Yellowstone Tour
Trip Highlights
Explore America’s first national park with two expert biologist guides in search of Yellowstone’s iconic Big 5: bears, bison, elk, moose, and wolves.
Discover the park’s geothermal landscapes, valleys, rivers and lakes to as we uncover the natural wonders that define Yellowstone.
Learn how the reintroduction of wolves has transformed the park’s flora and fauna over the past three decades.
Discover the inspiring work of leading female conservationists through two engaging sessions focused on preserving the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Venture along hidden trails to lesser-known areas of the park, away from the crowds.
Locations:
Bozeman, Montana, Gardiner, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park
Dates:
October 3 – 8, 2025
Limit:
4 – 6
Trip Details
Join a group of adventurous women traveling to Yellowstone National Park for a guided wildlife expedition like no other. As fall settles over the park in October, the iconic elk rut is coming to an end. Bears prepare for winter and wolves hunt across the valleys. It’s a magical time to explore America’s first national park, where herds of bison roam the grasslands and the vibrant colors of autumn shimmer in the crisp morning light.
On this six-day trip, you’ll be guided by two expert biologist guides, Sheridan Samano and Cara McGary, as you discover Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife, including its Big 5: bears, bison, elk, moose, and wolves. In addition to wildlife viewing in prime time, we’ll explore the park in search of its geothermal wonders and lesser-known trails. We’ll also learn about the park’s transformation since the reintroduction of wolves in 1995. With fewer crowds in October, you’ll experience the park’s beauty in peace and solitude, creating lasting memories with like-minded women. This trip isn’t just about nature—it’s about connecting with each other and with inspiring women working to preserve this wild place.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival to Montana
Accommodations: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn
Meals: Dinner
Days 2-5 – Immerse in Yellowstone National Park
And now, your feature presentation: Get ready for an immersive, four-day adventure through Yellowstone’s jaw-dropping landscapes in search of iconic wildlife, all from the comfort of your very own custom safari van, the Roaming Bison.
In Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America,” you’ll be on the lookout for the park’s legendary Big 5: bears, bison, elk, moose, and wolves. But wait, there’s more! Yellowstone is a bird lover’s dream, with corvids, raptors, and waterfowl thriving throughout the year.
And let’s not forget the park’s geothermal wonders. You’ll marvel at famous geysers, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and dramatic steam vents that seem to come straight from another world. From early morning wildlife safaris to awe-inspiring geothermal wonders, each day promises to leave you speechless (and probably more than a little obsessed with Yellowstone).
Accommodations: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn
Meals: Brunch daily and a farewell dinner on Oct. 7
Day 6 – Happy Trails - Until We Meet Again
On our final morning together, there’s still time to soak in the beauty of Yellowstone’s surroundings with one last wildlife safari before we head back to Bozeman for the journey home.
Take a moment to reflect on the memories and friendships you’ve made along the way. After all, there’s nothing like experiencing nature’s wonders with an amazing group of women by your side.
Meals: Breakfast
Your Guides
Sheridan Samano
Sheridan Samano is a wildlife enthusiast, guide, and co-founder of Her Wild Life Expeditions. Her passion for animals began as a child, flipping through National Geographic magazines, and has only grown since then. Sheridan holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science and a master’s in biology. Her guiding journey began when she launched a study abroad program focused on sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. In the field, Sheridan’s ability to spot a break in the pattern and quickly adapt leads to plenty of “wows” from the guests in her groups. When she’s not traveling, you’ll find her along a trail in Colorado with her family, searching for something feathered or furred, or enjoying a local craft beer after a day in the field. Her favorite animal? The cheetah.
Cara McGary
Meet Cara McGary, a biologist guide and self-proclaimed “owlaholic” living in Gardiner, Montana, just outside Yellowstone National Park. With degrees in aquatic ecology and biology, Cara’s passion for wild things was sparked early while beachcombing and tidepooling at her grandparents’ home on Vashon Island. Over the years, her wildlife adventures have been nothing short of extraordinary—she’s swum with hammerhead sharks, been pooped on by a northern spotted owl, and even wiped a dingo’s butt. (Yes, really.) Whether it’s listening intently to the calls of coyotes and ravens (they’re great informants!) or explaining how bison are surprisingly like snails (be sure to ask her about that), Cara brings humor and insight to every tour. Oh, and she never leaves home without her trusty black tea.
What to Expect
Every Her Wild Life expedition is designed to offer full, active days for women traveling together seeking authentic, immersive wildlife experiences. This often means being active when wildlife is most active. The trips are carefully planned to put you in the right place at the right time, while acknowledging that unforgettable wildlife encounters require both a bit of luck and the expertise of your guide team.
This Yellowstone expedition involves:
- Four full days of guided wildlife viewing in Yellowstone National Park, both by safari van and on foot.
- Climbing in and out of a lifted 4WD passenger van, with a stool provided.
- Hiking for up to 2-3 hours a day across beautiful, though uneven and at times, rough and icy, terrain depending on recent weather conditions.
- Variable weather conditions. Be prepared for cool days and even colder nights. Weather can roll in quickly this time of year. Rain and snow are possible.
- Early morning activities on most days, starting at 7 a.m.
- Be prepared: Pack your sense of adventure, wonder, flexibility, and humor!
Accommodations
- 5 nights at Yellowstone Big Rock Inn
What's Included
- Airport transfer between Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and Gardiner on arrival and departure days.
- Private transportation in the Roaming Bison custom safari van.
- 5 nights of lodging as listed. A private room is included in the trip cost. If you’d like to share a room with a travel companion, reduced double-occupancy pricing is available.
- 4 days of guided wildlife viewing in Yellowstone National Park, with high-quality spotting scopes available and brunch and field snacks included.
- 2 expert naturalist guides: Sheridan Samano and Cara McGary.
- 2 dinners (October 3rd and October 7th).
- 2 presentations by women working in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- Activities and entrance fees as listed.
- Gratuities for your guides and at restaurants for included meals.
- Conservation donation to the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from your departure city and Bozeman
- Travel insurance (quotes available)
- Meals not listed in daily schedule
- Alcohol
- Optional activities
- Pre- or post-trip hotels
- Room upgrades
- Gratuities for hotel staff
- Personal expenses
Cost
$5050 per person based on private, single occupancy accommodations.
If you are traveling with someone and prefer to share a room, you may receive a discount.
Conservation Impact
The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation is a science-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation and restoration of whitebark pine and other high-elevation, five-needle white pines in western North America. Since 2001, they have been supporting restoration, education, management, and research projects that enhance knowledge and stewardship of these valuable ecosystems. A conservation donation to support the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation’s efforts will be made on behalf of all trip participants.