guided tour to yellowstone national park

THE 10 BEST Yellowstone National Park Tours & Excursions

Yellowstone national park tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Photography Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Motorcycle Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour

2. Yellowstone Lower Loop Full-Day Tour

3. From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

4. VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop - West Yellowstone, MT

5. Full Day Yellowstone Nat'l Park Tour From West Yellowstone

6. Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Nat'l Park Tour From Gardiner

7. Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from Jackson

8. Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Nat'l Park Tour From Bozeman

9. Lower Loop of Yellowstone Guided Tour

10. Private/VIP Wildlife Winter Safari of Yellowstone

11. Yellowstone Tour Lower Loop from West Yellowstone, with Lunch!

12. Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful

13. VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Upper Loop - West Yellowstone, MT

14. 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration

15. Grand Prismatic Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

16. Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari + Waterfalls with lunch!

17. Private Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

18. Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch

19. Private All-Day Tour of Yellowstone National Park

20. Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features

21. Madison River Guided Kayak Tour

22. Private Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour

23. Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari from Bozeman

24. 4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch

25. Yellowstone and Grand Teton 4 Day 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

26. Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch

27. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch

28. Upper Loop of Yellowstone Guided Tour

29. Yellowstone Lake Twilight Tour

30. Grand Teton and Yellowstone Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

What travelers are saying.

• Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
• VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop - West Yellowstone, MT
• Yellowstone Lower Loop Full-Day Tour
• From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour
• Full Day Yellowstone Nat'l Park Tour From West Yellowstone
• The Wildland Trekking Company
• Shurr Adventures
• Yellowstone Hiking Guides
• VoiceMap Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Geyser Kayak Tours
• Yellowstone Wild
• Wake Up to Wildlife Tour
• Yellowstone National Park Lodges - Day Tours
• Yellowstone in a Day

• 1.888.282.5868
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BrushBuck Wildlife Tours

Yellowstone Tours

Yellowstone National Park is a vast and rich national park, filled with an abundance wildlife and hydrothermal features like the famous Old Faithful geyser. Book an unforgettable tour of Yellowstone National Park with the expert guides at BrushBuck Wildlife Tours!

Did you know the Old Faithful geyser is just one of over 10,000 active hydrothermal features within Yellowstone National Park?

Our Yellowstone tours focus on viewing these geothermal features and vast wildlife including grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and so much more. Get the most out of your Yellowstone National Park vacation by booking a tour with the veteran guides at BrushBuck Wildlife Tours. We offer summer and winter tour options with single day and multi-day tour formats. Tours embark from Jackson, WY, and West Yellowstone.

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours is a veteran owned business based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming for over 10 years with perfect, 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, Google, and Viator. We are the largest Yellowstone tour company in the Jackson area.

Grand Teton Dawn or Dusk Four Hour Tour

Our Grand Teton Dawn or Dusk tours are 4-hour guided tours centered on wildlife observation throughout Grand Teton National Park. Guests traveling between June-September on the public four-hour tour will be in our EXCLUSIVE BrushBuck Wildlife Tours Open-Air Safari Vehicle *weather dependent. In colder weather conditions tours will be an enclosed vehicle.

Grand Teton / Yellowstone 2 Day / 1 Night Wildlife Tour

This two day tour is perfect for seeing the vast wildlife of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. We’ll start early in the morning from Jackson Hole, Wyoming and venture into Grand Teton National Park where you’ll have a chance to spot a variety of wildlife. You’ll see the beautiful Upper and Lower Falls of Yellowstone. Your group will also stop at the famous and Old Faithful Geyser.

Grand Teton / Yellowstone 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Our 4 day / 3 night tour of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park is perfect for those who want to really experience everything these parks has to offer. Guests will truly get to immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery and vast wildlife. See famous attractions including Oxbow Bend, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, and the famous Yellowstone geyser basins. We will walk around the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pots and Mud Pots, and the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser!

Grand Teton Winter Wonderland – Full Day Tour

Our Grand Teton Winter Wonderland Day Tour includes a horse drawn sleigh ride on The National Elk Refuge. The National Elk Refuge is the wintering ground for thousands of elk that seek the low valley in order to better endure the harsh winter.

Yellowstone Private Wildlife & Scenic Day Tour

Our expert guides will take you and your party on a private tour focusing on the vast wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy possible sightings of grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and so much more. We’ll make stops at The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to view the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

Take a day tour through the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park with BrushBuck Wild life Tours! You’ll spot various wildlife throughout the tour and walk the boardwalks at hydrothermal features such as Old Faithful Geyser, Fountain Paint-Pots and Mud-Pots, West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone Winter Wolf Tour 4 Day / 3 Night

If you are looking to see the wolves of Yellowstone this tour is for you! On our 4 day / 3 night Yellowstone Wolf Tour we’ll travel into Yellowstone National Park from Bozeman, Montana to the northern range of Yellowstone when wolves were first reintroduced in 1995 – the best place on earth to view wolves! Guest will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and attractions along the way. We’ll be communicating with other guides and wolf researchers to offer you the best wolf sightings!

4 Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone Winter Adventure

Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park on this 4 day / 3 night Winter Tour with BrushBuck Wildlife Tours! We’ll depart from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to the National Elk Refuge for a sleigh ride, travel from Grand Teton to West Yellowstone stopping for wildlife and scenic photography. We’ll take a Snowcoach though Yellowstone up the Madison River stopping at Old Faithful, the Fountain Paint Pots and so much more!

Yellowstone Grand Canyon Snowmobile Tour

Explore the Yellowstone wilderness, viewing wildlife, fantastic scenery, majestic waterfalls, and thermal features on this private tour of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon!

Yellowstone Old Faithful Snowmobile Tour

Take a guided snowmobile tour through Yellowstone National Park to see the majestic Old Faithful geyser erupt in a plume of steam into the winter air, or experience the two spectacular waterfalls at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT YELLOWSTONE TOUR?

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What Our Guests Say

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wildlife can you see in yellowstone national park.

Possible wildlife sightings in Yellowstone National Park include grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and so much more. Yellowstone’s abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers.

According to NPS.gov: There are nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, 5 species of Amphibians, 6 species of Reptiles, 2 species of Bears and 67 species of mammals.

What Tour Formats Do You Offer?

We offer summer and winter tour options with single day and multi-day tour formats. Private Tours are also available for small groups. All tours embark from Jackson, WY, and West Yellowstone.

Our expertly guided tours focus on the geothermal features and vast wildlife including grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and much more.

Summer Tour Options

During summer we offer single and multi-day tour options to destinations including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to view the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Winter Tour Options

During winter we offer half-day/full-day tours to Grand Teton National Park , and can book Yellowstone snowcoach and snowmobile tours to destinations like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

We also offer multi-day tours through Grand Teton and Yellowstone. View all our winter tours .

How Do I Book A Tour?

Feel free to book your tour online or call us directly at  (307) 699-2999 . We can also answer any of your questions via our LiveChat service, or our  contact form  for more information and booking a tour.

What Precautions Are You Taking To Keep Guests Safe?

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours takes the health and safety of our guests seriously. We want you to have the peace of mind that our tour guides will take the following precautions:

• Cleaning and sanitizing vehicles after every tour
• Use of disposable items like tablecloths, paper plates and cups
• Operating vehicles at 50% capacity to provide a greater social distance for customers throughout the tour.
• Operating private tours so each group one family or travel group
• Guests will have availability to face masks and hand sanitizer throughout the tour

How Many People Will Be On The Tour

Our 10 passenger vehicles will be booked at a 5 passenger capacity. Perfect for booking accommodations as private family or travel groups vacations.

What Type of Vehicles Will We Be Traveling In?

Our fleet is made up of SUVs and 10 Passenger vans. Vehicles are fully enclosed with heat and air conditioning.

• Dodge Promaster 10 Passenger Vans
• Chevrolet 10 Passenger Vans
• Chevrolet Suburbans

Protect Your Trip »

The 16 best yellowstone national park tours.

Make the most of your trip to the oldest U.S. national park with these guided excursions.

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

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Yellowstone's boundless beauty is best seen with the help of a guide.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Home to more than 2.2 million acres, hundreds of geysers and waterfalls, as well as Yellowstone Lake – the largest high-altitude lake in North America – Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list vacation destination for many travelers. For help planning an unforgettable visit to America's oldest national park, consider a guided tour. In addition to in-the-know locals, these tours also provide hassle-free transportation from nearby cities like Jackson Hole, Wyoming . With the help of traveler and expert input, U.S. News determined that the following tours offer the best ways to take in all that the park has to offer. All of these top-rated excursions feature skillful guides who are eager to share their knowledge of the park's unique geologic features and wildlife.

Note: Because of weather and other factors, the park's roads are not accessible all year, and its entrances in Wyoming and Montana have differing seasonal opening and closing dates, so plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, tour companies' prices typically do not include the park's approximately $20 entry fee for each visitor 16 and older.

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours – Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

Take a day to observe Yellowstone's scenery and wildlife on this tour. After passing through Grand Teton National Park , buses proceed to highlights of Yellowstone National Park, such as Old Faithful , Yellowstone Lake , the Upper and Lower Falls, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and numerous geyser basins. Throughout the journey, guides provide commentary on the area's history, flora and fauna, which travelers typically find very insightful. Fees start at $299 per person (with a minimum of two participants), which includes use of binoculars and spotting scopes, as well as a picnic lunch. (Prices do not include the park's entry fee.) Buses depart Jackson Hole daily from April through November starting at 6 a.m. and return about 12 hours later. Note: Tour-takers must be at least 6 years old. Private outings, as well as multiday tours are also available.

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Teton Floats – Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

See many of Yellowstone's top thermal attractions on this small-group outing, which also travels through Grand Teton National Park. Marvel at the famously reliable Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes, as well as geysers such as Beehive, Castle, Daisy, Grand and Sawmill. Other highlights include Fountain Paint Pot – a hydrothermal feature known as a mud pot, which is less watery than a geyser – as well the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Grand Prismatic Spring . In addition to enthusing about the scenery and wildlife, tour takers frequently praise the guides for their valuable information and entertaining stories. Pickups from lodging in Jackson and Teton Village occur between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., and buses return to the starting point between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tours happen daily from May to mid-October. Prices start at $299 per person, which includes transportation, use of binoculars, snacks and a picnic lunch (but not the park's entry fee). Groups are limited to eight people, all of whom must be at least 4 years old. The company also operates tours in Grand Teton National Park, in addition to fly-fishing trips.

Scenic Safaris – Yellowstone Snowmobile Tour (Old Faithful)

While certain parts of the park may be inaccessible by conventional four-wheeled vehicles in winter, that doesn't mean there aren't adventures to be had. This 45-mile snowmobile tour beside the Yellowstone River takes riders past points of interest, such as Moose Falls, Lewis Canyon and West Thumb Geyser Basin, to Old Faithful. Rides are offered daily from mid-December to mid-March, a period when some of the park's larger animals move down to its lower valleys. Trip-goers generally find snowmobiling in the park a memorable experience, one enhanced by the helpful, informed guides' commentary. Jackson Hole-based Scenic Safaris picks up tour-takers in the area between 6 and 7:30 a.m. and returns them to their lodgings between 6 and 7 p.m. Prices vary over the course of the season but are usually around $340 for drivers (16 and older), $210 for passengers 13 and older and $190 for passengers 8 to 12. (Note: 8 is the minimum age to participate). In addition to use of a snowmobile, prices include use of a helmet and snowsuit as well as breakfast and lunch. Groups are limited to 12 participants and a total of nine snowmobiles. If you're interested in a private tour, fees start at $2,500.

Yellowstone Adventure Tours – The Best of Yellowstone

Visit the best-known Yellowstone spots – including Old Faithful and the Upper and Lower Falls – but also several lesser-known geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and wildlife viewing areas on this private excursion. Trip-takers consistently praise the enthusiastic, personable guides' commentary about the park's remarkable landscape and wildlife. Tours cost $1,450 for two people, $1,550 for three riders and $1,650 for groups of up to seven people. Prices include pickups from locations in Bozeman, Big Sky, Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana, as well as a picnic lunch, use of binoculars and scopes, and snacks. (Entrance to the park is not included.) These full-day expeditions, which occur from May through October, have start times that vary by season, but they generally begin early in the morning. Yellowstone Adventure Tours also offers private outings devoted strictly to off-the-beaten-path locations, as well as multiday tours of the expansive park.

