Travel Society

Wolves and Wildlife of Yellowstone

Name: Wolves and Wildlife of Yellowstone
Start: 2026-01-17T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-23T23:59:59-05:00

Join alumni and friends on a thrilling wintertime expedition to Yellowstone National Park from January 17 to 23, 2026. Witness packs of wolves in their pristine natural habitat as you travel aboard specially equipped vehicles, allowing for both comfort and proximity to incredible wildlife. With expert naturalists as your guides, view wolves, bison, elk, an array of bird species and other magnificent creatures that call the park home.

Visiting Yellowstone in winter is an experience that transcends words. The air is crisp with the scent of pine trees and the promise of adventure. A serene hush envelops the snow-covered landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop to nature’s drama unfolding before your eyes.

In addition to daily park exploration, you’ll venture to Mammoth Hot Springs to observe the awe-inspiring Old Faithful geyser, a true icon of Yellowstone’s geothermal marvels. You’ll also meet an award-winning wildlife photographer at his studio and hear his stories of amazing animal encounters.

Shared with participants from cosponsoring associations, space is sure to fill quickly. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at (866) 525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details and to reserve your place today.

Dates & Rates

Trip Dates: January 17 – 23, 2026

Rates: $5,995 per person based upon double occupancy. A limited number of places are offered for single travelers at $8,995 per person. Please contact us regarding single space availability prior to sending in a reservation.

Deposit: $850 per person (https://orbridge.com/terms-conditions for complete terms and conditions)

Trip Type: Land Tour

Trip Status: Confirmed & Open for Reservations. Request a reservation today!

Itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions and to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 1: Arrive in Jackson, WY (D)

Refresh at the hotel before gathering with fellow travel companions for a special welcome dinner. Meet your Orbridge Expedition Leaders who will be your professional naturalist guides throughout the adventure-filled week ahead.

Overnight: The Rockwell Inn

Day 2: Jackson | Grand Teton National Park | National Elk Refuge | Jackson (B,L,R)

The first full day of this enriching tour features an exciting animal safari through Grand Teton National Park, providing an opportunity to spot for wildlife roaming through the stunning Teton Range. Climb aboard a specially equipped safari vehicle, featuring a roof hatch for enhanced viewing.

Visit the National Elk Refuge—home to an estimated 7,000 elk—for a special horse-drawn sleigh ride. Observe herds of elk in their wintering grounds and learn about their habitat and means of survival through the season.

This evening is at leisure to explore Jackson’s acclaimed town square—only a short walk from the hotel. Take advantage of shopping opportunities, diverse dining options and the festive nightlife.

At the hotel embrace time to unwind. This charming property perfectly merges a rustic mountain vibe with luxurious amenities. Warm up by the fire, take a dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub.

Tonight gather with the group for a relaxing wine and cheese reception.

Overnight: The Rockwell Inn

Day 3: Jackson | Old Faithful (B,L,D)

This morning depart Jackson for a scenic drive to Flagg Ranch keeping a keen eye open for wildlife across the snow-touched landscape.

Journey aboard special safari snow coaches to reach the iconic Old Faithful geyser, which, to this day, lives up to its name due to the usual predictability of its eruptions. Then set off on a nature walk to the Castle Geyser to explore the Upper Geyser Basin.

Overnight: Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Day 4: Old Faithful | Mammoth Hot Springs | Lamar Valley, WY | Gardiner, MT (B,L,D)

Early morning watch Old Faithful erupt in a magnificent display of nature’s power and beauty before heading to Mammoth Hot Springs.

This unique area of Yellowstone features colorful travertine terraces that create mesmerizing, intricate landscapes. Walk through historic Fort Yellowstone or along the boardwalk above steaming hydrothermal features. At the Lower Geyser Basin discover the three other hydrothermal features of the park: hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles.

Continue to Lamar Valley known as the Serengeti of North America. This pristine setting is a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts—it’s teeming with bison, bald eagles and of course, elusive wolves. Observe and photograph these creatures in their natural habitat.

Your guides will accompany you on each safari outing, imparting their wisdom and insights about wolves and the intricate ecosystem of this remarkable region.

