8 Awesome Yellowstone Winter Tours For Wildlife Watching in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST WINTER YELLOWSTONE TOURS?
If you’re eager to escape the confines of your home and embrace the chilly weather, you’ve come to the right place! Below are 8 incredible Yellowstone winter tours coming in from the North Entrance.
Note! Yellowstone winter tours from Jackson Hole are only available as multi-day tours as the south and West entrances are closed.
Take your pick from snowshoeing adventures, scenic safaris, or extended trips that include nearby Grand Teton and beyond.
Want to book the best? Reserve this Private Full-Day Yellowstone Snowshoe Safari for a full-day, 5 star adventure through the snowy tundra to view plenty of wildlife.
As a snowboarding fan, I headed to the Yellowstone area in winter to shred the epic Big Sky powder. However, due to the unfortunate incident of my snowboard getting stolen at Jackson Hole, I opted for an extended trip to Yellowstone instead. I stayed for 4 days, and I could’ve stayed more.
Below are the top 8 winter tours of Yellowstone to explore all the amazing options you have this season.
Top 3 Picks: Best Yellowstone Tours For The Winter Season
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Private Full-Day Yellowstone Snowshoe Safari
✅ Snowshoe Trek & Equipment
✅ Private Safari
✅ 2 Meals + Hotel Trasfers
Private Wolf & Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley
✅ Flat Group Fee for 4
✅ Private Safari with focus on Wolves
Yellowstone Wolves and Winter 4Day/3Night Adventure
✅ Small Group 4 Day Safari
✅ All-inclusive (except lunch/dinner)
Visiting Yellowstone in the Winter
For most of the winter, Yellowstone National Park is covered in a heavy blanket of snow, which means road closures. I came in May, when the road from Jackson Hole just opened up, and most of the landscapes were still covered in white.
Is it Worth Going to Yellowstone in Winter?
Despite these closures, winter is an extraordinary time to visit Yellowstone, with guided tours being one of the few chances to see the park’s serene beauty and abundant wildlife in a way few ever do.
Is Yellowstone Closed in the Winter?
No, although Yellowstone is open year-round. But, from early November to late April, access to the park is primarily limited to snowmobiles, snow coaches, sleighs, and snowshoers.
The only exception is the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner to the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, which remains open year-round for wheeled vehicles.
This scenic drive provides access to some of the park’s best winter landscapes and wildlife viewing spots.
Note! Until spring, this road does not lead to other parts of Yellowstone or south to Grand Teton. So, click here if you’re looking for Grand Teton winter tours or Jackson Hole winter tours.
Top 8 Yellowstone Winter Tours
While most Yellowstone tours operate from West Yellowstone, Bozeman, and Jackson Hole in the summer, the tours listed below are only available between November and April.
These tours offer pickups from Bozeman to Gardiner and everywhere in between.
The national park pass is not included for most tours and requires an additional $20 per person. I recommend getting an America the Great National Park pass for $80, which grants unlimited access to all national parks for a year.
1. Private Full-Day Yellowstone Snowshoe Safari
Best Overall Yellowstone Winter Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-10 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
Join in on the magic of Yellowstone in winter on this extraordinary Snowshoe Safari. This tour provides a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience, surrounded by the winter ecology of Yellowstone National Park.
Witness the frozen tracks of migrating wildlife on this full-day snowshoe adventure, passing plants, rivers, and wildlife thriving in the harsh winter.
The outing starts at Paradise Valley and then takes you to the Lamar Valley, known as “the Serengeti of North America.” In this area, you’ll get to track and observe wildlife in their natural habitat while snowshoeing.
Next, arrive at Mammoth Hot Springs, where you’ll encounter mineral deposits with unique hues of brown and reddish tones, colored from algae.
“Worthwhile Winter Wildlife Safari. Yes, you could drive through the park on your own, but the knowledge of what trails to snowshoe when everything is covered, the binoculars and scope, and the general spotting ability of our guide made the day feel truly worthwhile.”
(READ MORE REVIEWS)
This winter trip gets you a comprehensive package that includes snowshoes and wildlife equipment, convenient hotel pickup, and meals.
