Private Winter Wolf Watching in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley
Search for winter wildlife with a naturalist who knows Yellowstone
Duration
6–8 hrs
Ideal For
Up to 14 people
Includes
Guide, transport, optics
Highlights
Explore Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley on a private wildlife tour in a touring vehicle, led by a local naturalist and trained educator. Your guides average more than a dozen years of living, working, and teaching in Yellowstone. Watch from roadside viewing areas, where much of the park’s best wildlife watching takes place.
- Search for wolves at dawn, when they are most active
- Seek out wildlife using your guide’s expertise and updates from the local wildlife-watcher network
- Add a short hike suited to your interests and ability, with activity levels adjustable during the tour
What's Included
- High-powered binoculars and spotting scopes
- Adapter for smartphone photography through the spotting scopes
- Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and light snacks
- Water for refilling your reusable bottle
- Guide-carried bear spray and first aid kit
Important details
- Bring your ID and park pass, if you have one.
- Park entry is not included in the listed price. Entry costs $20 per adult for U.S. residents and $100 per adult for non-residents; children ages 15 and under enter free. A 7-Day Yellowstone pass can be credited toward these fees, while an annual or lifetime National Park pass covers up to 4 adults.
- Optional guide gratuity is not included in the listed price and is at your discretion.
- Bring an age-appropriate car seat or booster seat for each child who needs one. Wyoming law generally requires children under 9 to use a federally approved child restraint.
- Stay at least 100 yards from wolves and bears and 25 yards from other wildlife. Follow your guide’s safety instructions, watch quietly without disturbing animals, and stay on boardwalks or maintained trails in hydrothermal areas. Unsafe or hostile behavior, including failure to follow wildlife-distance instructions, may end your tour.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel more than 30 days before your tour for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 30 days or cancellations due to circumstances beyond the operator's control, including extreme weather or park closures. Rescheduling is free, subject to availability; rescheduling within 30 days of your original departure makes your booking fee non-refundable.
Product ID: UQEB3F
FAQs
Dawn temperatures on this winter tour can reach -20°F or colder. Wear warm, non-cotton layers, a windproof/waterproof outer layer, a warm hat, heavy gloves or mittens, and winter boots suited to standing still in the cold. Bring hand and toe warmers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
No. Sightings of wolves or any specific species cannot be guaranteed, and many wildlife sightings take place at great distances.
Your private wildlife tour starts before dawn to take advantage of early wildlife activity and usually wraps up in the early to mid-afternoon.