On the Trail of Grey Wolves, Bison, and Grizzly Bears
Experience the jaw-dropping beauty and teeming wildlife of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with your own private naturalist guide! On our week-long Private Journey, you'll look for the iconic wolf packs of Yellowstone's amazing Lamar Valley, often called America's Serengeti, savor the magnificent spectacle of the Grand Tetons, with their tooth-like peaks and sapphire lakes, and see the scintillating hues of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Each day brings something different, whether you're discovering geothermal wonders, hiking the inspiring trails, or spotting an amazing variety of wildlife—from herds of bison to elusive wolf packs on the prowl (your naturalist guide is very involved with the local wolf-monitoring community). The grand finale finds you drifting down the meandering Snake River on a private wooden dory for a riverside dinner. Traveling with a knowledgeable private guide is the best way to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, avoiding crowds, and getting an “insider” opportunity to learn about Yellowstone's ecology, scientific studies, and conservation efforts. Come take a closer look at the natural wonders we have right here in the US, and at journey's end, extend to the hidden Flat Creek Ranch for days of hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing (this can also be done pre-trip).
Arrive: Jackson, Wyoming
Depart: Jackson, Wyoming
At time of reservation: 25% of trip cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Minimum fee: $500 per person
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
The trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. Wildlife viewing takes place during drives and nature walks on mountain roads. There is the option for hikes of your choice, covering a variety of terrain and usually on well-marked trails. There is no extensive hiking on the trip, but you should be in good physical shape to enjoy it to the fullest.
The months between Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend are exceptionally beautiful in Yellowstone, although they draw the highest volumes of visitors. From June through August, average temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, making for great hiking conditions. Excellent months to visit are from mid-May through early June and between September and October, with fewer crowds. Spring in Yellowstone can be unpredictable, with the park emerging from winter hibernation. It can be quite cold (around 20F to 50F) so be sure to pack warm layers. Visiting Yellowstone in September and early October can be especially exciting because the elk are in rut. The weather is cooler, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 35F to low 60F. Park facilities such as visitors' centers can close as early as mid-October.
Accommodations are in comfortable hotels and lodges ideally located to avoid crowds and get you as close as possible to the best wildlife viewing.
"From the first interaction with the WT office to the last interaction with Paul on the trip, our expectations described by Wilderness Travel were fulfilled and in most cases exceeded. Kudos to all."
Ann G.
Novato, CA
"The trip was wonderful and something we won't soon forget. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature, who is willing to get up early and spend your days taking in the sights."
Curvin C.
Boerne, TX
"This trip was everything and more that what we were looking for. My dreams of seeing wolves in the wild came true two days in row and the trip was perfectly planned and timed."
Lindsey N.
Lincoln, CA
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.