Guests will meet their guide at Skyline Guest Ranch (31 Kersey Lake Road, Cooke City, Montana) or at a predetermined location in Cooke City or Silver Gate, Montana. If you’re staying in another region of Yellowstone and are interested in booking this excursion, please fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of the page. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request. For tours running July through September, the standard departure time is 5:30 AM, unless otherwise requested or arranged with the guide in advance.

Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the most diverse and intact ecosystems in North America. Thanks to its long history of protection, the park offers a rare chance to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. From bison roaming the valleys to grizzly bears foraging along the hillsides, Yellowstone’s landscapes are teeming with life. You may also spot wolves moving through the sagebrush, elk grazing near rivers, or bighorn sheep navigating steep cliffs. Beyond the large mammals, the park is also home to foxes, otters, bald eagles, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Bird lovers will find Yellowstone to be a true avian paradise, with over 300 species recorded in the park. Raptors like bald eagles, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons soar above the cliffs and valleys, while ospreys can be spotted diving into rivers to catch fish. Wetlands and lakes provide a home for trumpeter swans, great blue herons, white pelicans, and American dippers, while songbirds like western tanagers, mountain bluebirds, and warblers bring bursts of color and melody to the landscape. For those lucky enough, great gray owls and tiny pygmy owls can be seen tucked into the dense forests, making Yellowstone a must-visit destination for birdwatchers.

While wildlife is abundant, knowing where and when to look is key. However, it's important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable, and factors like weather, temperature, and time of day all play a role in animal activity. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but a guided tour significantly improves your chances by taking you to prime locations at the best times. With expert insight into animal behavior and the park’s delicate ecosystem, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Yellowstone’s wild inhabitants—whether they choose to make an appearance or not.

Yes! All safaris and tours are completely private and limited to a maximum of 5 guests to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. If you have a group larger than 5, please submit an inquiry, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Full-Day Tours & Experiences: All full-day tours include a hearty sack lunch packed with everything you need to stay energized. Lunches feature a meat and cheese sandwich, chips, fresh fruit, homemade cookies, nuts/trail mix, and more—we promise you won’t go hungry! Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Hot and cold beverages are provided throughout the experience.

Sunrise Tours: For early morning adventures, guests will enjoy an assortment of fresh fruit and breakfast snacks, along with a homemade pastry to start the day right. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water will also be available.

If you have specific dietary needs, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!

Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly, even in summer. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain. A rain jacket is highly recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.

For those sensitive to cold, lightweight gloves may be appreciated, especially while holding binoculars. A small pack can be useful for carrying personal items like a camera, extra layers, and your sack lunch if participating in any hiking.

If participating in the Safari to Saddle Excursion, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for safety and comfort.

All full-day safaris and tours last approximately 8–10 hours. Half-day experiences, such as the Sunrise Safari in Lamar Valley and the Beartooth Pass Guided Scenic Drive, last approximately 4–5 hours.

All experiences operate rain or shine, but safety is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, we will communicate any necessary adjustments or cancellations. Refunds will not be issued for client cancellations due to weather unless the conditions are officially deemed unsafe by our team.