2-Day Private Yellowstone Tour: Upper and Lower Loops with Wildlife & Geysers
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly vehicle-based with short, easy walks (up to a few miles of flat to moderate trails).
Overview
Two days of curated Yellowstone: wildlife-packed vistas on the Upper Loop and geothermal spectacle on the Lower Loop, delivered by a private guide with meals, scopes and hotel pickup. Expect close-up bison, steaming geyser basins and the canyoned roar of the Yellowstone River.
2-Day Private Yellowstone Tour: Upper and Lower Loops with Wildlife & Geysers
Select participants and date
The morning air in Gardiner tastes of sage and diesel as a private van eases onto the park road and the first ridges of the Yellowstone Plateau unfold. For two days, the van becomes a small moving observatory: spotting scopes unroll, guides interpret distant silhouettes on the valley floor, and the landscape alternates between solemn pine stands and the steaming, mineral-scarred theater of the geothermal basins.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring layered clothing
High plateau weather shifts quickly—mornings can be cold and afternoons warm; pack a windproof shell and insulating mid-layer.
Use telephoto lenses and binoculars
Wildlife viewing often happens at a distance—bring binoculars or an 300mm+ lens to capture animals without disturbing them.
Respect thermal boardwalks
Stay on designated walkways in geothermal areas; off-trail travel can be deadly and damages fragile systems.
Hydrate and pace yourself
At 7,000+ feet elevation, drink water frequently and avoid overexertion during short walks between overlooks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American bison
- Bald eagle
History
Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in 1872; the park’s hydrothermal features were documented by trappers and explorers in the early 19th century.
Conservation
Stay on trails and boardwalks to protect fragile thermal features; support Leave No Trace and follow park rules to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Gardiner
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Comfortable trail shoes for boardwalks and short uneven trails.
Binoculars or spotting scope
Essential for spotting distant wildlife in Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley.
Layered clothing and sun protection
Sunhat, SPF, insulating mid-layer and a wind shell for variable plateau conditions.
Telephoto lens or long prime (for photographers)
300mm+ focal length helps capture wildlife without getting too close.