Yellowstone National Park

Arrive on independent flights to Bozeman, arriving in time for an orientation that prepares us for the splendid adventure that awaits us. Then gather for a welcome dinner.

Depart Bozeman and follow the Yellowstone River as we head south along the Old Yellowstone Trail, where we may spot elk, deer and bighorn sheep before passing through Roosevelt Arch en route to Mammoth Hot Springs. Walk the Lower Terrace this afternoon, and, for those looking for more adventure, walk or snowshoe the Upper Terrace. Look for the resident elk who like to warm themselves at the thermal springs.

Today is devoted to wildlife viewing in the snow-covered Lamar Valley. Use spotting scopes to get close-up views, as they present themselves, of the resident bison using their heads to shove away the snow to get to the grass below, bighorn sheep clinging to cliffs and other wildlife doing their best to survive the long Yellowstone winter. Enjoy a simple lunch in Cooke City before returning to Mammoth Hot Springs through the valley for more wildlife viewing.

A special treat at Yellowstone in the winter is a ride on one of the heated snowcoaches that allow us to traverse roads that are closed during the winter in the southern half of the park. Stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone midday to take in the unusual sight of ice-covered waterfalls. Along our drive we may share the road with herds of bison or catch a glimpse of trumpeter swans. Arriving in Old Faithful Village, check in to Yellowstone’s winter lodge and enjoy a relaxing dinner and evening.

This morning explore the boardwalks surrounding Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, the largest concentration of geysers in the world. The geysers provide another unique winter sight: trees, covered in rime frost, hovering along the path. This afternoon, explore the winter wonderland around us by choosing to hike or snowshoe, or simply relax by the fireplace at the lodge. After dinner bundle up to go view an eruption of nearby Old Faithful, which is made especially dramatic in the winter when the plume of hot water hits the cold air.

Take another day to explore this exciting thermal region, or simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the stillness of winter all around you.

Board our snowcoach this morning for a return trip to Mammoth Hot Springs, this time stopping at the Norris Geyser Basin, Artist Paint Pots, Roaring Mountain, and Obsidian Cliff. As we leave the park we travel through the spectacular Paradise Valley to Sage Lodge, where we toast the end of our winter journey.

After breakfast at the hotel, make our way back to Bozeman for afternoon flights home.