Explore the wildlife and geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park with our selection of Upper Loop tours. Choose from full-day wildlife safaris or two-day comprehensive loop explorations departing from West Yellowstone and surrounding areas.
Free Cancellation Explore both loops of Yellowstone over two days with a relaxed itinerary and an overnight stay in Montana.
Free Cancellation Track wolves, bears, and elk through Lamar Valley and Mount Washburn on a guided van tour from West Yellowstone.
Free Cancellation Custom Yellowstone tours with door-to-door service from Bozeman and Big Sky, designed for all ages and activity levels.
Free Cancellation Spot wolves and bears in the Lamar Valley on a private, customizable wildlife safari through Yellowstone’s Upper Loop.
Free Cancellation Photograph Yellowstone's wildlife and waterfalls on a full-day guided tour through Lamar Valley and the Upper Loop.
Free Cancellation See Yellowstone’s geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife on a comprehensive two-day tour of the upper and lower loops.
Likely to Sell Out Explore Yellowstone’s northern loop to see the Lamar Valley’s famous wildlife and the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Yellowstone — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Exploring the Upper Loop of Yellowstone National Park offers an unparalleled wildlife and geothermal experience. Guided tours typically focus on the northern half's rugged terrain, taking you through sweeping valleys and towering passes to spot grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. Expect a full day of stunning landscapes, ranging from dramatic waterfalls to unique travertine terraces, all while learning about the park's rich ecology from expert guides.
Often referred to as 'America's Serengeti,' this expansive valley is the premier destination for spotting wolves and grizzly bears. Tours typically visit at dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active, and you'll likely encounter massive herds of bison.
Walk along accessible boardwalks over stunning travertine terraces created by limestone deposits. These unique geothermal features look like inside-out caves and are constantly changing shape and color.
Many tours traverse the high-elevation slopes of Mount Washburn via Dunraven Pass. This rugged alpine area provides sweeping panoramic views of the park and serves as a fantastic vantage point for spotting high-altitude wildlife.
Marvel at the 20-mile-long canyon with its striking yellow-tinted walls. Tours often stop at key viewpoints to witness the breathtaking 308-foot Lower Falls plunging into the rushing river below.
The Upper Loop features magnificent, easily accessible waterfalls. Your guide will point out these plunging cascades, offering fantastic photography opportunities without requiring strenuous or difficult hikes.
Planning a trip to Yellowstone's Upper Loop requires a bit of preparation due to the park's massive size and remote nature. Here is what you need to know before securing your tour reservation.
You can choose between shared small-group tours, private customizable safaris, or comprehensive 2-day excursions covering both loops. Most Upper Loop tours are full-day experiences lasting 8 to 9 hours to cover the vast distances.
Check your tour inclusions carefully. Many tours do not include the $35 private vehicle or $20 individual entrance fee. If you have an annual National Park pass, be sure to bring it along to cover your group.
Most tours offer complimentary front-door pickup from hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds in West Yellowstone. If you are staying further out in Bozeman, Big Sky, or Gardiner, look for specific private tours that accommodate those locations.
You don't need to buy expensive equipment for your trip. The vast majority of guided tours provide professional-grade binoculars and spotting scopes (like Vortex™) so you can safely view bears and wolves from a distance.
Private tours can often accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and provide specialized infant seats. However, travelers with poor cardiovascular health should note the high altitude (7,000-8,000 ft), which can cause shortness of breath and fatigue.
While most operators provide bottled water, sodas, and snacks, lunch inclusions vary. Some premium tours include a full lunch, while others simply allocate time for you to purchase food at a park deli.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. However, a few specific tours have strict 'all sales are final' policies, so read the fine print before booking.
| Small-Group Upper Loop Tour | Private Upper Loop Safari | 2-Day Comprehensive Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-9 hours | 8 hours | 48 hours |
| Best for | Wildlife enthusiasts & photographers | Families & custom itineraries | First-time visitors wanting both loops |
| Includes | Snacks, drinks, optics, expert guide | Hotel pickup, lunch, spotting scopes, private van | 2 days of guiding, snacks, binoculars, hotel pickup |
| Price from | $219 | $424 | $449 |
Yellowstone National Park is technically open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, access changes drastically depending on the season.
Yellowstone's remote location means you have a few primary options for arrival, with most Upper Loop tours departing from West Yellowstone.
Timing your visit to Yellowstone greatly impacts your experience, especially for Upper Loop wildlife viewing.
Yellowstone is highly accessible, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.
While Yellowstone has modern amenities, they are spread out over 3,472 square miles. Planning ahead is crucial.
Protecting the park's delicate ecosystem and your own safety requires strict adherence to NPS rules.
Most tours do not include the Yellowstone entrance fee. You will need to bring your annual National Park pass or pay the $35 per vehicle / $20 per individual fee. Note that starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents face an additional $100 per person surcharge.
No, Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring are located on the Lower Loop. Upper Loop tours focus on the northern half of the park, including Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
It varies by operator. Private and premium tours often include a boxed lunch, while standard group tours usually provide snacks and water but require you to buy lunch at a park deli. It's always smart to bring some extra food.
There is no formal dress code, but high-altitude weather is very unpredictable. Dress in synthetic, moisture-wicking layers and bring a jacket even in the summer. Comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses are highly recommended.
