Old Faithful & Lower Yellowstone Tour: Wildlife & Geysers

See Old Faithful erupt and track wildlife across Yellowstone's thermal features

A full-day guided tour from Jackson Hole into Yellowstone National Park's lower loop, with stops at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and Mud Volcano. The guide explains the geysers, hot springs, and wildlife you encounter, connecting the landscape to the magma system beneath the park. Park entry, binoculars, and lunch are included. Pickup happens in Jackson or Teton Village.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Yellowstone's key natural sites

• Begin tour in Jackson or Teton Village
• Search for wildlife near Tetons and Blacktail Butte
• Stop for restroom and photos
• Visit Lake Yellowstone and learn about magma
• Explore Grand Prismatic Springs
• Watch Old Faithful erupt
• See Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at Artists Point
• Visit Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing
• Stop at Mud Volcano

The experience

How do you fit Yellowstone's most famous features into one day without a car? This tour picks you up in Jackson or Teton Village and drives straight into the park, starting with Lake Yellowstone to explain how the magma underneath shapes everything you'll see. The guide carries binoculars and knows where to look for moose in Hayden Valley and other wildlife moving through the lower loop. You're not just passing through, you're learning what the animals do and why they're there.

The route moves through the park's hydrothermal zones: Grand Prismatic Springs with its vivid mineral colors, Old Faithful's eruption (the guide times the stops so you're there when it blows), the waterfalls and canyon views at Artists Point, and Mud Volcano with its bubbling geothermal features. Stops for restrooms and photos break up the drive, and lunch is included so you're not hunting for food between sites. The guide weaves geology through each stop (why the springs are different colors, how earthquakes connect to the geyser system, what the fumaroles and mud pots actually are), so the landscape starts making sense instead of just looking dramatic.

The tour runs from May through October and takes the full day. A live English-speaking guide leads the group, and the operator has been based in Jackson Hole for over a decade with more than 100 reviews backing up the depth of what they explain. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the vehicle has specialized infant seats if you need one.

What’s included

• Park entrance fees.
• binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• lunch.
• pickup from Jackson or Teton Village.
• a live English-speaking guide who explains the geology, wildlife, and thermal features throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 36 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Yellowstone Safari Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from Jackson or Teton Village means you don't need a car or a separate ride to the park entrance. The guide handles the drive and the navigation, so you can focus on what you're seeing instead of where to turn next.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (2 to 11 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.

What is Old Faithful and when does it erupt?

Old Faithful is a cone geyser in Yellowstone that erupts on a predictable schedule, shooting hot water and steam high into the air. The guide times the tour stops so you're positioned to watch it happen, and explains the underground plumbing that makes it work.

Will we actually see wildlife, or just drive past empty valleys?

Hayden Valley is a prime spot for moose, elk, and bison, and the guide knows where to look and when animals are most active. The tour includes binoculars and the guide's knowledge of animal behavior, so you're searching with purpose rather than hoping to spot something by chance.

How long is the full tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs for 11 hours total. Pickup happens in Jackson or Teton Village in the morning, and the day includes multiple stops for photos, restrooms, and lunch before returning to your starting point.

What is Grand Prismatic Springs and why is it different colors?

Grand Prismatic Springs is Yellowstone's largest hot spring, and the guide explains how the mineral content and temperature create the brilliant blues, greens, and oranges you see. It's one of the stops where the geology becomes visible in the landscape itself.

Is lunch included, and are there options for dietary needs?

Lunch is included in the tour price. Contact the operator directly about dietary restrictions or preferences when you book.