drive-and-listen-yellowstone-self-guided-audio-tour
Turn a long day of driving into a guided expedition with a self-guided audio tour of Yellowstone. Download the app before arrival and follow a mapped route past geysers, hot springs and iconic wildlife at your own pace.
The Experience
Before You Go
Download before you enter
Cell service is patchy—download the Action Tour Guide tour and any maps while you have Wi‑Fi so the audio and offline maps work inside the park.
Buy one tour per vehicle
A single password unlocks the audio for everyone in your car—cheaper than per-person audio services and perfect for family trips.
Respect wildlife distances
Bison and elk will approach roads; stay in your vehicle or keep a minimum of 100 yards away from bears and wolves for safety.
Plan your timing
Start early to avoid crowds at Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic and to increase your chances of wildlife sightings in Lamar and Hayden valleys.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Boiling River (natural hot spring soak where permitted)
- •Shoshone Lake viewpoint for quiet shoreline access
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Gray wolf
Conservation Note
The park manages large-scale conservation efforts like wolf reintroduction and strict rules around geothermal features and wildlife viewing to protect fragile ecosystems and visitor safety.
Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in 1872 after explorations that revealed its geothermal wonders; many features were used and named by Indigenous peoples long before park status.
Photographer's Notes
- • Grand Prismatic overlook (for the full color rings)
- • Artist Point at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- • Lamar Valley pullouts for wildlife photography
What to Bring
Reusable water bottleEssential
Long stretches between services make hydration essential.
Layered jacket (windproof)Essential
Temperatures at higher elevations can be chilly even in summer—layers let you adapt quickly.
Binoculars
Compact binoculars bring distant wildlife and geyser details into focus.
Portable phone charger (car-friendly)Essential
You’ll rely on your phone for the audio app and maps; keep it charged for the whole loop.
Common Questions
Do I need a park entrance pass?
Yes—this audio tour does not include park entry. Purchase a valid Yellowstone pass at entrance stations or online before arrival.
Can I start the tour from any park entrance?
Yes—the tour supports starts from all five entrances and can be followed clockwise or counterclockwise; choose the starting point in the app that matches where you enter.
Will the audio play without cell signal?
Yes—download the tour and required files over Wi‑Fi or cellular before entering the park; after download the app works offline.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes—the narration is family-friendly and the app allows you to pause at any stop for snacks, bathrooms or short hikes.
Are restrooms and fuel available along the route?
Services are intermittent—fill up in gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner or Cody and use visitor centers for restrooms and water refills.
Are roads open year-round?
No—many roads close seasonally (Grand Loop sections close for winter). Check the NPS website for current road status; only the road between the North and Northeast entrances remains open to regular vehicles in winter.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5–6 hours
Location
West Yellowstone, Montana
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required—be prepared for a full day of sitting, short walks and standing at overlooks.
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