Lower Loop of Yellowstone from Cody: Old Faithful & Grand Canyon

Ten hours tracking geysers, waterfalls and wildlife across Yellowstone's most active thermal zones.

A full-day guided tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop departing from Cody, led by a local guide in English, with pickup included. You drive the park's main circuit (Hayden Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Fountain Paint Pot, Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful) stopping for boardwalks and viewpoints at each. The guide knows geyser eruption times, the best parking spots and where wildlife congregates, so the day moves without backtracking or guessing. Lunch, bottled water, snacks, binoculars and a spotting scope are included. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mud Volcano Area20m
2. Hayden Valley30m
3. Norris Geyser Basin45m
4. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone1h
5. Fountain Paint Pot30m
6. Grand Prismatic Spring45m
7. Old Faithful Geyser1h

Explore Yellowstone's Lower Loop

• Drive along Yellowstone Lake shore
• Climb to wildlife viewpoint
• Walk to Dragon's Mouth and Mud Volcano
• Drive through Hayden Valley spotting wildlife
• Visit Norris Geyser Basin
• Pass by rolling meadows with wildlife
• View upper and lower waterfalls
• Walk boardwalk at Fountain Paint Pot
• Stop for waterfall photo in volcanic canyon
• See Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser
• Experience Old Faithful Geyser eruption
• Walk boardwalk by Yellowstone Lake vents

The experience

You're picked up from your Cody hotel and driven into Yellowstone as the guide points out the landscape: sagebrush flats, lodgepole forest, the Absaroka Range rising behind. The route follows Yellowstone Lake's shore and climbs to a wildlife viewpoint before dropping into Hayden Valley, where the open plains hold herds of buffalo and the occasional moose, wolf or golden eagle. The guide scans with the spotting scope and knows where to look. You watch from the air-conditioned vehicle or step out at stops.

The thermal stops are the spine of the day. Mud Volcano Area comes first: a short boardwalk past Dragon's Mouth and bubbling mud pots that show the supervolcano's power beneath your feet. Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest in the park, feels like another planet: steam rises from the valley and the boardwalk loops past hissing vents and geysers in action. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone reveals itself from multiple viewpoints, with the Upper and Lower Falls visible from the best angles the guide knows. Fountain Paint Pot is your first close-up of geothermal chaos: mud pots, steam vents, small geysers all within arm's reach of the boardwalk. Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin is the scale shock: the largest hot spring in the US, its colors shift from deep blue to orange and yellow at the edges. Old Faithful erupts on a predictable schedule, and the guide times the stop so you're on the boardwalk when it happens.

Lunch breaks somewhere mid-route. The guide knows the quieter spots. You get binoculars for scanning Hayden Valley and a spotting scope for distant wildlife. Bottled water and snacks keep you fueled through the ten hours. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible, and all boardwalks and viewing areas are paved: no hiking required, though you'll walk short distances at each stop. Children from age one ride free. A National Park Pass covers four adults, or you can buy one at the gate for $20 if you don't have one.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Cody hotel.
• a local guide in English.
• lunch and bottled water.
• snacks.
• binoculars and a spotting scope for wildlife viewing.
• air-conditioned vehicle with wheelchair-accessible seating.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (1 to 17 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by CoveredGround Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers commentary throughout the drive, so you follow without effort. The fixed route and pacing suit first-time visitors and families with children from age one, and the wheelchair-accessible vehicle and boardwalks mean all fitness levels travel comfortably.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I see Old Faithful erupt on this tour?

Yes. The guide times the stop at Old Faithful so you're on the boardwalk when the geyser erupts. The guide knows the eruption schedule and plans the day's route to catch it.

What wildlife might I see in Hayden Valley?

Hayden Valley's open plains are home to large herds of buffalo. The guide watches for moose, wolves and golden eagles as you drive through, and uses the spotting scope to help you spot animals at a distance.

How much walking is involved?

You walk short boardwalks at each stop: Dragon's Mouth at Mud Volcano, the loop at Norris Geyser Basin, the viewing areas at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Fountain Paint Pot, Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. None are long hikes. All boardwalks are paved and wheelchair accessible.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is included. The guide chooses a quieter spot along the route to stop and eat, avoiding the busiest areas of the park.

Do I need a National Park Pass?

A National Park Pass covers four adults for the day. If you don't have one, you can purchase it at the park gate for $20 upon entry. The pass is good for seven days and covers all vehicles in your group.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes pickup from your Cody hotel, the guide, lunch, bottled water, snacks, binoculars and a professional spotting scope. Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle.