2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration

4.9
(200 reviews)

2 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore both the Upper and Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park in two days. This is one of our most popular tours of Yellowstone. Two unforgettable days in the world’s first National Park and an overnight stay enjoying the hospitality of Chico Hot Springs Resort, (depending on availability) or the charming small town ambiance of Gardiner Montana. 

Lodging at Chico is on a first come first serve basis, guests are required to book their own lodging under their name and credit card, we are happy to assist in this process.  If lodging at Chico Hot Springs is not available at the time of booking, lodging will be arranged by the traveler at any hotel in Gardiner Montana. 

The two day format allows for a more relaxed pace of the tour, affording travelers more time to enjoy the many wildlife encounters, breathtaking geothermal areas, numerous short hikes and boardwalk excursions throughout the tour.

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Waters and granola bars
Lunch (Optional[2])
Lunch
Binoculars and spotting scope provided
Breakfast
Dinner
Price of Lodging
Park entrance fees
Guide Gratuity

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We will contact travelers the day before the trip with final pickup time.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Day one, heading north from Jackson, WY.

    13 stops
  • 1
    Grand Teton National Park

    We will travel through Grand Teton National Park as we head north towards Yellowstone. We will have a couple of short stops for photo opportunities along the way. Park entrance fees will be collected at the entrance gate.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Yellowstone National Park

    We will approach the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Park entrance fees to Yellowstone will be collected at this time.

    15 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Old Faithful

    We will make a stop at Old Faithful to witness the eruption of Old Faithful Geyser, will also have the opportunity to witness various other geysers and thermal features.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Grand Prismatic Spring

    We will stop to explore Midway Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Fountain Paint Pot

    We will stop to explore Lower Geyser Basin, various thermal features to explore.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Firehole Canyon Drive

    We will explore the Firehole Canyon, beautiful scenery, photo opportunity with waterfalls.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Gibbon Falls

    A beautiful waterfall on the Gibbon River, enjoy the view as we drive by.

    Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Gibbon Meadows

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the chance at spotting wildlife.

    Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Norris Geyser Basin

    This is an optional stop to explore Norris Geyser basin, time constraints do not always allow us to stop here.

    Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Golden Gate Canyon

    Enjoy the scenery and photo opportunities as we start to descend off the Yellowstone Plateau towards Mammoth Hot Springs.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Mammoth Hot Springs

    We will explore the Mammoth Hot Springs terrace formation. Short boardwalks and scenic drive.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Gardiner

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we descend the Gardiner River Canyon towards the north entrance of Yellowstone, Gardiner Montana.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Pray

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Yellowstone River and Paradise Valley as we drive north towards Chico Hot Springs Resort.

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Day 2 heading south from Chico Hot Springs Resort or Gardiner, Montana.

    14 stops
  • 14
    Paradise Valley

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Paradise Valley and the Yellowstone River as we head south towards Gardiner, Montana and the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

    Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Mammoth Hot Springs

    We will have another opportunity to explore Mammoth if we did not have time on day one. Then off towards Lamar Valley.

    Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Undine Falls

    A quick stop at a beautiful waterfall, some geological points of interest here as well.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 17
    Blacktail Plateau Drive

    Enjoy the scenery and the chance at viewing wildlife as we travel through the Blacktail area of Yellowstone.

    Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Petrified Tree

    A quick stop to view and discuss one of the few Petrified trees accessible by road in the Park.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 19
    Lamar Valley

    Enjoy the scenery and the chance at viewing wildlife as we travel towards and into Lamar Valley. Great opportunity to spot Grizzly Bears, wolves, bison, big horn sheep and more!

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 20
    Tower Fall

    We will stop to view and explore the Tower Falls area, some photo opportunities and short walks, as well as the chance to view big horn sheep, beautiful views, and engaging geology.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 21
    Canyon Village Area

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we travel over Dunraven Pass towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. A couple photo opportunities and the chance at viewing wildlife.

    Admission ticket free
  • 22
    Lower Yellowstone River Falls

    We will stop at various viewpoints and short walks to view the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, as well as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone river as well. Beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and engaging geology.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 23
    Upper Falls

    A quick stop and short walk to the Brink of the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River. Beautiful waterfall viewing opportunity.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 24
    Hayden Valley

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery and varied wildlife viewing opportunities as we travel through Hayden Valley. Bison, wolves, and grizzly bears are commonly spotted in the valley. A couple of photo opportunities and a stop or two to view wildlife.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 25
    Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area

    If we have time to stop we will spend a few minutes exploring the Mud Volcano area, otherwise we will pass by given timing. Interesting thermal features and a short walk on the boardwalk.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 26
    Yellowstone Lake

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we travel past Yellowstone Lake, a few photo opportunities and the chance for viewing wildlife.

    Admission ticket free
  • 27
    Jackson

    We will head south from Lake Yellowstone towards Jackson, WY, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the South end of Yellowstone and Grand Teton as we head back to Jackson, WY. Some photography opportunities as well as the chance to view wildlife on our way south.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress for the weather, sturdy shoes recommend, swimsuit recommended, sunscreen recommended
  • If lodging at Chico Hot Springs is not available at time of booking, travelers will arrange lodging in Gardiner, MT
Supplied by Teton Scenic Floats and Fly Fishing

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Overnight Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Involves Animals
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

4.9 Based on 200 200 reviews
5 stars
186
4 stars
11
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
2
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}