yellowstone vacation tours

Yellowstone National Park Tours & Vacations

With rainbow-colored hot springs, gurgling geysers and bubbling mud pools, it's no wonder the tales of Yellowstone National Park sounded more like fable than fact. 

Yellowstone National Park is extraordinary. Brimming with half of the world’s hydrothermal features and landscapes that'll have you wondering if you’re still in the United States (or on Earth!). Join your local guide to uncover the beauty and mystery of the world's oldest national park. Marvel at the vivid colors of Grand Prismatic Spring. Watch steaming geysers like Old Faithful erupt. Follow a wolf-tracking expert in Lamar Valley to learn the secrets of these mysterious animals. You'll discover why Yellowstone is a national park like no other. 

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Yellowstone national park travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Yellowstone National Park?

Most of Yellowstone is located in northwestern Wyoming, but some areas of the park also spread across southern Montana and eastern Idaho. 

How do I get to Yellowstone National Park?

You can get to Yellowstone by flying into one of the nearby airports, driving or taking a bus. The closest airports are:

• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (north entrance).
• Yellowstone Regional Airport (east entrance).
• Jackson Hole Airport (south entrance).

It's also possible to fly to nearby airports like Chicago, Salt Lake City, Utah or Denver, where you can rent a car.

You can access Yellowstone via one of five entry points if you're driving. It takes 4.5 hours to drive from Salt Lake City, 1.5 hours from Idaho Falls, 1.5 hours from Jackson and 1.5 hours from Bozeman.  

It's possible to catch a bus from Bozeman in Montana to West Yellowstone all year, and you can also go directly from Idaho to West Yellowstone via bus during the summer months. 

There is no direct train into Yellowstone. However, you could catch a train to southeast Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah and Northern Montana and go from there.

Getting around Yellowstone National Park

There is no public transport within Yellowstone, so you will need a car to get around.

Most roads are closed to vehicles during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, excluding the road to Mammoth Hot Springs, which is maintained for winter travel.

There are five entrance points that loop around the park’s main landmarks and it can take hours to drive between them.

Always check road and park conditions before you set off. 

What's the weather like in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park sits within two climate zones: cool temperate and continental. There are four distinct seasons, but the weather can be unpredictable (think four seasons in a day!) and you can't always rely on the forecast.

What to pack for Yellowstone National Park

The weather in Yellowstone can change quickly (in all four seasons), so depending on the time of year you visit, you'll definitely want to pack waterproof layers, a sun hat or warm hat, and good, comfortable footwear. 

What animals live in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone is a wildlife lover’s paradise with an abundance of small animals and large predators. Some of the animals you might get to see include:

• Deer (mule deer, pronghorn deer, white-tailed deer)
• Bighorn sheep
• Mountain goats
• Black bears
• Grizzly bears
• Canada lynx
• River otters

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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The 16 best yellowstone national park tours.

Make the most of your trip to the oldest U.S. national park with these guided excursions.

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

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Yellowstone's boundless beauty is best seen with the help of a guide.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Home to more than 2.2 million acres, hundreds of geysers and waterfalls, as well as Yellowstone Lake – the largest high-altitude lake in North America – Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list vacation destination for many travelers. For help planning an unforgettable visit to America's oldest national park, consider a guided tour. In addition to in-the-know locals, these tours also provide hassle-free transportation from nearby cities like Jackson Hole, Wyoming . With the help of traveler and expert input, U.S. News determined that the following tours offer the best ways to take in all that the park has to offer. All of these top-rated excursions feature skillful guides who are eager to share their knowledge of the park's unique geologic features and wildlife.

Note: Because of weather and other factors, the park's roads are not accessible all year, and its entrances in Wyoming and Montana have differing seasonal opening and closing dates, so plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, tour companies' prices typically do not include the park's approximately $20 entry fee for each visitor 16 and older.

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours – Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

Take a day to observe Yellowstone's scenery and wildlife on this tour. After passing through Grand Teton National Park , buses proceed to highlights of Yellowstone National Park, such as Old Faithful , Yellowstone Lake , the Upper and Lower Falls, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and numerous geyser basins. Throughout the journey, guides provide commentary on the area's history, flora and fauna, which travelers typically find very insightful. Fees start at $299 per person (with a minimum of two participants), which includes use of binoculars and spotting scopes, as well as a picnic lunch. (Prices do not include the park's entry fee.) Buses depart Jackson Hole daily from April through November starting at 6 a.m. and return about 12 hours later. Note: Tour-takers must be at least 6 years old. Private outings, as well as multiday tours are also available.

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Teton Floats – Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

See many of Yellowstone's top thermal attractions on this small-group outing, which also travels through Grand Teton National Park. Marvel at the famously reliable Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes, as well as geysers such as Beehive, Castle, Daisy, Grand and Sawmill. Other highlights include Fountain Paint Pot – a hydrothermal feature known as a mud pot, which is less watery than a geyser – as well the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Grand Prismatic Spring . In addition to enthusing about the scenery and wildlife, tour takers frequently praise the guides for their valuable information and entertaining stories. Pickups from lodging in Jackson and Teton Village occur between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., and buses return to the starting point between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tours happen daily from May to mid-October. Prices start at $299 per person, which includes transportation, use of binoculars, snacks and a picnic lunch (but not the park's entry fee). Groups are limited to eight people, all of whom must be at least 4 years old. The company also operates tours in Grand Teton National Park, in addition to fly-fishing trips.

Scenic Safaris – Yellowstone Snowmobile Tour (Old Faithful)

While certain parts of the park may be inaccessible by conventional four-wheeled vehicles in winter, that doesn't mean there aren't adventures to be had. This 45-mile snowmobile tour beside the Yellowstone River takes riders past points of interest, such as Moose Falls, Lewis Canyon and West Thumb Geyser Basin, to Old Faithful. Rides are offered daily from mid-December to mid-March, a period when some of the park's larger animals move down to its lower valleys. Trip-goers generally find snowmobiling in the park a memorable experience, one enhanced by the helpful, informed guides' commentary. Jackson Hole-based Scenic Safaris picks up tour-takers in the area between 6 and 7:30 a.m. and returns them to their lodgings between 6 and 7 p.m. Prices vary over the course of the season but are usually around $340 for drivers (16 and older), $210 for passengers 13 and older and $190 for passengers 8 to 12. (Note: 8 is the minimum age to participate). In addition to use of a snowmobile, prices include use of a helmet and snowsuit as well as breakfast and lunch. Groups are limited to 12 participants and a total of nine snowmobiles. If you're interested in a private tour, fees start at $2,500.

Yellowstone Adventure Tours – The Best of Yellowstone

Visit the best-known Yellowstone spots – including Old Faithful and the Upper and Lower Falls – but also several lesser-known geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and wildlife viewing areas on this private excursion. Trip-takers consistently praise the enthusiastic, personable guides' commentary about the park's remarkable landscape and wildlife. Tours cost $1,450 for two people, $1,550 for three riders and $1,650 for groups of up to seven people. Prices include pickups from locations in Bozeman, Big Sky, Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana, as well as a picnic lunch, use of binoculars and scopes, and snacks. (Entrance to the park is not included.) These full-day expeditions, which occur from May through October, have start times that vary by season, but they generally begin early in the morning. Yellowstone Adventure Tours also offers private outings devoted strictly to off-the-beaten-path locations, as well as multiday tours of the expansive park.

Yellowstone Raft Company – Scenic Float

Admire the park from the water on this approximately two-hour raft ride. Sights include Boiling Beach, LaDuke Hot Springs, the Devil's Slide (a cliff with a distinct stripe of red rock) and Electric Peak. Reviewers frequently praise both the beautiful scenery and the engaging guides. From May through September, tours are available daily starting at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The company asks that participants arrive about 30 minutes prior to departure to get ready and sign paperwork. Prices, which include transportation from the meeting point at the northern border of the park to the river, start at $69 for those 13 and older and $59 for children 3 to 12. (Infants can ride for free.) Private tours are offered for around $500 for parties of six; each additional person pays $59. Gardiner-based Yellowstone Raft Company also offers whitewater rafting, as well as kayaking and horseback riding.

