Yellowstone Wild is a local, family-owned and operated guiding service offering custom tours in Yellowstone National Park.
We are a team of passionate lifelong learners and Yellowstone enthusiasts dedicated to crafting unparalleled, personalized experiences for visitors within Yellowstone’s majestic landscapes. Our mission is to engage curiosity for the wonders of the natural world through hands-on, inquiry-based excursions in Yellowstone National Park. Embracing a culture of respect, client connection, ethical and responsible engagement with the landscape, and sustainable operations, we collaborate to deliver the BEST personalized adventures for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.
We believe in fostering a playful sense of discovery, where wonder and curiosity become the driving forces of learning. Our vision is simple: To guide our guests—through exploration, play, observation, and discovery—to find their passion for Yellowstone and all wild places. In this immersive experience, we aim to not only create lasting memories but also instill a profound sense of pride and ownership for wild landscapes around the world.
At Yellowstone Wild, we are more than just “guides”; we are storytellers, artists, teachers, and stewards of nature. Collectively the Yellowstone Wild staff has over 80 years of experience guiding, educating, writing, photographing, researching, and exploring in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering–to craft and deliver unforgettable experiences that transcend the ordinary. We embrace the diversity of our guests, tailoring every day to each group’s unique interests, abilities, and backgrounds. Our guides work one-on-one with each client to ensure a Yellowstone experience that is special to EVERY participant. Our hope for every tour is that all guests walk away with their curiosity engaged and a piece of Yellowstone forever lodged in their hearts and minds.
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OUR CORE VALUES
Keep Learning: Embrace a lifelong commitment to learning about the natural, cultural, and scientific aspects of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to ensure our clients – and our own – curiosity is continually engaged at the highest level.
Client-focused Excellence: Provide an exceptional, personalized experience for all guests from all walks of life, ensuring a balance between education, enjoyment, and exploration during every tour.
Professional Integrity: Represent Yellowstone Wild in a positive, professional, and ethical manner, fostering respect for the environment, wild places, clients, and team members.
Team Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, contributing to the collective goal of delivering high-quality, hands-on guest experiences while encouraging ongoing professional development.
Environmental Stewardship & Conservation Efforts: Showcase unwavering dedication to environmental and conservation ethics through the meticulous upkeep of equipment, workspaces, and the surrounding ecosystems, guided by the principle of “Leave it cleaner than you found it.” Additionally, we aim to encourage a sense of ownership and responsibility for preserving the natural world among our participants.
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Updates February 14, 2025
Yellowstone Wild does not currently have any open positions. However, we always welcome submitted cover letters, resumes, and references to keep on file for future consideration.
Meet Our Team
About Matt
Lead Naturalist GuideMatt took the scenic route to Yellowstone and hasn’t left. After obtaining a degree in Wildlife Biology from Illinois State University, Matt followed some great advice and headed west.
He worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife on projects restoring native cutthroat trout to mountain lakes throughout the Centennial State. At CPW he also contributed to projects involving monitoring burrowing owls, raptors, and songbirds. From Colorado he continued west living and working in Oregon and Alaska. Matt was the crew leader for a research project in the Alaskan bush on Kodiak Island focused on sockeye salmon. The crew spent the summer collecting data on the migration of the young salmon from the freshwater lake they were born in to the sea.
Making his way back to the lower 48 he landed in Yellowstone where he now lives, plays and works. Yellowstone is a playground for a naturalist like Matt. Between the bears, birds, wolves, weasels, and thermal features, he might never leave. Matt spends his summers hiking and recreating all over the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in free time. Matt has joined the Yellowstone Wild Team on a year round basis and is embracing the opportunity to lead both single and multi-day wolf, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and family tours. He will bring a deep knowledge and enthusiasm of the natural world to your time in this magical place.
Matt is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation.
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Willian LaJoie; Google Reviews (5 stars) – September 2025 – Yellowstone Hiking Tour
“Matt is not just an excellent guide, he is elite, as well as being an amazing person. He provided wonderful company as well as informative feedback and observations, and could not have been more considerate. I give him and Yellowstone Wild my highest recommendations. This trip is one of the best memories of my outdoor life, and I will never forget any part of it.”
Kathi H.; TripAdvisor (5 stars) – January 2025 Wolves & Winter Wonders 6-Day PackageMission accomplished: Matt @ Yellowstone Wild was an amazing and informative guide who wouldn’t stop until we saw it all, our questions were answered, our stomachs were full, and our bones were tired. Matt had to be exhausted, yet he was enthusiastic at 6:30 each morning as we pulled out for more adventure. We got to meet and hear from passionate (and well published) experts in the field (although Matt was able to hold his own with all of them). Yes, the cold was real – but SO WERE THE WOLVES!!! The Wolves & Winter Wonders Tour – step outside your comfort zone, embrace the challenge – and let the magic happen!
