Enhance your regional road trip with these Yellowstone excursions, ideal for travelers also visiting Mount Rushmore. While focused entirely on Yellowstone's geysers and wildlife, these half-day and full-day trips fit easily into a broader multi-state itinerary.
See Grand Teton and Yellowstone's top geysers and wildlife on a small-group tour with lunch and optics included.
Free Cancellation See Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon, and Hayden Valley wildlife on a guided Yellowstone Lower Loop tour with lunch.
Free Cancellation Paddle the Yellowstone River on a two-hour guided rafting trip designed for families and rafters of all ages.
Free Cancellation See Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring with local guides who lead you through every stop and wildlife area.
Free Cancellation Raft eight miles of the Yellowstone River through Class I-III rapids and scenic stretches near the park border.
Free Cancellation Explore West Thumb’s hidden geysers and underwater vents on a guided kayak tour with a secluded beach picnic.
Free Cancellation Explore Yellowstone’s geysers and wildlife at your own pace with this GPS-enabled, offline audio tour for your car.
Free Cancellation Explore Old Faithful and spot wildlife on an 8-9 hour guided tour from West Yellowstone, with breakfast and lunch.
Free Cancellation Spend a full day exploring Yellowstone’s iconic geysers, massive waterfalls, and wildlife with an expert guide.
Free Cancellation Paddle over a volcanic caldera to see West Thumb and Potts Geyser Basins on a guided morning tour of Lake Yellowstone.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Yellowstone — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Embarking on a tour of Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore regions immerses you in some of North America's most iconic and dramatic landscapes. Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness recreation area situated atop a massive volcanic hot spot. Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is the world's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can expect to witness a dynamic environment featuring dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, and over 10,000 hydrothermal features. From the predictable eruptions of Old Faithful to the vibrant thermophilic bacteria of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the geothermal activity is unparalleled. Furthermore, the region is celebrated as 'America's Serengeti,' home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, and massive herds of prehistoric bison.
Witness the world's most famous predictable geyser in action. It erupts every 60 to 110 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 180 feet into the air.
Marvel at the largest hot spring in the United States. Its vivid, rainbow-like colors are created by unique thermophilic bacteria thriving in the extreme heat.
Experience 'bison jams' and spot incredible wildlife in Lamar Valley. The park is home to 67 mammal species, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk.
Take in the breathtaking sights of the 20-mile-long Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The yellow-tinted walls frame the massive 308-foot Lower Falls perfectly.
Navigate Class III rapids on the Yellowstone River or kayak across Yellowstone Lake. These water-based tours offer a unique perspective of the park's geothermal features.
Planning a trip to see the wonders of Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore requires careful preparation, especially given the sheer scale of the 2.2-million-acre Yellowstone wilderness and its extreme high-altitude environment. Because the park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet, weather conditions can change rapidly, and seasonal road closures drastically impact how and when you can explore. Whether you are booking a guided wildlife safari, a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion, or a self-paced audio drive, understanding the logistics of park fees, departure locations, and local regulations is crucial. Here is everything you need to know before securing your tour reservations to ensure a safe and seamless adventure.
You can choose from full-day guided group safaris, private vehicle tours, half-day whitewater rafting, kayaking trips, or GPS-powered self-guided audio tours. Guided tours often provide spotting scopes and binoculars for better wildlife viewing.
Most guided tours do not include the mandatory National Park fee ($35 per vehicle or $20 per individual). Additionally, starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older must pay a $100 surcharge per person.
Pay close attention to where your tour begins. Common pickup locations include Jackson Hole (WY), West Yellowstone (MT), Bozeman (MT), and Cody (WY). Some tours require you to meet at specific visitor centers if you stay outside these zones.
The park is highly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with extensive flat boardwalks at major sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic. Wheelchair rentals are available at medical clinics in Mammoth, Lake, and Old Faithful for $10 a day.
There is no formal dress code, but the high altitude makes weather unpredictable. Dressing in moisture-wicking synthetic layers and bringing a warm jacket is strongly recommended, even during the peak summer months.
It is strictly illegal to approach wildlife. You must stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards away from all other animals, including bison and elk. Bison can run up to 35 mph and cause the most injuries to visitors.
