfort, and personal attention.

Witness the diverse wildlife of Yellowstone on your own terms with this Private Large Group Wildlife Tour. Perfect for families and friends, this tour offers an exclusive experience as you explore the park's rich habitats. With a knowledgeable guide, spot iconic animals such as bison, elk, and bears using high-powered scopes and binoculars. Enjoy the flexibility to customize your itinerary, allowing for extended wildlife viewing and photography. This full-day adventure promises an intimate connection with nature, making it an unforgettable outing with your favorite people. - Full-day tour lasting approximately 8 hours - Private group experience for up to 10 guests - Includes professional naturalist guide, lunch, and equipment for wildlife viewing - Departures available from Gardiner, MT, Mammoth Hot Springs, or Canyon Village

This tour focuses on Yellowstone's famous wildlife. The tour provides great sightseeing and photography opportunities. Search Madison, Hayden, and Lamar Valleys for iconic animals like bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves, and more!

Maximize your trip to Gardiner and explore a swath of Yellowstone National Park highlights in just one day. Let your expert guide take care of all the logistics on this hassle-free small-group tour to one of America’s premier natural wonders. You’ll see several park attractions, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, and Lamar Valley, where you’ll look for wildlife with high-tech binoculars and scopes.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the world’s most pristine temperate ecosystem. Our Yellowstone wildlife tour is centered around spotting grizzly bears and wolves, but along the way, you’ll encounter a wide array of fascinating wildlife. You’ll also gain insights into the animals, geology, and rich history of Yellowstone. The day’s challenge? Capturing as many stunning photos and videos as possible, using top-of-the-line optics to document wildlife from miles away. It’s an experience you’ll treasure, both in memories and pictures.

Explore the wonders of Yellowstone National Park on a self-guided audio tour that takes you along the scenic 140-mile Grand Loop. Experience the dramatic landscapes of erupting geysers, majestic waterfalls, and wildlife-rich meadows, all narrated by GPS technology. Discover fascinating stories about Old Faithful, the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and the transformative role of wolves in the ecosystem. Unearth hidden gems like Sylvan Lake and Dragon’s Mouth Spring while enjoying the freedom to travel at your own pace. This immersive journey connects you to the park's rich history and natural beauty, making every moment memorable. - Scenic 140-mile Grand Loop with GPS-triggered narration - Learn about iconic sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring - Discover lesser-known spots and unique natural features - Get insider tips on what you can safely skip and what not to miss - Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families

Experience the wild heart of Yellowstone on your Upper Loop tour through the legendary Lamar Valley, known as America’s Serengeti. This premier wildlife watching destination offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wolves, grizzly bears, bison herds, and other magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Your expert guide knows the best locations and timing for wildlife sightings, providing high-powered spotting scopes and sharing their deep knowledge of the park’s animals and ecosystems. Journey from the dramatic terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs to thundering waterfalls and pristine valleys, learning about the intricate relationships between Yellowstone’s wildlife, geology, and seasons. Travel in comfort in a private vehicle as your guide helps you spot and photograph wildlife safely. We’ll document your wildlife encounters with photos throughout the day and share them with you afterwards at no additional charge.

Don't just dream of the wild – live it. Spaces on these highly sought-after adventures are limited, especially during prime viewing seasons. Secure your chance to photograph incredible moments, hear the echoes of the wild, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We create personalized, private tours built around your pace, interests, and sense of adventure. Unlike larger companies with fixed routes, we design each trip according to your needs and wishes—if you want a quiet day with fewer stops or a jam-packed adventure, we’ll make it happen. We take time to avoid crowds, explore hidden gems, and adapt each day based on conditions and your preferences. With years of experience in and around Yellowstone, we know how to turn a visit into something truly memorable. Our comfortable van, hearty local meals, and thoughtful planning ensure your trip is both fun and seamless. We help you connect with Yellowstone—like we would a close friend.

Capture the spirit of your Yellowstone adventure with a private portrait session designed to blend natural beauty, relaxed exploration, and timeless photography. Whether you choose the soft stillness of morning or the golden drama of sunset, you’ll be guided by a professional photographer who knows both Yellowstone’s landscape and its ever-changing light. Before your session, we’ll connect with you for a personal consultation — to get to know your style, your hopes for the shoot, and any special moments you want to highlight. From there, we’ll plan a custom outing that brings your vision to life, all while allowing room for candid moments and spontaneous magic. Each session includes relaxed documentary style photography throughout the experience, along with opportunities for more formal portraits against Yellowstone’s breathtaking backdrops.

Step beyond the crowds and immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s untouched wilderness on a customized hiking adventure. With the Park Service estimating that nearly 98% of visitors never venture more than a half-mile from their cars, this is your chance to experience the true beauty of the park. Whether we’re following established trails or forging our own way off the beaten path, each trek is tailored to your fitness level and interests, guiding you to secluded spots and panoramic vistas that few ever see. Along the way, your expert naturalist guide will share fascinating insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems spotting animal tracks, bird nests, and even signs of beaver activity. We’ll uncover the hidden corners where wildlife thrives, explaining how creatures adapt to this dynamic landscape and what makes each place unique for them.