Author: Jim Holstein

Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaways

Jim Holstein |

Winter is a magical time in Yellowstone National Park, where the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wilderness teeming with wildlife. For nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers, the colder months provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness iconic animals in their natural habitat. One of the most thrilling ways to experience this winter wonderland is through a Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaway, available from November 1st through mid-April. Whether you’re hoping to spot wolves, bison, elk, or other wildlife, these 2- or 3-day packages offer the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

If you’re craving a short Yellowstone vacation but don’t want to worry about transportation or navigating icy roads, this all-inclusive getaway is an ideal choice. With seasoned local guides, ground transportation, and accommodations arranged, you can focus solely on the excitement of spotting winter wildlife.

Discover Yellowstone’s Winter Magic

A Tailored Wildlife Experience

Yellowstone in winter is like nowhere else on Earth. Snow blankets the mountains and valleys, creating a stunning contrast to the steamy geysers and bubbling hot springs. But the real highlight is the abundance of wildlife. Unlike summer, when animals are more spread out, winter forces wildlife to lower elevations, making sightings of wolves, bison, elk, and even bald eagles more frequent and up close.

The Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaways cater to wildlife lovers who want an immersive experience without the hassle of planning. Whether you opt for the 2- or 3-day tour, everything is taken care of once you land in Bozeman, Montana.

Seamless Travel Experience

The convenience begins as soon as you arrive at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Whether you choose the 2- or 3-day package, the service is designed to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment. There’s no need to rent a car or navigate snowy roads on your own. After landing, you’ll receive a complimentary airport shuttle to your hotel, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

For those arriving early (before 1 pm) or departing late (after 2 pm), you can add additional days of touring for $700. These extra tours allow you to begin or extend your wildlife adventure right away, offering more opportunities for spotting Yellowstone’s legendary wolves or herds of bison moving through the snow.

What to Expect on the Winter Wildlife Getaway

Day 1: Arrival in Bozeman and Scenic Drive to Yellowstone

After a restful night in Bozeman, your wildlife adventure officially begins. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning, and you’ll travel over the Bozeman Pass, with sweeping views of Montana’s snow-covered mountains. The route takes you through Livingston and into Yellowstone National Park, where the day’s exploration begins.

Your first destination within the park is the Stephen’s Creek District, a prime location for wildlife sightings. This area is home to bison and elk, with wolves frequently spotted on the hunt in winter. The next stop is the Roosevelt Arch, the iconic stone structure that marks the northern entrance to Yellowstone, followed by a visit to the Mammoth Hot Springs, a surreal landscape of limestone terraces that look even more magical dusted with snow.

The day’s climax is an evening visit to the Lamar Valley, often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundance of wildlife. This is one of the best places in the park to see wolves. Under the setting sun and against the snowy backdrop, this moment is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.

After a full day of exploration, you’ll head to your overnight accommodations in either Gardiner or Cooke City, small towns on the northern edge of the park where you can relax before the next day’s adventure.

Day 2: Early Morning Wildlife Adventure and More Yellowstone Highlights

Your second day kicks off with an early morning wildlife adventure back to the Lamar Valley, where the best chance to see wolves is during the quiet, early hours. Wolves tend to be more active at dawn and dusk, making these early excursions invaluable for spotting these elusive predators. Along with wolves, you’ll likely spot more bison, elk, and other wildlife.

Next, the tour takes you on another trail around Mammoth Hot Springs, allowing you to explore more of this surreal geothermal wonder. The steam rising from the ground combined with the frosty surroundings creates a stark and beautiful scene.

You’ll also visit Undine Falls, a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall that cascades dramatically over volcanic rock, especially striking when framed by ice and snow. After a full day of wildlife viewing and scenic stops, you’ll be transported back to Bozeman, where you’ll spend the night before your flight the following day.

Why Choose a Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaway?

Stress-Free Travel and Touring

One of the standout features of the Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaway is how stress-free the entire experience is. From the moment you arrive in Bozeman, you won’t need to worry about logistics. Ground transportation, hotels, and all tour activities are taken care of by the company, leaving you free to enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Experienced local guides with deep knowledge of the park and its wildlife will accompany you on all excursions. Their expertise increases your chances of spotting rare animals and ensures your safety on the winter roads. You won’t need to rent a car, navigate the snowy roads, or figure out how to enter the park on your own—all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

Packages for Different Schedules

If your schedule is tight, the 2-day, 3-night package is perfect for a quick wildlife escape. This package costs $2600 for two people, or $1300 per person for double occupancy. If you want to bring more people along, you can add an additional room for $800 for three nights, accommodating up to six people in total.

