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Adventure Collective Journal

2-Day Private Tour of Yellowstone National Park: Lower & Upper Loops from Jackson Hole

2-Day Private Tour of Yellowstone National Park: Lower & Upper Loops from Jackson Hole

Cover Yellowstone’s iconic geothermal wonders and wildlife-rich valleys in two purposeful days. A local guide times the best views of Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Lamar Valley while handling logistics so you can focus on the scenery.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
2 days (full days in park)
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Layer for rapid weather changes

Temperatures fluctuate dramatically between parking lots and canyon rims—carry a warm midlayer and a waterproof shell.

Early starts for wildlife

Hayden and Lamar Valleys are most active at dawn and dusk; be ready to observe quietly from the vehicle or designated pullouts.

Respect thermal feature rules

Stay on boardwalks and marked trails—thermal crusts are fragile and can be lethal if broken.

Bring binoculars and spare batteries

Binoculars are included, but a personal pair and extra camera batteries make wildlife and low-light photography much easier.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Blacktail Plateau Drive for quieter wildlife viewing
  • Bunsen Peak trail for quick summit views without long approach

Wildlife

  • bison
  • grizzly bear

Conservation Note

The park relies on Leave No Trace practices—stay on designated paths, pack out trash, and keep wildlife wild by observing from approved distances.

Designated in 1872, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park and preserves both cultural routes used by Indigenous peoples and unique geothermal geology.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour / sunrise, Dawn and dusk wildlife windows, Late afternoon for canyon colors
Key viewpoints:
  • Old Faithful boardwalks for eruptions
  • Artist Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • Lamar Valley pullouts for wildlife silhouettes
Subjects to capture:geothermal pools and microbial mats, wildlife in valleys (bison, elk, bears), waterfalls and rhyolite canyon walls

What to Bring

Waterproof jacketEssential

Protects against sudden mountain rain and wind during canyon and meadow stops.

Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Provides traction and comfort on boardwalks, trails, and short uneven scrambles.

Binoculars

Helps pick out wildlife at distance in Lamar and Hayden Valleys (guide supplies a pair, but personal optics are handy).

Daypack with waterEssential

Carries layers, snacks, and water for long stops and photo sessions.

Common Questions

Do I need a park entrance fee?

No—the tour includes Yellowstone National Park entrance fees for the vehicle and passengers.

How much walking is involved?

Expect a moderate amount of walking—most stops are short boardwalks or overlooks (0.5–2 miles total per stop) rather than long hikes.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed; the guide maximizes opportunities by visiting prime valleys at dawn and dusk.

Where will we stay on the first night?

Lodging is provided in West Yellowstone or Gardiner, MT—your pickup location in Jackson Hole will be confirmed at booking.

Are meals included?

Light breakfasts, picnic lunches, a dinner on night one, and provided snacks are included as noted in the itinerary.

What about cell service and accessibility?

Cell coverage is intermittent across the park; the tour is stroller-accessible for infants and involves minimal strenuous activity.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

2 days (full days in park)

Location

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Able to handle multiple short walks (0.5–2 miles) on uneven boardwalks and tolerate long vehicle hours

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Yellowstone National Park?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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