What to Expect on Winter Yellowstone Tours with Old Faithful & Friends

Winter is one of the most rewarding times to visit Yellowstone National Park, and winter Yellowstone tours with Old Faithful & Friends are designed to showcase the park’s best winter scenery, wildlife, and geothermal features—without the crowds. Focusing on Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs, these tours highlight areas that truly shine during the winter months.

Here’s what you can expect when you explore Yellowstone in winter with Old Faithful and Friends.

A Focus on Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs

Old Faithful & Friends specializes in the northern range of Yellowstone, which remains open year-round and offers some of the park’s best winter experiences.

On winter Yellowstone tours, you can expect to visit:

• Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America

• Mammoth Hot Springs, famous for its steaming terraces and historic fort area

These locations are ideal for winter travel and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Exceptional Winter Wildlife Viewing

Winter is prime season for spotting wildlife in Yellowstone, especially in Lamar Valley. Snow-covered landscapes make animals easier to see, and many species move to lower elevations during colder months.

Most days on our winter Yellowstone tours, guests see wildlife, sometimes multiple species in a single day. While sightings are never guaranteed, winter consistently offers some of the best opportunities of the year.

Common wildlife sightings include:

• Wolves traveling across open valleys

• Large bison herds navigating deep snow

• Elk, pronghorn, and deer

• Coyotes, foxes, and bald eagles

Old Faithful & Friends guides are experienced wildlife trackers who know where to look and how to observe animals safely and responsibly.

Mammoth Hot Springs in Winter

Mammoth Hot Springs is especially striking during winter. The contrast between white snow and rising steam creates dramatic scenery unlike anywhere else in the park.

On winter Yellowstone tours, guests often enjoy:

• Snow-dusted travertine terraces

• Steaming formations shaped by freezing temperatures

• Fewer visitors and quieter boardwalks

Winter conditions constantly change the appearance of Mammoth, making every visit unique.

Knowledgeable Local Guides

A major highlight of winter Yellowstone tours with Old Faithful & Friends is the expertise of the guides. Your guide will provide:

• Insight into winter wildlife behavior

• Information about Yellowstone’s geology and thermal features

• Context on park history and conservation

With winter weather and wildlife considerations, having a professional guide ensures a smooth and enriching experience.

Fewer Crowds, More Time to Explore

Winter brings a calm and peaceful atmosphere to Yellowstone. Without summer crowds, tours can move at a relaxed pace, allowing more time for wildlife watching, photography, and learning.

Many guests find winter Yellowstone tours more personal and immersive than peak-season visits.

What to Wear on Winter Yellowstone Tours

Proper clothing is essential for comfort during winter tours. Guests should plan to wear:

• Warm, insulated winter coats

• Waterproof boots with good traction

• Hats, gloves, and layered clothing

• Sunglasses for bright winter conditions

Old Faithful & Friends provides pre-tour guidance so you know exactly how to prepare.

Why Choose Winter Yellowstone Tours with Old Faithful and Friends

Winter offers a rare opportunity to see Yellowstone at its most wild and authentic. By focusing on Lamar Valley and Mammoth, Old Faithful and Friends winter Yellowstone tours provide incredible wildlife encounters, stunning winter scenery, and expert interpretation—all in a safe, guided setting.