Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour – Full Day
Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service
location_on Destination: Yellowstone National Park
payments Price: $325 per participant
Our day begins as we head north from Jackson, WY towards Yellowstone National Park, passing through Grand Teton on the way and taking time for wildlife and photography stops.
Wildlife that is often observed on this tour are bison, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, moose, elk, eagles, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. We will have stops throughout the tour for guests to get out of the vehicle and observe the different wildlife viewing opportunities.
What’s Included:
- Professional guide
- Hotel Pickup from Jackson or Teton Village
- Bagged lunch
- Locally made granola bars and water
- Use of Binoculars for each guest
- Use of Spotting scope.
Not Included:
- Park Entry fee. The park entry fee is $20.00 per adult, guests who have an annual pass or a golden age pass can use these passes on the tour as well.
- Guide gratuity (10-20% of tour price recommended)
| Duration | Accommodates | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Public Trip 7:30am – 6:30pm |
up to 9 participants | $325 per participant |
| Tour is limited to guests 4 years and older | ||
| Private Trip 7:30am – 6:30pm |
up to 9 participants | $1,999 |
| Price includes 9 participants, each additional participant $200 |
Tour Itinerary
Our day begins as we head north from Jackson, WY towards Yellowstone National Park, passing through Grand Teton on the way and taking time for wildlife and photography stops.
Wildlife that is often observed on this tour are bison, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, moose, elk, eagles, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. We will have stops throughout the tour for guests to get out of the vehicle and observe the different wildlife viewing opportunities.
Generally our first major stop will be at Upper Geyser Basin and the Old Faithful area. The Old Faithful geyser erupts approximately every ninety minutes and your guides will time it to witness the eruption. In addition to Old Faithful there are numerous other fantastic geysers that will erupt with less certainty and frequency, which we may also have the good fortune to witness, including: Beehive, Castle, The Lion Group, Sawmill, Grand, and Daisy. We generally have time to explore both Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring), and Lower Geyser Basin depending on the timing of the Old Faithful eruption.
After a picnic lunch we will spend some time in the vehicle as we make our way north around the loop with our next real major stop being the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Some points of interest along the way will include: Firehole Canyon drive, Madison River, Gibbon River Falls, Elk Park, Virginia Cascades, etc.
We will spend some time at the Canyon Area with the main draw being the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, 109ft, and 308 feet tall respectively, with the opportunity for some short walks to viewpoints.
Heading south from the Canyon Area we will pass through Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano, Yellowstone Lake, and West Thumb. This will complete our lower loop as we head back towards Jackson from there, usually arriving back in Jackson between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Frequent stops will be made for wildlife observation and photography opportunities. Booking options include public or private tours options.
The exact route and itinerary will be determined by your experienced guide, active wildlife sightings, weather and road conditions and will cater to you and your group’s interests.
What Animals Should I Expect To See On My Yellowstone Wildlife Tour?
The Yellowstone Lower Loop is known for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the day. Commonly observed animals include bison, elk, moose, mule deer, and pronghorn, as well as predators like grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and coyotes. Eagles are often spotted soaring overhead as well. Your guide will make frequent stops along the route specifically for wildlife observation and photography, using binoculars and a spotting scope to help everyone get a closer look. As with any wildlife tour, sightings can’t be guaranteed since these are wild animals in their natural habitat, but the route is designed to pass through areas where wildlife is regularly active.
Is This The Best Tour To See Geysers At Yellowstone?
Yes, the Lower Loop Tour is an excellent choice if seeing Yellowstone’s geysers is a priority, especially for visitors with just one day in the park. The route includes the Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful, which your guide will time so you can witness an eruption, along with other geysers in the area such as Beehive, Castle, the Lion Group, Sawmill, Grand, and Daisy. The tour also visits Midway Geyser Basin, home to the famous Grand Prismatic Spring, as well as Lower Geyser Basin. For travelers who want to see even more of Yellowstone’s geothermal features, including Norris Geyser Basin and the Firehole Lake Loop, the two-day Upper and Lower Loop tour covers additional ground, but for a single day focused on the park’s most iconic geysers, this tour is hard to beat.
What Should I Bring On The Tour?
Yellowstone’s weather can shift quickly throughout the day, so layered clothing is your best bet, mornings can be chilly even in summer, while afternoons can warm up considerably. Comfortable walking shoes are important, since the tour includes short walks along boardwalks and viewpoints at the geyser basins and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, is recommended due to the high elevation, and a reusable water bottle is handy throughout the long day. A camera is worth bringing for both wildlife and the geothermal scenery, and don’t forget your park entry fee, or a valid park pass, along with cash or a card for guide gratuity.
Who Are The Guides On This Tour?
Your tour is led by Teton Floats’ own professionally trained, in-house guides, the only outfitter in the area offering national park tours, fishing trips, and river floats entirely with their own staff rather than subcontractors. The company was founded by Joe Morin, who has spent his career guiding throughout the Greater Yellowstone and Grand Teton region since 1998 and opened Teton Floats in 2007. With nearly two decades in business, the team brings deep, firsthand knowledge of where wildlife tends to be active, the best timing for geyser eruptions, and the history and geology that make the park special, all of which adds up to a more informative and enjoyable day for guests.
Are These Guided Wildlife Tours Good For People Visiting The USA?
Guided wildlife tours are a great option for visitors to the United States, particularly those exploring Yellowstone for the first time. Navigating a park as large as Yellowstone, finding wildlife, and timing stops at popular spots like Old Faithful can be challenging without local knowledge, and a guide takes that pressure off entirely. Tours include hotel pickup from Jackson or Teton Village, so there’s no need to rent a car or plan a driving route through the park. Your guide will narrate the history, wildlife, and natural features along the way, giving international and domestic visitors alike helpful context that’s easy to miss when exploring on your own. It’s a convenient, low-stress way to experience one of America’s most famous national parks.
