The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Yellowstone: Bears, Wolves & Other Wildlife
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING YELLOWSTONE: BEARS, WOLVES & OTHER WILDLIFE
“This trip was the total experience: beautiful nature, plenty of time observing animals, a great mix of activities, new friendships and the best guides I’ve ever had the pleasure to travel with.”
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Greater Yellowstone: Nature on a Grand Scale
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the last strongholds of truly wild nature in the Lower 48. Spanning more than 22 million acres across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it encompasses Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks—home to some of North America’s most iconic wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
This is a land where wolves howl in snow-covered valleys, grizzly bears roam river corridors and elk bugle across golden meadows. In summer and fall, vibrant wildflowers blanket alpine slopes, bison herds thunder across grass-filled valleys and moose browse willow flats beneath the Tetons. Come winter, the parks transform: Geothermal features steam in the frigid air, wildlife congregates in quiet, snow-draped basins and the region takes on a hushed, ethereal beauty.
For wildlife lovers and photographers, Yellowstone is a revelation. Established in 1872, America’s first national park is one of the few places in the contiguous United States where both black and grizzly bears still roam freely. It’s also one of the best places on Earth to observe wolves in the wild—especially in winter, when these elusive predators are easier to spot against the snow.
This guide explores the natural wonders of the Yellowstone region—from its charismatic megafauna and geothermal marvels to the subtle seasonal shifts that shape life in this extraordinary landscape.
All of Nat Hab’s small-group Yellowstone adventures and Photo Expeditions offer exciting wildlife viewing, along with much more. Call 800-543-8917 or visit our website to discover wild Yellowstone like few others will.
WHY CHOOSE NAT HAB FOR YOUR YELLOWSTONE ADVENTURE?
Ranked among America’s most beloved national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton host several million visitors each year—which is precisely why you should see them with us. Our decades of experience and deep local knowledge make a big difference in providing a richer, easier, lesscrowded and less-commercialized experience of these legendary destinations.
“This was my first visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton and my first trip with Nat Hab. I was overjoyed with the experience; it was a dream come true to be surrounded by such unbelievable natural beauty.”
A visit to Yellowstone is an encounter with the wild heart of America. And at Natural Habitat Adventures, we ensure that experience is truly unparalleled. Our exclusive access, top-tier guides, small group size and commitment to sustainability set us apart. Here’s why our Yellowstone expeditions stand above the rest:
1We Take the Hassle Out of Trip Planning
When you travel on your own, you spend a lot of time researching, planning, competing for reservations, or driving around trying to figure out where to go and what to do. As a result, you lose precious time and miss the secret spots known only to locals. We’ve taken out the legwork and guesswork. Because we’ve already researched and tested everything, and we coordinate reservations far in advance, you’ll experience much more than most people can accomplish on their own.
Kampmann
2Small Groups Make a BIG Difference
In contrast to motorcoach tours, our small groups are limited to just seven guests per private safari vehicle. With a maximum of 13 guests (12 on Photo Expeditions) in two vehicles per departure plus two Nat Hab Expedition Leaders and a support staff member, we offer a matchless guide-to-guest ratio and a far more intimate nature adventure. We can move more quickly to where wildlife has been spotted and access roads and places buses can’t reach.
Our itineraries feature out-of-the-way corners of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks that most visitors miss. With in-depth knowledge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, our Expedition Leaders take you to lesserknown areas where wildlife viewing is better and crowds are fewer. Over the years we’ve developed relationships with a range of interesting locals, and you’ll get personalized experiences you wouldn’t have access to on your own, such as a home visit with a famous local wildlife photographer.
A far cry from the typical buses or vans other companies use, Nat Hab has crafted new Mercedes Sprinters into specialty North America Safari Cruisers. Featuring luxury bucket seats, USB chargers, expansive side windows and a pop-top roof offering 360° views of the landscape, these impressive vehicles provide a superlative wildlife viewing experience, not to mention exceptional comfort. Every guest has a window seat and plenty of room for camera equipment and other gear. These exclusive vehicles make a big difference!