Flying Pig Adventure Company – 8-Mile Raft Trip

Experience Yellowstone by rafting its eponymous river on this two-hour trip. Along the way, you'll paddle through Class II and III (novice- and intermediate-level) rapids with names like Queen of the Waters, Rock Garden and Sleeping Giant, and pass sights such as Devil's Slide and the nearly 11,000-foot tall Electric Peak. Participants consistently describe this tour as fun and deem its guides friendly and entertaining. Trips operate from May through August starting at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. and 1:15, 3:15 and 5:15 p.m. Fees start at $69 for those ages 13 and older and $59 for kids ages 4 to 12. Rafters must weigh at least 45 pounds. In addition to this 8-mile trip, Flying Pig offers an 18-mile ride, as well as an overnight expedition.

Wild West Rafting – Classic Half-Day Whitewater

Ride mild and intermediate rapids on an 8-mile stretch of the Yellowstone River on this two-hour outing. You may also glimpse deer, elk, osprey, bald eagles and other wildlife inhabiting the area as you paddle down the river. In addition to enjoying the views, travelers typically find the guides knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. Raft trips run daily from May through September at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Rides cost approximately $69 for anyone 13 or older and $59 for children ages 5 to 12. Prices include use of life jackets and (on colder days) wetsuits. They also cover transportation from Wild West Rafting's Gardiner office to the river. Full-day paddling trips, in addition to private outings are also available.

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Geyser Kayak Tours – Day Paddle

Kayaking in the West Thumb Geyser Basin – the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone Lake – allows you to see geothermal features, some of them underwater, that would otherwise be inaccessible. This outing also travels to Potts Basin, an area with no boardwalk and, possibly, no other visitors. Travelers report enjoying the scenery and appreciate the informative guides. Tours begin and end at the marina in Grant Village on the western side of Yellowstone Lake. Trips are available daily from late May through late September at 9 a.m. (though they may begin at 10 a.m. toward the end of the season) and conclude at around 2 or 3 p.m. Tickets start at $200 per person for single kayaks and $175 per person for tandem kayaks. Children 5 to 12, who must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult, receive a $50 discount. Prices include a picnic lunch as well as use of all necessary kayaking gear. No prior kayaking experience is required. The company also operates shorter, three-hour sunset paddling trips.

Wildland Trekking – Private Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This private trek through the park can be tailored to suit your preferences, with possible routes ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles and durations spanning four to seven hours. Whatever way you go, you're likely to see Artist Point overlook, as well as forests, lakes, geysers, mud pots and meadows in areas away from the park's boardwalks. You can sign up this excursion from mid-May through September. Reviewers enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the helpful, patient and personable guides' commentary. Prices depend on group size: for a single hiker, the fee starts at around $525, but prices drop to about $175 per person for groups of six or seven (and $135 for kids 10 or younger). Lunch, snacks and use of trekking poles is included in the cost. Groups meet at Canyon Village Education Center, the park's principal visitor facility. Start times vary and will be established a week prior to your hike. Wildland Trekking also organizes multiday tours around the national park.

Yellowstone Hiking Guides – Grand Canyon Rim Hike

Walk the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this six-hour, 6-mile trek and see Yellowstone landmarks like the river's Upper and Lower Falls as well as forests and meadows. Hikers regularly find the views spectacular and the guides both knowledgeable and entertaining. Tours take place daily from June through early October. Groups meet at the Upper Falls View parking area off of South Rim Drive at 8 a.m. The excursion costs approximately $165 per person. Prices include lunch and snacks as well as use of trekking poles. The company leads a variety of hikes around the park, including the Lamar Valley.

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Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris – Best of Yellowstone

Observe the wildlife and landscape of Yellowstone on this full-day, small-group tour, during which naturalists offer insights on the area's ecology, wildlife and geology. Outings last 10 to 12 hours, depending on wildlife visibility, weather, road conditions and travelers' particular interests. In addition to animals, you'll see the park's famed geysers, hot springs and waterfalls. Tourgoers regularly report seeing ample wildlife and appreciate the friendly, informative guides. Excursions are available from mid-May through October. Pickup from lodging in Jackson and Teton Village typically begins around 6:15 a.m. (or 7 a.m. in October). Prices start at $345 per person, which includes transportation, breakfast and lunch, and use of binoculars and sighting scopes (but not the national park entrance fee). Groups are capped at eight participants. Half-day (four to five-hour) iterations of this tour are also available.

Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures – Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

This tour hits many of Yellowstone's top attractions – Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Fountain Paint Pots and Yellowstone Lake among them – as well as some lesser-known geological formations. In addition to seeing multiple geysers, lakes and waterfalls, you'll have opportunities to glimpse some of the park's diverse wildlife. The trip also includes a morning drive through Grand Teton National Park on the way to Yellowstone. Travelers frequently rave about the scenery and appreciate that the engaging guides try to visit off-the-beaten-path locations within the busy national park. Tours typically take place from mid-May through December. Departures from Jackson and Teton Village begin at 7 a.m. and vans return approximately 12 hours later. Fees cost around $345 per person, which includes transportation, lunch, snacks and use of spotting scopes and binoculars. (Tour tickets do not include admission to the park.) The company also leads wildlife safaris year-round.

Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours – Yellowstone Snowmobiling Day Tour

Marvel at a snow-covered Yellowstone on this daylong snowmobile tour to Old Faithful. Stops along the way include Black Sand Basin and Moose Falls. During the six-hour, approximately 100-mile ride, you'll likely see multiple geysers and waterfalls, as well as an array of wildlife. Reviewers consistently gush about the views and appreciate the professional and accommodating guides. Fees start at $400 per driver (who must be at least 16 years old and have a driver's license) and $300 per passenger (who must be at least 6 years old). The fee includes pickup in the Jackson area, which occurs between 6 and 6:30 a.m. daily from mid-December to mid-March. It also includes a continental breakfast and lunch. (It doesn't cover the park's entry fee.) Groups typically return to Jackson between 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. The company also operates multiday tours.

Yellowstone Vacations – Snowcoach Tour Old Faithful

Snowcoaches – buses with oversized, low-pressure tires – allow you to experience Yellowstone during the less accessible winter months. This tour's vehicles take passengers to popular locales within the park, such as Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, Fountain Paint Pot, Madison Junction and, of course, Old Faithful. Passengers generally find the coaches warm and comfortable and the drivers (who double as guides) knowledgeable and passionate about the park. From mid-December to mid-March, tours are available to book daily starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Rates start at $208 (with a 10% discount for children 15 or younger). Yellowstone Vacations also conducts snowmobile tours and, during summer months, bus tours.

Yellowstone Wild – Wildlife & Bear Watching in Yellowstone with a Private Guide

Calling all wildlife lovers! As its name suggests, this tour centers on seeing bears, wolves, bison and other animals that call Yellowstone home. Travelers regularly report seeing a wide array of wildlife and praise the guides for their animal-spotting skills and overall professionalism. This six- to eight-hour tour is private and fully customizable and is available to book throughout the year. Fees depend on group size and range from $700 for one person to $1,150 for groups of 10. In addition to a light breakfast and a full picnic-style lunch, prices include pickup from hotels in the Gardiner area (where Yellowstone Wild is based), but additional fees may apply for round-trip transportation to some other locations. Departures start around 5 a.m. Note: This tour is not considered appropriate for children younger than 5.

