Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

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Tour Details

Tour Type: Driving
Duration: 4 - 6 Hours
Distance:150+ Miles
Audio Stories: Per Entrance 140+
Purchase Qty: One Per Car
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Yellowstone National Park Tours

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature on the Yellowstone self-guided tour. This enormous volcanic caldera has captured the American imagination for decades thanks to its explosive geysers, prismatic hot springs, and astonishing waterfalls. Home to some of the only wild bison and wolves on the continent, this park can’t be missed.

About the Tours

Your Yellowstone National Park tours adventure begins at one of the five entrances and follows the Grand Loop around the entire park. Here are some significant points of interest, along with that massive figure eight.

Journey through the West Thumb, one of the largest geyser basins in the park, as we tour Yellowstone National Park. Marvel at the jets of boiling water bursting from the Earth and hear the geological science behind this phenomenon. Peer deep into the Abyss Pool–if you dare–and listen to accounts of how fishermen used to cook their catch in the Fisherman’s Cone! Then, we’ll turn your eyes to the sky and tell you everything you need to know about birdwatching in Yellowstone.

As you drive past Shoshone Lake, one of the park’s best-kept secrets, we’ll fill you in on Sacagawea’s connection to the park and give you the real story you probably haven’t heard. Then it’s on to the world-famous Old Faithful, where you’re guaranteed to see a spectacular show. We’ll also take you to all the other geysers in the area, which are every bit as impressive as their famous cousin.

After that, try not to let your jaw drop too low when you see Grand Prismatic, the largest hot spring in the United States and the most colorful. We’ll give you a glimpse into the microscopic life which thrives in the extreme heat and explain how they brew beer and help solve crimes. No, really!

Next, we’ll stop by the Fountain Paint Pot, the most colorful mud field you’ll ever see, and reveal the secrets of Yellowstone’s “Zone of Death.” Then it’s on to the tremendous Gibbon Falls and the Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone’s hottest basin. At this point on the Yellowstone self-guided tour, we’ll hear about how this place offers a window into the earliest life on Earth and the men who first charted this fascinating land.

Gaze up at Electric Peak next as we recount the harrowing tale of how it got its name. Cross Yellowstone’s very own Golden Gate Bridge to reach the Mammoth Hot Springs, the most accessible place to spot a herd of elk. As you continue toward a pair of staggering waterfalls, we’ll put your mind at ease about the still-active super-volcano directly beneath you and let you enjoy the views.

Check out a tree so old it’s turned entirely to stone, then hear about President Theodore Roosevelt’s eventful trip to Yellowstone. If you’ve come to see wildlife, Lamar Valley is one of your best bets. We’ll point you to a place where you can spot elk, bison, and maybe even grizzlies or wolves!

Further, on the Yellowstone National Park tour, crest the summit of Dunraven Pass 9,000 feet above sea level, and you’ll be rewarded with staggering views of the park. Then, visit Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon–as long as you don’t have a fear of heights, that is! Finally, relax by the shores of the enormous Yellowstone Lake and watch for moose who come to drink from its waters. Yellowstone has all this and more within a single park, but you have to see it to understand how awe-inspiring this landscape can be. A Yellowstone National Park tour adventure is the best way to experience the national park!

Make Your Yellowstone Experience Grand

Additionally, the tour also includes three additional in-depth experiences – Old Faithful, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Grand Prismatic.

About the Grand Prismatic Spring Tour

Make your Yellowstone visit a trip to remember with this self-guided walking tour to the Grand Prismatic hot spring, one of the park’s absolute must-see attractions. As you walk this trail to the best overlook of the stunning spring, you’ll dive deep into the mysteries behind this geothermal wonder, from how it formed to why it looks as colorful as it does. Plus, uncover the fascinating history of Yellowstone’s biggest eruption and hear the words of the first European to ever set eyes on Grand Prismatic. If you want, you can even keep the adventure going with a hike to Fairy Falls!

About the Yellowstone Old Faithful Tour

Witness the power of Old Faithful and explore the surrounding geyser basin with this self-guided walking tour! As one of the most densely-packed geyser regions in the park, there’s no shortage of explosive wonders on display here. Watch huge geysers like Old Faithful, Castle Geyser, and Grand Geyser erupt. Stroll past smaller, bubbling pools. Find out how geysers form, how they work, and uncover the hidden systems underlying the whole basin. This walking tour makes for the perfect addition to any Yellowstone visit!

