Find Tours
Yellowstone

Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole

4.9 (2 352 reviews)

Explore America's first national park with guided day trips and multi-day adventures departing from Jackson Hole. Discover iconic geothermal landmarks like Old Faithful, spot diverse wildlife, and take in the scenic views of the Lower Loop with an expert local guide.

🦅 Binoculars provided for wildlife spotting
🥪 Meals and snacks included
🗣️ Led by expert local guides
📅 Free cancellation on most tours
From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour
5.0 (1 570) ⏱ 13h

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

Spot grizzly bears and wolves while exploring Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on a small-group tour.

Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from Jackson Free Cancellation
4.9 (502) ⏱ 12h

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

Spend 12 hours exploring Yellowstone's highlights, from Old Faithful to grizzly sightings, with a local guide.

Yellowstone National Park Tour from Jackson Hole Free Cancellation
4.8 (233) ⏱ 11h

Yellowstone National Park Tour from Jackson Hole

See Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on a guided coach tour departing from Jackson Hole.

Yellowstone National Park - PRIVATE Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from Jackson Hole Free Cancellation
5.0 (35)

Yellowstone National Park - PRIVATE Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from Jackson Hole

Explore Yellowstone’s Lower Loop and prime wildlife habitats on a guided tour tailored to your specific interests.

Yellowstone Grand Teton & Jackson Hole 5-day Fully Guided Tour
4.8 (9) ⏱ 120h

Yellowstone Grand Teton & Jackson Hole 5-day Fully Guided Tour

Yellowstone Grand Teton & Jackson Hole 5-day Fully Guided Tour

Private VIP Yellowstone National Park Tour from Jackson Hole Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)

Private VIP Yellowstone National Park Tour from Jackson Hole

Explore Yellowstone’s wildlife and geysers with expert guides, high-end optics, and a flexible, custom itinerary.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Yellowstone — from practical tips to personal highlights.

S
Sarah M. United States, Mar 2026
5.0

"It’s a really long day coming from Jackson, but totally worth it. Our guide Dave had breakfast burritos waiting for us at 6 AM. We hit Grand Prismatic before the massive crowds showed up, and he knew exactly when to get to Old Faithful. The van was super comfortable for the 12-hour trip."

E
Elena R. Spain, Feb 2026
4.5

"The geothermal features are out of this world. Walking the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs was easy and accessible. The only downside was the new $100 international visitor fee we had to pay at the gate, which wasn't included in the tour price. Still, the sights were incredible."

K
Kenji O. Japan, Jan 2026
4.6

"Did the small group lower loop tour. The picnic lunch was basic but good enough. Seeing the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was breathtaking. Be warned that you will have zero cell signal all day, so tell your family you'll be offline! Great way to see the park without driving yourself."

L
Liam T. United Kingdom, Oct 2025
4.8

"Booked the private VIP tour for our family of four since we have a toddler. Best decision ever. We didn't feel rushed, and our guide adjusted the route when he heard over the radio that a grizzly was spotted near the lake. He set up a spotting scope so we could all see it safely."

B
Betty W. United States, Aug 2025
4.7

"I was worried about the walking since I'm in my 70s, but the tour was very accommodating. The boardwalks at the geyser basins are completely flat. The guide dropped us off right near the viewpoints for the Lower Falls so we didn't have to hike. Very professional and knowledgeable."

M
Marcus J. Canada, Aug 2025
4.9

"Driving through Grand Teton at sunrise on the way to Yellowstone was a massive bonus. We got stuck in a 'bison jam' for 20 minutes, which was actually the highlight of my day! The provided binoculars were top-notch. Highly recommend packing extra water though, the altitude made me super thirsty."

What to Expect on Your Yellowstone Tour from Jackson Hole

Taking a tour to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole is a massive, full-day adventure, typically spanning 11 to 13 hours. Because you are starting down south, your route naturally takes you through the stunning scenery of Grand Teton National Park before you even reach Yellowstone's South Entrance. Once inside, expect a mix of driving through vast wilderness, walking along flat boardwalks to view geothermal features, and pulling over for spontaneous wildlife sightings.

Old Faithful Geyser

You will stop to watch the world's most famous predictable geyser shoot boiling water up to 180 feet into the air. Tours time their visits to catch one of its eruptions, which happen every 60 to 110 minutes.

🌈

Grand Prismatic Spring

Walk the boardwalks around the largest hot spring in the United States. The vivid rainbow rings of orange, yellow, and green are created by heat-loving bacteria living in the water.

