Yellowstone Lower Loop: Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful & Wildlife Van Tour

Summary

Grand prismatic colors old faithful eruptions wild bison and canyon views

You’ll start your day watching wildlife along misty rivers before hiking to Grand Prismatic Spring’s surreal colors. See Old Faithful erupt and warm up inside its historic inn, then wander lakeside geysers and spot bison in Hayden Valley. Finish with canyon views that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

"If you see steam but smell rotten eggs, that's a good sign," our guide Tom grinned as we pulled up near the Mud Volcano. I laughed — didn't expect my first real whiff of Yellowstone to be so... memorable. The van windows fogged a little from our breath and the morning chill, but out there, bison were already up and moving. I pressed my forehead to the glass for a better look. It was early enough that the river still had that low mist curling over it — you know how sometimes it feels like you’re peeking into someone else’s dream?

The hike up to the Grand Prismatic overlook was steeper than I pictured (maybe I should’ve skipped that second cinnamon roll at breakfast), but wow — those colors really do look unreal in person. Tom waited with anyone who didn’t feel like climbing, cracking jokes about “Yellowstone cardio.” At the top, the steam drifted right past us, carrying this weird mineral smell — not bad, just different. Someone said it looked like an eye staring back at us. I still think about that view when I close my eyes at night.

Old Faithful was next — we made it just in time for the eruption. There were more people here, but somehow everyone went quiet when it started. The sound is softer than you’d guess from videos; more like a kettle than a rocket. We ducked inside the Old Faithful Inn after, where Tom pointed out the giant stone fireplace and told us how they built it all by hand over a century ago. My coffee tasted extra good after being outside so long.

We crossed the Continental Divide (twice — which feels like cheating), stopped by Yellowstone Lake where wind whipped up little whitecaps and the boardwalk creaked under our boots. The geyser pools there are so clear you can see straight down into blue that looks colder than it is. By afternoon we watched bison lumbering along Hayden Valley and then stood at Artist Point above the canyon falls — spray rising up in slow motion. I didn’t say much there; nobody did really.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yellowstone's Lower Loop highlights

• Drive along Madison River, watch wildlife
• Hike to Grand Prismatic Hot Springs viewpoint
• Watch Old Faithful erupt near Old Faithful Inn
• Stop at Continental Divide viewpoint
• Walk boardwalk at West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Stroll to Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth
• View wildlife in Hayden Valley
• See Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at Artist Point

Top questions

How long is the Lower Loop van tour from West Yellowstone?

The tour lasts a full day, starting early morning and returning to West Yellowstone in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Yellowstone van tour?

Yes, a brown bag lunch with sandwich options (including dietary needs) plus snacks and drinks are included.

Do we hike on this tour or is it all by van?

There’s a short hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook; otherwise most stops are accessible from short walks or boardwalks.

What wildlife might we see on this day trip?

You might spot bison, elk, bears, wolves, trumpeter swans, and other animals—especially in Hayden Valley and along Madison River.

Are binoculars or spotting scopes provided for wildlife viewing?

Yes, binoculars and spotting scopes are available for safe wildlife viewing during the tour.

Does this tour include stops at Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone?

Yes, both Old Faithful (with eruption viewing) and Artist Point overlooking the canyon’s Lower Falls are included stops.

Is pickup available from hotels in West Yellowstone?

The tour starts in West Yellowstone; check with operator if hotel pickup can be arranged locally.

Are there restrooms available during stops?

Most major stops have restroom facilities nearby or at visitor centers.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable van transport with big windows for wildlife spotting, binoculars and spotting scopes for safe animal viewing, a brown bag lunch with sandwich choices (including vegan/gluten-free), snacks, bottled water and hot drinks throughout — plus plenty of time at each stop to wander boardwalks or just soak up the views before heading back to West Yellowstone.