Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch

4.8 (213 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

213 reviews

4.8

Spotting wildlife near Slough Creek, Upper Loop. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Bear cub. Antelope Creek, Upper Loop. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This Wildlife Viewing Van Tour is a great way to see the unique animals of Yellowstone National Park. We begin in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone.

The early morning part of the tour explores wildlife haunts in the famous Shadow Canyon of the Madison River. This area is home to bear and elk.

Later we scope for wildlife on the shoulders of one of Yellowstone's tallest peaks, Mount Washburn.

Next we explore the Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America. We will use spotting scopes to look for wolves, bears and other wildlife. Enjoy a hot drink and morning snack while watching wolves.

Next we visit the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces for a short walk. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group near the van.

Finally, we head back toward West Yellowstone stopping for additional wildlife sightings along the way.

The day concludes back at West Yellowstone.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Safaris Likely to Sell Out Small Group Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Yellowstone Hiking Guides

Ages: Adults (6–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Van with large windows for wildlife sightings
Included: Brown Bag with snacks
Included: Carbonated beverages: Soda/Pop
Included: Bottled water
Included: Tea and coffee: Hot coffee/tea/cocoa while watching wildlife
Included: Spotting Scope for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
Included: Lunch: Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) *Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions*
Included: Binoculars for personal use to view wildlife

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees: Yellowstone Entrance Fee: Unless You Have an Annual Pass, which is good for 4 people in your party
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Madison River

30 min

Scope for wildlife along the Madison River in the early morning light. Bears and elk frequent this valley.
Mount Washburn

30 min

Scope for wildlife on driving up Mount Washburn. This area is home to grizzly bears and elk herds.
Lamar Valley

one hour

Lamar Valley is home to more than 60 species of mammal. Known as the Serengeti of North America, we will use spotting scopes to look for bears, wolves, bison and more! This is the richest wildlife valley in Yellowstone with the largest bison herd in North America. Wolves abound throughout the valley where they were reintroduced in 1995. This valley is also home to mountain goats, moose, big horn sheep, and other rare wildlife.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

20 min

We will take a short stroll on the boardwalks near the Liberty Cap thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Gibbon Meadows

Passing by

Scope for wildlife along the Gibbon River where elk and bison roam.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet in the parking lot in between the Madison Amphitheater and the Restrooms at 6:45AM. There is no cell service at this location.
For guests staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center during a window of 6AM to 6:15AM. Please do not pick a hotel that you are not staying at as your meeting location.

End point

We meet in the parking lot in between the Madison Amphitheater and the Restrooms at 6:45AM. There is no cell service at this location.
For guests staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center during a window of 6AM to 6:15AM. Please do not pick a hotel that you are not staying at as your meeting location.

Pickup points

Arrowhead Lodge by Arrowhead Properties
Best Western Desert Inn
The Historic Madison Hotel, Motel and Hostel
Stage Coach Inn
Pioneer Motel
Yellowstone Inn
Best Western Weston Inn
Al's Westward Ho Motel
Pine Shadows Motel
Yellowstone Townhouses
White Buffalo Hotel
Sleepy Hollow Lodge

and 28 more pickup points

We will meet at the lobby of any hotel in West Yellowstone of any or any vacation rental within the boundaries of West Yellowstone. Pick ups begin at 6AM.