Wyoming/Montana

Wildlife Watching in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Program No. 23111RJ
Learn about the diverse animals in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks as expert biologists take you to little-known spots for the best wildlife searching.

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At a Glance

Explore “the Serengeti of North America” as you search for diverse wildlife in picturesque landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Venture off the beaten path with local biologists and wildlife experts who take you away from the parks’ boardwalks to the best places to search for elusive animals like bears and wolves. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park as you explore Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs to experience intimate views of your breathtaking surroundings. Discover fascinating wildlife only seen in this region and learn about the animals that call these national parks home.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walk 1 mile on boardwalks or maintained trails. Must be able to get in and out of wildlife watching vehicles. Long drive times. Early starts daily to see wildlife at dawn, when wildlife is most active.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn from local biologists and experts while venturing through the parks in vehicles designed specifically for wildlife viewing.
  • Explore the breathtaking Lamar Valley, use spotting scopes to view wildlife and learn the stories of specific wolf packs in the area.
  • Depending on the season, get an up close look at baby wildlife (spring), or observe different species’ mating behavior (fall).

General Notes

There is no cell phone service or internet access in Cooke City, Montana. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Kevin Taylor
Kevin Taylor has been part of the Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools team since 2002. Kevin has a BS in biology and an MS in botany. His biological research experience includes several wildlife research projects, as well as mapping distribution of rare plant species and the effects of global climate change on mountain plants. He believes that it is critical to include modern humans when discussing natural history and ecology, and he studies and teaches ethnobotany and ethnozoology.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Kevin Taylor
Kevin Taylor View biography
Kevin Taylor has been part of the Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools team since 2002. Kevin has a BS in biology and an MS in botany. His biological research experience includes several wildlife research projects, as well as mapping distribution of rare plant species and the effects of global climate change on mountain plants. He believes that it is critical to include modern humans when discussing natural history and ecology, and he studies and teaches ethnobotany and ethnozoology.
Profile Image of Miles Yazzolino
Miles Yazzolino View biography
Hailing from Jackson, Wyoming, Miles was raised hiking, cross country skiing and soaking in the majesty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. After a warmer escape to Southern California for environmental studies and religious studies degrees, a few years of rainy trail crews and park ranger gigs in Oregon and a summer of teaching ecology in Yellowstone, Miles returned to the Tetons. When not sharing his love of this unique place with participants, Miles is likely dancing at concerts or reading.
Profile Image of Tyler Griffin
Tyler Griffin View biography
Tyler Griffin grew up on the East Coast and earned a degree in environmental science from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. Not long after, he moved to Jackson, Wyoming, to be surrounded by mountains, national parks, and wildlife. He quickly developed a passion for teaching others about the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Tyler served in the Peace Corps from 2015-2017 as an environmental volunteer in Malawi, Africa, before returning to Wyoming. During his time there, he taught sustainable agriculture, home gardening techniques, and natural resource conservation.
Profile Image of Bobby Pfeiffer
Bobby Pfeiffer View biography
Bobby grew up in New Jersey, where he grew fond of all things science related and earned a degree from Rutgers University in animal science. After graduation, Bobby joined Adventure Aquarium and spent time as a marine biologist. When the desire to educate and travel became overwhelming, Bobby headed west. He has taught for Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School and spent summer leading kayak expeditions and whale watches off the coast of Orcas Island, Washington. Bobby enjoys hiking, road tripping and wildlife photography.
Profile Image of Mike Rowell
Mike Rowell View biography
Mike Rowell grew up on his family’s farm near Buchanan, Georgia, raising livestock, corn, soybeans, and timber. Recognizing the value and importance of the natural world, he developed a strong interest in natural resource conservation. He is an alum of Louisiana Tech University with a Master of Science in Wildlife Science from Utah State University. In graduate school, Mike conducted research on mammalian carnivore communities in South Dakota’s Black Hills and Yellowstone National Park. He has worked as a professional wildlife biologist since 1994.
Profile Image of Logan Edgeman
Logan Edgeman View biography
Logan Edgeman grew up in southern Appalachia, which connected him to the outdoors and the natural world. While obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Leadership from Young Harris College in northeast Georgia, he immersed himself in as many outdoor experiences as possible. After working many seasons as a field instructor, Logan began working with private and public colleges in the state of Georgia, coordinating outdoor programming with an emphasis on introducing inner-city and underprivileged students to outdoor initiatives and sustainable practices while enjoying the outdoors.
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