For those who want a bit more time to explore Yellowstone and increase their chances of seeing wildlife, the 3-day, 4-night package offers more adventure. Priced at $3500 for two people, or $1750 per person double occupancy, this package also allows for additional rooms at $1100 for four nights.

Flexible Add-ons

Whether you’re arriving early or departing late, you can add more adventure to your trip. For an additional $700, you can include extra touring time before or after the main itinerary. This flexibility ensures that you make the most of your time in Yellowstone, increasing the chances of seeing even more wildlife and experiencing more of the park’s unique winter landscape.

Wildlife Galore: What You Might See

Yellowstone is home to some of the most iconic wildlife species in North America, and winter offers a particularly special viewing experience. With fewer visitors in the park during this season, animals are more visible, and the snow makes it easier to track them. Here are just a few species you’re likely to see during your Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaway:

  • Wolves: One of Yellowstone’s most famous inhabitants, wolves are more easily spotted in the snow-covered landscape, particularly in the Lamar Valley.
  • Bison: These massive animals are a staple of the Yellowstone ecosystem and are often seen trudging through deep snow.
  • Elk: Frequently seen throughout the park, elk move to lower elevations in winter, making them easier to spot.
  • Bald Eagles: Soaring majestically above, bald eagles can often be seen hunting for fish in open waterways.
  • Coyotes and Foxes: These smaller predators are also active in winter, and their thick winter coats make them easier to spot against the white snow.

Plan Your Winter Wildlife Adventure

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Yellowstone National Park, the Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaways are the perfect solution. Available from November 1st through mid-April, these tours offer unforgettable opportunities to witness wildlife in one of the world’s most beautiful and untouched landscapes. Whether you choose a 2-day or 3-day package, this adventure will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Contact us today to start planning!

You May Now Add Glacier National Park or the Black Hills and MT Rushmore to Multi Day Packages

Jim Holstein |

Here at Yellowstone Tour Guides, we are always listening to our clients’ feedback to enhance the experiences we offer. Over the past few years, we’ve had numerous requests from our multi-day package clients asking if we could expand our tours to include Glacier National Park, the Black Hills, and the iconic Mt. Rushmore. After careful consideration and research, we are thrilled to announce that we will be expanding our offerings to include these incredible destinations in our multi-day private tours.

If you’re seeking a personalized, seamless experience to explore these natural wonders, you’re in the right place. We now offer thoughtfully designed routes that complement your Yellowstone adventure, with flexible itineraries and the same exceptional service we’re known for. Let’s dive into the details of our new offerings for Glacier National Park and the Black Hills, along with Mt. Rushmore!

Explore Glacier National Park (Available June 20 through September 31)

We knew right away that Glacier National Park had to be part of our new packages. One of our experienced guides, Scott, spent several years guiding in Glacier, and his expertise has been invaluable in creating an unforgettable experience. Glacier National Park is a dream destination for adventurers who crave dramatic landscapes, pristine wilderness, and some of the most awe-inspiring mountain views in the United States.

A Three-Day Add-On to Your Yellowstone Adventure

Glacier National Park can now be added as a three-day extension to your Yellowstone tour. For those flying in or out of Kalispell, MT, we also offer a two-day version of the tour to suit your travel plans.

The journey between Yellowstone and Glacier is packed with scenic routes, unique stops, and incredible natural beauty. While the trip itself is breathtaking, we’ve also curated several activities to break up the drive, offering a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. Here are some of the optional activities you can experience along the way:

Of course, the highlight of this tour is your visit to Glacier National Park itself. Depending on your travel itinerary, you’ll have either one or two full days to explore Glacier, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is one of the most scenic drives in the world (weather permitting). We handle all logistics, including park entrance reservations, lodging, and any additional activities you’d like to include, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: The Crown Jewel of Glacier

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is Glacier’s most famous attraction, and for good reason. Winding through the park’s rugged landscape, this 50-mile road offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, sparkling lakes, and lush forests. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, we’ll make stops for short hikes, wildlife viewing, and jaw-dropping vistas that will leave you speechless.

Whether you want to explore Glacier’s iconic attractions or venture off the beaten path, we tailor the itinerary to your preferences. And, as always, our private tours ensure that you’re never rushed, with the flexibility to linger at spots that capture your heart.

The Black Hills, Rapid City, and Mt. Rushmore

In addition to Glacier National Park, we’re now offering transportation to and from the Black Hills, Rapid City, and Mt. Rushmore. While we are currently in the process of establishing relationships with local tour operators in the area to enhance your experience, we have already developed three incredible scenic routes to get you from Yellowstone to the Black Hills, with stops at some of the region’s most exciting landmarks.

