Yellowstone Wildlife Safari

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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$840.00
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  Deposit: $2,000.00  

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 Trip Overview 

Embark on a Yellowstone Wildlife Safari and encounter bison, wolves, bears, and elk in their natural habitat. Explore dramatic landscapes and capture stunning wildlife moments. Book your adventure now!
In the great American west, Yellowstone National Park beckons wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. With its sprawling woodlands, expansive meadows, and towering mountain ranges, this natural wonderland boasts an unparalleled diversity of wildlife species. From the iconic herds of bison that once roamed the continent to the majestic elk that grace the park's landscapes, Yellowstone teems with life at every turn.

During this captivating five-day vehicle-based photo safari, you will embark on an journey into Yellowstone's thriving ecosystem. With the guidance of seasoned wildlife photographers, you will have the opportunity to capture extraordinary images of Bald Eagles soaring through the skies, osprey diving for fish, moose grazing by tranquil lakes, and coyotes playfully traversing the vast meadows. Keep your camera ready for unexpected encounters with curious marmots, agile pronghorn, elusive badgers, and resilient bighorn sheep.

To ensure an intimate and personalized experience, our group sizes are intentionally kept small. This allows for one-on-one instruction and ample time to observe and photograph the park's remarkable wildlife. While this trip involves less hiking compared to some of our other photography workshops, it offers unparalleled opportunities to witness Yellowstone's natural wonders. We traverse the park's scenic roadways, venturing off the beaten path to explore hidden backroads and discover secluded spots brimming with wildlife.

Beyond capturing captivating wildlife moments, we will also visit Yellowstone's iconic landmarks. Marvel at the awe-inspiring eruptions of Old Faithful, witness the vibrant hues of the Grand Prismatic Spring, and take in the breathtaking vistas of Hayden and Lamar Valleys. The captivating beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and the thundering Lower Falls will leave you in awe as you frame these remarkable sights through your lens.

Each evening, as the sun sets over the rugged horizon, we retreat to comfortable accommodations where warm hospitality and delicious meals await. Gather with fellow photographers, share stories of the day's adventures, and immerse yourself in the joy of reviewing and refining your images. Our experienced guides will be on hand to offer expert insights and tips to enhance your photography skills, ensuring you capture the essence and splendor of Yellowstone's wildlife and landscapes.

Don't miss the opportunity to join us on this extraordinary Yellowstone Wildlife Safari. With its rich natural heritage and remarkable photographic opportunities, this trip promises to be a true celebration of nature's wonders. Join us on this wildlife adventure, hone your photography skills, and create lasting memories in the world's first national park. Book your place today and let the wildlife of Yellowstone be your muse.
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What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

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What's Not Included
  • Transportation to and from Bozeman, Montana

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

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Details
  • Final Balance Due 120 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​ 
  • Trip Insurance Optional - but highly recommended​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. 

Important Trip Information

Start Location: Bozeman, MT
Orientation Meeting Time: 5 pm

End Location: Bozeman, MT
Trip Conclusion Time: 1 pm

This trip begins & ends in Bozeman, Montana at:

The Hilton Garden Inn*
2023 Commerce Way, Bozeman, Montana, 59715, USA
+1-406-582-9900

*Please note: Exact hotel is subject to change - equivalent hotel may be substituted. If you are planning on arriving early or staying late please contact us.


DISCLAIMER: Always check the online trip packet for the most up-to-date information, especially before booking your flights.



ASK A QUESTION 

 Questions about this trip? Give us a call at 928-478-1521, use this form, or send an email to adventure@backcountryjourneys.com. 
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Fitness Level

This trip is a Level 1 trip.

This trip involves light walking, typically on paved or well-maintained trails, with some optional short hikes of up to 2 miles. The focus is on wildlife viewing often from vehicles or scenic viewpoints, making it accessible for all fitness levels. A relaxed pace allows ample time for photography and exploration, though some areas may involve uneven ground. Sturdy footwear is recommended.



