Wildlife and Waterfalls

Key Points

• Private Tour for Up to Four People: Exclusively yours, with a cost of $900 for the entire group.
• Seven to Nine Hours of Exploration: Includes multiple stops around Yellowstone’s most iconic sites.
• Wildlife Spotting Focus: Seek bison, elk, wolves, and bears in Hayden Valley.
• Waterfalls and Scenic Views: Visit Lower Yellowstone River Falls, Gibbon Falls, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
• Included Lunch and Equipment: Picnic-style lunch, snacks, soda, and binoculars are provided.
• Pickup and Air-Conditioned Transport: Convenience of pickup at West Yellowstone and comfortable vehicle.

Discover Yellowstone’s Wildlife in Hayden Valley

The tour begins in Hayden Valley, a prime location for wildlife watching. The guide leads the group through this expansive area, where bison, elk, wolves, and bears are frequently seen. This stop typically lasts about an hour, and admission tickets for Hayden Valley are included in the tour price. Expect to spend plenty of time out of the vehicle, walking and scanning the landscape for signs of wildlife.

Hayden Valley’s open terrain offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, making it ideal for those eager to see animals in their natural habitat. The guide’s expertise ensures you maximize your chances of spotting these creatures, while keeping the experience enjoyable and relaxed.

Marvel at the Lower Yellowstone River Falls

A major highlight of this tour is the visit to the Lower Yellowstone River Falls, part of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This 30-minute stop allows visitors to see this spectacular waterfall flowing over the rim of the Yellowstone Caldera. The view is breathtaking, and it’s one of Yellowstone’s top scenic spots.

While here, travelers can take in the impressive cascade, which exemplifies Yellowstone’s volcanic history. No admission fee applies at this stop, and it offers great photo opportunities from various vantage points along the rim.

Walk Along the Shores of Yellowstone Lake

Next, the tour heads to Yellowstone Lake, the largest alpine lake in the United States. During this 30-minute stop, visitors walk along the shoreline, enjoying views of the clear, blue water and rugged mountains. The guide keeps an eye out for wildlife that resides along the lake’s shores.

The expansive lake scenery provides a tranquil setting, perfect for appreciating Yellowstone’s natural beauty. While exploring, guests may also get lucky spotting waterfowl or other aquatic wildlife, making this stop both scenic and potentially wildlife-rich.

Gibbon Falls: A Smaller but Striking Waterfall

The tour includes a brief 15-minute visit to Gibbon Falls, flowing over the rim of Yellowstone Caldera. Despite being smaller than other waterfalls, Gibbon Falls impresses with its power and scenic setting. It’s easily accessible from the road, making it a quick but memorable stop.

This waterfall’s flow over the caldera rim offers an intimate look at Yellowstone’s volcanic landscape. Visitors can enjoy the view and take photos, capturing the contrast between the flowing water and rugged surroundings.

Hiking Trails at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

A key feature of this tour is the 45-minute exploration of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Visitors can hike along trails on the canyon’s rim, offering stunning views of the canyon and its two waterfalls—Gibbon Falls and the Lower Yellowstone River Falls.

This area showcases Yellowstone’s volcanic past, with vibrant canyon walls and powerful waterfalls. The hikes are manageable and suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, providing an up-close experience of this remarkable geological feature.

All-Inclusive Food and Equipment

A picnic-style lunch is included, featuring options like turkey, roast beef, ham, veggie, and PB&J sandwiches. Along with lunch, the tour provides snacks, soda, and binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing. The vehicle used for transportation is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the long day.

This thoughtful inclusion allows guests to focus on enjoying the scenery without worrying about food or equipment, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable.

Convenient Pickup and Private Group Experience

The tour departs from West Yellowstone, at 124 Yellowstone Ave. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, allowing for a personalized experience. The tour ends back at the starting point, with the flexibility to tailor the pace and stops based on your interests.

Pickup is offered, simplifying logistics, and the group size is limited to four people, ensuring plenty of space and attention from the guide.

Physical Demands and Weather Considerations

Participants should have moderate physical fitness, as the tour involves some walking and hiking along trails and canyon rims. The tour is weather-dependent; in case of poor weather, the experience may be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund, ensuring safety and comfort.

Preparedness for outdoor conditions enhances the enjoyment of this nature-focused tour, which emphasizes outdoor activities and scenic views.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The tour is highly popular, with an average booking lead time of 113 days in advance. Cancellation is free if made 24 hours prior, offering flexibility for unforeseen changes. The price includes admission tickets to the stops, but a Yellowstone Park Pass is required for $30 per two persons.

This straightforward policy makes planning straightforward, especially for travelers with tight schedules or uncertain plans.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The Wildlife and Waterfalls tour offers a well-rounded Yellowstone experience with scenic water features, wildlife sightings, and hiking. Its focus on exploring more outside the vehicle provides a more immersive connection to nature. The knowledgeable guides and inclusion of lunch, snacks, and binoculars add convenience and value.

The private arrangement and the 7 to 9 hours duration make it suitable for those seeking a tailored, in-depth day in Yellowstone. Its high rating of 5.0 based on 20 reviews and recommended by 100% of participants reflect its quality and appeal.

Final Thoughts on the Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour

This tour appeals most to visitors who want to see Yellowstone’s iconic wildlife and waterfalls without the rush of large group tours. Its personalized approach, combined with expert guidance and inclusive amenities, makes for a memorable day.

While the physical activity and outdoor conditions require some preparation, the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings more than justify the effort. The $900 fee covers a comprehensive experience for up to four people, making it an excellent choice for small groups or families.

Travelers who appreciate nature, geology, and wildlife will find this tour offers a great balance of scenic beauty and educational insight, delivered in a comfortable, private setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $900?
The price includes lunch, snacks, soda, binoculars, transportation, and admission tickets to Hayden Valley, Gibbon Falls, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone stops.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, providing ample time to explore each site and enjoy wildlife viewing and scenic walks.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness, as the tour involves some walking and hiking along trails and canyon rims.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from and ends at 124 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone. Pickup is offered at this location.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Full refunds are provided for cancellations within this window.

Is a park pass required?
Yes, a Yellowstone Park Pass costing $30 for two persons is needed, which is not included in the tour price.

What makes this tour different from other Yellowstone options?
This is a private, small-group experience emphasizing outdoor exploration, wildlife spotting, and scenic water features, led by knowledgeable guides.

What should I bring or prepare for the tour?
Participants should wear moderate outdoor clothing suitable for walking and weather conditions, and bring comfortable shoes. The tour provides binoculars, but personal ones are also welcome.

Are meals included?
Yes, a picnic lunch and snacks are included, featuring various sandwich options and beverages.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking typically occurs about 113 days in advance due to high demand, especially for this popular private experience.