Yellowstone Raft Company – Scenic Float

Admire the park from the water on this approximately two-hour raft ride. Sights include Boiling Beach, LaDuke Hot Springs, the Devil's Slide (a cliff with a distinct stripe of red rock) and Electric Peak. Reviewers frequently praise both the beautiful scenery and the engaging guides. From May through September, tours are available daily starting at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The company asks that participants arrive about 30 minutes prior to departure to get ready and sign paperwork. Prices, which include transportation from the meeting point at the northern border of the park to the river, start at $69 for those 13 and older and $59 for children 3 to 12. (Infants can ride for free.) Private tours are offered for around $500 for parties of six; each additional person pays $59. Gardiner-based Yellowstone Raft Company also offers whitewater rafting, as well as kayaking and horseback riding.

Flying Pig Adventure Company – 8-Mile Raft Trip

Experience Yellowstone by rafting its eponymous river on this two-hour trip. Along the way, you'll paddle through Class II and III (novice- and intermediate-level) rapids with names like Queen of the Waters, Rock Garden and Sleeping Giant, and pass sights such as Devil's Slide and the nearly 11,000-foot tall Electric Peak. Participants consistently describe this tour as fun and deem its guides friendly and entertaining. Trips operate from May through August starting at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. and 1:15, 3:15 and 5:15 p.m. Fees start at $69 for those ages 13 and older and $59 for kids ages 4 to 12. Rafters must weigh at least 45 pounds. In addition to this 8-mile trip, Flying Pig offers an 18-mile ride, as well as an overnight expedition.

Wild West Rafting – Classic Half-Day Whitewater

Ride mild and intermediate rapids on an 8-mile stretch of the Yellowstone River on this two-hour outing. You may also glimpse deer, elk, osprey, bald eagles and other wildlife inhabiting the area as you paddle down the river. In addition to enjoying the views, travelers typically find the guides knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. Raft trips run daily from May through September at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Rides cost approximately $69 for anyone 13 or older and $59 for children ages 5 to 12. Prices include use of life jackets and (on colder days) wetsuits. They also cover transportation from Wild West Rafting's Gardiner office to the river. Full-day paddling trips, in addition to private outings are also available.

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Geyser Kayak Tours – Day Paddle

Kayaking in the West Thumb Geyser Basin – the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone Lake – allows you to see geothermal features, some of them underwater, that would otherwise be inaccessible. This outing also travels to Potts Basin, an area with no boardwalk and, possibly, no other visitors. Travelers report enjoying the scenery and appreciate the informative guides. Tours begin and end at the marina in Grant Village on the western side of Yellowstone Lake. Trips are available daily from late May through late September at 9 a.m. (though they may begin at 10 a.m. toward the end of the season) and conclude at around 2 or 3 p.m. Tickets start at $200 per person for single kayaks and $175 per person for tandem kayaks. Children 5 to 12, who must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult, receive a $50 discount. Prices include a picnic lunch as well as use of all necessary kayaking gear. No prior kayaking experience is required. The company also operates shorter, three-hour sunset paddling trips.

Wildland Trekking – Private Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This private trek through the park can be tailored to suit your preferences, with possible routes ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles and durations spanning four to seven hours. Whatever way you go, you're likely to see Artist Point overlook, as well as forests, lakes, geysers, mud pots and meadows in areas away from the park's boardwalks. You can sign up this excursion from mid-May through September. Reviewers enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the helpful, patient and personable guides' commentary. Prices depend on group size: for a single hiker, the fee starts at around $525, but prices drop to about $175 per person for groups of six or seven (and $135 for kids 10 or younger). Lunch, snacks and use of trekking poles is included in the cost. Groups meet at Canyon Village Education Center, the park's principal visitor facility. Start times vary and will be established a week prior to your hike. Wildland Trekking also organizes multiday tours around the national park.

Yellowstone Hiking Guides – Grand Canyon Rim Hike

Walk the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this six-hour, 6-mile trek and see Yellowstone landmarks like the river's Upper and Lower Falls as well as forests and meadows. Hikers regularly find the views spectacular and the guides both knowledgeable and entertaining. Tours take place daily from June through early October. Groups meet at the Upper Falls View parking area off of South Rim Drive at 8 a.m. The excursion costs approximately $165 per person. Prices include lunch and snacks as well as use of trekking poles. The company leads a variety of hikes around the park, including the Lamar Valley.

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Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris – Best of Yellowstone

Observe the wildlife and landscape of Yellowstone on this full-day, small-group tour, during which naturalists offer insights on the area's ecology, wildlife and geology. Outings last 10 to 12 hours, depending on wildlife visibility, weather, road conditions and travelers' particular interests. In addition to animals, you'll see the park's famed geysers, hot springs and waterfalls. Tourgoers regularly report seeing ample wildlife and appreciate the friendly, informative guides. Excursions are available from mid-May through October. Pickup from lodging in Jackson and Teton Village typically begins around 6:15 a.m. (or 7 a.m. in October). Prices start at $345 per person, which includes transportation, breakfast and lunch, and use of binoculars and sighting scopes (but not the national park entrance fee). Groups are capped at eight participants. Half-day (four to five-hour) iterations of this tour are also available.

Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures – Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

This tour hits many of Yellowstone's top attractions – Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Fountain Paint Pots and Yellowstone Lake among them – as well as some lesser-known geological formations. In addition to seeing multiple geysers, lakes and waterfalls, you'll have opportunities to glimpse some of the park's diverse wildlife. The trip also includes a morning drive through Grand Teton National Park on the way to Yellowstone. Travelers frequently rave about the scenery and appreciate that the engaging guides try to visit off-the-beaten-path locations within the busy national park. Tours typically take place from mid-May through December. Departures from Jackson and Teton Village begin at 7 a.m. and vans return approximately 12 hours later. Fees cost around $345 per person, which includes transportation, lunch, snacks and use of spotting scopes and binoculars. (Tour tickets do not include admission to the park.) The company also leads wildlife safaris year-round.

Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours – Yellowstone Snowmobiling Day Tour

Marvel at a snow-covered Yellowstone on this daylong snowmobile tour to Old Faithful. Stops along the way include Black Sand Basin and Moose Falls. During the six-hour, approximately 100-mile ride, you'll likely see multiple geysers and waterfalls, as well as an array of wildlife. Reviewers consistently gush about the views and appreciate the professional and accommodating guides. Fees start at $400 per driver (who must be at least 16 years old and have a driver's license) and $300 per passenger (who must be at least 6 years old). The fee includes pickup in the Jackson area, which occurs between 6 and 6:30 a.m. daily from mid-December to mid-March. It also includes a continental breakfast and lunch. (It doesn't cover the park's entry fee.) Groups typically return to Jackson between 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. The company also operates multiday tours.

Yellowstone Vacations – Snowcoach Tour Old Faithful

Snowcoaches – buses with oversized, low-pressure tires – allow you to experience Yellowstone during the less accessible winter months. This tour's vehicles take passengers to popular locales within the park, such as Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, Fountain Paint Pot, Madison Junction and, of course, Old Faithful. Passengers generally find the coaches warm and comfortable and the drivers (who double as guides) knowledgeable and passionate about the park. From mid-December to mid-March, tours are available to book daily starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Rates start at $208 (with a 10% discount for children 15 or younger). Yellowstone Vacations also conducts snowmobile tours and, during summer months, bus tours.

Yellowstone Wild – Wildlife & Bear Watching in Yellowstone with a Private Guide

Calling all wildlife lovers! As its name suggests, this tour centers on seeing bears, wolves, bison and other animals that call Yellowstone home. Travelers regularly report seeing a wide array of wildlife and praise the guides for their animal-spotting skills and overall professionalism. This six- to eight-hour tour is private and fully customizable and is available to book throughout the year. Fees depend on group size and range from $700 for one person to $1,150 for groups of 10. In addition to a light breakfast and a full picnic-style lunch, prices include pickup from hotels in the Gardiner area (where Yellowstone Wild is based), but additional fees may apply for round-trip transportation to some other locations. Departures start around 5 a.m. Note: This tour is not considered appropriate for children younger than 5.

Yellowstone Insight – Day Tours – Wildlife Tour

This tour goes where the animals are, which means routes may vary, though a focus on the park's Northern Range (including Mammoth Hot Springs ) is fairly standard. Bears and wolves are among the wildlife you may spot during this daylong expedition. Tourgoers enthusiastically praise the guides for their expertise with regards to Yellowstone fauna. Tours, which are available to book year-round, generally start at around 5 a.m. in the summer and 6:30 a.m. in the winter. Rates start at approximately $650 for a single person and $50 for each additional person (except for children younger than 5, who can tag along for free). Prices include round-trip transportation to locations in the Bozeman area, as well as a continental breakfast and use of spotting scopes. Tickets do not cover the park's entrance fee.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Things to Do in Yellowstone
• Best U.S. National Parks
• Best Colorado Snowmobile Tours
• Top Things to Do in Montana
• The Ultimate Camping Checklist

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Yellowstone National Park

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GUIDED TOURS & RENTALS

Your gateway to adventure.

You want to make the most of every moment in Yellowstone country — and we can help.

Guided Tours

Our comfortable bus and snowcoach tours will power you into the park so you can experience Yellowstone’s wildlife.

• Summer Bus Tours
• Snowcoach Tours
• Snowmobile Tours

Side-by-Side Rentals

The sharpest way to get from A to B, on any terrain, in any weather, fully-loaded or not.

Snowmobile Rentals

Chase thrills on the ride of your life on some of the most spectacular snowmobiling trails in North America.

Rental Cars

Explore the wonders of Yellowstone on the open road with the vehicle of your choice.

• 150-mile free mileage radius
• Compact size to SUV options

LIVE WEBCAM

The best thing about our tours? Gas is on us. Skip the pump and join us for a comfortable, exhilarating bus tour of Yellowstone National Park. We offer Bus Tours during the summer, and Snowcoach Tours and Guided Snowmobile Tours in winter. We also offer Snowmobile Rentals, for a more personalized experience.

SUMMER BUS TOURS – WEST YELLOWSTONE

Make your Yellowstone National Park vacation one your family and friends will never forget by taking a summer bus tour with Yellowstone Vacation Tours! Experience an informative and entertaining tour of Yellowstone’s Upper or Lower Loop with a professional certified guide. These tours depart from West Yellowstone, MT, just outside Yellowstone’s west entrance.

• Lower Loop tours available Apr. 21 to Oct. 31
• Upper Loop tours available May 8 to Oct. 30
• Custom and private tours available

Contact Information: Yellowstone Vacation Tours (West Yellowstone) 415 Yellowstone Ave West Yellowstone, MT 59758 800-426-7669

SNOWCOACH TOURS – WEST YELLOWSTONE

See Yellowstone National Park from the warmth and comfort of our popular Yellowstone snowcoach tours! Let our professional certified guides take you to some of the most breathtaking winter vistas Yellowstone has to offer. These experienced pros know all of the best vantage points. These tours depart from West Yellowstone, MT, just outside Yellowstone’s west entrance.

• Old Faithful tours available Dec. 15 through Mar. 15
• Canyon tours available Dec. 15 through Mar. 7

SNOWCOACH TOURS – GARDINER

Your winter vacation in Yellowstone National Park isn’t complete without an engaging and one-of-a-kind snowcoach tour from Yellowstone Vacations – now departing from Gardiner, MT, just outside Yellowstone’s northern entrance! Explore the frigid tranquility of Yellowstone in winter while staying comfortable and warm, and learn about the park from our professional certified guides.

• Old Faithful tours available beginning Dec. 15
• Canyon tours available beginning Dec. 15

Contact Information: Yellowstone Vacation Tours (Gardiner) 905 Scott Street W Gardiner, MT 59030 406-848-5171

TWO TOP SNOWMOBILE TOURS

Snowmobile Yellowstone — it’s good clean fun! Touring by snowmobile is very comfortable and enjoyable. Two Top Snowmobile Rental, Inc. is dedicated to making your trip as fun and safe as possible. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you have a good feel for your machine before you set out on your exciting Yellowstone ride. Day trips are our specialty, with a variety of tours to choose from.

• Old Faithful tours available Dec. 15 through Mar 15
• Canyon tours available Dec. 15 through Mar 5

Contact Information: Two Top Snowmobile (West Yellowstone) 645 Gibbon Ave West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-7802

YELLOWSTONE VACATIONS SNOWMOBILE TOURS

Experience Yellowstone National Park with a guided Yellowstone snowmobile tour to either Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone! View wildlife, learn interesting facts about the park and see Yellowstone’s star attractions in winter with one of our professional certified guides. Kick your Yellowstone experience into high gear with a guided snowmobile tour through a frozen winter world that looks like something from another planet.