Overnight: Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Day 5: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Cooke City, MT | Gardiner (B,L,D)

Today’s full-day safari begins in the Northern Range reaching locations where wolf packs have been spotted. Your guides will share historical perspectives of the wolves’ demise in the park and their remarkable revival since being reintroduced to the region in the early 1990s. Learn about the packs currently roaming the park and the social dynamics and complex hierarchical behaviors within family units and between other packs.

This afternoon visit an award-winning photographer at his studio for a tour of his impressive gallery. Be captivated as he recalls thrilling personal wildlife encounters and experiences throughout his career.

Before returning to the hotel, and if weather permits, snowshoe along one of Lamar Valley’s forested ski trails with hopes of spotting and photographing additional wildlife.

Overnight: Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Day 6: Gardiner | Lamar Valley, WY | Paradise Valley, MT | Bozeman (B,L,D)

Discover Paradise Valley during your final wildlife expedition. Venture into this protected river valley flanked by snow-covered ranges to the east and west where bison, elk and coyotes are often seen wandering. Stay alert for wolf packs tracking from a distance, as they stay in range of their prey.

Tonight gather together for a convivial farewell dinner. Recount the week’s memorable experiences and bid a fond goodbye to the magnificent Yellowstone wildlife, the park and your travel companions.

Overnight: GranTree Inn

Day 7: Depart Bozeman (B)

After breakfast guests may take the complimentary hotel shuttle to the airport for flights home. Schedule a transfer at the front desk the evening prior to departure.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level: Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Many trails and boardwalks in Yellowstone are not routinely shoveled in the winter.

• Guests must withstand cold temperatures; walk on uneven, frozen, or snow-covered terrain; and climb in and out of all-terrain vehicles.

• Guests will experience varying altitudes, from 5,282 to 8,391 feet with the maximum elevation at the Continental Divide.

What’s Included

6 nights accommodations
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners (including special welcome and farewell dinners) plus a wine and cheese reception
A fully guided program with 2 expert Orbridge Expedition Leaders who are professional naturalists
All unique excursions and activities listed in the 7-day itinerary, including transportation
All in-field lectures and presentations
Use of in-field gear, including high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes, Yaktrax, snowshoes and adjustable hiking poles
Hot beverages, water and snacks throughout touring
Admission and park fees throughout
Luggage porterage
Gratuities to Orbridge Expedition Leaders, hotel housekeeping staff, porters and wait staff for included meals
Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

Accommodations

The Rockwell Inn

Located in the heart of picturesque Jackson with endless mountain views, this property offers comfortable, contemporary, western-style accommodations with a cozy and charming atmosphere. After a full day of outdoor activities, sip a hot chocolate beside the fireplace or take a dip in the beautiful indoor pool or hot tub.

Start your day with a complimentary, hearty, hot buffet breakfast—local granola, fresh baked goods, breakfast burritos, and biscuits and gravy. Savor craft-roasted coffee from Jackson Hole’s own Snake River Roasting Company.

Additional hotel amenities include complimentary coffee and fresh baked cookies each afternoon in the lobby, laundromat, business center with complimentary computer and printer use, and complimentary property-wide Wi-Fi.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, HDTV, private living area with love seat and second TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee and tea maker, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

A short walk from its famous namesake, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge makes abundant use of natural wood and big-beam construction, with fixtures that echo back to historic Yellowstone lodges. Guest rooms are simple, comfortable and outfitted with lodge details such as wooden shutters over windows that open for fresh air. Take in its cozy fireplace and long wall of windows facing out toward Old Faithful Geyser.

Room Amenities: Phone, Wi-Fi (additional fee), refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Conveniently located near the North Entrance of Yellowstone, this all-suite property features recently renovated apartment-style rooms and a self-service laundry facility. Each spacious suite offers a fully equipped kitchen and living room, and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops.

Room Amenities: Denver Euro Top mattress, phone, flat-screen TV, Blu-ray DVD player and complimentary movies, complimentary Wi-Fi, safe, fair trade organic coffee and tea, iron and ironing board, en suite bathroom with organic sundries and hair dryer.

GranTree Inn

The GranTree Inn features comfortable guest rooms near the best of Bozeman, Montana. Relax at the indoor pool and hot tub, get a workout in at the fitness center or mingle with fellow travelers at the onsite Club Tavern & Grill. This property has been awarded the “Best of Housekeeping” distinction by AAA.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, writing desk and chair, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, mini-fridge, microwave, safe, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)