About the West Thumb Geyser Basin Tour

Enhance your visit with this self-guided walking tour through the geothermal wonders of the West Thumb Geyser Basin as part of Yellowstone tours. This journey along a boardwalk surrounded by steaming hot springs and burbling geysers is sure to make an impression. Stare into the mysteries of the deep at the Abyss Pool and the Black Pool. Stroll along the tranquil shores of Yellowstone Lake. Hear the strange history of the Fishing Cone. And much more! This walking tour of West Thumb gets you up close and personal with some of Yellowstone’s coolest (and hottest) attractions.

2024 Update:

Most roads are closed to prepare for commercially-guided snowcoach and snowmobile travel during the winter season, starting December 15. The road between the North and Northeast entrances is the only road open year-round to regular vehicles. For more information, visit nps.gov.

NOTE: Learn more about the road conditions, admission fees, and other pertinent information here.

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Yellowstone National Park Map

Where To Start?

Yellowstone National Park Tour:

South Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): Lewis Canyon Falls, US-287, Moran, WY 83013, United States

West Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, 30 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States

North Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): Gardiner Bridge,213 Spring St, Gardiner, MT 59030, United States

East Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): Cub Creek

Northeast Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): Northeast Entrance, US-212, Cooke City, MT 59081, USA

Old Faithful Tour:

Start your Old Faithful tour from the Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center: View Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Grand Prismatic Spring Tour:

Start From: Fairy Falls Parking Lot

West Thumb Geyser Basin Tour:

