Experience Yellowstone's famous geothermal features and wildlife with tours equipped for cooler weather, featuring enclosed vehicles and provided cold-weather gear like wetsuits and splash jackets. Led by expert naturalist guides, these highly-rated excursions ensure you stay comfortable while exploring the park's dramatic landscapes.
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.
Visiting Yellowstone in the winter transforms the nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland. While summer offers full driving access and water sports, winter visitors experience the dramatic contrast of boiling hydrothermal features against freezing temperatures, requiring specialized transport like snowcoaches for most of the park.
Witness Old Faithful and over 500 other active geysers erupting into the freezing winter air, creating spectacular steam clouds.
See the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring and the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, which look completely different surrounded by snow.
Spot frost-covered bison, elk, and elusive wolf packs in Lamar Valley. Many guided tours provide high-end spotting scopes for safe viewing.
Marvel at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where the massive 308-foot Lower Falls creates massive ice cones at its base.
Since most roads close to wheeled vehicles from November to April, expect to travel via specialized snowcoaches or snowmobiles to reach interior landmarks.
Planning a Yellowstone tour requires careful consideration of seasonal road closures, park fees, and the specific inclusions of your chosen excursion.
Options range from self-guided audio driving tours to full-day guided wildlife safaris. Note that while summer offers rafting and kayaking, winter travel requires booking specialized snowcoach or snowmobile tours for interior park access.
Most tours do not include the mandatory NPS entrance fee ($35 per vehicle or $20 per individual). Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents must pay an additional $100 surcharge per person.
Most park roads are closed to regular cars from early November to late April. Only the road from the North Entrance (Gardiner) to the Northeast Entrance remains open year-round for wheeled vehicles.
Yellowstone is highly accessible. Major attractions like Old Faithful feature extensive, flat boardwalks. Wheelchairs can be rented at medical clinics in Mammoth and Old Faithful for $10 per day.
High-altitude weather is unpredictable, and winter temperatures are severe. Dressing in moisture-wicking synthetic layers is strongly recommended to stay warm and dry.
Many guided tours offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. However, some specific day tours from Jackson Hole state that all sales are final, so check your specific ticket.
While private driving tours accommodate all ages, group tours often have minimum age requirements (e.g., 4 or 6 years old). Children must be strictly supervised on geothermal boardwalks.
Many full-day guided tours include lunch and snacks. If traveling independently, pack a cooler, as dining options inside the park are limited and often closed during the winter season.
| Full-Day Guided Safari | Self-Guided Audio Tour | Half-Day Summer Water Sports | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 to 13 hours | Flexible (Self-paced) | 2 to 5 hours |
| Best For | Comprehensive sightseeing and wildlife spotting with an expert | Independent drivers wanting geological and historical context | Families seeking active summer adventures (rafting/kayaking) |
| Inclusions | Hotel pickup, lunch, binoculars, naturalist guide | Offline GPS map, audio narration, lifetime access | Safety gear, guide, splash jackets |
| Price From | $269 - $389 | $24.99 per vehicle | $92 - $187 |
Yellowstone National Park is officially open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, access is heavily restricted based on the season.
Reaching Yellowstone depends on your starting point and the season. Winter visitors often fly into Bozeman or Jackson.
The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience:
Despite its rugged wilderness, Yellowstone is highly accessible for all visitors.
Park amenities are spread out and can be limited, especially outside of the peak summer season.
Yellowstone enforces strict rules to protect both visitors and the delicate ecosystem.
Most guided tours do not include the National Park entrance fee. You will typically need to pay the $35 per vehicle or $20 per individual fee separately. Starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents must pay an additional $100 surcharge.
Mostly no. From early November to late April, almost all park roads are closed to wheeled vehicles. The only exception is the road from the North to the Northeast Entrance. Other areas require a guided snowcoach or snowmobile tour.
Cell service in Yellowstone is extremely limited. You will only find a signal in major developed areas like Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Canyon Village. If using an audio driving tour, be sure to download it over Wi-Fi beforehand.
High-altitude winter weather is freezing and unpredictable. You should dress in multiple synthetic, moisture-wicking layers, and wear a heavy winter coat, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat.
No, pets are not allowed on guided tours or on park trails. National Park rules state that pets are only permitted in developed areas (within 100 feet of roads or parking lots) and must always be on a leash.
No. The use of drones is strictly prohibited everywhere within Yellowstone National Park to protect wildlife and ensure the safety and experience of other visitors.
Yes, Yellowstone is highly accessible. Major sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring have extensive, flat boardwalks. Wheelchairs can also be rented at park medical clinics for $10 a day.
Wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed, but taking a guided tour greatly increases your chances. Guides know the best spots, like Lamar Valley, and provide professional spotting scopes to view animals safely from the required 100-yard distance.
No, as of 2024-2026, Yellowstone does not require a vehicle reservation to enter the park, though you still must purchase a standard entrance pass.
Cancellation policies vary by operator. Many tours offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. However, some specific day tours have an 'all sales are final' policy, so check your ticket details carefully.
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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.
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.
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