Old Faithful Snow Lodge: 4-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Small-Group Tour
Spend four days from Salt Lake City to Old Faithful and the Tetons with guided access to Yellowstone’s geysers, terraces, and wildlife-rich valleys. This small-group tour combines evenings at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge with in-depth daytime walks, scenic viewpoints, and expert guidance—ideal if you want a compact, well-paced Yellowstone experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for temperature swings
Daytime near thermal areas can be mild but mornings and evenings at 7,000+ ft are cold—pack a warm midlayer and wind shell.
Bring binoculars
Hayden Valley and dawn at Jackson Lake are best viewed with 8x–10x binoculars to spot bison, elk, and waterfowl from a safe distance.
Stay on boardwalks
Thermal features are fragile and dangerously hot—do not step off designated paths and keep children close.
Plan flexible flights
Airport pickup window is 10am–8pm and return service suggests flights after 9pm on day four to avoid missed connections.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunrise at Swan Lake Overlook near Jackson for quiet Teton reflections
- •Walk the less-crowded boardwalk loops around Morning Glory Pool early to see color without the midday crush
Wildlife
- •American bison
- •Mule deer (and occasionally elk)
Conservation Note
Visitors are routed along boardwalks and designated roads to protect fragile thermal features and the park’s wildlife corridors; follow leave-no-trace practices and maintain distance from animals.
Yellowstone was established in 1872 as the world’s first national park; geothermal features here are part of a late-Pleistocene volcanic system shaped over hundreds of thousands of years.
Photographer's Notes
- • Old Faithful viewing area
- • Grand Prismatic Overlook
- • Artist Point at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
What to Bring
Waterproof/lightweight shellEssential
Wind and sudden showers are common—use a breathable shell to stay dry and comfortable.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Boardwalks can be wet and trails muddy; ankle support and good tread help on uneven ground.
Binoculars
Essential for scanning Hayden Valley and spotting distant wildlife without moving off trails.
Layered clothingEssential
Temperatures swing with elevation and time of day—base layer, insulating layer, and shell cover most conditions.
Common Questions
How strenuous are the hikes on this tour?
Most walks are short to moderate (0.3–2 miles) on boardwalks or well-maintained trails; no technical hiking is required, but expect multiple short walks each day.
Is Old Faithful Snow Lodge open year-round?
The Snow Lodge operates seasonally—confirm exact dates—some park roads and features open later in spring; the operator notes specific gate opening dates for early May.
What about wildlife viewing opportunities?
Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are prime for bison, elk, and birdlife; dawn and dusk are best—guides will position the group for distant viewing and safety briefings.
Will I need a park pass or extra fees?
All park entry and admission fees are included in the tour; you won’t need to purchase separate day passes for the scheduled itinerary.
How does altitude affect the trip?
Old Faithful sits near 7,300 ft; mild altitude symptoms (headache, shortness of breath) are possible—stay hydrated, pace yourself, and inform guides of concerns.
Are meals included?
Hot breakfasts are included on Days 2–4; dinners and some lunches are on your own, and guides will advise good local options.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 days
Location
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in good general health who can handle long days of sightseeing and short (0.5–2 mile) hikes at altitude.
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