• Old Faithful tours available Dec 15 through Mar 15
• Canyon tours available Dec 15 through Mar 5
• Private and custom tours available

Side-by-Side Off Road Vehicle (ORV) rentals from Yellowstone Vacations allow you to explore any terrain in any weather.

SIDE-BY-SIDE RENTALS

With literally HUNDREDS of miles of trails to choose from – some of which start right here in town – it’s no wonder why trail riding enthusiasts flock to West Yellowstone every summer. Our Side-by-Side Rentals are the most stylish way to get from A to B, on any terrain, in any weather.

• Rentals available May 1 to Sept. 30
• 2-seater and 4-seater models available

SNOWMOBILE RENTALS

Yellowstone Snowmobile Rentals from Yellowstone Vacations allow you to explore the surrounding National Forest to your heart’s content.

SNOWMOBILE RENTALS – WEST YELLOWSTONE

Snowmobile Rentals from Yellowstone Vacations allow you to explore the surrounding National Forest to your heart’s content. Choose from a number of Yellowstone snowmobile models, find a good trail and take off. With hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, it’s no wonder why West Yellowstone is known in many circles as the Snowmobiling Capital of the World! Adventure seekers will love it here.

• Available December 15 through March 15

Contact Information: Yellowstone Vacation Tours 415 Yellowstone Ave West Yellowstone, MT 59758 800-426-7669

SNOWMOBILE RENTALS – TWO TOP

BEGINNER OR EXPERIENCED SNOWMOBILERS will be more than pleased with our brand new fleet of snowmobiles. Two Top Snowmobile Rental Inc. offers an assortment of models from Ski-Doo: from comfortable trail snowmobiles to high-performance, single-rider machines. Hundreds of miles of well-marked daily groomed trails start right at our front door.

Contact Information: Two Top Snowmobile 645 Gibbon Ave West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-7802

Explore the wonders of Yellowstone on the open road with the vehicle of your choice. Check availability using the buttons below or call 406-646-9564 to reserve a vehicle for your upcoming Yellowstone vacation.

It’s easy to get around the expanses of Yellowstone in a smaller vehicle that offers good fuel economy. If you’re traveling solo, with a significant other or a small group, a compact vehicle may suit you perfectly.

Jeep Wrangler

A Jeep Wrangler makes a world of sense in the rugged Yellowstone wilderness. Prepare for all the journeys ahead with a durable vehicle that will have you covered wherever the road leads — and beyond.

If you’re traveling with a large group or family, it’s hard to beat a minivan. Practical and accommodating, a sturdy minivan will make traveling through Yellowstone a breeze. Pile in one of our minivans and watch the Yellowstone moments add up.

If a Chevrolet Equinox or SUV is the best vehicle for your Yellowstone exploration, you’re in good hands. The team at Yellowstone Vacations knows that many customers are looking for the space and performance that an SUV provides.

Tours can be booked online, or you are welcome to make reservations over the phone by calling Yellowstone Vacation Tours directly at 800-426-7669 for tours leaving from West Yellowstone, or at 406-848-5171 for tours leaving from Gardiner. We do not currently have the capability to book tours through our hotel reservation office.

During the winter we offer round-trip Snowcoach and Snowmobile Tours to Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. During the summer months we offer Summer Bus Tours of the full Lower Loop and Upper Loop leaving from West Yellowstone. Custom tours are also available; for details, call 406-646-9564 .

Expect each tour to take a full day, regardless of where you’re headed. Most tours meet and/or leave around 8:00am and return around 5:00pm, but times can vary.

Yes! Park entrance fees are NOT INCLUDED in our tour prices, but a valid Park Pass IS REQUIRED for each passenger age 16 and older:

• If you are reserving a Snowcoach Tour or Summer Bus Tour with us, a $20 Park Pass is required
• If you are reserving a Snowmobile Tour with us, a $30 Park Pass is required

At Yellowstone National Park, the opportunities to explore are endless. Plan your adventure today.

Enjoy comfortable, modern, amenity-rich lodging when you stay outside Yellowstone National Park.

West Yellowstone Snowcoach Tours

Gardiner Snowcoach Tours

Yellowstone Vacation Snowmobile Tours

Two Top Snowmobile Tours

West Yellowstone Summer Bus Tours

Yellowstone Vacations Snowmobile Rentals

Two Top Snowmobile Rentals

Car Rentals

• The Best Yellowstone Guided Tours The Ultimate Outdoor Experience in America’s First National Park Call Now! (406) 995-2399

Guided Tours of Yellowstone National Park

Your gateway to unforgettable summer sightseeing from west yellowstone & big sky.

Welcome to Yellowstone Tour Guides, the premier choice for exceptional guided tours of Yellowstone National Park! As the leading experts in showcasing the breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring wonders of this iconic destination, we’re here to make your Yellowstone experience truly unforgettable. Call Now Book Now

Unparalleled Expertise in Yellowstone National Park

Knowledge and expertise in all things yellowstone.

At Yellowstone Tour Guides, we pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge and expertise in all things Yellowstone. Our team of experienced guides, who are true lovers of nature and outdoor enthusiasts, possess an exceptional understanding of the park’s geology, ecology, and history. And as a local, family-owned business, we’ve spent countless hours exploring the various geothermal features, wildlife habitats, and famous landmarks within Yellowstone, allowing us to offer you a unique and immersive experience unlike any other. Call Now Book Now

Customizable Tours Tailored to Your Interests

We understand that everyone has their own interests and preferences when it comes to exploring Yellowstone. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a budding geologist, or simply seeking a serene escape into nature, our Yellowstone summer tours can be customized to match your specific interests. So when you book with us, you can rest assured that your tour will be tailored to provide you with the experiences that are most meaningful to you. Call Now Book Now

Small Group Environment for Maximum Enjoyment

To ensure that your Yellowstone summer tour is both intimate and engaging, we limit the size of our tour groups to no more than 6 per group. By maintaining small groups, we are able to provide a more personalized experience, allowing you to interact with our knowledgeable guides, ask questions, and truly immerse yourself in the wonders of Yellowstone. We believe that a smaller group size leads to a more enriching and memorable experience for all. Call Now Book Now

Geothermal Wonders: Witness the Power and Beauty of Yellowstone’s Geysers

Yellowstone is world-famous for its geothermal features, including the incomparable Old Faithful geyser. Our Lower Loop Adventure tour takes you on a journey through the park’s most remarkable geothermal areas, where you’ll witness the eruption of geysers, marvel at the colorful hot springs, and learn about the significance of these geological wonders. Our experienced guides will provide insight into the processes that shape these fascinating formations and share stories of their explosive past. Call Now Book Now

Wildlife Encounters: Get Up Close and Personal with Yellowstone’s Iconic Animals

Witness animals in their natural habitat.

Yellowstone National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering remarkable opportunities to witness animals in their natural habitat. Our Upper Loop Adventure tour allows you to observe iconic species such as grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison, while ensuring the safety and preservation of these magnificent creatures. With our knowledgeable guides by your side, you will gain a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of Yellowstone’s ecosystem and the importance of wildlife conservation. Call Now Book Now

Book Your Unforgettable Tour Today

We guarantee an unforgettable experience..

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the immense beauty and wonders of Yellowstone National Park during the summer season! At Yellowstone Tour Guides, we’re dedicated to providing you with an exceptional and personalized guided tour, tailored to your interests and preferences. With our expertise, small group environment, and passion for Yellowstone, we guarantee an unforgettable experience.

So take the first step towards your dream Yellowstone summer tour by booking with us today! We look forward to embarking on this remarkable journey with you.

Trips from Big Sky, West Yellowstone & Bozeman Book Summer Trips Book Winter Trips

Yellowstone Park Tour from Bozeman

Yellowstone Park Winter Tour from Big Sky

Old Faithful / Canyon Summer Tour

Yellowstone Summer Tour from Bozeman

Yellowstone Summer Tour from West Yellowstone

Yellowstone Summer Tour from Big Sky

11 Best Yellowstone Tours & Guided Excursions for 2024 (+Info & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 7, 2023

Looking for the best Yellowstone National Park tours and excursions ? This guide lists all the VERY BEST options – day and multi-day guided tours to Yellowstone. Find out!

Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful places on the planet and one of the most diverse National Parks in the USA. You’ll find incredible scenery of green forests, mountain rivers, lakes, but also surreal landscapes with spouting geysers, colorful geothermal springs, mud pools, and fumaroles. Yellowstone also has its own incredibly beautiful canyon. And last, but not least, a stunning variety of wildlife.

Since the park is so vast and diverse, planning a trip to Yellowstone requires quite some preparation. But if you rather let someone else do all the planning and the driving, you’ll be happy to know that there is a big variety of Yellowstone tours available.

From private tours to small-group tours and from one-day excursions to multi-day trips, there is a Yellowstone tour for everyone. You don’t have to drive or worry about any practical aspects of planning the trip or the itinerary. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

In this article, we cover some of the very best Yellowstone tours that will help you make the most of your trip, no matter when or for how long you visit (summer AND winter tours to Yellowstone included). For each tour, we include practical information such as the season, departure point, group size, or duration. Find out!

TIP: If you are planning a self-drive trip, please check our Yellowstone travel guide for the best places to see, suggested itineraries, guides to specific landmarks, and lots of practical tips and tricks for your visit.

Without further ado, here are some of the best Yellowstone tours :

1. Yellowstone Day Tour from Jackson or Teton Village

This day tour is one of the most popular and best-rated organized day trips to Yellowstone. It’s a 1-day that tour allows you to see all the main landmarks of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop in one day .

You’ll visit the Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin , the Midway Geyser Basin with the famous Grand Prismatic Spring , and the Fountain Paint Pots. This tour also visits the main viewpoints of the Yellowstone Canyon Area and Hayden Valley, one of the best places to see bison and other wildlife. Plus, it stops at several other lesser-known areas in the southern part of the park.

During the day, you take several short walks to geyser basins and scenic points. Most places in this itinerary have boardwalks and are easily accessible.

• When: May – end October
• Where: From Jackson or Teton Village, Wyoming
• Duration: 1 day
• Small-group tour
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for people who want to see the main landmarks of Yellowstone as a day trip from the Jackson Hole area.
• How to book: Here you get more information, see availability and customer reviews, and you can book this tour starting at 6 AM or this tour starting at 7.30 AM .
• Pro tip : If you don’t mind getting up earlier, go with the first tour. Most tours follow the same route and that way you’ll be ahead of the crowds most of the time. Furthermore, your chances of seeing wildlife are higher early in the morning.

2. Private Yellowstone Day Tour

This private day tour covers pretty much the same itinerary as the tour mentioned above – the Lower Loop of Yellowstone. The only difference is that this is a private Yellowstone tour . So you get to see all the main landmarks in one day, but with your own family or a group of friends.

The main highlights of this tour include Old Faithful and the historic Old Faithful Inn built in 1903, the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake. And, of course, there are many other stops, wildlife encounters, etc.

In the current situation, private Yellowstone tours are really popular. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, then a private tour is quite expensive. But if you are with 4 people or more, then it definitely makes sense to check out private tours.

• When: Year-round
• Where: One tour offers pick-up from Jackson or Teton Village, WY. The other one – from West Yellowstone, Canyon Village, Old Faithful, Big Sky, Gardiner, or Bozeman, MT.
• Private tour
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for affluent travelers, big families, or groups of friends who want to visit all the ‘must-sees’ of Yellowstone in one day with a private guide.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this private tour starting from Jackson or Teton Village, WY, or this private tour starting from several other locations listed above.
• Above, I selected the two best options for those looking for a private Yellowstone tour. On Viator, you can find a big selection of private tours .

There are also tours like this one that focus just on the Upper Loop of Yellowstone. Or you can also just ask your guide to adjust the itinerary to your own desires. After all, that’s one of the benefits of going on a private tour.

3. Yellowstone & Grand Teton 2-Days Wildlife Tour

If you are mostly interested in wildlife, then this 2-day tour of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks might be just what you’re looking for.

The first day starts with wildlife viewing at Grand Teton National Park, followed by a visit to the main Yellowstone attractions along the eastern side of the park (West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone). You end the day at Lamar Valley, one of the very best places for wildlife in Yellowstone.

