West Entrance today: Open to cars until 31 October

Road calendar

Private tour, run by Island Park Expeditions

Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour in the American Serengeti

5.0 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

From $1,295 for 2 adults Dates and prices

Starts in West Yellowstone: Pickup at your West Yellowstone lodging, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.

The 38 West Yellowstone lodgings on the pickup list

Price and dates

From $1,295 for 2 adults

Checked 2 October 2026 for Sunday 4 October

Daily until 31 October. Only days the tour runs are listed.

Travellers
Travellers 2

The price above is for the date and travellers shown. Change either to check a different one.

Check availability on Viator
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
  • Instant confirmation
  • If the operator cancels for poor weather, Viator offers a different date or a full refund.

You choose the date and travellers again, and pay, on Viator, our booking partner. We earn a commission; it does not change the price.

At a glance

Length
7 to 8 hours, starts 6:30 a.m.
Runs
Daily until 31 October
Later dates
Some dates on sale between 1 October 2027 and 31 October 2027
Group
Private: only your group
Guide
In English
Park entry
Park entry not included

Before you book

Each non-US resident aged 16 or over pays an extra $100 to enter the park, on a tour too, unless the group has an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The road from West Yellowstone into the park is open to cars until 31 October 2026, and tours that drive in stop when it closes.

Where it starts

Pickup at your West Yellowstone lodging, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. You can be picked up, or meet the group at the start point.

The 38 West Yellowstone lodgings on the pickup list
  • 1872 Inn
  • Al's Westward Ho Motel
  • Alpine Motel
  • Arrowhead Lodge by Arrowhead Properties
  • Best Western Desert Inn
  • Best Western Weston Inn
  • Big Western Pines Motel
  • Brandin' Iron Inn
  • City Center Motel
  • ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone
  • Crosswinds Inn
  • Dude/Round Up Motel
  • Elkhorn Cabins and Inn
  • Evergreen Motel
  • Explorer Cabins At Yellowstone
  • Golden West Motel
  • Gray Wolf Inn and Suites
  • Holiday Inn West Yellowstone By IHG
  • Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
  • Lazy Duck Inn
  • Moose Creek Inn
  • One Horse Motel
  • Pine Shadows Motel
  • Pioneer Motel
  • Pony Express Motel
  • Sleepy Hollow Lodge
  • Stage Coach Inn
  • Starlite Yellowstone, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
  • The Historic Madison Hotel, Motel and Hostel
  • Three Bear Lodge
  • Traveler's Lodge
  • Westwood Motel
  • White Buffalo Hotel
  • Yellowstone Inn
  • Yellowstone Lodge
  • Yellowstone Park Hotel
  • Yellowstone Townhouses
  • Yellowstone West Gate Hotel

The pickup list also has lodgings in Mammoth.

In Island Park Expeditions' words

We will pick you up at Blue Buffalo Resort in Island Park, Idaho or your lodging in West Yellowstone, Montana. We can also pick you up inside the park for an additional fee. In park locations include: Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Mammoth Hot Springs and Madison Junction.

If you are staying at Blue Buffalo Resort meet us at the Expeditions Cabin.

We will meet you in the parking lot of the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Look for our White Ford Transit or Black Mercedes Sprinter with the Island Park Expeditions logo.

The route

The stops in the order the operator lists them. Times at each stop are the operator's; wildlife and traffic change them.

  1. Lamar Valley

    About 60 minutes

    Your guide will take you through Lamar Valley looking for wildlife. Typical wildlife include pronghorn, bison, and sometimes wolves and bears.

  2. Tower Fall

    About 30 minutes

    Your guide will take you on a short hike to the falls if time allows.

What is included

Included

  • Free copy of HD video of all wildlife seen on your tour
  • Bottled water
  • High powered spotting scope
  • Binoculars for each guest
  • Snacks
  • Delicious lunch from a local deli at a scenic location in the park

Not included

  • National Park (U.S. Resident)
  • National Park (Non-U.S. Resident)
  • Guide gratuity (15–20% Industry Standard)

Cancellation and good to know

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Later than that, nothing is refunded.

If the operator cancels for poor weather, Viator offers a different date or a full refund.

From the operator

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The operator's description

Read Island Park Expeditions' own description

Explore the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone National Park on a guided wildlife tour through the iconic Lamar Valley. Witness the diverse wildlife that calls this park home, from majestic bison to elusive wolves, while learning about the unique ecosystems from knowledgeable guides. This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike, offering an immersive experience in one of America’s most celebrated national parks.

- Guided wildlife tour through Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley

- Expert guides provide insights into local wildlife and ecosystems

- Ideal for nature lovers and families seeking adventure

- Enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone with ample wildlife spotting opportunities

Please note that new National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected at the destination, not when you book.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 from 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, as Viator reported them on 2 October 2026.

Read every review on Viator

Questions about this tour

Where does Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour start?

Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour starts in West Yellowstone: pickup at your West Yellowstone lodging, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.

Does Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour include the Yellowstone entrance fee?

No. Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour does not include the Yellowstone entrance fee.

How long is Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour?

Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour lasts 7 to 8 hours and starts at 6:30 a.m.

Can I cancel Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour for a full refund up to 24 hours before it starts; later than that, nothing is refunded.

Can children go on Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour?

Travellers of any age can go on Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour.

Sources

Written and checked by West Yellowstone Tours. Tour photographs are the operator's, shown as Viator supplies them.