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A herd of bison crossing a Yellowstone river in winterA herd of bison crossing a Yellowstone river in winter

Winter In Yellowstone

There Is No Vacation Like Yellowstone In The Cold Season

Yellowstone National Park transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore its stunning landscapes in a serene and peaceful setting. With snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and steaming geysers, the park presents a magical atmosphere that is unlike any other season. Winter activities abound, from thrilling snowmobile tours to serene snowcoach rides, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Planning your winter adventure in advance is essential to make the most of this extraordinary experience, as the only ways to enter the park during these months from West Yellowstone are by snowcoach, snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes.

This three-day winter itinerary will immerse you in the beauty of Yellowstone, showcasing its iconic sites and the thrill of winter activities. Each day is carefully crafted to ensure you experience the park’s wonders while enjoying the excitement of winter exploration. You can also visit our Winter Activities page for more suggestions!

Day 1 – In-Park Snowcoach Tour to Canyon

Kick off your winter adventure with an exhilarating and comfy in-park snowcoach tour that takes you deep into the heart of Yellowstone. Your journey begins with pickup at your West Yellowstone hotel, where you’ll board a cozy snowcoach and set off through the snow-laden forests and scenic landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Some stops on a Canyon snowcoach tour:

  • Canyon: Arriving at the Canyon, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls from various overlooks, including Artist Point. The sight of the waterfalls framed by snow and ice is a photographer’s dream.
  • Waterfall Overlooks: Spend time at the overlooks, capturing the beauty of the falls and learning about the geology and history of the area from your knowledgeable certified guide.
  • Geyser Basin: On your return journey, enjoy stops at other geothermal features, witnessing the contrast of steam rising from the hot springs against the frosty landscape.
Snowcoach Tours of Yellowstone National Park

Day 2 – Out-of-Park Snowmobile Exploration

On your second day, venture beyond the park boundaries for an exciting out-of-park snowmobile exploration. This thrilling adventure allows you to discover the vast network of snowmobile trails in the surrounding national forest region, including the top of Two Top, a most spectacular sight to behold.

After a safety briefing and gear fitting (Yellowstone Vacation Tours has all the winter gear you’ll need for a day out on the trails), head out and prepare to feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate through stunning winter landscapes, including dense forests, rolling hills, and wide-open meadows blanketed in snow.

This full-day adventure promises an unforgettable experience as you carve your path through the wintry wilderness, returning to West Yellowstone in the evening with stories and memories to share.

A snowmobile rider exploring outside Yellowstone National Park

Day 3 – In-Park Guided Snowmobile Tour to Old Faithful

Conclude your winter itinerary with a thrilling in-park snowmobile tour to the iconic Old Faithful Geyser. This exhilarating ride will take you through the heart of Yellowstone, showcasing the park’s breathtaking winter scenery, traveling through scenic trails surrounded by snow-capped trees and serene landscapes. There is nothing quite like riding by a herd of bison atop a snowmobile and this magic can only be found here.

Old Faithful, which is an incredibly popular destination in the warm months, is really special in the winter months as you witness an eruption with just a handful of people.

With the park only open to oversnow travel in the winter months, taking a guided snowmobile tour into the park is a bucket-list adventure that is truly unforgettable.

Two Yellowstone visitors watching an eruption of Old Faithful Geyser in winter

Exterior view of the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, MT

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A yellow tour bus with a bison next of it and mountains in the background.

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