Frequently Asked Questions
Where will we go?
We visit the area's best wildlife viewing areas, based on recent sightings in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the surrounding National Forest areas. Our biologists are tuned into different animal requirements, including food resources and rest requirements and, as such, there is no set route.
 
Do we travel off-road or in the backcountry?
All of our driving is on established roads. Occasionally we travel on remote dirt roads, but off-road driving is detrimental to the landscape. Animals often become distressed when human behavior and movement is unpredictable. Off-road travel is also unnecessary because many roads have been built in favorable wildlife habitats. This is because these areas are frequently where people prefer to travel and live. All of the areas we visit are open to the public, thus you can return to those places on your own and observe animals after your trip with Wildlife Expeditions.
 
Do we camp on your trips?
Camping is not part of the Wildlife Expeditions experience; participants in overnight programs stay in comfortable hotels and eat in local restaurants. While camping can be a great experience, our goal is to maximize the amount of time we spend viewing wildlife and minimize our competition with animals for wild spaces. We do this by using existing facilities and traveling to the best wildlife viewing areas. In addition, setting up and breaking camp takes a significant amount of time and personnel and does not meet our goals.
 
How difficult is the walking or snowshoeing?
Small group size enables us to adapt our snowshoeing or walking to the group's activity level. You may choose not to participate in our optional walk or snowshoe and are welcome to remain in our comfortable vehicle, relax and have a hot or cold drink. Your biologist and those who participate in the walk or snowshoe will return shortly. Many people who have chosen to remain at the vehicle have made wonderful wildlife observations by remaining quiet and still.
 
What about bathrooms?
On most expeditions civilized rest stops (those with flush toilets and running water) are planned along the way. However, on multi-day trips we are often in remote areas and the nearest restroom facilities may lack running water. Your biologist knows where every restroom facility in the area is located and will always advise participants if the trip will be away from a rest stop for an extended period of time.
 
Which is the best expedition for my kids?
All expeditions are geared for families. Our biologists adjust the program to teach children and adults to make sure everyone is actively involved. If your children become restless, the guide can easily change the pace of the trip to meet your needs.

If you do not have the time to participate in the Wildlife Discovery Expedition, our Sunrise or Sunset Expeditions are good introductions to wildlife. The group size can be up to ten people, and we do mix children with other adults on Sunrise/Sunset Expeditions.
 
Will I get good photos? How close will we get to the animals?
You will definitely see a variety of wild birds and mammal species. How they present themselves is out of our control. We deliberately do not approach wildlife closely. Our goal is to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities without affecting the natural behavior of any animal. Therefore, we provide binoculars, spotting scopes and children's binoculars for each person so that you can observe the animals from a safe distance. Wildlife Expeditions offer a great opportunity to spend time in the field with a biologist and learn important facts about wildlife and the larger ecosystem. The biologist will also discuss wildlife viewing ethics and behavioral clues that indicate when an animal is distressed.

If you enjoy photography, we encourage you to bring your camera. Clients often capture fantastic photos of both the wildlife and the scenery. Many avid photographers go on our trips to discover good areas to return to later. Serious photographers, however, should realize that other trip participants may not share their passion or patience. While we keep our groups small and try to adapt each trip to the participants' interests, we always strive to provide a balanced program and cannot promise the time and/or conditions necessary to generate magazine-quality photos. Serious photographers, birdwatchers and other enthusiasts are encouraged to consider booking a private trip.
 
How often do I get out of the vehicle?
When wildlife is spotted at a distance, your guide will set up a spotting scope for optimal viewing. This does require getting in and out of the vehicle. Your group may also get out of the vehicle on an all-day Wildlife Discovery Expedition in order to participate in a short snowshoe or hike, depending on the time of year.
 
What should I wear?

We usually recommend wearing layers of clothing due to the continual temperature changes and unpredictability of the weather. We also recommend you wear warm boots, hats and gloves, depending on the time of year.
 
Will I be going to Yellowstone?

Our Sunrise and Afternoon/Sunset Expeditions and Wildlife Discovery Expeditions venture into Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Old Faithful and Lower Loop Yellowstone Expeditions go into Yellowstone National Park. During the winter months Yellowstone National Park is only open to over- snow vehicles and snowmobiles.

 

 
 

 

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