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BEST OF YELLOWSTONE: FULL-DAY GUIDED ADVENTURE
Yellowstone’s Greatest Wonders—All in One Incredible Day
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes on Earth, and this full-day private guided tour is designed to showcase its most iconic sights and unforgettable experiences. From the thundering waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the geysers and thermal pools of the Lower Loop, and the wildlife-rich valleys of the Northern Range, this adventure ensures you make the most of your time in America’s first national park. With an expert guide handling the driving and logistics, you can sit back, take in the scenery, and enjoy an immersive journey through Yellowstone’s wonders.
DURATION
8-10 Hours
PICK-UP
Cooke City, MT
Gardiner, MT
GROUP SIZE
Private Safari
(up to 5 guests)
SEASON
June-October
YELLOWSTONE’S ICONIC LANDSCAPES & WILDLIFE—ALL IN ONE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR
Yellowstone spans nearly 3,500 square miles, and while you could spend a lifetime exploring its endless beauty and vast reaches, this tour is designed to give you some of the best of Yellowstone in just one day. Your journey will be customized to your interests, but the itinerary typically includes stops at:
Lower Loop Highlights:
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Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin – Witness the world’s most famous geyser erupt in a powerful display of nature.
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Grand Prismatic Spring – See the largest hot spring in the U.S., known for its brilliant rainbow colors.
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Yellowstone Lake – The largest high-elevation lake in North America, surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks.
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Mud Volcano & Dragon’s Mouth Spring – Bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and a cavern that "roars" like a dragon.
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Hayden Valley – One of the best spots to view bison, elk, bears, and other wildlife in Yellowstone.
Upper Loop Highlights:
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Lamar Valley – The "Serengeti of North America," home to wolves, bears, bison, and pronghorn.
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Marvel at the stunning waterfalls and dramatic canyon walls.
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Mammoth Hot Springs – Explore the otherworldly limestone terraces formed by ancient hot springs.
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Norris Geyser Basin – Home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world.
Your guide will provide expert insights into Yellowstone’s wildlife, geology, and history, while also ensuring you get the best photo opportunities and use of high-powered spotting scopes for wildlife viewing. The exact itinerary will be adjusted based on your interests, wildlife activity, and road conditions, ensuring a truly personalized adventure.
Includes:
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Private, full-day guided tour covering Yellowstone’s most famous sights
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Expert guide with in-depth knowledge of Yellowstone’s ecosystem, history, and geology
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Stops at major landmarks like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Lamar Valley, and more
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Opportunities to see bison, wolves, elk, bears, and other wildlife
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Use of high-powered spotting scopes for incredible up-close wildlife viewing
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Comfortable private transportation with pickup and drop-off at your lodging
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Hearty picnic lunch, snacks, and hot & cold beverages
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Customized itinerary based on your group’s interests and current conditions
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Incredible photo opportunities at some of Yellowstone’s most breathtaking locations
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MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONSGuests will meet their guide at Skyline Guest Ranch (31 Kersey Lake Road, Cooke City, Montana) or at a predetermined location in Cooke City or Silver Gate, Montana. If you’re staying in another region of Yellowstone and are interested in booking this excursion, please fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of the page. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request. For tours running July through September, the standard departure time is 5:30 AM, unless otherwise requested or arranged with the guide in advance.
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WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE CAN YOU SEE IN YELLOWSTONE?Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the most diverse and intact ecosystems in North America. Thanks to its long history of protection, the park offers a rare chance to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. From bison roaming the valleys to grizzly bears foraging along the hillsides, Yellowstone’s landscapes are teeming with life. You may also spot wolves moving through the sagebrush, elk grazing near rivers, or bighorn sheep navigating steep cliffs. Beyond the large mammals, the park is also home to foxes, otters, bald eagles, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. While wildlife is abundant, knowing where and when to look is key. However, it's important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable, and factors like weather, temperature, and time of day all play a role in animal activity. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but a guided tour significantly improves your chances by taking you to prime locations at the best times. With expert insight into animal behavior and the park’s delicate ecosystem, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Yellowstone’s wild inhabitants—whether they choose to make an appearance or not.
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WHAT FOOD AND DRINKS ARE INCLUDED ON THE TOUR?Full-Day Tours & Experiences: All full-day tours include a hearty sack lunch packed with everything you need to stay energized. Lunches feature a meat and cheese sandwich, chips, fresh fruit, homemade cookies, nuts/trail mix, and more—we promise you won’t go hungry! Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Hot and cold beverages are provided throughout the experience. Sunrise Tours: For early morning adventures, guests will enjoy an assortment of fresh fruit and breakfast snacks, along with a homemade pastry to start the day right. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water will also be available. If you have specific dietary needs, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
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ARE SAFARIS & TOURS PRIVATE?Yes! All safaris and tours are completely private and limited to a maximum of 5 guests to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. If you have a group larger than 5, please submit an inquiry, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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DO I NEED RIDING EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE?No prior riding experience is necessary! All riding levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced riders. Our knowledgeable guides tailor each ride to match your comfort level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for adventure or a first-timer eager to explore the West on horseback, we’ll make sure you feel confident in the saddle. Please note: All participants must be able to mount and dismount their horses without the use of a mounting block.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?All experiences operate rain or shine, but safety is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, we will communicate any necessary adjustments or cancellations. Refunds will not be issued for client cancellations due to weather unless the conditions are officially deemed unsafe by our team.
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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE TOUR?Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly, even in summer. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain. A rain jacket is highly recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended. For those sensitive to cold, lightweight gloves may be appreciated, especially while holding binoculars. A small pack can be useful for carrying personal items like a camera, extra layers, and your sack lunch if participating in any hiking. If participating in the Safari to Saddle Excursion, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for safety and comfort.
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HOW LONG DOES THE EXPERIENCE LAST?All full-day safaris and tours last approximately 8–10 hours. Half-day experiences, such as the Sunrise Safari in Lamar Valley and the Beartooth Pass Guided Scenic Drive, last approximately 4–5 hours.