Yellowstone Old Faithful Full-Day Snowmobile Tour from Jackson Hole

Exploring Yellowstone National Park during winter on a full-day snowmobile tour from Jackson Hole offers a unique way to see the park’s iconic sights covered in snow. Priced at $525 per group, this 10 to 12-hour adventure is perfect for those eager to cover around 90 miles of Yellowstone’s stunning landscape while enjoying the comfort of guided transportation, lunch, and gear. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Jackson Hole, helmet use, snacks, and bottled water, making it a convenient and immersive experience suited for outdoor enthusiasts with moderate physical fitness.

This tour boasts a 5.0 out of 5-star rating from 311 reviews, with 94% recommending it highly. It’s especially popular among travelers who want to avoid the risks of self-driving in icy conditions, as the guides handle the snowmobiles and navigation. While the experience is tailored for those who enjoy outdoor adventure, a warning is worth noting: the tour operates in all weather conditions, and it’s not recommended for anyone with back problems. This snowmobiling trip is a fantastic way to witness Yellowstone’s winter beauty, with knowledgeable guides leading the way through snowy forests, geyser basins, and waterfalls.

Key Points

• Guided full-day snowmobile tour covering about 90 miles around Yellowstone in winter.
• Includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, helmet use, hotel pickup, and drop-off for maximum convenience.
• Stops at Old Faithful, West Thumb geyser basin, Moose Falls, and Fountain Paint Pots with time to explore and take photos.
• Operates in all weather conditions, so dress warmly and be prepared for winter elements.
• Highly praised guides like Jack, Eric, and Molly provide expert insights and ensure safety throughout the trip.
• Stop timing varies, with some stops like Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pots lasting around 1 hour, and shorter visits at Moose Falls and West Thumb.

Starting the Yellowstone Adventure at Jackson Hole

The tour begins early in the morning, with hotel pickup in Jackson Hole around 6:00 am. This early start allows ample time to reach Yellowstone, where the guides introduce the snowmobiles and safety procedures. The transportation makes it easier for those who prefer not to drive in challenging winter conditions, offering a relaxed start to the day’s adventure. The group is limited to 14 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and space to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

The ride to Yellowstone takes about an hour and a half, giving time for the guides to prepare everyone for the day ahead. Once in Yellowstone, the focus turns to exploring several key highlights, all while traveling on round-trip snowmobile routes that cover diverse terrains and scenic viewpoints.

The Iconic Old Faithful Geyser and Nearby Lunch Break

One of the major highlights of this tour is witnessing Old Faithful erupt. The eruption timing varies, but the guides coordinate to ensure guests have plenty of time to view the geyser in action. After the eruption, there’s an opportunity for a lunch break in the area, giving guests time to relax and take in the surroundings. While admission tickets are not included, the visit to Old Faithful is a must-see that makes the day unforgettable.

Following Old Faithful, travelers have the chance to explore the West Thumb geyser basin, a site rich with hot springs and geysers such as Thumb Paint Pots, Fishing Cone, and Abyss Pool. The basin offers a walk along a boardwalk, giving a closer look at Yellowstone’s geothermal features, with additional time of around 45 minutes. This stop showcases the park’s geothermal activity in winter, with the snow-covered landscape adding a dramatic backdrop.

Waterfalls and Hot Springs: Moose Falls and Fountain Paint Pots

A brief stop at Moose Falls provides a perfect photo opportunity of the cascading waterfall. This quick pause lasts about five minutes, allowing travelers to snap pictures of the icy waters and snow-blanketed surroundings. It’s a straightforward stop, but one that offers a glimpse of the natural beauty Yellowstone preserves in winter.

The Fountain Paint Pots area, part of the Lower Geyser Basin, is known for its hot springs, mud pots, and erupting geysers. With around an hour of time, guests can explore the geothermal activity and enjoy the vivid colors of the mineral deposits, all set against the snow-covered landscape. This stop emphasizes Yellowstone’s geothermal diversity while ensuring travelers have enough time to explore comfortably.

Snowmobiling Through Yellowstone’s Winter Forests

Throughout the day, the guides lead travelers through vast snow-covered forests and across frozen landscapes, creating a sense of adventure and solitude. The snowmobiles are provided with helmets, and safety is a priority, with guides like Jack, Eric, Molly, Scarlet, and others praised for their expertise and attentiveness. Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge of the area, animals, and history, making the journey educational as well as scenic.

