Yellowstone and Grand Teton Early Spring 2028

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.

May 7:

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

May 8:

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

May 9:

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 10:

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

May 11:

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 12:

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 13:

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

May 14:

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