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Scenic Safaris Snowmobile Adventures

Pickup & Drop Off Door-to-door transportation and hotel-pickups are provided. You will be picked up at your lodging by guides between 6am-7:30am on the morning of your trip. They will call the evening before to confirm exact pickup time. The tours also include return transportation to your lodging.

Hearty Meals Most tours include a grab-n-go breakfast and lunch.

Equipment & Training Guides and staff will assist you in getting outfitted. You will be provided with a full snowsuit, boots, and a full-face safety helmet. Wear warm sweat-wicking clothing and bring waterproof gloves and a balaclava (face mask). The guides will give a detailed explanation of how to use the machines before you set out on your trip. The fleet of 4-stroke snowmobiles are environmentally friendly, allowing for reduced pollution, emissions, and noise; they allow us to further increase our record of reliability, so you are not bothered by breakdowns and issues on the trail; and they are lightweight, making them easy to operate, even for the inexperienced rider.

What to Bring Warm winter clothing, cameras, waterproof gloves, balaclava, driver’s license, cash for park entrance fee ($50 per snowmobile) and optional guide gratuity.

Tour Options

Old Faithful Snowmobile Tour, Full Day 12 hours, pickup time between 6am-7am depending on location.

Start by driving the ~60 miles to the south gate of Yellowstone. Once at the South gate guides and staff will assist you in getting outfitted and operating the snowmobiles. Expect to be on your snowmobile between 8am-9am.

Once the entire group is ready, you will travel the 45 miles up to Old Faithful. You will travel behind a guide on a groomed trail that has a National Park enforced speed limit of 35mph. This entire trip is on groomed trails. The guide will make sure to stop at several points of interest which may include: Moose Falls, Lewis Falls, West Thumb Geyser Basin and any potential wildlife spotting!

Once you arrive at Old Faithful, you will have some time to explore the visitor center as well as watch Old Faithful erupt either before or after lunch, depending on the Earth’s timing! Your return journey back to Flagg Ranch will start after lunch, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation. Expect to be back around 6pm, weather and traffic dependent!

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Tour, Full Day 12+ hours, pickup time between 6am-7am depending on location.

Once the entire group is ready, you will travel 65 miles to Yellowstone Falls. You will travel behind a guide on a groomed trail that has a National Park enforced speed limit of 35mph. This entire trip is on groomed trails. The trail follows Yellowstone Lake and the guide will make sure to make stops for photography, wildlife and park history.

After lunch, your return journey back to Flagg Ranch will begin, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation. Expect to be back around 6pm, weather and traffic dependent!

Classic Snowmobile Tour, Half Day 5-6 hours, pickup between 7am-7:30am, depending on location.

After your morning pickup, you will return to Scenic Safair's office to be outfitted with snowmobile gear; boots, one-piece suit, and helmet. Bring your own balaclava and gloves. After you are geared up, the guide will drive you to the trail head in the National Forest, it is about 45 minutes, so you’ll be on the trail around 9:30am.

We ride a groomed trail and make stops for photos. This is an excellent trip to choose for your first snowmobile experience or if you are looking for a shorter ride. Wonderful scenery with Teton views. Time on the trail is 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours. You’ll return to Jackson around 1:00pm. Refreshments are provided.

Scenic Safaris Snowmobile Adventures 1255 South Highway 89 Jackson, WY 83001

Jackson Hole & Grand Teton N.P. Visitor Guide

Snowmobiling through yellowstone national park.

O ne of the truly special winter experiences visitors to the Jackson Hole area can give themselves is touring Yellowstone National Park on a snowmobile. With Scenic Safaris’ snowmobile tours you’ll get to see the park as very few do — with no crowds and no cars.

On a Scenic Safaris’ snowmobile, you are as wild and free as the bison you’ll see along the way up to Old Faithful.

Scenic Safaris has been offering snowmobile tours through Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest for the 10 years. It has a fleet of Ski Doo 4-stroke machines, all of which allow for reduced emissions and noise.