Yellowstone Insight – Day Tours – Wildlife Tour

This tour goes where the animals are, which means routes may vary, though a focus on the park's Northern Range (including Mammoth Hot Springs ) is fairly standard. Bears and wolves are among the wildlife you may spot during this daylong expedition. Tourgoers enthusiastically praise the guides for their expertise with regards to Yellowstone fauna. Tours, which are available to book year-round, generally start at around 5 a.m. in the summer and 6:30 a.m. in the winter. Rates start at approximately $650 for a single person and $50 for each additional person (except for children younger than 5, who can tag along for free). Prices include round-trip transportation to locations in the Bozeman area, as well as a continental breakfast and use of spotting scopes. Tickets do not cover the park's entrance fee.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Things to Do in Yellowstone
• Best U.S. National Parks
• Best Colorado Snowmobile Tours
• Top Things to Do in Montana
• The Ultimate Camping Checklist

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Yellowstone National Park

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BrushBuck Wildlife Tours

Yellowstone Tours

Yellowstone National Park is a vast and rich national park, filled with an abundance wildlife and hydrothermal features like the famous Old Faithful geyser. Book an unforgettable tour of Yellowstone National Park with the expert guides at BrushBuck Wildlife Tours!

Did you know the Old Faithful geyser is just one of over 10,000 active hydrothermal features within Yellowstone National Park?

Our Yellowstone tours focus on viewing these geothermal features and vast wildlife including grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and so much more. Get the most out of your Yellowstone National Park vacation by booking a tour with the veteran guides at BrushBuck Wildlife Tours. We offer summer and winter tour options with single day and multi-day tour formats. Tours embark from Jackson, WY, and West Yellowstone.

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours is a veteran owned business based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming for over 10 years with perfect, 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, Google, and Viator. We are the largest Yellowstone tour company in the Jackson area.

Grand Teton Dawn or Dusk Four Hour Tour

Our Grand Teton Dawn or Dusk tours are 4-hour guided tours centered on wildlife observation throughout Grand Teton National Park. Guests traveling between June-September on the public four-hour tour will be in our EXCLUSIVE BrushBuck Wildlife Tours Open-Air Safari Vehicle *weather dependent. In colder weather conditions tours will be an enclosed vehicle.

Grand Teton / Yellowstone 2 Day / 1 Night Wildlife Tour

This two day tour is perfect for seeing the vast wildlife of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. We’ll start early in the morning from Jackson Hole, Wyoming and venture into Grand Teton National Park where you’ll have a chance to spot a variety of wildlife. You’ll see the beautiful Upper and Lower Falls of Yellowstone. Your group will also stop at the famous and Old Faithful Geyser.

Grand Teton / Yellowstone 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Our 4 day / 3 night tour of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park is perfect for those who want to really experience everything these parks has to offer. Guests will truly get to immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery and vast wildlife. See famous attractions including Oxbow Bend, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, and the famous Yellowstone geyser basins. We will walk around the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pots and Mud Pots, and the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser!

Grand Teton Winter Wonderland – Full Day Tour

Our Grand Teton Winter Wonderland Day Tour includes a horse drawn sleigh ride on The National Elk Refuge. The National Elk Refuge is the wintering ground for thousands of elk that seek the low valley in order to better endure the harsh winter.

Yellowstone Private Wildlife & Scenic Day Tour

Our expert guides will take you and your party on a private tour focusing on the vast wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy possible sightings of grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and so much more. We’ll make stops at The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to view the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

Take a day tour through the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park with BrushBuck Wild life Tours! You’ll spot various wildlife throughout the tour and walk the boardwalks at hydrothermal features such as Old Faithful Geyser, Fountain Paint-Pots and Mud-Pots, West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone Winter Wolf Tour 4 Day / 3 Night

If you are looking to see the wolves of Yellowstone this tour is for you! On our 4 day / 3 night Yellowstone Wolf Tour we’ll travel into Yellowstone National Park from Bozeman, Montana to the northern range of Yellowstone when wolves were first reintroduced in 1995 – the best place on earth to view wolves! Guest will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and attractions along the way. We’ll be communicating with other guides and wolf researchers to offer you the best wolf sightings!

4 Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone Winter Adventure

Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park on this 4 day / 3 night Winter Tour with BrushBuck Wildlife Tours! We’ll depart from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to the National Elk Refuge for a sleigh ride, travel from Grand Teton to West Yellowstone stopping for wildlife and scenic photography. We’ll take a Snowcoach though Yellowstone up the Madison River stopping at Old Faithful, the Fountain Paint Pots and so much more!

Yellowstone Grand Canyon Snowmobile Tour

Explore the Yellowstone wilderness, viewing wildlife, fantastic scenery, majestic waterfalls, and thermal features on this private tour of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon!

Yellowstone Old Faithful Snowmobile Tour

Take a guided snowmobile tour through Yellowstone National Park to see the majestic Old Faithful geyser erupt in a plume of steam into the winter air, or experience the two spectacular waterfalls at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT YELLOWSTONE TOUR?

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What Our Guests Say

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wildlife can you see in yellowstone national park.

Possible wildlife sightings in Yellowstone National Park include grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and so much more. Yellowstone’s abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers.

According to NPS.gov: There are nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, 5 species of Amphibians, 6 species of Reptiles, 2 species of Bears and 67 species of mammals.

What Tour Formats Do You Offer?

We offer summer and winter tour options with single day and multi-day tour formats. Private Tours are also available for small groups. All tours embark from Jackson, WY, and West Yellowstone.

Our expertly guided tours focus on the geothermal features and vast wildlife including grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, moose, bison, bald eagles, and much more.

Summer Tour Options

During summer we offer single and multi-day tour options to destinations including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to view the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Winter Tour Options

During winter we offer half-day/full-day tours to Grand Teton National Park , and can book Yellowstone snowcoach and snowmobile tours to destinations like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

We also offer multi-day tours through Grand Teton and Yellowstone. View all our winter tours .

How Do I Book A Tour?

Feel free to book your tour online or call us directly at  (307) 699-2999 . We can also answer any of your questions via our LiveChat service, or our  contact form  for more information and booking a tour.

What Precautions Are You Taking To Keep Guests Safe?

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours takes the health and safety of our guests seriously. We want you to have the peace of mind that our tour guides will take the following precautions:

• Cleaning and sanitizing vehicles after every tour
• Use of disposable items like tablecloths, paper plates and cups
• Operating vehicles at 50% capacity to provide a greater social distance for customers throughout the tour.
• Operating private tours so each group one family or travel group
• Guests will have availability to face masks and hand sanitizer throughout the tour

How Many People Will Be On The Tour

Our 10 passenger vehicles will be booked at a 5 passenger capacity. Perfect for booking accommodations as private family or travel groups vacations.

What Type of Vehicles Will We Be Traveling In?

Our fleet is made up of SUVs and 10 Passenger vans. Vehicles are fully enclosed with heat and air conditioning.

• Dodge Promaster 10 Passenger Vans
• Chevrolet 10 Passenger Vans
• Chevrolet Suburbans

THE 10 BEST Yellowstone National Park Tours & Excursions

Yellowstone national park tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Photography Tours
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• Motorcycle Tours
• Up to 1 hour
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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour

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4. Full Day Yellowstone Nat'l Park Tour From West Yellowstone

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

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7. Yellowstone Tour Lower Loop from West Yellowstone, with Lunch!

8. Self-guided Audio Tours

9. VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Upper Loop - West Yellowstone, MT

10. Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful

11. Lower Loop of Yellowstone Guided Tour

12. Yellowstone and Grand Teton 4 Day 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

13. Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Nat'l Park Tour From Bozeman

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

15. Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features

16. Private All-Day Tour of Yellowstone National Park

17. 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration

18. 4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch

19. Private Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour

20. Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari + Waterfalls with lunch!

21. Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch

22. Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari from Bozeman

23. Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch

24. Yellowstone Lower (Southern) Loop Tour

25. Upper Loop of Yellowstone Guided Tour

26. Grand Teton and Yellowstone Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

27. Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from West Yellowstone

28. Madison River Guided Kayak Tour

29. Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch

30. Full Day Best Of Yellowstone National Park Tour From Big Sky

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• Wake Up to Wildlife Tour
• Yellowstone National Park Lodges - Day Tours
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Yellowstone National Park Tours & Trips

Yellowstone National Park is placed around a volcano area spreading mostly through the US state of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It is a beautiful area filled with wilderness in the form of varied wildlife, lush forests, majestic canyons, howling rivers, hot springs and flowing geysers. A fascinating area for any nature lover, Yellowstone is best explored with an adventure that will take through all major locations and reveal newly hidden jewels.

