Explore the world's first national park with a guided tour departing directly from West Yellowstone. Choose from full-day wildlife safaris, geothermal hotspot walks, and quick scenic flights.
Free Cancellation See Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this active day trip from West Yellowstone.
Free Cancellation Explore Yellowstone’s iconic geysers and wildlife on a full-day guided tour from West Yellowstone or Island Park.
Free Cancellation Explore Yellowstone on a private full-day tour customized to your group's specific interests and wildlife goals.
Free Cancellation Search for wolves, bears, and elk across the Lamar Valley and Mount Washburn on this guided tour from West Yellowstone.
Free Cancellation See Yellowstone’s most famous geothermal sights, from Old Faithful to the Grand Prismatic, on a guided five-hour tour.
Free Cancellation An 8-9 hour adults-only tour of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop in a luxury minibus departing from West Yellowstone.
Free Cancellation A full-day guided exploration of Yellowstone’s geysers and wildlife departing from Big Sky and West Yellowstone.
Free Cancellation Spend a full day exploring Yellowstone’s geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife with a guide who tailors the route for you.
Free Cancellation See West Yellowstone’s mountains and rivers from above on this quick 15-minute scenic flight.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Yellowstone — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking a tour of Yellowstone from West Yellowstone puts you right at the gateway to the park's most famous geothermal features and wildlife habitats. You can expect comfortable transportation, expert local guides who know how to navigate the massive 3,500-square-mile park, and access to high-end spotting scopes for safe animal viewing.
Witness the world's most famous geyser erupting up to 180 feet in the air. Guides know the timing schedule, ensuring you arrive exactly when it goes off.
Marvel at the vivid rainbow colors of the largest hot spring in the U.S. Many tours offer the option to hike to the overlook for the best vantage point.
Use provided binoculars and spotting scopes to safely view grizzly bears, wolves, and elk, especially on early morning tours heading to Lamar Valley or Shadow Canyon.
Take in the massive 20-mile-long canyon with its striking yellow walls. You'll stop at viewpoints to see the powerful 308-foot Lower Falls.
Safely walk over active hydrothermal areas like Fountain Paint Pots and Mammoth Hot Springs. You'll see bubbling mud, fumaroles, and travertine terraces.
For a totally different perspective, short aerial tours offer incredible window-seat views of the landscape that you simply can't get from the ground.
Before you secure your spot on a Yellowstone tour from West Yellowstone, it helps to understand what is included and the logistical details of your departure.
You can choose between Full-Day Lower Loop tours focusing on geysers, Upper Loop tours focusing on wildlife, quick Half-Day "Hot Spots" trips, or specialized 55+ adults-only minibus tours. There are also private custom tours and quick 15-minute scenic flights.
Most tour operators do not include the National Park entrance fee in the ticket price. You will need to pay the $20 per person fee or use a National Park Annual Pass (which covers 4 adults). Starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents face an additional $100 surcharge.
Pickups are strictly managed. Most operators will pick you up at any hotel or vacation rental within the West Yellowstone city limits. If you are staying outside town, you'll typically need to meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center or the Madison Hotel.
Full-day tours generally include lunch (often a deli sandwich), snacks, and water. Half-day tours usually provide snacks and water but skip lunch. You are always welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages.
While many tours are suitable for all fitness levels and accommodate strollers, some have age minimums (like 6 or 8 years old). If you need wheelchair accessibility, look for half-day or private tours that specifically cater to mobility needs.
You don't need to buy expensive optics. Almost all guided van tours provide binoculars for personal use and high-powered spotting scopes on tripods to safely watch bears and wolves from a distance.
The standard policy across nearly all West Yellowstone tour operators is a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
| Full-Day Lower Loop Tour | Upper Loop & Lamar Valley Tour | Half-Day Hot Spots | Private Custom Tour | Scenic Flight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-9 hours | 8 hours | 5 hours | Flexible (Full Day) | 15 minutes |
| Best for | First-time visitors wanting to see major geysers and waterfalls | Wildlife enthusiasts looking for bears and wolves | Travelers short on time or wanting a lighter day | Families or groups wanting a tailored itinerary | Aerial photography and unique perspectives |
| Includes | Lunch, snacks, drinks, binoculars, hotel pickup | Lunch, snacks, spotting scopes, local guide | Snacks, water, binoculars, guide | Private vehicle, naturalist guide, lunch, park entry fees | Window seat, aviation headsets, FAA pilot |
| Price from | $292 | $292 | $159 | $850 | $147 |
Yellowstone National Park is technically open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, access is heavily dependent on the season and the weather.
