Yellowstone: Old Faithful Snowmobile Tour from Jackson Hole

Summary

Yellowstone’s winter silence, geyser eruptions & snowy forests by snowmobile

You’ll ride through Yellowstone’s silent winter forests by snowmobile with a local guide from Jackson Hole, watching Old Faithful erupt in icy air and stopping for lunch nearby. Expect close-up views of steaming geysers at West Thumb and Fountain Paint Pot, plus time to snap photos at Moose Falls. It’s not just scenery — you’ll feel the cold on your face and maybe laugh harder than you thought you would.

What’s the experience like?

Helmet’s a bit snug and the air bites at my cheeks, but I barely notice once we pull away from Jackson Hole. Our guide, Mark, gives this little wave as we snake out onto the snowy trail — he’s done this route hundreds of times but still seems excited for us. The engine hums under me, muffled by all that powder. I keep catching whiffs of pine and something almost metallic from the hot springs as we get closer to Yellowstone. There’s a weird comfort in how quiet it gets between the snowmobiles — just wind and the occasional raven overhead.

I didn’t expect to feel so small rolling up to Old Faithful in winter. The steam hangs heavy in the cold, swirling around us while everyone waits for that first spurt. Mark tells us about how the eruptions are actually pretty regular — he jokes it’s “the world’s most reliable show.” Lunch is nearby (I think I dropped half my sandwich in my lap because my gloves are too thick), and there’s this sense of everyone relaxing together, swapping stories about near-misses with icy corners or spotting elk through the trees. It feels like you’re part of some odd little club.

We stop at places like West Thumb geyser basin and Moose Falls — honestly, I’d never heard of either before this day trip to Old Faithful from Jackson Hole. At West Thumb, there’s a boardwalk over bubbling pools that smell faintly like eggs (not great if you’re hungry). Someone tries to pronounce Abyss Pool in a dramatic voice; Li laughs so hard she nearly drops her phone. The light bounces off everything out here — snow, steam, even our helmets — so by afternoon my eyes are tired but I don’t really want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yellowstone winter highlights

• See Old Faithful geyser erupt
• Have lunch near Old Faithful
• Visit West Thumb geyser basin
• Walk boardwalk at West Thumb
• View Thumb Paint Pots and Fishing Cone
• See Abyss Pool and Yellowstone Lake
• Stop at Moose Falls for photos
• Explore Lower Geyser Basin hot springs
• See Fountain Paint Pot mud pools

Top questions

How long is the snowmobile tour from Jackson Hole to Old Faithful?

The round trip covers about 90 miles and takes a full day.

Is hotel pickup included for this Yellowstone snowmobile tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Jackson Hole.

Do I need prior experience riding a snowmobile?

No prior experience is needed but drivers must have a valid license.

What should I wear for the Yellowstone winter tour?

You should dress warmly in layers as it operates in all weather conditions.

Are meals provided during the day trip to Old Faithful?

Yes, lunch and snacks are included along with bottled water.

Can pregnant travelers join this snowmobile tour?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back issues.

What wildlife might we see on this Yellowstone tour?

You may spot elk or other wildlife along the route but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Are entry fees or gear rentals included?

The use of a helmet is included; entry fees are not specifically mentioned but usually covered on guided tours.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Jackson Hole, all guidance from a professional local guide who knows every twist in the trail, bottled water to stash in your pack, lunch (gloves make sandwiches tricky), snacks for when hunger hits between stops, plus use of a helmet so you can focus on watching steam rise instead of worrying about safety gear.