Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour in Big Sky
Big Sky, United States

Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour

Outty Ranking 73 5.0 · 14 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $292

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$292
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour worth booking?

Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour is a 8-hour experience in Big Sky, United States, from $292 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
5/5 (14)
Duration
8 hours
From
$292 per person

Yellowstone Hiking Guides is a long-time, local tour operator that offers top-rated experiences in Yellowstone National Park. Our Winter Wildlife Tours start run from February to April. Winter in Yellowstone is a magica

What you get

    About this experience

    Yellowstone Hiking Guides is a long-time, local tour operator that offers top-rated experiences in Yellowstone National Park. Our Winter Wildlife Tours start run from February to April. Winter in Yellowstone is a magical time. Be sure to bundle up in layers as we put wolves and other rare animals in the spotting scope. Use our binoculars to see foxes hunting in the snow and bison weathering the winter conditions. We pack the lunch, snacks, and the hot and cold beverages. Please allow us to host you at the highest level on one of our group tours. We pick up guests in West Yellowstone (6AM), Big Sky (7AM), and Bozeman (8AM). Top destinations in the Park include the Roosevelt Arch, the Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, and the Old Gardiner Road. We also drive through the scenic Paradise Valley, home to winter wildlife outside of Yellowstone National Park. We look forward to hosting you and your group to show you Yellowstone's winter wildlife and stunning scenic beauty.

    What's included

    Included

    • Binoculars for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
    • Carbonated beverages
    • Bottled water
    • Tea and coffee
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Spotting Scope for viewing wildlife at a distance
    • Snacks

    Not included

    • Entrance fees
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. West Yellowstone

      We pick up guests at 6AM at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center and drive through Yellowstone National Park to Big Sky.

      60 minutes here

    2. Big Sky

      We pick up guests at 7AM behind the BASE Community Center and drive through the scenic Gallatin River Canyon to Bozeman.

      60 minutes here

    3. Bozeman

      We pick up guests at 8:15AM at Cafe M in Bozeman on East Main Street.

      15 minutes here

    4. Paradise Valley

      Drive through Montana's Paradise Valley, spotting wildlife along the Yellowstone River.

      120 minutes here

    5. Roosevelt Arch

      Drive through the famous Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, Montana. Stop to learn about the history of Yellowstone's Original Entrance. Take photos and leave with memories.

      15 minutes here

    6. Yellowstone National Park

      We enter the North Gate of Yellowstone National Park. The cost is $20 per person. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass it will cover the entry cost for up to four people in your travel group.

      15 minutes here

    7. Lamar Valley

      Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, also known as the Serengeti of North America, is home to rare wildlife. Stop along the roadside to view wolves, bison, coyote, bighorn sheep, elk and more through spotting scopes and binoculars. Enjoy abundant wildlife on the winter landscape.

      120 minutes here

    8. Petrified Tree

      We stop briefly at the Petrified Tree.

      5 minutes here

    9. Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

      Take a stroll along the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs. The steamy feature surrounded by snowcapped mountains is home to elk and bison during winter months.

      30 minutes here

    10. Old Gardiner Road

      Explore the Old Yellowstone Road teeming with wildlife. This is the lowest elevation spot in Yellowstone where wildlife find food during the harsh winter months.

      60 minutes here

    11. Paradise Valley

      Leave Yellowstone behind, driving back through the Paradise Valley to Bozeman.

      60 minutes here

    12. Bozeman

      Return to Bozeman at 4PM and drop off guests.

      5 minutes here

    13. Big Sky

      Return to Big Sky at 5PM and drop off guests.

      60 minutes here

    14. West Yellowstone

      Return to West Yellowstone at 6PM and drop off guests.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Big Sky

    We meet here at 8:00AM. 777 East Main Street, Bozeman. This is a great spot to get a coffee and breakfast before we me meet. We will meet out back in the parking lot at 8AM. Please park in the back of the parking lot away from the doors of Cafe M.

    Meeting point

    Big Sky

    We meet here at 7AM We meet in the parking lot behind the BASE Community Center.