Coupa Demo; Google Reviews (5 stars) – September 2025 – Canyon, Waterfalls, & Wildlife ExcursionWe booked the Canyon, Waterfalls & Wildlife Excursion with Yellowstone Wild after doing a lot of research (and gut feel!), and they truly lived up to their reputation. Our guide, MATT, was outstanding — friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable about the park.
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, with Matt’s expertise (and a bit of luck!) we saw an amazing variety: grizzly and black bears, a pack of wolves, bisons, elks, pronghorns, and even a coyote. The Canyon and waterfalls were breathtaking, and we were lucky to have perfect weather. Even the drive itself was a highlight — Yellowstone is simply stunning. This tour gave us experiences we never would have managed on our own. Highly recommend Yellowstone Wild, especially if you want the best chance at wildlife sightings combined with beautiful scenery. Highlight of our trip to Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons. It was a perfect day that we will always remember. Thank you for everything!”
About Laura
Lead Naturalist GuideLaura first came to Yellowstone from Chicagoland on a whim in 2005 with a friend to work for a summer at Old Faithful before heading off to college. After graduating with a degree in Sociology, getting married and exploring the west for a little over a decade, Yellowstone beckoned with its sulfuric arm.
While reconnecting with the wildness of Yellowstone, Laura became a certified interpretive guide who enjoys sharing her knowledge about wildlife, imagining what the park looked like over millions of years of geologic history, and discovering some of Mother Nature’s hidden secrets.
Laura has joined the Yellowstone Wild Team on a year-round basis and loves spending her free time identifying small scurrying critters’ tracks, and venturing out into seemingly untouched wilderness. She is ready to explore this enchanting part of our world together!
Laura is certified in avalanche safety and is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation.
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OlWacoAg; TripAdvisor (5 stars) – August 2025 – Old Faithful Excursion“Laura was our guide. You will be hard pressed to find anyone with more knowledge & at the same time as entertaining. She is enthusiastic about Yellowstone & knows this park backwards/ forwards & in her sleep. Her love of the Yellowstone is in her DNA. She does even the little things to perfection.
If you are hesitant about signing up, don’t! You will be so glad you did! It was a highlight of our experience.
We hope to see her on a future trip on a wildlife adventure!”
Jonathan Meaney; Google Reviews (5 starts) – August 2025 – Ultimate Yellowstone Geysers & Wildlife Adventure“Unbelievable experience! I was referred to Yellowstone Wild by a friend who had a great experience, and ours was incredible as well. Laura was extremely knowledgeable on all subjects about the Park from history and geology to detailed info on the animal populations. We learned a lot! We did the Ultimate Package with geysers on day one and animals on day two. Laura was excellent with our kids (13 and 11) and kept all of us engaged for the entire time. No detail missed. We saw 12 wolves, two grizzlies, mountain goats, ~ 1,000 bison…. and much, much more. Great scoping equipment with ability to record video using our phones too… Very cool. Strongly recommend Yellowstone Wild for anyone who wants a great experience in Yellowstone.”
Millard Griffin; Google Reviews (5 starts) – February 2025 – 6-Day Winter Wolf Watching Package“I have nothing but positives to say about the Yellowstone Wild experience. We saw a wide variety of animals and landscapes during our tour, including no fewer than six opportunities to watch the Junction Butte wolf pack in action. Laura was a phenomenal and gracious guide, offering insights into the wildlife, geography, and history of the park. Plus, somehow Laura and Emil got us back to the airport in nothing short of a blizzard! I highly recommend Yellowstone Wild as they delivered on the trip of a lifetime. One word of warning for Southerners such as myself – whatever you think you will need to stay warm, it won’t be enough! Just ask the Yellowstone Wild team and they will let you know what to bring!”
About Aleksa
Naturalist GuideAfter growing up in Syracuse, New York, Aleksa stayed fairly close to home for a few years after graduation. With a degree in Wildlife Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry under her belt, she studied small mammal and vegetation abundance in the heart of the Adirondacks. One day, she and her mother decided to take a trip to Yellowstone, and Aleksa was sold. It was less than a year after that when she said “goodbye” to the High Peaks and “hello!” to the Rocky Mountains. Aleksa now works in the park year-round, and is looking to keep it that way for quite some time. Where else in the world do you get wolves, bears, and boiling hot water shooting out of the ground all in the same place?