View Wildlife

From the moment your Scenic Safaris guide picks you up in a luxury van at your hotel between 6 and 7 a.m., to the moment he drops you back at your door around 6 p.m., the chances of seeing some of the amazing wildlife that call this part of the world home increases.

The tour is an all day, 12-hour round-trip adventure and the early morning and early evening hours present some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities while you make your way to and from our country’s first national park. While bison, bald eagles and the occasional river otter will be the primary wildlife you’ll encounter inside the park itself, an appearance by elk or moose outside the park boundaries is certainly not at all out of the question.

After leaving your lodging you’ll drive up to Flagg Ranch in Yellowstone where you will begin your journey on your snowmobile. No more than nine snowmobiles per group, plus one guide—will head out to start your day of scenic adventure. Gear is included— snowmobile one-piece suit, boots, and a helmet, additionally breakfast & lunch. 

As you wind your way up to Old Faithful on your snowmobile, you’ll find there is nothing quite like passing bison burrowing their mighty heads into the deep snow searching for food and then watching their snow-covered faces emerge victorious.

Yellowstone's Winter's Majesty

Yellowstone limits how many snowmobiles can be in the park each day—no more than 500—so unlike summer, you’ll often have moments while zipping along the snow-covered roads when it feels like you’re the only one out there in the pristine wilderness.

Once you leave Flagg Ranch, you’ll be on the groomed trail to Old Faithful for a total of 45 miles, making several stops along the way before arriving at Yellowstone’s most popular sightseeing spot around the geyser’s lunchtime eruption.

“As a novice on a snowmobile I was perfectly comfortable and would highly recommend this tour group.” – Trip Advisor commenter  

Some of the points of interest along the way may include Moose Falls, Lewis Canyon, Lewis Falls and West Thumb Geyser Basin. All of these and more provide enough photo opps of the breathtaking winter scenery and landscapes in the park to last a lifetime.

The very experienced and affable Scenic Safaris interpretive guides have multiple certifications, including being wilderness first responders. Their knowledge of the incredible geological environment of Yellowstone will prove invaluable to your overall excursion.

Quick Facts

• WHEN: From December 15- March 15
• WHERE: Your Scenic Safaris guide will pick you up between 6-7 a.m. at your lodging. From Jackson, the South entrance of Yellowstone is about a 1 and 1/2 hour drive, so you’ll be on your snowmobile between 8 and 9 a.m.
• WHAT TO BRING: Winter clothing and thermals, gloves, balaclava, camera, driver’s license
• COST: $525 per driver/$855 driver with passenger, depending upon trip date and passenger age (minimum age for children is 8). Private tours are available. 
• DURATION: About 12 hours, round-trip
• CONTACT: 307-734-8898 or 888-734-8898; scenic-safaris.com
• MORE TOUR OPTIONS:  Scenic Safaris also offers half-day snowmobile and full-day tours in Bridger-Teton National Forest. 

Geysers and Hot Springs

Yellowstone National Park contains the largest concentration of geysers in the world, the drama and majesty of which is made even more startling against the backdrop of winter.  

Shades of aquamarine and goldenrod emerge from the thermal pools, especially in West Thumb and by Old Faithful. When steam erupts from acres of glittering snow you’ll see bison cozy up to the pools to bask in the warmth, their shaggy coats riddled with ice.  

Then grab a seat for the impressive sight of up to 8,400 gallons of scalding water reaching heights topping 184 feet.

The total amount of time on the snowmobile from Flagg Ranch to Old Faithful and back is approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending upon how many stops are made to view all that winter in Yellowstone holds.

This is a bucket list tour, and no snowmobiling experience is necessary and the minimum age for kids to ride is 8 years old.

Of course, it almost goes without saying that the whole experience is —really—priceless.

BONUS TIP: Bring a small backpack to hold extra snacks and water, hand warmers, an extra clothing layer and camera (do not forget your camera!). These packs work well as they can be secured onto the snowmobile.  

