Day Trips from Bozeman to Lamar Valley

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 Hiking Guides is a long-time, local tour operator that offers top-rated experiences in Yellowstone National Park. Our Winter Wildlife Tours start run from February to April. Winter in Yellowstone is a magical time. Be sure to bundle up in layers as we put wolves and other rare animals in the spotting scope. Use our binoculars to see foxes hunting in the snow and bison weathering the winter conditions. We pack the lunch, snacks, and the hot and cold beverages. Please allow us to host you at the highest level on one of our group tours. We pick up guests in West Yellowstone (6AM), Big Sky (7AM), and Bozeman (8AM). Top destinations in the Park include the Roosevelt Arch, the Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, and the Old Gardiner Road. We also drive through the scenic Paradise Valley, home to winter wildlife outside of Yellowstone National Park. We look forward to hosting you and your group to show you Yellowstone's winter wildlife and stunning scenic beauty.

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 private, 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.

Immerse yourself in the wildness of Yellowstone’s landscape by utilizing the ancient technology of snowshoes. This tour provides an unmatchable backcountry experience of magnificent winter ecology. Though winter can seem like the least likely time to go for a walk in the woods, it is really one of the most rewarding. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem comes alive as wildlife moves from summer to winter ranges. Snow illuminates the landscape in a way you may never have noticed. Wildlife tracks appear frozen in time, and plants and rivers allow for our reflection on resilience and longevity. On this private full-day snowshoe trek, you will explore the environment in an in-depth, hands-on way. Your expert naturalist guide will interpret what you find and what you see, and you may be surprised with the story that arises.

See a different side of Yellowstone National Park's flora and fauna on a winter wildlife safari. Your transportation between Bozeman and the park is taken care of, so you won't have to worry about renting a car or getting a taxi. The small group size ensures more face-time with your naturalist guide, who will provide insights on the local ecosystem and the hundreds of species that live in the area.

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 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.

See one of the United States’ most impressive national parks in winter—when there are few people and lots of wildlife. Embark on a private tour of Yellowstone following hotel pickup from Bozeman. From the comfort of a warm, private vehicle you’ll be driven to Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Slough Creek, Albright Visitors Center, and more to look for wildlife, snowshoe (optional), and see the hushed landscape.

Explore the wild heart of Yellowstone on the Upper Loop tour through the magnificent Lamar Valley, often referred to as America’s Serengeti. This premier wildlife watching experience allows you to observe wolves, grizzly bears, and bison in their natural habitat. With an expert guide, enjoy high-powered spotting scopes and learn about the intricate ecosystems of Yellowstone as you travel from Mammoth Hot Springs to stunning waterfalls and pristine valleys. Capture your wildlife encounters with photos taken throughout the day, provided to you at no extra cost. - Your group only - Witness breathtaking wildlife including wolves, bears, and bison - Travel comfortably in a private vehicle with an experienced guide - Utilize high-powered scopes for optimal wildlife viewing - Receive complimentary photos of your wildlife encounters

America’s Serengeti—where wolves, bison, and elk roam through a snow-covered wonderland. Spot wildlife from our heated vehicle while sipping hot coffee, tea, or cocoa, or step into the serene landscape with snowshoes for an up-close adventure. Our expert guides and professional spotting scopes ensure incredible wildlife viewing. Marvel at the steaming terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, the icy cascades of Yellowstone’s waterfalls, and the park’s stunning winter scenery. We provide everything—catered lunch, professional photos, and fascinating insights into the park’s history, wildlife, and ecology. As a female-owned local operator authorized by Yellowstone National Park, we craft exceptional winter experiences that immerse you in the wild heart of America’s first national park. Your adventure begins and ends in Bozeman, MT, with certified wilderness guides ensuring a safe, unforgettable journey through Yellowstone’s magical winter landscape.