Private tour, run by Island Park Expeditions
Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour in the American Serengeti
From $1,295 per group (up to 6) Dates and prices
Starts in West Yellowstone: Pickup at your West Yellowstone lodging, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.
The pictures, 6 in all, are from Island Park Expeditions. Swipe or scroll along the row.
Price and dates
From $1,295 per group (up to 6)
Checked 21 October 2026 for Thursday 22 October
Daily until 31 October. Only open departure days are selectable.
Above: the price for your current date and group. A new date or party size brings a new check.
Check Availability- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Instant confirmation
- If the operator calls off the day for poor weather, you can take another date or a full refund.
Your booking is made with our partner: you choose the date and party there again and pay. Our commission is paid by the partner, not added to your 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 19 October 2027 and 31 October 2027
- Group
- Private: only your group
- Guide
- In English
- Park entry
- Park entry not included
Before you book
Yellowstone adds $100 to the entry of every non-US resident aged 16 or older, on tours as well, with the exception of people who hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Tours may drive in from West Yellowstone until 31 October 2026, the road's last day for cars.
Where it starts
Pickup at your West Yellowstone lodging, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. The tour offers pickup as well as a meeting 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
You will also find lodgings in Mammoth on the pickup list.
Pickup details
Pickup is from your lodging in West Yellowstone, Montana, or from Blue Buffalo Resort in Island Park, Idaho. Pickup inside the park is also possible for an extra fee, at Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Mammoth Hot Springs and Madison Junction.
If you are staying at Blue Buffalo Resort, meet at the Expeditions Cabin.
Otherwise, meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center parking lot. The company’s vans, a white Ford Transit and a black Mercedes Sprinter, carry the Island Park Expeditions logo.
About this tour
See Yellowstone’s wide open land on a guided wildlife tour through famous Lamar Valley. Watch for the animals that live in the park, from huge bison to wolves that are hard to find, while your guide explains how the park’s natural systems work. The company says the tour suits nature lovers and families, and gives you a close-up feel for one of America’s best-loved national parks.
In short:
- A guided wildlife tour through Lamar Valley
- Guides who explain the local wildlife and how it all fits together
- A good fit for nature lovers and families who want an adventure
- Plenty of chances to spot wildlife among Yellowstone’s scenery
Travelers from outside the US may owe a new national park fee, paid on arrival at the park rather than when booking.
The route
Here is each stop, in the order the operator gives them. The times are the operator's and can change for wildlife or traffic.
-
Lamar Valley
Your guide drives you through Lamar Valley looking for wildlife. Pronghorn and bison are usual, and sometimes wolves and bears.
-
Tower Fall
When time allows, your guide leads a short hike to the waterfall.
What is included
Included
- A free HD video of all the wildlife you see
- Bottled water and snacks
- A powerful spotting scope, and binoculars for each guest
- Lunch from a local deli, eaten at a pretty spot in the park
Not included
- National park entry, for US residents and non-US residents
- Tips for your guide (15 to 20% is usual)
Cancellation and good to know
Give at least 24 hours' notice before the start time and the refund is in full. Cancel later and nothing is returned.
If the operator calls off the day for poor weather, you can take another date or a full refund.
Good to know
- Little ones can ride in a stroller or pram.
- Anyone with heart or circulation problems should skip this tour, the company advises.
- Any level of fitness is fine for the Lamar Valley drive.
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 from 16 reviews.
Questions about this tour
Where does Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour start?
Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour has its start in West Yellowstone. The operator's arrangement: 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 is priced without the Yellowstone entrance fee.
How long is Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour?
At 6:30 a.m., Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour begins, and it lasts 7 to 8 hours.
Can I cancel Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour for a refund?
Yes: cancelling Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour 24 hours ahead or earlier means a full refund. Cancel later and the cost is not refunded.
Can children go on Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour?
Yes. Island Park Expeditions' private Lamar Valley wildlife tour sets no minimum age.