From early November to late April, most park roads are completely closed to regular wheeled vehicles. During this winter season, travel into the park from West Yellowstone is only possible via guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours.
The only road that remains open year-round to regular cars is the road connecting the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT).
West Yellowstone is one of the most popular gateway towns to the park. The closest major airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), located about 90 miles (1 hour 45 minutes) away.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. July and August are the most popular months, offering warm weather and full access to all roads and facilities. However, these months are also the most crowded.
September is widely considered the best month overall. The crowds thin out, the weather is crisp, and wildlife activity peaks with the annual elk rut.
Avoid visiting in April and November. Known locally as 'mud season,' these transition months feature unpredictable weather, and most park roads, trails, and visitor facilities are closed.
Yellowstone is highly accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Major attractions like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs feature extensive, flat wooden boardwalks.
Drive-up viewpoints like Artist Point and Lookout Point offer incredible views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with minimal walking required. Wheelchairs can be rented at medical clinics in Mammoth, Lake, and Old Faithful for just $10 per day.
Note for elderly visitors: The park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet. This high altitude can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, so take it slow and drink plenty of water.
Inside the park, facilities are spread out. There are 6 gas stations within park boundaries, but prices are higher than in gateway towns, so it is wise to fill up in West Yellowstone before entering.
Dining options are limited and often have long wait times during the peak summer season. Packing a cooler with food and water is highly recommended.
Do not rely on your phone for navigation or communication. Cell service is extremely limited and only available in major developed areas like Canyon Village or Old Faithful. Download the official NPS App for offline maps before you arrive.
Yellowstone has strict rules to protect both visitors and the delicate ecosystem:
Usually, no. Most tours require you to pay the $20 per person National Park entrance fee separately, or show a valid National Park Annual Pass (which covers up to 4 people). Starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents must also pay a $100 surcharge per person.
Most tour operators offer pickup directly from hotel lobbies or vacation rentals located within the West Yellowstone city limits. If you are staying outside of town, you will typically be asked to meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center or the Madison Hotel.
While wildlife is wild and unpredictable, your chances are very good, especially on Upper Loop tours that visit Lamar Valley or Shadow Canyon early in the morning. Guides provide spotting scopes to help you view bears and wolves safely from a distance.
Full-day tours (8-9 hours) generally include a deli-style lunch, snacks, and water. Half-day tours (around 5 hours) usually provide snacks and bottled water, but do not include a full meal.
Most van tours involve a moderate amount of walking, primarily on flat, well-maintained wooden boardwalks around the geyser basins. They are generally suitable for all physical fitness levels.
No, pets are not permitted on these tours. Yellowstone National Park rules strictly limit pets to developed areas (within 100 feet of roads or parking lots), and they are not allowed on trails or boardwalks. Some operators may allow ADA service animals, but you must confirm in advance.
Dress in synthetic, moisture-wicking layers. The park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet, making weather highly unpredictable even in the middle of summer. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.
No. Drones are strictly prohibited in Yellowstone and all other U.S. National Parks. Flying one can result in heavy fines and confiscation of your equipment.
It varies by operator. Some tours welcome infants and provide specialized car seats, while others have a minimum age requirement of 6 or 8 years old. There is also a specific 55+ adults-only tour available if you prefer a mature group.
You don't need to. The vast majority of guided tours from West Yellowstone provide high-quality binoculars for each guest to use during the day, as well as high-powered spotting scopes mounted on tripods for group use.