⛰️

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Stand at the rim of this 20-mile-long canyon with its dramatic yellow-tinted walls. Most tours stop at viewpoints to see the massive 308-foot Lower Falls crashing into the river below.

🦬

Wildlife Spotting

Guides provide spotting scopes and binoculars to help you safely view wildlife. You are highly likely to experience a 'bison jam' on the road and might spot elk, grizzly bears, or wolves.

🏔️

Grand Teton Drive-Through

Because Jackson Hole is south of Yellowstone, your tour doubles as a scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park. You will enjoy views of the jagged peaks and places like Oxbow Bend along the way.

Things to Know Before Booking

Booking a Yellowstone tour from Jackson Hole requires understanding the logistics of a very long day trip. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.

Long Tour Durations

Day tours from Jackson Hole are a marathon, generally lasting between 11 and 13 hours. You will spend a significant amount of time in the vehicle covering the 57 miles just to reach the South Entrance, plus navigating the expansive park roads.

Tour Types Available

You can choose from small-group van tours, private VIP tours customized to your pace, or multi-day excursions that include hotel stays. Group tours are cost-effective, while private tours allow you to avoid crowds and focus on specific interests like wildlife photography.

Park Entrance Fees

Check your tour's inclusions carefully. While some include the standard National Park entry fee, many require you to pay the $35-$40 fee separately. Crucially, starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents must pay a $100 per person surcharge, which is almost never included in the base tour price.

Meals and Inclusions

Most full-day tours take care of your food, providing breakfast (like a breakfast burrito), a picnic lunch, snacks, and bottled water. Guides also typically provide high-quality binoculars or spotting scopes for the group.

Pickup Logistics

Tour operators usually offer front-door pickup at hotels in Jackson, Teton Village, and Wilson. If you are staying in an Airbnb outside these zones, you will likely need to meet the van at a central location like the Home Ranch Parking Lot in Jackson.

Cancellation Policies

Policies vary wildly between operators. Many offer a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, but some strict operators state that all sales are final with no refunds. Always check the specific policy before booking.

Age and Fitness Limits

While the boardwalks are flat and accessible, the day is long. Some group tours restrict children under 3, 5, or 6 years old. If you have toddlers, booking a private tour is usually the required workaround.

What to Wear

Yellowstone sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet, making weather unpredictable. Dress in synthetic, moisture-wicking layers and bring a jacket even in the middle of summer. Sturdy walking shoes are a must.

Which Yellowstone Tour from Jackson Hole Is Best for You?

Small-Group Lower Loop TourPrivate VIP TourMulti-Day Yellowstone & Tetons
Duration 11 - 13 hoursFlexible (Full Day)5 Days
Best For Couples and first-time visitors wanting to see the major highlights.Families with young children or photographers wanting a custom pace.Deep explorers wanting to see Utah, Wyoming, and both national parks.
Includes Hotel pickup, guide, breakfast, picnic lunch, binoculars.Private vehicle, custom itinerary, guide, meals, scopes.4 nights hotel, transport from SLC, guide, park admissions, breakfast.
Starting Price $329 - $389$350 - $887$1,038

Plan Your Visit to Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is technically open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, access is heavily dependent on the season and weather conditions.

  • Summer (May to October): All park roads and entrances are generally open to wheeled vehicles.
  • Winter (November to April): Most park roads are closed to regular cars due to heavy snow. The only road that remains open year-round is the one connecting the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT).

During the winter closure, the interior of the park is only accessible via commercially guided snowmobiles or snowcoaches.

If you are traveling from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone, you will be entering through the South Entrance. The drive from Jackson Town Square to the South Entrance is about 57 miles and takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, taking you directly through Grand Teton National Park.

Alternative Transport Options:

  • Car Rental: Available at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) or Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). Expect to pay $50-$150 per day.
  • Taxi/Private Transfer: A flat-rate taxi from Jackson to the South Entrance costs around $257.00.
  • Public/Shuttle Bus: Options like the Salt Lake Express run from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone ($76-$95), and shuttles run from Bozeman to West Yellowstone for about $175 per person.

The ideal time to visit Yellowstone depends on what you want to experience:

  • July and August: The best months for full access to all roads, trails, and facilities. The weather is warm, but these are also the most crowded months.
  • September: Excellent for wildlife viewing, particularly the elk rut (mating season). The crowds thin out, and the fall foliage begins to turn.
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Perfect for guided snowcoach tours and seeing wolves against the snow, though access is highly restricted.

Months to Avoid: April and November are considered 'mud season.' The park is transitioning between summer and winter operations, meaning most roads, visitor centers, and facilities are closed.