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Scenic Safaris

Review Highlights

“ My husband and I did the snowmobiling tour through Yellowstone , and it was the coolest thing I've ever done. ” in 30 reviews

“ We got an almost private viewing of Old Faithful which is amazing considering the crowds seen there in the summer. ” in 14 reviews

“ The half day wildlife tour was less exciting but still great - we saw elk, bison , rams and moose. ” in 12 reviews

Location & Hours

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1255 S HWY 89

Jackson, WY 83002

Serving Jackson Area

Amenities and More

About the business.

Offering year round tours and rentals in the Jackson Hole, WY area! Summer season offers ATV Tours, Side-by-side rentals, and Van Tours to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Winter season offers snowmobiling tours in Yellowstone to Old Faithful and snowmobile tours in the Bridger National Forest. We also offer Snowcoach Tours in Yellowstone and wildlife tours! …

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Curious how much those who have gone snowmobiling with this company tip the guides?

About 30%. But at least 20% is reasonable.

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Overall rating

January 6, 2024 Yellowstone Snowmobile Trip Highly recommend booking a trip with Brett. He has lots of knowledgeable with the layout of the park and its history. Brett was very patient with the group, even during the process of getting us gear that would fit. He went above and beyond to give us a trip to remember. The Ski-Doo snowmobiles were great!! This trip is well worth the money!!! God Bless Brett!! God is Great!!

The folks at scenic safari are great! It was our first time in Jackson and thought it would be great to see some of the beauty from UTVs. We did a private tour with side by side UTVs. It was a blast. Beau, are guide, was simply awesome!! He explained a ton while we were exploring and he made sure to discuss safety in great detail. I can be nervous and anxious when doing adventurous things but he and the team put our mind at ease. You may look at the price and think it is expensive. It is worth it! Thank you for the memories we made on this trip, it was epic!!!

The shortcoming here has nothing to do with the experience nor the guide. It is management's dishonesty. I booked a 3 1/2 hour private tour. Days later they came back to say only a 4 1/2 hour was available. A sizable up charge. There is no tour you can take that could possibly be greater than 3 1/2 hours. It was simply a rip off. Bad guys. Beware.

Where to start. The company Scenic Safaris was a pleasure to work with. From the moment I called, customer service was amazing. They walked me through what to expect on the trails, the cost, and just the overall process. They promised an amazing time. I was a bit skeptical but was ready for an adventure. We were quoted an amazing price for 2 rentals that fit 7 family members. Upon arrival we did the normal signatures and liability of the vehicles. Walking to the back you and your members will get fitted for helmets. Then what was awesome is that for an extra $50 you can get the vehicles extra dirty. It was worth every penny. I would have paid $100. It was sooo rad to hit 3 to 4 feet of mud. We almost got stuck but sooo rad. My suggestion is hit the trails and hit the mud. Get the added insurance just in case. You never know. So we were off and drove to the trails. One thing I recommend is to use all trails app and download the map of the area because we got a little lost and there was no cell service. So by having our map predownloaded it allowed us to find our trail. There was so much mud and snow and water that we got our vehicle super dirty. We got covered. We had a lot of fun. We would totally do it again and again. It was the best part of our trip to Yellowstone since we were there in the park when it was shut down due to flooding. Rent from Scenic Safari and have a blast.

we had a blast today with Scarlett and Scenic Safaris snowmobiling through Yellowstone to Old Faithful! It was so much fun and the Mosse waterfall at the end was the highlight. Scarlett was the most personable, easy going, and kind guide! my kids said she's their fav ever...and we've had lots of tour guides!

Amazing trip into Yellowstone in the snow coach! Light snow so far this year in Jackson Hole, but the snow is finally arriving and it was a winter wonderland for our trip. Claude did a fantastic job as our guide! He had a great personality and was very knowledgeable. He showed us all a great time and some beautiful areas that some of the other tour companies passed right by. I'd definitely recommend using this group and asking for Claude if you want to explore Yellowstone in the winter!!

We did the snowmobile trip through Yellowstone to Old Faithful and had an amazing experience. We really got lucky with our guide, Scarlett, as well. She was so great. Highly recommend her and this experience with this company!