On the second day, you pay an early visit to Lamar Valley. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see animals and this tour maximizes these opportunities by going to the best places at the best times. The tour then follows the western side of the loop, passing Mammoth Hot Springs and the Old Faithful areas.

• When: May – mid October
• Where: Starts and ends in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Duration: 2 full days (1 night)
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for first-timers who want to visit two parks in the shortest time possible.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this 2-day tour .

4. Yellowstone 2-Day Tour: Upper & Lower Loops

If you have two days in Yellowstone and want to visit the park with a tour, then look no further. This highly-rated 2-day tour has a very good itinerary covering all the main landmarks on the Lower and also on the Upper Loop. It gives you a more complete picture of what Yellowstone is about than the one-day tours that only visit the Lower Loop.

Furthermore, this tour includes quite a few stops at lesser-known places allowing you to get the absolute most out of your short visit without having to plan anything yourself.

Hands down, this is one of the very best organized tours for those who want to see the very best of Yellowstone in 2 days.

• Where: Starts and ends in Jackson or Teton Village, Wyoming
• Duration: 2 full days
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for those who want to see all the major areas of Yellowstone in the shortest possible time.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this 2-day tour on Viator or on Get Your Guide .

Good to know: Please note that the price of accommodation (1 night during the tour) is not included in the price. After you book, you’ll be contacted by the tour operator to help arrange a stay at the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort, famous for its natural hot springs (don’t forget your swimwear!).

5. Yellowstone & Grand Teton 4-Days Tour

If you want to combine a trip to Yellowstone with that to the nearby Grand Teton National Park, consider this highly-rated 4 days/ 3 nights tour . It gives you a great opportunity to see the very best of both parks, while also providing lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

This is a very complete tour that includes a knowledgeable local guide, comfortable transportation, 3 nights accommodation, breakfasts, snacks and refreshments, and also National Park entrance tickets and even binoculars. It’s a small-group tour for maximum of 10 people.

If you want to see the very best that Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks have to offer without having to worry about any practical aspects of the trip, then you cannot go wrong with this tour!

• When: June – mid October
• Duration: 4 full days
• Who is this tour for: This is a great tour for people who want to see the very best that Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks have to offer and explore deeper without having to arrange anything themselves.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this 4-day tour .

READ ALSO: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary Suggestions

6. Yellowstone Day Trip from Cody

This popular day tour from Cody is a great Yellowstone tour for those staying on the eastern side of the park. It covers all the main highlights along Yellowstone’s Lower Loop in one full day. The itinerary is very similar to the one-day tour mentioned above and includes all the must-see stops along the Lower Loop.

The tour starts very early in the morning, so you have a good chance to see more wildlife on your way into the park. It’s guided by a naturalist who knows the area very well, so you will definitely learn a lot about Yellowstone’s geothermal features and its wildlife.

This tour includes breakfast and snacks on the way.

• Where: From Cody, Wyoming or any other accommodation along the road between Cody and East Gate of Yellowstone National Park
• Duration: 1 full day
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for those who want to see the main landmarks of Yellowstone in one day as a day trip from Cody.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this organized day tour from Cody .

7. Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from West Yellowstone

This day tour departs from one of the best towns to stay near Yellowstone , the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. If you are staying here, it’s quite easy to visit Yellowstone park on your own. But if you are tired of driving or just want a relaxing day, you can also book an organized day tour to the park.

Just as most one-day tours in Yellowstone, tours from West Yellowstone also focus on the Lower Loop: the Old Faithful Area, the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Canyon, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake. Plus some additional stops and wildlife viewing.

• Where: From West Yellowstone
• Small-group tour or private tour
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for those who want to see the ‘must-sees’ of Yellowstone in one day as a day trip from West Yellowstone.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book a small group tour or a private tour (both start from West Yellowstone).

8. Kayak Tour on Yellowstone Lake

If you are visiting Yellowstone in summer and are looking to get off the beaten path, travel slower, and explore deeper, then you may want to consider a kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake .

It’s a unique opportunity to see some of Yellowstone’s landmarks such as the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the Potts Geyser Basin from a different angle. Furthermore, you might get lucky and see some wildlife along the shores from the safety of your kayak.

No previous kayaking experience is required and this is a family-friendly activity. Kayaking equipment is provided and lunch is included.

• When: May – mid September
• Where: From Grant Marina
• Duration: 6 hours
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for people who are looking for a fun activity and want to get off the beaten path in Yellowstone.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book kayaking tours in Yellowstone.

9. Yellowstone Winter Day Tour

Since Yellowstone roads are closed for regular vehicles in winter months, the best way to visit is by taking a tour with either a snowcoach or by snowmobile (recommended).

One-day winter tours in Yellowstone also focus on the lower loop; mostly the western side of it. You’ll see the Old Faithful area, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Lewis Canyon, Lewis Falls, and Moose Falls. Also in winter, you can expect to see lots of wildlife, especially bison.

• When: mid December – mid March
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for everyone who wants to visit Yellowstone in winter.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book a snowcoach tour or -more adventurous – snowmobile tour . Keep in mind that these tours might not show when you check these links outside of the winter season, so if that’s the case, check back in the winter, a few days before your trip.

Good to know: Please note that Yellowstone winter tours are usually not available for booking outside of the winter season . So – depending on how long in advance you do your research – be sure to check back a few weeks before your trip.

This year, there are two new Yellowstone winter tours available from Gardiner . One is the winter hiking tour and the other one – wildlife viewing tour . These tours allow you to experience Yellowstone in winter in a way that you couldn’t easily do on your own.

They also provide snowshoes (for the hiking tour), binoculars and spotting scopes (for the wildlife viewing tour), and everything is included – from transportation, local guides, to hot drinks and all meals during the day. Check it out!

TIP: If you are visiting Yellowstone in winter, you may also check out Grand Teton National Park just nearby. Winter is the best time of the year to see elk here! Here’s the most popular half-day wildlife tour and this is the best full-day tour where you are guaranteed to see elk.

10. North Yellowstone Winter Tour

Yellowstone winter visit is also possible from various locations in Montana. However, only some roads are open for regular vehicles, so this tour departing from the northern side of the park has a very different itinerary than the Yellowstone winter tours mentioned above.

You won’t visit the Old Faithful Area, but you can expect to see some beautiful winter landscapes at Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, and lots of wildlife.

• When: November – mid-April
• Where: From Gardiner (Montana)
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for those who are touring Montana in winter and want to see some wildlife and amazing sceneries of Northern Yellowstone.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this half-day winter tour .

11. Yellowstone Rafting Tours

If you are visiting Yellowstone in summer and are looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours or a day, you can also consider one of the rafting tours in the area .

From easy scenic float tours to more adventurous rafting trips on rapids classified as class II or class III, there is a suitable rafting experience for everyone.

It’s not an absolute must in Yellowstone, but a fun way to see a different side of the park and the beautiful surroundings nearby. It’s also a great activity for families, especially those with older kids or teenagers.

• Where: Gardiner, MT (North Yellowstone) or Jackson, WY (South)
• Duration: 2 hours for a scenic float and short rafting tour and 5 hours for a ‘full-day’ tour
• Who is this tour for: Rafting is a great activity for those who are looking for a fun activity in Yellowstone beyond hiking and visiting natural landmarks.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, compare and book rafting tours on Viator or on Get Your Guide .

So, this is our selection of the best day trips, multi-day tours, excursions, and some organized activities in Yellowstone.

As you can see, there’s a good option for any trip duration. Even if you just take a day excursion to Yellowstone, it’s absolutely worth it!

If you are looking for more information and tips for visiting this beautiful National Park, take a look at our Yellowstone travel guide and some featured articles below.

Yellowstone Tours FAQ

In high season (mid-May to mid-October), you can easily visit Yellowstone on your own. All the best places in Yellowstone are easily accessible from Grand Loop Road. However, the park is huge and so you have to plan your trip well. Here you can find our suggestions for your Yellowstone itinerary .

You can visit Yellowstone on your own, but there are also guided tours available. There are day tours that bring you to the main Yellowstone landmarks in 1 day. But there are also organized multi-day trips that often combine Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in one trip.

Most Yellowstone tours depart from Jackson Hole (Jackson, WY or Teton Village). There are also tours that start in West Yellowstone, in Cody, and also in the north side of the park. But if you are looking for the best Yellowstone tours, it’s best to stay in Jackson Hole.

Even if you only have one day for Yellowstone, it’s absolutely worth it. You can still see some of the best places including the Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Canyon. In addition, you are likely to see bison and other wildlife. You can take a day tour to Yellowstone or visit on your own. See our suggested itinerary for 1 day in Yellowstone .

More information for visiting Yellowstone:

• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Yellowstone & Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park
• Detailed itineraries: 1 Day in Yellowstone & 2 Days in Yellowstone
• When to go: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
• What to see: Things to Do in Yellowstone & Best Places on Yellowstone South Loop
• Summer trip: Tips for Visiting Yellowstone in Summer
• For families: Yellowstone with Kids
• Packing: What to Pack for Yellowstone in Summer

Is Yellowstone part of a bigger road trip? Take a look at these guides as well:

• Grand Teton NP: One Day in Grand Teton NP
• Two parks in one trip: Grand Teton and Yellowstone
• Jackson Hole: Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Glacier NP: Glacier National Park Itinerary
• Mount Rushmore: What to Do at Mount Rushmore & Nearby & Where to Stay near Mt Rushmore

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Steven Wright

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

What are the prices for these various tours? Thanks

Thursday 20th of July 2023

Hi Steven, when you click on the link to a specific tour, you will see more details, availability, and prices. Hope this helps.

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

Just wanted to say thank you! We just got back from a fantastic 4 day trip that you recommended and we loved every minute. We visited Yellowstone and saw all the best places in Grand Tetons. We saw hundreds of bizons and even a bear. The guides were fantastic too! Thanks again. Bill & Jane

Glad to hear that, Bill. Sounds like you had a great trip indeed!

Sunday 1st of May 2022

Hi Jurga, My husband and I are spending 2 days in Grand Teton and 4 days in Yellowstone. I have been told we should book an animal tour. We like to hike and do the easy and medium trails, going at the end of this June. I am curious as how we can maximize our time to the utmost. TIA for your help!

Monday 2nd of May 2022

Hi Stacey, take a look at our Yellowstone itinerary + Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary for tips on how to plan your trip. A lot (also the tour possibilities) depends on where you are staying.

Laura Cammarata

Thursday 16th of December 2021

We are looking for tours from Jackson Hole??

Friday 17th of December 2021

Hi Laura, the majority of the Yellowstone tours in our selection start from Jackson Hole. You didn't say in which season you are traveling - there are indeed fewer possibilities in the winter season than in the summer, but it's still possible to find a nice tour. You can also take a look at this website (our favorite for all tour bookings) and see what you can find for your travel dates. Also Viator has a big selection of tours for all seasons. Hope this helps.

Tuesday 25th of May 2021

Hi Jurga, I'm a first time visitor to Yellowstone. My must see places are the Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic. What point of entry would you recommend? Is there a specific tour you recommend? I'm overwhelmed trying to piece it all together! Thanks,

Friday 28th of May 2021

@Jurga, yes it does. Thank you so much for your reply and information. I originally did not want to do a tour, but with rental cars being hard to come by right now, I think that is the wise way to go! Appreciate your help!

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

Hi Anne, for Lamar Valley and Mammoth Springs, it's probably best to enter and stay in the north (Gardiner). You can also visit Grand Prismatic from there, but probably not on the same day (or you'll be driving more than sightseeing). East entrance at the Lamar Valley would also work if you start or end your trip at that side. And the West entrance is best for Grand Prismatic. It's really not that much about which entrance to take, rather your whole itinerary - where do you arrive, how much time you have, where do you leave, etc. As for tours, this 2-day tour visits all these places and more. This 4-day tour visits all these places too, and spends more time there, pus it also includes a day in Grand Teton. Both these tours start/end in Jackson Hole, WY. I don't think I have seen a 1-day tour that would cover all these places in a day. Most day tours focus either on the Lower Loop or on the Upper Loop, but not both. Hope this helps.

Yellowstone Private Guided Tours

See Natural Wonders, Wildlife, Wolves On Your Private Yellowstone Tour!  

A private guided tour in Yellowstone is the best way to enjoy your trip. Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of wildlife, geology and history that offers adventures for everyone. Our Yellowstone guided tours lead you through this wild and rustic playground! We offer a variety of guided adventures like: private wildlife and scenic tours , backpacking , day hiking , wolf tours , and multi-day adventures . All of our trips are custom and personalized to make the most of your stay in Yellowstone. Let our years of experience and enthusiasm help design the perfect vacation for you.  

