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Yellowstone in spring is awesome! Bison herds with calves grazing in early morning frost with a backdrop of the grand Tetons is beautiful. The wapiti wolf pack playing in the evening by the river was incredibly moving. Black bear with cubs, brown bear with cubs, great horned owl with fledgling......a fantastic trip!
L.W. Dumfries & Galloway, June 18
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Yellowstone in Spring
Tour Code: USA12A 14-day wildlife holiday to Yellowstone National Park in the US state of Wyoming, focusing on the park's mammal, bird, geothermal and scenic highlights.
14 days
from
£7,995 (Inc flights)
£7,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£6,995
£6,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Yellowstone National Park and this tour focuses on the region’s wildlife and geological highlights at a time of year when the reserve is transitioning from winter to summer. We begin with a flight to Jackson Hole where we will be based for four nights while we explore the Grand Teton National Park. Next we head north into Yellowstone itself and explore the southern half of the park from the town of West Yellowstone. Our four nights here will give us ample time to look for a variety of mammals including Pronghorn Antelope, North American Bison and Grizzly Bear, plus birds including Western Tanager and Williamson’s Sapsucker. Finally, we drive north-east to the small town of Cooke City for three nights, from where we will explore the northern half of the national park in search of Bald Eagle, Evening Grosbeak, Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Elk and the Grey Wolves of Yellowstone’s famous Lamar Valley.
- Spectacular landscapes of Yellowstone National Park & the Grand Tetons
- Look for Grey Wolves & Grizzly Bears in the Lamar Valley
- Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & other geothermal highlights
- North American Bison, Moose, Pronghorn Antelope, Black Bear, Beaver & Coyote
- Yellowstone Falls & Mammoth Hot Springs
- Birds including Mountain Bluebird, Williamson’s Sapsucker & Black Rosyfinch
- Led by expert local naturalist guides
Grading
Grade A/B. Easy to moderately strenuous
Spring comes late to the mountains, forests and meadows of Yellowstone National Park. Sitting on the Yellowstone Plateau at an average altitude of 2,400 metres (8,000 feet), it is not until June that the winter snows have melted sufficiently, and the sun’s rays are warm enough for America’s flagship wildlife haven to burst into life. This is a busy time for Yellowstone’s mammals and birds and a wonderful time to visit. The resident birds are augmented by an interesting mix of summer and passage migrants, all resplendent in their breeding dress. The mammals are fattening up after the lean months of winter, many have young and, importantly, the summer holiday tourist crowds have yet to arrive!
This exciting 14-day spring tour to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons will focus on the region’s wildlife and geological highlights at a time of year when the reserve is transitioning from winter to summer. It begins with a flight to Jackson Hole in the US state of Wyoming, where we will be based for the first four nights of the holiday while we explore Yellowstone’s equally impressive neighbour, the Grand Teton National Park. The jagged mountains of the Grand Teton range are part of the magnificent Rocky Mountain chain and overlook a picturesque mosaic of forests, lakes and sagebrush meadows bordering the meandering Snake River. During our time here we will not only be admiring the breathtaking scenery, but will go in search of our first Moose, Pronghorn Antelope and Rocky Mountain Elk. Diminutive Broad-tailed Hummingbirds zip from flower to flower, alongside a wide range of other avian delights including Mountain Bluebird, Yellow-headed Blackbird and Western Tanager … all backed by some of the most dramatic scenery in the Americas!
Next we head north into Yellowstone itself and explore the southern half of the national park from the town of West Yellowstone. Our four nights here will give us ample time to search for mammals such as Black and Grizzly Bears, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep and Coyote, plus smaller species including Yellow-bellied Marmot and the attractive Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel. We are also sure to encounter the majestic North American Bison, an animal that was driven to the brink of extinction from an initial population estimated to number over 65 million! The story of the Bison is one of the most tragic in natural history, but today nearly 5,000 animals roam the grasslands of Yellowstone National Park and the sight of a herd feeding or slowly plodding across the road in front of us will no doubt be one of the enduring memories of the holiday. Birds may include Bald Eagle, Black-headed Grosbeak, Clark's Nutcracker, Grey Jay and Red-naped Sapsucker. For the very fortunate, there is even the chance of a magnificent Great Grey Owl perched on a dead snag in the late afternoon sun or hunting along the edges of a pine-fringed meadow. Much of the national park sits in a huge sunken volcanic caldera over 40 miles across, the heat welling up from beneath fuelling the geysers, boiling mud pools and hot springs — including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring — which dot Yellowstone’s steaming landscape.
Finally, we drive to the north-east for three nights in the small town of Cooke City, stopping en route at the dramatic steaming travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. From Cooke City we will explore the northern half of Yellowstone National Park, focusing in particular on the famous Lamar Valley, one of the park's wildlife hotspots and a reliable area for sightings of both Grey Wolf and Grizzly Bear. The last Wolf was shot in Yellowstone by government-backed hunters in 1926, but 69 years later they were returned to the Lamar Valley and, despite some local opposition, Wolves are now thriving and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is once again complete! Other birds to look out for in this region include Burrowing Owl, Williamson's Sapsucker, Townsend's Solitaire and Western Meadowlark. Time in the north of the park would not be complete without a visit to the spectacular Yellowstone Falls and a journey up Beartooth Pass, which sits at 3,300 metres (11,000 feet) and is home to Mountain Goat, Golden Eagle and Black Rosy Finch.
