Yellowstone Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: Explore Geysers, Wildlife & Scenic Stops
Drive Yellowstone with a GPS-driven audio guide that narrates geysers, wildlife and viewpoints as you go. Pre-download the GuideAlong tour, follow its suggested itineraries, and turn a long park day into a focused, informed adventure.
The Experience
Before You Go
Download before you enter
Pre-download the GuideAlong app and the audio tour over Wi‑Fi—no cell service is required inside the park.
Bring a car charger
Use a USB‑C car charger in the cigarette lighter to keep your phone charged and avoid Bluetooth pairing issues.
Respect thermal zones
Stay on boardwalks and trails—ground outside of them can be dangerously thin and hot.
Expect wildlife delays
Allow spare time for wildlife jams; pull fully off the road to observe and never approach animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Blacktail Plateau Drive for moody late-afternoon light and fewer cars
- •West Thumb Geyser Basin’s lakeside boardwalks—often quieter than the main basins
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Elk
Conservation Note
Thermal features are fragile—stay on boardwalks, pack out waste, and minimize idling in parking areas to reduce emissions.
Yellowstone was designated the world’s first national park in 1872; Indigenous peoples lived on and managed these lands for millennia prior to U.S. protection.
Photographer's Notes
- • Grand Prismatic Spring upper overlook
- • Artist Paintpots boardwalk
- • Artist Point on the Grand Canyon rim
What to Bring
Smartphone with GuideAlong appEssential
Required to run the downloaded audio tour and follow GPS-triggered narration.
USB‑C car chargerEssential
Keeps your phone charged for long days and prevents connection issues with vehicle systems.
Binoculars
Helps you scan Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley for distant wildlife without disturbing them.
Layered outerwearEssential
Yellowstone’s weather shifts quickly—bring breathable layers and a waterproof shell.
Common Questions
Do I need cell service to use the tour?
No. You must download the GuideAlong app and the audio tour over Wi‑Fi or cellular before entering the park; the tour runs offline using your phone’s GPS.
Can I start the tour from any park entrance?
Yes. The tour supports multiple start points and you can join anywhere along the route; the narration adjusts to your location.
Does one purchase cover everyone in the car?
Yes. Buy one tour per vehicle—everyone in the car can listen to the same downloaded tour.
Are guided stops timed or flexible?
The tour includes suggested stop durations and itineraries, but you control the pace: pause, skip, or spend more time where you choose.
Will the tour work with CarPlay or Android Auto?
Not currently. Listen through your phone’s speaker or pair via Bluetooth; avoid connecting the phone to the car USB port if possible.
What about park closures or seasonal road restrictions?
Check the National Park Service website for current road and closure info; the audio tour won’t override official park restrictions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
West Yellowstone, Montana
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking required at most pullouts
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