Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Self-Guided Walking Tour (Audio Guide + Fairy Falls Option)
Listen to the land. This self-guided audio walk leads you from the Fairy Falls Trailhead to a towering overlook above the Grand Prismatic Spring, pairing geology and local stories with easy-to-follow navigation. Add Fairy Falls for a longer hike and more perspective on Yellowstone’s geothermal heart.
The Experience
Before You Go
Download the app before arrival
Install Action Tour Guide and download the tour over Wi‑Fi; the app works offline but requires the password sent after booking.
Stay on the boardwalk
Thermal features and microbial mats are fragile—keep to the designated path to avoid injury and damage.
Bring headphones and extra battery
Use earbuds for the best audio experience and carry a battery pack—GPS narration can drain phones fast.
Time your visit for light and crowds
Arrive at dawn for mist and solitude or late afternoon for warm light; mid-day is busiest and hottest.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Firehole River pullout downstream of Midway for steam-swept reflections
- •The Fairy Falls overlook behind the Grand Prismatic for a broader perspective of the basin
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Elk
Conservation Note
Thermal features host delicate microbial life—stay on boardwalks, keep pets and drones away, and carry out all trash to protect these irreplaceable systems.
Early trappers and explorers including Osborne Russell recorded these thermal features in the 19th century; later, the region’s volcanic caldera shaped scientific study of geothermal systems.
Photographer's Notes
- • Grand Prismatic Overlook (panoramic sweep)
- • Boardwalk edge near the spring for close-up microbe mats
- • Fairy Falls trail junction for compositional distance shots
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Grip on wet boardwalks and uneven trail surfaces is essential.
Water bottle (1L+)Essential
Hydrate in the dry, high‑altitude air; there are no reliable potable sources on the loop.
Headphones/earbudsEssential
The audio guide is central to the experience—headphones keep the narration clear and immersive.
Light rain shell or layersEssential
Thermal basins create sudden steam and wind; layers handle temperature swings and brief rain.
Common Questions
Do I need a park entrance ticket?
Yes—this audio tour does not include park admission. Purchase your Yellowstone entry pass separately before arrival.
Can I use the tour without cell service?
Yes—download the Action Tour Guide app and the specific tour while you have Wi‑Fi or cellular; it functions offline after download.
How long is the walk to the overlook?
The main loop to the Grand Prismatic Overlook is about 1.6 miles round‑trip and typically takes 1–2 hours with stops; extending to Fairy Falls adds ~4 miles and about two hours.
Is the trail wheelchair accessible?
Boardwalk sections are flat but some areas and the Fairy Falls extension include uneven surfaces and stairs—full accessibility varies by exact vantage point.
What wildlife might I see?
Bison and elk are common near thermal basins and nearby meadows; always keep a safe distance and never approach wildlife.
What if the audio doesn’t start automatically?
Open the tour in the app and manually select the first story or point of interest; ensure location/GPS is enabled on your device.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1–2 hours (2–4 hours with Fairy Falls extension)
Location
West Yellowstone, Montana
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; steady walking on boardwalks and some uphill on the Fairy Falls spur if extended.
Ready to Explore West Yellowstone?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now