2. Private Wolf & Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley
Best Value Winter Tour for Groups of 4
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-8 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
Join this private Wolf & Wildlife Safari, designed to sneak up on Yellowstone’s wildlife as you explore the Lamar Valley during the magical winter season.
Bring your family and friends to see first-hand what it’s like to be up close and personal with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, especially the elusive gray wolves.
Your biologist guide will provide you with binoculars and spotting scopes so you get the best wildlife-viewing experience possible.
Get your Yellowstone Instagram captions ready, as this tour is perfect for photographers of all levels, and your guide can provide photography tips and tricks to help you take some amazing shots!
Hannah was our guide & she was terrific. She was friendly, full if interesting information, and obviously passionate about the park & it’s wildlife. We even got to see a wolf pup!
(Read more reviews)
The tour includes a flat fee for up to four people, making it an affordable option for families or small groups.
3. VIP Private North Yellowstone National Park Winter Excursion
Best Wildlife and Sightseeing Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-7 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
This Private North Yellowstone Tour designed just for you and your group!
Travel via the North Entrance and stop at Paradise Valley to glimpse the vast landscapes. Continue the adventure to Yankee Jim Canyon, which features rapids along the Yellowstone River.
Venturing further into the park, you’ll reach Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can marvel at Undine Falls, a beautiful frozen waterfall. Lastly, stop at Slough Creek, a place popular for wildlife sightings.
Highly recommend touring Yellowstone National Park with this group. Mimi was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable/gifted.
– MILTON (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Experience the best of Yellowstone in winter hassle-free with private transportation, bottled water, snacks, and binoculars.
This tour is only available three times a week, from Tuesday through Thursday.
4. Winter Yellowstone Tour (With Optional Hike or Snowshoe)
Best Value Trip for Large Groups
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-10 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
This Private Winter Yellowstone Tour combines a full day of wildlife viewing with an optional hike or snowshoe.
Your adventure starts with pickup from your hotel in the morning. Then, board a luxury SUV to some of the best wildlife viewing spots in Lamar Valley after a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs.
You’ll explore the park’s pristine winter landscape and observe incredible wildlife up close with provided binoculars.
Around midday, stop for a gourmet picnic lunch. Then, take a hike or snowshoe at Calcite Springs Overlook, a scenic spot near Yellowstone’s northeast corner.
We had a wonderful winter day touring Yellowstone Park with Megan. She took us snowshoeing, something we had never done. I would recommend this tour if you travel to Yellowstone in the winter.
– Shari (Read more reviews)
The tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, and a professional guide.
Multi-Day Yellowstone in Winter Tours
The following tours range from 4 to 9 days, with most including many more stops than just Yellowstone National Park.
Although the tours will still enter the park from Montana, the starting point will be Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or Salt Lake City, Utah. The only exception is the Yellowstone Wolves and Winter Tour, which starts from Montana. They can also pick up in many places in between the two.
5. Yellowstone Wolves And Winter 4Day/3Night Adventure From Montana
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Days | 🦬 Book it!
Join in on the beauty of Yellowstone Park in winter with this exclusive 4-day tour from Montana.
Get picked up anywhere between Bozeman and Gardiner with a private shuttle for a four-day itinerary focusing on wildlife viewing. This is plenty of time to explore Yellowstone’s vast wilderness.
This amazing small-group tour, limited to 10 people, gets you up close with Yellowstone’s magnificent wolves and other big game creatures.
Day 1: Explore Paradise Valley, home to white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, and majestic eagles. Stay overnight in Gardiner.
Day 2, 3, & 4: Safari in the renowned Lamar Valley, often referred to as the “American Serengeti.” Observe elusive wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and moose. And if you’re lucky, wild wolves hunting.
Colin of Good Trip was an excellent guide! He is knowledgeable as well as personable. He knew where various animals were likely to be, and he answered any questions we had about the park or wildlife.
(Read more reviews)
When you’re not wolf searching, find other hidden gems in the park, like Mammoth Hot Springs.
