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
151 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Vacation53985218174,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding experience, we stayed in West Yellowstone for 3 nights and 2 in Jackson. Traveling in late September -early October let us avoid the crowds and it was perfect timing for fall colors.
Great views of Yellowstone
Flyer15482642592,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First time at Yellowstone and didn’t want to miss anything. This tour didn’t disappoint. Spencer was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the area. He made sure we got see wildlife and the natural beauty of the area. I would recommend this company!!
Upper loop tour
Susan B,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spenser was informative and always answered our numerous questions. He was also humorous and joking around with us. Couldn’t have had a better tour guide
Magical day on this your!
SHAWN L,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a magical day and saw numerous wildlife which included deer, herds of elk, pronghorn, bison, a wolf, coyote, black bear with cubs - but seeing a huge bull moose was the highlight! We had 6 in our group plus our driver/tour guide Ron who was very knowledgeable & courteous. Van was air conditioned & comfy & individual binoculars provided for everyone!
Yellowstone adventure
Pat R,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide, Spencer, was terrific. Knowledgable, informative, funny. He helped us to see things we would have never seen. We learned a lot. Our advice though, do not be the last ones to be picked up. We were in the back row. Tiny seats, smallest window in the van. Very tight.
Wonderful experience
ruthmN5126WL,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such an unbelievable successful Upper Loop Tour of Lamar Valley and Mammoth Springs. We had such a good time. Our guide, Spencer took such good care of us and he went out of his way to assure we had our snack bags, hot coffee and a nice lunch. He was very personable and spoke to everyone, answered a number of questions and was very informative about Yellowstone and its animals. It was a great time and I would recommend this tour to anyone, oh, and ask for Spencer as your guide.
Amazing
Linda F,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing. We saw bison, bears, antelope and an eagle. Ron was great! He was very knowledgeable and informative. We could not have asked for anything better.
Great Tour
Journey18346596617,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Our guide Spencer was terrific. Very knowledgeable and we saw various kinds of wild life. Lunch was good. Definitely would recommend.
Upper Loop Tour
265peadarc,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful experience. Michell did a wonderful job in explaining all the details of the Upper Loop and Lemar Valley. Would take this tour again without hesitation! Thank you Michell and Yellowstone Hiking Guides Peadar
Best experience
Louise S,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Long Day, amazing tour, loved it, would do it again, tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable, answered all our questions
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Operated by Yellowstone Hiking Guides