yellowstone national park driving tour

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Home / Blog / 12 Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park

12 Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park

Posted June 11, 2020 in Blog Posts

By Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton author Becky Lomax

Driving through Yellowstone National Park is a treat for every road tripper. Plan an epic driving tour with these twelve options sorted by region: North Yellowstone, Old Faithful and West Yellowstone, and Canyon & Lake Country.

Scenic Drives in North Yellowstone

Gardiner to Cooke City – 52 MI (84 KM)

The road between the North Entrance Station at Gardiner and the Northeast Entrance Station at Silver Gate and Cooke City is the only road in Yellowstone open year-round to private cars and RVs. The road is plowed in winter, but snowstorms can cause temporary closures in the fall, winter, and spring. For current road conditions, call 307/344-2117. Plan about two hours one way for this tour. Add on more time for stops.

The two-lane road starts as US-89 in Gardiner, Montana, on Park Street. Drive under the Roosevelt Arch (RVs take the signed shortcut) to reach the entrance station. The road then climbs south through ancient mudflows, crossing the 45th Parallel at the bridge over the Gardner River, then hitting the Montana/Wyoming state line before reaching Mammoth Hot Springs in 5 mi (8 km).

From Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower Junction (18 mi/29 km, 45 min) the route follows Grand Loop Road . Stop to see Undine Falls and the Petrified Tree . Between the two sights, Blacktail Plateau Drive (6 mi/9.5 km, 30 min, open July-early Nov., no RVs or trailers) offers a scenic detour on a curvy, one-way dirt road. The route gains territorial views, goes through fire successions, and is good habitat for elk, bears, and bison.

From Tower Junction to the Northeast Entrance (29 mi/47 km, 60 min), the route crosses the Yellowstone River into Lamar Valley and swings northeast along Soda Butte Creek into the Absaroka Mountains . After Pebble Creek, the road climbs into narrow Ice Box Canyon , flanked by frozen waterfalls in winter and early spring. At the Northeast Entrance, the road exits Yellowstone and enters the tiny blink-and-you-miss-it villages of Silver Gate and Cooke City . In winter (Nov.-May), the route dead-ends at Cooke City due to snowbound roads, but in summer, you can connect with the 68-mi (109-km) Beartooth Highway (open late May-Oct.).

Upper Grand Loop Road – 70 MI (113 KM)

Upper Grand Loop Road links Mammoth Hot Springs with Norris Geyser Basin , Canyon Village , and Tower-Roosevelt . The road east from Mammoth to Tower Junction (18 mi/29 km, 45 min) is open year-round; all other segments of the Upper Grand Loop Road are closed in winter. You can drive the entire loop (open late May-early Nov.) in three hours; stops and side trips add time.

From Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction (21 mi/34 km, 45 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.), the road climbs south through the hoodoos, monster travertine boulders formed by a landslide on Terrace Mountain. It then crawls along the cliffs of Golden Gate before topping out at Swan Lake Flat , where you can often spot wolves and bison. Continuing south, you’ll pass Obsidian Cliff , a site of geological, Native American, and historical significance. Stop again at Roaring Mountain to listen to the thermal activity and look for trumpeter swans in nearby Twin Lakes . Your first leg ends at the Norris Geyser Basin , a hotbed of geothermal activity.

From the Norris Junction, go east toward Canyon Village (12 mi/19.5 km, 30 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.). Continue the loop north from Canyon Village to reach Tower Junction (19 mi/31 km, 45 min, open late May-early Nov.). The road climbs over Dunraven Pass before descending to Tower Fall and the Tower-Roosevelt area. Complete the loop west to Mammoth.

Old Faithful and West Yellowstone Scenic Drives

West Entrance Road – 14 MI (22.5 KM)

For an evening wildlife-watching drive, take the West Entrance Road (14 mi/22.5 km, 30 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.) east from West Yellowstone to Madison Junction. The road parallels the Madison River, with sprawling meadows that fill with bison in summer and elk herds in fall. Pullouts allow places to watch, but don’t become so enamored with the megafauna that you miss eagles in the trees or bobcats hunting along the river.

Lower Grand Loop Road – 96 MI (154 KM)

Lower Grand Loop Road links Madison , Norris , Canyon Village , West Thumb , and Old Faithful to take in loads of wildlife-watching plus Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and the Old Faithful complex. Driving the entire loop (open mid-May-early Nov.) will take four hours; add more time for scenic stops and walks along the geyser basins.

Follow the West Entrance Road from Madison Junction to Norris Junction (14 mi/22.5, 30 min, open mid-Apr.-early Nov.). From Madison, the road loops past Terrace Springs to parallel the Gibbon River . Look for bison and elk in Gibbon Meadows . The road climbs north through a canyon housing Gibbon Falls as it ascends out of the supervolcano caldera. Beryl Spring pops out in the upper meadows near Artists Paintpots before reaching the Norris Geyser Basin .

Zip east over the forested road from Norris to Canyon Village (12 mi/19.5 km, 30 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.). From Canyon Village, the road passes the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to head south along the Yellowstone River, curving around the shores of Yellowstone Lake to West Thumb (37 mi/60 km, 90 min, open mid May-early Nov.).

From West Thumb, head west to Old Faithful (17 mi/27 km, 45 min, mid-May-early Nov.). The route bounces twice over the Continental Divide , the highest point at 8,391 ft (2,558 m). Isa Lake , located at Craig Pass , has the unique status of flowing toward both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. After descending Craig Pass, the road passes Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin before completing the loop north to Madison (16 mi/26 km, 45 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.).

Geyser Basin Tour – 16 MI (26 KM)

The Lower Grand Loop Road climbs south along the Firehole River from Madison Junction to Old Faithful (16 mi/26 km, 45 min, open mid-Apr.-early Nov.), passing through the Lower Geyser Basin , which houses Fountain Paint Pot , Firehole Lake , and Great Fountain Geyser , before passing Midway Geyser Basin . The road then enters Upper Geyser Basin , reaching Biscuit Basin first, then Black Sand Basin , before the Old Faithful Complex . Steam plumes from most of the basins are visible from the road. Bison herds frequent the area; prepare for stopped traffic. Three short spur roads allow scenic side tours.

Firehole Canyon Drive

At 0.5 mi (0.8 km) south of Madison Junction, Firehole Canyon Drive (2 mi/3.2 km, 15 min, open mid-Apr.-early Nov., no RVs or trailers) cuts off on the west side of the Grand Loop Road. This one-way, steep and narrow road goes to a scenic overlook of the 40-ft Firehole Falls and 800-ft-thick lava flows; however, there are minimal places to pull over for photos.

Fountain Flat Drive

Find Fountain Flat Drive (1 mi/1.6 km, 15 min, open late May-early Nov.) on the west side of the Grand Loop Road about “bout 5.5 mi (8.9 km) south of Madison Junction or 10.5 mi (16.9 km) north of Old Faithful. The short drive is a good place for wildlife-watching , particularly elk and bison in June; it has the Nez Perce Picnic Area at its start and several pullouts en route. Turn around when the two-way drive dead-ends. Heavy traffic or bison jams can add to driving time. Bear activity keeps the road closed in spring.

Firehole Lake Drive

Located about 9.3 mi (15 km) south of Madison Junction and 6.8 mi (10.9 km) north of Old Faithful, the one-way Firehole Lake Drive (3.3 mi/5.3 km, 30 min, open late May-early Nov., no RVs or trailers) is accessed off the east side of the Grand Loop Road. The drive passes eight thermal features, including the brown Firehole Lake , the largest hot springs on the road, and Great Fountain Geyser . The nearby White Dome Geyser erupts at 15- to 30-minute intervals. The Fountain Paint Pot Trail Guide ($1, available at visitors centers) includes interpretive information on Firehole Lake Drive. Bear activity keeps the road closed in spring.

Scenic Drives in Canyon & Lake Country

South Entrance Road – 22 MI (35 KM)

The forested South Entrance Road (45 min, open mid-May-early Nov.) connects the South Entrance of Yellowstone with Grant Village and West Thumb. The road passes the Lewis River , Lewis Falls , and Lewis Lake .

East Entrance Road – 27 MI (43 KM)

From the East Entrance Station, the East Entrance Road (60 min, open late-May-early Nov.) climbs a steep road through cliffs overlooking Middle Creek. Near the head of the valley, a pullout affords views down into the glacier-carved terrain. Amid howling winds, 8,524-ft (2,598-m) Sylvan Pass cuts through a rocky slot in the Absaroka Mountains. A small summit parking lot offers a place to scan the hillsides for bighorn sheep and peruse long, thin waterfalls.

On the descent, use second gear to avoid burning your brakes. At Sylvan and Eleanor Lakes , small pullouts allow photo ops. Thick lupine flanks the road as it plunges through the remains of a 2002 forest fire. For a giant view, take the 1-mi (1.6-km) paved side spur of Lake Butte Road (no RVs or trailers) to Lake Butte Overlook . After reaching the north shore of Yellowstone Lake , the road curves around Steamboat Point , a collection of puffing, noisy fumaroles, and Mary Bay , a volcanic caldera, to reach Fishing Bridge .

