9 Best Yellowstone Tours for 2026: Guided Day Trips & Multi-Day Options

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Looking for the best Yellowstone National Park tours? This guide compares the most recommended day and multi-day guided tours, with details on what’s included, who each tour is best for, and how to check availability.

Yellowstone is one of the largest and most diverse National Parks in the USA, with forests, rivers, lakes, geothermal areas, a dramatic canyon, and excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Because the park is so large and the sights are spread out, planning a trip to Yellowstone takes some preparation, especially if you want to see the highlights in a limited time. This also means choosing the right base – see our guide to hotels near Yellowstone National Park if you’re still deciding where to stay. If you’d rather leave the planning and driving to someone else, there’s a wide range of guided Yellowstone tours to choose from.

From private tours to small-group trips, and from one-day tours to multi-day itineraries, there’s no shortage of Yellowstone tour options – but that’s exactly what makes choosing one overwhelming. That’s why we created this guide. Below, you’ll find our hand-picked selection of the best Yellowstone tours for different seasons and trip lengths, including summer and winter options, with practical details like departure location, duration, group size, and timing.

TIP: If you’re planning to visit Yellowstone on your own, see our Yellowstone travel guide for suggested itineraries, must-see stops, and practical planning tips. You can also use Viator’s self-driving audio tours for Yellowstone and Grand Teton if you want route guidance without booking a guided tour.

 

Good to know: Tour inclusions vary. Some Yellowstone tours include lunch and/or national park entry fees, while others do not. Always check what’s included when comparing tours, especially park entry fees, meals, accommodations (for multi-day tours), and hotel pick-up locations.

Here are some of the best Yellowstone tours:

1. Yellowstone Day Tour from Jackson or Teton Village

This day tour is one of the best-rated and most complete day trips to Yellowstone. It allows you to see the main landmarks of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop in one day.

You’ll visit the Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, the Midway Geyser Basin with the famous Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Fountain Paint Pots.

This tour also visits the main viewpoints of the Yellowstone Canyon Area and Hayden Valley, one of the best places to see bison and other wildlife. Plus, it stops at several other lesser-known areas in the southern part of the park.

During the day, you take several short walks to geyser basins and scenic points. Most places in this itinerary have boardwalks and are easily accessible.

• When: May – October
• Where: From Jackson or Teton Village, Wyoming
• Duration: 1 day
• Private or small-group tour
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see all the main landmarks of Yellowstone as a day trip from the Jackson Hole area.
• How to book: You can see availability, customer reviews, and current departure times, and book this popular Yellowstone day tour on GetYourGuide.
• Good to know: Most Yellowstone day tours follow a similar route, focusing on the highlights of the Lower Loop. However, not all tours include all the top sights. For example, this popular tour (also available in the shoulder season) includes a few photo stops in Grand Teton National Park on the way to Yellowstone, but skips the Midway Geyser Basin with the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring.

2. Private Yellowstone Day Tour

This private day tour is a good choice if you want a flexible itinerary and a guide dedicated exclusively to your group. Unlike standard small-group tours with a fixed route, this tour is tailored to your interests, timing, and conditions on the day of your visit.

You’ll cover Yellowstone’s top sights, with room to add lesser-known stops along the way. Because it’s a private tour, your guide can adjust the route as you go, taking road conditions, crowd levels, and your preferences into account.

This option is especially great for families or small groups who don’t want to drive or plan logistics themselves, but prefer a more relaxed, personalized day rather than a tightly scheduled group itinerary. Pricing is per group, which can work out well for families or small groups compared to booking individual spots on a group tour.

• When: Year-round (seasonal road access applies)
• Where: Pickup available from West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Old Faithful area, and select locations near the park. If you are staying in the Jackson Hole area, check out this tour instead; it can be booked as a private tour as well
• Duration: Full day
• Private tour
• Who is this tour for: Best for families, couples, or small groups who want a fully private experience with a flexible itinerary tailored to their interests.
• How to book: Check availability, reviews, and inclusions, and book this private tour on Viator.

3. Yellowstone 2-Day Tour: Upper & Lower Loops

If you have two days in Yellowstone and want to visit the park with a tour, then look no further. This highly-rated 2-day tour has a very good itinerary covering all the main landmarks on the Lower as well as the Upper Loop. It gives you a more complete picture of what Yellowstone is about than the one-day tours that only visit the Lower Loop.

Furthermore, this tour includes quite a few stops at lesser-known places allowing you to get the absolute most out of your short visit without having to plan anything yourself.

