Full-Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from Jackson: Old Faithful, Grand Canyon & Wildlife
Leave Jackson before sunrise and return after a marathon day across Yellowstone’s Lower Loop. This full‑day guided tour packs Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley wildlife viewing, and lakes and hot springs into a 12–13 hour route with food, park fees and a local guide included.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for temperature swings
Mornings in Jackson can be chilly while thermal basins and midday valleys warm quickly—dress in thin, insulating layers that you can shed.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Long day with limited services; hydration matters, especially at higher elevations and on sunny afternoons.
Keep distance from wildlife
Bison and bears move unpredictably—stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other large animals and follow your guide’s instructions.
Charge batteries and bring extra memory
Cell service is spotty; carry spare batteries or a power bank for cameras and phones used for navigation and photos.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Black Sand Basin pools for colorful microfeatures and fewer crowds
- •Fountain Paint Pot boardwalk for clear examples of mud pots and geothermal diversity
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Grizzly bear
Conservation Note
Practice Leave No Trace: stay on boardwalks, maintain safe distances from wildlife, and follow guide instructions to reduce impacts on thermal features and animal behavior.
Yellowstone was designated the world’s first national park in 1872 and sits atop a volcanic caldera whose heat powers the park’s hydrothermal features.
Photographer's Notes
- • Old Faithful viewing area
- • Artist Point overlooking Lower Falls
- • Hayden Valley pullouts for wildlife silhouettes
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Support and grip for boardwalks, short hills, and wet surfaces.
Layered clothing and rain shellEssential
Accommodates rapid temperature and weather changes across elevation.
Refillable water bottle (1–2L)Essential
Hydration for a long day with limited services; many parks have refill stations.
Zoom lens or spotting scope/binoculars
Bring a 200mm+ lens or binoculars to frame wildlife and distant geothermal features.
Common Questions
Is park entrance included?
Yes—park entrance fees are included in the tour price.
How long is the day and when does it start?
The tour runs about 12–13 hours. Departure is early from Jackson; exact pickup times are provided at booking.
Will we see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are common—bison and elk are frequent; grizzly bears and wolves are possible but not guaranteed.
Are meals provided?
A light breakfast and boxed lunch are included; you can request dietary options during booking.
What happens if the South Entrance is closed early season?
Before the second Friday in May the tour typically enters via the West Entrance from West Yellowstone and skips routing through Grand Teton Park.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes—minimum age is 6 for shared tours; private tours can be arranged for younger children.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
12–13 hours
Location
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect several short walks on uneven boardwalks and overlooks and a long day on and off the vehicle.
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