Yellowstone Awakens: Spring & Fall

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Kimpton Armory Hotel. A transfer is included from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to the Kimpton Armory Hotel, the city's only luxury hotel, located in the historic downtown. Meet your fellow travelers at a private welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

Begin the day by discovering a much older story of the Yellowstone region during a visit to the Museum of the Rockies. Montana is a global hotspot for dinosaur discoveries, where fossils reveal creatures that once roamed this landscape millions of years ago. Paleontologists have uncovered 75 different dinosaur species in the state alone, with some of the oldest discoveries dating back to the Jurassic Period – more than 155 million years ago. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of North American dinosaur fossils, including one of the few mounted T. rex skeletons in the United States. A planetarium presentation adds another dimension to the experience, exploring the vast cosmos that has helped earn Montana its nickname as the "Big Sky State." Following your visit, travel to Gardiner, located on the Yellowstone River and the historic northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Afterward, learn about the Yellowstone Wolf Project from an expert who shares the story of restoring Yellowstone's ecosystem by reintroducing wolves that had been eradicated from the park in the 1920s, returning after a 70-year absence. Enjoy dinner at leisure at your hotel this evening.

Rise early for your first full day in Yellowstone National Park. Board a smaller safari vehicle, which brings you into the wide-open landscapes of the Lamar Valley in search of wildlife. Often called "America's Serengeti," this vast valley is one of the park's premier wildlife habitats. As morning light spreads across the valley and young animals stay close to their families, watch for bison and their calves, wolves, bears, foxes, badgers, and birds such as hawks and eagles alongside a local guide who understands the rhythms and behaviors of the wildlife that roams this remarkable landscape. Few experiences compare to witnessing these animals in their natural world – especially newborns protected by their mothers – in a land preserved for their safety and the health of the ecosystem. Return to your hotel for lunch, where you may choose to spend the afternoon at leisure or join a local guide to explore Mammoth's historic district. This evening, a private wine-pairing dinner awaits.

Stretching across more than two million acres and home to 285 species of birds, 65 species of mammals, and over 10,000 thermal features, Yellowstone National Park continues to inspire scientists, researchers, and visitors alike. Today offers the rare opportunity to explore another side of the park during an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center. Affiliated with the National Archives, the facility houses more than six million items related to Yellowstone, including rare documents, botanical specimens, and archaeological artifacts. Your visit reveals a hidden layer of Yellowstone history through artifacts and collections rarely seen by the public. After lunch and time on your own in Gardiner, you may wish to visit Yellowstone Hot Springs, natural pools fed by geothermal waters along the Yellowstone River, where you can relax in warm mineral waters while taking in views of the surrounding mountains. Tonight, after dinner at your hotel, meet a local Native American artist who shares the artistry behind traditions that span more than 13,000 years, expressed through works that reflect cultural symbols, history, and spirituality. 

Set out once more aboard your safari vehicle for another day of wildlife viewing across Yellowstone's open landscapes, where spring wildflowers or autumn's golden foliage create a changing backdrop for the park's roaming animals. Your special safari vehicle and expert local guide will lead you to the best places to potentially spot moose, bighorn sheep, elk, fox, yellow-bellied marmots, and more. Return to your hotel for lunch before setting out on an optional hike near Mammoth Hot Springs for further exploration on foot. Before your farewell dinner, meet renowned wildlife photographer Tom Murphy during a special reception. Arriving in Yellowstone in 1978, Murphy has spent decades photographing the park's wildlife and landscapes, with his work featured in publications including National Geographic, TIME, BBC, and The New York Times. Hear stories of his encounters with wolves, bears, and other wildlife – and his lifelong connection to the land. Enjoy a private farewell dinner with your fellow travel companions, bringing your Yellowstone journey to a memorable close.

Tour ends: Bozeman. Everyone departs at 8:00 AM for a group transfer from Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel to Bozeman Yellowstone Airport.  Flights should be scheduled after 12:00 PM. Allow two hours for flight check-in at the airport.