Yellowstone Two-Day Upper and Lower Loop Exploration — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & Lamar Valley Wildlife
Cover Yellowstone’s crown jewels in two days: Old Faithful eruptions, Grand Prismatic vistas, Lamar Valley wildlife and the Grand Canyon’s thunder. This guided loop blends geothermal spectacle with focused wildlife watching and short boardwalk walks.
The Experience
Before You Go
Acclimate to the altitude
Spend a few hours in Jackson or Gardiner before the tour if possible; the park sits between roughly 5,300–8,800 ft and you’ll notice the difference on longer walks.
Maintain wildlife distance
Use the provided scopes and keep at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other large animals — your guide will direct safe viewing spots.
Bring refillable water and snacks
Guides supply water and granola bars, but carry a liter per half-day and extra snacks for energy during long drives between stops.
Boardwalk etiquette
Stay on designated boardwalks around thermal areas — they protect fragile microbes and keep you safe from scalding water.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Firehole Canyon Falls swimming spots (seasonal) — a quick detour for a cool dip if conditions allow
- •The overlook near the Grand Prismatic Spring (Fairy Falls trail viewpoint) for a top-down composition away from crowds
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Gray wolf (in Lamar Valley)
Conservation Note
Stick to boardwalks and marked trails to protect fragile thermal features and microbial mats; maintain legal distances from wildlife and follow your guide’s instructions to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Yellowstone was designated the world’s first national park in 1872; its hydrothermal features are expressions of a massive volcanic caldera that remains thermally active.
Photographer's Notes
- • Old Faithful visitor area for eruption sequences
- • Grand Prismatic overlook (Fairy Falls trail viewpoint) for top-down color
- • Artist Point/Lookouts at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for waterfall vistas
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Closed-toe shoes with grip for boardwalks, wet pullouts and short trail sections.
Layered clothing (fleece + waterproof shell)Essential
Temperatures change quickly across elevation and day; layers keep you comfortable.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Useful for wildlife viewing in Lamar and Hayden Valleys — guides provide scopes, but personal optics let you frame shots.
Sunscreen and brimmed hatEssential
High-elevation sun is strong even on cool days; protect skin and eyes during long roadside stops.
Common Questions
Is park entrance fee included?
No — park entrance fees are collected at the gate and are not included in the tour price; bring your National Park pass or payment for entry.
Where will we stay overnight?
Lodging is arranged by travelers; the tour suggests Chico Hot Springs if available or hotels in Gardiner, MT — book early to secure rooms.
How likely is wildlife viewing?
High in valleys like Lamar and Hayden, but sightings aren’t guaranteed; early mornings and evenings increase chances and the guide will stop when animals are present.
Are the boardwalks and attractions accessible?
Many viewpoints and geyser boardwalks are accessible, but some stops include stairs or uneven surfaces; contact the operator with accessibility needs prior to booking.
What should I bring for the thermal areas?
Stay on boardwalks, bring a windproof layer, close-toed shoes, and avoid touching any thermal water — it can be dangerously hot and fragile to the park’s ecology.
What is the group size and pickup process?
Shared tours typically max at nine travelers; pickup is offered from Jackson-area hotels and other prearranged points and you’ll receive a final pickup time the day before departure.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 days
Location
Jackson, Wyoming
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition—most stops are short walks on boardwalks and viewing areas, but you should be comfortable walking up to a mile at a time and being on your feet for multiple short excursions throughout the day.
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