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A beginner's guide to visiting Yellowstone National Park: Everything you should see and do

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

I recently returned from an incredible trip to Yellowstone , our nation's first national park. It was very strange to be there in the days of COVID-19, but it was also one of my best visits yet, as it wasn't as crowded as it's been in the past. It was also my first time actually staying inside the park, which was quite a treat.

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Of course, you could easily spend weeks exploring the sprawling 2.2 million acre park and still not see it all. But even a day trip here or long weekend getaway is well worth your time. Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

What to see and do in Yellowstone

Let me start with the highlight: the wildlife.

Among the many rare species you might encounter are grizzly and brown bears, wolves, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, elk, deer, buffalo, moose and every matter of birds. You can easily pull off the road and see any or all of these animals at once. Buffalo, in particular, are known to cause traffic jams as they use the same roads you do to commute.

Travelers will also discover a ton of adventure in this park. You can camp, hike in the backcountry, boat, fish, cycle and, in the winter, you can even try cross-country skiing.

Both biking and hiking are great ways to experience the natural wonder of this incredible park, and there are plenty of mountain biking and off-roading opportunities. Campsites are available from just $5 a night, and there are approximately 900 miles of trails to explore in the park — just be hyper-aware of your surroundings, as you'll be sharing the territory with some fearsome predators. When I was there last, I saw both bears and wolves.

There are so many amazing hikes here that aren't too difficult and are within walking distance of accessible parking areas. My favorite was probably the hike to Mystic Falls from Biscuit Basin, not too far from Old Faithful. The 2.5-mile round-trip walk takes you to a dramatic waterfall. If you hike a little farther you might luck out like I did and see Old Faithful erupt on the horizon.

Old Faithful

Probably the most famous of all Yellowstone's attractions, Old Faithful is a massive geyser that erupts reliably every 60 to 110 minutes. It's a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and easily accessible by road, and park rangers can tell you when the next eruption is during the day. There are benches from which you can watch the spectacle. It erupts about 20 times per day, and the plume of water and steam can be as high as 180 feet!

You can usually stay at a lodge near Old Faithful, but for the 2020 season, only cabins are available.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

This river valley formed by the Yellowstone River is probably my favorite part of Yellowstone. I've been here now in several different seasons and it's always changing, always distinctly different and always awe-inspiring.

There are several viewpoints, and it's one of the most dramatic areas in the country. I'm especially fond of Artist Point. As you can imagine, they call it that for a reason.

You can also check out the Canyon's Lower or Upper Falls viewing areas. I highly recommend doing the Brink of the Lower Falls observation point where you can really get a sense of the river's immense power. If you're driving, be prepared to pull over constantly to get a new perspective.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs was one of the first parts of the park that saw policing back in the 1800s when poaching was a problem. The U.S. Army had a base there (it still houses park employees) and it's home to historic Fort Yellowstone.

Travelers will also find the Mammoth Hot Springs lodges and cabins, places to eat and even a gas station.

But the best features are the dramatic hot springs laced with boardwalks for closer observations. You can get a good look at the many steaming hydrothermal pools and the travertine terraces. You can walk (or drive) to the Upper Terraces. There's also a hiking trail circling the pools and falls, but bring your bear spray. In a 24-hour span, I saw a grizzly bear and her cubs, and the next morning I saw another grizzly near the road.

There are also herds of elk that call the area home. You're pretty much guaranteed to see elk during a trip here.

Biscuit Basin and Mystic Falls

Not far from Old Faithful you'll find Biscuit Basin, which is home to gorgeous hot springs and small geysers with fairly regular eruptions.

The mix of colors and textures in the rocks is striking. You can follow a wooden walkway and it will eventually lead to an easy hike to Mystic Falls and a spectacular waterfall in a river valley.

Related: State-by-state guide to reopening America

There are also plenty of fun family-friendly activities just outside the park in cities such as Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana. Consider, for example, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. You and the kids can see live bears and wolves who can't return to the wild and learn a ton about the fearsome animals from a safe distance.

Whether you're exploring the park by foot or car, don't forget to grab an $80 annual national park pass . Yellowstone National Park normally charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, so if you have any other national park trips on the horizon, you can easily get your money's worth.

The best times to visit Yellowstone

The peak time is definitely summer when everything is open. It can get hot, but it's generally not humid. You should pack shorts for the daytime, and be sure to bring sweaters, a sweatshirt or a coat. Yellowstone is in the mountains and it gets cold at night even in the summertime.

You can travel here all year long, including during the winter , which would be a magical (albeit cold) time to visit Yellowstone. Warren Smith, a chiropractor at HealthSource in Butte, Montana, told me he has cross-country skied into the park from West Yellowstone, and outfitters will take even take you snowmobiling.

My personal favorite time to visit is in the early fall when the crowds are thinner, and the colors begin to change. Temperatures are more moderate and it's not quite so hot. You get more of the park to yourself and wildlife is more likely to be around. Keep in mind, though, there can be freak snowstorms even in September — so pack for anything.

Read our complete guide on the best times to visit Yellowstone .

Where to stay in Yellowstone

There are plenty of places for you to stay in and around Yellowstone. Both vacation rental properties and hotels are plentiful at all five entrances to Yellowstone (there are three in Montana and two in Wyoming).

Related: How to visit the national parks for less

Points hotels near Yellowstone

Search Cook City, Gardiner, Red Lodge or West Yellowstone in Montana for hotels or rental properties near the trio of Montana entrances. There are also plenty of places to bed down at the two Wyoming entrances. You can search Cody, Wyoming and areas in Idaho.

If you're looking for places to spend points, however, there are far fewer options unless you're willing to stay a few hours outside the park in places like Bozeman, Montana or Idaho Falls, Idaho.

There's a nice Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in July started at $281 a night. That's steep, but if you book early you can certainly find better rates. A long weekend in September will set you back $252 a night, or you can use 45,000 IHG Rewards Points per night.

I booked a room here in July and, despite the last-minute reservation, managed to secure a decent rate. Just watch out for added taxes and fees (unlike the rest of Montana, there are taxes in West Yellowstone). The final price ended up being almost $300 a night. Ouch.

There are also two Choice hotel properties travelers may want to consider: An Ascend Hotel for $212 a night and a Comfort Inn starting at $186 a night in West Yellowstone. Choice also has select properties in Livingstone, Montana, but that's an hour away from the park.

Travelers can also consider the Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone (from 15,000 Wyndham points per night). And if you have Best Western Rewards points, you could try the Best Western Desert Inn or the Best Western Weston Inn , both from 28,000 points per night.

If you're looking for a major chain hotel, you'll need to head to Bozeman, Montana for a Hilton or a Marriott property. Rates are generally better, but it's a good 2-hour drive to Yellowstone. Prices are also high during the peak summer season — yes, even in 2020 — and can easily run at least $250 per night.

When it welcomes its first guests on Aug. 18, the 122-room Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman will be one of the area's most exciting new properties. The art deco building dating back to 1941 and features a whiskey bar, a rooftop pool and a concert hall. It's about an hour from Big Sky and two hours to the north entrance to Yellowstone .

In Big Sky, the relatively new Wilson Hotel, a Residence Inn by Marriott, is one of the first from a major brand in the area.

Related: How to use points to stay near national parks

Staying inside Yellowstone's borders

Within the park, travelers will discover several rustic lodges. Xanterra is the concessioner for all accommodations inside Yellowstone National Park (as well as Glacier and others, too). Many of the large lodges have existed for more than a century, so keep that in mind and manage your expectations accordingly.

Related: I went to Glacier and Yellowstone during COVID-19 and it was weird

Hotels sell out quickly during the high season. Even this summer, with the coronavirus crippling travel, there isn't much availability. In fact, only cabins are available in the park right now. Lodges are closed and are likely to remain shut down for the remainder of 2020. That makes inventory even scarcer than it usually is this time of year.

I was able to find some dates with availability, but prices are high. At Mammoth Falls Lodge cabins, rates were $277 a night for dates in July and August.

Back in June, I stayed in the cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge. They are charming but basic. The beds are small, and there's no air conditioning. Still, it was really fun staying inside the park and having easy access to hiking trails and the beautiful Mammoth Springs.

The cabins at Old Faithful Lodge are cuter and just steps from the famous Old Faithful geyser. They're tiny, sure, but the perfect base for exploring the nearby geysers, mountains and hot springs when I stayed there in June. Rates in August start at $174 a night.

If you're thinking about staying inside the park this summer, you want to act fast.

Betsy O'Rourke, chief marketing officer at Xanterra, told TPG earlier this year, "We open the inventory 13 months out and we sell out in a few hours. However, about 30% of that inventory cancels and gets rebooked."

Her advice? Check back frequently. "Our cancellation policy is 48 hours out, so we do get cancellations even close in."

You can find better deals if you're willing to stay at a vacation rental instead. Airbnb has plenty of properties, especially for travelers who want something unconventional like a traditional log cabin, glamping-style tent or a treehouse.

Even last minute, there's availability on Airbnb outside the park. I recommend searching for West Yellowstone or Gardiner. I found plenty of options near Montana's Western entrance to the park starting at $157 a night.

Luxury accommodations near Yellowstone

It can also make a lot of sense to use your credit card points to help offset the cost of an upscale stay near the park. Consider redeeming a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book a stay at an independent property. You could also "erase" a qualifying travel charge by using a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

The Under Canvas "glamping" lodge is just 10 minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. I found availability in August for $264 a night. With taxes and fees, a four-night stay would be just over $1,200.

If you really want to splurge, try the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana — it's about 4.5 hours from the park, and rates start around $1,600 a night. Paws Up resort in Greenough, Montana is also a 4.5-hour drive, and rooms will set you back about $1,700 a night. And the first five-star, ultra-luxury hotel in the entire state, a Montage in Big Sky, will debut in 2021.

Camping in Yellowstone

Of course, you can always camp inside Yellowstone. Yellowstone has 12 proper campgrounds with over 2,000 individual spots. You can head over to Yellowstone National Park lodges to make reservations, which cost $27 a night, on average.

Other campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis. They fill up quickly in the summer, and in 2020 not all campgrounds are available because of the pandemic, so your mileage may vary. A search in July found just four of the 12 campgrounds open and accepting reservations. In fact, most were full by 7 a.m.

If you have an RV or camping equipment, you can stay outside the park in the surrounding national forests for very little — or nothing at all. It's called dispersed camping, and travelers comfortable with a more primitive stay should consider the surrounding Custer Gallatin or Bridger Teton National Forests.

How to get to Yellowstone

Flying to yellowstone.

You can fly to a number of cities that put Yellowstone within reach. The easiest and closest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, which bills itself as the "Gateway to Yellowstone." It's the busiest airport in Montana with nonstop service to 21 U.S. cities.

Related: New routes make it easier than ever to visit these top US National Parks

American Airlines has been betting big on Montana and added four seasonal flights last year for this summer. American was set to fly to Bozeman from Los Angeles (LAX), New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and Philadelphia (PHL) and to Kalispell (FCA) from LGA. None of those flights are happening, but we're hoping they return next year.

American normally flies from Newark (EWR), Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) nonstop to Bozeman. I found tickets in September for between $377 and $425 in the main cabin. Award prices started at 25,000 AAdvantage miles in coach or 50,000 miles for first class, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.

United flies to Bozeman from six of its hubs, and Delta Air Lines also flies from six hubs, including Salt Lake City (SLC). At this time, Delta is only flying from Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC). Alaska Airlines has flights from Portland, Oregon (PDX) and Seattle (SEA), and Allegiant flies from four cities including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA). Frontier flies from Denver (DEN), and Sun Country now flies from its Minneapolis hub. JetBlue normally flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) but this summer, they're not flying from New York.

Give yourself two hours for the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone depending on traffic, weather and which park entrance you're using. There are a variety of operators that offer guided tours of Yellowstone. Karst Stage is one touring company that operates charter buses and day trips from Bozeman to the park.

You can also fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming. The airport is only 45 miles south of the park. It also gives you easy access to Grand Teton National Park. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all fly to Jackson Hole airport, and Frontier offers seasonal service.

Delta has flights from Salt Lake City for about $300 in the main cabin in August or 23,000 SkyMiles plus $11.20.

You could also fly to Idaho Falls, Idaho and its Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). It's just under 100 miles from Yellowstone. Allegiant offers year-round, nonstop flights from Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), and seasonal service from Los Angeles and Oakland (OAK).