This tour is a great option for travelers who want a complete overview of Yellowstone in just two days, and it’s consistently highly rated by previous travelers.

• When: Best between May and October
• Where: Starts and ends in Jackson or Teton Village, Wyoming
• Duration: 2 full days
• Small-group tour
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for those who want to see all the major areas of Yellowstone in the shortest possible time.
• How to book: You can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this 2-day tour on Viator or on GetYourGuide.
• Good to know: Overnight accommodation is not included and is arranged separately after booking.

4. Yellowstone & Grand Teton 2-Days Wildlife Tour

If you are mostly interested in wildlife, then this 2-day tour of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks might be just what you’re looking for.

The first day starts with wildlife viewing at Grand Teton National Park, followed by a visit to the main Yellowstone attractions along the eastern side of the park (West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone). You end the day at Lamar Valley, one of the very best places for wildlife in Yellowstone.

On the second day, you pay an early visit to Lamar Valley. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see animals and this tour maximizes these opportunities by going to the best places at the best times. The tour then follows the western side of the loop, passing Mammoth Hot Springs and the Old Faithful areas.

• When: On Saturday and Sunday, between May and October
• Where: Starts and ends in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Duration: 2 full days (1 night)
• Small-group tour
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for first-timers who want to visit two parks in the shortest time possible.
• Good to know: Overnight accommodation is included, so you don’t have to worry about any practicalities.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book this 2-day tour on GetYourGuide.

5. Yellowstone & Grand Teton 4-Days Tour

If you want to combine a trip to Yellowstone with that to the nearby Grand Teton National Park, consider this highly-rated 4 days/ 3 nights tour. It gives you a great opportunity to see the very best of both parks, while also providing lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

This is a very complete tour that includes a knowledgeable local guide, comfortable transportation, 3 nights accommodation, breakfasts, snacks and refreshments, and also National Park entrance tickets and even binoculars. It’s a small-group tour for maximum of 10 people.

If you want to see the very best that Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks have to offer without having to worry about any practical aspects of the trip, then you cannot go wrong with this tour!

• When: Departures on Tuesdays and Fridays between mid-April and early October
• Where: Starts and ends in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Duration: 4 full days
• Small-group tour
• Good to know: Overnight accommodations are included.
• Who is this tour for: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive visit to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks without having to plan or arrange the logistics themselves.
• How to book: You can find all the details, read customer reviews, check availability and book this 4-day tour on GetYourGuide.

READ ALSO: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary Suggestions

6. Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone

This highly-rated day tour departs from West Yellowstone and focuses on the Upper Loop of Yellowstone National Park, with time in Lamar Valley, one of the park’s best areas for wildlife viewing.

Because the itinerary is quite different from most Yellowstone day tours (which focus on the Lower Loop), this is a good option if you want to see a less-visited part of the park. It also works well as a complement to a Lower Loop tour, or if you’re covering the main highlights on your own and want to focus specifically on wildlife.

• When: May – September
• Where: From West Yellowstone (one of the best places to stay near Yellowstone)
• Duration: Around 8 hours
• Small-group tour
• Who is this tour for: A good choice for travelers who want to explore the Upper Loop and improve their chances of seeing wildlife, without driving themselves.
• How to book: Check availability, reviews, and inclusions, and book this Upper Loop & Lamar Valley tour on Viator.

7. Kayak Tours on Yellowstone Lake

If you are visiting Yellowstone in summer and are looking to get off the beaten path, travel slower, and explore deeper, then you may want to consider a kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake.

It’s a unique opportunity to see some of Yellowstone’s landmarks such as the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the Potts Geyser Basin from a different angle. Furthermore, you might get lucky and see some wildlife along the shores from the safety of your kayak.

No previous kayaking experience is required and this is a family-friendly activity. Kayaking equipment is provided and lunch is included.

• When: May/June – mid September
• Where: From Grant Village Marina
• Duration: Half-day or full-day options available
• Small-group tour
• Who is this tour for: Perfect for people who are looking for a fun activity and want to get off the beaten path in Yellowstone.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, and book kayak tours in Yellowstone.

8. Yellowstone Rafting Tours

If you are visiting Yellowstone in summer and are looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours or a day, you can also consider one of the rafting tours in the area.

From easy scenic float tours to more adventurous rafting trips on rapids classified as class II or class III, there is a suitable rafting experience for everyone.

It’s not a must-do, but it’s a nice way to add variety to your Yellowstone itinerary and see the surrounding landscapes from the water. It’s also a great activity for families, especially those with older kids or teenagers.

