Yellowstone Grand Loop: One-Day Tour of Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & Canyon
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness—long day with short, flat walks; be prepared for 9–10 hours of activity including on-foot viewing.
Overview
Cover Yellowstone’s entire Grand Loop in one long day, from Old Faithful’s eruptions to Grand Prismatic’s colors and the thunder of the canyon. This guided tour packs the park’s geology, wildlife, and key viewpoints into a 9–10 hour loop ideal for travelers short on time.
Yellowstone Grand Loop: One-Day Tour of Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & Canyon
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There’s a certain cadence to driving the Grand Loop: long stretches of lodgepole pines, the sudden flash of steam against a blue sky, then the full stop of a bison jam. On a single long day this tour stitches together Yellowstone’s most famous scenes — Old Faithful’s patient plume, the iridescent bowl of Grand Prismatic, travertine terraces that keep growing year by year, and the canyon’s thunderous falls — into a compact route that moves as much by sight and story as by miles.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring park pass
Park entry is not included—purchase a Yellowstone pass in advance or have your America the Beautiful pass ready at the gate.
Dress in layers
High elevation and shifting weather mean mornings can be cold and afternoons warm—pack insulating and waterproof layers.
Stay on boardwalks
Walk only on designated trails and boardwalks in hydrothermal areas to protect fragile features and for your safety.
Prepare for wildlife delays
Bison and elk often cause slowdowns; bring patience and keep distance so the driver can reposition safely.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison
- Elk
History
Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in 1872 and sits atop a large volcanic caldera whose heat feeds the park’s hydrothermal features.
Conservation
Stay on boardwalks and follow distance rules for wildlife—the park’s geothermal features are fragile and visitor behavior directly affects preservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in West Yellowstone, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing (base, insulating, shell)
Temperature swings and wind at higher elevations make layers essential.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Hydration for a long day of walking and sitting between stops.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Crucial for wildlife viewing and framing distant geysers and canyon walls.
Sturdy walking shoes
Comfortable shoes with grip are helpful for boardwalks and uneven short trails.