Days 1 & 2: Jackson Hole: Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Bald Eagles and Coyotes

Old-West Jackson sits at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in the shadow of the mountain range’s jagged spires. Still retaining a cowboy flavor, Jackson hosts visitors with panache. On Day 1, we meet for an informal welcome dinner and orientation. Our winter safari begins the following morning as we venture into Jackson Hole in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, coyotes, bison, mule deer, moose and elk. Later, we visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Then, by horse-drawn sleigh we 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.

Day 3: Old Faithful

A traverse of Buffalo Valley offers a panorama of the Tetons rising above the Snake River en route to Yellowstone National Park. An enclosed, heated snowcoach conveys us into the park’s silent winter splendor. Since access to the resort is limited to snow vehicles, we find ourselves in peaceful seclusion, experiencing the magic of Old Faithful erupting in winter’s crystalline veil.

Day 4: Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley Wolves

Back aboard our snowcoach we head northward through the park’s geyser basins to the silver terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, where we may see many elk. Our evening destination is Cooke City, Montana, where we’ll spend two nights at the Alpine Inn, a rustic western lodge in the Beartooth Mountains. As dusk descends, an evening drive through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone’s far northeast corner offers our first chance to see wolves.

Day 5: Wolves / Lamar Valley

A full day is ours 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. We may see an entire pack as they test the elk herd for a weak or sick animal, or spot lonely individuals who forage on their own.

Day 6: Lamar Valley Wolves / Bozeman, Montana

As dawn illumines the Lamar Valley’s snowy meadows, we return once more in search of wolves. When they are far off, our on-board scopes help us to observe their activities from a distance without disturbing their natural behavior. We may even experience the thrill of a close-up encounter. Many of our Expedition Leaders have worked for years with the onsite scientists who track these wolves daily, and together they provide us every opportunity to see these elusive creatures in their natural surroundings. Returning to Mammoth Hot Springs, we leave Yellowstone’s wintry quiet and continue to the hip university town of Bozeman for our final night.

Day 7: 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.