The round-trip snowmobile ride covers about 102 miles, with some travelers noting they travel around 87 to 102 miles on the snowmobiles. The pacing allows for frequent stops, photo breaks, and ample time to enjoy the scenery. The snowmobiles are suitable for beginners and experienced drivers alike, though participants should be comfortable in cold weather and moderate physical activity.

Gear, Food, and Practical Tips

All necessary gear, such as helmets and thermal clothing, is included. The tour provides snacks, bottled water, and a hearty lunch, which typically includes a sub sandwich, chips, a cookie, and an apple. Guests are encouraged to layer up with thermal socks, undergarments, and gloves, and to bring extra batteries or chargers for personal devices. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing warmly and appropriately is essential.

The lunch is planned ahead for dietary restrictions, and guides are attentive to individual needs. While park entrance fees and optional snowmobile damage waivers are not included, the overall experience offers good value considering the comprehensive sights and guided service.

Wildlife and Scenic Encounters in Yellowstone

Many reviews mention the chance to see wildlife such as bison, moose, bald eagles, swans, and geese, especially as the snow creates a perfect backdrop for spotting animals. Guides like Molly and Dakota are praised for their knowledge of wildlife and ability to spot animals from afar, enriching the experience with stories and facts.

The scenic landscapes, including snow-covered trees, geothermal features, and waterfalls, are described as breathtaking. Guests often remark that seeing Yellowstone without crowds during winter enhances the feeling of wilderness and tranquility.

Safety, Physical Requirements, and Participant Considerations

While most reviews highlight the safety and professionalism of the guides, some caution that the tour is not suitable for individuals with back problems. Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level and be comfortable with driving or riding snowmobiles. The tour is operated in all weather conditions, so dressing warmly, wearing proper gloves, and bringing extra layers is advisable.

A notable tip from reviews is to pack snacks and extra water bottles to stay energized, especially since the trip is long and active. The small front storage on snowmobiles can hold wallets and water bottles, but anything more requires a small bag.

The Unique Yellowstone Experience in Winter

What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to see Yellowstone in winter’s quiet magic. The landscape is covered in snow, wildlife is more visible against the white background, and geothermal features appear more vivid. Travelers can expect a full-day adventure with many stops, guided by friendly and knowledgeable professionals who ensure safety and enjoyment.

The guided snowmobile journey balances scenic exploration, wildlife viewing, geothermal discovery, and thrilling rides. It’s especially recommended for those eager to cover a lot of ground without the stress of self-driving, and who want to experience Yellowstone’s winter beauty in an active, engaging way.

Yellowstone Snowmobile Tour: Final Thoughts

This full-day snowmobile tour from Jackson Hole offers a compelling mix of scenery, adventure, and comfort. The tour’s excellent reviews for guides like Molly and Jack reflect its high quality, and the variety of stops ensures a well-rounded Yellowstone experience, even in winter. While the long hours and cold weather are not for everyone, those prepared for the elements and seeking a dynamic outdoor adventure will find this trip rewarding.

The combination of stunning landscapes, geothermal features, wildlife sightings, and expert guiding makes this tour a worthwhile choice for winter travelers. Be sure to dress appropriately, pack snacks, and arrive prepared for a memorable day exploring Yellowstone’s snowy wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for participants with a moderate physical fitness level and is not recommended for those with back problems. Children with experience in snowmobiling and comfortable with cold weather may enjoy it, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What should I wear for the snowmobile tour?
Dressing in layers is essential. Wear thermal socks, undergarments, gloves, and warm waterproof outerwear. The tour provides helmets and gear, but additional warm clothing helps ensure comfort in freezing temperatures.

Are park admission fees included?
No, park entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Guests should plan to purchase these separately if needed.

How long are the stops during the tour?
Stops vary from 5 minutes at Moose Falls to about 1 hour at Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pots. The schedule allows time for sightseeing, photos, and brief explorations.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What is included in the tour package?
The package includes snacks, lunch, bottled water, helmets, and hotel pickup/drop-off. Snowmobile damage wavers are optional and not included.

How many people are in each tour group?
The group is limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I drive the snowmobile myself?
Yes, all drivers must have a valid driver’s license, and guides provide basic instructions on snowmobile operation.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides give instructions, and the snowmobiles are manageable for beginners. However, participants should be comfortable in cold weather and moderate physical activity.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
Its guided trips in winter, covering key Yellowstone highlights, expert guides, and the chance to see geothermal features and wildlife in a tranquil snowy landscape make this tour highly recommended.