We booked the 4-Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Winter Adventure knowing full well that seeing wildlife is not a guarantee. This was also reiterated by our Brush Buck tour guide, Mark Binstadt. With that, it wasn't more than thirty minutes into our first day when Mark spotted three moose. A few miles down the road we saw a sow and calf. Mark wasn't only a great spotter, but a wealth of information. He explained the history of the area, the geology, animal habitats and behavior...and so much more. I'd say he's like a human encyclopedia of the outdoors. Mark fed our curiousity and kept us engaged. I think a guide can make a huge impact on a tour experience. Mark's knowledge added a layer to our tour that made it as interesting as seeing the wildlife. We saw herds of bison, elk, mule deer, mountain bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans, various water fowl and birds, bald eagles and a few coyotes. I was hoping to get great photos of wildlife, and I'm happy to say, I did!
The tour also included a sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson. The sleigh took both of our Brush Buck tour groups out on the refuge to see the elk herd while learning about the refuge and the elk.
Once in West Yellowstone we took a snow coach into the park with our new guide, Matt. We had many opportunities to get out and photograph bison and the landscape. We visited numerous thermal pools and the famous, "Old Faithful," or as some locals call it, "Old Waitful!" The tour was just a small sampling of Yellowstone's vastness, but we felt it was an amazing introduction, so much so that we'll definitely come back. Our guide Matt was great too, adding personal humor to make the tour fun while educating us about the park and it's wildlife.
The following day we we're back with Mark and visited the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. It's an opportunity to see these two animals up close. Bring your camera or phone! They also have a river otter exhibit, a museum with great educational displays, and a gift shop .
Our last day was bitter sweet as we headed back to Jackson knowing we'd be flying out the next day. Brush Buck tour along with our amazing guide Mark Binstadt exceeded our expectations. Sad to part ways, but hope we'll do it all again sometime.
No complaints about the accomodations, transportation or the food!