This Yellowstone in the winter package includes transportation, knowledgeable guides, delicious snacks, refreshing beverages, and a comfortable 3-night stay. Kickstart each morning with a hearty breakfast to energize yourself for the rest of the day.
Book Early! This tour only leaves several times a season. So check the available dates and book as soon as you know!
6. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Winter Tour: Small Group 4-Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Days | 🦬 Book it!
Visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on this 4-day winter tour from Jackson or Salt Lake City on a private guided tour. It’s the perfect way to see the best of both iconic parks in one trip.
Your expert guide will take you on snow-covered roads to remote areas of the parks. This is one of the few trips to geothermal features, usually only accessible in the summer.
Perfect time arrangement & trip experience there! The sight sight to see and information from tour guide are truly amazing & crucial components of my overall experience! I highly recommend this to you.
(Read more reviews)
Trip Itinerary:
- Day 1: Choose to go on either a Salt Lake City Tour or Lava Hot Springs half-day trip.
- Day 2: Explore Antelope Island State Park for a glimpse of the Great Salt Lake before heading to West Yellowstone. Choose an optional self-paid Yellowstone snowmobile tour or go to Big Sky.
- Day 3:Snow coach tour to Old Faithful Geyser and Fountain Paint Pot – the only way to see them in winter. Enjoy this peaceful place with no crowds.
- Day 4: Head to Grand Teton for some wildlife viewing on a sleigh ride, then drive back.
This package includes 3 nights of accommodation, hotel pickups and drop-offs, park entrance fees, a Yellowstone snow coach tour, sleigh rides in the National Elk Refuge, natural hot spring admission fees, hand warmers, and select meals.
7. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Private Winter Tour 5-Day
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Days | 🦬 Book it!
For a longer, more immersive adventure in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, this 5-day private winter tour has a similar itinerary to the one above but is less rushed.
You’ll set off for this private tour from either Jackson or Salt Lake City, where you can customize your itinerary.
Great for adventure seekers, there are plenty of activities for everyone. Snowshoeing, snowmobile tour, and a horse-drawn sleigh ride are included, but you can add on an optional helicopter tour or dog sledding in Yellowstone National Park (for an additional cost).
I had a perfect time there with my friends. It is definitely a perfect choice I would like to recommend to you for a winter trip.
(Read more reviews)
Trip Itinerary:
- Day 1:Salt Lake City tour before heading to Idaho Falls for a hotel stay.
- Day 2:Sleigh ride in Grand Teton National Park, watching wild animals roam free.
- Day 3: Snowcoach tour to Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pot, followed by an optional snowshoe trek.
- Day 4: Explore Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone River before heading to Big Sky for a helicopter or dog sledding tour in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
- Day 5: Visit the Lava Hot Springs Resort and explore Antelope Island State Park before returning to Jackson or Salt Lake City.
This package includes 4 nights of accommodation, luxury transportation, park entrance fees, and all breakfasts and lunches.
8. Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Utah Mighty 5 Winter Tour: Small Group 9-Day Tour
Best Multi-Day National Park Winter Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 Days | 🦬 Book it!
Wow! As action-packed as a Hollywood movie, you really get to see the best of the American Southwest on this 9-Day Small Group Winter Tour through National Parks.
This tour is perfect for those with limited time but a desire to see it all. With a maximum group size of eight people and off-peak timing, visit 6+ National Parks in one go.
Encounter native wildlife in their natural habitat. Prepare for thrilling activities in unmatched southwestern vistas of Utah, Wyoming, and Northern Arizona like:
- Snow coach ride
- Snowshoe trek
- Natural hot springs
- Antelope Canyon tour
- Sleigh ride
- Navajo Jeep tour
I definitely recommend this to all of you. As other reviews stated, this trip can be an extraordinary experience for winter time. The arrangement was perfectly reasonable. The tour guide was also a reason why it was a rewarding journey for me.
(READ MORE REVIEWS)
During your journey, the tour provides 8 nights of accommodation, breakfasts, snacks, and water.The tour starts in Salt Lake City but provides pickup options from Jackson, Wyoming. Transportation to and from all destinations is included, and the tour ends in either Salt Lake City, St. George, or Las Vegas.