Lower Grand Loop Road – 96 MI (155 KM)

The Lower Grand Loop Road (4 hr, open late May-early Nov.) links the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and Norris Geyser Basin. Stops for touring geyser basins will add to your time.

Between Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge (16 mi/26 km, 45 min), the road tours the ultra-scenic Hayden Valley , cut by the meandering Yellowstone River . The valley usually has scads of wildlife: bison, elk, deer, and sometimes bears or wolves. For the best wildlife-watching, drive through Hayden Valley in the early morning or at dusk. Expect slow going where wildlife jams stall traffic. South of Hayden Valley, the smelly volcanic features of Mud Volcano and Sulphur Cauldron shoot steam across the road. LeHardy’s Rapids offers a place to spot harlequin ducks in early summer.

The scenic drive continues south along Yellowstone Lake from Fishing Bridge to West Thumb Junction (21 mi/34 km, 45 min). Stop in Lake Village to view the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel . Continuing south, the road passes Bridge Bay and the trailhead to Natural Bridge . South of Bridge Bay, the conifer-lined Gull Point Drive (2.1 mi/3.4 km, often closes late May-June due to flooding) leads to Gull Point Picnic Area , where a long sandbar extends out into the lake at Gull Point—a good place for fishing and beachcombing with views across the lake to the Absaroka Mountains. South of Gull Point Drive, multiple picnic areas and pullouts offer places to enjoy the lake; prepare for afternoon wind. West Thumb Geyser Basin is on the left just before West Thumb Junction.

From West Thumb, the Lower Grand Loop Road heads west through lodgepole pine and spruce forests toward Old Faithful (17 mi/27 km, 45 min), reaching a south-side overlook that has trees occluding part of distant Shoshone Lake . The route pops out twice over the Continental Divide , the highest point at 8,391 ft (2,558 m). Isa Lake , located at Craig Pass , has the unique status of flowing toward both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. After Craig Pass, the road descends into Old Faithful .

Upper Grand Loop Road (3 hr) links Canyon Village with Tower Junction, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris. Various segments of the road open at different times in spring; private vehicles can tour the entire loop late May-early November. Stopping at geyser basins and overlooks will add more time to the drive.

Driving north from Canyon Village to Tower Junction (19 mi/31 km, 45 min), Upper Grand Loop Road climbs to Dunraven Pass , which yields territorial views off either side of the pass. En route, you’ll spot the lookout on the summit of Mt. Washburn . North of the pass, the road descends to Tower Fall , Calcite Springs , and Tower Junction . For the 7 percent grade down from the pass, shift into second gear to avoid burning your brakes.

About the Author

Becky Lomax grew up hiking, camping, and skiing in Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mt. Rainier National Park (where her dad used to serve as a ranger).

During college, she worked summers in Glacier National Park. After teaching high school English for many years outside Seattle, she and her husband moved to Montana, where she served as a hiking and backpacking guide in Glacier, worked at a ski resort, and began to write about the outdoors. She relishes visiting national parks to hike, bike, backpack, kayak, and raft.

Through her writing, she advocates for conserving wild places for their unique attributes and the renewal they bring to humans. She has written about hiking trails, historic lodges and roads, camping, paddling, skiing, bicycling, wildlife, wildflowers, birds, and climate change. For magazine stories, she has tagged along with biologists into the field to radio collar bighorn sheep and grizzly bears, even touching the bear’s claws and smelling its fur to discover its earthy scent.

She has published stories in several national travel magazines including Smithsonian and Backpacker . She has also authored Moon USA National Parks , Moon Glacier National Park and Moon Montana, Wyoming, & Idaho Camping .

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5 of the best road trips in Yellowstone National Park

Feb 18, 2023 • 6 min read

These road trip routes will help you see the best of Yellowstone National Park © Hector Knudsen / Getty Images

Yellowstone National Park is vast.

It encompasses more than 3400 sq miles and it includes more than 450 miles of roads, providing plenty of space to explore. Driving yourself means you can spend as much time as you like doing the best things that Yellowstone has to offer , whether that's gazing at geysers or hiking the 900 miles of trails.

Be sure to keep your eye on the gas gauge and bring water and food along with you. Also, check the roads you'll need will be open when you plan on coming . Most of the  park's roads are closed for much of the year (generally closing in early November before reopening in April or May). Services within the park are also very limited outside of peak season, so be prepared.

Parking can be difficult at popular spots — try to aim for early or late in the day to avoid having to wait for a spot. If you're driving an alternative fuel vehicle, be sure to check on  fueling station availability . 

Driving yourself offers freedom and the opportunity to explore some lesser-known sites that might not be part of organized tours, but be sure to see the park's  tips for drivers . If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, there are numerous  tour options available. However you visit, brush up on  bear safety and read the  park's safety advice on wildlife, environmental hazards, hydrothermal features, and other things to keep in mind. Here are the five best road trips in Yellowstone National Park.

1. Grand Loop

The ultimate Yellowstone road trip Start and end at any of Yellowstone's five entrances, 142 miles; allow 2–3 days

Yellowstone National Park's main roads create a " figure-eight" shape , so driving around the exterior of both loops to make a "Grand Loop" is a great way to hit many of the park's highlights. Two or three days is reasonable, but the park can keep an avid explorer busy for far longer. Enter the park from any of its five entrances and proceed either clockwise or counterclockwise around the exterior of the figure eight until you've returned to your original entrance.

Driving the Grand Loop will bring you to many of the park's most popular geothermal areas, including  Old Faithful ,  Midway Geyser Basin ,  Norris Geyser Basin ,  Mammoth Hot Springs , and  West Thumb Geyser Basin . It will also bring you through Hayden Valley, which is a great place to look for wildlife, to  Tower Fall , and the  Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone , among other sites.

Detour: Combine a trip to Yellowstone with a visit to  Grand Teton National Park , which is just beyond Yellowstone's South Entrance.

2. Upper Loop

Best route for Yellowstone's scenic wonders Start and end at Yellowstone's North Entrance; 80 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone's Upper Loop is a highlight reel of scenic wonders. Start at the park's North Entrance, just outside Gardiner, Montana, and explore the Mammoth Hot Springs area, including the famous terraces. Allow at least a full day to drive this loop, including Tower Fall, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — be sure to check out  Artist Point  — as well as  Mt Washburn and Norris Geyser Basin.

Detour: Take a side trip from the  Tower-Roosevelt area into Lamar Valley , which has some of the best wildlife viewing in the park.

3. Lower Loop

Best drive for geysers, wildlife, and more Start and end in Jackson, Cody, or West Yellowstone; 96 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone's Lower Loop covers some of the park's most beloved features, including Old Faithful and the Hayden Valley. The loop itself is 96 miles, but you'll also need to add the distance to and from your entrance and gateway town of choice: select from Jackson or Cody , Wyoming, or West Yellowstone , Montana.

This route gives you a chance to see Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Artists Paintpots, Midway Geyser Basin and the  Grand Prismatic Spring , West Thumb Geyser Basin, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley, among other highlights. There's so much to do you might like to plan more than one day for exploration.

Planning tip: On a trip during summer months, try to visit the park's most popular attractions during  off-peak hours , which means early or late in the day, to beat the crowds and make parking easier.

4. Geyser gazing road trip

Best drive to Yellowstone's most accessible geysers and thermal features Start at Yellowstone's South Entrance; end at the North Entrance; 95 miles; allow 1–2 days

If you love fantastical geysers, multi-colored hydrothermal springs, bubbling mud, and hissing steam, then take a drive up the park's western side for a glimpse at some of Yellowstone's most incredible sights.

The park contains more than 10,000 such hydrothermal features — including over 500 geysers — and this route showcases some of the most fascinating ones that are easily accessible. Start from the South Entrance, explore West Thumb Geyser Basin, and head west towards Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. Continue west and north exploring other hydrothermal areas, such as Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pot, Norris Geyser Basin, and Mammoth Hot Springs, among many others, eventually exiting through the North Entrance.

Planning tip: Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch at one of the  numerous picnic areas along this route. Be sure to leave the picnic site cleaner than you found it, and always be aware of bears and other wildlife .

5. Yellowstone's wildlife safari

Top driving route to see Yellowstone's wildlife Start at Yellowstone's East entrance; end at the Northeast Entrance; 91 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone is home to a huge amount of wildlife, including 300 species of birds and 67 different types of mammals, with big-hitters being the black bears, grizzly bears and gray wolves. The challenge is spotting them – where the animals are and whether or not you see them depends on seasons, weather, food availability, and luck.

Begin your wildlife adventure at the East Entrance, making your way along the northern shore of Yellowstone Lake (keep an eye out for grizzlies near Fishing Bridge). Then proceed north through the Hayden Valley, stopping in pullouts to scan the valley for bison, black bears, elk and wolves. Head north over Dunraven Pass, keeping an eye out for animals by Mt Washburn, before heading east at Tower-Roosevelt into the Lamar Valley, which is one of the best places in the park to spot gray wolves and herds of bison.

