Yellowstone: 2-Day Upper & Lower Loop Tour with Chico Stay

Summary

Yellowstone’s geysers, valleys and wildlife in two days

You’ll travel both Yellowstone loops with a local guide who knows every shortcut for spotting wildlife and geysers. Feel thermal heat at Old Faithful, soak overnight at Chico Hot Springs or stay in Gardiner, walk boardwalks over steaming terraces, and watch for wolves in Lamar Valley. It’s two days of raw scenery—with plenty of small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think steam could smell so much like eggs until we walked up to the Mud Volcano area in Yellowstone. Our guide, Mike—who grew up just outside Gardiner—laughed when I wrinkled my nose. “That’s the real Yellowstone cologne,” he said. The first day felt like a blur of colors and weird noises: Old Faithful rumbling under our feet, then bursting out right on cue (though I almost missed it fiddling with my camera), and that impossible blue at Grand Prismatic Spring. I’d seen pictures but standing there with the mist curling around us, it was way more surreal than I expected.

There was this moment in Lamar Valley where everything went quiet except for the wind and a distant bison snort—I’m not sure why that stuck with me. Mike set up the spotting scope so we could see wolves way out by the tree line. He talked about how spring floods change the whole valley every year, which made me realize how alive this place is. Lunch was simple—granola bars and water—but honestly, I barely noticed because I kept craning my neck for elk or bears. We stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs too, walking those boardwalks above white terraces that looked almost fake in the afternoon light.

The overnight at Chico Hot Springs was its own kind of odd comfort (if you get a spot—book early). Sitting in that hot pool under Montana stars, I half expected a moose to wander by. If Chico’s full, you end up in Gardiner—a sleepy little town where everyone seems to know each other. It’s not fancy but it fits after a day of geysers and wild valleys.

The second day felt slower—in a good way. We stopped at Hayden Valley and caught sight of grizzlies far off (I swear they look smaller than you’d think from TV). The air smelled like pine needles and wet earth after last night’s rain. There were quick stops at petrified trees and waterfalls; sometimes we’d pile out for five minutes just because someone spotted something moving in the grass. By the time we wound back toward Jackson through Grand Teton, I felt both tired and weirdly awake—still thinking about that wolf pack across Lamar Valley.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yellowstone Upper Loop from Jackson

• 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
• Explore Lower Geyser Basin
• Visit Firehole Canyon waterfall
• View waterfall on Gibbon River
• Spot wildlife along the route
• Optional stop at Norris Geyser Basin
• Descend Yellowstone Plateau towards Mammoth
• Explore Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
• Descend Gardiner River Canyon to North Entrance
• Drive along Yellowstone River and Paradise Valley
• Arrive at Chico Hot Springs Resort area

Day 2 — Explore Yellowstone Lower Loop from Chico

• Drive through Paradise Valley to Gardiner
• Optional Mammoth Hot Springs visit
• Stop at a scenic waterfall
• Travel through Blacktail area, watch wildlife
• Stop at Yellowstone Petrified Tree
• View wildlife in Lamar Valley
• Explore Tower Falls area
• Drive over Dunraven Pass to Grand Canyon
• View Lower Falls and Grand Canyon
• Walk to Brink of Upper Falls
• Travel through Hayden Valley, view wildlife
• Optional stop at Mud Volcano area
• Drive past Yellowstone Lake, photo stops
• Head south to Jackson via Grand Teton

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Yellowstone tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included as part of your booking.

Do I need to book my own lodging for the overnight stay?

Yes, guests book their own lodging at Chico Hot Springs or any hotel in Gardiner if Chico is full.

Are meals provided during the 2-day Yellowstone tour?

No main meals are included; waters and granola bars are provided during the tour.

Can I see wildlife like wolves or bears on this trip?

Yes, there are good chances to spot bison, wolves, grizzlies, elk, and more—especially in Lamar and Hayden Valleys.

Is swimming available at Chico Hot Springs?

If you stay at Chico Hot Springs Resort, you can enjoy their famous hot spring pools (bring a swimsuit).

How much hiking is involved each day?

The tour includes several short hikes or boardwalk walks; nothing strenuous is required.

What should I bring for this 2-day Yellowstone loop tour?

Dress for changing weather with sturdy shoes; bring sunscreen and a swimsuit if staying at Chico Hot Springs.

Are park entrance fees included?

No, park entrance fees are collected separately at each entrance gate during the trip.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup and drop-off from Jackson WY, all transport between highlights like Old Faithful Geyser and Lamar Valley with an expert local guide leading the way. Binoculars and spotting scopes are provided for wildlife viewing along with waters and granola bars to keep you going between stops. You’ll arrange your own overnight lodging either at Chico Hot Springs Resort (if available) or in Gardiner MT—the team can help if you need it.