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67 yellowstone national park tour packages with 102 reviews.

• Photography
• Walking Adventure

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Awesome tour. Our tour guide was excellent. Showed us a plethora of wildlife we never would have found on our own. Nice smooth trip.

• Hiking & Trekking

4 day Yellowstone and Tetons in depth tour from Salt Lake City Small Groups Tour

Great tour with outstanding guide

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure

Tim was a great tour guide. He was knowledgeable, helpful, and always upbeat. Time with the wildlife expert was phenomenal. the tour itself was excellent. The good ranking has to do with communications from Intrepid Travel, which were poor and lead to changed air flights and other headaches.

5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure

The Bucketlist group travel team was well organized, friendly, and excited an fun packed adventure. It was an awesome adventure. Best travel adventure I've experienced.

• Mountain Hikes
• Kayak & Canoe

Yellowstone Camping Explorer

National Parks Family Journey: Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday

Yellowstone Base Camp Tour

The Yellowstone Base Camp tour was excellent. We covered a wide variety of Yellowstone sites from the popular attractions to beautiful but less frequented locations. Our guides, Chris Rapich and Ed Cochran, were great. They provided a lot of information about the park and wildlife, made great meals and did everything they could to make this a memorable experience. I'd travel with them anytime.

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Grand Tetons Adventure

Best of Yellowstone Tour

5 Day- Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park in Depth- Hotel Based

Yellowstone Discovery (Classic, 7 Days)

• Coach / Bus

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons (4 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Iconic Wildlife of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Geographic Journeys

Yellowstone Winter Wonderland

What people love about yellowstone national park tours.

Although the tour was very expensive- over $2000 for 3 days is over the top- it wss a great experience, saw lots of wildlife and the guide was outstanding

Unique landscapes and extraordinary new friends. We walked, we laughed, we saw animals wild, exuberant nature, great mountains and gazers.

Yellowstone National Park Tours starting in:

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• Small Group (27)
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International Versions

• Deutsch: Yellowstone Nationalpark Reisen
• Français: Circuits dans le Parc national de Yellowstone
• Español: Viajes por el Parque Nacional de Yellowstone
• Nederlands: Yellowstone Nationaal Park Rondreizen

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Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

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Choose from classic or small group (averaging 24 guests).

• 2024 Classic
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• 2025 Small Group

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Insider stories about the national parks during filmed narratives by Ken Burns & Dayton Duncan

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Stays at sought-after inside-the-national-park accommodations in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks

Rafting adventure along the Snake River, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Tetons

Visit to the Mormon Row Historic District inside Grand Teton National Park

Extensive exploration inside the world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park

Visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

The soul of the American West... Naturally inspiring, the landscapes of the American West challenge the imagination with jaw-dropping canyons, gurgling mud pots, geysers, and wide-open spaces... while towering mountains are a study in contrast, harboring wildlife and man-made wonders. 

A day at ta guest ranch, a taste of the cowboy life at a working wyoming ranch.

Make your way through Wyoming's breathtaking Bighorn Mountains to an authentic (and fun) western ranch experience at TA Guest Ranch in Buffalo. Homesteaded in 1884, the ranch was once the site of a shootout during the infamous Johnson County War that pitched cowboy against cowboy in these parts in 1892 – you can still see some of the old bullet holes! But today's visit will be a peaceful one… where you can choose to meet a horse whisperer, learn roping techniques from real cowboys, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or saddle up for a horseback ride... and enjoy a private lunch on the ranch.

A night at the rodeo

Attend the exciting cody nite rodeo (seasonal, june – august).

Way out here in Wyoming, nothing promises more real Western fun than an honest-to-goodness rodeo... especially in a town named for the legendary Wild West showman, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and often called the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Established in 1938 and operating June through August, the Cody Nite Rodeo is the world's longest-running nightly rodeo. Get set for an evening filled with bull riding, saddle bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and a "calf scramble" for kids 12 and under.

Old Faithful Inn

Stay in a classic national historic landmark in yellowstone national park.

One of the largest log structures in the world, Old Faithful Inn was designated a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1904 of native lodgepole pine – and the epitome of the "National Park Rustic" architectural style – it is set within walking distance of Old Faithful Geyser, just one of Yellowstone's many natural wonders... including geysers, fumaroles and boiling hot springs.

This relatively untamed territory makes you proud of those who had the foresight to set aside the space for National Parks.

Dean Horton

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Jackson lake lodge.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins

Holiday inn® cody at buffalo bill village.

Cody, Wyoming

The Ranch at Ucross

Ucross, Wyoming

The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

Rapid City, South Dakota

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,   you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section entitled Airline Security Measures under Additional Information to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are a citizen of the U.S. or Canada who travels frequently between the two countries, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here . Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S., we suggest that contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

Some of the excursions on this tour are:

• Whitewater rafting on the Snake River, the journey is roughly 2 hours and requires stepping in and out of an inflatable raft
• Guided horseback riding on a working cattle ranch, guests are required to show ability to mount/unmount and for safety reasons, a weight restriction of 225 pounds is in place. 

There are no elevators at The Ranch at Ucross or at the Holiday Inn® Cody at Buffalo Bill Village, and while none of the planned activities are especially strenuous or difficult, we urge caution when engaging in activities at high elevations. If you have a heart condition or lung ailment, please consult your physician before you book your trip.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

The Jackson Lake Lodge, Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel are all non-smoking hotels and a very large fine will be assessed if it is determined that anyone has smoked while on property.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here .

The high temperatures in the summer months average 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C) and the lows average 40 to 60°F (4 to 16°C). The overnight temperatures can drop to the freezing point even during the summer at the highest elevations. Rainfall is light to moderate throughout the region. Salt Lake City receives the least amount of rain with an average of less than 1 in (25 mm) per month during summer; Jackson averages 1.5 in (38 mm) and Rapid City averages 2.5 in (63 mm.)

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.

All of our hotels offer valet laundry service for a fee except for the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel and The Ranch at Ucross.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

The national park lodges do not have televisions or Internet hook-ups, so bring along a good book to read!

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks:

• Comfortable walking shoes (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Long pants or jeans (long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for the horseback riding)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• A book or e-reader to read in the evening, or downloaded podcasts or video programs to watch during your free time.
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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See Yellowstone with local guides who’ve known it best since 1970.

Plan Your Yellowstone Vacation Now!

Our complete lodging+ activity packages in to Yellowstone may be close to sold out, but amazing adventures still await!

We are still booking standalone activities experience a snow-tacular yellowstone from the comfort of an enclosed snowcoach seat. ride for miles through the woods, along rivers, and to the summit of mountains with our experienced snowmobile guides. experienced riders can take the reins and a map to explore hundreds of miles of groomed trails on their own on our rental sleds. book now for december 2023 through march 2024., old faithful via snowmobile.

Prepare to get up close and personal with Yellowstone National Park from the seat of a snowmobile. Even if you’re new to snow machines, our experienced guides will have you feeling like a seasoned pro from the moment you depart West Yellowstone on your all-day adventure. You’ll see:

• Old Faithful , the star of Yellowstone and the best-known geyser in the world. You can almost set your watch by the eruptions that occur about every 90 minutes—you won’t want to miss it.
• Lower Geyser Basin , home to geysers, hot springs and mud pools—including the often-photographed Fountain Paint Pots.
• Firehole Canyon, cut through 800-foot lava flows. In the summer, park visitors are drawn to the waterfall and swimming hole, but in winter it’s a quiet, beautiful place to explore.

On your journey, you’ll stop at Madison Junction . It’s an ideal spot to get off your snowmobile, hang out in a warming hut, and enjoy a break along your journey.

