A Rare Yellowstone Expedition: Wolves, Wildlife & Conservation
Since the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s, a dedicated community of biologists, researchers, and wildlife trackers has been working on the ground to study, monitor, and protect these elusive predators. Their efforts not only restored a keystone species, but reshaped one of North America’s most important ecosystems.
On this immersive Yellowstone Wolves & Wildlife Tour, you will spend time with the local experts who were directly involved in the wolf reintroduction programme and who continue to monitor Yellowstone’s wolf packs today. Guided by researchers and trackers with decades of field experience, you’ll gain rare insight into wolf behaviour, ecology, and the ongoing conservation story of Yellowstone.
Combining scientific knowledge, long-term field research, and an intimate understanding of Yellowstone’s vast landscapes, this journey offers the highest possible chance of observing wild wolves in their natural habitat. Along the way, we also search for other rare and hard-to-spot wildlife that thrives within this extraordinary ecosystem, creating a deeply rewarding natural-history experience.
This tour is ideal for travellers seeking meaningful wildlife encounters, expert interpretation, and a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most successful conservation stories.
| Starts in Montana | Ends in Montana, Bozeman | Duration: 6 Days | Next departure: 9 May 2027 |
Highlights:
• Yellowstone National Park- famous for its rich wildlife, including large herds of Bison and Elk, as well as predators like Gray Wolves, Grizzly Bears, and Black Bears. The park also supports Moose, Coyotes, Bald Eagles, and River Otters, making it one of the best places in North America to see animals living in their natural habitat.
Top Mammals – Gray Wolves, Black Bears, Elk, Bison, Moose
Top birds – Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Great Gray Owl, Snowy Owl (rare but possible), Common Rave, Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Crane, Western Meadowlark.
Day to day summary:
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bozeman |
| Day 2 | Onwards to Yellowstone National Park |
| Day 3-5 | Full days in Yellowstone National Park |
| Day 6 | Departure |
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Bozeman – Upon arrival at Bozeman International Airport you make you way to your hotel for your first night. This is time to relax before are exploring begins.
Day 2:
Onward to Yellowstone National Park – After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and begin your drive to Yellowstone National Park, which takes approximately 90 minutes.
Upon arriving at the North Entrance of the park, we will have lunch at the Track Education Center (TEC) or another facility in Gardiner. After lunch, guests will settle into their rooms at the Absaroka Lodge for the week’s stay.
Later in the afternoon, we will take a two-hour excursion into the park for wildlife sightings, followed by a short break before dinner.
Dinners will be held in Gardiner each evening and provided by one of our excellent caterers. Each night will also feature a fascinating presentation by a local guest expert, offering insights that will enhance your experience. Please plan to arrive each evening between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. for appetizers and drinks, with buffet-style dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Evening sessions typically conclude between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m.
DAY 3-5:
Full days in Yellowstone – Our three field days will begin before dawn (the exact time varies by season), with guests meeting at the hotel to load into the vans for our journey into Yellowstone. Each day’s route and destination will be tailored to current wildlife activity, weather conditions, and the interests of the group, ensuring the best opportunities for meaningful sightings and photography.
To maximize our time in the field, breakfast and lunch will be packed to go, giving us the flexibility to pause whenever wildlife activity arises. Throughout the day, we will travel along Yellowstone’s road system, making frequent stops to scan the landscape, set up spotting scopes, and observe wildlife behavior.
While wolf sightings are one of our primary goals, the park consistently provides a diverse array of experiences. Guests can expect to encounter remarkable scenery, sweeping vistas, and a wide variety of bird and mammal species, such as Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, and—when we are fortunate—Bears or other charismatic wildlife. Each day offers unique natural moments shaped by the rhythm of Yellowstone’s ecosystems.
After approximately 8–10 hours in the field, we return to Gardiner in the late afternoon, allowing time for rest and relaxation before the evening’s activities. Dinner will follow the same format as described for Day 2, with delicious catered meals and an informative presentation by a local expert to conclude the day.
DAY 6:
Departure – On our final morning, we will begin the day with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., followed by loading the vans at the hotel for a planned 9:30 a.m. departure to the Bozeman Airport. Please note that departure times may shift slightly depending on weather and road conditions, as safety and smooth travel are our top priorities.
The drive from Gardiner to the Bozeman Airport typically takes about 100 minutes, offering a scenic transition from Yellowstone country back to the Gallatin Valley. After we drop off guests at the airport, we are also able to provide shuttle service to additional destinations in the Bozeman area, such as hotels, rental car locations, or other pre-arranged drop-off points.
This final travel time offers a chance to reflect on the week’s experiences and enjoy one last look at Montana’s striking landscapes before departing.
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