Exploring Yellowstone National Park in the winter is truly an amazing experience. The park is primarily accessible via snowcoach or snowmobile. The majesty of Yellowstone awaits. This is one of the most popular winter activities here in Jackson. With diminished crowds during the winter months, the overall park experience is magnified.
In April 1994, the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee directed that a team from the surrounding forests, parks, and wilderness areas study winter visitor use and associated issues. Through this winter visitor use study agencies gained great insight into visitor and environmental concerns. A high quality visitor experience is maintained within the park. Resources are protected, the necessary infrastructure and staff are in place to support current levels and types of winter use. The park service regulates the number of snowmobiles and snowcoaches allowed through the various park entrances on a daily basis. The park service also requires outfitters that provide tours to use snowmobiles and snowcoaches the operate with lower emissions, and at quieter noise levels.
Snowcoaches only tour into Yellowstone. There are a number of snowmobile tour options available which provide wildlife encounters, swimming in hot springs, and/or plenty of off trail riding.
Old Faithful Snowcoach Tour in Yellowstone National Park
Be prepared for an extended day filled with adventure. These guided tours are a unique way to explore any area on snow. These modified vans or tracked machines will carry you over snow through the park. The tour follows the same route as the snowmobile tours. The tours follow the summer roads through the park. After sufficient snowfall the park service grooms these roads for winter use.
Protected from the elements inside the snowcoach, one is left take in the sites and enjoy the ride.
Scenic Safaris, Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures, Wildlife Expeditions
General Information
Pricing for the various trips range from around $250 a person and up. Private tours can be arranged.
Plan on a long day, starting with 6:30am pickup time and returning roughly 12 hours later. Quite a distance is covered and the experience unsurpassed. Breakfast and lunch will be included in the tour.
Dress in warm layers, don’t forget a camera. I would suggest bringing snacks and extra water.