✓ Lunch is Not Provided ✓ Tour includes Guide Fee and Park Approved Snowmobile ✓ Total Tour Time is About 8 Hours

Note: a driver’s license is required to operate a snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful via Snowcoach

Our guests rave about touring Yellowstone National Park via snowcoach…and for good reason. Snowcoaches have been part of the Park since 1955, allowing families to see all of the sights in style and comfort. Your day-long winter tour will include:

Madison Junction is also a part of your journey, which offers beautiful vistas as well as warming huts and bathrooms for Park visitors.

✓ Lunch is Provided ✓ Total Tour Time is About 8 Hours

“Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone by Snowmobile

Although Yellowstone National Park is known for Old Faithful, there are many beautiful natural sights to see year-round, including “the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.” They become even more memorable when you view them via snowmobile. Never driven a snowmobile?  No problem. We will teach you everything you need to know. During your full-day tour, you’ll see:

• Norris Geyser Basin , which features Steamboat Geyser. While it doesn’t run “on time” as much as Old Faithful, Steamboat is the tallest geyser anywhere on the globe. It’s spectacular any time of year.
• The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must-see phenomenon in winter. You’ll be captivated by the snow clinging to the canyon walls and the ice bridge that forms at the bottom. It’s definitely a “bucket list” location.
• If time allows, Hayden Valley will also be a stop on your route. It is here that you will often find photo-worthy bison herds, elk and other animals.

All of our winter tours include a stop at Madison Junction . You can stretch your legs, take a bathroom break and talk with other Park visitors in a warming hut.

✓ Lunch is Provided ✓ Tour includes Guide Fee and Park Approved Snowmobile ✓ Total Tour Time is About 8 Hours

“Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone by Snowcoach

Snowcoach tours are perfect for families, groups, or anyone who want to tour Yellowstone in comfort. Our guides will tell you the history of Yellowstone, share facts about wildlife, and keep you entertained with stories along your way.  During your full-day tour, you’ll experience:

• Norris Geyser Basin , which features Steamboat Geyser. While it doesn’t run “on time” as much as Old Faithful, Steamboat is the tallest geyser anywhere on the globe. It’s spectacular any time of year.  

Out of Park – Snowmobile Only

Fresh powder, hundreds of miles of groomed trails and beautiful landscapes await you when you sign up for one of our out-of-the-park tours. We customize your experience based on your snowmobile experience and skill level—and of course, snow and weather conditions (we always put your safety first.)

As with all of our tours, you can bring your own snow clothing or rent everything you need from us. Please note that we do not recommend ski clothing for snowmobiling. Helmets must always be worn.

✓ Tour includes Guide Fee and Park Approved Snowmobile

Our founder, Clyde Seeley, was the first to offer guided snowmobile tours of Yellowstone National Park. More than four decades later, See Yellowstone is still the best choice for winter and summer tours alike, thanks to our highly qualified and experienced guides.

See Yellowstone tour guides are all locals, so they know all of the ins and outs of Yellowstone National Park and use their knowledge to make your adventure unique. They also know that some people only get to visit Yellowstone once in their lifetime, so their goal is to make our guests’ time with us as memorable as it can be.

Create memories that last a lifetime and experience an unforgettable adventure at Yellowstone this Summer! Book your spot now and let us take care of the rest. Experience the beauty of Yellowstone without too much planning (we’ll handle that part)

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Spend less time planning and more time taking in Yellowstone National Park.

From relaxing coach tours to outdoor adventures, Yellowstone offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect year-round getaway for guests of all ages!

So how does SeeYellowstone.com make your stay even better? 

We do Yellowstone the way locals do Yellowstone. We’re the original Yellowstone tour company, with guides who are as passionate as they are knowledgeable.

From the minute you book with us, our team makes planning your trip easy by handling your West Yellowstone lodging, helping you choose the perfect adventures, and sharing our dining recommendations. 

Take the stress out of planning now with a trip to America’s original wonderland with  SeeYellowstone Tours

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Explore Montana's Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on a 7-Day Guided Tour in the U.S.

Venture into Montana's outstanding national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. You'll enjoy breath-taking natural beauty, mountains, geysers, wildlife watching and the fresh open air. Your adventure starts in Bozeman, before you embark on a four-day voyage into the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, the most in-depth exploration that we offer. See famous geysers and hot springs, view wildlife, discover the land with a Local Expert and explore downtown Bozeman.

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Yellowstone Vacation Packages

Yellowstone National Park is a trip of a lifetime. Lone Mountain Ranch is only 18 miles from the park boundary and the ranch resides in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Our Yellowstone vacation package includes tours of the park, incredible meals, relaxing lodging and custom add-on activities to give you the perfect Yellowstone vacation. Don’t just visit Yellowstone, experience activities in and around the park!

Returning to a cozy cabin each evening makes your Yellowstone trip feel more authentic and unique. Whether you are looking for a single cabin for a peaceful couple get away or you are looking to book multiple cabins for a bigger group adventure, you’ll find our cabins are the perfect place to stay on your vacation.

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Fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Enjoy culinary perfection (locally sourced) that is sure to exceed your expectations. You’re on vacation, go explore and let us spend the day cooking and preparing great meals to welcome you back to the ranch and replenish your energy.

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ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES

Not all visitors are the same. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or the winter, there are so many activities you can choose from. In addition to Tours of Yellowstone Park, you can horse back ride, fly fish, mountain bike, downhill ski, nordic ski, snowshoe, white water raft, hike, go for a dog sled ride and of course take advantage of yoga and massages. There’s so much to do, it’s just hard to choose!

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WHY LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH?

Lone Mountain Ranch was homesteaded in 1915 and has become the treasure of Big Sky, Montana. Whether you learn of the ranch by its dining, cabins, sleigh rides or any of the other activities you can do on or near the ranch, you’ll find that it is the perfect place to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park.

• Located in the town of Big Sky
• Only an hour from Bozeman
• We’ll pick you up from the airport
• Only 18 miles North of Yellowstone NP
• Incredible meals included
• Activities all family members will enjoy

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2 Days in Yellowstone: What to Do, See, and Eat

I f you’re only spending 2 days in Yellowstone National Park, you’ll want to hit the highlights of what to do, see, and eat in the park.

Since the park is so big, you’ll need to focus on the highlights of this area as well as maximizing your time for the most exciting trip possible.

Below, you’ll find a detailed 2-day itinerary for this incredible national park, including our suggestions on the best places to stay, great hikes to do, and where to see wildlife, perfect for first-time visitors.

As with all of the content on my website, I’ve included options that are great for the entire family. We hope you love your time in Yellowstone as much as we did!

This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.

2 Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary for Families

Where is yellowstone national park.

Yellowstone National Park is located mostly in Wyoming, but extends into both Montana and Idaho.

What’s the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park?

There are several airports within relatively close driving distance to one of Yellowstone’s 5 entrances, including those in Bozeman, Montana, and Jackson, Wyoming.

Based on the recommended activities for this short trip, the airport at Jackson, Wyoming, puts you closest to the southern entrance so you will spend less time driving and more time actually in the park.

Which park entrance and exit should I use for this trip?

Since we’re concentrating our efforts on the southern half of the park, you’ll want to enter through the southern entrance, which is closest to both Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming.

This itinerary puts you in a great location at the end to extend your time in this area by exploring Jackson and Grand Teton National Park by going back through the southern entrance.

Alternatively, you could end your time in Yellowstone by going through the eastern entrance to visit Cody, Wyoming.

Will I need a rental car for my stay in Yellowstone?

Yes, you will need a rental car for your time in Yellowstone National Park.

There isn’t any public transportation in the park, and the area that you’ll cover even on a shorter itinerary like this one is vast.

Pick up a rental car at the Jackson Hole Airport, where you’ll find Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, and Enterprise.

Do I need reservations for Yellowstone National Park?

No, Yellowstone National Park currently does not require reservations to enter the park.

You will have to pay an entrance fee ($15 per car) that is good for up to 7 days.

If you have an interagency pass, you can enter for free.

Self-guided Tour Suggestion

Since you’ll only be in Yellowstone for a few days, you might be tempted to drive around and hope for the best.

However, you will be missing out on SO many of the amazing features of this park.