Delta offers year-round, nonstop flights from Salt Lake City and seasonal service from Minneapolis, and United has service from Denver. United's flights to IDA were about $347 round-trip in main cabin or 25,000 United miles and $11.20 in taxes and fees.

Of course, there's always Yellowstone's eponymous airport. Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located just 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park . Delta flies into this airport from Salt Lake City, and I found tickets from $175 in August.

Where to eat in Yellowstone

Montana and Wyoming aren't exactly known as foodie paradise. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, but haute cuisine isn't exactly a thing.

Personally, I recommend doing grocery runs and always keeping a picnic ready for those mountain meadows you stumble upon. Be sure to pack lots of snacks, as restaurants are typically only open in the high season and often have limited hours.

They are also few and far between, especially inside the borders of the park, and they're especially scarce in the age of coronavirus. In fact, most restaurants inside the park remain closed, and the few that are open are take-out only. Forewarned is forearmed.

Smith, the chiropractor from Butte, told me he really likes two places in West Yellowstone: the Slippery Otter Pub that serves bison and elk burgers, and The Branch Restaurant and Bar. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited in early July (probably due to COVID-19). Hopefully, it will reopen next year.

One of the most important things to know about visiting the national parks right now is that most of the bathrooms I encountered in both Yellowstone and Glacier were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. If you go, definitely have a plan for the call of nature. Folks driving motorhomes will be fine, but be sure to plot your visit and use bathrooms wherever you find them.

Getting around Yellowstone

I strongly recommend renting a car (or an RV!) for your trip to Yellowstone National Park. The park is really designed for drivers, with major roads taking you to most of the iconic attractions. Still, if you really want to explore, bring hiking boots. And don't forget to pack your bear spray. You can't fly with it, though, so buy bear spray after your flight.

If you'd rather not drive, seasoned park veterans take visitors on the famous Yellowstone Yellow Bus Tours . The vintage 1920s buses are an iconic part of the park's heritage. The long, yellow buses with rollback tops are perfect for gazing at the mountains without worrying about the notorious curves in the park's roads.

"These days, a fleet of eight vintage White Motor Co. buses ferry visitors on guided wildlife-watching tours, photo safaris, sunset tours and more," says operator Xanterra. "The distinctive antique yellow vehicles have retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows, making them ideal for sightseeing. Plus, they're really cool to ride around in."

They also book up quickly, so you'll want to be aggressive with your planning. But, unfortunately, Yellow Bus tours are not running during the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns.

You could also bike around the park, but there's not a lot of separated bike lanes. There are, however, a few trails specially designed for mountain biking. There's a complete guide to biking in Yellowstone here , but you can also rent bikes at Old Faithful Lodge.

Bottom line

Yellowstone National Park should be very high on your travel bucket list. It's a great time to go local and explore the nation's many national parks. Yellowstone is a personal favorite, and getting to see wolves and bears here was one of the highlights of my entire year.

If you're traveling to Montana, don't limit yourself to Yellowstone National Park, though. Across the state, there's Glacier National Park and countless sites that tell the incredibly important history of Native Americans in the United States. Big Sky, not far from Yellowstone, is also surging in popularity. It's a great spot for skiing in the winter.

I highly recommend a visit here this year, especially since travelers with a U.S. passport might find they can't venture too far from home. Just be sure to pack your masks and have a firm plan for where to stay — and use the bathroom — before you go.

Additional reporting by Meghan Hunter.

All photos by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.

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Yellowstone Tour Guide

Self-Guided Tours of Yellowstone National Park

The GaperGuide tours of Yellowstone National Park will show you the geysers, big animals, lakes, hikes, valleys and even where the best picnic areas are. Yellowstone is a big place! There are two tours.  One covers the northern loop, and the other covers the southern loop. They automatically tell you what you need to know while you drive. It’s like having a tour guide sitting in the back seat. The guide follows you, wherever you decide to go in the park.

Explore Yellowstone from the comfort of your own car, at your own pace!

The Park: Yellowstone is the world’s first national park. It was created on March 1, 1872, by President Ulysses S. Grant signing an act of Congress into law. The park is 3,468 square miles, and it is home to the largest supervolcano on the continent. That massive volcano, 30 x 40 miles, is currently active and could theoretically erupt anytime. The park was created to protect the wildlife, lakes, rivers, canyons, mountains and the very unique thermal features in this part of Wyoming and Montana. There are massive herds of bison and elk roaming the forests and open valleys. These are prey for the wolves, grizzly and black bears, and mountain lions. The pronghorn, whitetail, blacktail and mule deer are all at risk of becoming dinner too, but the huge moose have less to worry about. Bald eagles and osprey perch in the trees by the side of the rivers and hunt cutthroat trout, while trumpeter swans and white pelicans float peacefully by.

The Drive: Make your reservations to stay at the hotels or campgrounds in Yellowstone early! Then let THEPARKGUIDE show you around. There are gorgeous picnic areas, overlooks and trails to amazing views if you know where to look. Yellowstone is the place to see things that you can’t see anywhere else on the planet. The two tours are separated geographically.  See the routes here .

The Tours: The GaperGuide tours will tell you where to look for the animals and geysers, and about the relationship between the natural environment and the volcanic and glacial geology. With GaperGuide, you can explore at your own pace, stop where you want to stop, and you won’t miss anything. It’s your vacation, in your car, on your schedule. The “South Loop”, or “Lower Loop” has the majority of the unique thermal features in Yellowstone, including the Old Faithful geyser and all of the hotels, restaurants, visitor center and facilities surrounding it. There are definitely many thermal features in the North as well, like Mammoth Hot Springs, but The “North Loop” or “Upper Loop” has the majority of the opportunities to see animals like bison, elk, grizzly and black bears, and wolves… just to mention the big ones.  Of course, there are animals in the South as well, but they are just easier to find in the North.

Buy the South Yellowstone Tour now:   TravelStorys Purchase Page

Buy the North Yellowstone Tour now:   TravelStorys Purchase Page

Top Attractions in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park Suggested Drives and Top 10 Spots:

South yellowstone tour “lower loop” clockwise route.

• Old Faithful – see the geyser, and the architecture of the Old Faithful Inn and the new Visitor Center
• Junior Ranger/Young Scientist Programs for children from 5 to 12 – get them involved in the park
• Midway Geyser Basin – Grand Prismatic Spring is THE huge and colorful hot spring
• Firehole Lake Drive & Fountain Paint Pots – see a geyser erupt from your car
• Firehole Canyon Drive Swimming Hole – clear and clean, 75 – 80 degrees, great for kids!
• Norris Geyser Basin – hottest and most otherworldly of all the geyser basins
• Canyon Area – see the Grand Canyon with spectacular waterfalls, amazing colors and wildlife
• Canyon Visitor Education Center – explains the supervolcano with amazing displays and a huge 3D map
• Lake Lodge – relax on the porch in a rocking chair and watch bison pass by in front of Yellowstone Lake
• Bridge Bay – rent a boat to fish/explore, or take a tour on the Lake Queen
• Off the beaten path: camp or hike at Slough Creek – quiet and scenic for simple solitude and fishing

Yellowstone National Park Information

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Yellowstone National Park Tour

Explore The Beauty and Wonder of America’s First National Park

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YELLOWSTONE TOUR

• Location: Wyoming, USA
• Audio Points: 375+
• Valid: No expiry
• Start: Any of the 5 Entrances
• Direction: Flexible
• Download: ~129Mb

FLEXIBLE TOUR

This tour is designed to be flexible, so you can road trip the way you want. No worrying about where to start or which portion of the park you want to see. Use our suggested itineraries in the app tour plan, or divide the commentary to create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. 

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Highlights Include

Yellowstone National Park spans nearly 3,500 square miles and it features picturesque mountain landscapes and some of the most iconic natural attractions in the United States, including perhaps the most well-known, Old Faithful. The park is also home to a variety of majestic wildlife, including bison, moose, black bears and much more. With so much to see, the Yellowstone driving tour from GuideAlong gives you the chance to enjoy the scenery while ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Take a self-guided driving tour of Yellowstone national park to witness all the natural wonders this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer.

• Artists Paintpots
• Fountain Paint Pot
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Lamar Valley
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
• Mud Volcano
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
• Roaring Mountain
• Soak in Boiling River
• West Thumb Geyser Basin of Lake Yellowstone

What to Expect

America’s first National Park, Yellowstone, is high on many adventurer’s road tripping list.

It’s not hard to see why; amazing geothermal features that are abundant throughout the park, spectacular mountains, Yellowstone Lake , Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and rivers. 

And a diverse range of wildlife including grizzly bears, bison, wolves, elk and pronghorn.

We’ll help prioritize the must-see places vs suggestions, based on your time and interest.

Along the way, we’ll do a little thermal geology 101 lesson so you can better appreciate the plumbing behind the features you are viewing, such as Mammoth Hot Springs ’  cascading travertine terraces.

Share stories of wildlife behaviour and their habitat, for when you are quietly watching animals in Hayden and Lamar Valleys. 

And check off the most important landmarks in the area like those in the  Upper Geyser Basin,  location of Old Faithful , and  Midway Geyser Basin with Grand Prismatic Spring  and nearby Norris Geyser Basin .

Plus many other stories, tips and directions that will help enrich your Yellowstone National Park experience.

Suggested Start Location

Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Northeast (Cooke City), East (Cody) & Grand Teton Entrances

Suggested Time

It is recommended to have a minimum one day for each of the Upper and Lower Loops. You can drive the entire Grand Loop in a single day, and the commentary will help with selecting which stops to make. Multiple days to explore all areas of the Park and allow time for wildlife watching, geyser eruptions and other adventures in the Park is best.

Driving Distance

Around 125 miles to complete the whole Grand Loop drive.

WHAT IS YELLOWSTONE FAMOUS FOR?

Yellowstone is the world’s first national park , and awes visitors with its otherworldly bubbling hot pots and steamy geothermal features as well as its spectacular mountain scenery, vast canyons, and abundant wildlife.

WHERE IS YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK?

The majority of Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, although a small section of the park is in Montana and Idaho.

Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone is the closest airport and only three miles from the park’s West Entrance. The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest international airport and a little more than an hour to the North Entrance near Gardiner, or a little less than a two-hour drive to the West Entrance in West Yellowstone.  

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT YELLOWSTONE?

Yellowstone National Park is open year-round , although access is limited during the winter months. July and August are by far the most popular times to visit. Fewer crowds make April through May and September and October some of the best times to visit.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN YELLOWSTONE?

The absolute minimum amount of time you should allow yourself to do sightseeing in Yellowstone is two days , doing the Upper Loop one day and the Lower Loop on the other day.

We share a couple of possible  Yellowstone itineraries  to help organize your time, but as the commentary plays based on your location, you have ultimate flexibility.

If you have more time, add an extra day in Yellowstone. It’s very worthwhile to allow yourself time in the geyser basin areas to wait for eruptions. Other than Old Faithful, the predicted geysers will often have a 1-2 hour window when the next eruption may occur, so it’s really helpful to have time to be patient and wait for things to happen. The different geysers gush in different ways, so each one has its own style!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE AROUND YELLOWSTONE?

If you only have one day you can still enjoy some of the  Yellowstone’s main attractions , but try to stay at least one night inside the park so you can start your sightseeing first thing in the morning. You need a minimum of three full days to see all the main sights and four is ideal.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY WHEN VISITING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK?

Hotel-style accommodations, rustic cabins, campgrounds, RV parks and luxury suites are all available inside Yellowstone National Park but it can sometimes be difficult to secure reservations, especially during the peak summer season. Luckily there are numerous options for all budgets and tastes right outside Yellowstone. 

Read our blog – Where should I stay in Yellowstone  for more details.

HOW OFTEN DO GEYSERS ERUPT IN YELLOWSTONE?

Geysers in Yellowstone fall into two categories of predictable and unpredictable. Some, like Old Faithful are regular, erupting every 90 minutes or so, others, like Steamboat are more erratic, laying dormant for years and suddenly active with a string of eruptions.

So with an erratic schedule how do you plan your geyser watching? The National Park Visitor Centers have latest predictable times listed on their website, in their app (must be on wifi) and in person. And  geysertimes.org  is updated by dedicated “geyser gazers”.  

So it’s worthwhile to check in the night before if you want to spend some of your day geyser gazing.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE BEARS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN YELLOWSTONE?

