From my decades exploring Montana’s gateway to Yellowstone, Gardiner’s tour scene stands among America’s best wildlife-watching opportunities. The town’s intimate local operators specialize in full-day and half-day excursions into the park’s northern reaches. I’m especially fond of the wildlife-focused tours – they provide professional spotting scopes and get you to prime wolf and bear locations before dawn, when viewing chances are best.
The naturalist-led day tours offer excellent value, combining geothermal features with animal sightings and including both breakfast and lunch. Winter photography tours are another standout, taking advantage of the dramatic steam and frost conditions.
A few practical notes: Most tours cover park entrance fees, provide quality binoculars, and accommodate groups from 2-12 people. For families, I recommend the customizable adventures that let you set the pace.
Let’s look at my tested and recommended Gardiner tour picks.
Key Points
- The “Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour” focuses on spotting diverse wildlife, especially wolves, in key locations like the Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
- The “Private Evening/Sunset Wildlife Encounter Tour” offers a memorable wildlife viewing experience, including sightings of bison, elk, and bears, with knowledgeable guides.
- The “Winter Wildlife Safari” provides a full-day adventure starting at 6 AM, with opportunities to spot bison, elk, and wolves in their winter habitats.
- The “Family Friendly Private Tour” is suitable for all ages and abilities, featuring customizable adventures and a made-to-order picnic lunch.
- The “Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Tour” and “Yellowstone Private Upper Loop Tour” offer comprehensive full-day experiences with knowledgeable guides, picnic lunches, and access to high-powered optics.
Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour With Lunch
Although the early morning start may be challenging, the Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour with Lunch promises an unparalleled opportunity to take in Yellowstone’s natural wonders.
Set in the stunning location of Gardiner, USA, this full-day experience offers guests the chance to witness the park’s diverse wildlife, with a particular focus on wolves.
The itinerary is meticulously planned, taking visitors to key locations like the Lamar Valley, Roosevelt Arch, and Hayden Valley, where the chances of spotting wolves and other animals are highest.
With the guidance of expert naturalists, guests will be equipped with high-quality optics and photographic adapters to maximize their viewing and capturing experiences.
Complementing the wildlife encounters is a delectable picnic or deli-style lunch in Cooke City, along with morning hot drinks and afternoon snacks.
The tour’s private nature ensures an intimate and personalized experience, catering to groups of up to 5 people.
With a 100% recommendation rate and 5.0 average rating, this tour is a must-consider for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable Yellowstone adventure.
Read our full review: Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour With Lunch Review
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Family Friendly Private Tour at Yellowstone National Park W/Lunch
This family-friendly private tour at Yellowstone National Park offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. With a 5.0 overall rating from 5 reviews, the tour provides a guided, customizable adventure suitable for first-time visitors. Highlights include Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and more.
The tour includes a made-to-order picnic lunch with options like turkey, roast beef, ham, or vegetarian sandwiches, as well as coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. Guests will also have access to high-powered binoculars, spotting scopes, and bear spray, and the Yellowstone National Park entry fees are covered.
Pickup options are available from Bozeman, Gardiner, or West Yellowstone for an additional cost, with the meeting point at the Yellowstone Dreamin Adventures Office in Gardiner, MT.
The tour experience offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and trail hiking, with comfortable transportation provided. The tour is priced at $1,385.00 per group (up to 5 people), and is non-refundable.
Read our full review: Family Friendly Private Tour at Yellowstone National Park W/Lunch Review
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Yellowstone Private Upper Loop Tour With Lunch
Yellowstone National Park’s Upper Loop is a must-see destination for visitors seeking an immersive experience in one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.
The Yellowstone Private Upper Loop Tour with Lunch offers a comprehensive exploration of this awe-inspiring region. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, guests will venture to prominent locations like Mammoth Hot Springs, Roosevelt Arch, Norris Geyser Basin, and Dunraven Pass, while keeping an eye out for diverse wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, moose, elk, and even wolves.
The tour includes gourmet box lunches with a variety of options, as well as healthy snacks and bottled water. Pickup is available within a 15-mile radius of Gardiner, Montana, and the private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience.