We had an awesome time on the snowmobile tour. Scarlett was our guide. She was top-notch. This was our second time doing the tour, and she really outperformed and made this trip better than the last! I'd highly recommend asking for her and going on the snowmobile tour with Scenic Safaris.

Booked a Christmas Day Snowcoach Tour of Yellowstone/Old Faithful through our contact at Brushbuck Tours and am so glad we did. The ride up to the park was great, and our group was asking a lot of questions. As soon as we passed into the park, we saw a coyote! Once we arrived at the parking lot, we transferred from the van to Big Foot, another van hopped up on big snow tires. I'm glad we had this type of vehicle because we heard that the vans with snow treads are noisy. Surprisingly, the ride was smooth, and we felt safe inside. Our guides, Alex and Cooper, stopped multiple times to show us landscapes and waterfalls we would have never seen from the road. They educated us on the types of trees and plants and the animals we saw, including grouse, white-tailed deer, and bison. We saw a mama bison and her calf running along the side of the road, which made for a great photo! Was thrilled to see the lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir trees. They were also kind enough to make a coffee stop at one of the lodges, with was much appreciated! Due to the distance of the park entry and time to get there, the tour was full day, with pick up at 6ish. Worth every penny, only if you ask for Alex or Cooper!

This trip is AMAZING!!! Our tour guide is very professional, knowledgeable, and very informative! He came well Prepared , our trip was fun and he helped check everything off our list while ensuring it was safe! If you do anything... it's request for JEFF!!!!!! He is an all star

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BACKCOUNTRY SAFARIS

Adventure Ranch

Explore the largest private ranch in Jackson with miles of private trails. With access to thousands of acres of diverse mountainous terrain, our guides will tailor your tour to your comfortability and interests.

Winter Activities at the Ranch

Guided Snowmobile Tours

Wyo Cat Skiing

Cross-Country Ski Tour

Wildlife & Cross-Country Skiing Excursion

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EXPLORE THE LARGEST PRIVATE RANCH IN JACKSON HOLE

Snake River Ranch

Founded in 1929, the Snake River Ranch continues its heritage as a working cattle ranch. Bounded by the Teton Mountain Range and the Snake River, from which it gets its name, the Ranch has a heritage as unique as its landscape. We proudly raise high quality beef on lush pastures in the shadow of the Grand Tetons.

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307-413-9300 [email protected]

1230 Ida Drive, Suite 10 Wilson, WY 83014

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GRAND TETON & YELLOWSTONE

Jackson Hole Wildlife Tours

Experience the majestic wildlife of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks on one of our expert-led Jackson Hole wildlife tours.

Our knowledgeable wildlife biologists will take you on a journey through these stunning national parks, providing you with the chance to spot a variety of animals including bison, elk, moose, wolves, bears, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. From the comfort of one of our luxurious vehicles, you can watch these animals up-close through our high-definition binoculars and spotting scopes as your guide teaches you about their science and behavioral patterns. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the most incredible wildlife in the world up close and personal.

On our Grand Teton and Yellowstone tours, you’ll not only have the chance to see an incredible array of wildlife, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and geology of these stunning national parks. As you travel from one wildlife hotspot to the next, our knowledgeable guides will share with you the geography, forestry, and modern events of the parks, and you’ll have the chance to stop at historical sites such as Mormon Row. You’ll also get to see the beautiful turquoise lakes in the area and take in the breathtaking views of the Tetons as the morning light hits their peaks. If you have any questions along the way, our guides will be happy to answer them. So, don’t hesitate to call us and book your Jackson Hole tour today!

If you’d like to book a private tour for your group, you can do so by purchasing 5 adult seats. If your group is larger than 5 people, there may be additional fees. Please call us at 307-413-9300 to learn more and make arrangements.

Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

Wildlife & cross-country skiing excursion, yellowstone hiking tours, grand teton sunrise and sunset tour summer, grand teton national park tour, winter wildlife in the tetons, snowmobile tour, grand teton sunrise & sunset tour winter, jackson hole jeep tours, wildlife tour and rafting trip, grand teton e-bike tours, cross-country ski tour, guided hiking tours, side-by-side tours, winter wildlife safaris.

