Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This Wildlife Viewing Van Tour is a great way to see the unique animals of Yellowstone National Park. We begin in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone.
The early morning part of the tour explores wildlife haunts in the famous Shadow Canyon of the Madison River. This area is home to bear and elk.
Later we scope for wildlife on the shoulders of one of Yellowstone's tallest peaks, Mount Washburn.
Next we explore the Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America. We will use spotting scopes to look for wolves, bears and other wildlife. Enjoy a hot drink and morning snack while watching wolves.
Next we visit the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces for a short walk. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group near the van.
Finally, we head back toward West Yellowstone stopping for additional wildlife sightings along the way.
The day concludes back at West Yellowstone.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Van with large windows for wildlife sightings
Brown Bag with snacks
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Hot coffee/tea/cocoa while watching wildlife
Spotting Scope for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions
Binoculars for personal use to view wildlife
Yellowstone Entrance Fee: Unless You Have an Annual Pass, which is good for 4 people in your party
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Madison River
Scope for wildlife along the Madison River in the early morning light. Bears and elk frequent this valley.
Mount Washburn
Scope for wildlife on driving up Mount Washburn. This area is home to grizzly bears and elk herds.
Options
Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch
Pickup included
Reviews
122 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bison and wildlife galore!
Katheryn K,
Aug 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour was amazing. Our guide, Julia, made sure we had every opportunity to view wildlife. Very pleasant and knowledgeable about the park and everything we were able to see. Highly recommend!!
Touring Together vegan and non vegan
Lili L,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00For any taking the tour. The tour operator only picks up from hotels within the town of West Yellowstone. We were at a hotel near route 20 west of town. They will accommodate vegan meal requests. Though the packed lunch was just a sandwich and soda, though they do give you a a snack bag with chips and some treats. Great tour guide. Dallas was very knowledgeable about the area and provided a wonderful experience.
Our tour guide had all...
Susan S,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour guide had all knowledge, drove wonderfully, and got us views of all the animals for pics. Michele was marvelous!
Julia was awesome !!
Nick F,
Jul 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great way to see park without having to deal with traffic Julia was very knowledgeable and accommodating
Upper loop tour van
OSCARA M,
Jul 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time doing the Upper Loop tour Van . We are very grateful to our amazing tour guide Julia. She's incredible knowledgeable about Yellowstone and the wildlife. She is a great communicator and overall a delight to be around to. She told us about the history of the park, she is very sharp on spotting wildlife and brought us to the top spots to see birds and animals . We saw a nest of eagles which was very cool . She went above and beyond to make everyone happy and to have a great time . I am so glad we chose this company and will recommend it to everyone . Will definitely do it again when we are back in Yellowstone Thanks Julia !
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Operated by Yellowstone Hiking Guides