It’s quite exciting to see the many animals in Yellowstone – both big and small. They are wild, so you need to remember their movements are never guaranteed and you always need to respect the recommended safe distances, keep in your vehicle and never feed them. You can rent spotting scopes, camera lens and binoculars to safety see animals up close.

Suggested areas to spot some of the 67 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, fish and amphibians you’ll find in Yellowstone include;

• Bison: Hayden and Lamar Valleys in Yellowstone. Around Snake river in Grand Teton.
• Bears: Grizzles in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys and Black Bears around Tower and Mammoth Wolves: Lamar Valley
• Pronghorn: Lamar Valley and Gardiner
• Elk: Gardiner and Grand Teton
• Moose: Grand Teton on Moose-Wilson Rd

IS MY ENTRY TICKET GOOD FOR BOTH YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON?

Unfortunately each park now collects its own entrance fees so you will need to purchase a separate pass each for Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

Depending on the length of your stay it might be best value to purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass which gets you entry into any national park without any time restrictions.

Trip Planning

Alert: closures & construction.

The Boiling River location is currently closed due to damage from the 2022 floods. Watch for announcements from  NPS  about reopening in the future.

Construction along the Moose-Wilson Corridor 2022-2025. For full details, visit the Grand Teton Moose-Wilson Corridor Project  webpage.

Grand Teton National Park Trip Planner

Yellowstone National Park Trip Planner

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Yellowstone National Park Tours: Self-Guided Drive

Includes 13+ tours.

Tour Details

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Welcome to the yellowstone national park tours.

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature on the Yellowstone self-guided tour. This enormous volcanic caldera has captured the American imagination for decades thanks to its explosive geysers, prismatic hot springs, and astonishing waterfalls. Home to some of the only wild bison and wolves on the continent, this park can’t be missed.

About the Tour

Your adventure through Yellowstone begins at one of the five entrances and follows the Grand Loop around the entire park. Here are some significant points of interest, along with that massive figure eight.

Journey through the West Thumb, one of the largest geyser basins in the park. Marvel at the jets of boiling water bursting from the Earth and hear the geological science behind this phenomenon. Peer deep into the Abyss Pool–if you dare–and listen to accounts of how fishermen used to cook their catch in the Fisherman’s Cone! Then, we’ll turn your eyes to the sky and tell you everything you need to know about birdwatching in Yellowstone.

As you drive past Shoshone Lake, one of the park’s best-kept secrets, we’ll fill you in on Sacagawea’s connection to the park and give you the real story you probably haven’t heard. Then it’s on to the world-famous Old Faithful, where you’re guaranteed to see a spectacular show. We’ll also take you to all the other geysers in the area, which are every bit as impressive as their famous cousin.

After that, try not to let your jaw drop too low when you see Grand Prismatic, the largest hot spring in the United States and the most colorful. We’ll give you a glimpse into the microscopic life which thrives in the extreme heat and explain how they brew beer and help solve crimes. No, really!

Next, we’ll stop by the Fountain Paint Pot, the most colorful mud field you’ll ever see, and reveal the secrets of Yellowstone’s “Zone of Death.” Then it’s on to the tremendous Gibbon Falls and the Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone’s hottest basin. At this point on the Yellowstone self-guided tour, we’ll hear about how this place offers a window into the earliest life on Earth and the men who first charted this fascinating land.

Gaze up at Electric Peak next as we recount the harrowing tale of how it got its name. Cross Yellowstone’s very own Golden Gate Bridge to reach the Mammoth Hot Springs, the most accessible place to spot a herd of elk. As you continue toward a pair of staggering waterfalls, we’ll put your mind at ease about the still-active super-volcano directly beneath you and let you enjoy the views.

Check out a tree so old it’s turned entirely to stone, then hear about President Theodore Roosevelt’s eventful trip to Yellowstone. If you’ve come to see wildlife, Lamar Valley is one of your best bets. We’ll point you to a place where you can spot elk, bison, and maybe even grizzlies or wolves!

Further, on the Yellowstone National Park self-guided tour, crest the summit of Dunraven Pass 9,000 feet above sea level, and you’ll be rewarded with staggering views of the park. Then, visit Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon–as long as you don’t have a fear of heights, that is! Finally, relax by the shores of the enormous Yellowstone Lake and watch for moose who come to drink from its waters.

Yellowstone has all this and more within a single park, but you have to see it to understand how awe-inspiring this landscape can be. A Yellowstone self-guided tour is the best way to experience the national park!

Make Your Yellowstone Experience Grand

Additionally, the tour also includes three additional in-depth experiences – Old Faithful, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Grand Prismatic. This super high-value bundle shows you all the top sights and requires no planning whatsoever. Simply start the tour and follow the instructions.

About the   Grand Prismatic Spring Tour

Make your Yellowstone visit a trip to remember with this self-guided walking tour to the Grand Prismatic hot spring, one of the park’s absolute must-see attractions. As you walk this trail to the best overlook of the stunning spring, you’ll dive deep into the mysteries behind this geothermal wonder, from how it formed to why it looks as colorful as it does. Plus, uncover the fascinating history of Yellowstone’s biggest eruption and hear the words of the first European to ever set eyes on Grand Prismatic. If you want, you can even keep the adventure going with a hike to Fairy Falls!

About the Yellowstone Old Faithful Tour

Witness the power of Old Faithful and explore the surrounding geyser basin with this self-guided walking tour! As one of the most densely-packed geyser regions in the park, there’s no shortage of explosive wonders on display here. Watch huge geysers like Old Faithful, Castle Geyser, and Grand Geyser erupt. Stroll past smaller, bubbling pools. Find out how geysers form, how they work, and uncover the hidden systems underlying the whole basin. This walking tour makes for the perfect addition to any Yellowstone visit!

About the   West Thumb Geyser Basin Tour

Enhance your visit to Yellowstone with this self-guided walking tour through the geothermal wonders of the West Thumb Geyser Basin. This journey along a boardwalk surrounded by steaming hot springs and burbling geysers is sure to make an impression. Stare into the mysteries of the deep at the Abyss Pool and the Black Pool. Stroll along the tranquil shores of Yellowstone Lake. Hear the strange history of the Fishing Cone. And much more! This walking tour of West Thumb gets you up close and personal with some of Yellowstone’s coolest (and hottest) attractions.

Winter Closures 2023:

Entrances : All park entrances can be closed to regular traffic during winter, with access only via snowmobile or snowcoach.

Roads : Major roads like the Grand Loop Road are closed to regular vehicles.

Fees & Passes

Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival. 

NOTE: Visitors entering Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance will be traveling through Grand Teton National Park first. Note that separate entrance fees are charged for each park.

Starting Point Addresses:

South Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): S Entrance Rd, Moran, WY 83013

West Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): 30 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758

North Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): N Entrance Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030

East Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): E Entrance Rd, Wyoming

Northeast Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): Cooke City

Explore America’s remarkable outdoor gems:

Embark on the ultimate outdoor adventure with our 20+ National Parks self-guided driving tours bundle . From the majestic peaks of Yosemite to the rugged canyons of Zion, t o Yellowstone to Rocky Mountain National Park and more, start experiencing these incredible protected areas today!

Journey Through America’s Southwest Wonders: Embark on an Epic tour

Experience the wonders of the American Southwest on an unforgettable tour . Explore the stunning red rock formations of Sedona, wander through the otherworldly landscapes of the Grand Canyon, and immerse yourself in the rich Native American culture of the region. From the vibrant city lights of Las Vegas to the serene beauty of Zion National Park, this tour will take you on a journey through some of America’s most iconic destinations.

How does it work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome: south entrance (jackson).

This tour of Yellowstone features multiple entrances to accommodate travelers entering from any direction. Get ready to experience one of the most incredible landscapes in North America, featuring stunning volcanic features like geysers and hot springs, majestic wildlife from bison to gray wolves, and more natural beauty than you can capture with any camera.

Lewis Falls

The first thing you'll see if entering from the south is Lewis Falls, a humble but energetic 30-foot waterfall that's sure to whet your appetite for the sights to come.

Grant Village & Visitor Center

If entering via the South Entrance, you'll pass Grant Village, a great place to make a pit stop before continuing onto the Grand Loop which circles the whole park.

First in this section of the park is the West Thumb Geyser Basin, one of Yellowstone's largest geyser basins which features some truly remarkable geothermal features.

While exploring West Thumb, you'll spot the Abyss Pool, an impressively deep, shockingly blue pool which has actually been known to erupt, although very rarely.

Fisherman’s Cone: William Trumbull

Next is the Fisherman's Cone, a small, extremely hot spring where fishermen used to boil their fish immediately after catching them!

Shoshone Lake & DeLacy Creek Trail

Your route takes you next past Shoshone Lake, a lovely secluded little patch of wilderness with a great hiking trail to boot.

Shoshone Lake Overlook

Be sure to stop by the Shoshone Lake Overlook, up next, for some spectacular views of the lake.

Trail to Shoshone Lake

You'll pass the trail to Shoshone Lake next, for those who want to visit the lakeshore itself.

Isa Lake & Continental Divide

Up next is Isa Lake, which sits directly on the Continental Divide. In a way, this lake marks the backbone of the country!

Kepler Cascade

Continuing on, you'll pass the Kepler Cascade, a 150-foot waterfall that's definitely worth a stop.

Old Faithful

Old Faithful, up next, is one of Yellowstone's most famous attractions for a reason. This huge geyser is so reliable it was once referred to as "eternity's timepiece"!

After that you can choose to visit the Beehive, a much humbler geyser which gets its name from the curious honeycomb-like formation surrounding it.

Castle Geyser

Then there's Castle Geyser, imposing and shielded by an enormous cone of calcified residue.

Grand Geyser

If you explore the geyser basin beyond Old Faithful, you'll find Grand Geyser, the most powerful predictable geyser in the world. These eruptions can reach up to 200 feet in height!

Morning Glory

Up next is Morning Glory, a deep hot spring pool which has, unfortunately, been severely damaged by tourists over the years. That said, it's still a sight to behold.

Fairy Falls & Grand Prismatic

After that you'll have the chance to visit Fairy Falls, a spectacular waterfall, and get a great view of the must-see Grand Prismatic hot spring in the process.

Firehole River

You've heard of hot tubs, but how about a hot river? That's exactly what you'll find at Firehole River, your next stop. It's a river naturally heated by a nearby hot spring!

Grand Prismatic Parking Lot

Then you'll be able to park and see Grand Prismatic up close. It's a staggeringly huge hot spring with rings of shocking color encircling it. This is one of Yellowstone's can't-miss attractions!

Firehole Lake Drive and the Great Fountain

Beyond that is Firehole Lake Drive, offering up-close views of the water, and the Great Fountain geyser. It isn't as predictable as Old Faithful, but you might get lucky and catch a seriously impressive eruption.

Fountain Paint Pot

Next up is the Fountain Paint Pot, a wonderfully colorful mud pot which is constantly burbling and rearranging itself thanks to the volcanic power underneath it.

Fountain Flat Drive

After that, you'll have a chance to take Fountain Flat Drive, which leads to a meadow where bison love to graze!

Welcome: West Entrance Visitor Information Center

You'll see the West Entrance Visitor Information Center if entering the park via the town of West Yellowstone.

If entering through the West Entrance, you'll pass through the Madison Junction, which is supposedly where explorer Ferdinand Hayden first had the idea to make this a national park.

Gibbon River

As you drive past the picturesque Gibbon River, you'll hear about its importance to the Shoshone tribe, as well as how they used the park's natural obsidian deposits in the past.

Gibbon Falls

After that you'll find Gibbon Falls, one of the park's most easily accessible waterfalls. Unlike many falls, which require long hikes down rocky trails, this one can be seen from the road!

Artist’s Paint Pots

Your route takes you next to the Artist's Paint Pots, another set of colorful mud pots featuring a boardwalk which takes you past not only the paint pots, but also a bunch of small geysers as well. This is a must-see spot.

Boardwalk Artist's Paintpots

As you explore the paint pots, you'll also get a great look at how the geothermal features have affected the surrounding trees.

Gibbon Meadows

You'll pass Gibbon Meadows next. If you're looking for a picnic spot to take a scenic break from driving and walking, this is a great one to choose.

Norris Geyser Basin

The next geyser basin you'll reach is the Norris Geyser Basin, the oldest, hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone, with temperatures measured up to 459 degrees below the surface!

Shortcut to Canyon Village

If you want to head straight to Canyon Village, you'll have an opportunity to do so next by taking this route straight across the Grand Loop rather than all the way around.