Route Options to the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore

We understand that no two travelers are the same, which is why we’ve created three different route options to transport you between Yellowstone and the Black Hills area. Each route offers a unique combination of scenic drives and unforgettable experiences.

I-90 Route

This option follows the I-90 corridor, with stops at historic sites and breathtaking landscapes. Highlights of this route include:

Highway 14 Route

For a more scenic route, we offer the Highway 14 option, which travels through the majestic Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Here, you can marvel at stunning canyon views and even spot wild horses. Additional stops include:

Highway 16 Route (2-Day Option)

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, our Highway 16 route is a two-day option that includes an overnight stay in Thermopolis, WY. On this journey, you’ll experience:

This two-day journey is ideal for those who want to savor each stop without feeling rushed. Like the other routes, this one can be done in reverse as well.

Start Planning Your Next Adventure

With the addition of Glacier National Park, the Black Hills, and Mt. Rushmore, your Yellowstone adventure just got even better. Whether you want to combine the rugged beauty of Glacier with the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone or explore the historic and scenic sites of the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore, we have the perfect itinerary for you.

Our multi-day private tours offer the flexibility, customization, and personal attention you deserve. We take care of everything—lodging, park reservations, transportation, and unique activities—so all you need to do is enjoy the journey.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your next vacation with us. Contact us today to craft a private tour that includes these new, exciting destinations!

Winter Wildlife Weekend Getaways

Jim Holstein |
Available from November 1st through Mid-April
Are you looking for a quick Yellowstone vacation to spend a weekend to look for wolves and other wildlife?  We offer a 2 or 3-day package, where you fly into Bozeman and we take care of your ground transportation and hotels from there.  No need to rent a car or worry about winter roads, our longtime local guides will give you a safe enjoyable tour.
Fly into Bozeman and transfer to your lodging (If you have an early arrival before 1 pm, for $700 more, you can add another day of touring after your plan lands, same if you have a late flight after 2 pm, you may add a morning of extra touring for $700).  Otherwise, the first and last night will be in Bozeman.
Once you fly in, you will have a complimentary airport shuttle to your hotel.  Your guide will pick you up first thing in the morning, traveling over the Bozeman Pass to Livingston, then south into Yellowstone Park.  We will visit the Stephen’s Creek District of the park first, then a visit to the Roosevelt Arch and Mammoth Hot Springs before an evening of wildlife in the Lamar Valley.  Overnight in Gardiner or Cooke City.
You will begin the next day with an early morning wildlife adventure to the Lamar Valley.  You will then visit another trail at Mammoth Hot Springs, Undine Falls before you head to your hotel in Bozeman before your flight the next day.
Rates for the 2-day, 3-night package are $2600 (or $1300 per person double occupancy).  Add an additional room for $800 (3 nights) per room (up to 6 people total).
If 2 days isn’t enough and you want to increase your odds of great wildlife sightings, our 3-day 4-night package is $3500 (or $1750 per person double occupancy).  Add $1100 per additional room (6 people total).

It’s Not Too Late for a Last Minute Multi Day Vacation to Yellowstone.

Jim Holstein |
October is a great time to visit Yellowstone, the crowds are down, most of the attractions are still open through the end of the month and the wildlife is starting to move again as the seasons change.  The smoke from the summer fires will start to clear, fresh snow on the mountain tops against a crisp blue sky…there are so many reasons Yellowstone in October is a great time to visit.
At Yellowstone Tour Guides, we are offering discounted multi day vacation packages.  The hotel rates begin to drop, which allows us to offer a more affordable experience.
Multi Day packages are different, you will not need to rent a car as we will pick you up and drop you off at the airport, we will help you plan the tour, the lodging and more.  You will have a true yea- round Yellowstone expert for your guide.
We recommend 2 or 3 days to explore Yellowstone, another day for the Beartooth and/or the Chief Joseph highways, and maybe another day or two for Grand Teton National Park.  We can also explore the Cody, WY area, Virginia City National Historic Landmark and more.
We will take up to 6 people per tour, rates are based on double occupancy.  If you require more than 1 room, add $300 for each additional room.  Add $400 per day for Grand Teton National Park.
Multi day rates (double occupancy):
2 days, 3 nights   $2200
3 days, 4 nights   $3100
4 days, 5 nights   $4000
5 days, 6 nights   $5000
6 days, 7 nights   $6000
7 days, 8 nights   $7000

Downhill Ski Vacations

Jim Holstein |

Yellowstone Tour Guides also offers great downhill ski packages, combined with your Yellowstone Adventure.   You can take advantage of your IKON Pass at Big Sky and Jackson Hole Resort.  You can also take advantage of your INDY Pass at Snowking Resort, Red Lodge, MT. 

