Yellowstone Upper Loop Private Tour — Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, Dunraven Pass & Wildlife
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness—short walks and several van transfers; must be able to stand and walk on uneven boardwalks.
Overview
Spend a private day driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop — from the steaming terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs to the drop of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with Dunraven Pass panoramas and guided wildlife stops along the way. This 7–8 hour tour pairs geology, history and high-probability wildlife viewing with a gourmet boxed lunch.
Yellowstone Upper Loop Private Tour — Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, Dunraven Pass & Wildlife
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The morning light in Gardiner strikes the Roosevelt Arch like a signal: daylong terrain, steam, and wildlife lie ahead. Guests climb into a private vehicle and roll north into a landscape that alternates between simmering ground and high alpine road. The guide steers with a practiced eye—scanning meadows for bison, pausing at pullouts where steam unfurls from terraces and the canyon drops away in ochre and cream.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures vary from valley to pass—bring a warm midlayer and a wind shell for Dunraven Pass.
Stay on boardwalks
Thermal areas are fragile and dangerous; follow your guide and marked paths at Mammoth and Norris.
Carry a small daypack
Keep water, snacks, camera, and sunscreen handy during short stops and overlooks.
Give wildlife space
Bears and bison are common—stay with the group and follow the guide’s distance rules for safety.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison
- Grizzly bear
History
The Roosevelt Arch at Gardiner was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt and marks an early symbolic entrance to the national park system.
Conservation
Stay on boardwalks and follow guide directions—thermal features and wildlife are highly sensitive to human disturbance, and minimizing time at any one animal reduces habituation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Gardiner, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing
Quick temperature shifts between valley and pass make layers essential.
Sturdy walking shoes
Boardwalks and short trail sections can be uneven and occasionally wet.
Sun protection (hat, SPF)
High-altitude sun and reflective snow or steam increase UV exposure.
summer specific
Small daypack
Keeps camera, water bottle, and personal items accessible during stops.