• When: May to Mid-September
• Where: From Gardiner, MT (North Yellowstone) or Jackson, WY (South)
• Duration: 2 hours for a scenic float and short rafting tour and 5 hours for a ‘full-day’ tour
• Small-group tour
• Who is this tour for: Rafting is a great activity for those who are looking for a fun activity in Yellowstone beyond hiking and visiting natural landmarks.
• How to book: Here you can see more information, availability, customer reviews, compare and book rafting tours on Viator.

9. Yellowstone Winter Day Tour

Because most Yellowstone roads are closed to regular vehicles in winter, visiting the park usually requires a guided tour. Winter tours fall into two main categories, depending on which part of Yellowstone you want to see.

Option 1: Snowcoach or snowmobile tours

Most winter day tours depart from the Jackson Hole area and focus on the western side of Yellowstone. These tours travel by snowcoach or snowmobile and typically visit the Old Faithful area, along with other geothermal features that are accessible in winter.

This option is ideal if you want to see geysers and Yellowstone’s iconic winter. Wildlife sightings are common as well, with bison frequently seen along the route.

• When: Mid-December to mid-March
• Where: From Jackson or Teton Village, Wyoming
• Duration: Full day
• Small-group tour
• How to book: Check availability, reviews, and inclusions, and book a snowcoach tour or, if you prefer a more active experience, a snowmobile tour.

TIP: If you’re visiting this side of Yellowstone in winter, consider adding nearby Grand Teton National Park. Winter is one of the best times to see elk there. This popular half-day wildlife tour and this full-day tour both focus on winter wildlife viewing.

Good to know: Winter tours usually only open for booking closer to the season, so if you don’t see availability yet, check again a few weeks before your trip.

Option 2: Northern Yellowstone & Lamar Valley winter tours

Another way to visit Yellowstone in winter is from the northern side of the park, where some roads remain open year-round. These tours usually depart from Gardiner or Bozeman and visit Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.

This option focuses on winter scenery and wildlife viewing. Lamar Valley is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot animals in winter, including bison, wolves, and elk.

• When: November to mid-April
• Where: From Gardiner or Bozeman, Montana
• Duration: Half- to full-day
• Small-group tour

How to book: If you’re interested in the northern side of the park, check this Lamar Valley winter tour.

This is our hand-picked selection of the best Yellowstone day tours, multi-day trips, and organized activities. Whether you have just one day or several, there’s a tour option that makes it easier to see the park’s highlights without worrying about logistics.

If you’re looking for more practical information about visiting Yellowstone National Park on your own, take a look at our Yellowstone travel guide and the related articles below.

Yellowstone Tours FAQ

Here are some common questions readers often ask when planning a trip to Yellowstone.

Can you tour Yellowstone on your own?

Yes, of course. In the main season (mid-May to mid-October), it’s easy to visit Yellowstone independently. Most major sights are accessible via the Grand Loop Road. That said, the park is very large, so good planning is essential. See our Yellowstone itinerary suggestions for help organizing your time.

Are there guided tours of Yellowstone?

Yes. In addition to visiting on your own, you can choose from a wide range of guided tours. These include one-day tours that focus on the main highlights, as well as multi-day trips that often combine Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park.

Where do Yellowstone tours start?

Most Yellowstone tours depart from Jackson Hole (Jackson, WY, or Teton Village). There are also tours starting from West Yellowstone, Cody, and the northern side of the park. If you’re deciding where to stay specifically for tours, Jackson Hole generally offers the widest selection.

Is it worth visiting Yellowstone if you only have one day?

Yes. Even with just one day, you can see several of Yellowstone’s top sights, such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can either join a guided day tour or visit independently – in that case, see our suggested 1-day Yellowstone itinerary.

More information for visiting Yellowstone:

• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Yellowstone & Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park
• Detailed itineraries: 1 Day in Yellowstone & 2 Days in Yellowstone
• When to go: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
• What to see: Things to Do in Yellowstone & Best Places on Yellowstone South Loop
• Summer trip: Tips for Visiting Yellowstone in Summer
• For families: Yellowstone with Kids
• Packing: What to Pack for Yellowstone in Summer

Is Yellowstone part of a bigger road trip? Take a look at these guides as well:

• Grand Teton NP: One Day in Grand Teton NP
• Two parks in one trip: Grand Teton and Yellowstone
• Jackson Hole: Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Glacier NP: Glacier National Park Itinerary
• Mount Rushmore: What to Do at Mount Rushmore & Nearby & Where to Stay near Mt Rushmore

TIP: Found this guide useful? Save it for later, share it with travel companions, or bookmark it for planning your Yellowstone trip.