YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Frost & Fur: A Two-Day Winter Wildlife Safari Through Yellowstone’s Northern Range
A guided, two-day winter safari that pairs dawn-and-dusk wildlife tracking in Lamar Valley with geothermal encounters and a restorative hot-spring soak — a compact immersion in Yellowstone’s snowy season.
Frost & Fur: A Two-Day Winter Wildlife Safari Through Yellowstone’s Northern Range.
Over two days in deep winter, this private guided safari follows the park’s Northern Range into Lamar Valley, Specimen Ridge, and the steaming terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, offering close study of free‑ranging bison, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, river otters and the possibility of wolves against a stark, snow‑draped landscape.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dawn and Dusk on the Northern Range
The itinerary concentrates effort in wildlife‑rich corridors — Lamar Valley, Slough Creek and Specimen Ridge — where guided tracking and scoped viewing put you in position for bison, elk, coyotes, river otters and the region’s famously elusive wolves.
Steaming Terraces and Winter Travertine
Visits to Mammoth Hot Springs and Calcite Springs Overlook bring a counterpoint to the fauna: steaming travertine terraces and river vents that read as otherworldly when rimed in ice and snow.
Roadside History, Short Hikes, and a Hot‑Spring Finish
Days are stitched with stops at Fort Yellowstone and historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, short winter hikes or snowshoe outings (conditions permitting), and an afternoon soak at Chico Hot Springs to warm up after crisp fieldwork.
What the day feels like
What the Two‑Day Safari Feels Like
This trip moves deliberately between wildlife country and geothermal curiosities: early pickups for sunrise tracking in Lamar Valley, midday interpretation at historic Mammoth and Calcite Springs, and evening transfers into the quiet outpost of Cooke City — all guided by a certified professional who provides spotting scopes, snowshoes and winter interpretation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who fares best on this trip — and who should reconsider?
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a winter‑season program that operates in snow and sub‑freezing temperatures; dress and plan for winter conditions and variable weather, and expect heavy snow through the season.
Layered clothing system (moisture‑wicking base layers, insulating mid layers, windproof/waterproof shell), warm hat, insulated gloves or mittens, moisture‑wicking socks, waterproof insulated boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small daypack — snowshoes and poles are provided by the operator.
Inclusions cover National Park entry fees, a private AWD Ford Transit van with panoramic windows, a professional guide (certified in avalanche safety, CPR and Wilderness First Aid), spotting scopes, binoculars, snowshoes and poles, light breakfast, picnic lunches, snacks and non‑alcoholic beverages, plus day passes at Chico Hot Springs.
Accommodations, airfare and meals outside the provided light breakfast and lunches are excluded; accommodations in Cooke City are typically double occupancy, with single rooms available at extra cost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the tour begin and end?
Guests are picked up in Bozeman for transfers into Yellowstone’s North Entrance and return to Bozeman at the end of Day 2.
How long is the trip?
The program is a two‑day guided winter safari.
What wildlife might we see?
The itinerary targets free‑ranging bison, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, river otters and the possibility of wolves, with focused time in Lamar Valley and other wildlife corridors.
What is included in the tour price?
Included are National Park entry fees, transport in a private AWD Ford Transit van, a professional certified guide, spotting scopes, binoculars, snowshoes and poles, light breakfasts, picnic lunches, snacks, non‑alcoholic beverages and Chico Hot Springs day passes.
What should I wear and pack?
Bring layered, moisture‑wicking base layers, insulating mid layers and a windproof, waterproof outer shell; warm hat, insulated gloves or mittens, waterproof insulated boots and extra socks; sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for snow glare.
How many people can join a single booking?
The tour is offered as a private tour and pricing is for 1–2 people, with additional fees available for groups up to eight people.