Sample Itinerary
Wondering what a day with Yellowstone Luxury Tours might look like?
Read on for a sample itinerary, but remember, no need to think of this as set in stone! The course of the day is set with your personal interests in mind and by what exciting opportunities come along as the day progresses!
South Loop Tour
This is our classic Yellowstone National Park tour. Thermal features, boardwalks, bison, Old Faithful, and much more. Let us show you the highlights throughout Yellowstone’s Lower Loop and many hidden gems, too.
Our day starts at the front door of your place of lodging. We will make our way down the Gallatin Canyon enroute to West Yellowstone, a one-hour drive south where the official entrance to the park is located. Introductions will take place and even the possible sightings of bear, moose, elk, and various other wildlife and geographical features.
The Park Entrance
In West Yellowstone, a bathroom and coffee break is prompted for those that wish. Shortly after we will go through the West Entrance of the park where the entrance fees will be paid and the collection of maps, newspapers, and excitement for our day in the park begins.
Madison Junction
The first 14-mile one way, out and back drive is a scenic entrance to the park where the first sightings of wildlife take place. It is not uncommon to see elk and bison along this section as the Madison River slithers its way adjacent to the road, guiding us to the start of the Southern Loop.
Old Faithful & Grand Prismatic
At our first stop sign, we make our way counterclockwise along the southern loop. Here begins our journey through geologic time and the sightings of our first thermal features of the day. The first being the famous and ever colorful Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. Your guide will walk the adjacent boardwalk to the hot spring, educating you on the feature and answering any questions you may have.
The 15-20 minute boardwalk will loop us back to the car where we will then make our way to the infamous Old faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park’s signature move. This is a great place to witness the incredible geyser that erupts on a 90 minute interval where between eruptions we can use the bathroom, grab a snack, and enjoy the gift shops and Visitor center.
West Thumb
With the infamous geyser now in our rearview, we embark on a drive up and over the Continental Divide enroute to West Thumb and Yellowstone Lake. Passing elevations of 8,000 feet, the views are extraordinary as we see the extent of Yellowstone’s super volcanic past.
Yellowstone Lake
We drop to the shores of Yellowstone Lake. North America’s largest high elevation lake with 141 miles of shoreline. With waters cool with snowmelt from winter and mountainous views in every direction, the shores beg for a dip of the toes in its icy waters and a picnic. Lunch is served with local deli made sandwiches, freshly baked cookies, and a cold beverage of your liking. All with the heightened and incredible scenery of wind blowing through the trees, water lapping up along the shore, and the silence of the Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Hayden Valley
The post lunch energy drop is quickly halted with a stop at the mud volcano. The wafts of sulfur in the air from the stinky thermal feature will wake even the groggiest of guests and gives us all a much-needed energy boost for a highlight up ahead.
The Hayden Valley is infamous for its bison and even wolf activity. Though we of course cannot promise any wildlife encounters, it isn’t uncommon to have bison walking the road directly in front of our tour vehicle. A fantastic place to take photographs of wildlife with our guides ensuring you and the animals safety.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
Though it may be a younger and smaller sibling to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Yellowstone’s Lower Falls demand an equal amount of respect. Coming in at 308 feet tall, nearly twice the height of New York’s Niagara Falls, the Lower Falls of Yellowstone and its Grand Canyon is a fantastic finale to our day with sweeping views for a family photo. Shortly after is a gift shop and bathroom break to acquire any last-minute snacks and memories to remember your trip by as we slowly drive back to West Yellowstone.
Final Thoughts
Please note that this is simply a sample tour. Each tour is customizable as many features of the park were not listed here. Your tour is yours to cherish and we want to make that as special as possible for you, your family, and friends and loved ones to remember forever.