Planning tip: Be sure to bring your binoculars, spotting scope, and  long camera lenses . Sometimes wildlife can be quite far away, and you must keep your distance . Stay a minimum of 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals.

This article was first published March 2013 and updated February 2023

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SCENIC DRIVES

Scenic drive through yellowstone park.

It’s a big country out here, with ribbons of highway rolling from one scenic horizon to the next. Whether you’re dreaming of expansive Wyoming landscapes with rivers rushing through vast meadows, capturing the perfect shot of a grizzly bear and her cubs (with your zoom lens, of course), or witnessing Old Faithful erupt for the first (or hundredth) time, Yellowstone journeys will touch your heart and soul with the experiences — and memories — of a lifetime.

Yellowstone National Park is the hub for some of America’s most scenic drives. Inspiring routes that traverse through high alpine country, towering rocky spires and terrain dotted with jewel-like cobalt lakes and soaring stands of evergreen forest. Big wild animals, majestic peaks and hydrothermal fireworks are found at every turn.

Roll down your windows, make sure the driver is keeping at least one (preferably both) eyes on the road and get ready to see some of the greatest natural icons of the American West, up close and personal. Read below to learn about a few of Yellowstone’s most scenic hot spots.

Hayden Valley

If viewing wildlife is high on your Yellowstone agenda, there’s no better place to drive than picturesque Hayden Valley. This vast open landscape is home to herds of bison, elk and the occasional grizzly bear and wolf. The experience is made even more spectacular as you drive along the beautiful Yellowstone River, which wanders through this wide-angle, panoramic valley.

Hayden Valley is located just to the south of Yellowstone’s Canyon region, and six miles north of Fishing Bridge Junction.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Located five miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is the site of Yellowstone National Park’s headquarters as well as a “hotbed” of geothermal scenery. This part of the park is a watercolor painting in progress, with hot water sizzling over multi-colored terraces. Mammoth’s Palette Springs is often cited as one of Yellowstone’s most dramatic photo ops.

In Yellowstone, where there’s water, there’s life. And Mammoth is a great place to see wild animals. Elk are almost always in the vicinity — particularly in the fall when the bugling call of males can be heard far and wide. Pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and moose like it here, too.

Old Faithful Geyser

The iconic heart of Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful launches hydrothermal fireworks every 45 to 120 minutes to adoring audiences who sit on benches that circle the south and east sides of the geyser, or walk along the paved path that completely circles this natural wonder.

The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center has dynamic exhibits for all ages about Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features, as well as the latest geyser eruption predictions.

West Yellowstone’s West Entrance is the closest park access point to Old Faithful (30 miles away), located in the southeast quadrant of Yellowstone National Park. Please note that vehicle access to Old Faithful is closed for the winter season, usually around the start of November, and re-opens in the spring.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

There are no words to adequately describe the power and majesty of this painted canyon where the Yellowstone River tumbles over two high waterfalls. Many say it rivals that “other” Grand Canyon for spectacular scenery.

The 20-mile-long canyon ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 feet across and features vibrant yellow, pink, orange and buff cliff walls that dive as much as 1,000-plus feet on either side. Yellowstone’s canyon region is located right in the middle of America’s first national park.

With vista points like Point Sublime, Inspiration Point, Artist Point and Upper Falls View, well, it sounds like there are plenty of places where you are going to want to stop the car, stretch your legs and gasp in disbelief. Making it even easier, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is accessible by road from both the north and south sides.

Enjoy comfortable, modern, amenity-rich lodging when you stay outside Yellowstone National Park.

Wildlife Viewing

Yellowstone is home to more than 200 species of animals, and spring is one of the best seasons to see them in action.

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Scenic Drives

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• Opening & Closing Dates
• Construction Info
• Canyon to Norris
• Canyon to Tower
• Fishing Bridge to Canyon
• Grant Village to Fishing Bridge
• Mammoth Hot to Norris
• Norris to Old Faithful
• Old Faithful to Grant Village
• Tower to NE Entrance
• Tower to Mammoth
• Grand Tetons in WY
• Beartooth Pass in MT
• Paradise Valley in MT
• Chief Joseph Highway
• Madison River
• Gallatin Canyon in MT
• North Fork Highway

A convenient figure 8 loop road offers easy access to all of Yellowstone's most popular attractions. Just outside of the park you'll find a scenic drive in every direction.

• Beartooth Pass Connecting the Northeast corner of the park to Red Lodge, this is the most beautiful of scenic drives near the park.
• Chief Joseph Highway From Cody, Wyoming this road follows the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone River through Sunlight Basin before joining Beartooth Highway.
• Gallatin Canyon From West Yellowstone Montana travel north along the Gallatin River to Bozeman.
• Grand Tetons Head south out of Yellowstone and directly into Grand Teton National Park, whose towering peaks will wow you from any angle.
• Madison River Valley From West Yellowstone, this route runs northwest through the town of Ennis and along the Madison River to Three Forks, Montana, just west of Bozeman.
• Paradise Valley Drive out of the North Entrance at Gardiner Montana and through Paradise Valley, which follows the Yellowstone River. Make sure to stop and soak at Chico Hot Springs before reaching Livingston.
• Lamar Valley This 29-mile stretch in the Northeast corner of the park is fantastic for viewing wildlife.

Road Closures

The park is open year-round, but its roads are not. During the winter months, the only entrance open to vehicle traffic is the North Entrance at Gardiner. This road is open between Gardiner and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City. More info on Yellowstone Road Closures .

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YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR

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YELLOWSTONE TOUR

• Location: Wyoming, USA
• Audio Points: 375+
• Valid: No expiry
• Start: Any of the 5 Entrances
• Direction: Flexible
• Download: ~129Mb

FLEXIBLE TOUR

This tour is designed to be flexible, so you can road trip the way you want. No worrying about where to start or which portion of the park you want to see. Use our suggested itineraries in the app tour plan, or divide the commentary to create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. 

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Highlights Include

Yellowstone National Park spans nearly 3,500 square miles and it features picturesque mountain landscapes and some of the most iconic natural attractions in the United States, including perhaps the most well-known, Old Faithful. The park is also home to a variety of majestic wildlife, including bison, moose, black bears and much more. With so much to see, the Yellowstone driving tour from GuideAlong gives you the chance to enjoy the scenery while ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Take a self-guided driving tour of Yellowstone national park to witness all the natural wonders this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer.

• Artists Paintpots
• Fountain Paint Pot
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Lamar Valley
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
• Mud Volcano
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
• Roaring Mountain
• Soak in Boiling River
• West Thumb Geyser Basin of Lake Yellowstone

What to Expect

America’s first National Park, Yellowstone, is high on many adventurer’s road tripping list.

It’s not hard to see why; amazing geothermal features that are abundant throughout the park, spectacular mountains, Yellowstone Lake , Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and rivers. 

And a diverse range of wildlife including grizzly bears, bison, wolves, elk and pronghorn.

We’ll help prioritize the must-see places vs suggestions, based on your time and interest.

Along the way, we’ll do a little thermal geology 101 lesson so you can better appreciate the plumbing behind the features you are viewing, such as Mammoth Hot Springs ’  cascading travertine terraces.

Share stories of wildlife behaviour and their habitat, for when you are quietly watching animals in Hayden and Lamar Valleys. 

And check off the most important landmarks in the area like those in the  Upper Geyser Basin,  location of Old Faithful , and  Midway Geyser Basin with Grand Prismatic Spring  and nearby Norris Geyser Basin .

Plus many other stories, tips and directions that will help enrich your Yellowstone National Park experience.

Suggested Start Location

Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Northeast (Cooke City), East (Cody) & Grand Teton Entrances

Suggested Time

It is recommended to have a minimum one day for each of the Upper and Lower Loops. You can drive the entire Grand Loop in a single day, and the commentary will help with selecting which stops to make. Multiple days to explore all areas of the Park and allow time for wildlife watching, geyser eruptions and other adventures in the Park is best.

Driving Distance

Around 125 miles to complete the whole Grand Loop drive.

WHAT IS YELLOWSTONE FAMOUS FOR?

Yellowstone is the world’s first national park , and awes visitors with its otherworldly bubbling hot pots and steamy geothermal features as well as its spectacular mountain scenery, vast canyons, and abundant wildlife.

WHERE IS YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK?

The majority of Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, although a small section of the park is in Montana and Idaho.

Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone is the closest airport and only three miles from the park’s West Entrance. The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest international airport and a little more than an hour to the North Entrance near Gardiner, or a little less than a two-hour drive to the West Entrance in West Yellowstone.  

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT YELLOWSTONE?

Yellowstone National Park is open year-round , although access is limited during the winter months. July and August are by far the most popular times to visit. Fewer crowds make April through May and September and October some of the best times to visit.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN YELLOWSTONE?

The absolute minimum amount of time you should allow yourself to do sightseeing in Yellowstone is two days , doing the Upper Loop one day and the Lower Loop on the other day.