5
Expert Naturalist Guides Add Immeasurably to Your Experience
Our Expedition Leaders are professional naturalists and biologists who know this region like few others. Many guide and teach here year-round and all are experts in the places we visit, resident wildlife behavior, and the best strategies for spotting animals at their most active. They are also in constant communication with local wolf researchers, providing our groups with the most up-to-date knowledge of wolf locations and activity.
A Diversity of Seasons So You Can Choose Your Preference
Each season in Yellowstone offers something distinct. Spring brings lush green meadows, snow-capped peaks, fewer visitors and abundant young wildlife, with bears especially active after hibernation. Summer offers wildflowers, long days and prime wildlife viewing during quiet early and late hours. Fall glows with golden aspen, bugling elk and bears feeding before winter. Winter’s snow sets a serene stage for spotting wolves and steaming geysers under clear blue skies.
Since 2003, we have been the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization. And as the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company, Nat Hab offsets 100% of the emissions from your trip. This includes your roundtrip flights, making your adventure as eco-conscious as it is extraordinary.
Carved by ancient forces and shaped by time, Yellowstone and Grand Teton lie at the heart of one of the world’s most intact temperate ecosystems. Their landscapes tell a story of dramatic geology, conservation milestones and deep interconnection among the land, wildlife and people.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is one of the largest nearly intact temperate ecosystems left on Earth, encompassing some 18,000 to 34,000 square miles depending on how you define its boundaries. Anchored by Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, the region also includes national forests, wildlife refuges, Bureau of Land Management holdings, private ranchlands and Indigenous territories.
Together, these connected landscapes provide essential habitat and migration corridors for species like elk, bison, grizzlies and wolves. National parks alone are not big enough for these animals to thrive—especially in a changing climate.
The GYE’s ecological connectivity allows wildlife to find food, mates and shelter while maintaining healthy genetic diversity.
Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872, not to protect wildlife, but to safeguard its otherworldly geothermal features. Early reports of geysers and boiling springs were so unbelievable that the U.S. Geological Survey sent an expedition—including a painter and photographer—to prove the stories were true. Today, Yellowstone is home to more than 10,000 thermal features and roughly half the world’s geysers, thanks to the immense hotspot and super volcano that lie beneath.
Grand Teton National Park was born from a mix of conservation vision and quiet land deals. The park protects the Teton Range, while the surrounding Snake River, Hoback and Gros Ventre ranges encircle the valley known as Jackson Hole. In the 1920s and 30s, John D. Rockefeller Jr. secretly bought ranchland through his Snake River Land Company and later donated it to the federal government. The original park was created in 1929, then expanded in 1950 to form the Grand Teton National Park we know today.
Nearby, the National Elk Refuge was established in 1912 to support migrating elk after habitat loss from expanding settlement. Today, the refuge provides supplemental feed in winter.
Yellowstone is home to the highest concentration of large mammals in the Lower 48. From grizzlies and wolves to elk, bison, moose and more, the park offers rare opportunities to observe North America’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
“Our Expedition Leaders did an outstanding job finding all the animals—wolves, pronghorn, foxes, elk, bison, bald eagles—and showcasing the magnificent landscapes.”
-Nat Hab Traveler Sue K., Winter Yellowstone & Grand Teton Photo Expedition
GRAY WOLVES
Few animals embody the wild spirit of Yellowstone like the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Highly social and intelligent, wolves live in packs typically made up of a dominant breeding pair and their offspring. They are powerful, long-ranging predators that play a vital role in regulating prey populations, particularly elk and deer.
Wolves were extirpated from Yellowstone by the 1920s but were successfully reintroduced to the park in 1995 as part of a federal government conservation initiative. Since then, they’ve become a symbol of ecosystem restoration. Today, Yellowstone remains one of the best places in the world to observe wolves in the wild.
Winter offers particularly good viewing opportunities, when the animals are more active during daylight hours and their dark coats contrast against the snow. The Lamar Valley— often called “America’s Serengeti”—and the surrounding Northern Range, including the area near Slough Creek, are among the best places in the world to watch wolves.