While she does love the larger animals of the park, insects, birds, amphibians, and all of the “little guys” have captivated Aleksa since she was a kid. When she is not birdwatching or hiking, you can usually find Aleksa hunched close to the ground, marveling at the creepy-crawlies that make the world go ‘round.
Aleksa is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation.
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Vivian G.; TripAdvisor (5 starts) – June 2025 – Bear & Wolf Tour
“This tour marks our fourth time out with Yellowstone Wild Tours. That should tell you all you need to know about this company. Our guide for our June tour was Aleksa. By the way, Aleksa was one of our tour guides back in March. She is awesome! We had the most amazing time. Although we’ve been to YNP several times, there is always something new to see and Aleksa made sure she took us to new places. We saw black bears, harlequin ducks, red dogs, elk and a great blue heron rookery. How cool is all that!? This is one fantastic tour company with extremely knowledgeable tour guides that love what they do and always make sure you have a great time. Yellowstone Wild Tours is and will continue to be our go-to tour company when we visit Yellowstone. Aleksa, Thank you for another great day at Yellowstone.”
Noel May; Google Reviews (5 stars) – June 2025 – Ultimate Yellowstone Geysers & Wildlife
“Wow! What an amazing 2 day Ultimate tour we had with Aleksa. We are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids (15 and 11 year old boys) and Aleksa answered all our questions, taught us a million things about Yellowstone’s geysers, hot springs, mud post and wildlife. She listened and engage with our 11 year old the entire time.
Day one we spent looking at the geysers and hot springs – all the way from Mammoth to Old Faithful. We got to see Fountain eruption, and the Bison in Grand Prismatic Springs and of course Old Faithful. Day two was all wildlife and thankfully Aleksa trusted her gut and we ended up in Lamar Valley. We were able to see a pack of wolves hunt and take down a baby bison! We also saw grizzlies, and big horn sheep, mountain goats… oh my. Truly unbelievable experience.”
Relax15252612702; TripAdvisor (5 stars) – June 2024 – Geysers, Hot Springs, & Bubbling Mud Pots Tour
“If you are going to Yellowstone, you absolutely MUST book a tour with Yellowstone Wild Tours! And request Aleksa. She is excellent! So much knowledge and wisdom, conveyed in a manageable and interesting way. Aleksa provided a perfect blend of information (enthusiastically) and some quiet time to just enjoy the beauty of the park. She was professional, engaging, accommodating, and a terrific storyteller! You can tell she loves what she does, and that the Park is home to her. She even remembered our hard-to -pronounce names! My boys and she bonded even over nonrelated park subjects (like books and movies). Aleksa accommodated our needs such as bathroom breaks, rest time, and seeing specific sites. She knew the answer to every single question my boys and I had, some of which were indirectly related to the Park itself. She knew the backstory of almost every mountain, geyser, hot spring, fumeral, and mud pot. The wildlife too. It’s like she has a personal relationship with each one! She also made some really good recommendations for when we are on our own, such as other sites to see in the Park, and restaurants in Montana. The food she provided was tasty and sourced from a local vendor. Oh, she’s also a safe and polite driver. She is worth every penny!”
About Erik
Operations Lead/Naturalist GuideErik grew up in the mountains of “The Middle of Nowhere,” Upstate New York. Ever since he was little, he was drawn to the great outdoors and spent countless hours exploring the woods, ever curious about the wonders of the natural world.
Erik developed a passion for travel and later traversed the globe, setting his sights on places where wildlife is abundant. On each trip, he made sure to go on some sort of “Wildlife Viewing/Spotting Tour.” Keen on assisting the guide to find animals—as well as on absorbing new information about the resident species that lived there—Erik always harbored a hidden passion to “one day” become a naturalist guide.
With a background in film, and having worked for CBS and NBC, Erik later dedicated several years to a private film company until he decided to change career paths entirely. He embarked on a one-way journey to South Africa where he learned about the wildlife, flora, and encompassing landscape. Here, Erik led safari tours and educated visitors from all across the world.
Erik loves applying his guiding skills and passion for nature to his naturalist position with Yellowstone Wild, and approaches each day as an opportunity to experience nature, learn new things, and share the natural world with folks from around the world.
Erik is an Eagle Scout, a certified field guide through the Field Guide Association of South Africa, and certified in Wilderness First Aid/CPR. In 2024 Erik completed the locally Yellowstone Guide Academy offered b
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Brooke Riherd D., TripAdvisor – June 2025 – Bear & Wolf Watching
“I would give 10 stars if I could! Everything was wonderful. We saw Grizzlies (wow, can they run!), adorable Marmots, tiny baby bison (and too many adults to count), and——two adults wolves and at least seven tiny wolf pups, some elk, 3 mule deer!! Our guide, Erik, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, kind, funny, patient. The food, especially the scones and coffee – was also special. The children did water colors, he helped everyone see the animals through his binoculars and his big scopes. We’ll remember it Forever!! Thanks, YL and especially Erik!”