Start from: West Thumb Information Station, Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome: South Entrance (Jackson)
This tour of Yellowstone features multiple entrances to accommodate travelers entering from any direction. Get ready to experience one of the most incredible landscapes in North America, featuring stunning volcanic features like geysers and hot springs, majestic wildlife from bison to gray wolves, and more natural beauty than you can capture with any camera.
Lewis Falls
The first thing you'll see if entering from the south is Lewis Falls, a humble but energetic 30-foot waterfall that's sure to whet your appetite for the sights to come.
Grant Village & Visitor Center
If entering via the South Entrance, you'll pass Grant Village, a great place to make a pit stop before continuing onto the Grand Loop which circles the whole park.
West Thumb
First in this section of the park is the West Thumb Geyser Basin, one of Yellowstone's largest geyser basins which features some truly remarkable geothermal features.
Abyss Pool
While exploring West Thumb, you'll spot the Abyss Pool, an impressively deep, shockingly blue pool which has actually been known to erupt, although very rarely.
Fisherman’s Cone: William Trumbull
Next is the Fisherman's Cone, a small, extremely hot spring where fishermen used to boil their fish immediately after catching them!
Shoshone Lake & DeLacy Creek Trail
Your route takes you next past Shoshone Lake, a lovely secluded little patch of wilderness with a great hiking trail to boot.
Shoshone Lake Overlook
Be sure to stop by the Shoshone Lake Overlook, up next, for some spectacular views of the lake.
Trail to Shoshone Lake
You'll pass the trail to Shoshone Lake next, for those who want to visit the lakeshore itself.
Isa Lake & Continental Divide
Up next is Isa Lake, which sits directly on the Continental Divide. In a way, this lake marks the backbone of the country!
Kepler Cascade
Continuing on, you'll pass the Kepler Cascade, a 150-foot waterfall that's definitely worth a stop.
Old Faithful
Old Faithful, up next, is one of Yellowstone's most famous attractions for a reason. This huge geyser is so reliable it was once referred to as "eternity's timepiece"!
Beehive
After that you can choose to visit the Beehive, a much humbler geyser which gets its name from the curious honeycomb-like formation surrounding it.
Castle Geyser
Then there's Castle Geyser, imposing and shielded by an enormous cone of calcified residue.
Grand Geyser
If you explore the geyser basin beyond Old Faithful, you'll find Grand Geyser, the most powerful predictable geyser in the world. These eruptions can reach up to 200 feet in height!
Morning Glory
Up next is Morning Glory, a deep hot spring pool which has, unfortunately, been severely damaged by tourists over the years. That said, it's still a sight to behold.
Fairy Falls & Grand Prismatic
After that you'll have the chance to visit Fairy Falls, a spectacular waterfall, and get a great view of the must-see Grand Prismatic hot spring in the process.
Firehole River
You've heard of hot tubs, but how about a hot river? That's exactly what you'll find at Firehole River, your next stop. It's a river naturally heated by a nearby hot spring!
Grand Prismatic Parking Lot
Then you'll be able to park and see Grand Prismatic up close. It's a staggeringly huge hot spring with rings of shocking color encircling it. This is one of Yellowstone's can't-miss attractions!
Firehole Lake Drive and the Great Fountain
Beyond that is Firehole Lake Drive, offering up-close views of the water, and the Great Fountain geyser. It isn't as predictable as Old Faithful, but you might get lucky and catch a seriously impressive eruption.
Fountain Paint Pot
Next up is the Fountain Paint Pot, a wonderfully colorful mud pot which is constantly burbling and rearranging itself thanks to the volcanic power underneath it.
Fountain Flat Drive
After that, you'll have a chance to take Fountain Flat Drive, which leads to a meadow where bison love to graze!
Welcome: West Entrance Visitor Information Center
You'll see the West Entrance Visitor Information Center if entering the park via the town of West Yellowstone.
Madison
If entering through the West Entrance, you'll pass through the Madison Junction, which is supposedly where explorer Ferdinand Hayden first had the idea to make this a national park.
Gibbon River
As you drive past the picturesque Gibbon River, you'll hear about its importance to the Shoshone tribe, as well as how they used the park's natural obsidian deposits in the past.
Gibbon Falls
After that you'll find Gibbon Falls, one of the park's most easily accessible waterfalls. Unlike many falls, which require long hikes down rocky trails, this one can be seen from the road!
Artist’s Paint Pots
Your route takes you next to the Artist's Paint Pots, another set of colorful mud pots featuring a boardwalk which takes you past not only the paint pots, but also a bunch of small geysers as well. This is a must-see spot.
Boardwalk Artist's Paintpots
As you explore the paint pots, you'll also get a great look at how the geothermal features have affected the surrounding trees.
Gibbon Meadows
You'll pass Gibbon Meadows next. If you're looking for a picnic spot to take a scenic break from driving and walking, this is a great one to choose.
Norris Geyser Basin
The next geyser basin you'll reach is the Norris Geyser Basin, the oldest, hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone, with temperatures measured up to 459 degrees below the surface!
Shortcut to Canyon Village
If you want to head straight to Canyon Village, you'll have an opportunity to do so next by taking this route straight across the Grand Loop rather than all the way around.
Semi-Centennial Geyser
Next, you'll pass a strange and remarkable geyser: the Semi-Centennial Geyser. It hasn't erupted since 1922, but who knows? You might get lucky!
Electric Peak
As you continue, you'll see Electric Peak, an 11,000-foot summit which earned its name thanks to a daring, storm-harrowed climbing experience back in the park's early days.
Sheepeater Cliffs
Past that are the Sheepeater Cliffs, a landmark with a strange story behind its equally strange name.
Swan Lake Flats
Up next are the Swan Lake Flats. These aren't just a great place to spot wildlife, they're also the birthplace of one of Yellowstone's eight wolf packs!
Bunsen Peak and Sheepeater Cliffs
Then there's Bunsen Peak, named after the inventor of the Bunsen Burner. Why? You'll have to visit to find out!
Golden Gate Bridge
Continuing on, you'll cross Yellowstone's very own Golden Gate Bridge, a staggering canyon bridged by an incredibly intricate viaduct. The views on this section of your drive simply can't be beat!
Hoodoos
As you drive, you'll pass through a collection of huge boulders resulting from an ancient landslide.