After an enjoyable two weeks exploring the forests, mountains and geothermal highlights of Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons, we end our tour with a night in the town of Bozeman from where we catch our return flight home.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Jackson & overnight
Day 2/4
Grand Teton National Park from Jackson Hole
Day 5/8
Yellowstone National Park from West Yellowstone
Day 9/11
Yellowstone National Park from Cooke City
Day 12
Bozeman
Day 13
Depart Bozeman.
Day 14
Arrive London.
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in comfortable hotels and motels, all rooms with private facilities.
- Food:
All meals are included in the price, except for dinner on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 13. Allow £100. N.B. Please note that for all bookings in 2025, evening meals will no longer be included in the cost of the tour. Please allow £50 per day for these.
Reviews
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I had a fabulous time on my recent trip to Yellowstone National Park the whole experience was positive well planned and we had the most wonderful guide who made sure we all got the most from our trip. I have travelled with Naturetrek on many occasions and am impressed by their attention to detail this tour in particular was very well put together we stayed in good locations to give us the maximum time to enjoy all that the park had to offer put that with great food and weather and it was one of my most enjoyable trips that I have undertaken.
K.G. Merseyside -
Adam Brubaker was an excellent guide and tour leader. The holiday covered the Grand Teton's and Yellowstone National Park including mammals, birds and flora plus spectacular scenery. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, our first wildlife holiday in the USA.
L.P. West Yorkshire
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 27th May – Mon 9th Jun
SPACES
£7,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£2,295
Tue 10th Jun – Mon 23rd Jun
1
£7,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£2,295
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 26th May – Mon 8th Jun
SPACES
£8,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£7,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£2,495
Tue 9th Jun – Mon 22nd Jun
SPACES
£8,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£7,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£2,495
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[description] => Bear Watching Holidays – See Bears in their Wild Habitat
Bears are many people’s favourite mammal. They are immensely strong and have unpredictable temperaments, yet inspire great affection in most of us.
The Naturetrek programme includes a number of specially designed bear-watching holidays which employ local expertise to provide clients with wonderful opportunities to see their favourite mammals.
Naturetrek Bear-watching tours
Most species of bear are retiring in habit and rarely seen during the day. However, a prodigious appetite leads many species to gather seasonally in big numbers, which makes them far easier to watch!
Our bear tour groups are limited in size and accompanied by Naturetrek naturalist leaders, and also usually assisted by resident experts. Although focused on bear-watching, all Naturetrek bear tours offer many opportunities to observe the other wildlife of the area.
We also see bears on other Naturetrek tours such as Sloth Bears on Indian and Sri Lankan tours, and Brown Bears on many European tours.
Where can I see bears?
- Slovenia - Bears, Birds & Caves – a 6-day holiday to Slovenia, focusing on its Brown Bears, birdlife and other natural history highlights
- Canada: The West – stay on a floating wilderness lodge and explore Vancouver Island in search of Grizzly Bears
- Spitsbergen – Realm of the Polar Bear – a voyage into the high Arctic in search of Polar Bears and other wildlife (exclusive charter cruise)
- Brown Bears in Finland – photograph bears from a hide on the Russian border
- Romania – The Wildlife of Transylvania – go in search of foraging bears in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains
Is it possible to see bears on other Naturetrek tours?
Yes. While not specifically searching for bears, we regularly have sightings of Sloth Bears on Indian and Sri Lankan tours, and Brown Bears on our Kamchatka cruise and many European tours.
Our specialist recommends...
"In Europe one of the most reliable places to see the European Brown Bear is northern Finland, where it is possible to get very close views from hides. Watching Grizzly Bears catching Salmon in western Canada is undoubtedly one of the greatest of natural history thrills. But for the ultimate bear-watching experience, and my personal favourite, it has to be a trip to the Arctic to see Polar Bears."
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Wolf watching tours – See Wolves in their Wild Habitat
Wolves are shy and elusive, which is part of what makes the thrill of seeing a lone wild wolf crossing an open plain, or a pack of wolves feeding on a kill one of the natural world’s unbeatable experiences. The wolf’s howl is a sound that epitomises the wilderness. Whether across a snow-clad northern landscape or a stark Ethiopian plateau, we are pleased to offer you the chance to see, track or hear a wild wolf on our wolf holidays.
Naturetrek offers the chance to look for wolves in a variety of countries and landscapes. One of the additional attractions of seeing wild wolves is that they inhabit some of the most beautiful places in the world. From dedicated wolf-watching holidays in Spain, where wolf tracks can be seen right outside our guesthouse door, to watching Ethiopian Wolves hunting, we offer a wide range of wolf-watching experiences in Europe and beyond. Here’s a selection of our Wolf-watching holidays:
- Wolf watching in Spain – a dedicated wolf tracking holiday in Spain’s remote north-western corner
- Ethiopian Wolves – a chance to look for the rare and beautiful Ethiopian wolf in the Bale Mountains
- Poland in Winter – a unique winter holiday focusing on the large mammals to be found in Poland, including a chance to see Wolves
- Our Sweden’s Mammals tour explores the territory of local wolf packs, with the chance to hear them howl at night
Our specialist recommends...
"Our 11-day 'The Wolves of Yellowstone National Park' tour heads for the world's first national park in search of its Grey Wolves. If you want a short break focusing almost exclusively on wolf-watching I'd recommend Wolf-Watching in Spain, while we've also had good wolf sightings in recent years on our holiday to Italy's Abruzzo National Park.”
Kerrie Porteous - Operations Manager
Kerrie Porteous - Operations Manager
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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