Though elusive, wolves are frequently spotted with the help of trained naturalists and spotting scopes. Observing a pack in the wild, whether on the hunt or interacting socially, is an unforgettable experience that offers insight into one of North America’s most fascinating carnivores.
BLACK BEARS
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are widespread across Yellowstone’s forests and mixed habitats, though they are more secretive than their grizzly counterparts. Black bears excel at climbing trees and foraging in dense woods, making them well adapted to forested environments.
Black bears are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a broad diet that includes grasses, roots, insects, berries and carrion. Unlike grizzlies, black bears are less likely to defend carcasses and are more timid around humans, often giving wide berth to trails and roads.
While black bears are common in many parts of Yellowstone, viewing them requires patience and luck. They are often found in forested corridors, near berry patches or along ridgelines. Early morning and late evening can offer better sightings, though they remain elusive. Unlike grizzlies, black bears do not hibernate deeply; in milder winters, they may become active between snowstorms.
When observing black bears, it’s essential to maintain safe distances and keep your binoculars at the ready, as they’re quick and agile and easily disappear from view. These bears contribute quietly but vitally to the park’s ecological balance, serving as seed dispersers, scavengers and indicators of healthy forest systems.
Moose (Alces alces) are among the most majestic and imposing animals in Yellowstone’s forests and riparian zones. Standing up to 7 feet tall at the shoulder, their long legs, humped shoulders and large antlers make them unmistakable. Less numerous than elk or deer, moose are most often found in thick willow stands, wetland edges and aspen groves—habitats that support their browsing diet.
These enormous ungulates prefer shoreline vegetation—willow shoots, aquatic plants, twigs and bark—and they tend to remain near water sources during warmer months. In the cold season, they move to browse on woody shrubs. Because they require substantial forage and cover,
moose populations are somewhat patchy across Yellowstone’s landscape.
Moose are typically solitary, except during the rut in late autumn when bulls compete for mates. Unlike more social ungulates, moose do not form herds, and they can be territorial. Their size and sometimes unpredictable behavior demand respect: Bulls in rut or cows with calves should always be observed from safe distances.
Moose are frequently seen in the northern and western reaches of the park—especially near marshes, ponds and riparian corridors. They are most active at dusk and dawn.
GRIZZLY BEARS
Among Yellowstone’s most iconic inhabitants, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) evoke both awe and respect. Grizzlies are distinguished from black bears by their larger size, grizzled coats and prominent, muscular shoulder humps. Mostly exterminated from their historic habitat, grizzly populations in the contiguous United States are now confined largely to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and parts of northern Montana and Idaho.
Roughly 150 grizzly bears reside within Yellowstone National Park itself, while the broader GYE supports nearly 700 individuals—a marked recovery since their listing as a threatened species in the 1970s.
Grizzlies are powerful yet solitary foragers, roaming vast territories. Before hibernation (typically November through March), they
enter a phase of hyperphagia, consuming enormous quantities of food. Their diet is remarkably varied. Spring and summer may bring carcasses, elk calves, roots or pines nuts, and in autumn, they turn to berries, mushrooms, grasses and even squirrel caches of white bark pine seeds.
When it comes to observing grizzlies, the Lamar and Hayden Valleys are among the best locations. Open meadows and river corridors afford the best visibility, especially in morning or evening light.
To increase your chances of a safe and meaningful encounter, travel with experienced guides, use binoculars or spotting scopes, maintain respectful distances and be patient. Witnessing a grizzly in its wild element is among the most memorable wildlife experiences Yellowstone has to offer.
RED FOXES
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is Yellowstone’s smallest wild canid—and one of its most elusive. Weighing 10 to 15 pounds, red foxes are agile hunters, relying on acute hearing to locate small mammals like voles beneath the snow. In winter, they often exhibit a dramatic hunting behavior called “mousing,” where they leap high into the air before diving nosefirst into the snow to catch prey.
Though their name suggests otherwise, red foxes display a variety of coat colors— red, silver or even black—with all morphs featuring a signature white-tipped tail. Winter offers the best chance for fox sightings, when their tracks are more visible and their coats contrast vividly against the snow. Look for red foxes in places like the Northern Range near Mammoth and the Lamar Valley.
