Shared tour, run by Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch
From $292 per adult Dates and prices
Starts in West Yellowstone: Pickup at West Yellowstone hotels and vacation rentals from 6 a.m., or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information 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 7 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.
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
- 8 hours, starts 6 a.m.
- Runs
- Monday to Saturday until 7 October
- Later dates
- Some dates on sale between 27 May 2027 and 7 October 2027
- Group
- Shared, up to 12 people
- Ages
- 6 and over; an adult must be in the booking
- 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 West Yellowstone hotels and vacation rentals from 6 a.m., 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
In Yellowstone Hiking Guides' words
We will meet at the lobby of any hotel in West Yellowstone of any or any vacation rental within the boundaries of West Yellowstone. Pick ups begin at 6AM.
We meet in the parking lot in between the Madison Amphitheater and the Restrooms at 6:45AM. There is no cell service at this location.
For guests staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center during a window of 6AM to 6:15AM. Please do not pick a hotel that you are not staying at as your meeting location.
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
Scope for wildlife along the Madison River in the early morning light. Bears and elk frequent this valley.
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Mount Washburn
Scope for wildlife on driving up Mount Washburn. This area is home to grizzly bears and elk herds.
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Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is home to more than 60 species of mammal. Known as the Serengeti of North America, we will use spotting scopes to look for bears, wolves, bison and more! This is the richest wildlife valley in Yellowstone with the largest bison herd in North America. Wolves abound throughout the valley where they were reintroduced in 1995. This valley is also home to mountain goats, moose, big horn sheep, and other rare wildlife.
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Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
We will take a short stroll on the boardwalks near the Liberty Cap thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs.
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Gibbon Meadows
Scope for wildlife along the Gibbon River where elk and bison roam.
What is included
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
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.
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 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.
Reviews
4.8 out of 5 from 213 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, as Viator reported them on 2 October 2026.
Questions about this tour
Where does Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour start?
Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour starts in West Yellowstone: pickup at West Yellowstone hotels and vacation rentals from 6 a.m., or meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.
Does Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour include the Yellowstone entrance fee?
No. Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour does not include the Yellowstone entrance fee.
How long is Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour?
Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour lasts 8 hours and starts at 6 a.m.
Can I cancel Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley 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' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour?
Children aged 6 and over can go on Yellowstone Hiking Guides' Upper Loop and Lamar Valley tour, and an adult must be in the booking.
Sources
- Viator: the listing for this tour (product code 23667P10), 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.