Yellowstone Lower Loop Day Tour from Cody: Old Faithful, Grand Canyon & Hot Springs
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—tour involves short walks (0.2–1 mile) at viewpoints and on boardwalks; minimal sustained exertion.
Overview
In one long, well-paced day from Cody, this Lower Loop minibus tour delivers Yellowstone’s headline attractions—Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Hayden Valley—paired with on-board narration, snacks and short, accessible walks.
Yellowstone Lower Loop Day Tour from Cody: Old Faithful, Grand Canyon & Hot Springs
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The minibus hums awake before dawn back in Cody, Wyoming; coffee cups warm in gloved hands as the road unspools toward the smells of geothermal steam and pine. By midmorning the land changes—sage flats open into meadows, meandering rivers glance off basalt rims, and the air grows thin and electric with underground heat. On a single day this guided Lower Loop tour moves like a curator through Yellowstone’s most iconic scenes: bubbling paint pots, the rainbow halo of Grand Prismatic, the thunder of Lower Falls, and the punctual spout of Old Faithful.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for rapid weather changes
Temperatures and conditions shift quickly at 7,000–8,000 ft; pack a light insulated jacket and a waterproof shell.
Bring closed-toe shoes with grip
Boardwalks near thermal areas can be wet and uneven—sturdy footwear reduces slips and makes short hikes comfortable.
Hydrate and pace yourself
High elevation can cause fatigue; drink water before and during the tour and avoid rapid exertion on stops.
Keep distance from wildlife
Do not approach animals—use binoculars and follow ranger rules; close encounters are dangerous and illegal.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison
- Elk
History
Yellowstone was designated the world’s first national park in 1872; early preservation advocates and the turn-of-the-century railroad tourism boom shaped access points and historic structures like Old Faithful Inn.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace and park rules—stay on boardwalks in thermal areas and keep distance from wildlife to protect fragile habitats and ensure visitor safety.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cody, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered outerwear
Warm, breathable layers and a waterproof shell handle wind, sun and sudden showers.
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and traction on boardwalks, stairs and uneven ground make stops easier and safer.
Sunglasses & sunhat
High-elevation sun is strong—protect your eyes and skin during open-valley stops.
summer specific
Personal binoculars or camera with zoom
Binoculars are provided, but a personal pair helps with wildlife viewing in Hayden Valley.