COYOTES
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one of the most widespread and adaptable predators in Yellowstone. Slightly larger than a red fox but smaller than a gray wolf, they thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush flats, forest edges and alpine meadows. These intelligent canids are opportunistic hunters, feeding on voles, ground squirrels, rabbits, birds and insects. They’re also known to scavenge kills left behind by larger predators.
Coyotes are usually seen alone or in pairs, though they may form small packs when food is abundant. They are most active at dawn and dusk, but their iconic, high-pitched yips and howls can be heard at any time, echoing across valleys.
Common viewing areas include Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley and Blacktail Plateau, where open terrain makes spotting them easier. Often mistaken for wolves at a distance, coyotes can be distinguished by their slimmer build, bushier tail and more delicate facial features.
BISON
Few animals are as emblematic of Yellowstone as the American bison (Bison bison). These massive mammals, once nearly driven to extinction, now roam freely in the park’s valleys and grasslands, forming one of the largest wild bison populations in the world.
Bison are often seen in large herds, especially in open meadows and thermal areas where the warmth allows earlier spring grass growth. Their presence shapes the land; as they graze, they thin dense vegetation, churn soil with their hooves, and spread seeds across the plains. Their wallowing behavior— rolling in dust or mud—creates depressions in the land that catch rainwater and benefit other species.
While bison may appear placid, they are powerful and unpredictable. A seemingly calm animal can charge without warning, so always maintain a safe distance.
One of the best places to view bison is the Hayden Valley, where thermal wetlands and lush grasses attract dense concentrations. The Upper and Lower Geyser Basins also offer frequent sightings, especially near the park’s road corridors. Because roads pass through prime bison habitat, it’s common to see them on or near pavement. They frequently cause traffic slowdowns known to park visitors as “bison jams.”
Bison in Yellowstone are not fenced; they move seasonally across park lands, private lands and adjacent public territories, underscoring the park’s connective role within the larger Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Watching a herd meandering in the dawn light or an individual shaking off frost is one of the most powerful reminders that Yellowstone remains a living, breathing wilderness.
BIGHORN SHEEP
Yellowstone is home to the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis), a species adapted to steep, rocky terrain where they forage and escape predators. Their massive curved horns—especially impressive in males—are symbols of strength and dominance.
These sheep primarily eat grasses, sedges and shrubs, shifting their diets with the seasons. They give birth in late spring to early summer, when lambs are more likely to survive. Outside the lambing season, they often remain in rugged terrain to avoid disturbance.
Good viewing spots include cliff edges, talus slopes or ridges along the park’s north and northwest regions. Because bighorn sheep are wary and well camouflaged, sighting them often requires highquality optics and a keen eye. Observing a ram poised on a rocky ledge or a ewe leading her lambs brings into focus the harsh beauty of Yellowstone’s mountains.
ELK
Elk (Cervus canadensis) play a key ecological role in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and the park is home to one of North America’s largest elk populations. Also known as wapiti, elk roam grasslands, forests and river valleys year-round, with numbers peaking in summer. Fall brings the dramatic rut, when bulls gather harems and echoing bugles ring through the canyons.
They are a primary food source for wolves and bears, and their browsing habits shape plant communities and streambanks. Winter brings a large concentration to the National Elk Refuge, adjacent to the town of Jackson, while summer sightings are common in the park’s Northern Range, Hayden Valley and along the Madison River.
PRONGHORNS
Often mistaken for antelope, pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are North America’s fastest land mammals, capable of sprinting up to 55 miles per hour. Built for speed and endurance, these graceful ungulates have large eyes, keen vision and a light frame ideal for navigating open terrain. Their unique, forked horns are shed and regrown annually.
Pronghorns thrive in Yellowstone’s sagebrush flats and grasslands, especially in the park’s northern and northeastern valleys. They are most active
during dawn and dusk, grazing on forbs (broadleafed herbaceous flowering plants), grasses and sagebrush. In summer, you’ll often spot bachelor males or mixed herds of females and young. During the fall rut, dominant males establish and defend small territories.