Jacdqueline J, TripAdvisor – February 2025 – Winter Wolves & Wildlife
“Just got back from our Yellowstone Wild guided private tour with Erik. My girlfriend and I had an absolute blast! Erik was incredibly well-educated, amenable, and kind. In my opinion, tour guides make or break a trip, and Erik made today a day to remember forever. We were able to see 10 different species of wildlife, which I understand is impossible for the company to guarantee, but Erik went above and beyond to communicate with employees to stay updated on animal movement and quickly sprung into action to get us in the best vantage point for animal sightings.
The tour provided a luxurious, clean, and safe vehicle that handled the inclement weather perfectly. We were provided hot beverages, scones, snacks throughout the day, and lunch. I felt like Erik took care of us as if we were his own friends and family. As it was a (private) guided tour, we were able to determine what exactly we did throughout the day and Erik met every one of our requests, even stopping at a spot twice just to see if we could catch a second sighting of the Rescue Creek Wolf Pack.
We will absolutely be using Yellowstone Wild as a tour guide again. Highly recommend!”
Mingyuan Zhou; Google Reviews – May 2025 – Ultimate Yellowstone Geysers & Wildlife
“Absolutely incredible experience! We took the Ultimate Yellowstone – Geysers and Wildlife two-day tour and were lucky enough to have Erik as our tour guide. Erik was super experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, and caring. He constantly amazed us with fascinating insights about nature, and we saw all the wildlife – elk, bison, grizzly, black bear, wolf, coyote, big horn sheep, osprey, mule deer, moose, bald eagle, prong horn, and goose – during the second day. The refreshments (coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, lunch, and crackers!) were also fantastic. The best spotting telescopes gave us exceptional views of the wildlife. If you’re thinking about taking a tour, I can’t recommend Erik highly enough – he made our trip unforgettable!”
About Evan
Naturalist/Photo GuideEvan strives to educate and inspire all who come to Yellowstone and hopes that visitors leave the park with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the ecology, geology, and history of this magical place.
Check out Evan’s work on his website, Instagram, and YouTube sites.
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Tonya M., TripAdvisor, June 2025 – Summer Wildlife Photography Tour
“My daughter and I visited Gardiner/Yellowstone in June. We had an outstanding experience with Yellowstone Wild. They were all so helpful. From planning our two day photography session, making recommendations on where to stay, what restaurants to eat at, and what other activities we could do throughout the park on our own. Our tour guide was Evan, he was very knowledgeable about the park as a whole. On day one with Evan he took us to various spots within Yellowstone where wildlife was most active. He helped my daughter get positioned and capture the wildlife in their element. She was able to capture a wolf crossing the street which was a once in a lifetime experience. Day two we covered all geothermal throughout the park. She has photos of Grand Prismatic that are just breath taking. Thanks to him we were able to learn and understand how these geothermal creations were formed and how they have changed. We would both highly recommend Yellowstone Wild and their entire team and plan on returning in the future.”
Walt Cooper; Google Reviews – June 2025 – Bear & Wolf Watching & Geysers, Hot Springs, & Mud Pots
“Our family – grandparents and three grandchildren – visited Yellowstone June 18-22, 2025. We engaged with Yellowstone Wild for 2 amazing days of touring geothermal features and wildlife. On the first day, Evan, our expert guide, took us through numerous geothermal sites, including the Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pots, Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin. At each stop, Evan explained in detail the geologic phenomena for each feature (especially at Fountain Paint Pots, where all four major types of features occur), allowing plenty of time for viewing and appreciation. Our wildlife tour could not have been better! Evan selected prime viewing locations in Hayden Valley, where we observed a moose, a female grizzly bear with her cubs, a wolf being chased away by a female elk protecting her calf, coyotes, another herd of elk and a black bear. Later, in Lamar Valley, we saw mountain goats, bighorn sheep, eagles and ospreys located where only a seasoned guide like Evan could know. Throughout our tour, Evan was thoughtful, informative and attentive to our needs. He is a top-notch guide! This tour was our second engagement with Yellowstone Wild, and we would heartily recommend them to anyone interested in an in-depth understanding and appreciation of all the amazing features that Yellowstone National Park has to offer!”
Ed Blewer; Google Reviews – January 2025 – Multi-Day Photography Workshop (9-Days)
“Yellowstone Wild January Photography Tour with Guide Evan Watts is the Best Photo Tour in the Lower 48!