NOVEMBER – MAY Departing from Jackson Hole, Wyoming

STARTING AT $205

Destination

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Tour Highlights

Cross-Country Ski Largest Private Ranch in Jackson Hole Along the banks of of the Snake River

FLAT RATE $2375

Bison, Elk, Deer, Coyotes, Fox, Swans and More

Cross-Country Ski Catered Lunch & Spirits Grand Teton National Park National Elk Refuge

STARTING AT $165

Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Bear, Wolves and More

STARTING AT $265

Grand Teton National Park Lunch National Elk Refuge

Summer Wildlife Safaris

MAY – OCTOBER Departing from Jackson Hole, Wyoming

STARTING AT $345

Jackson Hole, Wyoming Big Sky, Montana

Abundant Wildlife of Hayden Valley

10-12 Hours

Lower Loop Road Old Faithful Geyser Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Vibrantly Colored Hot Springs

STARTING AT $305

Winter Safari Includes

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride

STARTING AT $275

Sunrise Wildlife Tour and Whitewater Float down the Snake River Canyon

STARTING AT $745

Private Tour with Unique Teton Views Fresh Mountain Air & Sunshine

Half or Full Day

Bike Paths of Grand Teton National Park Lunch at Dornan’s

Bike Options

Tour Bike or E-Bike Options

Backcountry Safaris

307-413-9300 [email protected]

1230 Ida Drive, Suite 10 Wilson, WY 83014

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Scenic Safaris Snowmobile Tours

Scenic Safaris offers a family friendly, full day tour called the  Gros Ventre snowmobile tour, which allows guests to get an up close and personal look at this natural forest. You can aso take one of our Snowcoach Tours - Explore Yellowstone National Park as a winter wonderland in comfort.  Each snow coach is designed for excellent winter wildlife viewing from inside a warm, cozy vehicle.

Phone: 800.443.8613 Local Phone: 307.732.3655

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Premium Wildlife Safaris & Photography Tours in Jackson Hole

We are a local, family-owned and operated safari company, offering award-winning, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences in Jackson Hole , Grand Teton , and Yellowstone National Parks .

For information regarding wildlife safaris in Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park: Read about our best practices for staying healthy while traveling.

Best of the best, our most popular safari tours.

Grand Teton Wildlife Safari

Yellowstone National Park Tour

Best of Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari

Explore the greater yellowstone ecosystem with jackson hole wildlife safaris, guided national park tours, wildlife safaris and photography tours in grand teton national park and yellowstone national park.

Spend a morning or afternoon exploring Grand Teton National Park on a half-day wildlife safari for an excellent introduction to the flora and fauna found in Jackson Hole, or opt for a full day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari or full day Yellowstone National Park Tour and venture further into the park in search of moose, bears and other iconic wildlife.  Amateur and expert photographers can view Grand Teton National Park through a different lens and spend a half day or full day with a professional photography guide honing their wildlife or landscape photography skills in the wild.  Travel north and experience the geological wonders of Yellowstone National Park with a professional naturalist guide as you traverse the lower loop of the world’s first National Park.

Guides and Staff

Local, experienced, and passionate guides and photographers.

Naturalist Guide

Lee Ramella

Duane Newman

Barry Westenhaver

Dwight Vasel

Naturalist guide, professional photographer.

Peter Mangolds

Jeffrey Meehan

Jocelyn Stokes

Jedidiah Forsyth

Jeramey Hutchison

Scott Mellor

Tiffany Taxis

What makes for a good wildlife safari.

A comfortable vehicle and good snacks are a must for a fun day on safari, but what makes our tours exceptional are our incredibly passionate and knowledgeable guides! Each of our guides have unique backgrounds in wildlife and all share the same love for our parks and the animals. This is more than just a job to them and part of the thrill of guiding is sharing the experience with their guests when you see your first wild grizzly, or watch a herd of bison in their ancient natural range. Our expert guides equipped with our high-quality optics for up close viewing is sure to deliver a wildlife safari that you will never forget!