Most guided tours and activities offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure. However, check your specific ticket, as some long-distance day tours from Jackson Hole state that all sales are final with no refunds.
| Full-Day Guided Loop Tour | Whitewater Rafting | Lake Kayaking Excursion | Self-Guided Audio Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | First-timers & wildlife viewing | Families & thrill-seekers | Active travelers & unique views | Independent drivers on a budget |
| Duration | 8 to 13 hours | 2 to 3 hours | 4 to 5 hours | Flexible (Self-paced) |
| Includes | Expert guide, lunch, binoculars, hotel pickup | Wetsuits, splash jackets, certified river guide | Kayaks, dry bags, ACA-certified guide, lunch | GPS app, offline maps, lifetime access |
| Price From | $269.00 | $92.00 | $120.00 | $24.99 |
Yellowstone National Park is officially open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, accessibility changes drastically depending on the season.
Due to its massive size, there are multiple ways to reach the park depending on which entrance you plan to use:
Choosing when to visit depends heavily on what you want to experience:
Yellowstone is highly accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
While the park has infrastructure, services are spread out across its 2.2 million acres:
Strict regulations are enforced to protect both visitors and the delicate ecosystem:
Most tours do not include the mandatory National Park entrance fee. You will need to pay $35 per private vehicle or $20 per individual. Note that starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents will face an additional $100 surcharge per person.
No vehicle reservations are required to enter the park for the 2024-2026 seasons. However, a valid park entrance pass is mandatory for all visitors.
No, drones are strictly prohibited in all U.S. National Parks. This rule is heavily enforced to protect the wildlife and preserve the natural experience for other visitors.
No, it is illegal and extremely dangerous. The water in the hydrothermal features is boiling, and attempting to swim in them is often fatal. The only designated swimming area in the park is at Firehole Canyon.
Cell service is extremely limited throughout the 3,500-square-mile park. You will generally only find a signal in highly developed areas like Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Canyon Village.
By law, you must stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from all other wildlife, including bison and elk.
Yes, many tours are family-friendly. For example, the Yellowstone River rafting trips welcome children as young as six. The park also offers an excellent Junior Ranger program for kids aged four and up.
Because the park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet, weather is unpredictable. Dress in moisture-wicking synthetic layers and bring a warm jacket, even if you are visiting in the middle of summer.
Most roads close to standard wheeled vehicles from early November to late April. Winter travel inside the park is restricted to specialized guided snowcoach or snowmobile tours.
The average visit duration is 3 to 4 days. Because the park covers over 2.2 million acres and the speed limits are low, it takes multiple days to see major highlights like Lamar Valley, the Grand Canyon, and the geyser basins.
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This small-group tour covers the highlights of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. You will visit famous geothermal sites like Old Faithful, the Fountain Paint Pots, and West Thumb Geyser Basin, alongside scenic stops at Oxbow Bend, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Throughout the day, your guide provides context on the region’s geology, wildfire history, and local ecology. We spend time in Hayden Valley and other key areas to look for bison, bears, wolves, and moose. We provide binoculars and high-powered spotting scopes for everyone to use during wildlife sightings. The tour includes walks along park boardwalks and a picnic lunch served in the field by your guide.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This tour covers the major landmarks of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop, focusing on the park's famous geothermal features and natural landscapes. You will visit Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Fountain Paint Pots. The route includes time to walk the boardwalks and observe the active geysers and colorful thermal pools that define the region. The itinerary also takes you to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to see the Upper and Lower Falls, followed by a stop at Lake Yellowstone. As we drive through Hayden Valley, we frequently encounter local wildlife such as bison, elk, and bears. A lunch is provided as part of the tour so you can maximize your time at each destination.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This half-day excursion takes you onto the Yellowstone River for two hours of rafting. Led by certified guides, the route is chosen to be accessible for families and children, making it a standard choice for those new to whitewater or traveling with a group of mixed ages. You will spend about two hours on the water navigating a mix of calm stretches and mild rapids. The trip includes all necessary safety equipment, and your guide will handle the navigation while providing instructions on how to paddle through the river.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour covers Yellowstone’s most famous landmarks, including Old Faithful and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. Along the way, we navigate to known wildlife corridors where bison, elk, and other animals are frequently spotted. Our team has spent years working in the park, providing us with a deep understanding of the local ecosystem and the best times to visit each location. Unlike tours that simply drop you at a parking lot, we stay with you at every destination. We walk the boardwalks and trails alongside you, explaining the hydrothermal features and the park's history as we go. You’ll get a clear look at the science behind the geysers and springs while having a guide available to answer questions and navigate the crowds.