Yellowstone: Old Faithful Snowcoach Tour from Jackson Hole

Summary

Winter geysers wildlife and snowcoach adventure in yellowstone

You’ll ride a heated snowcoach from Jackson Hole into Yellowstone’s deep winter silence, stopping to watch Old Faithful erupt through clouds of steam and snow. Walk boardwalks past geysers and bubbling paint pots with your local guide sharing stories along the way. Warm up with lunch near Old Faithful before heading back — you might still catch yourself listening for that hush long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — that thick, snowy quiet you only get in winter. Our snowcoach crunched over fresh powder just outside Jackson Hole, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The windows fogged up a bit from our breath and the heater, but every so often our guide, Mark (he’s local — knows all the stories), would wipe a patch clear and point out animal tracks weaving through the pines. Someone behind me whispered they saw a fox. Not sure if they did or not, but I wanted to believe it.

We stopped at Moose Falls, and I still remember how cold the metal railing felt through my glove. The waterfall wasn’t frozen solid — more like half-draped in ice, water rushing underneath. There was this sharp smell from the evergreens mixed with something sulfuric as we got closer to West Thumb Geyser Basin. Mark joked about “Yellowstone perfume.” We shuffled along the boardwalks past Thumb Paint Pots and Abyss Pool; steam rose everywhere, twisting into the gray sky. I tried to pronounce “Fishing Cone” in my best tourist drawl — got a laugh out of Li, who was visiting from Shanghai.

Old Faithful is almost too famous for its own good, but seeing it erupt against all that white snow? It’s different than any photo. People went quiet right before it blew — just this soft crunch of boots on snow and then that whoosh of hot water shooting up. Lunch after was simple but warm (I’d forgotten how good soup tastes when you’re cold). The group shared stories over coffee; someone’s kid fell asleep at the table with their mittens still on.

On the way back through Lower Geyser Basin, we stopped at Fountain Paint Pot — bubbling mud making these weird plopping sounds under a crust of pinkish earth. I kept thinking about how old everything here is, how many winters these pools have seen. By the time we rolled back toward Jackson Hole, everyone was quieter than before. Maybe tired or just full of new images in their heads — I know I was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yellowstone winter highlights

• Travel by snowcoach to Yellowstone
• See Old Faithful geyser erupt
• Have lunch near Old Faithful
• Visit West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Walk boardwalk at West Thumb
• View Yellowstone Lake from West Thumb
• Stop at Moose Falls for photos
• Explore Lower Geyser Basin hot springs

Top questions

How long does the Yellowstone Old Faithful Snowcoach Tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Jackson Hole with several stops including Old Faithful and other geothermal areas; timing varies based on conditions.

Is lunch included during the day trip to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole?

Yes, lunch is included near Old Faithful during your Yellowstone snowcoach tour.

Are hotel pickups available for this Yellowstone winter tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Jackson Hole for this tour.

Can infants join the Yellowstone Snowcoach Tour?

Infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram or stroller.

What should I wear for a winter day trip to Yellowstone?

Dress warmly in layers as tours operate in all weather conditions; winter boots and gloves are recommended.

Will we see wildlife during this Yellowstone tour?

You may spot wildlife such as foxes or moose along the route, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Which attractions are visited on this snowcoach tour?

The tour includes stops at Old Faithful Geyser, Moose Falls, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Fountain Paint Pot area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Jackson Hole, breakfast to start things off warm, bottled water throughout your journey by heated snowcoach with a professional local guide leading each stop at geysers and falls, plus lunch near Old Faithful before heading home again.