    Meeting point

    Big Sky

    We meet here at 5:45 AM. 30 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone. We meet in the parking lot behind the Visitor Center.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We meet here at 8:00AM. 777 East Main Street, Bozeman. This is a great spot to get a coffee and breakfast before we me meet. We will meet out back in the parking lot at 8AM. Please park in the back of the parking lot away from the doors of Cafe M.

    Ends at

    We meet here at 7AM We meet in the parking lot behind the BASE Community Center.

    Ends at

    We meet here at 5:45 AM. 30 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone. We meet in the parking lot behind the Visitor Center.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Yellowstone Hiking Guides

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour in Big Sky, photo 2Bighorn sheep in Yellowstone National Park during winter.Exploring Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park.Bison duel in Yellowstone National Park during winter.Having fun in Yellowstone in the winfer!Spotting wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    14 verified traveler reviews for Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    14
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    keleigh_l · March 2026

    An incredibly well-run Yellowstone experience

    Josh was a fantastic guide! My friend and I had an excellent time. The day trip was easy and well-paced, with a great lunch and plenty of stops for snacks and bathroom breaks along the way. Josh had great stories, answered all of our questions, and knew exactly when to slow down for photos. He made sure we didn’t miss anything. He was patient, kind, and genuinely supportive as we experienced this part of Yellowstone for the first time, even though it was clearly second nature to him. We saw heaps of wildlife, and the landscapes were beyond incredible. The SUV was comfortable, and we were really impressed with the entire experience.

    via Viator

    Tracie_D · March 2026

    Fantastic!

    Amazing! Josh was very kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. He came prepared with drinks and snacks for us. We saw the northern parts of Yellowstone and we got to see a lot of different animals. I got so many beautiful pictures.

    via Viator

    Gencouncil · March 2026

    Incredible Yellowstone Wildlife Tour with Josh

    Our wildlife tour through the northern part of Yellowstone was easily one of the highlights of our trip, and Josh made the entire experience exceptional. From the moment we started, Josh was incredibly kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable. He clearly knows the park extremely well and has a great eye for spotting wildlife that most visitors would completely miss. Thanks to him, we saw an amazing variety of animals including elk, bison, coyotes, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, magpies, and more. What really stood out was how patient and informative he was throughout the tour. He answered every question we had and shared interesting facts about the animals, the ecosystem, and the park itself. It never felt rushed, and he made sure we had a chance to see and enjoy the wildlife through binoculars or a scope. If you're hoping to see animals in Yellowstone and actually learn about them along the way, I highly recommend taking a tour with Josh. It was an incredible experience and we’re so glad we did it.

    via Tripadvisor

    SPPIZZI · March 2026

    Once In a Lifetime!

    Josh is simply the best! Having been born and raised in the area, his knowledge and experience span decades. What I found particularly amazing about him is how he has retained his joy and excitement for what he does after so many years. His excitement at seeing his millionth bison rivaled my excitement at seeing my first. I have a boundless fascination with the Yellowstone ecosystem, particularly wolves. I spent the better part of seven hours asking him questions, and not once did he fail to have an answer. Additionally, he was also incredibly accommodating and patient with me. Josh is the perfect example of someone who is ideally suited for his job. I wholeheartedly recommend taking a tour with him—you’ll regret it if you don’t!

    via Tripadvisor

    O9030SGjorger · March 2026

    Awesome!

    Amazing TOUR Jhon was excellent guide, explain every detail, views and animals spots. He takes the time for amazing pictures, wonderful time. I recommend it 100%.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)39
    Value for money (12% weight)80
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Sky.

    How much does Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $292 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Sky usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Sky is not rushed.

    Is Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Sky, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Sky can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Sky and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Winter in Yellowstone Wildlife Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Sky within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Big Sky?

    +

    Big Sky, MT packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Big Sky by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Big Sky experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ziplining across the Beautiful Gallatin River, Full Day Best Of Yellowstone National Park Tour From Big Sky, Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Big Sky?

    +

    Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Big Sky, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Big Sky?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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