United States | Yellowstone Winter Photography with Oregon State University Alumni
About this trip
Blanketed in snow and ice, the sheer beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in winter is simply unmatched. Join your fellow OSU alumni 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 Chris Johns, renowned photojournalist and awardwinning former editor-in-chief of National Geographic magazine, 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.
- Talk with science, nature and travel writer David Quammen (schedule permitting), author of "The Song of the Dodo," and meet documentary photographer Louise Johns, daughter of Chris Johns, while enjoying our time in Bozeman.
- 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.
- Meet with a member of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Meet your leader
Chris Johns, ’74
You may not know his name, but you could never forget one of his photos. Christopher Johns made some of the most recognizable pictures of our time. A renowned photojournalist and awardwinning former editor-in-chief of National Geographic magazine, Johns now serves as a strategic advisor to the National Geographic Society. He is a member of the advisory council for the Oregon Stater alumni magazine and in the upcoming year will support OSU journalism students through mentorship experiences and classroom collaborations.
After spending a career as a journalist walking the tightrope between worry and wonder, he’s now fostering a rising artist with her own distinct ethos. His daughter Louise Johns, who picked up a camera as a child during her father’s last assignment, now is shaping her own photography vision one image at a time.
Film: The Wonder and the Worry | The Wonder and the Worry is a film currently in production about two amazing careers, a lyrical exploration of family, and the craft of photography and the power of journalism to effect change. It is also the story of the transformation of one of the most influential institutions in publishing, National Geographic magazine, which has long celebrated a natural world now perched on the edge of irreversible global change. This is a story of the soul of journalism and of the achingly beautiful planet balanced precariously close to the edge of devastation. Your participation in this travel program will help support the film's production. Look for "The Wonder and the Worry" to launch in 2023.
Bozeman
Feb 2, 2023
Today arrive at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, where you will meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to settle in. Then, join the group for a presentation by a member of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the lands, waters and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, followed by a presentation by documentary photographer Louise Johns. Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Dinner included
Overnight at BW Plus Grantree Inn
Bozeman
Feb 3, 2023
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 with Chris Johns and his daughter, who is also a renowned photographer. 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 provide good viewing. You will also explore Mammoth Hot Springs with its beautiful Hot Spring Terraces. A boxed lunch will be included today. After a wonderful day in Yellowstone, return to Bozeman and enjoy dinner and an informal talk with author David Quammen.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at BW Plus Grantree Inn
West Yellowstone
Feb 4, 2023
This is your day to discover 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 snowcoach which provides a clear view, moving 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 own and explore the area. In the afternoon, enjoy a return trip to West Yellowstone with additional picture stops along the way. The evening is free on your own.
Breakfast- included
Overnight at Holiday Inn
West Yellowstone
Feb 5, 2023
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 with the evening free on your own.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Holiday Inn
Jackson
Feb 6, 2023
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
Jackson
Feb 7, 2023
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 the 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
Departure
Feb 8, 2023
This morning, transfer to the Jackson Hole Airport for your departure flight home.