Yellowstone Full-Day Guided Tour: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & Wildlife
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11–12 hours
Fitness Level
Good stamina for a long day of on-and-off vehicle travel and multiple short walks at elevation.
Overview
Spend a full day with an expert guide exploring Yellowstone’s headline sights—Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lower Falls and Yellowstone Lake—while learning the park’s geology, ecology, and etiquette. This 11–12 hour tour balances efficient routing with time to watch wildlife and walk key boardwalks.
Yellowstone Full-Day Guided Tour: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & Wildlife
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The bus eases onto the ribbon of road and the first wall of steam rises ahead like a living thing—white lungs exhaling over a landscape that refuses to sit still. For eleven hours, the park arranges itself around the group: geysers that time their own theatrics, canyons that glow ochre under a shifting sky, and plains where bison mill like weathered monuments. The guide moves through this terrain with practiced calm, pointing out the arc of a bull moose in reed beds, explaining why the lake holds a colder story, and calling out the minutes until Old Faithful obligingly throws its column of water into the air.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early from Cody
If you’re joining from Cody, be ready for a 7:00 a.m. pickup to maximize daylight and beat crowds at popular stops.
Layer for extremes
Temperatures vary by elevation and thermal steam; bring a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even in summer.
Carry water and snacks
Although bottled water and lunch are provided, carry an extra refillable bottle—altitude and dry air increase dehydration risk.
Respect thermal areas and wildlife
Stay on boardwalks near geothermal features and keep at least 100 yards from bears and wolves—use binoculars for a closer look.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American bison
- Moose
History
Yellowstone was designated the world’s first national park in 1872; many trails and viewpoints follow routes charted by early park rangers and scientists.
Conservation
The park balances access with protection—stay on boardwalks to preserve fragile thermal features and follow Leave No Trace guidelines to limit visitor impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cody, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and tread for boardwalks, short hikes, and uneven viewing areas.
Layered jacket (windproof)
Morning chills and geyser steam can make temperatures swing quickly.
Refillable water bottle (1–2 L)
Hydration is key at high elevation and on long tour days.
Binoculars or camera with zoom
Essential for distant wildlife and capturing thermal features without disturbing them.