Highlights
- Seek out bison, pronghorn deer, and gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park
- Hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski before warming yourself by the fire
- Watch Old Faithful erupt, its outburst coating the nearby trees in icicles
- Soak in warm thermal waters in Montana's Chico Hot Springs
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bozeman | Bozeman, MT |
| Day 2 | Mammoth Hot Springs | Mammoth, WY |
| Day 3 | Lamar Valley wildlife viewing | Mammoth, WY |
| Day 4 | Mammoth to Old Faithful | Yellowstone National Park |
| Day 5 | Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin | Yellowstone National Park |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Chico Hot Springs | Chico Hot Springs, MT |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Bozeman; Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman
Arrive in Bozeman, Montana—the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Settle into your accommodation before meeting your guide in the evening for a brief orientation of what to expect for the coming week.
Day 2: Mammoth Hot Springs
Today you will follow the Yellowstone River as you head south along the Old Yellowstone Trail through Roosevelt Arch to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to spot pronghorn deer and bison. In the afternoon, walk the Lower Terrace and if you have the energy, you may enjoy snowshoeing the Upper Terrace as well.
Day 3: Lamar Valley wildlife viewing
Today is dedicated to viewing wildlife in the snow-covered Lamar Valley. Your guide will provide you with spotting scopes to aid you in seeking out bison, bighorn sheep, and gray wolves.
Stop for lunch just beyond the eastern entrance to the park in Cooke City, before spending additional time in the afternoon spotting wildlife. If there's time, you may enjoy getting in a short hike or snowshoe as well.
Day 4: Mammoth to Old Faithful
Today you will meet your guide and ride in a heated snow coach to traverse the roads in the southern half of the park. There's a good chance you will share the road with herds of bison, see playful otters, and catch a glimpse of trumpeter swans.
After dinner, bundle up and enjoy a dramatic eruption of Old Faithful before returning to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 5: Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
This morning you will explore the boardwalks that surround Old Faithful and over 20 other geysers within the vicinity. Note the ghost trees—swaying trees covered in icicles from the geysers' eruptions.
In the afternoon, explore the winter wonderland around you with your choice of hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or if you prefer, relax by the fireside instead.
Day 6: Transfer to Chico Hot Springs
This morning you will make your way back to Mammoth Hot Springs through Paradise Valley and continue across the border to Chico Hot Springs in Montana. Along the way, you will stop at Artist’s Paint Pots, Roaring Mountain, and Obsidian Cliff.
Arrive in the early evening to your accommodation in Chico Hot Springs and spend some time relaxing in the thermal waters just steps away from your room.
Day 7: Transfer to Bozeman - Depart
Enjoy your breakfast and if there's time before your return to Bozeman for your afternoon flight home, take one last soak in the soothing hot waters of Chico Hot Springs.
Map