Big Sky Jackson Hole Adventures perfect for your IKON PASS 

Fly into Bozeman on day one, transfer to your lodging.  On Day two, you will visit Yellowstone’s Northern Range, looking for wolves and other wildlife, Mammoth Hot Springs, Undine Falls and more.  Overnight at Big Sky Resort.  Stay and ski as many days as you would like. 

Next travel from Big Sky to West Yellowstone.  Tour to Old Faithful (add a second day to snowcoach to the Canyon.  Your guide will then drive you down to Jackson, WY or for an additional charge, we can have you switch snowcoaches at Old Faithful, where you can continue on snowcoach to the South Entrance, then through Grand Teton National Park on your way to Jackson, WY for your lodging.   

You can stay and ski as many days in Jackson as you would like.  You may fly out of Jackson, WY or you may add another day and we can take you back to Bozeman, skiing Grand Targhee along the way, with more wildlife in the Madison Valley before arriving in Bozeman. 

You will have to inquire with us for rates. 

INDY Pass tours 

We do have a couple of tour options for those with an INDY PASS and who would like to explore some of the local INDY hills in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.  These tour may or may not visit Yellowstone. 

The Grand Yellowstone Ecosystem Tour 

7 days, 8 nights 

Resorts in Bold Print are INDY PASS ski areas. 

Day 1:  Fly into Bozeman, MT transfer to your lodging 

Day 2:  Visit Yellowstone’s Northern Range, looking for wildlife, wolves and a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs, stay in Red Lodge, MT 

Day 3:  Ski Red Lodge, MT, after skiing you will travel to Cody, WY.  Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum (optional) 

Day 4:  Ski Meadowlark Ski Area, WY, after skiing you will stay at Thermopolis, WY and you can walk the colorful hot spring terraces, and take a soak a one of the hot spring plunges in town. 

Day 5:  Travel through the Wind River Canyon, to Dubois and Jackson, WY.  You can ski in the afternoon at Snowking Resort.  

Day 6:  Ski Kelly Canyon Ski area, ID.  After skiing you may take an optional soak at Hiese Hot Springs before transferring to Idaho Falls for your last night’s lodging. 

Day 7:  Fly out of Idaho Falls, or if transferring back to Bozeman, you may ski Grand Targhee or Big Sky on the way. 

Rates: 

$350 per person per day for 1 or 2 people. 

$100 per person per day for each additional person 

Rates Include: 

All ground transportation, tours and transportation to and from the ski areas. 

Rates do not include: 

Lodging, park entrance fees, meals, guide’s gratuities, lift tickets, hot spring soaks, museums or any other extras. 

From the Rockies to the Black Hills 

Resorts in bold print are INDY PASS ski areas 

Day 1:  Fly into Billings, MT transfer to your hotel 

Day 2:  Ski Red Lodge, MT, travel to Cody, WY for lodging.  Optional visit to the Museum. 

Day 3:  A quick tour to the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area to see the Canyon and possibly some wild horses. Ski Antelope Butte, WY overnight in Sheridan, WY 

Day 4:  Travel east, Ski Terry Peak, SD.  Stay in Buffalo, WY 

Optional Plan this is for those who wish to see some of the sites in the Black Hills: 

Day 4:  Visit the Devil’s Tower National Monument in the AM, ski Terry Peak, SD in the afternoon. Stay in Deadwood, South Dakota 

Day 5:  Ski Terry Peak in the AM.  Visit Mt Rushmore then travel to Buffalo, WY for your lodging. 

(Optional Day 6:  Visit Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park with a night at Hot Springs, SD for a soak and lodging.) 

Day 5:  Ski Meadowlark Ski Area, WY stay at Thermopolis, WY.  Enjoy walking through the colorful hot springs, and a soak in the hot spring pools. 

Day 6:  Ski Red Lodge, MT.  Stay in Billings, MT 

Rates: 

$400 per person per day for 1 or 2 people 

$200 per additional person up to 5 people 

Rates include: 

Ground transportation, tours and transportation to and from the ski areas and lodging. 

Rates do not include: 

Park Entrance fees, meals guide’s gratuities, lift tickets, lodging or any extras (soaks, museums, etc.)