Yellowstone is highly accessible for visitors with mobility needs. Many of the park's most famous geothermal features, including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic Spring, feature extensive, flat wooden boardwalks.

Key viewpoints like Artist Point and Lookout Point at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are also wheelchair accessible. If you need a wheelchair, they can be rented at the medical clinics in Mammoth, Lake Village, and Old Faithful for $10 per day.

Note on Altitude: The park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet. Elderly visitors or those with heart/lung conditions should take it slow, as the thin air can quickly cause shortness of breath and fatigue.

While Yellowstone is a massive wilderness area, it has developed 'villages' (like Canyon Village, Old Faithful, and Mammoth) that offer basic amenities.

  • Gas Stations: There are 6 gas stations inside the park. Fill up before you enter, as stations are far apart and prices inside the park are higher.
  • Food and Dining: Dining options are limited and often have massive wait times in the summer. It is highly recommended to pack a cooler with your own food and plenty of water.
  • Cell Service & Wi-Fi: Do not expect to be connected. Cell service is extremely limited and only works near major hubs. Wi-Fi is restricted to certain lodges for registered guests and is very slow (around 1.5mbps). Download the NPS app for offline use before you arrive.

Yellowstone has strict rules in place to protect both the delicate ecosystem and the visitors. Violating these can result in heavy fines or fatal accidents.

  • Wildlife Distances: It is federal law to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. Bison can run 35 mph and injure more people than any other animal in the park.
  • Thermal Areas: You must stay on designated boardwalks and trails in thermal areas. The crust is thin, and stepping off can result in falling into boiling, acidic water. Swimming in hot springs is illegal and deadly.
  • Prohibited Items: Drones are strictly banned in all U.S. National Parks. You also cannot remove any natural items, including rocks, wildflowers, or antlers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tours from Jackson Hole include the Yellowstone entrance fee?

It depends on the operator. Some private and multi-day tours include the standard park entry fees. However, many day tours require you to pay the $35-$40 vehicle fee separately. Additionally, starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents must pay a $100 per person surcharge, which is almost never included in tour prices.

How long is a Yellowstone day tour from Jackson Hole?

Because Jackson Hole is located about 57 miles south of Yellowstone, day tours are quite long, typically lasting between 11 and 13 hours. You will spend a good portion of the day driving through Grand Teton National Park to reach the Yellowstone loop.

Will we see bears or wolves on a lower loop tour?

While wildlife is wild and unpredictable, guides communicate with each other to track animal movements. You are almost guaranteed to see bison and elk. Seeing bears or wolves is possible, especially in the early morning, and guides provide binoculars and spotting scopes to help you see them safely.

Are meals provided on these full-day tours?

Yes, the vast majority of 11 to 13-hour tours from Jackson include food. You can usually expect a breakfast item (like a breakfast burrito or yogurt), a picnic-style lunch (sandwiches or salads), snacks, and bottled water throughout the day.

Can I bring my toddler on a group tour?

Many small-group tours have age restrictions, often requiring children to be at least 3, 5, or 6 years old due to the long hours in a van. If you are traveling with an infant or toddler, you will likely need to book a private VIP tour, which can accommodate car seats and strollers.

Where do the tours pick up in Jackson Hole?

Most tour operators offer front-door pickup at hotels and lodgings in Jackson, Teton Village, and Wilson. If you are staying at a remote cabin or an Airbnb outside these specific areas, you will be asked to meet the guide at a central location, such as the Home Ranch Parking Lot.

Is it safe to walk around the geysers?

Yes, as long as you stay on the designated boardwalks. The park has built extensive wooden pathways around major geothermal features like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic. Stepping off the boardwalk is illegal and highly dangerous due to the thin crust over boiling water.

What should I wear for a summer tour in Yellowstone?

Even in July or August, the park's 8,000-foot elevation means mornings can be freezing and afternoons hot. You should dress in moisture-wicking synthetic layers and bring a warm jacket. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential for the boardwalks and viewpoints.

Can I fly my drone to get pictures of Grand Prismatic Spring?

No. The use of drones is strictly prohibited in Yellowstone and all other U.S. National Parks. This rule is heavily enforced to protect wildlife from stress and to preserve the natural experience for other visitors.

Will I have cell phone service during the tour?

You should expect to be without cell service for almost the entire day. Signal is extremely limited and usually only available in heavily developed areas like Canyon Village or Old Faithful. Guides have radios for emergencies.

Explore More Tours

Ready to visit Yellowstone?

Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.

Find Tours