No, you don't need to purchase your own. The vast majority of guided Upper Loop tours provide professional-grade binoculars and spotting scopes so you can safely view wolves and bears from a distance.
Yes, Yellowstone is excellent for children, and private tours often provide specialized infant car seats. However, you must keep children strictly on the boardwalks at all times to avoid fatal thermal burns in the geothermal areas.
If you book a private tour, the itinerary is fully customizable, and you can definitely request extra time in Lamar Valley. Group tours have set itineraries, though almost all Upper Loop tours include Lamar Valley anyway.
Most tours offer front-door pickup from hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds within West Yellowstone. Some private tours also offer pickups in Bozeman, Big Sky, or Gardiner, but you should confirm this with the operator.
You should assume you will not have cell service for most of the day. Service is extremely limited and only available in developed areas like Mammoth and Canyon Village. Download the NPS app for offline use beforehand.
Absolutely not. The use of drones is strictly prohibited in all U.S. National Parks. This rule is heavily enforced to protect the wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
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This two-day tour provides a comprehensive look at Yellowstone National Park by covering both the Upper and Lower Loops. By splitting the park into two full days, you avoid the rush of a standard day trip, allowing for a more thorough exploration of the world’s first national park. The tour includes an overnight stay at your choice of a hotel in Gardiner, Montana, or at the Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray. The extended schedule is designed for a slower pace, leaving plenty of time for wildlife sightings and walks along the park's various boardwalks. You will visit the major geothermal basins and have the opportunity to take several short hikes. This format ensures you can spend more time at each landmark rather than just passing through, offering a deeper experience of the park’s unique landscape and ecosystems.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Starting from West Yellowstone, this tour begins with an early morning search for elk and bears in the Shadow Canyon area along the Madison River. The route then climbs the slopes of Mount Washburn, one of the park’s highest peaks, to scan for wildlife at higher elevations. In the Lamar Valley, the group uses professional spotting scopes to observe wolf packs and grizzly bears. A morning snack and hot drinks are provided during the observation session. The tour then moves to Mammoth Hot Springs for a walk through the travertine terraces. For those who prefer not to walk, a scenic waiting area is available near the van. The return trip to West Yellowstone includes stops for any additional wildlife sightings along the way, concluding the day back at the original departure point.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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We provide private transportation with pick-ups available in Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, and Gardiner. Our tours are designed to be accessible for the whole family; we provide child seats for infants and can adjust routes to accommodate guests with mobility concerns. If you have specific dietary requirements, we can cater to those with advance notice. Every trip is tailored to your group's pace and interests. We can focus on hiking through the park's interior or help you integrate other local activities like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and fishing. We are also happy to arrange fine dining reservations to round out your visit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This private tour focuses on the wildlife and ecology of Yellowstone’s Upper Loop, starting with a pickup from your accommodation in West Yellowstone. The itinerary is fully customizable, though we typically spend significant time in the Lamar Valley tracking wolves, grizzly bears, and bison. To ensure the best possible sightings, we provide high-end Vortex optics for every guest, and our guides often coordinate with local researchers like Rick McIntyre to find active wildlife throughout the day. You will travel in a Toyota Sienna minivan, which serves as a comfortable mobile base for exploring the park’s northern terrain. The trip includes a catered lunch designed around your specific dietary requirements, as well as a selection of healthy snacks and bottled water. Throughout the drive, your guide will share detailed information on the park’s history, wolf reintroduction, and ongoing conservation efforts.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day, all-inclusive photography tour departs from West Yellowstone and focuses on the park’s Upper Loop. We prioritize a personal experience by pairing you with a guide who matches your specific interests. The itinerary includes stops at Undine Falls, Tower Falls, and the Brink of the Upper Falls, alongside visits to the historic town of Mammoth and the Roosevelt Arch. Your guide will lead you through the boardwalks of popular attractions and into Lamar Valley to find the best wildlife viewing spots. Throughout the day, you will hear local history including stories of the indigenous people who lived here and tales of early mountain men. Please note that this tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. We recommend calling to confirm availability before completing your booking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This two-day excursion combines our Upper and Lower Loop tours into a comprehensive circuit of Yellowstone National Park at a bundled rate. The first day focuses on the park’s volcanic activity, taking you through major geothermal basins to see active geysers and colorful hot springs. Along the way, your guide will share the history of the early explorers who first mapped the region and explain the geology behind the active supervolcano. The second day shifts focus toward the park’s northern landscapes and diverse ecosystems. You will visit several major waterfalls and travel through prime wildlife habitats, providing frequent opportunities to photograph bison, elk, and other native species. On both days, the itinerary includes scheduled stops at park restaurants or delis, ensuring you have time to purchase lunch and refreshments.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Leaving from West Yellowstone, the tour follows the Grand Loop Road to Canyon Village before climbing Dunraven Pass. This stretch near Mount Washburn is a prime area for spotting grizzly bears. After visiting Tower Falls, the route enters the Lamar Valley, which offers some of the best opportunities in the lower 48 states to see wolves, bears, and bison. The journey continues to Mammoth Hot Springs, where resident elk herds often graze near the historic Fort Yellowstone and the travertine terraces. Heading south toward the Norris Geyser Basin, you will pass Roaring Mountain and Obsidian Cliff. Norris features two distinct thermal areas and Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. If time allows, the itinerary also includes stops at Calcite Springs and Undine Falls.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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