Guide Evan Watts used his experience working and photographing in Yellowstone to maximize our opportunities on the Northern Range and the interior of the park. The wonderful powdery snow provided a beautiful contrasting background for large bull moose, icy bison, mousing foxes, rams, coyotes, river otters, bald eagles, majestic bull elk and more.This doesn’t even cover the landscapes and beautiful light. And then, there were the huckleberry scones and hot chocolate for the midmorning warmup! This trip is a blur of awesomeness. Thanks, Evan!”
About Kyle
Naturalist/Photo GuideKyle is originally from Orlando, Florida where he earned a bachelors degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. While in Florida, he worked as a fire ecologist, freshwater mussel ecologist, small mammal biologist, and botanist with various NGO’s, state, and federal agencies. As Kyle entered what he calls his “quarter life crisis” at the age of twenty five, he decided to explore other opportunities and traveled to South America on a work assignment chasing jaguars using camera traps before eventually landing in Montana.
Moving to Montana was life-changing for Kyle. Initially working as a wildland firefighter in the summers and a fisheries biologist in the winter, everything changed when Kyle discovered guiding in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). This line of work proved insatiable to Kyle and before long he found himself leading tours in Yellowstone through every season. In addition to Naturalist Guiding, Kyle is a professional wildlife and nature photographer with more than 8 years experience.
When he’s not working you can almost always find him with a camera in hand exploring hidden treasures in the GYE. Kyle also enjoys just about anything outdoors and hanging out with friends and family. During the “shoulder” season of guiding Kyle is either running a photography workshop or traveling the world in search of wild places with wild animals.
Kyle is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation, Wilderness First Responder, and is Avalanche Level 1 certified.
You can learn more about Kyle, and see examples of photos, on Instagram, his website, and Facebook.
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BramptonJim; TripAdvisor – May 2025 – Summer Wildlife Photography Tour
“When we planned our 2025 trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone, the only thing we knew is that we would spend another day with Kyle Moon of Yellowstone Wild.
This time around Kyle had another excellent day planned for us, although it was not so rigid that we couldn’t change things up as dictated by the wildlife. Thank goodness we did since we saw nine grizzlies and a couple of lifer species as well! Kyle was once again very informative and educational, sharing his knowledge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Thanks to his great animal behavior knowledge I had great photo opportunities that others missed. We HIGHLY recommend booking with Yellowstone Wild and especially with Kyle. You will NOT be disappointed.”
wanderlustinwithsun; TripAdvisor – June 2025 – Summer Family Adventure Tour
“Our family of four spent a full day with Kyle from Yellowstone Wild Tours and saw animals we never would have spotted on our own—black bears, elk, bison, even wolves. Kyle’s knowledge of the park is unmatched; we even saw other guides asking him for advice during the tour. The tour was perfectly tailored for kids, with a later start time, snacks, and activities to keep them engaged. He adjusted the pace for us, shared fascinating insights about wildlife and the park, and made the entire experience seamless and fun. If you want to truly see Yellowstone’s wildlife, ask for Kyle—you won’t regret it!”
Christopher H; TripAdvisor – July 2024 – Bear & Wolf Watching Tour
“Yellowstone Wild is a first class operation! We booked a Bear and Wolf watching tour and were picked up at our hotel by our guide Kyle. Fresh baked scones and coffee/hot chocolate occupied our time as we headed out into the park. The morning was filled with pronghorn, bison, wolves and raptors. Snacks/drinks were always available and the streamside lunch was excellent. Most people want to know if it is worth the price when you could drive yourself through the park and probably see most of the same animals and sights. I say it definitely is worth every penny! You can not replace the intimate knowledge of the Yellowstone ecosystem that the guides possess, their stories, history, end experience. They know where and when to go to give you the best wildlife viewing opportunities. And they can show you things that you would never find for yourself, such as the hummingbird nest with chicks that Kyle showed us. Again, Yellowstone Wild tours are first class! They provide everything from food and drinks to binoculars and spotting scopes. They cater the tour to your needs and wants and do everything possible to ensure you have a wonderful experience. When we return to Yellowstone, we will definitely be touring with them again!”
About Rob
Naturalist/Photo Guide (Winter)Rob was first captivated by the grandeur of Yellowstone as a 9-year-old on a family vacation. His first memory of Yellowstone’s wildlife was watching the famed Druid Peak wolf pack hunting in Lamar Valley during the height of their reign. Over the next two decades, the pull of Yellowstone grew ever stronger as he racked up hundreds of miles exploring the trails of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. He spent three seasons working for one of the park’s main concessionaires before relocating to Gardiner permanently, where he has worked full-time as a guide for the past three years. He is passionate about sharing Yellowstone’s eminent wildlife, geology, and natural history with others.
