Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful

4.9 (477 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

477 reviews

4.9

Vistas of Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This Active Van Tour is a great way to see Yellowstone National Park beginning 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 hike to an overlook of the famous Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group.

Next we explore the Old Faithful area, including some time at the famous Old Faithful Inn.

We continue over the continental divide and down to the West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake for a view of some spectacular lakeside thermal pools.

Continuing our drive along Yellowstone Lake we arrive at the Mud Volcano near the Hayden Valley. See bison roam along the Yellowstone River.

Finally, we arrive at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to view the canyon and the amazing Lower Falls at Artist Point. 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: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Yellowstone Hiking Guides

Ages: Adults (6–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Binoculars for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
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
Included: Lunch: Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) *Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions*
Included: Spotting scope for viewing wildlife at a safe distance

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

Drive along the Madison River and watch wildlife in the early morning light.
Grand Prismatic Spring

45 min

Hike to a viewpoint of the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. This hike is along an old stagecoach road before climbing 200 feet to see one of the largest hot springs on earth. We arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. This is a must see while visiting Yellowstone!
Old Faithful

one hour

We watch Old Faithful erupt near the historic Old Faithful Inn. If time permits, you can explore the Inn or the Visitor Center to learn more about Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes.
Stop 4

5 min

We take a short stop at the Continental Divide, where water drains to the Gulf and Pacific Ocean.
West Thumb Geyser Basin

30 min

This beautiful geyser basin along the shores of Yellowstone Lake has hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. We hike a boardwalk trail to see the Fishing Cone and Black Pool.
Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area

10 min

We take a short stroll to the Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth. Listen to the super volcano breath with powerful mud churning and steam billowing out.
Hayden Valley

30 min

We stop for wildlife viewing in one of Yellowstone's most iconic valleys. This valley is home to more bears than anywhere else in the Park. We sometimes spot wolves, elk, and trumpeter swans along the Yellowstone River.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

20 min

Stop to see stunning views of the wonderous colors and thundering falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. We take a short break at Artist Point to see the 308 foot Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Meeting point

This is not the Madison Campground. This the parking lot where the restrooms are located near the Madison Amphitheater. We meet here at 7:45AM. There is no cell reception at this location.
For travelers staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center parking lot. We meet here during a window of 7AM to 7:15AM once all hotel pickups are completed.

End point

This is not the Madison Campground. This the parking lot where the restrooms are located near the Madison Amphitheater. We meet here at 7:45AM. There is no cell reception at this location.
For travelers staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center parking lot. We meet here during a window of 7AM to 7:15AM once all hotel pickups are completed.

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 you at the lobby of any hotel in West Yellowstone or any vacation rental located within the boundaries of West Yellowstone. For travelers who are staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Please do not pick a hotel where you are not staying as your meeting point.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.