Shared tour, run by Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful
From $292 per adult Dates and prices
Starts in West Yellowstone: Pickup in West Yellowstone, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center.
6 photographs from Yellowstone Hiking Guides. Swipe or scroll sideways to see them all.
Price and dates
From $292 per adult
Checked 2 October 2026 for Monday 5 October
Monday to Saturday until 30 October. Only days the tour runs are listed.
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.
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At a glance
- Length
- 8 hours, starts 7 a.m.
- Runs
- Monday to Saturday until 30 October
- Group
- Shared, up to 12 people
- Ages
- 6 and over
- 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 in West Yellowstone, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor 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
In Yellowstone Hiking Guides' words
We will meet you at the lobby of any hotel in West Yellowstone or any vacation rental located within the boundaries of West Yellowstone. For travelers who are staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Please do not pick a hotel where you are not staying as your meeting point.
This is not the Madison Campground. This the parking lot where the restrooms are located near the Madison Amphitheater. We meet here at 7:45AM. There is no cell reception at this location.
For travelers staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center parking lot. We meet here during a window of 7AM to 7:15AM once all hotel pickups are completed.
The route
The stops in the order the operator lists them. Times at each stop are the operator's; wildlife and traffic change them.
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Madison River
Drive along the Madison River and watch wildlife in the early morning light.
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Grand Prismatic Spring
Hike to a viewpoint of the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. This hike is along an old stagecoach road before climbing 200 feet to see one of the largest hot springs on earth. We arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. This is a must see while visiting Yellowstone!
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Old Faithful
We watch Old Faithful erupt near the historic Old Faithful Inn. If time permits, you can explore the Inn or the Visitor Center to learn more about Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes.
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Continental Divide
We take a short stop at the Continental Divide, where water drains to the Gulf and Pacific Ocean.
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West Thumb Geyser Basin
This beautiful geyser basin along the shores of Yellowstone Lake has hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. We hike a boardwalk trail to see the Fishing Cone and Black Pool.
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Yellowstone Geysers: Mud Volcano Area
We take a short stroll to the Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth. Listen to the super volcano breath with powerful mud churning and steam billowing out.
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Hayden Valley
We stop for wildlife viewing in one of Yellowstone's most iconic valleys. This valley is home to more bears than anywhere else in the Park. We sometimes spot wolves, elk, and trumpeter swans along the Yellowstone River.
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Stop to see stunning views of the wonderous colors and thundering falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. We take a short break at Artist Point to see the 308 foot Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
What is included
Included
- Binoculars for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
- Van with large windows for wildlife sightings
- Brown Bag with snacks
- Soda/Pop
- Bottled water
- Hot coffee/tea/cocoa
- Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) *Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions*
- Spotting scope for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
Not included
- Yellowstone Entrance Fee: Unless You Have an Annual Pass, which is good for 4 people in your party
- Gratuities
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.
If too few people book, the operator may cancel; Viator then offers a different date or a full refund.
From the operator
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The operator's description
Read Yellowstone Hiking Guides' own description
This Active Van Tour is a great way to see Yellowstone National Park beginning 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 hike to an overlook of the famous Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group.
Next we explore the Old Faithful area, including some time at the famous Old Faithful Inn.
We continue over the continental divide and down to the West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake for a view of some spectacular lakeside thermal pools.
Continuing our drive along Yellowstone Lake we arrive at the Mud Volcano near the Hayden Valley. See bison roam along the Yellowstone River.
Finally, we arrive at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to view the canyon and the amazing Lower Falls at Artist Point. The day concludes back at West Yellowstone.
Reviews
4.9 out of 5 from 475 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, as Viator reported them on 2 October 2026.
Questions about this tour
Where does Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour start?
Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour starts in West Yellowstone: pickup in West Yellowstone, or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center.
Does Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour include the Yellowstone entrance fee?
No. Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour does not include the Yellowstone entrance fee.
How long is Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour?
Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour lasts 8 hours and starts at 7 a.m.
Can I cancel Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour for a full refund up to 24 hours before it starts; later than that, nothing is refunded.
Can children go on Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour?
Children aged 6 and over can go on Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Lower Loop van tour.
Sources
- Viator: the listing for this tour (product code 23667P3), read 2 October 2026. Prices, dates, ratings, pickup lodgings, the itinerary and what is included come from it.
- National Park Service: Current Conditions (park alerts), checked 3 October 2026
- National Park Service: Fees & Passes, checked 3 October 2026
- National Park Service: Park Roads: 2026 road opening and closing dates (projected), checked 3 October 2026
- National Park Service: Seasons, checked 3 October 2026
Written and checked by West Yellowstone Tours. Tour photographs are the operator's, shown as Viator supplies them.