The historic stone arch marks Yellowstone’s original gateway and is one of the park’s most iconic photo stops. Built in 1903 and dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt, it symbolizes Yellowstone’s legacy as the world’s first national park. In winter, the surrounding landscape is often snow-covered, making for dramatic photos and a great place to orient guests to the park’s history before heading into the Northern Range.

Fort Yellowstone is the historic heart of the park’s early management era. From 1886–1918, the U.S. Army helped protect Yellowstone’s wildlife, geothermal features, and visitors—long before the National Park Service existed. Today, the area includes preserved buildings and exhibits that help guests understand how Yellowstone became a model for park protection and stewardship.

One of Yellowstone’s classic lodging landmarks, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel sits in the Northern Range near year-round wildlife habitat. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a great regroup point with restrooms, historical character, and a true “Old Yellowstone” feel. In winter, the area often has elk nearby and provides a comfortable base for exploring Mammoth’s travertine terraces.

Mammoth is famous for its steaming travertine terraces—white, tan, and rust-colored limestone formations created as hot water rises, cools, and deposits minerals. The Upper Terrace area can be explored on foot (or snowshoes, depending on conditions) and offers a front-row look at a geothermal system that changes constantly. It’s one of the best places to see Yellowstone’s geology at work in real time.

A scenic waterfall along the road between Mammoth and Tower Junction, Undine Falls is an easy, quick stop with a big visual payoff. In winter, the falls may be partially frozen, creating striking ice formations and a quiet, dramatic setting. It’s a perfect “stretch-your-legs” viewpoint and a great place for photos without committing to a long walk.

Specimen Ridge is a scenic stretch of road and ridgeline views that sits above prime winter range. It’s known for wide-open sightlines—ideal for spotting wildlife across valleys and hillsides. The area also carries deep geologic and ecological stories, with a landscape shaped by volcanism, time, and weather. It’s a reliable section to slow down, scan, and let Yellowstone come to us.

Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is Yellowstone’s top winter wildlife viewing region. The broad, open landscape makes it easier to spot animals against snow, especially early and late in the day. Bison herds, elk, coyotes, foxes, and raptors are common, and wolf sightings are possible with patience, good optics, and a little luck. It’s the centerpiece of a true winter safari experience.

Cooke City is a historic silver mining town at Yellowstone’s northeast edge and our overnight base for the safari. It’s small, rugged, and perfectly positioned for early and late wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley corridor. Wildlife often moves right through town—moose are known to stroll the streets—so even “downtime” can turn into a viewing opportunity.