These animals rely on open space for visibility and escape from predators, making protected habitats within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem critical to their survival.
AMERICAN PINE MARTENS
The sleek American pine marten (Martes americana) is a member of the weasel family, perfectly adapted to the dense conifer forests of the Greater Yellowstone region. With its chestnutbrown fur and distinctive creamy throat patch, this agile predator thrives in deep spruce–fir stands, often hunting from tree limbs or rocky outcrops.
Found primarily in old-growth forest and riparian zones, pine martens feed on small mammals such as red squirrels, voles and snowshoe hares. They also eat insects, birds and fruit. Solitary by nature, they maintain separate territories and breed only once each year, with one to five kits born in the spring. Although their overall population in Yellowstone is healthy, sightings are rare, making each encounter a true wilderness moment.
Look for martens near fallen logs, hollow tree stumps or dense canopy corridors. Though elusive, their rapid movements and curiosity may reveal them for brief observation before they vanish into the forest.
Everson
BALD EAGLES
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of Yellowstone’s most majestic birds and a powerful symbol of the American wilderness. Adults are instantly recognizable by their white heads and tails, contrasting dark bodies and sharp yellow beaks. With wingspans that can exceed six feet, they soar gracefully over Yellowstone’s lakes, rivers and canyons.
These raptors thrive near water, feeding mainly on fish but also scavenging carrion—especially in winter when carcasses are easier to access. Juveniles lack the iconic white plumage until around five years of age, often leading to misidentification as golden eagles.
You’re most likely to spot bald eagles along the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Lake and in the park’s northern reaches. Winter offers particularly good viewing opportunities, when eagles gather at open water and feeding sites.
Nat Hab’s exclusive access and decades of expertise in the Yellowstone region guarantee an experience you won’t find with any other tour operator or on a self-planned itinerary. Trust us to get you there, and Yellowstone’s stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife will do the rest!
NAT HAB TRIPS
Our small-group Yellowstone adventures take you farther into the wild—away from the typical tourist track. Guided by highly trained Expedition Leaders with years of experience guiding in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, you’ll enjoy intimate encounters with the flora and fauna of two of America’s best-loved national parks.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON TRIPS :
Discover wildlife spots most visitors miss, plus other surprises revealed only by our naturalist Expedition Leaders, who know Yellowstone Country intimately.
Take a mellow raft trip through Jackson Hole on the scenic Snake River beneath the spires of the Tetons as we scout for elk, moose, otters and eagles.
Walk among the white limestone terraces and travertine layers of steaming Mammoth Hot Springs.
Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where Yellowstone Falls pours off a sheer cliff into a thousand-foot-deep gorge— one of the park’s most inspiring vistas.
Meet renowned regional naturalist and photographer Dan Hartman at his gallery in Cooke City for a private presentation on wildlife photography.
View Yellowstone’s famed hot springs, mud pots and geysers, including Old Faithful, and learn about the powerful geothermal activity shaping the earth’s crust.
Alongside our naturalist Expedition Leaders and scientist researchers, search for wolves in Yellowstone’s remote Northern Range— the best place on Earth to find them.
In winter, journey to Old Faithful in a private snowcoach and watch steaming geysers erupt against the snowy backdrop. Plus travel by sleigh among wintering elk in Jackson’s National Elk Refuge.
Expand your connection to Yellowstone and Grand Teton with these recommended reads. From ecological insight to lyrical meditations and riveting wildlife chronicles, each book offers a deeper look at the land, history and animals that make this region unforgettable.
A Place Called Yellowstone: The Epic History of the World’s First National Park | Randall K. Wilson
Explore the sweeping history of Yellowstone—the world’s first national park—in this compelling narrative that traces its evolution from remote Western wilderness to national symbol.
American Wolf, A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West | Nate Blakeslee
Praised by the likes of Margaret Atwood, Bill McKibben and Erik Larson, this intimate account of the wolves of Yellowstone centers on a single female wolf and the environmental drama that unfolds as wolf populations thrive following reintroduction.