We share a couple of possible  Yellowstone itineraries  to help organize your time, but as the commentary plays based on your location, you have ultimate flexibility.

If you have more time, add an extra day in Yellowstone. It’s very worthwhile to allow yourself time in the geyser basin areas to wait for eruptions. Other than Old Faithful, the predicted geysers will often have a 1-2 hour window when the next eruption may occur, so it’s really helpful to have time to be patient and wait for things to happen. The different geysers gush in different ways, so each one has its own style!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE AROUND YELLOWSTONE?

If you only have one day you can still enjoy some of the  Yellowstone’s main attractions , but try to stay at least one night inside the park so you can start your sightseeing first thing in the morning. You need a minimum of three full days to see all the main sights and four is ideal.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY WHEN VISITING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK?

Hotel-style accommodations, rustic cabins, campgrounds, RV parks and luxury suites are all available inside Yellowstone National Park but it can sometimes be difficult to secure reservations, especially during the peak summer season. Luckily there are numerous options for all budgets and tastes right outside Yellowstone. 

Read our blog – Where should I stay in Yellowstone  for more details.

HOW OFTEN DO GEYSERS ERUPT IN YELLOWSTONE?

Geysers in Yellowstone fall into two categories of predictable and unpredictable. Some, like Old Faithful are regular, erupting every 90 minutes or so, others, like Steamboat are more erratic, laying dormant for years and suddenly active with a string of eruptions.

So with an erratic schedule how do you plan your geyser watching? The National Park Visitor Centers have latest predictable times listed on their website, in their app (must be on wifi) and in person. And  geysertimes.org  is updated by dedicated “geyser gazers”.  

So it’s worthwhile to check in the night before if you want to spend some of your day geyser gazing.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE BEARS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN YELLOWSTONE?

It’s quite exciting to see the many animals in Yellowstone – both big and small. They are wild, so you need to remember their movements are never guaranteed and you always need to respect the recommended safe distances, keep in your vehicle and never feed them. You can rent spotting scopes, camera lens and binoculars to safety see animals up close.

Suggested areas to spot some of the 67 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, fish and amphibians you’ll find in Yellowstone include;

• Bison: Hayden and Lamar Valleys in Yellowstone. Around Snake river in Grand Teton.
• Bears: Grizzles in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys and Black Bears around Tower and Mammoth Wolves: Lamar Valley
• Pronghorn: Lamar Valley and Gardiner
• Elk: Gardiner and Grand Teton
• Moose: Grand Teton on Moose-Wilson Rd

IS MY ENTRY TICKET GOOD FOR BOTH YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON?

Unfortunately each park now collects its own entrance fees so you will need to purchase a separate pass each for Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

Depending on the length of your stay it might be best value to purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass which gets you entry into any national park without any time restrictions.

Trip Planning

Alert: closures & construction.

The Boiling River location is currently closed due to damage from the 2022 floods. Watch for announcements from  NPS  about reopening in the future.

Construction along the Moose-Wilson Corridor 2022-2025. For full details, visit the Grand Teton Moose-Wilson Corridor Project  webpage.

Grand Teton National Park Trip Planner

Yellowstone National Park Trip Planner

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Last updated: March 13, 2024

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PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

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Yellowstone Tour Guide

Self-Guided Tours of Yellowstone National Park

The GaperGuide tours of Yellowstone National Park will show you the geysers, big animals, lakes, hikes, valleys and even where the best picnic areas are. Yellowstone is a big place! There are two tours.  One covers the northern loop, and the other covers the southern loop. They automatically tell you what you need to know while you drive. It’s like having a tour guide sitting in the back seat. The guide follows you, wherever you decide to go in the park.

Explore Yellowstone from the comfort of your own car, at your own pace!

The Park: Yellowstone is the world’s first national park. It was created on March 1, 1872, by President Ulysses S. Grant signing an act of Congress into law. The park is 3,468 square miles, and it is home to the largest supervolcano on the continent. That massive volcano, 30 x 40 miles, is currently active and could theoretically erupt anytime. The park was created to protect the wildlife, lakes, rivers, canyons, mountains and the very unique thermal features in this part of Wyoming and Montana. There are massive herds of bison and elk roaming the forests and open valleys. These are prey for the wolves, grizzly and black bears, and mountain lions. The pronghorn, whitetail, blacktail and mule deer are all at risk of becoming dinner too, but the huge moose have less to worry about. Bald eagles and osprey perch in the trees by the side of the rivers and hunt cutthroat trout, while trumpeter swans and white pelicans float peacefully by.

The Drive: Make your reservations to stay at the hotels or campgrounds in Yellowstone early! Then let THEPARKGUIDE show you around. There are gorgeous picnic areas, overlooks and trails to amazing views if you know where to look. Yellowstone is the place to see things that you can’t see anywhere else on the planet. The two tours are separated geographically.  See the routes here .

The Tours: The GaperGuide tours will tell you where to look for the animals and geysers, and about the relationship between the natural environment and the volcanic and glacial geology. With GaperGuide, you can explore at your own pace, stop where you want to stop, and you won’t miss anything. It’s your vacation, in your car, on your schedule. The “South Loop”, or “Lower Loop” has the majority of the unique thermal features in Yellowstone, including the Old Faithful geyser and all of the hotels, restaurants, visitor center and facilities surrounding it. There are definitely many thermal features in the North as well, like Mammoth Hot Springs, but The “North Loop” or “Upper Loop” has the majority of the opportunities to see animals like bison, elk, grizzly and black bears, and wolves… just to mention the big ones.  Of course, there are animals in the South as well, but they are just easier to find in the North.

Buy the South Yellowstone Tour now:   TravelStorys Purchase Page

Buy the North Yellowstone Tour now:   TravelStorys Purchase Page

Top Attractions in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park Suggested Drives and Top 10 Spots:

South yellowstone tour “lower loop” clockwise route.

• Old Faithful – see the geyser, and the architecture of the Old Faithful Inn and the new Visitor Center
• Junior Ranger/Young Scientist Programs for children from 5 to 12 – get them involved in the park
• Midway Geyser Basin – Grand Prismatic Spring is THE huge and colorful hot spring
• Firehole Lake Drive & Fountain Paint Pots – see a geyser erupt from your car
• Firehole Canyon Drive Swimming Hole – clear and clean, 75 – 80 degrees, great for kids!
• Norris Geyser Basin – hottest and most otherworldly of all the geyser basins
• Canyon Area – see the Grand Canyon with spectacular waterfalls, amazing colors and wildlife
• Canyon Visitor Education Center – explains the supervolcano with amazing displays and a huge 3D map
• Lake Lodge – relax on the porch in a rocking chair and watch bison pass by in front of Yellowstone Lake
• Bridge Bay – rent a boat to fish/explore, or take a tour on the Lake Queen
• Off the beaten path: camp or hike at Slough Creek – quiet and scenic for simple solitude and fishing

Yellowstone National Park Information

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The 16 best yellowstone national park tours of 2024.

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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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 an unforgettable visit to America's oldest national park, consider a guided tour. In addition to in-the-know locals, these tours 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 everything 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, Yellowstone's roads are not accessible all year, and its entrances in Wyoming and Montana have differing seasonal opening and closing dates. Additionally, tour companies' prices typically do not include the park's $20 entry fee for each visitor 16 and older.

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

Price: From $299 Duration: 12 hours

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.

Buses depart Jackson Hole daily from April through November starting at 6 a.m., and tour-takers must be at least 6 years old. Fees include the use of binoculars and spotting scopes, as well as a picnic lunch. Private outings and multiday tours are also available.

Check prices & availability on:

Teton Floats – Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

Price: From $299 Duration: 11 hours

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 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 around 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 include transportation, use of binoculars, snacks and a picnic lunch. 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)

Price: From $525 (single) or $855 (tandem) Duration: 12 hours

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. Tripgoers 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 throughout the season, but they always include the use of a snowmobile, a helmet and a snowsuit, as well as morning snacks and lunch. Drivers must be at least 16 years old, and riders must be at least 8 years old. Private tours are also available.

Yellowstone Adventure Tours – The Best of Yellowstone

Price: From $1,250 Duration: 8 to 10 hours

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.

Tour prices vary based on the size of your party. Prices include pickups from locations in West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston, Paradise Valley, Gardiner and Mammoth, Montana, as well as locations within the park. You'll also get a picnic lunch, use of binoculars and scopes, and snacks. The expeditions occur between May and October. Start times vary by season, but tours 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

Price: Adults from $74; kids from $64 Duration: 2 hours

Sights on this raft ride 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 9 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 include transportation from the meeting point at the northern border of the park to the river. Gardiner-based Yellowstone Raft Company also offers whitewater rafting, as well as kayaking and horseback riding. Private tours start at $600 for parties of six; each additional person pays $74.

