Day 1: Northern Range & Lamar Valley Safari

Roosevelt Arch - This historic stone arch serves as the original entrance to Yellowstone and is one of the park’s most iconic photo spots. Constructed in 1903 and dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt, it represents Yellowstone’s status as the world’s first national park. In winter, the snow-covered landscape offers dramatic photo opportunities and provides a great introduction to the park’s history before exploring the Northern Range.

Fort Yellowstone Historic District - Fort Yellowstone is the historic center of the park’s early management period. From 1886 to 1918, the U.S. Army protected Yellowstone’s wildlife, geothermal features, and visitors, long before the National Park Service was established. Today, the area features preserved buildings and exhibits that help visitors understand how Yellowstone became a model for park protection and stewardship.

Mammoth Hot Springs - A classic lodging landmark in Yellowstone, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is located in the Northern Range near year-round wildlife habitats. Even if not staying here, it’s a great place to regroup with restrooms, historical charm, and a genuine “Old Yellowstone” atmosphere. In winter, elk are often nearby, making it a comfortable base for exploring Mammoth’s travertine terraces.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces - Mammoth is renowned for its steaming travertine terraces—white, tan, and rust-colored limestone formations created as hot water rises, cools, and deposits minerals. The Upper Terrace area can be explored on foot (or snowshoes, depending on conditions) and offers a close-up view of a constantly changing geothermal system. It’s one of the best places to witness Yellowstone’s geology in action.

Undine Falls - A picturesque waterfall along the road between Mammoth and Tower Junction, Undine Falls is an easy, quick stop with a significant visual reward. In winter, the falls may be partially frozen, creating stunning ice formations and a serene, dramatic setting. It’s a perfect “stretch-your-legs” viewpoint and an excellent spot for photos without a long walk.

Specimen Ridge - Specimen Ridge is a scenic stretch of road and ridgeline views above prime winter range. It’s known for wide-open sightlines—ideal for spotting wildlife across valleys and hillsides. The area also holds deep geological and ecological stories, with a landscape shaped by volcanism, time, and weather. It’s a reliable section to slow down, scan, and let Yellowstone reveal itself.

Lamar Valley - Often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is Yellowstone’s premier winter wildlife viewing area. The broad, open landscape makes it easier to spot animals against the snow, especially early and late in the day. Bison herds, elk, coyotes, foxes, and raptors are common, and with patience, good optics, and a bit of luck, wolf sightings are possible. It’s the highlight of a true winter safari experience.

Cooke City - Cooke City is a historic silver mining town at Yellowstone’s northeast edge and serves as the overnight base for the safari. It’s small, rugged, and perfectly positioned for early and late wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley corridor. Wildlife often moves through town—moose are known to stroll the streets—so even “downtime” can become a viewing opportunity.

Day 2: Sunrise Wildlife, Mammoth Terraces & Chico Soak

Lamar Valley - After observing Barronnette Peak, the route will be retraced through Lamar before transitioning into Yellowstone’s canyon and terrace country. As the route is retraced toward Mammoth, strategic pullouts for scenery and wildlife will be included, concluding the day with a warm mineral soak at Chico Hot Springs—an ideal reset before the final drive back to Bozeman.

Slough Creek - Slough Creek is a quieter wildlife corridor near Lamar and one of the best places to search for animals away from the busiest pullouts. The open meadows and creek bottom provide excellent winter habitat for bison, elk, and the predators that follow them. It’s also a prime area for tracking—fresh prints in the snow can reveal what has recently passed through.

Calcite Springs Overlook - This overlook offers a dramatic view of the Yellowstone River corridor and the rugged volcanic landscape of the park’s northern canyon country. The short walk leads to a vast vista—perfect for photos and a quick geology lesson. In winter, conditions can be snowy or icy, so the pace is kept safe, and the best footing is chosen.

Tower/Roosevelt Service Station - Tower/Roosevelt Junction is a key crossroads in Yellowstone’s Northern Range and a reliable place to slow down and scan. The open valleys, river edges, and rolling hills nearby create excellent winter habitat, and it’s common to see bison moving between forage areas, along with coyotes and foxes hunting in the snow. Ravens are frequently overhead and often indicate wildlife activity in the area. This junction is used as a strategic viewing zone—observing the landscape, checking conditions, and positioning for the best wildlife opportunities while moving between Mammoth and the Lamar Valley corridor.

Hellroaring Creek Trailhead - Hellroaring Overlook is one of the Northern Range’s best “big view” stops—a high vantage point above the Yellowstone River corridor with sweeping winter scenery. From the overlook, wide terrain can be scanned for wildlife movement and fresh tracks, and it’s a great place to pause for photos and a quick orientation to Yellowstone’s rugged canyon country. Conditions vary in winter (snow/ice and wind), so this is treated as a flexible stop—quick, safe, and highly rewarding when the footing and visibility are good.

Mammoth Hot Springs - The day will conclude in Yellowstone at the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel for restrooms, the gift shop, coffee, and adult beverages.

• Use our professional-grade Vortex spotting scopes and binocular
• Lunch
• Transportation in a 4WD Chevy Suburban or Ford Transit Van
• Professional tour guide with current avalanche safety, CPR, & First Aid certifications
• Breakfast
• Accommodations: 1 night included (double occupancy). Single-room supplement may apply.
• Meals

• Guide gratuity (18-20% suggested)
• Government fees

Embark on an enchanting winter adventure through Yellowstone National Park and the renowned Lamar Valley, often referred to as the American Serengeti.

Guided by experts with extensive knowledge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, participants will witness winter herds of elk, bison, and bighorn sheep amidst steaming hot springs and snow-draped mountains. The Lamar Valley is an ideal spot to observe large packs of gray wolves, as well as coyotes, bald eagles, and Trumpeter Swans.

The guide will provide fascinating insights into the park’s distinctive ecosystem, shaped by ancient seas, super volcanoes, and glaciers, along with the influences of Native American tribes and historical figures.

A highlight of the journey includes a 1.5-mile (2.4-km) snowshoe or hike along the Upper Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace, where participants can explore the breathtaking beauty of Canary Springs, Cupid Springs, and Orange Mound Springs.

To complete the experience, there is also an opportunity to enjoy a soothing mineral soak at Chico Hot Springs.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.