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This eight-mile rafting trip begins at the northern border of Yellowstone National Park, where the Gardiner and Yellowstone rivers join. It is designed for families and first-time rafters, welcoming children as young as six. You will navigate Class I-III rapids—such as Man Eater and the King—interspersed with calm sections suitable for swimming and viewing the Devil’s Slide rock formation. Because rapid intensity varies with water levels, guests are welcome to contact the office for current river conditions. The total door-to-door time is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, which includes outfitting and a short shuttle ride to and from the river. You will spend about 1 to 1.5 hours on the water, depending on the current flow rates. The shuttle commute is brief, totaling no more than 15 minutes round-trip. All necessary gear is provided, making this an accessible option for groups with varying ages and physical abilities.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This guided tour begins with a safety briefing and paddling instruction, making it suitable for all skill levels. We provide all necessary gear, including your choice of single or double kayaks. Once on the water, we follow the Yellowstone Lake shoreline toward the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Along the way, your guide will explain the unique geology and history that shaped this high-altitude lake. Unlike the developed areas of the park, this primitive geyser basin has no boardwalks or crowds. From the kayaks, we can view geothermal features that are impossible to reach by foot, including several vents located directly under the water's surface. After exploring the basin, we stop at a quiet beach for a provided picnic lunch. The tour concludes with a paddle back to the launch site, returning to the vehicles around 2:00 PM depending on the group's pace.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Explore Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features and wildlife with this self-guided audio tour. The route covers major landmarks including Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the park’s dramatic waterfalls. While driving, you'll hear about the area's volcanic geology and the history of its native wolf and bison populations. The tour is priced per vehicle and can be started from any park entrance. Because cellular service is unreliable within the park, you need to download the Action Tour Guide app and the tour content while you have a stable internet connection before arriving. The app uses GPS to trigger audio automatically as you drive, so it works entirely offline once you are on the road. This purchase provides lifetime access, meaning the tour never expires and can be used on future trips. Note that this is an audio guide only and does not include your park entrance fee. Always check the official park website for current road closures and seasonal hours before your visit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, French
Spend a full day exploring Yellowstone National Park with a local guide. Departing from West Yellowstone or Island Park, this 8-9 hour tour focuses on the park’s most famous landmarks and its diverse wildlife. You’ll visit Old Faithful to see the geyser in action and stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to view the massive waterfalls. Throughout the trip, your guide will help you spot grizzly bears, bison, and grey wolves. High-quality binoculars are provided for everyone in the group. The tour covers all park entrance fees and includes a light breakfast and a packed lunch, so you can focus on the scenery without worrying about the logistics.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day safari covers the core landmarks of Yellowstone National Park. You’ll visit the primary geothermal basins to see Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, as well as the Upper and Lower Falls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The itinerary also includes stops at Yellowstone Lake and various mudpots, fumaroles, and hot springs throughout the park. Travel is conducted by vehicle along scenic park roads, with frequent stops to walk historic boardwalks and use high-quality optics for wildlife viewing. Your guide manages all the driving and navigation, adjusting the route based on current weather, seasonal road closures, and your specific interests to ensure you see as many highlights as possible in a single day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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We meet at 8:30 AM to get on the water before the afternoon winds pick up, ensuring a calmer and more focused experience on Lake Yellowstone. Our small-group tours are led by Level 3 ACA-certified naturalist guides who balance safety with in-depth knowledge of the park’s ecology. You will paddle directly over the Yellowstone caldera, exploring the shoreline of the West Thumb and Potts Geyser Basins to see thermal features from a unique perspective on the water. To help you cover more distance comfortably, we use fast, stable kayaks equipped with rudders. These rudders are essential for maintaining a straight course and steering with ease, especially if the breeze increases. This tour offers a quiet, personalized way to see some of the park’s most famous geothermal areas while learning from seasoned experts in the field.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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