Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop)
Trip Highlights
Description
Itinerary
Tour info
Why take this tour?
The Upper Loop is Yellowstone's wildlife loop — the Lamar Valley alone is often called the "American Serengeti" for the density and variety of animals that move through it. This tour is built for guests who want a full day immersed in that wildlife corridor, with an expert guide handling the tracking and interpretation, rounded out by the dramatic canyon scenery at the day's end.
Upper Loop: Yellowstone’s Wild Northern Range
This route explores Yellowstone’s wild and scenic northern range—home to apex predators, breathtaking canyons, and volcanic relics. You’ll traverse remote wildlife corridors, witness powerful waterfalls, and stroll past steaming geothermal features. The Upper Loop offers a deep dive into the natural forces and ecological stories that shaped the world’s first national park. Featured stops: • Lamar Valley — America’s Serengeti for wolves, bears, and bison • Calcite Springs Overlook & Tower Falls • Dunraven Pass & Mt. Washburn • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (Lookout Point & Inspiration Point) • Roaring Mountain • Norris Geyser Basin (Porcelain Overlook Trail)
Wildlife You May Spot
Yellowstone is one of the best places in North America to see wildlife in the wild. Depending on the season, route, and a bit of luck, you may encounter: Bald Eagles, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Black Bears, Coyotes, Elk, Grizzly Bears, Moose, Mountain Goats, Osprey, Pronghorn, Ravens, River Otters, and Trumpeter Swans.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, or a mutually agreed-upon location
- Expert guide with in-depth knowledge of the region’s wildlife, geology, and history
- Light breakfast, brown bag lunch, snacks, bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Use of high-quality Vortex™ spotting scopes and binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Comfortable transportation in a spacious Chevy Suburban or Ford Transit Van
- All-day private Upper Loop tour of Yellowstone National Park
Excluded
- Guest accommodations
- Alcoholic beverages
- National Park entrance pass
- Guide gratuity (15-20% is customary and greatly appreciated)
Frequently asked questions
Things to know
Starting Price
Pick-Up Times & Locations
We pick up from hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, or a mutually agreed-upon location. Typical start times:
- 7:30 AM — Big Sky & Paradise Valley
- 8:00 AM — Gardiner & West Yellowstone
Please allow a 10–15 minute grace window for guide arrival, as weather, wildlife migration, and road construction can affect travel times.
Group Size
Private tour for 2–14 guests. For groups larger than 14, an additional guide and vehicle are required to ensure comfort, safety, and the highest-quality experience.
National Park Pass
A National Park entrance pass is required and is not included. We recommend purchasing in advance.
Gratuity
Guide gratuity is not included. A 15-20% gratuity is customary and greatly appreciated.
Season & Availability
Available May 12 – October 31. Start times shift seasonally to maximize daylight and wildlife viewing.
What to Bring
Layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a camera. We provide scopes, binoculars, snacks, water, and a brown-bag lunch.
Starting Price
Pick-Up Times & Locations
We pick up from hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, or a mutually agreed-upon location. Typical start times:
- 7:30 AM — Big Sky & Paradise Valley
- 8:00 AM — Gardiner & West Yellowstone
Please allow a 10–15 minute grace window for guide arrival, as weather, wildlife migration, and road construction can affect travel times.
Group Size
Private tour for 2–14 guests. For groups larger than 14, an additional guide and vehicle are required to ensure comfort, safety, and the highest-quality experience.
National Park Pass
A National Park entrance pass is required and is not included. We recommend purchasing in advance.
Gratuity
Guide gratuity is not included. A 15-20% gratuity is customary and greatly appreciated.
Season & Availability
Available May 12 – October 31. Start times shift seasonally to maximize daylight and wildlife viewing.
What to Bring
Layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a camera. We provide scopes, binoculars, snacks, water, and a brown-bag lunch.
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- Book instantly directly with provider
- Get the lowest price guarantee
- Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
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