A Field Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks | Kurt F. Johnson
Nat Hab Expedition Leader and wildlife biologist Kurt Johnson’s comprehensive field guide is a must-have tool for any nature explorer in the region. Filled with essential facts, more than 1,200 images and 130 illustrations of wildlife and their habitats, this handy paperback is like having your own naturalist at your side.
The Solace of Open Spaces | Gretel Ehrlich
Originally written as journal entries to a friend, The Solace of Open Spaces is a poetic tribute to Wyoming’s vast terrain and resilient inhabitants. With insight and humor, Ehrlich captures the fierce beauty of the American West and the intimate connections among people, place and the natural world.
Searching For Yellowstone, Ecology and Wonder in the Last Wilderness | Paul D. Schullery
Schullery, a former Yellowstone ranger-naturalist, historian and chief of cultural resources for the Yellowstone Center for Resources, brings firsthand experience to Yellowstone’s compelling social and environmental history, tracing its evolution from the Pleistocene to the present, focusing on the park since its establishment in 1872.
Windows into the Earth, The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks | Robert B. Smith, Lee J. Siegel
A geologic history and exploration of the northern Rockies, specifically of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Windows into the Earth offers an outstanding overview of the geologic formation of the region and 50 color photographs.
The Rise of Wolf 8: Witnessing the Triumph of Yellowstone’s Underdog | Rick McIntyre
This is the gripping tale of one of the first wolves to be reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, told by renowned wolf researcher and storyteller Rick McIntyre. Playing out like a soap opera, this book follows Wolf 8 as he grows from the weakest pup in his litter into a skillful alpha leader of a pack.
Alpha Female | April Christofferson
The first novel in Christofferson’s Yellowstone Series. After a painful divorce, Annie Peacock becomes Yellowstone’s first female judge, clashing with a rogue ranger as they join forces to uncover the illegal killing of a beloved wolf. Passion and justice collide in this fast-paced, wilderness-set thriller praised for its intrigue and compelling characters.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NAT HAB’S YELLOWSTONE ADVENTURES
When is the best time of year to see wolves in Yellowstone?
Wolves are some of the most elusive creatures in North America. The best time to see them in Yellowstone is the peak of winter, when the open snow-covered expanses of the Lamar Valley provide maximum possible viewing opportunities.
However, working closely with experienced wolf researchers in the park who help us track them, we have excellent luck spotting wolves all year long, and our guides’ high-powered spotting scopes bring their activities in for a closer view.
Where is the best place to see wolves in Yellowstone?
The Lamar Valley of Yellowstone’s Northern Range is the best spot on the planet for wolf viewing. Due to the area’s wide-open expanses, our views of the animals are unimpeded, allowing for clear viewing from any distance.
How likely are wolf sightings in Yellowstone?
Wolves are characteristically elusive, but our relationship with researchers—and the special design of our safari trucks—maximize our chances for encounters with the animals. Over the past several decades we have operated hundreds and hundreds of departures and have seen wolves on all but a handful. At times these sightings are relatively close, and at other times the wolves are spotted at a great distance. You never know with nature!
How close can we get to the wolves in Yellowstone?
Because our adventures are 100% wild, we never know exactly how we will encounter the wolves. As they are typically very elusive animals and tend to keep their distance from humans, and because it is vital that we do not disturb their natural behaviors, much of our viewing happens from a distance, often using spotting scopes to observe their behavior across the vast expanse of the Lamar Valley. There may also be times when we will have fleeting, close-up encounters, where the animals will surprise us and appear within close range.
What other animals are we likely to see in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks?
Aside from wolves, we are likely to see coyote, bison, bald eagles, red fox, elk, pronghorn and moose. We may also see bighorn sheep, black bears and grizzly bears. Check out our Yellowstone Wildlife Guide for more information.
What is the group size for Nat Hab’s Yellowstone trips?
Group sizes for our Yellowstone trips range from 12 to 13 guests divided into two trucks. On all trips, each vehicle is filled well below capacity so each guest will have a window seat.