Mammoth Hot Springs
After that, you'll see Mammoth Hot Springs, one of Yellowstone's most picturesque features. But these terraced hot springs aren't just perfect for photos--they're also a huge draw for the local elk population!
The Town of Mammoth
If you're yearning for civilization, you'll find it at the next stop: the town of Mammoth. Dating back to the 1800s, this is the perfect place to take a quick break, grab a bite, and spot some elk!
Welcome: North Entrance (Roosevelt Arch)
Visitors entering from the north will pass through the Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance.
Boiling River
If entering from the north entrance, you'll pass another heated river called the Boiling River. Don't worry about the name, though--it's actually quite a pleasant temperature!
Albright Visitor Center
The Albright Visitor Center is up next for those entering from the north, and it's a great place for anyone to stop for snacks or a restroom break.
Undine Falls
Up next are the Undine Falls, a 60-foot waterfall named after fairies from German folklore.
Wraith Falls
Just across from Undine Falls is a trailhead leading to the 80-foot Wraith Falls, another of Yellowstone's nearly 350 waterfalls!
Petrified Tree
The route takes you next to the Petrified Tree, one of Yellowstone's strangest attractions. While it may not look it, this tree is actually millions of years old!
Lost Lake
The Petrified Tree also marks the trailhead to the Lost Lake, a mysterious lake which, depending on who you ask, may not even exist!
Roosevelt Lodge at Tower Junction
Next, you'll pass through Tower Junction, home to the Roosevelt Lodge where, despite the name, no Roosevelt ever camped. But that doesn't make it any less of a fantastic camping spot!
Tower Junction
When you arrive at Tower Junction, you'll be able to choose whether to continue following the Grand Loop toward Yellowstone's Grand Canyon or take a detour to Lamar Valley, a favorite hangout of the local wildlife.
Slough Creek
Your route takes you next past the popular Slough Creek trail, which leads into the secluded Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness just beyond Yellowstone's borders
Lamar Valley
As you drive, you'll pass Lamar Valley next. This valley is the best place in Yellowstone to spot the park's iconic wildlife. You'll almost definitely see bison here, and might even get lucky and catch sight of some elusive wolves!
Trail
While passing through the valley, you'll have the chance to hike the Lamar Valley Trail. It's a picturesque hike for sure, but be sure to keep your distance from the wildlife!
Welcome: Northeast Entrance (Cooke City)
Visitors entering from the northeast will enter through the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City.
"Devil’s Den"
Those entering from the northeast will encounter Devil's Den, the iconic landscape captured by famed painter Thomas Moran, whose work helped to put Yellowstone on the map.
Dunraven Pass and Mt Washburn
Continuing along the Grand Loop, you'll arrive at Dunraven Pass, one of the highest points in the entire park. This 9,000-foot pass also features the trailhead to a hiking trail leading up an additional 1,000 feet for a truly commanding view of the park below.
Yellowstone River
As you drive, you'll pass the powerful Yellowstone River, another great place to spot animals like bison or grizzlies stopping for a drink at the riverbank.
Canyon Village
Next, you'll pass through Canyon Village, the strange, semi-town where many of Yellowstone's workers live during their time at the park. It offers a fun glimpse into what life is like for the park employees!
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
After that you'll come to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a canyon impressive enough to rival even Arizona's Grand Canyon!
North Rim of Grand Canyon
On the north rim of the canyon, you'll find plenty of phenomenal lookout points, so don't forget to snap plenty of photos!
Inspiration Point
Continuing on, you'll arrive at Inspiration Point, the most popular of the overlooks along Yellowstone's Grand Canyon. The vista here is simply unmatched anywhere else in the park.
South Rim of Grand Canyon
You'll come to the canyon's south rim next, which offers just as many viewpoints and hiking trails as the north rim, including the beautiful Artists Point.
Hayden Valley
Up next is Hayden Valley, which offers a glimpse into the past. Though it's a lush green valley today, it was once at the bottom of a lake!
Welcome: East Entrance (Cody)
Those entering from the east will enter through the park's East Entrance near Cody.
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
If you're coming in through the east entrance, you'll pass the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, where you can stop for snacks, maps, and restrooms.
Fishing Bridge
Next, you'll cross Fishing Bridge and hear about the park service's early, misguided attempts to boost park visitation by introducing invasive trout to the rivers.
Yellowstone Lake
Finally, you'll arrive at Yellowstone Lake, the largest high elevation lake in North America. This pristine lake is too cold to swim in, but it makes the perfect place for a picnic or even a boat ride!
Shortcut
This last stretch of the Grand Loop will take you to West Thumb for a second time, concluding the circle--or, if you've entered the park from an entrance besides the South Entrance, it will bring you there for the first time so you can see the rest of the park!

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

You can bring your pet on a Yellowstone National Park tour… but with plenty of restrictions. You need to ensure your pet is inside a vehicle, tent, or on a leash no shorter than 6 feet. And pets are not allowed on boardwalks or hiking trails, even with a leash.

If you don’t want to leave your pet in the car while you’re on your trip, a few pet boarding facilities are available outside the park boundary.

Yellowstone’s driving route is arranged like a big circle, with five different entrances to the loop.

West Entrance: You’ll arrive at the West Entrance if you’re driving in from Yellowstone Airport.

South Entrance: The South Entrance comes from Jackson, Wyoming.

North Entrance: Begins at Roosevelt Arch in Montana.

East Entrance: Begins from Cody, Wyoming

Northeast Entrance: Starts in the heart of Wyoming’s mountains. The tour begins at Trout Lake Trailhead. Note: This entrance is currently shut.

From geysers to bison, Yellowstone National Park boasts numerous claims to fame. We have over a 100+ audio stories on the top sights along your driving route.

Funny you should ask. Yellowstone is well-known for its water features, from geysers to hot springs to rivers to falls and there are over 300 of them.