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Yellowstone in Winter
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$800.00
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Deposit: $3,000.00
Start/End
Bozeman, MT / Bozeman, MT
Length
7 Days/6 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 8 Guests
Highlights
- Explore the captivating winter landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, where a serene tapestry of white snow blankets the majestic forests and creates a breathtaking backdrop for your photography.
- Witness the thriving wildlife of Yellowstone in winter, with opportunities to capture stunning shots of foxes leaping through the snow, massive elk navigating the wintry wilds, and bison using their enormous heads to uncover buried grasses beneath the snow.
- Benefit from exclusive access to remote areas of the park with our privately chartered snow coaches, offering unparalleled opportunities for photography.
- Enjoy the comfort and warmth of a cozy lodge after productive days in the field, where you can relax by the fire, review your photography with fellow adventurers, and revel in the magic of Yellowstone's winter wonderland.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
As winter takes hold of the expansive Yellowstone landscape, the park transforms into a captivating wonderland, offering photographers unparalleled inspiration. The serene scenery unveils a picturesque tapestry of white, draped in layers of powdery snow that blankets the majestic forests of lodgepole pine, adorned with exquisite icy patterns of rime frost.
Despite the tranquil ambiance, Yellowstone's winter season brims with life as foxes gracefully bound through the snow in pursuit of hidden prey, while majestic elk gracefully traverse the wintry wilderness. Everywhere, bison roam, using their colossal heads to shovel aside the snow and reveal the nourishing grass beneath, their breath creating ethereal plumes in the frosty air. Wolves frolic on the pristine white snowfields, their presence more pronounced against the stark backdrop, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Embark on a seven-day expedition into this enchanting and almost otherworldly landscape, where we've meticulously curated an extraordinary itinerary, providing exceptional lodging and delectable meals to enhance your winter adventure in Yellowstone. Our private snow coach grants us exclusive access to areas of the park that remain snow-covered and off-limits to the public during this time of year.
Unlike the bustling crowds that frequent Yellowstone during other seasons, winter witnesses only a fraction of the park's annual visitors. Embracing a realm of serene seclusion and icy splendor, Yellowstone reveals a rare winter beauty unmatched elsewhere. Delicate hues of pink and orange grace the sunrise, casting an ethereal glow upon the glistening snowpack as steam rises from aquamarine hot pools, mingling with the frigid morning air. Fumaroles hiss and roar, geysers bubble and erupt, propelling scalding water into the wintry sky, where it crystallizes almost instantaneously.
With over 15 years of experience exploring and photographing Yellowstone, Backcountry Journeys has crafted a hand-picked itinerary that ensures an all-encompassing and unforgettable winter encounter with this remarkable place. By positioning you in the right place at the right time, we guarantee an unrivaled experience.
The photographic opportunities on this journey are unparalleled, thanks to our private snow coaches that transport us deep into the park's interior, where others cannot venture during winter. Iconic locations such as Yellowstone's Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley, and the Upper Geyser Basin, housing nearly one quarter of the world's geysers, await our lenses. Capture the mystical allure of Old Faithful, enveloped in a gentle mist, free from the usual crowds, and immortalize the breathtaking beauty of Grand Prismatic, one of the park's most captivating and dynamic thermal features. After productive yet fulfilling days in the field, cozy up in warm lodges, basking in the comforting glow of the fire, and relish the opportunity to review your day's photographic treasures with your fellow adventurers.
This immersive seven-day journey promises an extraordinary collection of distinctive images and a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Few encounters rival the uniqueness of a winter visit to Yellowstone. Join us this winter for the adventure of a lifetime as we unveil the enchanting wonders of Yellowstone's winter wonderland. Let our knowledgeable guides reveal a side of the park you have never experienced before through the lens of your camera.
Despite the tranquil ambiance, Yellowstone's winter season brims with life as foxes gracefully bound through the snow in pursuit of hidden prey, while majestic elk gracefully traverse the wintry wilderness. Everywhere, bison roam, using their colossal heads to shovel aside the snow and reveal the nourishing grass beneath, their breath creating ethereal plumes in the frosty air. Wolves frolic on the pristine white snowfields, their presence more pronounced against the stark backdrop, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Embark on a seven-day expedition into this enchanting and almost otherworldly landscape, where we've meticulously curated an extraordinary itinerary, providing exceptional lodging and delectable meals to enhance your winter adventure in Yellowstone. Our private snow coach grants us exclusive access to areas of the park that remain snow-covered and off-limits to the public during this time of year.
Unlike the bustling crowds that frequent Yellowstone during other seasons, winter witnesses only a fraction of the park's annual visitors. Embracing a realm of serene seclusion and icy splendor, Yellowstone reveals a rare winter beauty unmatched elsewhere. Delicate hues of pink and orange grace the sunrise, casting an ethereal glow upon the glistening snowpack as steam rises from aquamarine hot pools, mingling with the frigid morning air. Fumaroles hiss and roar, geysers bubble and erupt, propelling scalding water into the wintry sky, where it crystallizes almost instantaneously.
With over 15 years of experience exploring and photographing Yellowstone, Backcountry Journeys has crafted a hand-picked itinerary that ensures an all-encompassing and unforgettable winter encounter with this remarkable place. By positioning you in the right place at the right time, we guarantee an unrivaled experience.
The photographic opportunities on this journey are unparalleled, thanks to our private snow coaches that transport us deep into the park's interior, where others cannot venture during winter. Iconic locations such as Yellowstone's Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley, and the Upper Geyser Basin, housing nearly one quarter of the world's geysers, await our lenses. Capture the mystical allure of Old Faithful, enveloped in a gentle mist, free from the usual crowds, and immortalize the breathtaking beauty of Grand Prismatic, one of the park's most captivating and dynamic thermal features. After productive yet fulfilling days in the field, cozy up in warm lodges, basking in the comforting glow of the fire, and relish the opportunity to review your day's photographic treasures with your fellow adventurers.
