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Hiking and Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone

Hiking and Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone

6 days | 5.00
From $2,250 ()
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With 2.2 million acres of land and some of the most gorgeous natural landscapes, Yellowstone National Park is a gift that keeps on giving. To explore all the shiny gems in this colossal park, you’d need a lifetime—and it still wouldn’t be enough. But to get a real sense of true wilderness, opting for different activities is the best way to go! Observe the abundant and fascinating wildlife, the world’s most stunning geysers and hydrothermal features, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It’s just a matter of choosing the desired activity for the day! Upon returning to your cozy lodge, attend evening lectures held by local experts to learn more interesting facts about Yellowstone and round out your experience. Find out more about some of the best hikes in Yellowstone from Ebony Roberts, freelance writer and outdoor gear reviewer.

Adam Zok
Adam Zok
ACMG Ski Guide

Adventure Highlights

  • Learn more about the Park through lectures, science, and exploration: h. But to get a real sense of true wilderness, opting for different activities is the best way to go! Observe the abundant and fasci
  • It’s just a matter: f choosing the desired activity for the day! Upon re
  • ut to get a real sense of true wilderness: pting for different activi
Duration
6 days
Season
May, August, September
Group size
Up to 8 people
Difficulty
Beginner to advanced

The adventure, day by day

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Yellowstone National Park and its stunning geographical and geological features. Choose what you want to see each day—the options are limitless! Discover the rich flora and fauna with your guide and witness some rarely-seen animals such as wolves, elk, bears, and bison. Take photos of Yellowstone’s backcountry and various hot springs and geysers and, to get a full experience, attend evening lectures to learn more about Yellowstone.

Day 1: Arrive at the lodge

Arrive at the lodge any time before 4:00 pm so you have time to check in before the welcome meeting. During the meeting, you will get to know your guides and choose your activities for tomorrow. Afterwards, enjoy a group dinner in the main lodge. Spend the rest of the evening settling in and get a good night’s rest before you start your adventure!

NOTE: Each day you’ll choose one program per day and attend an evening lecture by a local expert at 7 pm. You can choose to go on a Full-Day hike (7:00 am-4:00 pm), a Morning Half-Day hike (6:00 am-11:00 am), or an Afternoon Half-Day hike (12:00 pm-4:00 pm).

Every day at 5:30 pm, you’ll get a recap of the day in the main lodge, where you’ll choose your activities for tomorrow. Enjoy a group dinner in the main lodge at 6 pm and an evening lecture by a local expert at 7 pm.

Lodge in Gardiner, MT, near Yellowstone National Park
Day 2: Jasper Bench/Wildlife Watching/Mammoth Hot Springs

FULL DAY PROGRAM: Jasper Bench Exploration

High above the Lamar Valley, the rich environment of Jasper Bench beckons adventurers. Follow well-worn bison trails and explore off-trail as you traverse flower-filled meadows and immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s backcountry. Along the way, you might spy bison calves or pronghorn fawns, a variety of bird life, and perhaps other denizens of wild Yellowstone.

MORNING HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Wildlife Watching

Spend the morning on the Northern Range, the best place in North America to see wildlife. You may see wolves traveling to and from the den, or even get a lucky peek at the pups as they start to venture out. Some black bears and grizzlies have also emerged from their long winter sleep, and you may even see some with cubs.
*Pick up your field breakfast in the main lodge before departing.

AFTERNOON HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Mammoth Hot Springs

Spend the afternoon exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs and discover Yellowstone’s fascinating geologic and cultural history. Witness evidence of ancient seas and powerful volcanoes, explore the terraces and their constantly changing microbial life, and discover how Yellowstone’s geology dictates both the natural and cultural history of our first national park.

EVENING LECTURE: Yellowstone’s Owls

Speaker: Katy Duffy, Retired Yellowstone Park Ranger

Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park
Day 3: Art in the Park, Norris Walk, Indigenous Peoples

FULL DAY PROGRAM: Art in the Park

Take a trip to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, one of the most beautiful areas in the park. Explore the canyon rim, and take some time to capture the canyon’s amazing colors. Make a stop at the Canyon Visitor Education Center to learn about this area’s unique geology.

MORNING HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Norris Walk

Norris Geyser Basin is the oldest, hottest, and most dynamic geyser basin in the park. It is also home to the recently active Steamboat—the tallest geyser in the world! Travel to Norris to see some of the colorful pools and (hopefully!) splashing geysers.

