Yellowstone Upper & Lower Loop: 2-Day Jackson Tour

Two Days, Both Loops, One Overnight: Yellowstone from Jackson

You spend two full days seeing both the Upper and Lower Loops of Yellowstone without arranging your own transport, park entry, or timing. Day one takes you from Jackson through Grand Teton to Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs, with an overnight in Gardiner or at Chico Hot Springs. Day two covers Lamar Valley, the Petrified Tree, Tower Falls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley before returning you to Jackson. Your guide provides binoculars and spotting scope, handles all the stops, and you return by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Yellowstone Upper Loop

• Travel through Grand Teton National Park
• Stop for photos along the way
• Enter Yellowstone South Entrance
• Stop at Old Faithful Geyser
• Explore Midway Geyser Basin
• Visit Lower Geyser Basin
• Explore Firehole Canyon
• View waterfall on Gibbon River
• Enjoy wildlife and scenery
• Optional stop at Norris Geyser Basin
• Descend Yellowstone Plateau
• Explore Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
• Descend Gardiner River Canyon

Day 2: Explore Yellowstone Lower Loop

• Explore Mammoth Hot Springs (if missed)
• Stop at a beautiful waterfall
• Travel through Blacktail area
• Stop at Yellowstone Petrified Tree
• View wildlife in Lamar Valley
• Explore Tower Falls area
• Travel over Dunraven Pass
• View Lower Falls and Grand Canyon
• Stop at Brink of Upper Falls
• Travel through Hayden Valley
• Optional stop at Mud Volcano area
• Travel past Yellowstone Lake
• Head south to Jackson, WY

The experience

So you're thinking about Yellowstone but don't want to rush it. That's the whole point of this two-day format. You leave Jackson heading north through Grand Teton, cross into Yellowstone at the south entrance, and by afternoon you're standing in front of Old Faithful watching it erupt. Then comes the Lower Loop: Midway Geyser Basin with the Grand Prismatic Spring (that impossible blue-green color is real, by the way), Fountain Paint Pot, Firehole Canyon with its waterfall, and if timing works out, Norris Geyser Basin. The pace is deliberate enough that you're not just checking boxes. You actually get to walk the boardwalks, spot wildlife in Hayden Valley, and breathe.

Day two starts from your overnight in Gardiner, Montana or at Chico Hot Springs Resort, and you head back through the Upper Loop. Lamar Valley is where the wildlife happens: bison, wolves, grizzly bears if you're lucky. Your guide carries binoculars and a spotting scope, so you're not squinting at distant shapes. You'll stop at the Petrified Tree, Tower Falls, and then the real showstopper: the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The Lower Falls and Upper Falls viewpoints are short walks from the road, and the canyon itself is carved deep enough that you understand why people drove out here in the first place. Then it's south through Hayden Valley again, past Yellowstone Lake, and back to Jackson by late afternoon.

The two-day structure means you're not doing this in a blur. Your guide handles the route, the timing, the knowledge of where animals tend to be and why the geysers do what they do. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Jackson saves you the logistics of getting to the trailhead. You get water and granola bars during the day, which sounds small until you're six hours in and grateful for it. The only real constraint is that this isn't a leisurely stroll. There are short hikes and boardwalks throughout, and you're covering a lot of ground, so comfortable shoes and layers matter.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Jackson, professional guide for both days, entrance fees to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, water and granola bars throughout the tour, binoculars and spotting scope for wildlife viewing, and an overnight stay in either Gardiner, Montana or Chico Hot Springs Resort. All stops at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, Tower Falls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley are included, along with short walks and boardwalk access at each location.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 50 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 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Teton Scenic Floats and Fly Fishing

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see both loops of Yellowstone without arranging your own transport and timing. The two-day format is what makes it possible to actually stop and look instead of just driving through.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

245 verified traveler reviews

5 ★231

4 ★11

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Jackson, professional guide, park entrance fees, water and granola bars, binoculars and spotting scope. Overnight accommodation in Gardiner, Montana or Chico Hot Springs Resort is separate.

How long is each day?

Day one runs from Jackson through Grand Teton and covers the Lower Loop of Yellowstone, ending in Gardiner or Chico Hot Springs. Day two covers the Upper Loop and returns to Jackson by late afternoon. Both days involve significant driving and multiple stops.

What's the best time to see wildlife?

Lamar Valley on day two is known for bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. Early morning and late afternoon are typically best, though sightings depend on season and luck.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

The tour includes short walks and boardwalks throughout, not strenuous hikes. Comfortable shoes and the ability to walk for 15–30 minutes at a time are important. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring?

Dress in layers for mountain weather. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended. The guide provides binoculars and water.

Can I choose which hotel I stay at overnight?

You stay either in Gardiner, Montana or at Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray, Montana. Specific hotel choice within those towns may depend on availability and the tour operator's partners.

Is there food included?

Water and granola bars are provided during the day. Meals are not included. You'll eat at your own expense in Gardiner or at Chico Hot Springs on the overnight.

What if I want to do just one loop instead of two?

This tour is designed as a two-day, two-loop experience. Single-day or single-loop options may be available separately. Check with the operator.