Semi-Centennial Geyser

Next, you'll pass a strange and remarkable geyser: the Semi-Centennial Geyser. It hasn't erupted since 1922, but who knows? You might get lucky!

Electric Peak

As you continue, you'll see Electric Peak, an 11,000-foot summit which earned its name thanks to a daring, storm-harrowed climbing experience back in the park's early days.

Sheepeater Cliffs

Past that are the Sheepeater Cliffs, a landmark with a strange story behind its equally strange name.

Swan Lake Flats

Up next are the Swan Lake Flats. These aren't just a great place to spot wildlife, they're also the birthplace of one of Yellowstone's eight wolf packs!

Bunsen Peak and Sheepeater Cliffs

Then there's Bunsen Peak, named after the inventor of the Bunsen Burner. Why? You'll have to visit to find out!

Golden Gate Bridge

Continuing on, you'll cross Yellowstone's very own Golden Gate Bridge, a staggering canyon bridged by an incredibly intricate viaduct. The views on this section of your drive simply can't be beat!

As you drive, you'll pass through a collection of huge boulders resulting from an ancient landslide.

Mammoth Hot Springs

After that, you'll see Mammoth Hot Springs, one of Yellowstone's most picturesque features. But these terraced hot springs aren't just perfect for photos--they're also a huge draw for the local elk population!

The Town of Mammoth

If you're yearning for civilization, you'll find it at the next stop: the town of Mammoth. Dating back to the 1800s, this is the perfect place to take a quick break, grab a bite, and spot some elk!

Welcome: North Entrance (Roosevelt Arch)

Visitors entering from the north will pass through the Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance.

Boiling River

If entering from the north entrance, you'll pass another heated river called the Boiling River. Don't worry about the name, though--it's actually quite a pleasant temperature!

Albright Visitor Center

The Albright Visitor Center is up next for those entering from the north, and it's a great place for anyone to stop for snacks or a restroom break.

Undine Falls

Up next are the Undine Falls, a 60-foot waterfall named after fairies from German folklore.

Wraith Falls

Just across from Undine Falls is a trailhead leading to the 80-foot Wraith Falls, another of Yellowstone's nearly 350 waterfalls!

Petrified Tree

The route takes you next to the Petrified Tree, one of Yellowstone's strangest attractions. While it may not look it, this tree is actually millions of years old!

The Petrified Tree also marks the trailhead to the Lost Lake, a mysterious lake which, depending on who you ask, may not even exist!

Roosevelt Lodge at Tower Junction

Next, you'll pass through Tower Junction, home to the Roosevelt Lodge where, despite the name, no Roosevelt ever camped. But that doesn't make it any less of a fantastic camping spot!

Tower Junction

When you arrive at Tower Junction, you'll be able to choose whether to continue following the Grand Loop toward Yellowstone's Grand Canyon or take a detour to Lamar Valley, a favorite hangout of the local wildlife.

Slough Creek

Your route takes you next past the popular Slough Creek trail, which leads into the secluded Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness just beyond Yellowstone's borders

Lamar Valley

As you drive, you'll pass Lamar Valley next. This valley is the best place in Yellowstone to spot the park's iconic wildlife. You'll almost definitely see bison here, and might even get lucky and catch sight of some elusive wolves!

While passing through the valley, you'll have the chance to hike the Lamar Valley Trail. It's a picturesque hike for sure, but be sure to keep your distance from the wildlife!

Welcome: Northeast Entrance (Cooke City)

Visitors entering from the northeast will enter through the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City.

"Devil’s Den"

Those entering from the northeast will encounter Devil's Den, the iconic landscape captured by famed painter Thomas Moran, whose work helped to put Yellowstone on the map.

Dunraven Pass and Mt Washburn

Continuing along the Grand Loop, you'll arrive at Dunraven Pass, one of the highest points in the entire park. This 9,000-foot pass also features the trailhead to a hiking trail leading up an additional 1,000 feet for a truly commanding view of the park below.

Yellowstone River

As you drive, you'll pass the powerful Yellowstone River, another great place to spot animals like bison or grizzlies stopping for a drink at the riverbank.

Canyon Village

Next, you'll pass through Canyon Village, the strange, semi-town where many of Yellowstone's workers live during their time at the park. It offers a fun glimpse into what life is like for the park employees!

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

After that you'll come to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a canyon impressive enough to rival even Arizona's Grand Canyon!

North Rim of Grand Canyon

On the north rim of the canyon, you'll find plenty of phenomenal lookout points, so don't forget to snap plenty of photos!

Inspiration Point

Continuing on, you'll arrive at Inspiration Point, the most popular of the overlooks along Yellowstone's Grand Canyon. The vista here is simply unmatched anywhere else in the park.

South Rim of Grand Canyon

You'll come to the canyon's south rim next, which offers just as many viewpoints and hiking trails as the north rim, including the beautiful Artists Point.

Hayden Valley

Up next is Hayden Valley, which offers a glimpse into the past. Though it's a lush green valley today, it was once at the bottom of a lake!

Welcome: East Entrance (Cody)

Those entering from the east will enter through the park's East Entrance near Cody.

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

If you're coming in through the east entrance, you'll pass the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, where you can stop for snacks, maps, and restrooms.

Fishing Bridge

Next, you'll cross Fishing Bridge and hear about the park service's early, misguided attempts to boost park visitation by introducing invasive trout to the rivers.

Yellowstone Lake

Finally, you'll arrive at Yellowstone Lake, the largest high elevation lake in North America. This pristine lake is too cold to swim in, but it makes the perfect place for a picnic or even a boat ride!

This last stretch of the Grand Loop will take you to West Thumb for a second time, concluding the circle--or, if you've entered the park from an entrance besides the South Entrance, it will bring you there for the first time so you can see the rest of the park!

Preview The Tour

  are pets allowed in yellowstone  .

You can bring your pet on a   Yellowstone National Park tour… but with plenty of restrictions. You need to ensure your pet is inside a vehicle, tent, or on a leash no shorter than 6 feet. And pets are not allowed on boardwalks or hiking trails, even with a leash.

If you don’t want to leave your pet in the car while you’re on your trip, a few pet boarding facilities are available outside the park boundary.

  How many entrances are there into Yellowstone?  

Yellowstone’s driving route  is arranged like a big circle, with five different entrances to the loop. 

West Entrance: You’ll arrive at the  West Entrance  if you’re driving in from Yellowstone Airport .

South Entrance: The   South Entrance  comes from Jackson, Wyoming. 

North Entrance: B egins at Roosevelt Arch in Montana.

East Entrance: Begins  from Cody, Wyoming

Northeast Entrance: S tarts in the heart of Wyoming’s mountains. The tour begins at Trout Lake Trailhead. Note: This entrance is currently shut. 

  What is Yellowstone famous for?  

From geysers to bison, Yellowstone National Park boasts numerous claims to fame. We have over a 100+ audio stories on the top sights along your driving route. 

  Are there any waterfalls in Yellowstone?  

Funny you should ask. Yellowstone is well-known for its water features, from geysers to hot springs to rivers to falls and there are over 300 of them. 

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:.

• App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
• Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on your next trip within 1 year of your purchase.
• Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
• At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace.
• Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
• Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.

Exclusions:

• Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
• Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
• Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.

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This Is the No. 1 'Hidden Gem' National Park in the U.S., According to Google

Yosemite and Yellowstone may draw more crowds, but California’s Redwood National Park is a hidden gem among giants.

Carmen Martínez Torrón/Getty Images

Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park may draw more crowds, but California’s Redwood National Park is a hidden gem among giants.

The northern California park , which features some of the world’s tallest trees and gorgeous wildflowers , was named the No. 1 national park hidden gem by Google. The designation was determined by looking at all national parks with ratings of 4.5 or higher and fewer than 1,000 reviews on Google Maps, the search company shared with Travel + Leisure .

"Every year we see millions of people engaging with national parks on Google Maps – whether they’re virtually exploring, looking up helpful information, or sharing photos and reviews of their experiences,” Michael Curtes, the group product manager for Google Maps, told T+L. 

Beyond California , other hidden gems include Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park , which is best explored by boat, and Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, which is best known for its annual Fat Bear Week competition. 

In fact, Alaska was home to five of the top nine hidden gems in the national park system , according to Google’s ranking: Katmai National Park and Preserve, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, and Kobuk Valley National Park.

While not exactly under the radar, Yosemite National Park was named the most popular national park in the United States, according to Google. (To reach that conclusion, the company examined the national parks with the most direction requests and interactions on Google Maps in the last year.) That was followed by Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which sits between North Carolina and Tennessee and was the most visited national park in 2023 , came in at No. 12 on the list of the most popular parks.

When it came to the top-rated national park (parks with a rating of 4.8 or higher and more than 1,000 reviews on Google Maps), Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park took the top spot.

These are the top 9 hidden gem national parks in the U.S., according to Google.

• Redwood National Park
• Yellowstone National Park Gateway Garden
• Isle Royale National Park
• Katmai National Park and Preserve
• Lake Clark National Park and Preserve     
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
• Minidoka National Historic Site
• Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
• Kobuk Valley National Park

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Shocked Yellowstone guide catches clueless tourist sticking hand in geyser

A tour guide at Yellowstone National Park has shared photos of a visitor putting his hand in a geyser at Black Sand Basin as a warning to others, and a reminder to take care around geothermal features.

"Guy puts a hand in spouter at Black Sand Basin," wrote Amanda Eisenberg , whose pictures were shared via Instagram account TouronsOfYellowstone this week. "I've been a guide for over a year. I generally don't warn people anymore because most of the time they just tell me to shove it, but I warned this guy. He was walking all over the basin."

Black Sand Basin takes its name and color from deposits of volcanic glass (obsidian), and is the location of several of Yellowstone's most spectacular springs and pools, including Emerald Pool, Rainbow Pool, Sunset Lake, and Cliff Geyser. It's one of the park's biggest attractions, but visitors are warned to stick to trails and boardwalks for their own safety.

A post shared by TouronsOfYellowstone (@touronsofyellowstone) A photo posted by on

The ground around geothermal features is often only a thin crust over scalding groundwater, and people have suffered severe burns after accidentally falling in.

"Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature," says the National Park Service . "Keep your children close and don’t let them run."

Trespassing in these areas is a crime, and missing the signs isn't an excuse, as actor Pierce Brosnan discovered earlier this year. The James Bond actor was spotted walking in a prohibited area near Mammoth Terraces in January, and posted photos of himself there on social media.

Brosnan initially pleaded not guilty , but later changed his plea and was fined a total of $1,500 for what he called an "impulsive mistake".

"I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area," he wrote on Instagram. "Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy."

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Spring cycling season open in yellowstone national park.

It's spring cycling season in Yellowstone National Park/NPS file

If you have the legs, the stamina, and maybe a room reservation or a friend who will play shuttle driver, you can now pedal your bike the 49 miles from West Yellowstone, Montana, to Mammoth Hot Springs ( or vice versa ) in Yellowstone National Park .

The following  park roads  between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs are now open to bicycling:

• West Entrance to Madison Junction
• Madison Junction to Norris Junction
• Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs

As conditions allow, bicycles will also be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass (6 miles). Check the  bicycling web page  for updates. 

Bicycles are not allowed on the remaining park roads until they start to open to public automobiles on Friday, April 19. Check  park roads  for spring opening dates.  

Ride Safely

• Ride single file and use extreme caution. Expect administrative vehicles such as snowplows, heavy equipment, contractor and employee traffic. Roadway shoulders are narrow, and curves can limit visibility.
• Bears, bison, elk, moose and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors when the snow is deep. Be mindful as they endure this hardest part of the year. Snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the road. Do not crowd, harass, or push wildlife and be prepared to wait or turn around.
• Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.
• Carry  bear spray  and know how to use it.
• Travel during daylight hours only. There are currently no overnight accommodations or camping in the park.
• Watch for quickly changing weather conditions and the possibility of  temporary road closures . Snow and ice may cover sections of road.
• No services will be available between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs, except limited restrooms. In Mammoth Hot Springs, the only  facilities open  will be the post office, general store, visitor center, medical clinic and self-service fuel pumps.
• Plan for self-rescue or repair. Cell phone coverage throughout the park is sparse and unreliable for communicating emergencies.
• Prepare to spend an extended period in winter conditions in the event of a mechanical breakdown, injury or other emergency. 
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The Essential RVing Guide

The National Parks RVing Guide , aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks , is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks. You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away. So whether you have an iPhone or an Android , download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.

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Last updated: January 22, 2024

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PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

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