FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Tour Options: We offer three different private wildlife tours into Yellowstone National Park:

    • Sunrise Tour 🌅 (4-5 hours)
    • Sunset Tour 🌄 (4-5 hours)
    • Full-Day Tour 🌞 (7-8 hours)
  • Departure Locations:

    • Tours depart from Silver Gate, MT
    • Pickup available at Tower Junction inside the park
  • What's Included:

    • Food and drinks provided on all tours
    • Expert guides to enhance your experience
    • Customizable tours based on your interests
  • Family-Friendly: Kids are welcome!

  • How to Book:

    • Book a tour online
    • Call us at +1 (406) 838-3434 for assistance

We currently accept booking online or call our reservations agents at Silver Gate Lodging (406) 838-3434

Yes, all of our tours are private, meaning the tour that you choose is only for you and the people you choose to be on the tour with you. 

Yes, we provide luxury vehicles for all our private tours. We can seat at least 5 guests per vehicle comfortably. We can accomodate larger groups. Please contact us at + 1 (406) 838-3434 so we can assist you. 

Yes, we provide top of the line Swarovski and Vortex Scopes and Binoculars. Our guides also have PhoneScopes to capture photos and videos on their devices that can be shared with you. 

If you are stying in Silver Gate or Cooke City then we meet at the Silver Gate General Store. If you are staying in the park in Mammoth or Canyon area then we meet at Tower Junction. If you are staying in West Yellowstone then please contact us for additional information. 

Ideal wildlife viewing is dependent on many factors such as weather, migration patterns, and animal behavior, making it impossible to guarantee sightings. Our guides, with their expertise and resources, will do their best to provide the best viewing opportunities but it is always subject to the unpredictability of nature. Viewing opportunities can inlcude but not limited to bison, wolves, elk, bear, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, deer, birds of prey, pronghorn, waterfowl, and more.

  • Our guides are:
    • National Park Service CUA Guide certified
    • nature lovers that are out in the field often
    • experienced at spotting wildlife
    • connected with other guides via the wolf radio network
    • equipped with phenomenal optics for best guest viewing experiences

Yes, we offer our summer tours from mid May to late September and winter tours from mid Nov to mid March. 

  • Half-day tours last about 4-5 hours.
  • Full-day tours last about 7-8 hours, with breaks for meals and rest.

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In order for you to have an enjoyable experience in the field, it is imperative that you bring the following items to stay safe and comfortable:

  • Any medications or necessary medical equipment you may need during the tour
  • Sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots
  • Warm, comfortable layers. Gloves, scarf, beanie, wool socks, and warm layers are advised.
  • Rain Jacket
  • Yellowstone National Park entrance pass (any pass which grants entry into the park – weekly, yearly, interagency annual, senior, access, etc.)

 You may also wish to bring the following:

  • Hat and/or sunglasses
  • Your favorite travel mug and/or reusable water bottle
  • Camera 
  • Cell Phone (little to no cell service but good for pictures)
  • Your preferred sunscreen
  • Your preferred snacks and drinks, we will provide snacks and drinks as well as a light breakfast for sunset tours, light breakfast and lunch for full day tours and snacks for sunset tours
  • May through September weather ranges from low temperatures near 10°F (-12°C) and snowing to highs near 80°F (27°C). Dressing for the weather will ensure you have an amazing day in the park!

Tips are not mandatory but always appreciated.

Most of our wildlife tours are suitable for all ages, but some may be more physically demanding than others. It's a good idea to check with us to determine the level of difficulty and whether it's suitable for your group.

During the tour, we will drive and stop periodically to view wildlife and you will be provided with optical equipment to enhance the experience. We will also have the option for spotting more animals as we drive to different viewing locations, and for full-day tour, you will have the opportunity to take a short hike. The tour accommodates the needs of all participants.

Each of our two vehicles can comfortably accommodate five passengers

  • All our guides have been trained as Certified Interpretive Guides by the National Association for Interpretation. 
  • Each guide has its own unique area of expertise

While it's not guaranteed, there is a good chance of seeing predators such as bears and wolves on our wildlife tours. It's important to follow all safety guidelines provided by the tour guide and stay a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter.

Dogs are not typically allowed on wildlife tours in Yellowstone National Park for several important reasons:

  1. Wildlife Disturbance – Dogs can unintentionally scare or provoke wildlife, altering their natural behavior. Predators like wolves and bears may perceive dogs as a threat or competition, leading to dangerous encounters.

  2. Park Regulations – Yellowstone National Park has strict rules regarding pets. Dogs are not allowed more than 100 feet from roads, parking areas, or campgrounds. They are also not permitted on trails or in backcountry areas where most wildlife tours take place.

  3. Safety Concerns – Wildlife such as bears, wolves, and bison can see dogs as a threat or prey, increasing the risk of aggressive encounters. A dog barking or reacting to wildlife could escalate a dangerous situation.

  4. Scent Disruption – Dogs carry scents that can alert and disturb local wildlife, making it more difficult for guides and guests to observe animals behaving naturally.

  5. Environmental Impact – Dogs can inadvertently damage fragile ecosystems by trampling vegetation, leaving waste, or disrupting nesting grounds for birds and other wildlife.

For these reasons, most wildlife tour operators, including Silver Gate Guides, enforce a no-dog policy to ensure the safety of both guests and the animals in Yellowstone.