Flying Pig Adventures – 8-Mile Rafting Trip

Experience Yellowstone by rafting its eponymous river. On this trip, 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 daily from May through August starting at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m., as well as 1:15, 3:15 and 5:15 p.m. Rafters must weigh at least 45 pounds to participate. 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 Experience

Price: Adults from $69; kids from $59 Duration: 2 hours

Ride mild and intermediate rapids on an 8-mile stretch of the Yellowstone River on this 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., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Prices include use of life jackets, water shoes 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.

Yellowstone Geyser Kayak Tours – Day Paddle

Price: From $200 (single) or $175 (tandem) Duration: 5 hours

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. Prices include a picnic lunch and use of all necessary kayaking gear. No prior experience is required, and children ages 5 to 12 must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. The company also operates sunset paddling trips.

Wildland Trekking – Private Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Price: From $550 Duration: 4 to 7 hours

This private trek through the park can be tailored to suit your preferences, with possible routes ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles long. 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. Reviewers enjoy the beautiful scenery and appreciate the helpful, patient and personable guides.

You can sign up for this excursion from mid-May through September. Prices vary depending on group size and include lunch, snacks and use of trekking poles. Participants will be notified of their exact start times a week before their hikes. Wildland Trekking also organizes multiday tours around the national park.

Yellowstone Hiking Guides – Grand Canyon Rim Hike

Price: From $182 Duration: 6 hours

Walk the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this 6-mile trek and see Yellowstone landmarks like the river's Upper and Lower Falls, as well as forests and meadows. Hikers find the views spectacular and the guides both knowledgeable and entertaining.

Tours take place every day except Sunday from June through September. Groups meet at the Upper Falls View parking area off of South Rim Drive at 8 a.m. Prices include lunch, snacks and use of trekking poles. The company leads a variety of hikes around the park, including the Lamar Valley.

Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris – Best of Yellowstone

Price: From $345 Duration: 10 to 12 hours

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. 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-April through October. Pickup from lodging in Jackson and Teton Village typically begins around 6:30 a.m. (or 7 a.m. later in the season). Prices include transportation, breakfast and lunch, as well as use of binoculars and spotting scopes. 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

Price: From $365 Duration: 12 hours

This tour hits many of Yellowstone's top attractions – including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Fountain Paint Pots and Yellowstone Lake – 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 include transportation, lunch, snacks, and use of spotting scopes and binoculars. The company also leads wildlife safaris year-round.

Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours – Yellowstone Snowmobiling Day Tour

Price: From $425 Duration: 12 hours

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 approximately 100-mile ride (which lasts about six hours), 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 include pickup in the Jackson area between 6 and 6:30 a.m., as well as a continental breakfast and lunch. Groups typically return to Jackson between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Tours run daily from mid-December to mid-March, and the company also operates multiday adventures.

Yellowstone Vacations – Snowcoach Tour Old Faithful

Price: Adults from $240; kids from $220 Duration: 9 hours

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, daily tours begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Yellowstone Vacations also conducts snowmobile tours and, during summer months, bus tours.

Yellowstone Wild – Bear and Wolf Watching Tour

Price: From $900 Duration: 8 hours

Calling all wildlife lovers! As its name suggests, this tour centers on seeing bears, wolves 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 tour is private and fully customizable, and it is available from May through October. Fees depend on group size. In addition to a light breakfast and a full picnic-style lunch, prices include pickup from hotels in the Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Roosevelt Lodge areas. Additional fees may apply for round-trip transportation to some other locations. Departures begin between 5 and 6 a.m. (depending on the time of year), and kids must be at least 5 years old to participate.

Yellowstone Insight – Day Tours – Wildlife Tour

Price: From $850 Duration: 12 hours

This tour goes where the animals are, which means routes may vary, but 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.

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. Prices include round-trip transportation to locations in the Bozeman area, as well as a continental breakfast and use of spotting scopes.

You may also be interested in:

• 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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7 Reasons a Self-Guided Tour Is the Best Way to See Yellowstone

Yellowstone can be a pretty intimidating destination whether you’re a first-time explorer or a national park enthusiast. It’s so huge that you might find yourself wondering: “How can I possibly see all of it on a single Yellowstone trip?”

That’s precisely where a self-guided tour comes in! Let’s look at why this type of tour is the absolute best way to experience Yellowstone National Park.

Don’t miss a thing on your Yellowstone Self-Guided Tour

The absolute last thing you want on a trip to Yellowstone National Park is to miss one of its most breathtaking spots. And believe me, there are plenty of them! Wyoming’s crown jewel isn’t just home to spectacular geysers like the world-famous Old Faithful (although this crowd favorite is a must-see spot for sure). Yellowstone also features incredible vistas, naturally heated river swimming, brilliantly-colored hot springs, valleys full of bison, and so much more. If you go in without any sort of guide to help you, you run the risk of missing out on a vast number of significant attractions (not to mention plenty of perfect spots for your very own Yellowstone photo op)! A self-guided tour like this one not only points out all the best sights in the park—it’ll also give you some profound peace of mind in knowing that you’re not missing anything.

Go at your own pace

Just picture it: You’re standing at the edge of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, watching North America’s largest bison herd meander through the long grass. It might be the only chance you have to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and you want to soak it in. Just then, your tour bus driver shouts, “Time to go, everyone! Get back on board!” What a drag, right? A self-guided tour removes that problem because it puts you in charge of where you stop and how long you spend at each place. Whether you feel like breezing through Yellowstone or taking your Time and lingering at each of the national park’s treasures, this self-guided tour gives you total control to tour the way you want to tour.

Dodge the crowds

Yellowstone is one of America’s most popular national parks for an excellent reason, but that popularity comes with a significant downside: the crowds. Nobody wants to spend their whole trip shuffling through a vast mass of other tourists, right? Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens with traditional tours of Yellowstone because the crowd is moving in sync with you every step of the way! A self-guided tour lets you break away from the herd and explore the park your way. Trust me; it’s quite a breath of fresh air!

Dive beneath the surface

We all know that Yellowstone is host to some seriously spectacular sights. Still, you might not realize this national park also boasts a lot of genuinely fascinating history, from the fierce struggle to protect the park to the wacky antics of some of its early visitors. Would you believe fishermen used to cook their catch in one of the geysers and eat it on the spot? No, really! While Yellowstone’s beauty is one of the main reasons to visit, diving into the national park’s storied past adds a whole extra layer to anyone’s experience of this natural wonder. A self-guided tour is a perfect way to get this sort of interesting info in a discreet manner that won’t interfere with your sightseeing in the slightest! You might be surprised how much a tour like this one adds to your visit!

Find out how it all works

It’s one thing to see Yellowstone’s volcanic features on the internet, but these steaming sensations are something else entirely in person. Words and pictures simply can’t do them justice. Once you see them up close, however, you’re bound to wonder how Yellowstone’s geothermal features work and why the park has so many of them! Just like with history, this self-guided tour has you covered here. Get ready to discover anything you or the little ones want to know about geysers, hot springs, paint pots, and more! Who says learning can’t be fun?

Be in the driver’s seat

With so much to see and do, a Yellowstone National Park tour can quickly get overwhelming, especially if you’re not in control of where you’re going. I can’t count the number of times people have complained to me about how difficult it was to figure out and navigate the park’s shuttle system—and you don’t even want to think about the hassle of being left behind by your tour bus! Luckily, there’s an easy solution to this unnecessary stress: Drive! Self-guided tours let you enjoy Yellowstone from the comfort of your very own vehicle or rental (which also means complete control over the A/C settings, something we all take for granted until we suddenly don’t have it). Go wherever, stop wherever, and stop worrying about whether the person sitting across from you is going to decide now is the perfect time to start eating that tuna salad sandwich they’ve been saving. Unless, of course, your significant other has a sudden tuna craving, in which case I can’t help you!

It’s the excuse you’ve been waiting for

Let’s be honest with ourselves. We could all use an excuse to get out of the house and visit one of the natural wonders of the world. And what better reason than finding the perfect way to experience Yellowstone? A self-guided tour is the low-stress, low-cost way to explore Yellowstone, and it’s the best way to get the most out of your trip. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the app at Action Tour Guide and get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime!

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7 Best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2024

Searching for the best yellowstone tours from jackson hole, wyoming.

Well then, this list is for you! As a van lifer who has traveled up and down the West Coast for years, Yellowstone is one of my favorite places to visit. 

After spending five days in the park, I totally understand why Yellowstone is so beloved. You’re in for a real treat if you haven’t yet heard of Old Faithful’s blast or the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring. It certainly is one of my favorite national parks in the country, and I’ve been to 28 of them.

Below, I’ve filtered through and ranked 7 of the best trips to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole, pointing out their unique features so you can find the perfect guided experience and itinerary for you. 

Just want the best?   This is my top pick . This Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour is the best overall day trip with a perfect rating!

If you’d like to scout all your options,  below is a list of 7 excellent outings. Separated into day trips and multi-day excursions, each one has a tremendous 5 Star rating!

Top 3 Picks: Best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole, WY

Yellowstone old faithful, waterfalls and wildlife day tour.