Rob is also an avid landscape and wildlife photographer with 12 years of experience behind the camera lens. He loves the challenge of capturing the raw beauty and truly wild fauna of Yellowstone in photographic form. In addition to guiding, Rob enjoys climbing in the Tetons, backpacking throughout the GYE and beyond, and trying amazing new foods from around the globe.
Rob is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation and a Certified Wilderness First Responder. He studied Outdoor Recreation Leadership Management at Northern Michigan University.
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Laura P; TripAdvisor – January 2025 – Winter Wildlife Photography Tour
“My partner and I had the pleasure of being guided by Rob for 2 days for private winter wildlife photography tours. I cannot say enough about Rob and Yellowstone Wild. I chose Yellowstone Wild because I was impressed with how much their site highlighted an ethical approach to viewing and experiencing nature. It was very evident in the outlook and guidance from Rob as well. Rob was prompt, helpful, and knowledgeable about all the specific locations, habitats and recent sightings in Yellowstone. This is not a job for him- it’s clear Yellowstone, its history, its beauty, and its wildlife is a passion and a lifestyle for him. If you are lucky enough to be guided by Rob you will learn so much from him about all aspects of Yellowstone history, wildlife, and ecology. He clearly goes above and beyond not just because this is his job, but because he knows what a magical wonder Yellowstone is, and he’s not the type to keep it all to himself. He clearly wants to share the gift that is this most special place. He’s also an amazing photographer with so much to offer in guidance and feedback.
This will not be my last visit to the heaven on earth that is Yellowstone, and it definitely won’t be my last tour with Rob!”
Sarah M; TripAdvisor – January 2025 – Winter Family Adventure Tour
“My family and I loved our full day adventure with Yellowstone Wild. Rob was our guide, and he was terrific – friendly, conversational, easy-going. While wolves alluded us, we still saw lots of wildlife, went snowshoeing, and had a ton of fun! Highlights included a sleeping black bear in his den, lots of bison and elk, a coyote hunting in the snow, and gorgeous landscapes. The reservation process was simple and everyone I communicated with was so helpful and informative. We will be back again to see if we can see those wolves!”
Traveler; TripAdvisor – February 2025 – Winter Wolves & Wildlife
“We spent two awesome days with guide Rob Harwood in the Lamar Valley. Our son was doing a videography project on Yellowstone and its wildlife, and we had high hopes for seeing lots of different animals. Rob’s eye is amazing. He spotted a bull Elk nestled in an opening on a mountainside, found a bunch of Moose, and even a Pygmy Owl. He could spot two almost entirely hidden Great Horned Owls that I could barely see even after he pointed out where they were. All this on top of Bighorn Sheep, Coyotes, Wolves, Deer, a Fox, and ubiquitous Bison. Rob is incredibly knowledgeable and loves the park and the animals, and it shows. He went above and beyond. I highly recommend Yellowstone Wild.”
About Leysa
Naturalist GuideLeysa regularly states: “If you told me five years ago where I would be today, I would not believe you in the slightest.” Before moving out west, the big cities of Minneapolis and Chicago were her home. But, she always found comfort in the natural parts of the large, concrete cities. She regularly swam, canoed, or strolled about at Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes. Over the years, Leysa has found a passion for the tranquility, ecological diversity, and beauty out here in Yellowstone. Leysa has gained a vast knowledge of Yellowstone’s geology, wildlife, and history via volunteering for the National Park Service, being a Yellowstone Snowcoach Driver for the park’s main concessionaire in winter, and being a resident of this wonderful place for the last six years. She is excited to be on the team, connect with guests, and show visitors how important our natural world is.
Leysa’s favorite pastimes include using her spotting gear to watch wildlife. You can also find her hiking and exploring to her heart’s delight. She is currently a part-time student pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration on Natural Resource Conservation.
Leysa has recently become a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation and is a Wilderness First Responder.
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Wendy R.; Google Reviews – July 2025 – Bear & Wolf Watching
“The tour was AWESOME, Leysa was our guide she was spot on! Very energetic and kept the group we had of varying ages interested and engaged (56 to 9 years old) we saw moose with baby – black bear – cinnamon bear – wolves galore and got to see them cross the Lamar River – we followed a coyote too – not to mention the ground squirrels – bald eagle – multiple hawks – I did say our tour was awesome……it was well worth it!”