To maximize your understanding of the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, I highly recommend purchasing the GuideAlong tour for Yellowstone National Park .

This affordable app was one of the highlights of our time in Yellowstone—and we also purchased the self-guided tour for nearby Grand Teton National Park , too.

The GuideAlong tour doesn’t need wifi once the tour is downloaded to your phone, and the narration starts and stops automatically as you get to each point of interest.

It was better (and much cheaper!) than having a real guide in the car since we could replay sections for clarification, or skip over sections if we were bypassing one area of the tour.

2 Day Yellowstone Itinerary Overview

Since the park is so big, you’re not going to be able to do everything in 2 short days.

Instead, we’re highlighting some of the must-do activities in the park and interspersing them with lesser known (but still incredible) stops.

This approach will give you a great taste of what Yellowstone has to offer—and will hopefully entice you to come back to explore even more of the park!

Only about 2% of Yellowstone National Park is accessible by road—and you can drive for hours and hours through the park’s various ecosystems.

There are 2 main roads within the park, which roughly make a figure 8.

Since we’ve got limited time on this trip, but we still want to do as much as possible, we’re going to focus our journey on the lower circle of this figure 8.

Essentially, we’ll work clockwise around that lower loop, starting at the bottom center, heading over to the Old Faithful area, climbing up towards Artist’s Paint Pot, then exploring the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Itinerary Day 1

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park!

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone has been wowing visitors since it was first established as a protected area in 1872.

This itinerary assumes that you’re staying in or near the park the night before, so you can be sure to start your day in the park early.

The best place to stay for an early start on Day 1 would be Grant Village, which is the first visitor area within the park from the southern entrance.

While Grant Village isn’t the most glamorous of places in the park (and it certainly isn’t nearly as fun, historic, or interesting as our favorite Roosevelt Cabins elsewhere in Yellowstone), it is quiet, safe, and comfortable.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

In any case, you’ll want to start your day just north of Grant Village in the incredible West Thumb Geyser Basin.

We’re not rushing off to Old Faithful—yet—because this often-overlooked area is well worth an early morning visit.

The West Thumb Geyser Basin has a large parking lot next to the boardwalk.

This area is one of our favorite easy hikes in Yellowstone , and it’s perfect for everyone in your family thanks to the beautiful scenery and manageable length.

There are more than a dozen major hydrothermal features here with dozens of smaller ones throughout.

You’ll even find a steam vent in the parking lot!

Along the boardwalk, you’ll find brilliantly colored hot springs, the famous Fishing Cone feature, and stunning views of Lake Yellowstone.

Take your time exploring the sights along the boardwalk, and plan to spend about an hour or so slowly walking around this area.

Old Faithful Area

When you’re ready to move on, head back to the car and continue clockwise on the lower loop road towards Old Faithful.

(If you’re listening to the GuideAlong tour for this park , the narrator will help you with directions!)

At the Old Faithful exit, head all the way down to the last parking lot, which is by the Old Faithful Lodge and diagonal to the Visitors Center.

This puts you in easy walking distance of the Visitors Center, Old Faithful, and the trailhead to dozens of other geysers.

If you plan on renting bear spray, you’ll also find a pick-up tent for Bear Aware here.

If you’re not sure if you want to rent or buy bear spray at Yellowstone , I have an entire guide breaking down the costs, pros and cons, and usage.

Geyser Schedule

Of course, you can’t get to this point in the park without seeing Old Faithful!

The world’s most famous geyser is worth stopping and waiting for. You can find an estimated time of the next eruption in the NPS app, so you’ll know if you need to hurry and find a spot on the boardwalk or leisurely explore this area.

Don’t stop there: this area has many more geysers along a paved walking and bike path. Some—like the Beehive geyser—might erupt erratically and at any time, while others have a more consistent timing.

Check the board in the visitors center for estimated times. The rangers will also make an announcement in the center when those erratic geysers are erupting.

Visitors Center

You could easily spend an hour or more in this beautiful visitors center.

There’s a great overview movie in the theatre with comfortable chairs.

You can also walk through the interpretive displays, talk with a ranger about your plans, get maps for your journey, or pick up your Yellowstone Junior Ranger booklets.

The Yellowstone Forever store is also located here. It has books, posters, sweatshirts, backpacks, stuffed animals, backpack patches, and more.

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria

Head over to the Old Faithful Lodge located along the boardwalk behind Old Faithful.

Confusingly, there are 2 other hotels in this same area: the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and the Old Faithful Inn.

We’re aiming for the huge log cabin-style hotel that’s to the left of the visitors center if your back is to the Old Faithful geyser.

Just off of the main lobby area in the Old Faithful Lodge is a cafeteria with a wide array of options ranging from burgers and burritos to salads and Asian noodle bowls.

While it isn’t the best restaurant at Yellowstone, my family appreciated the wide variety of food options available here.

Even my notoriously picky 6-year-old found something he was willing to eat (a hot dog and chocolate milk).

Grand Prismatic Springs

Next up on our itinerary is one of my family’s favorite stops in the entire park: Grand Prismatic Springs.

You can choose to experience the colorful springs in 2 different ways.

By hiking the Grand Prismatic Overlook portion of the Fairy Falls Trail, or

By using the boardwalk directly over and through the springs.

While I encourage you to do both if you have the time and interest, I’ve found that the colors of the pool can be seen much more clearly from the overlook hike, where you’re looking directly down onto the entire pool area.

The boardwalk hike gets you down next to the Grand Prismatic springs and several other, smaller hot springs, but you can’t see the color gradients as brilliantly.

NOTE: parking here can be abysmal, particularly mid-day in the peak of summer. Be patient and wait in the line of cars to get a spot in the parking lot. Alternatively, you can grab a spot on the side of the road, but we didn’t feel comfortable walking down the narrow shoulder with young kids.

Artist’s Paint Pots

If you have the energy for one more hike, I recommend stopping at Artist’s Paint Pots, which is located between Madison and Canyon Village on the lower loop road.

This short hike takes you through lodge pole pines into a hidden collection of gloopy mud pots, iron-red hot springs, and stunning views of Mount Holmes in the distance.

There are a couple of flights of stairs at various points on this hike, but most people should be able to handle them without much issue.

Overnight: Day 1

After our time at Artist’s Paint Pots, you’re likely ready for a rest and some food.

Let’s head onto our location for our overnight stay: Canyon Village Lodge.

This newer collection of large hotels is at the heart of Canyon Village, an area of the park that also offers a campground, grocery store, multiple restaurants, shopping, and a visitors center.

We’ve stayed in 2 different areas of this lodge: the Rhyolite lodge and Washburn lodge. Both had large, clean rooms, easy elevator access, and comfortable beds.

Once you’ve checked into your room, walk over to the main Canyon Village area for dinner.

There is a large cafeteria here with several options, including an Asian noodle bar, a lounge with heavy appetizers, and an American cuisine area with roast chicken and sides.

We found that the prices here were higher than the quality of foods called for, but that was the case throughout the park.

Of everything we ate in Canyon Village, the M66 appetizers platter from the lounge was the tastiest and the best value. For just under $20, we had a loaded plate of chicken wings, fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, and multiple dipping sauces.

After dinner, you can see what evening programs are being held at the visitors center, play chess back at Washburn Lodge, or sit by the fireplace in the Eatery section of the dining hall.

Itinerary Day 2

Hopefully, you wake up rested and refreshed for another action packed day in one of the world’s most beautiful national parks!

Today, we’re exploring the second half of that lower loop, and, in the process, we’ll experience some very different ecosystems than we saw on Day 1.

Have a quick breakfast in your room if you’ve stocked up on groceries, or grab something hot back over in the dining hall.

If you go the latter route, you’ll find everything from cold cereal to oatmeal bowls to bacon, egg, and hashbrown platters.

Hayden Valley

I recommend an early start for today because that’s when we’ll have the best chance to seeing wildlife like moose, bison, elk, and bears move around.

You can see wildlife at any time and in any area of the park, but the best wildlife viewing is either in Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley.

