Yellowstone, America’s first national park, is famed for epic scenery, awesome wildlife, geothermal activity and summertime crowds. But in winter, when this high-elevation wilderness sits under blankets of sparkling snow, a visit here is a very different experience. At this time of year, Yellowstone’s scenery is at its most pristine and, with the crowds long gone, its landscapes and wildlife can be experienced as nature intended.
Given the season’s challenging conditions, a guided tour such as Bon Voyage’s Snow Safari – new this year – is the optimal way to discover this extraordinary winter wonderland.
The nine-day adventure through the snowy wilds of Utah, Idaho and Montana showcases the park’s awe-inspiring scenery as well as its diverse wildlife, much of which is easiest to see against the seasonal white backdrop. Elk and bison, among the park’s largest animals, are perhaps the most frequently spotted, but bighorn sheep, coyotes and even cougars are all possible. But the species topping most people’s wildlife wish-list is Canis lupus, the grey wolf, which was famously re-introduced to the Yellowstone ecosystem in 1995.
A wolf-tracking excursion by ‘snowcoach’ through the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley (North America’s answer to the Ngorongoro Crater) is included in the tour, as are a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge and encounters with thermal pools and Old Faithful, the impressive 40-metre geyser that obligingly erupts every 20 minutes or so, all year round.
This small-group guided tour departs on 17 January or 7 February 2019 and costs from £3,995 per person, including flights from London Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow to Salt Lake City, ground transportation, eight nights’ accommodation in quality hotels and inns, some meals and the services of a professional tour guide to ensure participants gain maximum insight from their Yellowstone experience. Places are limited to early booking is advised.
For more information and to book, call 0800 316 0194 or visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk.
