January 7 – 13, 2012

Gray wolves inhabit mostly wild and inaccessible areas in a very limited portion of their former range within North America. Fortunately, that includes the protected areas of Yellowstone National Park's Lamar Valley, which we focus on during this spectacular wintertime safari. 

Elegant predators, wolves are thriving in Yellowstone’s environs, where abundant elk, moose and other prey provide sustenance. But in many other parts of North America, wolves suffer from habitat loss and also endure revenge killings for attacks on farm animals and wild stock. 

WWF's general conservation fund – where a portion of your tour cost goes – supports our efforts to protect gray wolf populations by: funding habitat conservation programs, opposing legalized wolf hunting and working to mitigate ranchers' concerns for livestock.

• Explore Yellowstone when view other tourists are visiting.
• Enjoy the best wildlife sightings, occuring as a result of the color contrast between the animals and the bright white snow.
• Have a rare chance to traverse the park via a mode of transportation not many travelers get to experience: the snow coach.

Trip Itinerary

Saturday, January 7 & Sunday, January 8: Jackson Hole / National Elk Refuge
Old West Jackson sits at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in the shadow of the mountain range’s jagged spires. On Saturday, meet for an informal welcome dinner and orientation. 

Your winter safari begins the following morning as you venture into Jackson Hole in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, coyotes, bison, mule deer, moose and elk. Later, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Then, by horse-drawn sleigh glide across the snows blanketing the National Elk Refuge for close-up photos of the massive herd that winters there, with thousands of animals roaming the valley floor. The Lexington (B,L Sunday, D daily)

Monday, January 9: Grand Teton / Yellowstone / Old Faithful
A traverse of Buffalo Valley and the northern portion of Grand Teton National Park offer a panorama of the Tetons rising above the Snake River. Upon entering Yellowstone, an enclosed, heated snow coach conveys you into Yellowstone's silent winter splendor. Because access to the resort is limited to snow vehicles, you find yourself in peaceful seclusion, experiencing the magic of Old Faithful erupting in winter’s crystalline veil. The Lexington (B,L,D)

Tuesday, January 10: Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley Wolves
Back aboard the snow coach, head northward through the park’s geyser basins to the silver terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, where you may see many elk. You evening destination is Cooke City, Montana. As dusk descends, an evening drive through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone’s far northeast corner offers your first chance to see wolves. Alpine Inn (B,L,D)

Wednesday, January 11: Wolves / Lamar Valley
A full day is yours to look for wolves in the best place in North America to view these magnetic animals. Reintroduced to Yellowstone in the 1990s amid much controversy, wolves were returned to this native ecosystem after a 70-year absence following their government-sanctioned eradication. Now they are flourishing, supported by bountiful prey, including a multitude of elk. You may see an entire pack as they test the elk herd for a weak or sick animal, or spot lone individuals who forage on their own. Alpine Inn (B,L,D)

Thursday, January 12: Lamar Valley Wolves /Bozeman, Montana
As dawn illumines the Lamar Valley’s snowy meadows, return once more in search of wolves. You on-board scopes help you to observe their activities from a distance without disturbing their natural behavior. You may even experience the thrill of a close-up encounter. Your expedition leader along with on-site scientists who track these wolves daily, will provide you every opportunity to see these elusive creatures in their natural surroundings. Returning to Mammoth Hot Springs, leave Yellowstone’s wintry quiet and continue to Bozeman for your final night. GranTree Inn (B,L,D)

Friday, January 13: Bozeman / Home
If your schedule allows, you may enjoy exploring Bozeman on your own today. Transfer to the airport for your flight home is at your convenience. (B)