Arrive in Bozeman, Montana
Dec 28
Arrive in Bozeman, Montana for an overnight stay.
Essence of Winter
Yellowstone National Park
December 28, 2019 - January 5, 2020
Cost: $6,750
Leader: Tom Murphy
Group Size: 8
Days: 9
Safari Overview
Travel to Yellowstone and capture images of snowy Old Faithful geyser, ice-covered Bison alongside thermal pools, plus fox, coyotes, and perhaps wolves with professional wildlife photographer, Tom Murphy. Step carefully around delicate, chalky mineral terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs and discover multihued thermal pools and bubbling mud pots in the Geyser Basins. Witness small crystals and flakes form into “geyser rain” as Old Faithful erupts. Track elk, pronghorn, and red fox amidst a snowy and steamy landscape. Listen for the echoing howls of a pack of gray wolves haunting the stillness of Lamar Valley. Ring in the New Year in the heart of Yellowstone National Park and create your own photographic stories of a winter wonderland that will leave your audience speechless.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about animal behavior and Yellowstone from local expert and photographer, Tom Murphy.
• Observe Yellowstone’s famous wildlife – bison, elk, gray wolf, and more.
• Photograph spouting Old Faithful geyser and other fascinating geologic features.
• Study photographic composition and technique in this hands-on photography workshop.
• Travel by private bus and private snowcoach to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities
Itinerary Updated: April 2019
Print Trip
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 28 | Arrive in Bozeman, Montana, USA. | Hampton Inn, Bozeman | |
| Dec 29-30 | Meet Tom and follow the Yellowstone River south into the park. Explore Mammoth Hot Springs and wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. | Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park | B, L, D |
| Dec 31 | Explore Hayden Valley en route to Old Faithful by private snowcoach to photograph winter scenes and wildlife. | Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park | B, L, D |
| Jan 1-2 | Capture images of wildlife and thermal features while exploring the geyser basins by foot. | Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park | B, L, D |
| Jan 3 | Explore the Upper and Lower Geyser Basin by private snowcoach en route back to Mammoth Hot Springs. | Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park | B, L, D |
| Jan 4 | Revisit Lamar Valley. Enjoy a farewell dinner then return to Bozeman. | Hampton Inn, Bozeman | B, L, D |
| Jan 5 | Depart home from Bozeman, Montana. | B |
Our Trip Leaders
Tom Murphy
Tom has offered custom photographic tours and seminars for nearly 30 years, specializing in engaging locations such as Yellowstone National Park, Antarctica, and Africa. He travels and photographs extensively throughout Yellowstone and has hiked thousands of miles and skied on hundreds of extended overnight trips in the backcountry. Much of his work in Yellowstone was highlighted in a popular PBS Nature series program, Christmas in Yellowstone, and several of his own books. His passion and talent is photographing wildlife in their environment to tell the story of life and survival. He is a popular teacher, known for his easy-going attitude, helpful demeanor, and one-on-one style of instruction.
Detailed Itinerary
A glimpse into our journey
Meet Tom and explore northern Yellowstone
Dec 29-30
Note: Specific destinations within the park are subject to change depending on weather conditions and wildlife.
Meet Tom Murphy in Bozeman to embark on this special photographic journey. Drive south along the Yellowstone River into northern Yellowstone National Park. Discover the wild countryside where bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn, bison, and coyotes roam. Use Tom’s familiarity of animal behavior to capture outstanding wildlife images. Take in the distinct smells and sounds of Mammoth Hot Springs where colorful mineral terraces are as spectacular as the wildlife. Explore the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, the best place to see gray wolves as well as bison, elk, and a host of smaller mammals and birds.
e National Park. Discover the wild countryside where bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn, bison, and coyotes roam. Use Tom's familiarity of animal behavior to capture outstanding wildlife images. Take in the distinct smells and sounds of Mammoth Hot Springs where colorful mineral terraces are as spectacular as the wildlife. Explore the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, the best place to see gray wolves as well as bison, elk, and a host of smaller mammals and birds.
Explore Hayden Valley en route to Old Faithful
Dec 31
Travel south from Mammoth Hot Springs to central Yellowstone, passing Yellowstone Lake and exploring beautiful Hayden Valley en route. Work on perfecting photographic technique while composing images of bison, pronghorn, elk, and other wildlife in different park habitats and pristine winter landscapes. End the day in the Old Faithful area before settling in at the historic Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Central Yellowstone National Park
Jan 1-2
Explore the Old Faithful area on foot by way of the extensive boardwalk system. Observe eruptions of Old Faithful geyser and discover other fascinating thermal features. The wildlife at the heart of Yellowstone is magnificent, creating striking photo opportunities amidst the contrasting backdrop of steaming pools and snow-blanketed terrain. Search for ideal winter scenes and wildlife to observe and photograph, and delight in bubbling mud pots, smoky fumaroles, and thermal pools of rainbow hues. Capture early-evening images of geysers illuminated by the setting sun, weather permitting.