What is the weather like in Yellowstone and how should I pack for it?
Layers are key in spring and fall, when mornings and evenings are cool but days are often warm. Pack a warm windproof fleece, lightweight waterproof rain gear, waterproof hiking boots, a warm hat, gloves, a neck gaiter or scarf, long pants, long- and short-sleeve shirts, lightweight thermals, and wool or wool-blend socks. In summer, bring more warm-weather clothing like shorts, short-sleeve shirts, and a wide-brimmed hat, as temperatures can be warm to hot. See our spring, summer and fall packing list and browse Nat Hab’s Gear Store for recommended items.
In winter, Yellowstone is snowy and frigid, with temperatures often below 0°F. Warm outerwear is essential for time spent outside viewing wolves. Pack multiple warm layers, thermal base layers, hats, and gloves. A winter parka and warm boots are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. See our winter packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.
What type of vehicle will we be watching wildlife from?
A far cry from the typical buses or vans other companies use, Nat Hab has crafted Mercedes Sprinters into specialty North America Safari Cruisers. Featuring luxury bucket seats, USB chargers, expansive side windows and a pop-top roof offering 360° views on the landscape, these impressive vehicles provide a superlative wildlife viewing experience, not to mention exceptional comfort. Every guest has a window seat and plenty of room for camera equipment and other gear. These exclusive vehicles make a big difference!
Will there be cell phone service or Internet connection in Yellowstone?
Internet access is available at all our accommodations but can be slow in some locations. There is no cell service in the Northern Range of Yellowstone.
How are Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions different from its other Yellowstone tours?
The key difference on our Photo Expeditions is the focus on photography. You’ll travel with a dedicated professional Photo Expedition Leader and a small group of like-minded photographers, from enthusiastic beginners to serious hobbyists. Your guide isn’t just an expert in wildlife and ecology—they’re skilled in photo instruction and know how to position you for the best shots.
These trips are typically a day or two longer than our regular Yellowstone itineraries, with earlier starts and later returns to capture the best light. We linger longer at wildlife sightings, creating more opportunities to frame and refine each shot. You’ll also benefit from exclusive photo opportunities and hands-on guidance in the field, along with editing tutorials that help you elevate your final images.
Can I go on a Photo Expedition even if I’m not an advanced photographer?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s encouraged—Photo Expeditions are one of the best ways to learn. You’ll likely travel with other beginners and get guidance from experienced photographers and your professional Photo Expedition Leader. Whether you use a point-and-shoot on auto or a more advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ll return with a wealth of great images and new skills.
What camera gear is best for photographing wildlife in Yellowstone?
The best camera is the one you’ll actually use—there’s no perfect model, just the one you know well. For Yellowstone, telephoto capability is key: bring at least a 10x–20x zoom on a point-and-shoot or a 300–400mm lens on a mirrorless or DSLR. A wide-angle lens is also essential for landscapes and travel shots.
Please check out our dedicated photography site, The Natural Photographer, for up-to-date articles on wildlife and nature photography—including advice for shooting in Yellowstone—as well as general tips on all types of cameras.
Are Nat Hab’s Yellowstone trips appropriate for children?
Nat Hab’s Expedition Leaders are known for their excellent rapport with kids. This fun dynamic, along with a diverse array of activities and unforgettable wildlife encounters, will leave children with lifelong memories. We strongly encourage you to call our office at 800-543-8917 to speak with an Adventure Specialist about the specific requirements of our Yellowstone adventures. If you’re looking for a trip designed specifically for children and families, consider our Family Adventures
Can Nat Hab take our family or a group on a private Yellowstone adventure?
Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 for group size and pricing details.
Can you name which keystone species was restored to Yellowstone in 1995? Any idea what it means when a bison wallows, or what the largest geyser in the world is called?
Take our Yellowstone Nature Quiz to put your knowledge to the test!
EXPLORE YELLOWSTONE
With abundant wildlife, dramatic landforms and fascinating history, a trip to Yellowstone is an unforgettable adventure.
Call 800-543-8917 or visit our website to learn more about our Yellowstone offerings, as well as private and family options.
