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

4.9
(378 reviews)

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This Active Van Tour is a great way to see Yellowstone National Park beginning in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone. The early morning part of the tour explores wildlife haunts in the famous Shadow Canyon of the Madison River. This area is home to bear and elk.

Later we hike to an overlook of the famous Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group.

Next we explore the Old Faithful area, including some time at the famous Old Faithful Inn.

We continue over the continental divide and down to the West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake for a view of some spectacular lakeside thermal pools.

Continuing our drive along Yellowstone Lake we arrive at the Mud Volcano near the Hayden Valley. See bison roam along the Yellowstone River.

Finally, we arrive at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to view the canyon and the amazing Lower Falls at Artist Point. The day concludes back at West Yellowstone.

What's Included

Binoculars for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
Van with large windows for wildlife sightings
Brown Bag with snacks
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions
Hot coffee/tea/cocoa
Spotting scope for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
Yellowstone Entrance Fee -- Unless You Have an Annual Pass, which is good for 4 people in your party --
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

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

We will meet you at the lobby of any hotel in West Yellowstone or any vacation rental located within the boundaries of West Yellowstone. For travelers who are staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Please do not pick a hotel where you are not staying as your meeting point.

OR
Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Madison River

    Drive along the Madison River and watch wildlife in the early morning light.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Grand Prismatic Spring

    Hike to a viewpoint of the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. This hike is along an old stagecoach road before climbing 200 feet to see one of the largest hot springs on earth. We arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. This is a must see while visiting Yellowstone!

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Old Faithful

    We watch Old Faithful erupt near the historic Old Faithful Inn. If time permits, you can explore the Inn or the Visitor Center to learn more about Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Continental Divide

    We take a short stop at the Continental Divide, where water drains to the Gulf and Pacific Ocean.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    West Thumb Geyser Basin

    This beautiful geyser basin along the shores of Yellowstone Lake has hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. We hike a boardwalk trail to see the Fishing Cone and Black Pool.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area

    We take a short stroll to the Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth. Listen to the super volcano breath with powerful mud churning and steam billowing out.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Hayden Valley

    We stop for wildlife viewing in one of Yellowstone's most iconic valleys. This valley is home to more bears than anywhere else in the Park. We sometimes spot wolves, elk, and trumpeter swans along the Yellowstone River.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    Stop to see stunning views of the wonderous colors and thundering falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. We take a short break at Artist Point to see the 308 foot Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Yellowstone Hiking Guides

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Safaris
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Involves Animals
Additional fees
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.9 Based on 378 378 reviews
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