With high-powered binoculars and spotting scopes provided, guests can fully enjoy the park’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Read our full review: Yellowstone Private Upper Loop Tour With Lunch Review
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Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Natl Park Tour From Gardiner
Exploring the best of Yellowstone National Park is a must-do adventure for visitors to Gardiner, Montana. The Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Natl Park Tour From Gardiner offers an immersive full-day experience led by professional naturalist guides. For $364 per person, travelers embark on a 7:30 am excursion to discover Yellowstone’s iconic landmarks and diverse wildlife.
The tour includes a picnic lunch featuring local, seasonal ingredients, as well as organic snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can utilize high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes to enhance their wildlife viewing. The tour covers the $20 per person national park entrance fee and gratuities.
While the tour receives positive reviews for its knowledgeable guides and informative commentary, there have been some complaints about vehicle comfort and unexpected cancellations. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but children 6 and older may participate.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per group, this Yellowstone adventure offers an intimate and immersive exploration of the park.
Read our full review: Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Natl Park Tour From Gardiner Review
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Private Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing Tour With Lunch
Operated by Yellowstone Dreamin Adventures, the Private Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing Tour with Lunch allows visitors to embark on an intimate exploration of the park’s iconic features.
This 12-review, 100% recommended tour starts with coffee before delving into the wonders of Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Roosevelt Arch, and Fort Yellowstone.
Travelers are provided with high-powered binoculars and spotting scopes to enhance their wildlife viewing experience. A picnic-style lunch is included, along with hot drinks, snacks, and bottled water throughout the day.
The tour features hassle-free pickup within 15 miles of Gardiner, MT, and gratuities are covered. Priced at €1,630.05 per group (up to 5 participants), this private tour ensures an exclusive and personalized Yellowstone experience.
With a 5.0 rating based on 12 glowing reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an in-depth and guided exploration of Yellowstone National Park.
Read our full review: Private Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing Tour With Lunch Review
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Private Evening/Sunset Wildlife Encounter Tour
This evening wildlife encounter tour in Gardiner offers an exclusive opportunity to witness the park’s diverse animal inhabitants as the day winds down.
Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides, who skillfully navigate the area to provide memorable sightings of bison, elk, black bears, and even grizzly bears. With a maximum group size, this private tour ensures an intimate experience and the ability to ask questions freely.
The tour includes park entry fees, snacks, bottled water, and the use of binoculars and spotting scopes to enhance the wildlife viewing.
Pickup is available from Gardiner or Mammoth Hot Springs, with the meeting point at The Ridgeline Hotel. Guests can expect to return to the starting location by the end of the 4-hour experience.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals and provides infant seats.
With an impressive 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews, this wildlife encounter is an excellent choice for those seeking a personalized and immersive Yellowstone adventure.
Read our full review: Private Evening/Sunset Wildlife Encounter Tour Review
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Best of Yellowstone National Park From Gardiner – Private Tour
For those seeking to experience the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park from the convenience of Gardiner, the “Best of Yellowstone National Park From Gardiner – Private Tour” offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Priced from $725.40 per person, this private tour operated by Yellowstone Safari Co. takes guests on a journey starting at 7:30 AM. Highlights include an expert naturalist guide, a picnic lunch with locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and the use of top-notch optics.
Guests can expect a personalized experience, as the tour is designed for small groups. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, the quality of the provided meals and snacks, and the ability to see Yellowstone’s major attractions.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient meeting and pickup options, this tour provides an excellent way to discover the wonders of Yellowstone from Gardiner.
Read our full review: Best of Yellowstone National Park From Gardiner – Private Tour Review
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2-Day Private Tour in Yellowstone(Lower and Upper Loops W Iconic Sites) W Lunch
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Yellowstone’s Lower and Upper Loops, the 2-Day Private Tour from Yellowstone’s Casanova Guided Tours showcases the park’s most iconic sites.
Priced from $1,000 per person, the tour includes private transportation, breakfast, lunch, and expert guides who’ll bring the landscape to life.
Travelers can expect to spot grizzly bears, bald eagles, coyotes, bison, and elk, with optional short hikes for a more immersive experience.
