Explore the Yellowstone Caldera

5.0 (one review) 10 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

one review

5.0

Explore the Yellowstone Caldera — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Explore the Yellowstone Caldera, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Your guide is a professional photographer, with Wilderness First Aid and Master Naturalist certifications. In addition to providing any assistance you need with photographing all that you will see, your guide can also tell you about the history, geology, and ecology of the area.

Tours are entirely customizable to your interests. The listed itinerary is only a suggestion. All tours are private tours, for your group only, and can include as much or as little hiking as you'd like. All transportation, lunches, and use of optical equipment (binoculars and spotting scope) is included.

Tours are limited to Yellowstone's normal operating season, from April 17 through October 31. Winter tours are not available.

Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours 4WD Tours Involves Animals Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: Backroads Bear Adventures

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Lunch
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Yellowstone entrance fees required. $20 for US residents, $120 for international visitors. You may use an America the Beautiful pass instead of paying this fee.
Not included: Gratuities are optional but appreciated

Itinerary

Fountain Paint Pot

30 min

See a sampling of all the thermal features found in Yellowstone, including the best mud pot in the park
Grand Prismatic Spring

30 min

See Grand Prismatic one of two ways. Either stroll along the boardwalk, or hike up to the overlook (about 1 mile with a hill to climb at the end), depending on your group's interests and ability.
Old Faithful

1 h 30 min

We will stop at the Old Faithful geyser basin and see Old Faithful erupt (about every 60-90 minutes). While waiting, or afterwards, we can explore the geyser basin or the visitor center.
Kepler Cascades

5 min

Short stop to see Kepler Cascades, a series of waterfalls in a narrow canyon.
West Thumb Geyser Basin

30 min

Stroll along the boardwalk at West Thumb for views of beautiful thermal pools and Yellowstone lake.
Fishing Bridge

Passing by

Cross Fishing Bridge and optionally head out towards the east gate to try to see bears (if time and interest allows).
Lake Butte Overlook

5 min

Stop at the overlook for a spectacular view of the lake, then turn around and head back to Fishing Bridge, where we will turn north again.
Lehardy's Rapids

10 min

Stop to see rapids on the Yellowstone river. Seasonally, we may be able to see Harlequin ducks.
Dragon's Mouth Springs

10 min

Stop at Mud Volcano to see - and hear! - Dragon's Mouth, one of the most unique springs in the park.
Hayden Valley

Passing by

Drive through the Hayden Valley, where we have a chance to see wildlife such as bears or wolves. We will stop anywhere you like to see views or animals.
Upper Falls

10 min

Stop at the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River, viewable from an easily accessible overlook.
Lower Yellowstone River Falls

20 min

Stop to see the most spectacular waterfall in the park, a short walk from the parking lot, where the yellow stone of the canyon is on display.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Lone Mountain Ranch
Shoshone Condominium Hotel
Buck's T-4 Lodge
Corral Motel
Big Sky Resort Village Center
The Summit At Big Sky
Corral Motel
Huntley Lodge
Whitewater Inn Big Sky
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
The Lodge at Big Sky
Under Canvas West Yellowstone

and 41 more pickup points

We pick up from the area around Big Sky, or from West Yellowstone, or anywhere in between. We do not pick up from Bozeman, Gardiner, or most places inside the park.