Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful

About this activity

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.

Itinerary

1. Madison River · 30 min

   Drive along the Madison River and watch wildlife in the early morning light.

2. Grand Prismatic Spring · 45 min

   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!

3. Old Faithful · 60 min

   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.

4. Stop 4 · 5 min

   We take a short stop at the Continental Divide, where water drains to the Gulf and Pacific Ocean.

5. West Thumb Geyser Basin · 30 min

   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.

6. Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area · 10 min

   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.

7. Hayden Valley · 30 min

   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.

8. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone · 20 min

   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.

Meeting point and pickup

Pickup offered, or meet at the meeting point.

End 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.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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