Click here to see BCJ Fitness Levels

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Weather

Expect warm pleasant days with cold mornings and nights. The weather can prove unpredictable in the Northern Rockies and can change on a moment’s notice. Remember some of the best photographs are made before, during and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such thing as bad weather just poor layering and gear choices – please plan accordingly! Make sure you are prepared for rain and snow!

General Links to Weather Conditions: Gardiner, Montana Weather forecast and Yellowstone National Park Weather Conditions

We recommend checking these weather links prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.


 Daily Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Plan to arrive on Bozeman, Montana today for an orientation and welcome dinner.

Days 2-4 (B,L,D)
For the next couple days we will travel to the absolute best locations throughout the park in search of wildlife activity. From the iconic Lamar Valley, to Cooke City, Tower Junction, The Blacktail Plateau, Junction Butte, Hayden Valley & beyond, we will explore Yellowstone photographing a wide variety of animals along the way. Each day will start with an early morning game drive, followed by a nice breakfast/brunch. After this we'll head out again in search of more wildlife or maybe to capture some iconic landscape shots. During the middle of the day we may continue our search or enjoy some comprehensive post-processing sessions at the hotel. We'll grab an early dinner in Gardiner and then head out for an evening shoot.

Day 5 (B,L)
This morning we will have one more session of wildlife photography before departing for Bozeman. Chances of spotting Grizzlies, Moose and Elk are fantastic in Yellowstone’s Northern Range. We will be back in Bozeman by 1pm that afternoon.



Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.

 Worry Free Travel Guarantee! 

HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!

 Recommended Gear List 

See our What to Pack for a Trip page for general recommendations and partner discounts.

Need some camera gear? Try renting, we do it all the time.

We recommend using LensRentalsUse the code 'BCJ15' for 15% off.

PHOTO GEAR AND TECH:


RECOMMENDED:

  • Mirrorless or DSLR Camera with Manual Controls

  • Backup Camera Body

  • Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm or similar)

  • Super-telephoto Lens (180-600mm, 600 prime or similar)

  • Telephoto Lens (100-400mm, 70-200mm or similar)

  • Teleconverter (1.4x and/or 2x)

  • Standard or Mid-Range Lens (24-70mm, 24-105mm or similar)

  • A Rain Cover for camera and lenses

  • Remote Shutter Trigger

  • A Laptop for Uploading and Editing Images

  • External Hard Drives

  • A Headlamp (with extra batteries)

  • Camera Pack with a Rain Cover

  • A Sturdy Tripod with a ball head

  • Sufficient Memory Cards

  • Sufficient Batteries and Chargers

  • Lens and Camera Cleaning Kit (with extra lens cloths)

  • A Multi-Tool (with Allen keys and screwdrivers)


OPTIONAL:

  • Neutral Density Filter

  • Circular Polarizer

  • Sensor Cleaning Supplies

  • Monopod


NOT RECOMMENDED:

  • Drone (not allowed in any U.S. national parks)


CLOTHING AND FIELD GEAR:


RECOMMENDED:

  • Breathable Base Layers (Synthetic or wool recommended, avoid cotton)

  • Hiking Pants

  • Insulated Jacket (Synthetic and down both work great)

  • Waterproof Rain Jacket (Gore-Tex is great)

  • Waterproof Rain Pants

  • Warm Hat

  • Warm Gloves

  • Sun/Rain Hat

  • Casual Wear (For when we’re not in the field)

  • Sunglasses

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes

  • A Reusable Water bottle

  • Sunscreen


OPTIONAL:

  • Trekking Poles

  • Binoculars


NOT RECOMMENDED:

  • We Don’t Recommend Wearing Anything Cotton in the Field


Need some additional gear that you don’t already own? Try renting, we do it all the time. We strongly recommend using LensRentals. They provide high quality service, and their products are always in great shape. Use code ‘BCJ15’ for 15% off your order.

This is a general list. Please call with any specific questions you may have!
Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel, or travel bag. You will not be bringing all of your gear with you on every outing.

What To Expect From a Backcountry Journeys Tour?

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Yellowstone Wildlife Safari

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