AFTERNOON HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Indigenous Peoples in the Region

People have been living in the Yellowstone region for more than 10,000 years. The 27 tribes that are affiliated with Yellowstone have spent time living, traveling, hunting, gathering, and seeking resources on this rich landscape. Spend the afternoon visiting some of the cultural sites within Yellowstone, playing games native to Montana, and hearing stories about the indigenous peoples who have traveled this landscape for years.

EVENING LECTURE: Top 10 Misconceptions about the Yellowstone Volcano

Speaker: Mike Poland, Scientist in Charge, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Day 4: Wolves and Willows, Yellowstone River, Bison

FULL DAY PROGRAM: Wolves and Willows

Head out into Lamar Valley and the Northern Range to look for signs of wolves, beavers, and elk. Walk through the areas of recovering aspen and willow. Learn about wolf hunting behavior and its effect on prey animals, and visit a site significant to the wolf reintroduction.

MORNING HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River

Enjoy a scenic float along the upper Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley on flat water. You’ll get a chance to see birds such as bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers, mergansers, and various songbirds associated with cottonwoods and willows. You could also see beavers and river otters.

AFTERNOON HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Bison, Bison!

Head out to Lamar Valley to observe bison in detail and find out why they are one of the most important animals in North America. Learn about bison behavior, their history in the park, and why they are the most controversial animal in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

EVENING LECTURE [7 pm-8 pm]: Living on Yellowstone’s Edge

Speaker: Malou Anderson, Montana native and co-founder of the Tom Miner Basin Association

Wolves in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park
Day 5: Wildlife watching, Geysers, Beaver Ponds

FULL DAY PROGRAM: Geysers on the Grand Tour

Travel to Old Faithful with stops along the way to visit some of the popular sites on the Grand Tour of the stagecoach era. Hear about the crazy antics early travelers and guides got up to and see thermal areas—both popular and off the beaten path. This day consists of several short walks.

MORNING HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Wildlife Watching

This is a second chance to go out to the Northern Range to look for wildlife. May is baby season, so you could see wolf puppies, bear cubs, bison babies, and maybe even some owl chicks.
*Pick up your field breakfast in the main lodge before departing.

AFTERNOON HALF-DAY PROGRAM: Hike Beaver Ponds

Hike a beautiful and varied 6-mile loop trail near Mammoth Hot Springs. Explore a sagebrush plateau, a dense forest, a pond created by beavers, and the thermal features at Palette Springs.
There’s no evening lecture on this day, but you will get a free evening to socialize or relax on your own after an incredible week!

Old Faithful and a bison in Yellowstone National Park
Day 6: Departure

You’ll have your breakfast in the main area of the lodge at 7:00 am and check out before 10:00 am. Even though this adventure has come to an end, there’s no need to be sad. You’ve witnessed some of Yellowstone’s most jaw-dropping landscapes and geological features as well as its varied and beautiful wildlife!

Yellowstone National Park sign

Four days in the South Rim aren’t enough for you? Explore the rims and valleys of the iconic Hermit Trail with an additional day hiking the Monument Creek trail to the Colorado River. Traverse schist narrows, spot bighorns, and fall asleep to the soothing sound of the rapids.

Photo gallery

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Cara McGary
5.00
Cara McGary
Cara is a qualified biologist (B.S. Aquatic Biology and M.S. Biology) who wants to help others develop and feed their fascinations with the natural world in Yellowstone. When not in Yellowstone, she likes to explore places where there are good tidepools or snorkeling.
Brad Bulin
5.00
Brad Bulin
Brad is an educator, guide, trained wildlife biologist, wildlife videographer, and author. He’s spent years studying and filming cougars, wolves, and wildlife behavior in and around Yellowstone, where he’s been guiding and teaching for years.
Elizabeth Mordensky
5.00
Elizabeth Mordensky
After visiting Yellowstone for the first time when she was 12, Elizabeth fell in love with this majestic national park. So much so, in fact, that she’s become a naturalist guide and wildlife artist. Her love for backpacking may only be matched by her love for bison, but luckily Yellowstone provides both.
Orion Helms
5.00
Orion Helms
Orion has over 25 years of experience rafting and kayaking on rivers throughout the western US. As a resident of Livingston, MT, the Yellowstone is his home river. When he’s not guiding canoe trips on the Missouri River Breaks, he likes to explore less visited parts of the Yellowstone river with his daughter.
Virginia Shoup
5.00
Virginia Shoup
After working in the park for the first time in 2012 thinking it would be just a fun one-summer job, Virginia fell in love with the animals, thermals and the lodgepole pines. As a result, she never left and has worked there ever since as a Yellowstone Naturalist. She’s a Certified Interpretive Guide, a Leave No Trace Trainer, and a Wilderness First Responder.
In Our Nature
5.00
In Our Nature
In Our Nature is an eco-friendly guiding service specializing in private wildlife watching, day hikes, backpacking trips, birding, and night sky tours in Yellowstone National Park. Whether you’re looking to see some world-class wildlife, enjoy a scenic hike, or spend a night in the backcountry, they’ll make sure you get the most out of your adventure.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (2 reviews)
T
Tommycuban
A Trip of a Lifetime!