Fully inclusive, the tour covers park entry fees and even provides binoculars and spotting scopes.
With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 3 days in advance, this private tour offers exceptional value for money.
Highly rated by previous guests, the guides’ expertise in wildlife viewing and in-depth knowledge of Yellowstone make this a must-do experience for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in the park.
Read our full review: 2-Day Private Tour in Yellowstone(Lower and Upper Loops W Iconic Sites) W Lunch Review
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Private Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari Guided Tour
Discover Yellowstone’s winter wonders on a Private Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari Guided Tour from Yellowstone’s Casanova Guided Tours in Gardiner, USA.
This private tour gives you the chance to explore the park’s stunning landscapes and spot its diverse wildlife during the snowy season. You’ll enjoy a full-day adventure, starting at 6 AM with breakfast, snacks, and bottled water provided.
The tour includes private transportation, national park entrance fees, and the use of scopes and binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing experience. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to the best spots to see iconic species like bison, elk, and wolves in their natural habitats.
The tour is perfect for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. With a flexible cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, this private winter safari is an excellent choice for an unforgettable Yellowstone experience.
Read our full review: Private Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari Guided Tour Review
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Yellowstone Hot Springs and Geyser Basins Tour
Travelers seeking to enjoy Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders can embark on the Yellowstone Hot Springs and Geyser Basins Tour. Operated by the Yellowstone Recreation Company, this tour takes a maximum of 12 travelers to explore the park’s iconic hot springs and geyser basins.
Equipped with binoculars and a scope, guests can observe the stunning natural features up close while enjoying a provided lunch accommodating various dietary needs.
The tour departs at 6:00 AM from the meeting point in Gardiner, Montana, and lasts the entire day, with travel time included in the total duration. Admission to the park is included, either through the $20 per person fee or the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers up to 4 guests.
With confirmation provided upon booking, this tour is accessible to most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair-friendly. The Yellowstone Hot Springs and Geyser Basins Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience to explore Yellowstone’s remarkable geothermal landscape.
Read our full review: Yellowstone Hot Springs and Geyser Basins Tour Review
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Winter in Yellowstone Photography Tour
The Winter in Yellowstone Photography Tour, operated by Yellowstone’s Casanova Guided Tours, takes a maximum of 5 travelers to capture the stunning winter landscapes of the renowned national park.
The tour offers pickup options in Gardiner or Cooke City for groups of five, though travelers are responsible for their own transportation and lodging. Recommended hotels in Gardiner include Absaroka Lodge, Ridgeline Hotel, Big Rock Inn, and Super 8, while Cooke City options are Alpine Motel, High Country Motel, Antlers Lodge, and Super 8.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, camera equipment, and National Park entrance fees of $20 per person. Gratuities are also covered.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour is accessible to most travelers, with proximity to public transportation.
Explore the frozen beauty of Yellowstone’s winter wonderland on this photography-focused excursion.
Read our full review: Winter in Yellowstone Photography Tour Review
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Yellowstone Winter Wolf & Wildlife Tour From Gardiner, MT
This Yellowstone Winter Wolf & Wildlife Tour from Gardiner, MT offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the stunning wildlife of the park during the captivating winter season.
Operated rain, snow, or shine, this tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers and includes local guide expertise, hotel pickup and drop-off, national park fees, a sack lunch and bottled water, as well as gratuities.
The tour departs at 7:30 am from a selected pickup point in Gardiner, MT or the Mammoth Hot Springs area. While the tour involves a small amount of walking, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
Confirmed upon booking, the tour is open to most travelers aged 6 and up, with private tours available for younger children. Guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Whether you’re seeking to spot elusive wolves, bison, or other winter residents, this Yellowstone excursion promises an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Yellowstone Winter Wolf & Wildlife Tour From Gardiner, MT Review
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Recap
Gardiner, Montana offers a variety of private and group tours to explore Yellowstone National Park. From wildlife and wolf safaris to photography tours, visitors can choose the best option to suit their interests and schedules. With options for all seasons, these tours provide an in-depth look at the park’s natural wonders and ensure an unforgettable experience.