Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone

  United States

Bozeman,  Jackson

Dates: 2007 - Dec 29, 2007 - Jan 4; 2008 - Jan 5 - 11, Jan 12 - 18, Jan 19 - 25, Jan 26 - Feb 1, Feb 2 - 8, Feb 9 - 15, Feb 16 - 22 and Feb 23 - 29

Description: The Wolves of Yellowstone: Wolf Watching and Wildlife Viewing in Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks in the Winter.

In winter, the vast valleys and streams of Yellowstone and Grand Teton are a haven for North America's most beautiful animals, easy to spot against the awe-inspiring white backdrop. Over 7,000 elk migrate to the National Elk Refuge outside of Jackson - referred to as 'the Serengeti of North America'. We may see moose at Oxbow Bend, coyotes searching for a meal, and bald eagles flying overhead. Of course, the highlight of our trip is spotting wolves and we have an excellent chance to see these mystical animals as they traverse the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone in search of food. All of this in a specialised wildlife itinerary with expert expedition leaders.

Physical Requirements
Tracking wolves in Yellowstone will be in snowy, icy and/or wet conditions, and it can get very cold. However, hikes are moderate in physical exertion and a good amount of wildlife viewing takes place from our vehicles. Travelers are not required to participate in all excursions. We will provide a parka and boots.

Highlights: Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and escorted to your hotel, located within walking distance of the heart of Jackson. Jackson is situated on the edge of Grand Teton National Park and is surrounded by dramatic mountains. In winter, the snowy peaks are especially breathtaking. This traditional western town has retained much of its charm. In the evening you will be escorted to one of Jackson's many fine restaurants for an informal welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 2: Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Bald Eagles and Coyotes
Our day is packed with great wildlife viewing opportunities. Following a hearty breakfast, we will safari in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, coyotes, mule deer, bison, moose and elk. This area is especially rich in wildlife during the winter and we cannot miss on most species. We will follow this with lunch and a tour at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. We will then travel onto the National Elk Refuge by horse-drawn sleigh in order to get close-up photos of the thousands of elk that winter there. In the late afternoon, we will travel to the Hatchet Resort, located in scenic Buffalo Valley, about 38 miles north of Jackson.

Day 3: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone
We will begin our day exploring Buffalo Valley and the northern portion of Grand Teton National Park. After lunch, an enclosed, heated snowcoach (a snowmobile/van large enough to carry our entire group with plenty of room to spare) will transport us into the magic of a Yellowstone winter. By having our own private coach, we can stop when we like and view wildlife as it appears. Otters, bald eagles, elk, and herds of bison may be spotted. Once at Old Faithful Snow Lodge we will have time to get situated in our rooms. Access to the resort is limited to snow vehicles so it will be quite secluded. Before dinner we will experience the magic of the famous geyser, Old Faithful, erupting in winter's crystalline veil.

Day 4: Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley Wolves
This morning we will explore the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful by snowshoe. Mid-morning, we will board another snowcoach as we safari northward towards Mammoth Hot Springs, where the ancient aura of these thermal features invites your imagination to run wild. En route, we will see several different geothermal areas, bison and elk wintering in the interior of the park, and spectacular winter scenery. We will stop to explore Mammoth Hot Springs before continuing on through the Lamar Valley. In the early days, Yellowstone's visitors began their park exploration at Mammoth Hot Springs, named after the steaming limestone terraces just above the hotel. Today, the hotel grounds are home to many elk at this time of year. An evening drive through the Lamar Valley gives us our first opportunity to view the wolves! We will end up in Cooke City, Montana, where we will spend the next two nights at the Alpine Inn, a rustic western lodge located on one of the most scenic roads in America.

Day 5: Wolves in the Lamar Valley
We will focus today's activities on searching for wolves in the Lamar Valley, without question the best spot in North America to view these fascinating animals. Gray wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone in the 1990's amidst plenty of controversy, 70 years after they were eradicated by the government. The result has been tremendously successful and the animals are now thriving thanks to an abundance of prey, especially elk. We scan the open slopes for wolves as we drive along the road, stopping to view and photograph wildlife. At times we may see or hear single wolves as they comb the valley floor in search of food. Or, if we are lucky, we may see an entire pack as they test the elk herd for a weak or sick animal. We will have lunch in Cooke City before we go back to the Lamar Valley to spend the afternoon with the wolves and other wildlife. In the late afternoon or early evening, we will return to our hotel. Cooke City is a old western mining town and worthy of some exploration.

Day 6: Lamar Valley Wolves / Bozeman, Montana
Early this morning, when the sun is still low, we will return to the Lamar Valley to search for wolves on our way back to Mammoth Hot Springs and on to Bozeman, Montana, where we will spend our last night. In addition to another day of wolf viewing in the Lamar Valley, we may have time for some tracking by snowshoe on our way out of the park. We will arrive in Bozeman in time for our farewell dinner. Bozeman, only two hours from Yellowstone National Park, is home to Montana State University and provides the hip, intellectual charm and culture of a college town as well as cultural events that appeal to both the cosmopolitan and cowboy cultures. Bozeman has become the unofficial capital of Montana environmental politics, with several nationally important groups that enjoy the combination of university and outdoor interests.

Day 7: Bozeman
Today you are free to explore the town of Bozeman and enjoy local activities, such as dog sledding (see below). Transfer (at your own expense) to the airport for your flight home. Taxis are available from your hotel and can be arranged at the front desk.

Cost in US$: 2795

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999