My wife and I spent five days with Cara In Yellowstone National Park. One day was better than the next. Wolves going in dens, black bears chasing siblings up a tree, coyotes and foxes searching for food, a bison traffic jam, and grizzlies 20 yards away are just a few of the many highlights of the natural wonders that we were in complete awe of. Cara’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and extensive knowledge were simply contagious.The equipment she used was top notch. Her passion for the animals we witnessed made the trip so worthwhile. Her easy going demeanor made conversation easy and informative. Every person we came in contact with in the park spoke highly regarding Cara’s stellar reputation as a wildlife guide, and she truly surpassed our highest of expectations going into the trip. Her ability to spot wildlife is no less than remarkable (and I thought I had good eyesight!) The only way to truly experience the Serengeti we witnessed in Yellowstone National Park is to take Cara from In Our Nature Guiding Services and be prepared to be surprised, excited, and truly inspired. I am in the process of booking my trip with Cara for next year. Her indelible impact on our excursions is one we are both thankful and appreciative of.

T
Traci C.

I HIGHLY recommend taking a tour. We saw so many animals, and our tour guide Nancy was just fantastic. She was so knowledgeable about not only the animals, but the park itself and the surrounding areas. She was really great and we had the best day.

5.00(2 reviews)
T
Tommycuban
A Trip of a Lifetime!

My wife and I spent five days with Cara In Yellowstone National Park. One day was better than the next. Wolves going in dens, black bears chasing siblings up a tree, coyotes and foxes searching for food, a bison traffic jam, and grizzlies 20 yards away are just a few of the many highlights of the natural wonders that we were in complete awe of. Cara’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and extensive knowledge were simply contagious.The equipment she used was top notch. Her passion for the animals we witnessed made the trip so worthwhile. Her easy going demeanor made conversation easy and informative. Every person we came in contact with in the park spoke highly regarding Cara’s stellar reputation as a wildlife guide, and she truly surpassed our highest of expectations going into the trip. Her ability to spot wildlife is no less than remarkable (and I thought I had good eyesight!) The only way to truly experience the Serengeti we witnessed in Yellowstone National Park is to take Cara from In Our Nature Guiding Services and be prepared to be surprised, excited, and truly inspired. I am in the process of booking my trip with Cara for next year. Her indelible impact on our excursions is one we are both thankful and appreciative of.

T
Traci C.

I HIGHLY recommend taking a tour. We saw so many animals, and our tour guide Nancy was just fantastic. She was so knowledgeable about not only the animals, but the park itself and the surrounding areas. She was really great and we had the best day.

Things to know

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Yellowstone National Park please refer to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Yellowstone National Park Website and Wyoming Department of Health websites.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4 days of hiking through Yellowstone NP
      • All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day
      • Accommodations in a lodge
      • Transportation for the daily hikes
      • Daily educational lectures

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation before and after the trip
      • Entrance pass to Yellowstone National Park
  • The best thing about this guided hiking tour in Yellowstone National Park is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (3L capacity per day)
      • Waterproof insulated shoes (with slip-resistant soles)
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Lightweight hiking pants
      • Warm hat
      • Sunhat
      • Insulated gloves
      • Clothes for lodging
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • The max. guest-to-guide ratio for these adventures is 10:1.
      • This trip is not private. Solo hikers are welcome to join!
      • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

    Hiking in Yellowstone National Park can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 21, you’re good to go.
  • To get to Yellowstone National Park, most people fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana, just under 2 hours away from Yellowstone National Park North Entrance, MT.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet in Bozeman—usually at the airport.

  • A $400 deposit to secure your place is due at sign up. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

    – Cancellations up to 30 days before your trip date will receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee.
    – Cancellations between 29 and 5 days before your trip date will receive a 50% refund.
    – Refunds are not provided within 5 days of your booking.

Have more questions?
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From private groups to special requests, we’ll customize every detail—dates, group size, terrain, and accommodations—so it’s exactly how you imagined
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