There is nowhere in North America as iconic as Yellowstone National Park. Towering mountains, spewing geysers, vast forests and valleys harboring the highest megafauna density on the continent make this a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the classic American West. But the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as it is known by locals and researchers, is much more than what is found within the National Park’s borders, despite its enormous size. The ecosystem includes huge, pristine prairies, alpine crags and meadows, near-arid desert, and the most diverse and lovely scenery one could hope for.
Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Top Birds Grey-crowned & Black Rosy Finches; Great Grey, Boreal & Northern Pygmy Owls; Red & White-winged Crossbills; Gyrfalcon; Sharp-tailed & Greater Sage Grouse; Lapland Longspur; Barrow's Goldeneye; Bohemian Waxwing; Pine Grosbeak; Clark's Nutcracker; Townsend's Solitaire; Steller's Jay.
Top Mammals Gray Wolf; Elk; Pronghorn; Bighorn Sheep, American Bison; River Otter; Pine Marten; Red Fox; Coyote
Habitats Covered shortgrass and mixed-grass Prairie, Riparian Deciduous Forest, frozen Lake and Marsh wetlands, Montane Coniferous Forest, Alpine grassland
Expected Climate Yellowstone in the winter is freezing! Temperatures typically range from a high of 26°F (-3°C) to an average low of 4°F(-16°C). Snow fall or rain is expected on average 11-13 days of the month.
Max Group Size 6 with 1 Rockjumper Leader and local leaders where necessary
Tour Pace & Walking tour pace is relaxed
Accommodation 3-4 star accommodations throughout the tour.
Ease of Birding generally easy, though sometimes species like Northern Pygmy Owl or Gray Partridge can be a little tricky to pin down.
Other Attractions wildlife and photography, riding a snowcoach, Old Faithful and Steamboat Spring geysers erupting, Lamar Valley
Photographic Opportunities excellent photo ops of bird and mammal species
We enjoyed the tor especially seeing so many warbler the first day. Stephan is a fantastic guide and makes sure that every participant gets a chance to see every bird, as much as possible. We never expected to see so many birds in Texas, and I credit Stephan with that achievement.
Luke & Adam did a great job. This tour was the perfect US specialty tour (will be interested to see more of these)... We covered tons of environments in a fairly small territory. Luke is a LA-area expert and aimed us exactly where we needed to be.
Great trip overall. Stephan is a great guide, knows where the birds are and makes sure everyone sees them. Very enjoyable trip.
Both Stephan and Claudia gave attention to my desire to get good photographs.
Stephan and Claudia are a great team: Stephan is simply amazing hearing, spotting and helping all get on the relevant bird(s). As the only non-master birder and the oldest person on the trip, I thought that they both were helpful, careful and mindful of the needs of me and each of the group. Claudia often got on the bird as quickly as Stephan spotted it. The group worked for the best interest of the group. .... During a pandemic, the group acted responsibly and carefully.