Private tour in Gardiner Brian F

Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Wildlife Tour

5.0

(17) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Brian F.

5.0

Guide rating

26

Reviews

Tours delivered

10 hrs

Avg. response time

PLEASE NOTE: During the summer I offer guided backpacking tours in Yellowstone and may be camping in the backcountry when you contact me. My TBL calendar will have the exact dates that I'm "off the grid" and unavailable... but I will always reconnect when I return. Thank you!! MY BIO I grew up in a small town in Upstate New York, near the foothills of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. The Adirondack Park is a sprawling six million acre preserve that is one of the largest in the contiguous United States, and while it's not considered a National Park, it is larger than Yellowstone, Glacier, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and the Great Smokies combined, and these incredible landscapes were my playground. I spent my summers exploring these rugged mountains, climbing all forty six peaks over 4,000 ft. before heading off to college. This was just the beginning of a lifelong passion that would take me to the western United States and eventually to my new home in Montana. After moving to Bozeman in the fall of 2002, hiking and backpacking in Yellowstone became a regular activity. With the help of a good friend I travelled Yellowstone's backcountry, photographing and documenting the many beautiful and remote locations that I now share with others. It’s a personal journey spanning nearly two decades and it’s a place where I feel right at home. My decades of hiking and backpacking in these remote locations gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed, and in 2014 I became a full-time tour guide in Yellowstone National Park. My guided tours are geared toward every skill level and interest and it’s all about having fun, enjoying the amazing scenery and learning about the park’s incredible history, wildlife and geology. Meander across picturesque landscapes abundant with wildlife, walk in the footsteps of the iconic bison and the elusive gray wolf, and hike beside spectacular thermal features that inspired colorful stories among the early explorers. See Yellowstone for yourself and "rekindle your love for adventure!" Safe Travels -B- I'm an authorized permit holder (CUA) with Yellowstone National Park and my permits include: guided day hiking, interpretive/driving tours and overnight guided backpacking adventures. I have training in wilderness first-aid, Leave No Trace ethics and I'm certified in CPR/AED through the American Red Cross.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Brian F.

Overview of your Gardiner tour

Take a drive through Yellowstone’s beautiful “Northern Range,” an area known for its abundant wildlife, including; the majestic elk and bison, the emblematic gray wolf, the powerful grizzly bear and the fleet-footed American pronghorn. These rolling sagebrush grasslands provide plenty of opportunities for spotting Yellowstone's iconic wildlife. We’ll visit the famed Lamar Valley, a place considered by many to be the heart of Yellowstone. A place that is often referred to as the “American Serengeti.” This is where the dramatic return of both bison and wolves has unfolded for all the world to see. Yellowstone is at the center of one of the last remaining intact "temperate" ecosystems in the world and you’ll experience this one-of-a-kind landscape up close and personal.

Recent Reviews

Michael L.United States
1 week ago

Amazing Tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the parks eco system and wildlife. The tour was catered to our desired itinerary. Don't look elsewhere, secure your tour asap. ENJOY...

Alan M.United Kingdom
3 weeks ago

Brian was very helpful to us when first we reached out to him despite not making a booking. He proved to be a great choice with his knowledge, flexibility, and helpfulness. I particularly appreciated his kindness when I wasn't feeling too good on the early part of our second tour - thank you Brian. Fully recommend Brian for anyone wanting a tour of Yellowstone.

Scott G.United States
September 2026

Brian was simply awesome. We were interested in primarily wildlife and Brian delivered. His vast knowledge of the history of the park was greatly appreciated. His truck was the perfect vehicle for our tour. Brian arrived on time and was a wealth of information. We will certainly use Brian again in our next visit.

Estelle A.United States
September 2026

Brian was amazing! He knew exactly how to entertain our entire family, from our 3-year-old to our 60-year-old. We highly recommend him. Thank you so much, Brian! 🙏

Amy K.United States
September 2026

In a word: FANTASTIC. We would highly recommend Brian without hesitation. We spent two full days with Brian exploring Yellowstone, over 12 hours each day, and it was an unforgettable experience. Brian is a wealth of knowledge, and he taught us so much about the park's history, wildlife, and unique geology. No question was too small, and he had a gift for engaging our three-generation group at exactly the right level for everyone, from grandparents to grandkids.Brian was incredibly flexible and responsive, accomodating our requests to visit the wildlife sanctuary near the west entrance, and taking us to the lesser known Earthquake Lake. He planned our schedule to ensure that we covered all the major sites and experiences in our packed two days at the park. He came prepared with plenty of snacks and drinks, and even set up a lunch break on the side of the road overlooking an incredible view-- which was a highlight of the trip. What really set Brian apart was his intuition. He knew exactly when to share fascinating stories and when to let the group rest during long stretches in the car. He also knew the best spots for ample bison viewing, and took us off the beaten track to a stunning hike overlooking the Yellowstone River. Beyond his expertise, Brian was simply a joy to be around. Every member of our group loved spending time with him. Thank you, Brian, for making our visit to Yellowstone so memorable, enjoyable, and special. We are deeply grateful, and we'd use him again in a heartbeat!

Sam G.United States
August 2026

Brian was fabulous - he drove all the way from Montana and met us at the Old Faithful Inn. He took us to see a lot of wildlife - especially Buffalos. He also gave us suggestions for what to do in Yellowstone the next day. He also had a new vehicle which he was very proud of - and indeed it was very nice. I do not know how the tour could have been any better!

Your Gardiner tour itinerary

Here is a sample itinerary if we start in Gardiner, Montana: • Our first stop is the iconic Roosevelt Arch. Built in 1903 this historic landmark greets millions of visitors entering Yellowstone’s North Entrance. • Next, we'll visit Mammoth Hot Springs, enjoying the colorful thermal area known as the Upper Terraces. • On our way to the Lamar Valley we'll cross the grasslands of the Blacktail Plateau. An area of rolling alpine meadows that are an ideal place to look for wildlife among the quieter landscapes of Yellowstone’s backcountry. • Our next stop is Tower Junction where we'll visit one of the park's unique petrified trees. • Finally, we'll head to the Lamar Valley, where you'll see herds of bison and elk while keeping a keen eye out for wolves and grizzlies. Here you'll enjoy the beautiful scenery and history of how both wolves and bison were reintroduced in Yellowstone. • Return to our starting destination.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van

Ford Transit 350 - Passenger Van

What's included
Private Guide
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Tickets: Park entrance fees
What's not included
Accommodation
Public Transportation
Tastings
Classes Workshop
Private Transportation With Driver
Other: Airfare
Meeting location

Gardiner, MT, USA

For this tour I can accommodate guests who are staying at the Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone National Park (seasonal) or the surrounding communities of Gardiner, and Bozeman, Montana.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Bird Watching
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1425515
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Gardiner best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to explore Yellowstone's Northern Range. It's ideal for those interested in seeing iconic wildlife like elk, bison, wolves, and grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Travellers looking to connect with a local expert like Brian F. for deeper insights into the park's ecosystem will find this tour particularly rewarding.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Gardiner be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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