This immersive seven-day journey promises an extraordinary collection of distinctive images and a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Few encounters rival the uniqueness of a winter visit to Yellowstone. Join us this winter for the adventure of a lifetime as we unveil the enchanting wonders of Yellowstone's winter wonderland. Let our knowledgeable guides reveal a side of the park you have never experienced before through the lens of your camera.
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
- Privately-chartered snow coach
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
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.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in Bozeman, MT (BZN) for an orientation and welcome dinner. There is a free airport shuttle at our hotel – simply call to make a reservation!
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We’ll depart Bozeman this morning, arriving in Yellowstone to catch the light on Mammoth Hot Springs. After an introduction to the geothermal features and a tour of Mammoth we’ll spend some time photographing wildlife in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. Later we’ll board our privately chartered, snow coach and begin the journey into Yellowstone’s remote interior. This is truly an exceptional day as traveling by private coach means we can stop when the conditions are right. Wildlife sightings are the norm as we travel towards the Upper Geyser Basin of Old Faithful. We’ll photograph the Lower Geyser Basin as well as the lovely Gibbon Meadows, Firehole River Basin and Madison River Valley. Lodging tonight in West Yellowstone.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
This morning we’ll board the Snow Coach early to travel to Hayden Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We’ll spend ample time photographing Yellowstone’s classic Lower Falls from Artists point and have ample wildlife opportunities along the Yellowstone River.
Day 4 (B,D)
Today we will focus on the thermal features surrounding Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. We’ll walk to some of the more impressive yet less predictable Geysers such as Beehive, Grand Castle, Riverside and Daisy Geysers. The goal is to time it right and get some excellent images of the Geysers as they are erupting into the wintery air! We’ll have some opportunity later in the day to photograph Bison and other wildlife along the Firehole River and Madison River before retiring to our lodge in West Yellowstone this evening.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We will board our snowcoach early this morning and head North back towards the Northern Range along the Gibbon River. Once we arrive back at Mammoth Hot Springs we’ll depart the snowcoach and head for Lamar Valley in search of wildlife. Our lodging tonight is in Cooke City, Montana.
Day 6 (B,D)
Today we’ll spend a full day plying the length of Soda Butte and Lamar Valley’s in search of wildlife opportunities. The Lamar region of Yellowstone is often one of the best kept secrets for spotting wolves, foxes, moose and more! Return for lunch on your own in historic Cooke City and then it’s out for another trip into Lamar Valley for the evening. After a full day of photography, we’ll retire to our lodge in Cooke City, Montana.
Day 7 (B)
It’s an early morning again as we embark for Lamar Valley. We’ll be there to photograph the landscape at dawn, looking for Wolves, Coyotes, Bison, Bighorn Sheep and other species. We’ll spend the entire morning in Lamar photographing “The Serengeti of North America” before heading back to Bozeman to catch flights out this afternoon.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in Bozeman, MT (BZN) for an orientation and welcome dinner. There is a free airport shuttle at our hotel – simply call to make a reservation!
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We’ll depart Bozeman this morning, arriving in Yellowstone to catch the light on Mammoth Hot Springs. After an introduction to the geothermal features and a tour of Mammoth we’ll spend some time photographing wildlife in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. Later we’ll board our privately chartered, snow coach and begin the journey into Yellowstone’s remote interior. This is truly an exceptional day as traveling by private coach means we can stop when the conditions are right. Wildlife sightings are the norm as we travel towards the Upper Geyser Basin of Old Faithful. We’ll photograph the Lower Geyser Basin as well as the lovely Gibbon Meadows, Firehole River Basin and Madison River Valley. Lodging tonight in West Yellowstone.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
This morning we’ll board the Snow Coach early to travel to Hayden Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We’ll spend ample time photographing Yellowstone’s classic Lower Falls from Artists point and have ample wildlife opportunities along the Yellowstone River.
Day 4 (B,D)
Today we will focus on the thermal features surrounding Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. We’ll walk to some of the more impressive yet less predictable Geysers such as Beehive, Grand Castle, Riverside and Daisy Geysers. The goal is to time it right and get some excellent images of the Geysers as they are erupting into the wintery air! We’ll have some opportunity later in the day to photograph Bison and other wildlife along the Firehole River and Madison River before retiring to our lodge in West Yellowstone this evening.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We will board our snowcoach early this morning and head North back towards the Northern Range along the Gibbon River. Once we arrive back at Mammoth Hot Springs we’ll depart the snowcoach and head for Lamar Valley in search of wildlife. Our lodging tonight is in Cooke City, Montana.
Day 6 (B,D)
Today we’ll spend a full day plying the length of Soda Butte and Lamar Valley’s in search of wildlife opportunities. The Lamar region of Yellowstone is often one of the best kept secrets for spotting wolves, foxes, moose and more! Return for lunch on your own in historic Cooke City and then it’s out for another trip into Lamar Valley for the evening. After a full day of photography, we’ll retire to our lodge in Cooke City, Montana.
Day 7 (B)
It’s an early morning again as we embark for Lamar Valley. We’ll be there to photograph the landscape at dawn, looking for Wolves, Coyotes, Bison, Bighorn Sheep and other species. We’ll spend the entire morning in Lamar photographing “The Serengeti of North America” before heading back to Bozeman to catch flights out this 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.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
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!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024