Justin Etheredge; Google Reviews – June 2025 – Bear & Wolf Watching Tour
“Our family of four, including a teenager and six year old, had a wonderful time. We saw bears, several wolves (wow!), a coyote, eagles, mountain goats, and numerous other wildlife. While they can’t guarantee you’ll see wildlife, our guide Leysa did a wonderful job of doing everything she could to find the wildlife. She was knowledgeable, polite, patient, and ended up creating a wonderful experience for our family. Highly recommended!”
Colleen E; TripAdvisor – October 2023 – Yellowstone Hiking Tour
“Yellowstone Wild turned a girls’ week with two moms and their daughters into the adventure of a lifetime. We had some personalized, particular “wish lists” and the team at YW made it happen. Rob, and Leysa were amazing guides, managed to find us a black bear, a gray wolf, a whole lot of elk, and an amorous bison couple. They made a specialized hike through the Madison Valley and to Fairy Falls, which was personal and cathartic. After the first day, recognizing the physical limitations of one of our party and the challenges of Yellowstone, they were astute enough to bring two guides so that all of our hopes could be met while taking into consideration everyone’s abilities. The guides were all incredibly knowledgeable, educational, and fun. I’m not a “guided” anything person, but I cannot imagine this trip without our Rob and Leysa. It’s a shame we can’t take them on all our vacations! And Yellowstone Wild, as a company, rocked – totally going above expectation, not just with these tours, but in helping us manage an unrelated problematic company. So grateful to YW and to Rob and Leysa for making our trip a “lifetime experience.””
About Parker
Naturalist GuideNew to Yellowstone Wild, but well-versed in Yellowstone National Park, Parker was raised in Connecticut where he spent his childhood exploring the woods around his parents’ home, building forts, and climbing rocks and trees. From a young age, he was forever chasing the high that only wild places could deliver.
In his early 20s, Parker moved west to seek bigger mountains and new adventures. Over the past decade, he has worked in various roles within the outdoor industry. After spending a few years in Portland, Oregon, he fell in love with the lush forests and snow-capped Cascade Mountains.
The pull of wide-open spaces eventually led him to Montana, which he now calls home. Joining the Gardiner, MT. based YW team from Missoula, MT., Parker has most recently led front and backcountry group adventures for REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) Parker’s first memory of Yellowstone dates back to a Thanksgiving family trip many years ago. During that visit, he experienced two of his favorite things: eating pie and watching wildlife as massive herds of bison roamed the Lamar Valley. That unforgettable moment in such a pristine wilderness sparked a deep connection to the park that continues to grow daily. His love for Yellowstone is not just a job requirement, but a personal connection that he hopes to share with everyone he meets.
Parker’s excursions are enriched by his BA in Communications from Western Connecticut State University. This educational foundation has been instrumental in his success in environmental interpretation and education. He takes great pleasure in delving into the rich history and ecology of Yellowstone National Park, and sharing his knowledge with others.
Parker’s commitment to safety and environmental conservation is evident in his certifications. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace educator, and an REI Backcountry Guide & Instructor.
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Michael Velasco; Google Reviews (5 stars) – September 2025 – Bear & Wolf Watching Tour
“The bear & wolf watching tour with Parker yesterday was amazing! Even with a very rainy start to the mid September day, we saw 3 black wolves, a gray wolf, a coyote, a grizzly, black bears, pronghorn, and even 2 mountain goats. We were able to leisurely watch these animals, really taking them in, due to Parker’s expert spotting with three large scopes which worked great for the four of us adults. Without his expertise and the scopes, we would have gotten up early, driven through the dark to the Lamar Valley, tried finding animals with our binoculars and given up in short order. Instead we were watching bears & wolves in the wild, had engagTake this private tour & get up early. It made all the difference. We’ve been to Patagonia, Atacama Desert and taken other tours over the years…Parker truly was the best guide in our experience. So knowledgeable; he effortlessly wove in information about the animals, geology, and Yellowstone history throughout the eight hours while being thoughtful and considerate of each individual. We are grateful. One last comment, try calling the company even if their schedule shows no availability online. They were excellent with communication and fit us in.”
Bill Smith; Google Reviews (5 stars) – August 2025 – Bear & Wolf Watching Tour“Great tour with Parker! He was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, polite, and friendly. We all had a great time. Saw a pack of wolves with pups, lots of bison, mountain goats, mountain sheep, many pronghorn, osprey nest with 3 osprey, and sand hill cranes. The optics equipment is top notch. He took us out for almost nine hrs and never made us feel rushed. He even double backed and made a special trip so that our son could meet the author of the wolf book he is reading, Rick McIntyre. The breakfast of huckleberry iced scones was lovely and the setting for lunch was beautiful. We had a nice picnic with sandwiches, fruit, and crudite. He also provided hot cocoa, sparkling water, coffee, and lots of healthy snacks. Parker clearly loves this area and we loved listening to and learning from him. Highly recommend this tour company and Parker is awesome! Thank you for a great day!”
