2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration
Overview
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2 days
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Explore both the Upper and Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park in two days on an overnight tour. This is one of our most popular tours of Yellowstone. Two unforgettable days in the world’s first National Park and an overnight stay enjoying the hospitality of Chico Hot Springs Resort, (depending on availability) or the charming small town ambiance of Gardiner Montana.
Lodging at Chico is on a first come first serve basis, guests are required to book their own lodging under their name and credit card, we are happy to assist in this process. If lodging at Chico Hot Springs is not available at the time of booking, lodging will be arranged by the traveler at any hotel in Gardiner Montana.
The two day format allows for a more relaxed pace of the tour, affording travelers more time to enjoy the many wildlife encounters, breathtaking geothermal areas, numerous short hikes and boardwalk excursions throughout the tour.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress for the weather, sturdy shoes recommend, swimsuit recommended, sunscreen recommended
If lodging at Chico Hot Springs is not available at time of booking, travelers will arrange lodging in Gardiner, MT
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Day one, heading north from Jackson, WY.
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
Grand Teton National Park
We will travel through Grand Teton National Park as we head north towards Yellowstone. We will have a couple of short stops for photo opportunities along the way. Park entrance fees will be collected at the entrance gate.
Yellowstone National Park
We will approach the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Park entrance fees to Yellowstone will be collected at this time.
Old Faithful
We will make a stop at Old Faithful to witness the eruption of Old Faithful Geyser, will also have the opportunity to witness various other geysers and thermal features.
Grand Prismatic Spring
We will stop to explore Midway Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring.
Fountain Paint Pot
We will stop to explore Lower Geyser Basin, various thermal features to explore.
Firehole Canyon Drive
We will explore the Firehole Canyon, beautiful scenery, photo opportunity with waterfalls.
Gibbon Falls
A beautiful waterfall on the Gibbon River, enjoy the view as we drive by.
Gibbon Meadows
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the chance at spotting wildlife.
Norris Geyser Basin
This is an optional stop to explore Norris Geyser basin, time constraints do not always allow us to stop here.
Golden Gate Canyon
Enjoy the scenery and photo opportunities as we start to descend off the Yellowstone Plateau towards Mammoth Hot Springs.
Mammoth Hot Springs
We will explore the Mammoth Hot Springs terrace formation. Short boardwalks and scenic drive.
Gardiner
Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we descend the Gardiner River Canyon towards the north entrance of Yellowstone, Gardiner Montana.
Pray
Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Yellowstone River and Paradise Valley as we drive north towards Chico Hot Springs Resort.
Day 2 heading south from Chico Hot Springs Resort or Gardiner, Montana.
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
Paradise Valley
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Paradise Valley and the Yellowstone River as we head south towards Gardiner, Montana and the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Mammoth Hot Springs
We will have another opportunity to explore Mammoth if we did not have time on day one. Then off towards Lamar Valley.
Undine Falls
A quick stop at a beautiful waterfall, some geological points of interest here as well.
Blacktail Plateau Drive
Enjoy the scenery and the chance at viewing wildlife as we travel through the Blacktail area of Yellowstone.
Petrified Tree
A quick stop to view and discuss one of the few Petrified trees accessible by road in the Park.
Lamar Valley
Enjoy the scenery and the chance at viewing wildlife as we travel towards and into Lamar Valley. Great opportunity to spot Grizzly Bears, wolves, bison, big horn sheep and more!
Tower Fall
We will stop to view and explore the Tower Falls area, some photo opportunities and short walks, as well as the chance to view big horn sheep, beautiful views, and engaging geology.
Canyon Village Area
Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we travel over Dunraven Pass towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. A couple photo opportunities and the chance at viewing wildlife.
Lower Yellowstone River Falls
We will stop at various viewpoints and short walks to view the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, as well as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone river as well. Beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and engaging geology.
Upper Falls
A quick stop and short walk to the Brink of the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River. Beautiful waterfall viewing opportunity.
Hayden Valley
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and varied wildlife viewing opportunities as we travel through Hayden Valley. Bison, wolves, and grizzly bears are commonly spotted in the valley. A couple of photo opportunities and a stop or two to view wildlife.
Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area
If we have time to stop we will spend a few minutes exploring the Mud Volcano area, otherwise we will pass by given timing. Interesting thermal features and a short walk on the boardwalk.
