Explore geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes with our selection of Yellowstone National Park tours. Choose from guided sightseeing trips, family-friendly river rafting, or self-paced audio drives.
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.
Yellowstone is a massive, nearly 3,500-square-mile volcanic wilderness that spans three states. Whether you book a full-day guided drive, a self-paced audio tour, or an active river excursion, touring the park means witnessing erupting geysers, vibrant hot springs, and some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the lower 48 states.
Walk the boardwalks around the park's famous hydrothermal features. You'll see the predictable eruptions of Old Faithful and the rainbow-colored bacterial mats of Grand Prismatic Spring.
Guides know the best corridors for spotting animals. Expect to see massive herds of bison, elk, and potentially grizzly bears or wolves, especially if you visit Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk.
Many full-day tours stop at this 20-mile-long canyon. You'll get incredible views of the yellow-tinted canyon walls and the massive 308-foot Lower Falls.
If you want to get out of the car, half-day tours offer whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River or guided kayaking past geothermal features on Yellowstone Lake.
Guided tours come with naturalist experts who provide high-end spotting scopes and deep knowledge of the park's complex geology and 11,000-year human history.
Planning a trip to the world's first national park requires some logistics. Here is what you need to know before securing your Yellowstone tour.
You can choose from full-day guided van/bus tours, private excursions, self-guided GPS audio tours for your own car, or active half-day trips like rafting and kayaking.
Most guided tours do not include the mandatory park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle or $20 per individual). Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents aged 16+ will also have to pay an additional $100 surcharge per person.
Yellowstone is huge, so check where your tour starts. Common pickup locations include Jackson and Teton Village (WY), West Yellowstone and Bozeman (MT), and Cody (WY).
Many tours offer a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. However, some long-haul tours (like certain day trips from Jackson Hole) have strict 'all sales final' policies, so read the fine print.
The park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet, making weather highly unpredictable. Dress in synthetic, moisture-wicking layers and bring a jacket, even in the middle of summer.
While some premium full-day tours include picnic lunches and snacks, dining options inside the park are limited and crowded. It is always a good idea to pack extra water and a cooler with snacks.
Major highlights like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic feature flat, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks. Active tours like rafting require moderate fitness, but family-friendly Class I-III rapid trips are available for kids as young as six.
| Full-Day Guided Tour | Self-Guided Audio Tour | Whitewater Rafting | Lake Kayaking Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Type | Guided Group Tour | GPS Audio App | Active Guided Tour | Small Group Active |
| Duration | 8 to 13 hours | Flexible (Self-paced) | 2 to 3 hours | 4 to 5 hours |
| Best For | First-time visitors wanting to see all major highlights and wildlife without driving. | Independent travelers with a rental car who want flexibility and budget-friendly info. | Families and adventure seekers wanting a break from driving the park's loops. | Nature lovers who want to paddle past geothermal features with an ACA-certified guide. |
| Price From | $269 - $389 | $24.99 | $92 - $95 | $120 - $187 |
Yellowstone National Park is technically open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, access heavily depends on the season.
From early November to late April, most park roads are completely closed to wheeled vehicles due to heavy snow. During this winter season, travel is only possible via guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours. The only road that remains open year-round to regular cars is the route from the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT).
Because Yellowstone covers over 2.2 million acres, getting there depends on which entrance you plan to use.
July and August are the most popular months, offering warm weather and full access to all roads and facilities. However, these months also bring the heaviest crowds and traffic jams.
September is widely considered the best time to visit. The crowds thin out, the weather is crisp, and it is the peak of the elk rut (mating season), making for incredible wildlife viewing.
Avoid April and November if possible. Known as the park's 'mud season,' these months are a transition period where most roads, trails, and visitor facilities are closed.
Yellowstone is highly accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Major geothermal attractions, including the Old Faithful area and Grand Prismatic Spring, feature extensive, flat wooden boardwalks.
Drive-up viewpoints like Artist Point and Lookout Point offer spectacular views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone without strenuous hiking. Wheelchairs can be rented at medical clinics in Mammoth, Lake Village, and Old Faithful for $10 per day.
Note: The park sits at a high altitude (7,000 to 8,000 feet). Elderly visitors or those with cardiovascular issues should take it slow, as the thin air can cause shortness of breath and fatigue.
While Yellowstone has developed areas, it is a massive wilderness, and amenities are spread far apart.
Yellowstone has strict rules designed to protect both the fragile ecosystem and visitors.
Usually, no. Most guided tours do not cover the $35 per vehicle or $20 per individual National Park fee. You will either need to buy a pass at the gate or show your annual pass. Additionally, starting January 2026, non-U.S. residents will face a $100 per person surcharge.
Because the park is so large, tours depart from several gateway towns. When booking, you can find options leaving from Jackson or Teton Village in Wyoming, West Yellowstone or Bozeman in Montana, and Cody, Wyoming.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but guided tours maximize your chances. Guides communicate with each other about animal locations and use high-end spotting scopes, particularly when driving through wildlife-rich areas like the Lamar Valley.
You should dress in moisture-wicking synthetic layers and bring a jacket. The park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet, meaning weather can change rapidly from hot and sunny to cold and rainy, even in the middle of summer.
Yes. Full-day driving tours are great for families, and children 4 and up can participate in the park's Junior Ranger program. If you want an active tour, the Yellowstone River rafting trips welcome kids as young as six for Class I-III rapids.
It depends on the tour. Some premium full-day tours include a picnic lunch and snacks. However, if your tour doesn't include food, you should definitely pack a cooler, as dining options inside the park are limited and often have long wait times.
You purchase the tour and download an app (like Action Tour Guide) to your phone while you still have Wi-Fi. As you drive through the park, the app uses your phone's GPS to automatically play audio stories and directions when you reach specific landmarks, working completely offline.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. However, a few specific tours—like the 13-hour day trip from Jackson Hole—state that all sales are final, so always check the cancellation policy before booking.
Cell service in Yellowstone is incredibly limited and only available in a few developed areas like Mammoth or Canyon Village. You should coordinate all pickup details with your guide before entering the park boundaries.
No. Pets are not allowed on tour vehicles, trails, or boardwalks. Inside the park, pets are strictly limited to developed areas and must stay within 100 feet of roads or parking lots while on a leash.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
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.
English
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.
English
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.
English
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.
English
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.
English
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.
English
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.
English
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.
English