Since we don’t have time to do both, we’re heading south through Hayden Valley this morning.

Although the drive through Hayden Valley normally only takes around 30 minutes, don’t rush here.

You’ll likely see cars slowing down to get better views of the animals moving about.

If you’d like a good picture, or if an animal approaches the roadway, the best course of action is to pull over on the wide, paved shoulder.

Don’t get out of your car if the wildlife is moving towards you. Those bison might look unwieldy, but they can move surprisingly quickly if they feel provoked.

Lake Yellowstone Boat Tour

Another reason we’re heading through Hayden Valley today is to get to our ranger-led boat tour of Lake Yellowstone.

This tour is one of our recommended things to do in the park with kids as it provides a unique perspective of one of the most important features of this area—and kids generally love boats.

>> For more recommendations on what to do with your kids, see my Ultimate Yellowstone Family Vacation Guide . <<

This reasonable priced, 1 hour long tour leaves from the docks at Bay Bridge Marina.

As a reminder that wildlife could be anywhere, we found a large bison grazing right next to the docks while we waited to board our boat!

Your tour will take you along the northwestern corner of Lake Yellowstone, where you’ll learn about the hydrothermal features under the lake, see the remains of an early visitor touring boat, and learn a few ghost stories about the Lake Yellowstone Hotel.

Our guide, Ranger Jim, was full of fun facts and silly jokes which kept my kids focused during the tour. He also passed around laminated photos, maps, and charts as visual aids for each of his talking points.

Overall, this tour is a must-do on your Yellowstone trip since it is so different than anything else available in the park.

Lunch at Fishing Bridge

After your tour is over, head over to the Fishing Bridge area on your way back towards Canyon Village.

In the Fishing Bridge store is a little soda shop and grill which served up some of the best food we had in Yellowstone.

We loved the black bean burger with spicy salsa, and cheeseburgers with fries. My kids adored the grilled chicken fingers, and have eaten them multiple times in the park.

It’s also more reasonably priced than other restaurants in the park.

Plus, there’s a fun, retro vibe to the place.

End your meal with a scoop of Wilcoxson’s ice cream . The huckleberry is sharp but sweet, but I preferred the Buffalo Chip flavor with chocolate ice cream, caramel swirl, and Snickers pieces.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

To help us burn off some of that yummy lunch, we’re headed to the south rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

This geological feature isn’t discussed nearly as much as the Grand Prismatic Springs or Old Faithful, but we found it to be every bit as awe-inspiring.

If you’d like to simply view the waterfalls that bookend the canyon, you can stop at 2 places:

The Upper Falls Viewpoint on South Rim Drive, and

Artists Point at the end of South Rim Drive.

However, I’m all about getting out of the car whenever possible, so I’d recommend doing the 2 mile roundtrip hike from the Upper Falls Viewpoint to Artists Point and back.

While the trail itself is fairly flat with hard packed dirt, there are several sections where there are no guiderails and a nearly sheer drop down the walls of the canyon.

We took our 6 year old this trail, and it gave my heart more than a few scares. We ended up holding his hand and walking on the far side of the trail, but beware of that before you take really little kids on the trail.

Artists Point has a perfect view of the Lower Falls. See if you can spot the hot springs bubbling along the edges of the Yellowstone River below!

Other activities in the Canyon Village Area

If you’d like to see even more of the Canyon, drive over to the north rim.

You can tackle the steep hike to the Brink of the Lower Falls, which drops 600 feet in elevation over about a quarter-mile.

Or, you can walk around Inspiration Point for less crowded views of the yellow, gold, white, and red canyon walls.

If you’re ready for a hiking break, head over to the interpretive center at Canyon Village, where you can learn more about the geology of this area. There are some great interactive exhibits that teach visitors about earthquakes, the park’s formation, and more.

Overnight: Day 2

Your 2 days in Yellowstone is already over, but you’ve seen and done some amazing things.

I recommend another night in Canyon Village as you’re likely going to need a rest before heading out for more adventures elsewhere in Wyoming and beyond.

Need some inspiration on where to head next?

Grand Teton National Park is less than an hour away from the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and offers up stunning views of mountains, rivers, wildlife, and more.

Grand Teton National Park with Kids: A Guide

A Guide to Easy Hikes in Grand Teton

Grand Teton vs. Yellowstone: Which is Better?

2 Days in Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

Colter Bay Cabins: Best Place to Stay in Grand Teton National Park

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Can artificial intelligence safely create a travel itinerary for Yellowstone National Park?/Robert Pahre

Your Artificial Travel Agent For A Yellowstone Vacation

By robert pahre.

As a professor, I am on one of the many frontlines in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Students in my classes have submitted AI-written essays that invent facts about some of your favorite national parks. Those “hallucinations” help me identify cheaters.

Those essays got me thinking, however. Would AI serve as a good travel agent for readers of the National Parks Traveler ?  Because Yellowstone is the world’s most-famous national park, and the park I happen to know best, I decided to ask ChatGPT to design an itinerary for a one-week trip to Yellowstone. That’s a long visit for most people, so it would challenge AI to think beyond what visitors do over a day or two—the most common visit. As we’ll see, it struggled a bit.

I asked for a one-week vacation in July, flying from Chicago to Yellowstone. I requested specific recommendations about daily activities and places to stay. I also asked for restaurant recommendations. Having worked with ChatGPT for a while now, I know that being specific is important.

As I expected, AI gave me a conventional tour of the park. Conceptually, it used the classic figure-8 itinerary that dates to the stagecoach era. Unlike the stagecoaches, however, it began and ended with West Yellowstone instead of Gardiner. Here is an overview:

Day 1. Fly to Bozeman, rent a car, and drive to West Yellowstone.

Day 2. Lower Loop Tour, with an early start.

Day 3. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Day 4. Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner.

Day 5. Wildlife and Scenic Drives.

Day 6. Norris Geyser Basin and the Madison Area.

Day 7. Return to Bozeman and fly back to Chicago.

The itinerary starts well. West Yellowstone would give us a chance to rest after the flight. If we experience any travel difficulties, we won’t miss anything inside the park. ChatGPT recommended two restaurants. Though they were perfectly reasonable selections, it left out both my favorite restaurant and my favorite pizza place in West.

Geyser gazing in Yellowstone/Robert Pahre

The second day is too ambitious. ChatGPT recommended driving to Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin from West Yellowstone, with lunch at the Old Faithful Inn. I can’t object to that, especially since it recommended an early start. Then our AI travel agent told us to drive on to West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, and the Hayden Valley. We would backtrack to spend the night at Lake. This would have us spending a July afternoon in the Hayden Valley wildlife jam.

Instead of that itinerary, I would suggest that you stop at Lake. My plan would give you time to explore the Upper Basin and West Thumb, with at least two viewings of Old Faithful and decent odds of seeing one of the other major features erupt. You could then see Hayden Valley the next morning when more animals and fewer vehicles will be out. These are the kinds of nuances that AI seems not to know.

Lake Lodge in Yellowstone/Robert Pahre

The itinerary for Day 3 features the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with a hike along the South Rim Trail and lunch at Canyon Village. It recommends optional trips to Norris Basin or the Lamar Valley, though I would skip those because they appear again on the itineraries for Days 5-6. This is otherwise a good plan, allowing for tired visitors to have some down time. Energetic people can explore the trails in the Canyon Area, the nearby lakes, or Mount Washburn.

On Day 4, our artificial guide recommends visiting Mammoth Hot Springs before spending the night in Gardiner. It recommends exploring not only Mammoth Hot Springs but visiting the Albright Visitor Center, which has a small museum. I like that. It also suggests a scenic drive along the Yellowstone River downstream from Gardiner, a choice I did not expect but will endorse. I like its restaurant recommendations in Gardiner more than I did those in West.

That said, I found it interesting that ChatGPT did not recommend staying at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Perhaps AI prefers the air conditioning in the Gardiner hotels; the physical machines behind cloud computing do need a lot of cooling.

