Welcome to a visual journey through the raw beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in winter. These images capture moments from a one-week ski trip through Yellowstone, followed by visiting the dramatic landscapes of Grand Teton. From steaming geysers to snow-covered peaks, the photos offer a glimpse of the quiet, striking scenery that makes these parks so special in the winter season.

Yellowstone

This winter route led from Old Faithful through the geothermal areas of Midway Geyser Basin and Norris Geyser Basin, continuing on to the dramatic landscapes around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Old Faithful Area

This is the most-frequented part of Yellowstone, known for its namesake geyser that erupts reliably and draws visitors from around the world. In winter, the crowds fade a bit, revealing a quieter side of this geothermal hotspot. Surrounded by steaming geysers, colorful hot springs, and snowy forests, it’s a striking and surreal landscape.

Midway Geyser Basin

Midway Geyser Basin features some of Yellowstone’s most dramatic thermal sights, including the Grand Prismatic Spring. In winter, thick steam often obscures its vibrant colors, but the basin’s otherworldly atmosphere and steaming runoff channels cutting through the snow remain striking.

Further along Firehole and Gibbon Rivers

From Midway Geyser Basin, we followed the road along the Firehole River to the Madison River, then continued along the Gibbon River toward Norris Geyser Basin. The following images were taken along the way.

Norris Geyser Basin

This is Yellowstone’s hottest and most dynamic thermal area. It features acidic springs, steaming vents, and geysers—including Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, though it erupts only rarely.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Carved by the Yellowstone River over thousands of years, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the park’s most dramatic landscapes. Its steep, colorful walls and powerful waterfalls—Lower and Upper Falls—create a breathtaking scene, especially striking in winter when snow and ice frame the canyon’s golden and red rock layers. We spent two days camped at the canyon’s rim.

Yellowstone Wildlife

We also encountered wildlife along the way, especially bison. On our return trip out of the park, we were fortunate to witness a pack of wolves hunting bison—a rare and unforgettable sight. The hunt is featured in my video about the trip.

The Tetons

After Yellowstone, we spent a few days exploring Grand Teton National Park with short day trips. Towering peaks, frozen lakes, and crisp winter air made for unforgettable moments—especially during early morning visits, when the light was special and the landscape quiet and still.