Yellowstone and Grand Teton Early Spring 2027

May 9, 2027 to May 16, 2027

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Overview

We designed this all-inclusive private tour to be in Yellowstone's interior the first week it is open and then be through Yellowstone's south entrance to Grand Teton on opening day.

We get to spend time in the parks while the crowds are lighter but all of the wildlife is up and babies are wandering about. We have designed this trip to cover as much of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton as possible within a week, spending ample time in all of the wildlife hotspots. This is the time to see baby bears as they come out of the den for the first time.

We only take 6 guests in two SUVs on this all-inclusive private adventure. Everyone gets a door and window that opens. You get a great guide to guest ratio ensuring that you have a fantastic time.

If you are a photographer we will give you as much or as little instruction as you want.

Yellowstone National Park

“Wonderland” is the world’s first national park. Originally famous for its geothermal features Yellowstone is now as famous for its wildlife. The Junction Butte and Wapiti Lake packs are currently the two prominent wolf packs in Yellowstone. While they live in different accessible parts of Yellowstone they have returned to their respective general denning areas for several years. Their pups are frequently seen venturing from the den by mid-May. Along with several known grizzly bears just waking up this is the perfect time to see great wildlife activity along with stunning scenery.

Grand Teton National Park

With the herds of bison and elk several well known grizzly females are taking up their stations by mid-May. The grand patriarch, Bruno, is still about, making his spring rounds. Elk are everywhere while moose are calving. All of this against the backdrop of the Tetons. This is our favorite time of year.

Details

This tour starts in Bozeman and ends in Jackson.

We can accommodate almost all special dietary requirements with advanced notice.

Mornings will likely be below freezing while it may reach 70 degrees in the afternoon.

We recommend long sleeve shirts, long pants, waterproof footwear and headwear.

itinerary

May 9:

Pickup at Bozeman Airport or lodging in Bozeman. Look for bears on way in to Yellowstone. Lodging at Yellowstone Gateway Inn.

May 10:

Look for bears, moose, elk and other wildlife in morning. Lodging at Yellowstone Gateway Inn.

May 11:

Roam east in to the Lamar Valley early looking for bears, wolves and bison. Lunch in Cooke City. Roam as far up Beartooth as we can in the evening. Lodging at Silver Gate Cabins.

May 12:

Retrace our steps through the Lamar Valley then on to Yellowstone Falls, the Hayden Valley and eastern Yellowstone. Lodging at Pahaska Tepee.

May 13:

Spend the day working back west as far as the Hayden Valley and Canyon before returning to the area around Pahaska in the evening for grizzly bears. Lodging at Pahaska Tepee.

May 14:

Up early heading toward Grand Teton. Be among the first people through Yellowstone's south entrance on the first morning it is open. Spend the rest of the day in Grand Teton looking for grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk and the panoply of song birds just returning to their summer homes. Lodging at Signal Mountain.

May 15:

All day in Grand Teton National Park looking at the breathtaking vistas and new life all around. Lodging at Signal Mountain.

May 16:

One last look for wildlife on a morning wildlife drive on way to Jackson Airport for flight home.

‍Itinerary booking faq's terms & conditions

Price

Sharing:

$7995

Single:

$9495

Deposit:

$2000

Key Areas Visited

Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park

Group Size

Group size 1-6

Included

All meals from lunch on May 8 – breakfast on May 16
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, drinking water
7 nights lodging
Parks passes
Transportation
Photography instruction
The use of binoculars, spotting scopes

Not Included

Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs
Flights

vehicles

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Team 399 is an authorized permittee of Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge and Yellowstone National Park

FAQ's

What wildlife will I see on a tour?

Wildlife is, well, wild. They keep their own counsel. Any animal anytime anywhere can happen, but this is the time of year where you will see brand new baby bison, grizzly cubs just out in to the world along with young moose and elk. Our heron rookery is going crazy while migratory songbirds arrive. We get to watch our favorite osprey family set up shop in the same nest for 11 years now.

What will the weather be like?

You can expect larger temperature swings and the possibility for all four seasons in one day. You may have to worry about frostbite and sunburn on the same day.

What should I wear?

We always recommend dressing in layers. Closed toed waterproof shoes are always favored. Long pants and SPF long sleeve shirts. A sun hat or baseball cap to keep the sun off your face. We always recommend sunblock and SPF lip balm.

Will I need bug spray?

We start to see mosquitos in the afternoons once it warms up. Bringing bug wipes or spray is good idea.

Who is this tour for?

This tour is for families and private groups. People of all ages, photographers and non-photographers alike are welcome. Anyone wanting to get a deeper appreciation for the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem will enjoy our private tour.

Will we do any hiking?

While we regularly walk 5 - 7 miles throughout the day we do not lead dedicated hiking tours. In Grand Teton we are limited to no more than a 1/2 mile from any trailhead and are specifically prohibited from going to Hidden Falls.

Do I need to worry about snakes?

No. There are no poisons snakes in Grand Teton. While there are a few prairie rattlesnakes in the extreme north of Yellowstone we won't be walking in any of those areas. There have only been two reported snake bites in Yellowstone.

Do I need bear spray?

No, we ask that you not bring bear spray. We will not be in the back country on our tours. We will have some bear spray if a situation arises.

Terms & Conditions

Payment

1. $2000 pp lodging deposit due at time of booking via check or wire transfer.

2. Remaining balance due 60 days before the start of tour via check or wire transfer.

Cancellations/Refunds

1. 60 days or more before start of tour: Full refund less $250 booking fee, any lodging cancellation fees, any credit card fees, any wire transfer fees.

2. 30 – 59 days before start of tour: Refund of 50% of balance less $250 booking fee, any lodging cancellation fees, any credit card fees, any wire transfer fees. unless we can re-book the dates of the tour in which case full refund less the fees listed above.

3. Less than 30 days before start of tour: No refunds available.

Unplanned Events

Floods, pandemics, forest fires, terrorism, severe weather and other unplanned or unforeseeable global catastrophes are beyond our control. In the event of one or more of these events we will make every attempt to provide you with a quality experience, but these types of events are not our fault. Please consider trip insurance if you have any concerns.

Medical Concerns

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a dry, high altitude relatively remote environment. Please consult with your medical provider if you have any health concerns.