Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Tour: Lamar Valley Mammoth Hot Springs

Watch wolves and bison through spotting scopes in Yellowstone's winter landscape

A winter wildlife tour of Yellowstone National Park departing from West Yellowstone, Big Sky or Bozeman, with a live guide, spotting scope and binoculars to view wolves, bison, elk and other animals in Lamar Valley and at Mammoth Hot Springs. The tour runs February through April and includes pickup, park entry (or uses your America the Beautiful Pass), packed lunch with dietary options, hot beverages and transportation through Paradise Valley and the historic Roosevelt Arch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Yellowstone National Park15m
2. Lamar Valley2h
3. Yellowstone Petrified Tree5m

Winter wildlife tour in Yellowstone

• Pick up guests in West Yellowstone
• Pick up guests in Big Sky
• Pick up guests in Bozeman
• Drive through Paradise Valley spotting wildlife
• Stop at Roosevelt Arch for photos
• Enter North Gate of Yellowstone Park
• View wildlife in Lamar Valley
• Stop briefly at Petrified Tree
• Walk boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs
• Explore Old Yellowstone Road wildlife area
• Drive back through Paradise Valley to Bozeman
• Drop off guests in Bozeman
• Drop off guests in Big Sky
• Drop off guests in West Yellowstone

The experience

Eight to twelve hours on the road means you cover ground: pickups start at 6 a.m. from West Yellowstone, 7 a.m. from Big Sky, and 8:15 a.m. from Bozeman, then drive through Paradise Valley and stop at the Roosevelt Arch before entering Yellowstone's North Gate. The route is built around what winter makes possible: animals gather at lower elevations to find food, and snow keeps them visible against the landscape. Your guide brings a spotting scope and binoculars so you see wolves, bison, coyote, bighorn sheep and elk from a safe distance without the gear yourself.

Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America, is the heart of the day. You stop along the roadside to glass for wildlife, then move on to the Petrified Tree, Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalks (where elk and bison winter near the steamy terraces), and the Old Yellowstone Road at the park's lowest elevation, where animals concentrate when conditions are harsh. The guide drives. You watch and photograph from the vehicle or during stops.

Lunch is packed and brought along with hot coffee, tea or cocoa served while you're watching. The operator handles dietary needs: turkey, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free sandwiches are available if you notify them of allergies or restrictions. Return times are 4 p.m. to Bozeman, 5 p.m. to Big Sky, and 6 p.m. to West Yellowstone, depending on your pickup point.

What’s included

• Live guide in English.
• spotting scope and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• comfortable transportation.
• packed lunch with sandwich, apple, nuts and snacks (dietary options available).
• hot coffee, tea and cocoa.
• bottled water and soda.
• light breakfast snack.
• hotel or visitor center pickup from West Yellowstone, Big Sky or Bozeman.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Feb 2027

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Yellowstone Hiking Guides

Is this one for you?The eight to twelve hour commitment means an early start and a full day in the vehicle with stops for wildlife viewing and boardwalk walking, so it suits someone with the time to settle in and watch rather than rush between highlights.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see on this Yellowstone winter tour?

Wolves, bison, elk, coyote and bighorn sheep are the main wildlife you spot in Lamar Valley and along the Old Yellowstone Road. Winter concentrates them at lower elevations where food is accessible, making sightings more likely than other seasons.

Do I need my own binoculars and spotting scope?

No. The tour provides binoculars and a spotting scope so you can view animals at a safe distance without bringing your own gear.

What's included in the packed lunch?

A sandwich (turkey, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free), apple, nuts and snacks, plus hot coffee, tea or cocoa served during wildlife viewing. Tell the operator about any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book.

When does the tour pick me up and when do I return?

Pickups are 6 a.m. from West Yellowstone Visitor Center, 7 a.m. from Big Sky (behind BASE Community Center), or 8:15 a.m. from Bozeman (Cafe M on East Main Street). Returns are 4 p.m., 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. to your pickup location depending on where you start.

Is the Yellowstone entrance fee included?

Park entry costs $20 per person, or your America the Beautiful Pass covers up to four people in the vehicle. Foreign visitors pay $100. The fee is separate from the tour price.

What should I wear for eight to twelve hours in winter Yellowstone?

Bundle in layers. You'll be in the vehicle most of the day but stop to view wildlife outdoors, and Mammoth Hot Springs involves a boardwalk stroll. Winter conditions are cold and can be snowy.