Tour Itinerary:
- Day 1: Best of Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls
- Day 2: Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park
- Day 3: Yellowstone National Park & Big Sky
- Day 4: Yellowstone National Park
- Day 5: Lava Hot Springs
- Day 6: Canyonlands & Arches National Park
- Day 7: Monument Valley & Four Corners Monument
- Day 8: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Bryce National Park
- Day 9: Zion National Park
FAQs About Yellowstone National Park in the Winter
Is it too cold to visit Yellowstone in December?
Yellowstone in December is known for being cold and snowy. The average temperatures range from the 30s for highs to the teens for lows. So, be prepared for freezing temperatures if you plan to visit.
Is it better to see Yellowstone in winter or summer?
Both winter and summer offer unique experiences in Yellowstone. In winter, you can enjoy a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, with the opportunity to see wildlife in their winter habitat. However, much of the geological features are only possible by Yellowstone snowmobile tours.
On the other hand, summer allows for access to the whole park and more outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking on glacial lakes. Many more companies operate summer tours.
Is it safe to drive in Yellowstone in December?
Driving in Yellowstone in December can be challenging due to snowy and icy winter conditions. Check road conditions and be prepared with appropriate winter tires or chains before heading into the park.
Can you see Old Faithful in winter?
Yes, you can see Old Faithful in winter, but only by snowmobile since the roads are closed to regular vehicles. Old Faithful erupts year-round, including during the winter months.
Do you need 4-wheel drive in Yellowstone in winter?
Having a 4-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive vehicle can be beneficial when visiting Yellowstone in winter. These vehicles provide better traction and control in snowy and icy conditions, but you should still carry snow chains with you, just in case.
Can you walk in Yellowstone in winter?
Yes, you can walk in Yellowstone in winter. However, trails may be covered in snow and icy, so wear appropriate footwear, such as wool socks, waterproof boots with good traction, or crampons. More important than ever, stay on the designated trails in the winter.
Can I drive through Yellowstone in winter?
Yes, you can drive through Yellowstone in winter, but only between the north entrance by Gardiner and the Northeast entrance in Cook County. All other roads close on November 1st and slowly reopen between March and May. The official reopening date changes every year.The park’s official website provides updated information about road closures and conditions.
Can you spend Christmas in Yellowstone?
Yes, you can spend Christmas in Yellowstone. The park remains open year-round, and many lodges and facilities offer special events and activities during the holiday season. It can be a magical time to experience Yellowstone’s natural beauty in a festive setting.
Is there snow in Yellowstone in December?
Yes, there is definitely snow in Yellowstone in December and a lot of it. December is known for having cold temperatures and snowy conditions in the park.
🤩 I never leave home without my Sony Mirrorless Camera A6400, an amazing travel camera. For wildlife, a smartphone just isn’t going to cut it. You need some zoom on that thing – I recommend this Tamrom 70-300mm budget-friendly option.
Final Thoughts: Best Yellowstone National Park Winter Tours
Joining a tour is one of the only ways to see Yellowstone National Park in winter, where snowy landscapes abound while adding exciting outdoor activities.
As you’re guided through pristine forests on your winter vacation, observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Enjoy the convenience of transportation, Yellowstone winter activities, and pre-planned itineraries.
In case you’re still not sure which to pick:
- For a moderate winter adventure snowshoeing and wildlife viewing, book this combination tour.
- To go on a full-day guided park safari tour, join this Private tour.
- For a 4 Day/3 Night safari adventure, sign up for this Yellowstone Winter Wolf Tour.
With any of these tours, be confident you’ll have an amazing experience in this national park and be among the few to see it in this snowy state!
Where to Next?
Interested in other tours and activities in the area? Check out these other Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park posts.
- 7 Best Yellowstone Tours From Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- How To Kayak Jenny Lake To Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point In The Grand Tetons
- 6 Best Yellowstone Tours From Bozeman (Summer & Winter Tours)
- 10 Best Yellowstone Tours From West Yellowstone
- 9 Best Grand Teton Summer Tours
- 8 Best Grand Teton Winter Tours For Adventure Seekers
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.