How should I prepare for my first animal safari?

One thing to know about Yellowstone and Grand Teton is that the weather is unpredictable. It’s not impossible to see snow in July! Even on hot summer days the mornings and evenings can be cold, so be sure to pack layers to prepare for varying temperatures. If you are coming from lower elevations, take your time and drink plenty of water. Don’t worry, there will be lots of restroom opportunities! Cell phone cameras have come a long way and will certainly do the job, but if you have a camera with a longer zoom be sure to bring it with you. There are no guarantees with wildlife, so keep an open mind. Wild animals are on their own schedules and there’s always a chance you won’t see the one thing you were hoping for. However, there are so many amazing things to see in these parks that you will not be disappointed!

How to tour from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?

One of the best things about touring Yellowstone from Jackson Hole is that you get the bonus of traveling through Grand Teton National Park on the way. The roughly 50-mile drive between Jackson and the South Entrance is thoroughly enjoyable as you start with the sunrise hitting the jagged peaks of the Teton mountain range. You will have stunning scenery before you even reach the gate, and you may be surprised how many animals you see on the journey! All of this is possible on a day tour and you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your place of lodging. Seeing the best of Yellowstone has never been easier!

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"Stranger In Moscow" lyrics - MICHAEL JACKSON

I was wandering in the rain Mask of life, feelin' insane Swift and sudden fall from grace Sunny days seem far away Kremlin's shadow belittlin' me Stalin's tomb won't let me be On and on and on it came Wish the rain would just let me

How does it feel (How does it feel) How does it feel How does it feel When you're alone And you're cold inside

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How does it feel (How does it feel) How does it feel How does it feel How does it feel How does it feel (How does it feel now) How does it feel How does it feel When you're alone And you're cold inside

Like stranger in Moscow Like stranger in Moscow We're talkin' danger We're talkin' danger, baby Like stranger in Moscow We're talkin' danger We're talkin' danger, baby Like stranger in Moscow I'm live in lonely I'm live in lonely, baby Stranger in Moscow

[KGB interrogator - Russian to English Translation] "Why have you come from the West? Confess! To steal the great achievments of the people, the accomplishments of the workers..."

HIStory - Past, Present And Future - Book 1 ( 1995 )

• They Don't Care About Us
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Check out vintage photos from Six Flags Great Adventure

Yellowstone Snowmobile Tour (Old Faithful)

Snowmobiles, Wildlife, Fantastic Scenery, Majestic Waterfalls & Thermal Features!

Quick Details

• Users Ages: Ages 8+ to ride | Ages 16+ to drive
• Clock Duration: 12 hours
• Calendar Available: Dec 15 - March 15

Single Sled

A single person driving their own snowmobile, age 16+ with valid drivers license., tandem sled w/ passenger, two people on one sled, driver must be 16+ with a valid drivers license. passenger must be age 8+., old faithful snowmobile tour.

Jump into a thrilling ride through the heart of Yellowstone with a private snowmobile tour. Explore Wyoming’s natural winter scenery and waterfalls on the way to see Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s iconic geyser. Plus get up close (but not too close) with some of the big animals that call Wyoming home.

Our full-day adventure includes a 45-mile trail ride from sunrise to sunset, with stops at highlights like Moose Falls, Lewis Canyon and West Thumb Geyser Basin. Don’t worry about meals. We have grab-and-go breakfasts and tasty packed sandwiches for lunch on the go.

*Please note that each adventure is unique, influenced by our expert guides, weather conditions, and the dynamic of the group. Rest assured, your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities on every journey.

