Moose winter safari

Seasonal tour: This tour operates only from October through December, depending on snow. (The road is not plowed in winter, and can only be driven until snow is too deep, so bookings later in December may not work out. Call us at 406-298-4300 to inquire about snow conditions.)

Spend the morning exploring an area with a large moose population and beautiful scenery. In November, moose will be in their rut, so you may have the opportunity to photograph rut behaviors.

This is a half-day tour, as moose will generally leave the open areas and head back into the trees as the day warms up. We will aim to be entering the area at sunrise. If moose activity is low or they leave early, we can do some light hiking or more scenic driving, looking for other wildlife, with the remainder of the tour.

Cost$599 + $50 per person *
Maximum capacity6 people
Duration5 hours

* Gratuity not included.

You can also book by e-mailing help@backroadsbear.com, or calling or texting 406-298-4300. Tours are fully customizable, including pickup times and locations, so contact us if you don’t see the option you want.

What’s included

Tours include the following for no additional charge:

  • A professional photographer as your tour guide
    • Certified Yellowstone Master Naturalist
    • Certified Montana Master Naturalist
    • Certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid, and will carry a first aid kit, bear spray, and GPS with emergency SOS capability for safety
  • Snacks
  • A reusable water bottle and a supply of water for refills
  • Use of a limited selection of equipment
  • Transportation in a Cadillac Escalade

Equipment that is available for your use on a photography tour:

  • Tripods, with ball heads with Arca-Swiss quick release
  • Monopods, without heads
  • Arca-Swiss plates for your camera
  • Binoculars and spotting scope
  • Head lamps
  • Low-level lighting units with stands

Not included:

  • Gratuity
    • Not required, but always appreciated

What you should bring

Any photo tour is based on the assumption that you will be using a DSLR camera. Here are some basics you’ll need to go along with your camera:

  • A long lens for wildlife
    • A zoom is ideal. You may have trouble with a prime lens, as there may not be opportunities to move very far towards or away from your subject.
  • A mid-range zoom for scenics, closer wildlife, etc
    • A zoom that covers mild wide angle to mild telephoto is ideal.
  • Plenty of storage cards for your camera

If you need a particular lens, or some other piece of expensive photo equipment, but don’t have it, we can help you get a rental from a local camera shop. (Availability may be limited.)

For any children under 60 lbs, you will need to bring a car seat.

Other needs

Beyond photography needs, there are some basics you’ll need for any trip to this area.

  • Good shoes
    • If hiking, wear wool socks and a good pair of comfortable shoes or boots.
  • Layers!
    • No matter what time of year you visit, layers of clothing you can add or remove are crucial. Even in the summer, mornings can be in the 40s or 50s (in degrees Fahrenheit), while afternoons can be in the 80s or 90s.
  • Sun protection
    • Long sleeves/pants, sunscreen, hat, etc. The sun is powerful out here!
  • Rain gear
    • Rain can spring up out of nowhere, so having a raincoat and rain pants available is important.