Best Overall Day Trip

• Cheapest Option Hitting All Highlights of the Lower Loop
• Small Group Trip up to 11 People

Best of Yellowstone Private Safari Tour

Best Private Day Tour

• Flexible Itinerary on the Lower Loop
• Great for Groups of 2-6 People

Yellowstone and Grand Teton 4 Day 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Best Multi-Day Trip to Both National Parks

• 4 Days to See Everything Noteworthy in Grand Teton and Yellowstone
• All-inclusive experience

7 Top Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole

If you’re trying to avoid the drive or are short on time, here are the best Tours from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone. Again, because Yellowstone is huge and so close to Grand Teton, I highly recommend spending more than one day to see both parks if you have the time.

I’ve separated the following into the following categories: 

• Best Day Trip  Yellowstone tours focus on the main points of interest on the lower loop with small group or private trips.
• Best Multi-Day  Yellowstone tours go beyond just the popular attractions, and you can see more of Grand Teton.

Note that many day trips have nearly identical itineraries, so I’ll emphasize what sets each one apart and why you should choose them.

Tip!  Most roads (outside the north entrance) are  closed to regular vehicles from early November to late April .  Check here for the road closure schedules.

Best Yellowstone Day Tours From Jackson Hole

Take a day trip and check out some amazing views from the famous Old Faithful, the stunning Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and the Upper Geyser Basin.

1. Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

Best Overall Yellowstone Day Trip

Tour Length:   12 Hours |   Ratings:  5 out of 5 Stars |   Book now

Why You Should Join This Tour:

• One of the cheapest options, especially if you already have a National Park Pass
• Small groups of up to 11 people
• Visits the Highlights of the Lower Loop

Explore the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park in  this small-group guided tour from Jackson . In a very long, single day, you’ll see diverse wildlife and the park’s most famous landmarks. Travel inside a comfy, air-conditioned ride with a nature guide who’ll fill you in on the park’s history, ecology, and rocks while you explore all day.

The tour includes  several short, easy walks  to stops like Old Faithful, Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, colorful geothermal areas, and  several chances to spot big game.  There will even be a couple of photo stops at Grand Teton National Park.

With a  cap of 11 people , bask in the untouched ecosystems and check out some of Earth’s most active geysers. This full-day experience includes lunch, hotel pick-up, and a pair of binoculars to borrow.

However, note that  National Park fees are not included  but can be purchased upon arrival. 

2. Best of Yellowstone Private National Park Safari Tour

Best Private Yellowstone Tour For 2-6 People

Tour Length:  12 Hours |   Ratings:  5 out of 5 Stars |   Book now

• You want to customize your itinerary of the Lower Loop
• Your group is between 2-6 people

Join  this personalized Best of Yellowstone Park Safari Tour , witnessing the beauty of famous landmarks  for you and up to 5 of your closest friends and family.  While you take in this scenery, scan the horizon for roaming buffalo with your very own private guide.

On this full-day excursion, you can design your own itinerary and explore the highlights of Lower Loop Road . Along the way, a knowledgeable naturalist guide will point out rare animal sightings.

This tour includes  meals (breakfast and lunch), private transportation, and easy pick-up/drop-off of guests at all Jackson Hole & Teton Village hotels, condos, and private residences.

3. Private Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour

Best Private Tour For 5-11 People

Tour Length:  11 Hours |   Ratings:  5 out of 5 Stars |   Book now

• You have a big group of between 5-11 people

This private full-day Yellowstone National Park Tour  itinerary is quite similar to the one above, but is a  great option for larger groups  as it can accommodate up to 11 people. For smaller parties of up to 5, you’ll ride in style with a luxury SUV, while bigger crews will be transported in spacious Sprinter vans.

Hit the park’s most iconic places in just one day without worrying about logistics or directions. From standing above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to standing in awe at Old Faithful, you’ll see all the famous sights like Firehole River and Hayden Valley.

This private tour provides  seamless transportation in a luxury vehicle.  With binoculars included, watch for the park’s diverse animal life while driving past the jagged peaked landscapes of the Grand Tetons too. 

4. Half-Day Group Sunset Wildlife Safari

Best Tour for Those with Very Little Time

Tour Length:   4 – 5 Hours |   Ratings:  5 out of 5 Stars |   Book now

• You have less than a day
• You are interested in seeing wildlife

So, with half a day, reaching and seeing any of Yellowstone National Park from Jackson Hole is impossible. So, while I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this since  you don’t actually set foot in the park , if you would like a taste of the local wildlife here, I can still suggest   this half-day wildlife tour through the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem area.

Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll be taken to the best places to encounter bison, elk, grizzly bears, bald eagles, and, with any luck, wolves. Usually, you can only observe big mammals from your car, but here, you can  scout for them in their natural habitat.

With frequent sightings, the  route varies daily  based on group interest and wildlife activity. 

Best Multi-Day Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole

Going on multi-day trips lets you really dig deeper. You get to stay overnight and check out some cool spots that aren’t on the usual tourist map.

Tip!  Hotel rooms fill up quickly inside National Parks . Most tours can only guarantee accommodation on bookings made within 30 days of travel. Otherwise, you may need to make arrangements outside of the park.

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

Best Multi-Day Trip to See Everything in Yellowstone & Grand Teton

Tour Length: 4 Days |   Ratings:  5 out of 5 Stars |   Book now

• You want to see everything noteworthy in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park
• You want an all-inclusive experience with food, lodging, and transportation handled
• Explore together with up to 9 new friends

Join  this exceptional 4-day tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks , where you don’t have to worry about planning the perfect itinerary, as your guide does that for you. With so many things to see, I’m so happy that you’re thinking of staying for more days! It’s certainly worth it!

Witness the best of both parks,  where you will have all the time you want to take pictures, go on some of the best Yellowstone hikes , and not feel rushed hitting all the sights.

This package is for a small group tour of up to 10 people and includes accommodation, breakfast and snacks, entrance fees, and transfers.

Trip Itinerary:

• Day 1: Best of Grand Teton National Park & Wildlife Chasing
• Day 2: Half of Lower Loop (West Thumb Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)
• Day 3: Best of Upper Loop
• Day 4: Wildlife Viewing & Other Half of Lower Loop (Lamar Valley, Old Faithful, Mammoth Springs, Fountain Paint Pots)

6. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Wildlife Adventure (2 Day/1 Night)

Best Multi-Day Trip to See the Highlights of Grand Teton & Yellowstone

Tour Length: 2 Days |   Ratings:  5 out of 5 Stars |   Book now

• You want to see the best of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park

Check into the ultimate wildlife adventure through the American Serengeti on  this 2-day expedition across Grand Teton & Yellowstone .  Let your guide show you some cool animals like wolves, bison, moose, and bears.

On the first day, begin your journey  through some of my personal favorite Grand Teton Valley panoramas,  like Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and Mormon Row Historic District. Keep your binoculars at the ready, as there are always herds of buffalo on the side of the road towards the Lower Loop. Rest overnight at a hotel in West Yellowstone or Cooke City.

On the second day, set out early in search of wolves and grizzly bears. Afterward,  take easy, short hikes  through geothermal features and geysers. 

Limited to 10 people,  this package also includes park entrance fees, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and overnight accommodation.

7. 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration

Best Multi-Day Trip to Explore Yellowstone National Park In-depth 

• You want to see more than just the best of Yellowstone National Park by going to the Upper & Lower Loop
• You want a mostly inclusive experience with food and transportation handled
• Cheaper tour overall, but accommodation is not included in the price

Enjoy a leisurely  two-day exploration of Yellowstone National Park with this exclusive tour.  You will have  ample time to wander through the national park’s Upper and Lower Loops,  which is impossible during traditional single day tours. 

On day one, venture north from Jackson, Wyoming,  pausing for a few Grand Teton photo ops.  As you approach the South Entrance Station, observe all of the  attractions the Lower Loop offers,  such as the impressive hues of Grand Prismatic Spring, and lesser-visited sites like Firehole Canyon Drive or Golden Gate Canyon before reaching Mammoth Hot Springs!

After a restful  night at the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort,  begin day two by  heading around the Upper Loop  to Paradise Valley. From there, you will drive to Undine Falls, Blacktail Plateau Drive, Petrified Tree, and Lamar Valley. Tower Fall and Canyon Village Area are also must-sees, along with Lower and Upper Falls, Mud Volcano, and more.

This tour includes lunch, a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and hotel pick-up and drop-off from Jackson, WY.

Where to Stay in Jackson Hole, WY

Jackson Hole is a charming town, yet it can be pretty pricy for budget-minded roadtrippers and travelers. To help make you stay comfy, here are two highly rated options with varying rates, along with a map so that you may check all your possibilities. 

Tip!  Note that some tours do door-to-door pick up only at certified hotels, not private residences like Airbnb or VRBO. 

THE BEST HOTEL IN JACKSON WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS – Hotel Jackson

In a prime location in the heart of Jackson,  book a stay at Hotel Jackson,  arguably the best hotel in the whole town. With the surrounding snowcapped mountains as the view for your spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, it can only be topped with its top-of-the-line amenities, like its sparkling indoor swimming pool and fitness center. 

