Yellowstone and Tetons
Wildlife Photography Tour

Explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks together in one adventure!

Tour overview

Yellowstone and Grand Teton offer distinct settings for wildlife and landscape photography. Yellowstone’s broad valleys, forests and geothermal features are home to bison, elk, bears, wolves and more. In Grand Teton, the mountains frame wildlife habitat, rivers, wetlands and open sagebrush.

Your tour includes three days exploring Yellowstone followed by two days in Grand Teton. Each day is customized to your experience and priorities. We’ll take time to observe, respond to changing light and work on the camera skills and photographic choices that matter to you.

Wildlife sightings and behavior are never guaranteed. We’ll adjust our plans to current conditions and photograph animals responsibly from safe, permitted viewing locations.

Details

Locations: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Duration: Five guided photography days: three in Yellowstone and two in Grand Teton
Tour style: Private and customized
Experience level: Beginner through advanced
Daily schedule: Early starts, with return to the designated pickup area by approximately 6:00 PM
Current listed rates: $2,795 per guest. Ask about the companion discount and availability.

Highlights

  • Spend three days photographing Yellowstone’s wildlife, landscapes and changing light.

  • Continue with two days of wildlife and landscape photography in Grand Teton.

  • Receive practical, one-on-one guidance tailored to your experience and goals.

  • Adjust each day’s route and pace to wildlife activity, weather, access and light.

  • Use Vortex Razor HD spotting scopes to observe wildlife.

  • Stay connected with onboard Starlink where equipment operation and conditions allow.

Field experience

Days 1–3: Yellowstone

Explore Yellowstone with time to watch wildlife, make photographs and build your skills. Depending on the season and conditions, we may visit areas such as Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley or other accessible locations with promising activity. We’ll adapt the route each day rather than follow a fixed checklist.

Days 4–5: Grand Teton

Continue to Grand Teton for two days of photography in a different landscape. We’ll look for wildlife and opportunities to include rivers, wetlands, sagebrush and the Teton Range in your images. Locations depend on park access, wildlife activity, weather and the day’s light.

Your itinerary is a flexible framework. We may spend longer in a productive area, change plans when conditions shift or focus on landscapes when wildlife is resting or out of view.

What you’ll learn

  • Choose shutter speeds, apertures and ISO settings for changing light and moving subjects.

  • Set up autofocus and tracking for different wildlife situations.

  • Manage exposure for challenging scenes, including dark animals against bright backgrounds.

  • Make stronger compositions using animal behavior, habitat, light and clean backgrounds.

  • Work patiently and safely while observing wildlife.

  • Review your images and identify practical ways to improve your next photographs.

Instruction is adapted to your camera, lenses, experience and interests. You don’t need professional equipment or previous wildlife photography experience.

What is included

  • Transportation during scheduled tour days from the designated local meeting point.

  • In-field wildlife and landscape photography instruction.

  • A daily itinerary adapted to conditions and wildlife activity.

  • Water and snacks in the tour vehicle.

  • Shared use of Vortex Razor HD spotting scopes for wildlife observation.

  • Onboard Starlink connectivity where equipment operation and conditions allow.

  • A one on-one post-tour editing session via Discord, scheduled separately.

What you will need to cover

  • Lodging, flights, airport transfers.

  • Travel insurance and personal expenses are also your responsibility.

  • Park entrance fees.

  • Camera or lens rentals.

  • Meals.

Booking and Planning

Arrival and accommodation

Plan to arrive in Gardiner the day before the workshop and depart the day after the final field day. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is a practical arrival airport; travel to Gardiner is arranged separately. Confirm the meeting point and workshop dates before making nonrefundable travel reservations.

Camera equipment and clothing

Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a telephoto lens reaching approximately 300mm or longer, and a shorter zoom for habitat and landscape photographs. Spare batteries, memory cards, a tripod or monopod, a rain cover and a reliable backup method are recommended.

Clothing and footwear

Pack warm layers, gloves, a hat, waterproof footwear and a weatherproof outer layer. Autumn mornings can be cold, and rain or snow may change our plans. Preparation guidance will be sent before your workshop.

Frequently asked questions

Will we see bears, wolves or other specific wildlife?

Wildlife sightings depend on season, location and chance. We’ll use current conditions and our field experience to look for opportunities, but no species or behavior can be promised.

Is this tour private?

Yes. The five-day package is a private experience, customized around your group’s photography interests, pace and goals.

How close will we get to wildlife?

We photograph from safe, permitted viewing locations and use long lenses or spotting scopes. Yellowstone and Grand Teton require visitors to stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from other wildlife. More distance may be appropriate, and we move back if an animal approaches.

How much walking is involved?

The tour focuses on authorized roadside and developed-area locations. Walking is limited to short distances of up to approximately one-eighth of a mile where permitted. Uneven ground and periods of standing may occur. Please discuss mobility needs before booking.

Do I need an annual park pass?

Park entrance fees are not included. You can purchase the appropriate pass for your visit; an annual pass may be useful if you plan to visit multiple national parks.

Can I book just Yellowstone or just Grand Teton?

Yes. Yellowstone and Grand Teton tours are also available separately. Contact us if you’d like to compare options or adjust the number of days.

Is the drive between the parks included?

Yes. Transportation between Yellowstone and Grand Teton is included in the package. Lodging and other personal travel expenses are not included.