• Chevron down Additional Information
• Departure Times: 6:00-7:30 a.m. – Exact trip departure time will be confirmed the night before
• Trip Ideal For:  Those who want to enjoy the winter scenery, visit Old Faithful, and learn about the park’s history and geology!
• Meals Menu: Morning snacks and lunch are included
• Hotel Pick-up is included
• Snowmobile Type: 2016 or ’17 Ski Doo 4-stroke machines
• Age Restrictions:  Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and passengers must be 8 years or older, although we recommend being at least 10 years or older.
• Chevron down What to Bring
• Winter clothing
• Driver’s license

*Please note: Wyoming car seat laws state that kids under 9 years old must ride in a federally approved child safety seat in the back seat. If you have children that are 9 or younger you are responsible for making sure your child has the proper safety seat for the tour.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

Flexible Refund Options : We recognize that plans can change. To accommodate this, we offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 14 days before your scheduled excursion. Please note that cancellations within 14 days of the excursion are not refundable.

Cancellation+ for Added Flexibility : Opt for our Cancellation+ policy for greater flexibility. This allows you to either receive a cash refund or reschedule your trip, should you need to cancel within 14 days of the excursion date.

Tour Operators & Receptives : Specific deposit and cancellation policies are detailed in your individual contracts.

Adapting to Weather Conditions : Our tours may be subject to changes due to weather and snow conditions. We prioritize your safety and experience and will proactively reach out to you with any updates or necessary changes to your tour.

Related Activities

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Ride in comfort on a snowcoach tour to Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s legendary geyser. Learn about the park’s history, marvel at the landscape, and snap plenty of photos on the way through the 45-mile trail

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DNR inland lake and stream surveys critical to managing Michigan fisheries

August 15, 2024

Crews completed more than 280 surveys in 2023

If you spent any time on the water last year, you may have seen Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries management units at work conducting fisheries surveys across the state. Crews completed 171 surveys of Michigan’s inland lakes and 110 surveys of Michigan’s streams in 2023.

These surveys are valuable, helping track inland fisheries populations, evaluate stocking efforts to increase angler opportunities and address concerns from anglers.

Collecting key data on Michigan’s world-class fisheries is critical for successful management of the state’s diverse fisheries resources, but what exactly do crews look for? According to Jim Francis, DNR Fisheries Division Lake Erie basin coordinator, surveys fall into three categories:

• Evaluating management actions.
• Understanding status and trends.
• Finding answers to new questions or concerns.

“The management units stepped up this year and were able to safely conduct inland fisheries surveys to evaluate if management actions, like fish stocking or habitat improvement projects, had the desired effect,” Francis said. “Surveys help us understand whether or not our management actions resulted in better recreational fishing in certain areas or improved a lake’s overall health.”

Francis explained that, at fixed status and trends sites, the DNR annually estimates fish population abundance — usually trout in coldwater streams and smallmouth bass in warmer waters — on a three-year rotation, while random site surveys are intended to give a species snapshot and show relative abundance. The DNR collects in-stream habitat data at all status and trends sites.

Fisheries managers use the third category, discretionary surveys, to answer questions or address current concerns, perhaps something raised by a local biologist, an angling group or a lake association. Such surveys, typically accounting for 50% of the department’s annual survey effort, might be conducted to assess habitat suitability for a threatened and endangered fish species.

Such surveys are critical to a detailed, accurate understanding of state fisheries and aquatic health, and the DNR’s ability to regularly complete the surveys is dependent on sufficient, sustainable, long-term funding.

DNR Fisheries Division Chief Randy Claramunt said that under the DNR’s current funding level, an inland lake in Michigan is likely to be surveyed only once every 90 years, which isn’t viable. Fisheries managers use the information from surveys to strategize their actions, detect early indicators of invasive species, recognize developing threats to fish and habitat health, and many other important activities. 

“Additionally, anglers rely on this information when planning fishing trips, and many DNR partners depend on these surveys to inform strategic efforts such as habitat protections,” Francis said. “Well-managed, high-quality aquatic habitats and waters are things all residents benefit from.”

If you’d like to learn about the DNR’s lake and stream surveys, especially in your part of the state, contact the fisheries management unit in your area. For more on how the department takes care of fisheries, visit the DNR’s fisheries management webpage .

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

• River Raisin : A DNR team uses electrofishing to survey the River Raisin in southeast Michigan. Survey data of inland fisheries informs how these fisheries are managed.

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