Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch

About this activity

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.

Itinerary

1. Madison River · 30 min

   Scope for wildlife along the Madison River in the early morning light. Bears and elk frequent this valley.

2. Mount Washburn · 30 min

   Scope for wildlife on driving up Mount Washburn. This area is home to grizzly bears and elk herds.

3. Lamar Valley · 60 min

   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.

4. Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces · 20 min

   We will take a short stroll on the boardwalks near the Liberty Cap thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs.

5. Gibbon Meadows · pass by

   Scope for wildlife along the Gibbon River where elk and bison roam.

Meeting point and pickup

Pickup offered, or meet at the meeting point.

End point: 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.

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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