About Emil
Owner & FounderEmil was raised on a remote ranch in the mountains of southern Colorado, where from a very early age he developed a deep interest in the wildlife and wild places around him. As a child growing up in a wilderness environment, he spent much of his youth exploring the natural world and taught himself to track and observe the wildlife in the mountains and forests near his home. Emil earned a Bachelor´s degree in biology with an emphasis in ecology from Colorado College. He studied carnivore ecology on campus and abroad, and in 1997 he began formal field research in Costa Rica with leading jaguar scientists. Shortly after college he studied mountain lions in Yellowstone National Park, and gained valuable first-hand experience with Yellowstone´s amazing wildlife. Emil then spent an instrumental winter snow-tracking wolves through the Northwoods of Michigan, before attending graduate school to earn a Master´s of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Humboldt State University. His graduate studies included five years of field research on mountain lion feeding ecology. Emil has authored many scientific publications and educational articles and taught courses on traditional and modern animal tracking.
Emil´s work to study and conserve wild carnivores has taken him to many unique locations throughout North and Central America, Europe, Southern Africa and the Saharan Deserts of Morocco. Prior to returning to Yellowstone, he spent five years working for the European Union on the reintroduction and conservation of the Iberian lynx, the world´s most endangered wild cat, in the Sierra Morena Mountains of Spain and Portugal.
About Tyrene
Owner/General ManagerOriginally from Portland, Oregon, Tyrene fell in love with Yellowstone and its ecological diversity during her first visit to fish in the park in 1996, while pursuing a BFA in Acting in Ashland, Oregon. It was a life changing experience, and in 2002, she made the choice to give up her dreams of Broadway to live the dream of moving to Yellowstone. Since 2007, Tyrene has worked in the park as an Interpretive guide, snowcoach driver, fly-fishing guide & instructor, Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer, and outdoor educator. Tyrene finds inspiration in guiding both new and seasoned park visitors to find a deep and personal connection to Yellowstone as well as encouraging them to discover what wildness means to them.
Tyrene’s greatest joy is the timeless beauty of a day on a river, and she spends as much time as possible in the backcountry of Yellowstone and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness searching for wildlife (not just fish!), wildflowers, and her next great adventure. She passionately believes that fostering education through fun, interactive, hands-on experiences has the power to inspire change, increase understanding of, and develop a voice for, our wild places. She brings this passion to the Yellowstone Wild team with a deep-rooted commitment to fostering and implementing a culture focused on continual professional development, one-on-one coaching, and biannual seasonal trainings with the Naturalist staff.
Tyrene is a Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer and Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation.
Lola & Chance
Directors of Joy and OptimismLola and Chance are not just team members, they are the heart of Yellowstone Wild. As best friends and adventure partners, they have worked hard to develop their professional contributions to the team by remaining available at ALL times to lend a paw in all aspects of the operation. Their presence is not just felt, but deeply appreciated by all.
Lola’s dedication to her duties is unwavering. Her special skills include chasing the shop bunnies away from incoming/outgoing vehicle traffic, assisting with the removal of potential hazards such as elk/deer bones, and ensuring the Yellowstone Wild workspace remains 100% free of wayward food items. Her efforts to ensure the property is clear of all possible bear/animal attractants have been an inspiration to the entire team (she sure leads by example!). The staff remains grateful for the positive attitude and true joy she brings to her daily duties. Additionally, she is exceptionally cute and loves to have her front paws massaged. She’s always game for snuggles, and when staff need a hug, a laugh, or a hiking buddy, they know Lola will be there for them!
Chance’s greatest strength lies in his tireless efforts to keep the team engaged. His motto is simple: “If you have time to talk, you have time to throw!” Chance takes this seriously as demonstrated through his commitment to pursuing any manner of flying object, including (but not limited to): frisbees (preferred), sticks (close second), balls, stuffed animals, pinecones, small rocks, 2×4’s, entire logs, twigs, bones, ropes, and much, much more. When staff is busy and unable to throw an object for Chance immediately, his continued optimism in keeping his team motivated to throw something is beyond inspirational. He knows the crew will buckle eventually and he’s ready when they do! This “keep ’em engaged” work ethic has proven invaluable for staff morale when things get tough. We can’t thank Chance enough for reminding us of the healing power of staying active, engaged, and enjoying the endless bounty of the natural world.