Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch

Eight hours, four valleys, spotting scopes and wolves at dawn

An eight-hour wildlife van tour from West Yellowstone that covers the Madison River, Mount Washburn, Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs with a live guide, spotting scopes and binoculars. The tour includes a brown bag lunch with hot coffee or tea, and you watch for wolves, bears, bison and elk across Yellowstone's richest wildlife habitat. Yellowstone entrance fee applies unless you hold an annual pass valid for your party.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife viewing and sightseeing tour

• Scope wildlife along Madison River
• Drive up Mount Washburn for wildlife
• Use spotting scopes in Lamar Valley
• Short stroll at Mammoth Hot Springs
• Scope wildlife along Gibbon River

The experience

The day starts before dawn in West Yellowstone, heading straight into the Madison River valley where bears and elk frequent the early morning light. You'll scope for wildlife from the van's large windows and use binoculars to spot animals at a distance. The route then climbs Mount Washburn, one of Yellowstone's tallest peaks, where grizzly bears and elk herds move across the shoulders of the mountain.

Lamar Valley is the centerpiece: known as the Serengeti of North America, it holds more than 60 species of mammal and the largest bison herd in North America. Wolves were reintroduced here in 1995 and now roam throughout. You'll use spotting scopes to look for wolves, bears, bison, mountain goats, moose and bighorn sheep. A hot drink and morning snack come while you're watching, so the wildlife viewing doesn't pause for hunger.

The tour moves on to Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can walk the short boardwalks near the Liberty Cap thermal feature or stay near the van in a scenic spot if you prefer. On the drive back toward West Yellowstone, the guide stops for additional wildlife sightings along the Gibbon River, where elk and bison roam. The brown bag lunch includes a sandwich (turkey, veggie, vegan or gluten-free), apple, nuts and snacks. Bottled water and soda are provided throughout the day.

What’s included

• Van with large windows for wildlife sightings.
• spotting scopes and binoculars for viewing.
• brown bag lunch with sandwich (turkey, veggie, vegan or gluten-free), apple, nuts and snacks.
• bottled water and soda throughout the day.
• hot coffee, tea or cocoa while watching wildlife in Lamar Valley.
• live guide in English.
• hotel pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 May 2027

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

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 42 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Yellowstone Hiking Guides

Is this one for you?Start before dawn in Shadow Canyon and the Lamar Valley with spotting scopes to catch wolves and bears during their most active hours.

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Top questions

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 24h before the start.

What wildlife am I most likely to see on the Lamar Valley part of this tour?

Lamar Valley holds more than 60 species of mammal, including the largest bison herd in North America, wolves (reintroduced in 1995), grizzly bears, mountain goats, moose and bighorn sheep. The spotting scopes let you watch from a safe distance as the guide helps you locate animals across the valley.

Is the Mammoth Hot Springs stop a long walk?

Mammoth Hot Springs includes a short stroll on the boardwalks near the Liberty Cap thermal feature. If walking isn't comfortable for you, the guide will find a safe, scenic spot near the van where you can wait for the group.

What's included in the brown bag lunch?

The lunch includes a sandwich (turkey, veggie, vegan or gluten-free options available), an apple, nuts and snacks. Bottled water and soda are provided throughout the day, plus hot coffee, tea or cocoa while you're watching wildlife in Lamar Valley.

Do I need to pay the Yellowstone entrance fee separately?

The Yellowstone entrance fee is not included in the tour price unless you hold an annual pass valid for your party of four or fewer. If you don't have an annual pass, the entrance fee applies at the gate.

How early does the tour start and when does it end?

The tour runs eight hours total, beginning before dawn in West Yellowstone to catch wildlife in the early morning light. The day concludes back at West Yellowstone, with pickup included from your accommodation.

What equipment is provided for wildlife viewing?

The tour provides spotting scopes for viewing wildlife at a safe distance, binoculars for personal use, and a van with large windows designed for sightings. The guide uses these tools to help you locate and identify animals across all four valleys.