United States | Yellowstone Winter Photography with Layne Kennedy

United States | Yellowstone Winter Photography with Layne Kennedy

About this trip

Blanketed in snow and ice, the sheer beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in winter is simply unmatched. Embark on an unforgettable journey to photograph majestic landscapes and charismatic wildlife while exploring two of our country’s national treasures. Traveling aboard a comfortable, heated snowcoach offers greater access and unique perspectives on park scenery. Accompanied by Layne Kennedy, a renowned photographer whose images have been featured in magazines worldwide, you’ll have the opportunity to practice new techniques and add stunning images to your portfolio.

Highlights

  • Capture images of wildlife like wolves, bison, elk, mule deer, coyotes and bald eagles contrasted against the icy backdrops of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
  • Witness the geysers, hot springs and fumaroles of Yellowstone's Lower Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots and iconic Old Faithful.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking winter sights of Grand Teton National Park and enjoy photographing its beautiful snowy landscapes and majestic wildlife.
  • Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride for a close-up view of thousands of elk, and learn how the settlement of Jackson Valley has affected the herd's winter migration.
  • Explore the Old West town of Jackson and discover its many restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Meet your leader

Layne Kennedy

Educated in fine art photography, Layne Kennedy is known for his editorial photography that conveys a strong sense of place. His images are featured in magazines worldwide on subjects as varied as Pink Dolphins in the Amazon River to traveling with Polar Inuit hunters by dogsled.

His diverse feature work appears in Smithsonian, Audubon, Sports Illustrated, Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Traveler, Forbes, Business Week and other magazines.

He has contributed to numerous books for several publishers, including the National Geographic Society, The Nature Conservancy, Insight Guides, McMillan, Discovery, and more. He has completed several books titled Minnesota; Now & Then for Voyageur Press, A Hard Water World-Ice Fishing And Why We Do It, PADDLE NORTH-Canoeing The Boundary Waters/Quetico Wilderness for the Minnesota Historical Society Press, and LIGHT OVER ICELAND.

A frequent speaker at events and workshops, Layne has been teaching photography for more than 25 years. He currently teaches with the Worldwide Mentor Treks, MplsPhotoCenter, North House Folk School, Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge, and his own worldwide photo tours to Italy, Iceland and Kenya.

His photographs are represented by his office in Minneapolis, and Getty in New York City.

Layne’s newest book, BEYOND THE LIGHT-The Stories Behind The Photographs, a Special Edition Printing of only 750 copies, is now out! The book is a myriad collection of photographsand the stories behind the images spanning 45 years. It’s the perfect book for any photographer or visual artist. To get an idea of where and how this book was printed and some insight on why the book was published, please watch the 3-minute videos below made during Press Check at Brilliant Graphics in Exton, PA.
 
PRESS CHECK: https://vimeo.com/873077752    
 
Layne’s comments on the making of this book: https://vimeo.com/1031282183?share=copy 
 

Bozeman

Feb 12, 2026

Today, arrive at the Bozeman Airport, where you will meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel. *Please arrive in Bozeman by 3 pm. Enjoy some free time to settle in, and then join the group for a welcome orientation and dinner at a local restaurant.

Dinner included
Overnight at BW Plus Grantree Inn or similar

Bozeman

Feb 13, 2026

This morning, depart Bozeman and take a scenic drive to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park for a day of wildlife watching, scenic beauty and photography. In winter in the northern part of the park, especially Lamar Valley, the cold, wind, and snow drives the wolves, bison, mule deer, and coyotes down from the high ridges and mountains to forage and hunt for food in the open meadows near the road, creating optimum viewing for Yellowstone safari-goers. Although wolves roam throughout Yellowstone, Lamar Valley and the Northern Range's open vistas provides good viewing. You will also explore Mammoth Hot Springs with its beautiful Hot Spring Terraces. Lunch will be included today. After a wonderful day in Yellowstone, return to Bozeman for overnight.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at BW Plus Grantree Inn or similar

West Yellowstone

Feb 14, 2026

Embark on a full day of exploration in Yellowstone National Park, America's oldest and most famous national park, via snowcoach. After a scenic drive, arrive in West Yellowstone and board a heated snow coach, which provides a clear view, to move easily across the snow while listening to the insights of an experienced Yellowstone guide. Visit some of the landmarks for which Yellowstone is famous, including Madison River, Fountain Paint Pots, and the world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful. There will be plenty of time to witness Old Faithful's dramatic display, enjoy lunch on your own, and explore the area. In the afternoon, return to West Yellowstone and make additional photography stops along the way. The evening is free to spend time on your own.

Breakfast- included
Overnight at Holiday Inn or similar

West Yellowstone

Feb 15, 2026

After breakfast, meet your snowcoach driver once again and depart for another wonderful day in Yellowstone National Park. Today your destination is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Along the way, visit Norris Geyser Basin, which features Steamboat Geyser. While it doesn't run "on time" as much as Old Faithful, Steamboat is the tallest geyser anywhere on the globe and it's spectacular any time of year. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must-see phenomenon in winter. You'll be captivated by the snow clinging to the canyon walls and the ice bridge that forms at the bottom. It's definitely a "bucket list" location. If time allows, Hayden Valley will also be a stop on your route. It is here that you will often find photo-worthy bison herds, elk and other animals. Lunch is included today. Late in the afternoon, return to West Yellowstone to spend another evening free on your own.

Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Holiday Inn or similar

Jackson

Feb 16, 2026

Depart West Yellowstone for a scenic winter drive over Teton Pass to the Old West town of Jackson. After some free time for lunch on your own, head north into Grand Teton National Park for an afternoon of sightseeing and photography. The majesty of the Teton Range in winter is a sight to behold. Scenes of the Snake River with the Tetons in the background are beautiful and iconic. A blanket of snow also makes spotting wildlife easier. After a wonderful day, arrive at your hotel in the heart of Jackson. The evening is free to dine on your own at one of the many wonderful restaurants in town.

Breakfast- included
Overnight at Rustic Inn or similar

Jackson

Feb 17, 2026

Enjoy a beautiful winter day with incredible views of the rugged Teton Mountains. After breakfast, start the day with a fantastic winter experience. Just a couple miles north of Jackson is the National Elk Refuge, winter home for thousands of these majestic animals. Get a close-up view as you take a horse drawn sleigh ride right into the massive herd on the Elk Refuge. Your sleigh driver and guide will explain how the settlement of Jackson Valley affected the elk herd winter migration and why the refuge now plays an important role in their survival. Enjoy some additional photo ops at your host's discretion. Return to Jackson with the rest of the day free to explore its many restaurants, shops, and art galleries on your own. This evening, join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and celebrate your winter experience.

Breakfast-Dinner included
Overnight at Rustic Inn or similar

Departure

Feb 18, 2026

This morning, transfer to the Jackson Airport for your departure flight home.