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Adventure Collective Journal

Full-Day Private Yellowstone Tour from Jackson with Lunch — Old Faithful, Hayden Valley & West Thumb

Full-Day Private Yellowstone Tour from Jackson with Lunch — Old Faithful, Hayden Valley & West Thumb

Spend a full day exploring Yellowstone’s Lower Loop with a local guide—Old Faithful, West Thumb, Hayden Valley and a scenic picnic lunch included. This private small-group tour balances in-vehicle comfort with short walks and prime wildlife chances.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
12 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Bring layers

Temperatures change quickly; pack a windproof jacket and insulating mid-layer for morning and evening stops.

Use provided optics

Guides bring spotting scopes—ask for help locating distant wildlife instead of trying to approach animals.

Protect the thermal features

Stay on boardwalks and marked trails; fragile thermal crusts can collapse and cause severe burns.

Hydrate and snack smart

Even on a vehicle tour, carry water and easy snacks to stay energized between picnic stops.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Lone Star Geyser (accessible by short trail for a quieter eruption view)
  • Black Sand Basin (smaller crowds, vivid mineral colors)

Wildlife

  • Bison
  • Elk

Conservation Note

Stick to boardwalks and marked paths to protect fragile thermal features; follow all wildlife-distance rules and practice Leave No Trace.

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872, established to protect its unique geothermal features and wildlife.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Early morning, Late afternoon/golden hour, Overcast mid-morning for softer light on thermal features
Key viewpoints:
  • Old Faithful viewing area for eruptions
  • Artist Point for a framed view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • West Thumb boardwalk for lakeside thermal shots
Subjects to capture:Geyser eruptions and thermal pools, Wide-angle valley and canyon vistas, Wildlife in Hayden Valley

What to Bring

Layered clothingEssential

Quickly adaptable to Yellowstone’s shifting temperatures and wind.

Sturdy walking shoesEssential

Required for boardwalks and short uneven trails at stops.

Binoculars or spotting scope

Helps spot wildlife in Hayden Valley and across large distances.

Camera with zoom lens

Captures geyser eruptions and distant animals better than a phone.

Common Questions

Is park admission included?

Park admission is not included; guides will explain the National Park pass purchase—the tour recommends the $80 annual pass for groups covering multiple parks.

Where does the tour start and end?

Pickup options include meeting at a departure point in Jackson or hotel pickup within the immediate Jackson area; confirm pickup location when you book.

How much walking is involved?

Most stops involve short, flat walks (5–30 minutes) on boardwalks or paved paths; no long hikes are required.

Are children and wheelchairs accommodated?

Yes—infants and strollers are allowed, and vehicles and many surfaces are wheelchair accessible; contact the operator for specialized wheelchair tours.

What wildlife might we see?

Common sightings include bison and elk; guides aim for Hayden Valley and other meadows for the best viewing opportunities, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours may be canceled for severe weather; the cancellation policy allows a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

12 hours

Location

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk short distances on boardwalks and stand for viewpoint stops.

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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