Yellowstone Lake
Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we travel past Yellowstone Lake, a few photo opportunities and the chance for viewing wildlife.
Jackson
We will head south from Lake Yellowstone towards Jackson, WY, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the South end of Yellowstone and Grand Teton as we head back to Jackson, WY. Some photography opportunities as well as the chance to view wildlife on our way south.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Waters and granola bars
Binoculars and spotting scope provided
Breakfast
Dinner
Price of Lodging
Park entrance fees
Guide Gratuity
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration
Pickup included
Reviews
201 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beyond expectations
Tina K,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.005 stars is not enough to rate this experience. Our guide John was absolutely amazing! We were hesitant to book at first because of the price but it was worth every penny (and then some). Trying to plan our Yellowstone/Teton visit was so overwhelming. This excursion took all that away. We saw everything we wanted to and more without the stress of planning it ourselves. If we got somewhere and the parking lot was packed, John would drop us off with clear instructions as to where to walk/stand for optimal views. We didn't have to waste time finding a parking spot and walking. We saw sooo much more than we would have on our own not to mention how knowledgeable he was. If wildlife was spotted far away he would bring out his telescope for us to use. We watched a wolf pack that we would have never seen if it wasn't for that. Chico Springs was a wonderful experience...rustic but great. We ate at the bar and grill and it was delicious. The next morning we were all up bright and early and in the park for sunrise. If you are stressed trying to figure out an itinerary for maximizing your time in the parks I can't recommend this tour enough. They do all the planning and you can just sit back and take it all in.
10 Stars!!!!!
Danise T,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00John from Teton Floats was by far the best tour guide we have ever met! Very personable and knowledgeable about Yellowstone. We saw a grisly bear five minutes after entering the park! We also saw two black bear cubs with Mom in a tree, bald eagles, tons of bison and elk. Such a great trip! Just in case you did not see it, this is an overnight tour and you need to get a hotel room. If you like rustic, then Chico Hot Springs is for you. If we ever get back to Jackson, we will definitely be requesting John at Teton Floats for our next tour!
Would recommend this to anyone
sandysE1346EO,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was incredible two day tour. Our guide, John, was very knowledgeable about Yellowstone and wildlife. He was able to spot wildlife the whole trip because he knew where to look. We saw everything except a moose. He was very accommodating to all passengers. Being in a van we could go places the big busses cannot. We had time to see all the main attractions at an easy pace. This is the only way to see Yellowstone.
Awesome Tour of Yellowstone
LaDonna L,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our two day tour through the Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks was very complete! Our “ foursome” thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated our experience. Our guide, John, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the parks. He was very caring and attentive to the safety and needs of his tourists. He has a keen sense in spotting wildlife. John is an asset to your touring business! The fee for the tour was reasonable because we acquired “tons” of new knowledge, saw spectacular landscapes, and enjoyed the ride-along through Yellowstone.
Amazing!
Roseann J,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! John was a very knowledgeable guide and worked around all weather related obstacles we had to ensure we had the best experience and saw all kinds of wildlife including bears, elk, and wolves. Would highly recommend. Note: book your overnight stay in advance, prepare for snow in October, and bring your own water bottle. Water is provided but its in an aluminum can.
Yellowstone with Shane
Paula T,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic choice we made ! Everyday was smooth and insightful! Shane , our guide was calm and patient ; with his life experiences and great teaching skills he lead this trip thoroughly! So many thrills seeing the wildlife and wonders that we did . Perfect! No complaints ! Thanks for dropping us off at our last hotel with short notice.
Memorable experience
Jane D,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a wonderful tour which includes every attraction in Yellowstone. John is extremely knowledgeable and personable and provided us with a truly memorable experience. I cannot recommend this tour, and John, enough.
Best tour of Yellowstone!
Anonymous,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00John was sooooo good! This was the best tour I’ve ever had - we saw absolutely everything! Everything was excellent- would recommend to everyone!
Amazing Tour!
Richa Y,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 2 day tour and our guide John was fantastic! Had a great time visiting the waterfalls, thermal features, geothermal springs, and wildlife. Couldn't have asked for a beautiful trip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Would give this tour more...
Lisa G,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Would give this tour more stars if I could. We got the full Yellowstone experience from glaciers and other formations to lots of wildlife sitings. John P was a super knowledgeable and experienced guide and lots of fun.. Kilmeny who works behind the scenes was really great as well.
From US$650.00
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