Photographing Yellowstone
Winter in the park
Winter in Yellowstone is not for the faint of heart. It’s temperatures are harsh and the daylight is short. But the animals? Seemingly unbothered, seemingly made for this. Coyotes, moose, bison, owls and if we’re lucky - maybe even wolves. While we need special vehicles, boots and parkas to traverse these wild lands, they simply do not.
In the winter it’s quiet with far fewer people than spring, summer or fall. And when you make a trip to the interior on a snow coach somehow that quiet intensifies. The snow dropping from the trees, the pitter patter of a coyotes paws on the icy pavement, the trickle of water along the Yellowstone River, the distant howl of wolves - a quiet that you’ll find isn’t really quiet at all.
Dates + Availability + Cost
May 23-May 27, 2025
There are only 3 guest spots on this trip. The ability to move quickly is necessary, especially during Winter in Yellowstone. Having a smaller group size also allows for more one on one conversation and problem solving in the field. This private photography tour is accompanied by expert guides.
$5,400 single occupancy
Itinerary
Itinerary
Arrival Day
You’ll be welcomed by our guide and myself on arrival day. We’ll touch base on the itinerary, discuss any goals for the trip and share any necessary information regarding the trip.
After, we’ll stop by the grocery store to grab any snacks or items that you might want for the trip ahead. Please see inclusions below to plan accordingly. Then, we will head to Gardiner, Montana – about 1.5 hours away and our home base for the next few days. Hotel will be shared upon booking.
Later that evening, we will head into the park to Mammoth Hot Springs and look for wildlife. After, we’ll go for an optional dinner as a group.
4 Park days
Departure day
Our guide will pick us up from our hotel before sunrise in order to maximize first light in the park. They will provide coffee, tea and a light breakfast daily. Please plan to pack your snacks, camera equipment and any extras you may think you’ll want as we will not return to Gardiner until after sunset.
This itinerary is loose in order to maximize our photography opportunities. Based on our guides knowledge, we will head to where they think will provide the best opportunity for photos. So, while we do not have definite locations outlined here, plan to experience the Northern Range of Yellowstone (Little America and Lamar Valley) and the interior of the park during snowcoach days (Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Grand Prismatic Spring).
*We will be in the park for 10-12 hours a day at least. Plan to be without service for most of that.
Morning
Pre-dawn departure to maximize the opportunity to photograph wildlife and landscapes in the soft morning light.
Once we’re satisfied, we can pause for breakfast or have breakfast on the go as we head to the next area.
Afternoon
Continue looking for wildlife and unique perspectives in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem! This time of day is great to hike up to the Grand Prismatic Overlook or to Artist Point in Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone depending on snow pack. The overhead light makes for the perfect display of colors and textures.
Evening
Golden hour makes for a dramatic backdrop for landscape and wildlife alike. After our evening session, we will return to Gardiner, grab an optional dinner, debrief and prep for the following day.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your shuttle back to Bozeman.
*Once booked, I can assist with flight and hotel information.
Things to know
This trip has been designed with the photographer in mind, enthusiast or professional. We will be prioritizing photo and video throughout our days while enjoying all that the winter landscape of Yellowstone has to offer. Our focus will be split between wildlife and landscape photography. I am happy to assist in any way that I can while we’re out in the field as it relates to questions, technique, settings etc.
Unlike my Spring Wild Babies trip which is women only, this trip is open to all.
Please note, we will be spending 10-12 hours in the park per day. Leaving before sunrise and arriving home after sunset. Packing everything you need for the day ahead is going to be essential to your success in the park!
Inclusions
4 1⁄2 days of photography in the park
Park entry fees
5 nights of single occupancy hotels
2 full or split days in Northern Range
2 10hr charter snowcoach days w/ local guide (private)
Bozeman to Gardiner transportation & return
Hot drinks/breakfast/snacks on all tour/coach days
Expert, local guides for the duration of the trip
Private transportation from the airport/hotel and throughout the park
Pre-trip Zoom calls with me
Exclusions
Flights in and out of BZN
Recommended stay in Bozeman prior to arrival
Larger lunch and dinners
Photography and winter gear
Guide gratuities
Request to reserve
Due to the small group size, you must request to reserve your spot. Please also use this form to ask questions you might have.
