Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone from Cody — Full-Day Tour to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & Hayden Valley
From pre-dawn departures in Cody to sunset views at Artist Point, this guided lower-loop tour delivers Yellowstone’s biggest highlights—Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Hayden Valley and more—on an efficient, interpretation-rich day trip. Ideal for first-time visitors who want guided wildlife viewing and geothermal context.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing with elevation—pack a windbreaker and insulating mid-layer for early morning and high-elevation stops.
Bring your own binoculars or use provided pair
Binoculars are supplied but personal optics speed up wildlife ID in Hayden Valley and along the lake.
Respect wildlife distances
Stay on the vehicle or designated pullouts; do not approach animals—park rules require at least 25 yards from most wildlife, 100 yards for bears and wolves.
Hydrate and snack between stops
This is an 11–12 hour day with limited walking—use included bottled water and bring a refillable bottle for ease.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Fishing Bridge trout-run viewing during late spring spawn
- •Quiet Gibbon Falls pullout for close-up photos away from larger crowds
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Elk (and occasional grizzly or black bear)
Conservation Note
Stay on boardwalks and follow guide instructions—high visitor pressure and fragile hydrothermal systems require strict protection and Leave No Trace practices.
Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in 1872; its landscape sits atop a living volcanic caldera that fuels the park’s geothermal features.
Photographer's Notes
- • Hayden Valley pullouts for wildlife
- • Artist Point for Lower Falls and canyon vistas
- • Midway Geyser Basin overlook for Grand Prismatic (traffic permitting)
What to Bring
Layered outerwearEssential
Warm mornings and cool high-elevation stops mean a packable jacket and fleece are useful.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Paved but sometimes uneven boardwalks call for shoes with grip and support.
Binoculars or spotting scope
Helpful for distant wildlife viewing in Hayden Valley; the operator provides binoculars but personal optics are faster.
Camera with wide and zoom lenses
Wide for landscapes like Artist Point, zoom for bison and elk—tripods are bulky for a moving tour.
Common Questions
Is the Yellowstone park entrance fee included?
Park entrance is not included; the tour price covers transportation, lunch, water and binoculars—pay the park fee separately if not already covered by a national parks pass.
Where does the tour pick up and drop off?
Pickups are available at Cody hotels or a meeting point; guests staying inside the park can meet at Fishing Bridge General Store at 9am—return is to the original pick-up location.
Are children and infants allowed?
Yes—infants can ride but must sit on a lap; the tour is stroller-accessible for short boardwalks and viewpoints.
Will I definitely see wildlife like bears and wolves?
No sightings are guaranteed—guides maximize viewing opportunities and will stop for wildlife, but animal behavior and weather influence sightings.
Are restrooms and food provided?
The tour includes a lunch and bottled water; there are rest stops at visitor centers and designated pullouts with restrooms along the route.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before departure; trips may be canceled for bad weather or insufficient travelers.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
11–12 hours
Location
Cody, Wyoming
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to board a van and walk short paved boardwalks (up to ~1 mile cumulatively).
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