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The tour departs from West Yellowstone and heads straight to the Madison River to look for bears and elk in Shadow Canyon during the early morning. After watching for wildlife, the group travels to the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. You can choose to hike to the overlook for a higher vantage point or stay at a scenic spot nearby if you prefer to skip the walk. The itinerary continues to the Old Faithful area, with time to see the geyser and visit the historic Old Faithful Inn. From there, you will cross the Continental Divide to reach the West Thumb Geyser Basin, where thermal features sit directly on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. The drive follows the lake toward the Mud Volcano and Hayden Valley, where bison are frequently seen along the Yellowstone River. The day concludes at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with views of the Lower Falls at Artist Point before returning to West Yellowstone.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This 8-9 hour tour departs from the West Yellowstone or Island Park area, offering a comprehensive look at the world’s first national park. Led by a local guide, you will visit signature sites such as Old Faithful and the waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, while learning about the park's history and geology. As you travel through the park, your guide will help you track and spot local wildlife, including grizzly bears, bison, and gray wolves. To help you get a closer look at these animals and the landscape, high-quality binoculars are provided for your use throughout the day. The tour is designed to be hassle-free, with park entrance fees, a light breakfast, and lunch all included in the price. By handling the driving and logistics, your guide ensures you can spend your time focusing on the scenery and wildlife sightings.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This private full-day tour is built around your group's specific interests. We adjust the route to focus on the areas you want to see most, whether that involves the geyser basins, waterfalls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, or the park's various hot springs. Because this is a private outing, we move at your pace and spend more time at the sites that interest you most. Throughout the day, we search for Yellowstone’s resident wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Your guide provides context on the park's volcanic geology and human history, as well as details about the local plants and animals. Please be aware that the National Park Service may charge additional fees for international visitors. If these apply to your group, they are collected at the park entrance rather than during the booking process.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Starting from West Yellowstone, this early morning tour heads into Shadow Canyon along the Madison River to look for bears and elk. We then travel to the slopes of Mount Washburn, one of the park's highest peaks, to scout for wildlife at higher elevations. In the Lamar Valley, we use high-powered spotting scopes to watch for wolves and grizzly bears. While observing the valley's wildlife, you can enjoy a hot drink and a morning snack. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces for a short walk; those who prefer not to walk can wait at a scenic spot near the van. The day concludes with a drive back to West Yellowstone, making extra stops for any wildlife sightings encountered along the route.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Spend five hours exploring the geothermal highlights of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop with an experienced guide. You will walk the boardwalks at the Fountain Paint Pots, see the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, and witness the eruption of Old Faithful. Depending on the day's pace and conditions, your guide may include additional stops along the route to maximize your time in the park. Tours depart from the Historic Madison Hotel in West Yellowstone or the Madison Campground. To ensure the best visibility and a more comfortable experience, departures are scheduled for 9:00 AM in May and September, and 7:00 AM during June, July, and August. An afternoon option from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM is also available during the peak months of June, July, and August. While at the Old Faithful complex, you will have time to purchase a meal at the historic Old Faithful Inn or eat a sack lunch brought from home. Please note that this group tour is not suitable for infants or children under the age of five. Families traveling with young children are strongly encouraged to book a private Hot Spots tour to better accommodate their needs.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Departing from West Yellowstone, this 8-9 hour tour follows the Lower Loop, also known as "The Volcano" route. This adults-only experience visits the park's most iconic landmarks, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Lower Falls, and the Brink of the Upper Falls. You will also see the Grand Prismatic Spring, Hayden Valley, and Lake Yellowstone. The itinerary includes a stop at the historic Old Faithful Inn, where you will have time to watch the geyser erupt and purchase lunch at the onsite deli or restaurant. Travelers ride in a luxury minibus limited to 20 passengers, which comes stocked with a variety of snacks and beverages. A dedicated tour specialist handles the driving and logistics throughout the day. Please note that if the minimum number of guests is not reached, this tour may be consolidated with another group visiting the same attractions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Spend the day exploring the world’s first national park with a professional, NPS-approved guide. Our tours focus on the park’s unique history, diverse wildlife, and famous hydrothermal features, including geysers and hot springs. Because we know the park’s layout and seasonal traffic patterns, we navigate the best routes to ensure you see the most iconic stops while providing detailed context on the landscape. This all-day excursion departs daily from two locations: Big Sky at 6:00 AM and West Yellowstone at 7:00 AM. We handle all the driving and logistics so you can focus on the scenery, and we will return you to your original pickup point at the end of the day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day safari covers the major landmarks of Yellowstone National Park, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, and the park's famous thermal areas. You will visit iconic sites like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Upper and Lower Falls while traveling along scenic park roads. Your guide handles the driving and uses professional optics to help you find and view local wildlife. The itinerary remains flexible, allowing your guide to adjust the route based on current weather, road closures, and your specific interests. You can expect a mix of sightseeing from the vehicle and walking along historic boardwalks to see geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles up close.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This 15-minute scenic flight provides an aerial perspective of the landscape surrounding West Yellowstone. Designed for those with a busy schedule, the tour covers a significant amount of ground in a short window, offering views that are not accessible from the hiking trails or roads. From your window seat, you will see the dense forests and winding river systems that define this region. The flight path passes over rugged mountain peaks, allowing you to see the scale of the wilderness bordering the national park. It is a straightforward way to see the local geography and terrain from a different vantage point.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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