Upper and Lower Geyser Basin via Mammoth Hot Springs
Jan 3
Return to Mammoth by private snowcoach, stopping to explore the Upper and Lower Geyser Basin and to photograph wildlife and the intriguing topography of Yellowstone.
Lamar Valley and return to Bozeman
Jan 4
Return to Lamar Valley for more wildlife viewing. In addition to wolves and larger mammals, search for coyote, red fox, river otter, bald eagle, as well as trumpeter swan, bufflehead, and other waterfowl. Visit Tom’s hometown of Livingston for dinner together before returning to Bozeman.
Depart home from Bozeman, Montana
Jan 5
Fly home from Bozeman.
Yellowstone
Travel to Yellowstone and capture images of snowy Old Faithful geyser, ice-covered Bison, fox, coyotes, and perhaps wolves.
45.777383, -111.160372
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Transportation
- Flights
- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $6,750 |
| Single Supplement | $2,090 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
We reserve the right to charge for cost increases that occur between when we set tour prices and the date of travel, for example, changes due to the cost of lodging and transportation. If you are a single traveler and you desire, we will find a roommate for you. If we cannot find you a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement fee. Single rooms are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Second | February 15, 2019 | $1,000 |
| Final | July 15, 2019 | Remaining balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space. For reservations made after a due date, all past payments will be due with registration. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule and cancellation policy as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another tour if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip's departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Privately chartered snowcoach in Yellowstone National Park on December 31 and January 3.
- Accommodations for the nights of December 28 through January 4.
- Meals from breakfast on December 29 through breakfast on January 5.
- Non-alcoholic beverages during meals.
- Gratuities for bus and snowcoach drivers, and meal service.
- Gratuities to porters at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.
- Trip Materials – information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Airport transfers – free shuttle available to and from Bozeman hotel, but subject to hours of operation.
- Extra nights – we can arrange extra hotel nights for an additional cost.
- Gratuities to luggage porters at hotels outside the park.
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance. Read more about travel insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation/Release Form.
Climate
Daytime temperatures are usually around 0°F (-20°C) but may reach up to the 20’s°F (-5°C). Subzero overnight temperatures are common. Warm winds will occasionally push daytime temperatures into the 40’s°F (5–10°C), causing significant melting of the snowpack at lower elevations, but cold snaps may drive temperatures much lower. Snow is a good possibility.
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable walking with and carrying your gear or standing for several hours at a time. The group usually covers distances under one mile at a slow pace and may occasionally walk short distances in snow.
Flights
Airfare is not included in trip costs. Detailed logistical information and the contact information for our recommended flight-ticketing agent are included in the Trip Materials we will send you. Pleaselet us know if you are arriving earlier or staying later as we are happy to assist you with any extra overnights that you might want to arrange.
Flights you (or a travel agent) book: Arrive in Bozeman, Montana at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) by the night of December 28. Depart from Bozeman anytime on January 5.
FAQ
Accommodations
Seasickness
Transportation
Travel in a private 15-passenger bus between Bozeman and Mammoth Hot Springs. For maximum flexibility inside Yellowstone, you spend two days traveling by private snowcoach.
Conditions
- Non-smoking policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy. Smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours.
- Maximum time in nature: We try to spend as much time in nature as possible, sometimes resulting in long days, but giving you a more in-depth experience.
- Itinerary route: The itinerary route, stops and plans are subject to change by unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as weather or road conditions.
- Additional forms: For some of our tours, you may be asked to fill out additional forms (e.g., medical questionnaire).
- Medical conditions and travel risks: Travel to remote places is exciting, but it is important to understand and accept the risks, both medical and logistical. Minor medical problems can usually be treated, but because you are often far from medical facilities, there can be no expectation for immediate medical treatment or evacuation, even in cases of trauma. Anyone with health problems needing close medical supervision should not consider going on this tour. Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip for any chronic medical needs since pharmacies are usually not available. When you send your deposit and signed Reservation/Release Form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants.
- Use of drones/UAVs on tours: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), AKA drones, are not suitable for use on most Cheesemans’ Ecology expeditions due to logistical constraints and in many cases, local and national laws or regulations. In some cases, such as on our polar voyages, we operate under environmental regulations that ban the use of recreational drones. Do not bring a drone on safari without contacting us first.