Just your group and your guide, customized to your interests!
6-8 Hours
Gardiner | Mammoth | Lamar Valley
Cougars (also known as mountain lions) are among the most secretive animals in North America. The best way to learn about them is to search for their tracks in the snow and other sign that they leave behind as they live out their mysterious lives in this wild place called Yellowstone.
Cougar country is rough, steep country. While we can somewhat tailor your experience to your physical ability levels, we are beholden to the territory that cougars call home. Therefore, you should expect to hike or snowshoe (depending on conditions) off-trail over steep terrain with uneven footing.
The reward for your efforts will be a day spent in the beauty of the wild, for cougar country is also some of the most beautiful country to be found. We probably will not spot the elusive predator, but our goal will be to find their tracks and read the stories of their lives in the footprints and other sign left behind. Along the way, you can learn about tracking, cougar behavior and ecology, current research, and the geology and ecology of the landscapes cougars call home.
Cougars (also known as mountain lions) are among the most secretive animals in North America. The best way to learn about them is to search for their tracks in the snow and other sign that they leave behind as they live out their mysterious lives in this wild place called Yellowstone.
Cougar country is rough, steep country. While we can somewhat tailor your experience to your physical ability levels, we are beholden to the territory that cougars call home. Therefore, you should expect to hike or snowshoe (depending on conditions) off-trail over steep terrain with uneven footing.
The reward for your efforts will be a day spent in the beauty of the wild, for cougar country is also some of the most beautiful country to be found. We probably will not spot the elusive predator, but our goal will be to find their tracks and read the stories of their lives in the footprints and other sign left behind. Along the way, you can learn about tracking, cougar behavior and ecology, current research, and the geology and ecology of the landscapes cougars call home.
The following rates are total for the entire party:
1-2 Guests: $750
3 Guests: $775
4 Guests: $800
5 Guests: $825
6 Guests: $850
7 Guests: $875
8 or more guests: Please contact us for availability and pricing.
Your expert, local naturalist guide who has been tracking and filming cougars in the Yellowstone area for over a decade.
Transportation in our touring vehicle.
High-powered, high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes. We use the best optics for the best wildlife viewing.
Hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot cocoa)
Light snacks (such as granola bars, trail mixes, etc.)
Safety equipment: Your guide will carry bear spray, a first aid kit, and an emergency communication device, so all you have to worry about is enjoying your time in Yellowstone!
An engaging, educational experience in Yellowstone!
Your park pass. Park entry is not included in the price of your booking.
Layered clothing. Your confirmation email will include a detailed, seasonally-appropriate clothing and equipment list. If you have questions about clothing prior to booking, please just contact us!
Snowshoes may be required depending on conditions and may be available to borrow upon request.
Trekking poles. Even if you don’t normally hike with poles, a pole can come in handy to maintain balance in the steep terrain that is cougar country. We have some trekking poles to lend upon request.
Food. We provide hot beverages and light snacks. Please bring your trail-friendly picnic lunch.
Reusable water bottle, enough capacity to keep you hydrated throughout your hike.
Camera (if desired).
Small backpack to carry clothing layers, water, lunch, and snacks.
Hand- and toe warmers (optional).
Age-appropriate child car seats or booster seats for any children in your party.
Lots of questions, enthusiasm, and curiosity!
In order to hold your reservation, payment is due at the time of booking. We can accept full payment at time of booking, or a 50% deposit with the remainder due 30 days in advance of your tour date.
You may choose your cancellation policy at the time of booking. Protect your booking payments with our Flexible Trip Protection Cancellation Policy (additional charge of 15% of your booking total), or choose our Standard Cancellation Policy (no additional charge).
FLEXIBLE TRIP PROTECTION CANCELLATION POLICY (additional charge at the time of booking)
Under our Flexible Trip Protection Cancellation Policy, if you cancel your tour prior to 5 p.m. the day before your scheduled tour, your tour fee is fully refundable. If you cancel after 5 p.m. the day before your tour but before your scheduled departure time, your tour fee is 60% refundable. We are not able to offer any refund for tours canceled after the scheduled departure time.
The 15% Trip Protection Fee is non-refundable. If you booked online, the “fees” charged by the third-party booking system also are non-refundable.
Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles is not responsible for refund or reimbursement of any other travel expenses (such as lodging, airlines, etc.).
Rescheduling Your Tour with Us: We are happy to reschedule your tour for you at no additional charge until 5 p.m. the day prior to your tour, dependent upon availability.
STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY (Updated 3/25/2024)
If you cancel your tour 30 days or more in advance of your tour start date, you will receive a full refund. Under our Standard Cancellation Policy, we are not able to offer any refund for tours canceled within 30 days of the tour start date.
Under our Standard Cancellation Policy, if your trip needs to be canceled due to factors beyond our control, including (but not limited to) extreme weather conditions, wildfire, natural disaster, park closure, airline cancellations, or an “Act of God,” we will not be able to offer a refund.
As a small business, we regret that we are rarely able to make exceptions to our Standard Cancellation Policy. We strongly recommend that you purchase third-party travel insurance that will protect you in case of unforeseen cancellations or changes to your travel plans.
Rescheduling Your Tour with Us: We are happy to reschedule your tour for you at no additional charge, dependent upon availability. If you reschedule your tour within 30 days of your original tour departure date, your tour booking fee becomes non-refundable.
We believe in a strict code of ethics. The animals of Yellowstone face enormous pressure from the sheer number of visitors coming every day to observe them. The park has set forth certain rules that we will adhere to. Mainly, we must not disturb wildlife and we should maintain a good distance to ensure that the animals can carry on with their day-to-day lives and that we stay safe. The current rules include 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars (mountain lions) and at least 25 yards from everything else. We appreciate your understanding and so will the animals.
yellowstonewildlifeprofiles@gmail.com