A pronghorn bypassing Gardiner, Montana/Robert Pahre

On Day 5, ChatGPT gives us a hot mess.  I won’t criticize it in detail, but you should grab a map of the park and check out all the backtracking here. If you like the basic idea of this day, I recommend breakfast *before* you go to the Lamar Valley.

• Start the day with an early morning wildlife viewing excursion in Lamar Valley, known as America's Serengeti for its abundance of wildlife.
• Have breakfast at a local diner in Gardiner.
• Drive south through the park, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
• Visit the Petrified Tree and Tower Fall areas.
• Have lunch at Roosevelt Lodge.
• Continue south to the Norris Geyser Basin area.
• Stay overnight in the Norris area.

The only overnight lodging at Norris is a campground. The park has decided to close it for the 2024 season. Because the ChatGPT corpus only goes to late 2022, I wouldn’t expect AI to know about the closure. Day 5 gives us an important reminder: double-check the information that AI gives you!

Day 6 features Norris Geyser Basin and the Madison River area, with lodging in the Madison area. The activities are fine but the lodging recommendation is dubious for someone flying from Chicago. The only option at Madison is a campground, though at least this one is open. However, ChatGPT doesn’t know that if you are taking an airplane from Chicago you will probably not be bringing tents and sleeping bags—and your carry-on bag does not have room for an RV.

You might have noticed that the itinerary started to fall apart after three days. Apparently, the corpus of texts that AI uses leans toward shorter vacations of up to three days. Still, if you like the idea behind the figure-8 trip, I recommend the following changes. Spend the night on Day 4 at Roosevelt, after spending most of the day in the Lamar Valley. Visit Tower Falls and Petrified Tree. After that, you will spend your fifth night in Gardiner, with Day 6 consisting of a drive to West Yellowstone. Human advice can help you fine-tune the AI advice.

On Day 7, ChatGPT and I agree. Spend some time in West Yellowstone before driving back to Bozeman’s Yellowstone International Airport.

All in all, our artificial travel agent gave us a reasonable but conventional tour. It assumes that we would be staying on pavement and boardwalks. That’s a reasonable assumption for short visits. However, people spending a week might want to include some day hikes for a taste of the backcountry. Other people might want to go on a guided horseback trip, go mountain biking where allowed, or go fly-fishing. Our artificial travel guide didn’t consider any of those outings.

Fishing in Lake Yellowstone/Robert Pahre

After experimenting with a general itinerary, I decided to push my artificial travel agent to develop an itinerary off the beaten track. I asked for an adventure travel vacation with a set of specific things I wanted to do. I asked to start on either April Fool’s Day or May 15, taking as much time as I would need. ChatGPT wisely had me start on May 15, though it really should have recommended a later date to accommodate backcountry regulations and weather challenges.

Chat GPT gave me an itinerary with all the things I wanted to do, which are mostly illegal, out of season, or not practical. Here they are, with my comments.

• Begin by chartering a plane and pilot for an air tour of the park. This is not possible in the way that people expect in Grand Canyon and some other parks. In Yellowstone, all aircraft must remain at least 2,000 feet above the park, so the advertised air tours stay outside the park boundaries. AI put it on my itinerary anyway. 
• Go whitewater rafting inside the park. This is not allowed, though you can raft outside the park later in the season. When I pressed ChatGPT for details, it gave me several specific rivers. When I asked if it was possible to raft from Yellowstone Lake all the way to Gardiner, it said that I could do this. To my surprise, it told me the route included "passing through the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.” Attempting this will kill you.
• Go backpacking along the east shore of Yellowstone Lake, setting aside one day to climb Turret Mountain. My artificial travel agent happily added this to the trip. It seems unconcerned with the mileage, making every trip an overnight out-and-back. Those overnights would range from 12 to 75 miles in length. This plan also runs afoul of the trail closure dates south of Park Point. In May, only that 12-mile trip is allowed.   In addition, Turret Mountain is a very difficult climb—its first ascent was made by three Exum climbing guides in 2001. When pressed, AI suggested specific campsites to access the mountain, three of which would work. It also suggested a specific route, which climbers had tried unsuccessfully before the successful climb in 2001. AI doesn’t know that climbing Turret Mountain is impossible for anyone who is not a high-end professional mountaineering guide, nor does it know about the dates when these backcountry sites are open.

Turret Mountain/Robert Pahre

• Bathe in the waters of a hot spring . This is illegal and dangerous. I wanted to know if AI would suggest soaking in one of the run-off channels where this is allowed. It did not do so, but it did suggest bathing in the hot springs at West Thumb. This is most assuredly not recommended. No matter how quickly the other visitors fetched help, I doubt the rangers would be able to save your life.  When I pressed our artificial friend for specific sites, it suggested four locations. Two of those sites do have places where run-off mixes with river water, making bathing legal; it would be illegal in the two other places. AI also suggested a fifth location, telling me that I could get a hot shower at the Norris campground. That’s not what I had in mind.
• Dayhike the length of Specimen Ridge. You can do this, but there are two challenges that AI didn’t mention. First, you need two cars because it’s 19 miles one-way. Second, you must ford the Lamar River on the eastern end of the hike. The water will be too high to ford in May, so this is not feasible for the dates I asked about. In any season, it would be prudent to start at the east side so that cross the ford at the start of the day. If you start at the west end, you risk being stranded at the end of a long day. As we have seen several times, AI does not think about how many miles a human can reasonably hike in a day, nor does it consider obstacles like fording streams and rivers. I would be willing to bet that it doesn’t know about mosquitoes.
•   Go SCUBA diving in Yellowstone Lake, preferably in West Thumb or Mary Bay to see the underwater thermal features. This is possible, with a guide strongly recommended. AI got this one right, including the guide recommendation. It might have suggested some additional locations, which you can find on the park website.  
• Go waterskiing . This is illegal. So are jet skis and similar watercraft. When I pressed my artificial travel agent about specific sites, it named two lakes that allow motorized boating and one lake that does not. It also recommended waterskiing down the Madison River, which would certainly attract a lot of attention pretty quickly.
• Visit “No-Name” Basin . I am not naming this destination here, but it’s a remote off-trail thermal basin that you can only reach on a multi-day trip. I have not been there, but trail reports recommend bringing rope to reach it. ChatGPT suggested a day hike.

Not a good choice for waterskiing, Madison River/Robert Pahre

What do we learn from the exercise? Artificial intelligence provides a reasonable first draft if you want ideas for a driving-based vacation. If you’d like to hike, bike, ride a horse, or go fishing, it will not volunteer information. You can ask it about those options, but its answers may not be accurate. It seems to know little about fishing regulations, for example.  

If you are looking for uncommon activities, AI seems to give terrible advice. Even when I pressed it for details, its answers were untrustworthy. Some answers improved but ChatGPT doubled down on some falsehoods. In the case of air tours, it seems to be misled by online advertising copy in its corpus of texts. They often leave the impression you will fly over the park instead of looking into the park from airspace outside of it. 

For both the standard tour and the adventure tour, AI tried to give me exactly what I asked for. A knowledgeable human would have tried to adjust my expectations. For example, a person would tell me to do some things after July 15, or to try rafting outside the park boundaries. A human would also ask me some questions first: Do you like horses? How far would you like to hike in a day? Do you like pizza or a fancy dinner? 

If you just want to see the major sites while spending a day or two in the park, however, AI can get you started on your planning. Like GPS navigation that will sometimes tell you to drive into a lake, be careful not rely on it. 

Robert Pahre is a professor of political science at the University of Illinois, where he teaches and writes on national parks and environmental policy.

• Yellowstone National Park
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I have been asking ChatGPT and Microsoft's CoPilot to tell me jokes about different national parks.  Interestingly, CoPilot tells better jokes about than ChatGPT about the national parks.

Thanks, Martin. That's especially interesting since Microsoft is behind both companies.

I have asked ChatGPT to tell jokes about some historical events. Let's just say that the corpus on the Civil War is much larger than the corpus on the War of Jenkins' Ear.

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