HOMEY WESTERN-INSPIRED INN – Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole

Stay at the Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole  for a cozy and authentic mountain getaway. This homey, western-inspired inn is perfect for those seeking a warm and inviting retreat. Relax before the fireplace, take in the stunning mountain vistas from your balcony, or unwind in the indoor pool after a long day at the slopes.

Tips to Prepare for Your Tour

Before you head off on a Yellowstone adventure, make sure you’re all prepped up. Here’s what you need to know:

• What to pack:  Be sure to pack for the weather, including layers, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear. Outside of summer, it is pretty cold for most of the year. 
• Best time to visit:  The best time to visit is May through September, when the weather is mild, and the park is actually open.
• Wildlife safety:  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PET THE ANIMALS! I’m not kidding; people every year get killed by buffalo. They are not pets. If they are in your way, go around. 
• Geothermal Safety:  DON’T POKE OR STEP ON THE GEOTHERMAL FLOORS! Yes, even if the wind blows your hat off the boardwalk. Aside from destroying the formation, you might literally fall in and get burned.

A Bit About Yellowstone National Park

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park is the  oldest national park in the United States ? Established in 1972, it spans 3,472 square miles of Wyoming wilderness, making it among the largest of the federal park system.

From its very own Grand Canyon to its geysers and hot springs, Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with free-roaming bison on open prairies or grazing elk near bubbling thermal pools. This protected area promises outdoor enthusiasts hiking, camping, fishing, and boating adventures, or simply a tranquil scenic drive. 

How far is Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?

As a massive park,  Yellowstone sports five entrance stations,  and it takes several hours to drive between them. Jackson Hole is a popular jumping-off point to exploring Yellowstone, a  1.5 – 2 hour drive from the south entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most popular loop in the park is the Grand Loop (Lower Loop), which covers almost 142 miles and takes approximately 8 hours to complete. This loop takes visitors to the park’s most famous things to do, including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Yes, as per the list above, it is possible to do a day trip to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole. However, keep in mind that Yellowstone is a large park. It would be difficult to see all the major attractions in just one day. Spending at least 2-3 days in the park is highly recommended to fully experience it.

Yes, Jackson Hole is a great place to stay when visiting Yellowstone. It’s only a 1.5 – 2 hours drive to the park’s southern entrance and filled with lodging, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Plus, it’s great if you are also in time for the end of the ski season, as it is home to one of the best ski resorts in the country.

The closest entrance from Jackson Hole is the south entrance, approximately 60 miles away.

The drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone is a scenic one. Be prepared for winding roads and possible delays due to herds of buffalo on the road, construction, or accidents. Many roads may be closed in the wintertime.

Many visitors to the area are often torn between which park to spend more time at, but, in my opinion, Yellowstone is way better. As subjective as I’m trying to be as Grand Teton does have an impressive mountain range and alpine lakes, Yellowstone’s geothermal and canyon sceneries are just so unique, I think every traveler to America should visit this park.

Jackson Hole is closer to Grand Teton National Park, approximately 20 miles away. Yellowstone’s southern entrance is about 60 miles from Jackson Hole.

The best time of year to visit is the summer months (June-August) with the warmest weather and the most things to do. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a chance to see wildlife and changing foliage. Most roads are closed in the winter months unless you sign up for winter tours like cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

Yes, Old Faithful is one of the most popular points of interest and will be visited on most tours. Check the eruption schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole

Yellowstone National Park will forever be an amazing place, and I hope to return soon! With geothermal features and plenty of wildlife to find, Jackson Hole is a great starting point for those looking to day trip or take a longer excursion. Plus, being close to Grand Teton National Park makes this location even more desirable! 

In case you’ve just scrolled to the end:

• To choose the best overall Yellowstone day trip,  join this tour from Jackson.
• To go on a private day tour,  book this lower loop tour .
• For the ultimate 4 Day/3 Night multi-day trip to see all of Grand Teton and Yellowstone,  book this all-inclusive tour.

No matter which way you go, Yellowstone is an absolute treat for the eyes. I bet you’re going to love it just as much as I did!

The post 7 Best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2024 appeared first on Nomadicated .

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Which Entrance to Yellowstone National Park Should I Take?

Planning a vacation to yellowstone involves many details, one of which is deciding how you will enter the park..

With 2.2 million acres ⎯ larger than the size of Rhode Island ⎯ the park is enormous, which is why it’s a good idea to figure out what you want to see and know which entrance is closest to those sights. There are five Yellowstone entrances ⎯ North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, South Entrance, East Entrance and West Entrance . Here are the details on each to help you plan your adventure to the country’s oldest national park.

• North Entrance, open year-round, brings you to Mammoth Hot Springs
• Northeast Entrance puts you at doorstep of park’s wildlife
• East Entrance brings you to Yellowstone Lake
• South Entrance allows you to tackle two national parks in one day
• West Entrance brings you to geyser paradise

1. North Entrance Brings You to Mammoth Hot Springs

Want to experience some of the West’s most spectacular scenery in a town that can feel like a cross between Northern Exposure and Animal Planet, given its wild neighbors living up the street in Yellowstone?

Head to Gardiner, Mont., just five miles from Yellowstone’s steaming terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the park’s many natural wonders. Sitting at the only year-round entrance to the world’s first national park, pretty much everything in Gardiner is colorful from the scenery and people to the names of dishes on menus, adding a poetic slant to your visit.

If you’re coming from the Pacific Northwest or even Missoula, Mont., the North Entrance, along US 89, may be the one for you. Situated in Gardiner, Mont. , a lively small western town, the North Entrance is open year round and is the only way to reach the park’s northeastern border in the winter.

Be Wowed by Mammoth Hot Springs

From the North Entrance, you are well-situated to see the park’s incredible wildlife, as well as the famed Mammoth Hot Springs and the historic hotel and dining room located near the hot springs. You also pass the Boiling River turnoff on the stretch of road from Gardiner to Mammoth. In the Boiling River , one of two sanctioned swimming areas in the park, you can swim in an area where warm hot springs water enters the Yellowstone River.

Explore Lamar Valley

From Mammoth, you can head east on the northern most road in the park to get to the expansive Lamar Valley , referred to as the Serengeti of the United States, because of the extraordinary diversity of mammals living there. It is the Lamar Valley that the first wolves were reintroduced to the park in 1995-97. It is also home to grizzly bears, black bears, bison and elk, among many others. Bring your binoculars!

2. Northeast Entrance Puts You at Doorstep of Park’s Wildlife

Closest to Cooke City, Mont. , and its sister village Silver Gate, this entrance gives you the best access to Yellowstone’s legendary Lamar Valley where grizzlies, black bears, bison and wolves roam. The tiny outpost of Cooke City (year-round population is 100) has a downtown that spans only a few blocks but offers good dining and lodging options

Closed in the winter time, the Northeast Entrance makes sense to enter if you are coming from the northeast side of Montana like Billings or Red Lodge, Mont. From Billings, you can take I-90 west to US 212 west and from Red Lodge, Mont., take US 212 west. Driving US 212 west is arguably the most dramatic route to enter the park.

Be Amazed By Beartooth Pass

With its sweeping alpine vistas, Beartooth Highway , along US 212, is the closest you may get to feeling as if you are on top of the world. Every corner of the road presents a more incredible view than the previous. Head south over Beartooth Pass, before dropping into Cooke City and Silver Gate, the closest towns to the Northeast Entrance.

Fuel Up in Cooke City

Cooke City itself is a tiny town but offers a number of services from lodging to restaurants and gas. From it, you can drive to the Northeast Entrance is a matter of minutes. Once you go through the entrance gate, the Lamar Valley unfolds before your eyes. Home to bison, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves and elk , plan to spend some time along the roadside pull-offs, viewing the animals from a safe distance . You’ll find the Lamar Valley will give you an overwhelming sense of what the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem looked like before white pioneers settled there more than 150 years ago.

3. East Entrance Brings You to Yellowstone Lake

The East Entrance brings you right to the Yellowstone Lake , the largest mountain lake at such a high elevation of 7,733 feet. It stretches 20 miles long and 14 miles across and its shorelines are dotted with geothermal features . From there, the West Thumb Geyser Basic and Old Faithful lie to the southeast and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the north.

To get to the park’s East Entrance, you will pass through Cody, Wyo. , founded by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. While Cody is 53 miles from the East Entrance, it is the closest town to the entrance.

Have an Authentic Western Experience

Cody is an Old Western town that celebrates its rich history through daily summer rodeos and incredible museums that make up the Buffalo Bill Center of the West . With its historic downtown and numerous family friendly activities, including the Cody trolley tour where you can learn more about Cody’s history, it is well worth a stop for a day or two. Admission to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is good for two days, so take your time exploring.

Buy a cowboy hat downtown at the third-generation-owned Wayne’s Boots or Boot Barn up the hill and head to two of Cody’s family friendly venues that offer cowboy music during the evenings. The Cody Cattle Company has a really casual atmosphere where kids can run around the establishment’s wooden picnic tables. Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue is a more upscale  show that has moved next to the Irma Hotel in downtown Cody. The show starts at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday throughout the summer.

Stop at Buffalo Bill Dam

From Cody to the entrance, you will take the Yellowstone Highway, also known as US 16-20-14, past the enormous Buffalo Bill Dam six miles from town. Completed in 1910, it was the tallest dam in the world then. Today, it supplies water to 93,000 acres of farmland in the Bighorn Basin, bringing to life alfalfa, sugar beets, oats, barley and beans. The dam’s visitor center is open daily May 1-Sept. 30. From there, you will continue through the valley, eventually, reaching Sylvan Pass, which is RV-friendly and tops off at 8,350 feet.

4. South Entrance Allows You To Tackle Two National Parks in One Day

If you are looking to tackle two national parks in one day, the South Entrance is for you. From Jackson, Wyo. , you can stop at the awe-inspiring Grand Teton National Park along your 57-mile drive north on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Highway up to Yellowstone. Plus, if you are staying in Jackson, Wyo., the South Entrance is the easiest entrance to access Yellowstone.

Jackson itself is an incredible mountain town that attracts skiers to its steep slopes in the winter and throngs of tourists in the summer. Blending the Old West with upscale boutiques, Jackson is the ritziest of all Wyoming towns. But it has a full range of hotels and eateries, catering to every type of traveler.

Once you enter through the South Entrance, you will drive along a stretch of the park’s road without any turnoffs for more than 20 miles. But once you hit the West Thumb Geyser Basin, you can stretch your legs and explore some of the park’s amazing geothermal features. From there, head west to view Old Faithful or continue north along the shores of Yellowstone Lake and on up as far as the Lamar Valley, which stretches to the Montana border and is known for its abundance of large mammals, including wolves, bison and bears.

5. West Entrance Brings You to Geyser Paradise

If geysers are on the top of your Yellowstone hit list, you may want to enter the park via US 20 and the West Entrance, as it puts you in the heart of the park’s geyser country.

This entrance is the park’s busiest, so it’s no wonder that West Yellowstone, Mont., is a bustling gateway with dining, shopping and attractions for travelers. Located just across the Wyoming border in Montana, West Yellowstone is a convenient entrance town for those coming from Idaho or western Montana, especially Missoula. Visitors will find Wild West flavor, plenty of lodging and a mix of cultural and outdoor activities.

Welcome to Geyserville

When you enter the park through the West Entrance, you will drive 14 miles until you reach Madison, a jumping off point for geyser basins to the north and south. Head south and you will see the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone called the Lower Geyser Basin, which includes Fountain Paint Pot, Firehole Lake Drive area and the Great Fountain Geyser. You’ll want to stop at the Midway Geyser Basin, slightly south, which is home to the dazzling Grand Prismatic Spring , which has resident bacteria that creates rainbow-like rings in the spring.

Further south is the Upper Geyser Basin, which is home to Old Faithful , Biscuit Basin and others. At least 150 geysers exist in 1 square mile here.

Up north you’ll find Norris Geyser Basin , the park’s oldest and hottest thermal area with two walkable zones. It’s home to the Steamboat Geyser, which is the world’s tallest geyser at 300-plus feet. If you drive farther north, up to the park’s northern border with Montana, you can explore the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs, a two-tier travertine wonder.

West Yellowstone Attractions

There’s also a lot to do when you are ready to take a break from sightseeing in the park. Minutes from the West Entrance sits West Yellowstone, Mont. , home the Grizzly &Wolf Discovery Center , as well as lodging and dining.

Catch a show at the Playmill Theatre or study up for your park trip at Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre, which shows IMAX movies about Yellowstone and beyond.  It also is home to a number of well-equipped RV parks, which make it a fantastic place to park your RV and launch your tours of the park via your car.

Getting a park map is key to understanding where all of Yellowstone’s scenic attractions are located, as well as their proximity to the park’s entrances. You’ll get a free map when you go through an entrance station, but if you want to plan in advance, purchase a Trails Illustrated map of Yellowstone from REI.com .

Pssst. Want to download an insider’s guide to Yellowstone, where to stay and what to do? Order our free stunning Yellowstone Trip Planner filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation.

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Yellowstone roads set to open april 19.

Access to Yellowstone National Park's wonders is expected to get easier Friday with the opening of some roads to wheeled traffic/Kurt Repanshek file

Barring an unexpected snowstorm, a few roads in Yellowstone National Park will open on Friday.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, the following roads are scheduled to open:

• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)
• Norris Junction to Canyon Village 

On Saturday, April 20, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of  National Park Week .

Additional  park roads  will open throughout May, weather permitting.

The only park roads  open  year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley). Plan Ahead

• Check the park’s  Current Conditions  before arrival.
• Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans.
• Visit  Park Roads .
• Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information.
• Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
• Expect limited services in spring and come prepared. Visit  Operating Dates  for area-specific information.
• Reduce wait times at park entrances by purchasing a pass  online  ahead of time.

During Your Visit and Wildlife Safety

• Use caution when driving and watch for ice, snow and gravel on road surfaces.
• Bison, elk, bears and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endure this difficult time of the year.
• Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.
• Protect yourself and bears . Stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
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I’m traveling with my boyfriend in early September and plan to spend three to four days in the park and hit Jackson hole along with grand Tetons. Any advice on anything is appreciated. We love to hike, fish, and kayak and want to see everything we can. I would love to try horseback riding too. I have no idea where to begin planning

3 replies to this topic

3 0r 4 days for both parks and the town of Jackson, with paid activities?

What dates exactly are you planning, and which gateway town are you going through? Horseback riding within the Park ends in August this year, but you may be able to arrange it outside of it. Do you have accommodations set?

" Horseback riding within the Park ends in August this year, but you may be able to arrange it outside of it." Where do you see that CTravel12? Roosevelt Corrals is Sept, 2, 2024. Outside providers for in-park rides are options as well, depending on September dates.

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These Yellowstone National Park roads are opening soon

EastIdahoNews.com staff

The following is a news release from the National Park Service.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public, weather permitting. Roads begin to open annually this time of year for the summer season.

On Saturday, April 20, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.

Roads opening April 19:

• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)
• Norris Junction to Canyon Village

Additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting.

The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley).

RELATED | Most entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will be closed soon (from October 2023)

• Check the park’s current conditions before arrival.
• Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans.
• Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
• Visit Park Roads .
• Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information.
• Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 . (An automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
• Expect limited services in spring and come prepared. Visit Operating Dates for area-specific information.
• Reduce wait times at park entrances by purchasing a pass online ahead of time.

During your visit and wildlife safety

• Use caution when driving and watch for ice, snow and gravel on road surfaces.
• Bison, elk, bears and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endure this difficult time of the year.
• Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.
• Protect yourself and bears. Stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Roads will be closed on Nov.1 in preparation for the winter season. The last day to enjoy the park will be Oct.31.

For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App .

SUBMIT A CORRECTION

Free entry to all national parks offered for National Park Week 2024 – what to know

FILE - The setting sun casts light and shadow across the face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park on Aug. 4, 2021. The view of Half Dome is from Washburn Point along Glacier Point Road. (Mark Hume/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Ima

Outdoor enthusiasts can get an early start on Earth Day celebrations by visiting any U.S. national park for free this weekend. 

The National Parks Service is offering free entry to all national parks on April 20, 2024, a kick-off to celebrating National Park Week 2024 – which runs through April 28. 

Here’s everything to know ahead of your visit:

National parks near me 

The National Park Service manages more than 400 sites , including more highly-visited parks like Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Arizona and Nevada.

Other iconic national parks include Yosemite National Park in California, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Yellowstone National Park mostly in Wyoming, and Zion National Park in Utah. 

To find a national park near you, visitors can search by state on the National Park Service’s website . 

You can also filter the search by activity or topic. 

National Park Week 2024

Texas girl visits 46 u.s. national parks at 25 months old.

Journey Castillo is on a mission to explore all 63 U.S. National Parks to encourage kids and families everywhere to enjoy the great outdoors. The 2-year-old has visited 46 parks so far and hopes to complete her mission by the time she turns three. (Video from November 2022)

National Park Week is a nine-day celebration of everything "parks," aimed at educating the public on what the National Park Service does with events and activities all week.

Each day has a special theme, including "volunteer" on April 21, to encourage people to volunteer for a day or year-round .

April 24 is "Workforce Wednesday," to showcase the National Park Service’s employees, interns, fellows, volunteers, contractors, partners, and to encourage others to apply .

"Youth Engagement" day is April 25, highlighting opportunities for kids and young adults to get involved.

Click here for a full list of National Park Week events .

Other free national park days

For those who can’t make it to a national park on April 20, there are other days with free admission being offered in 2024. 

Other upcoming free entry dates for national parks in 2024 include: 

• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

This story was reported from Cincinnati.