Welcome to the Yellowstone Self-Guided Tour
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 Tour
Your adventure through Yellowstone 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. 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 self-guided 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 self-guided tour is the best way to experience the national park!
Starting Point Addresses:
South Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): S Entrance Rd, Moran, WY 83013
West Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): 30 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
North Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): N Entrance Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030
East Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): E Entrance Rd, Wyoming
Northeast Entrance (Clockwise & Anti Clockwise): Cooke City
Explore America’s remarkable outdoor gems:
Embark on the ultimate outdoor adventure with our 20+ National Parks self-guided driving tours bundle. From the majestic peaks of Yosemite to the rugged canyons of Zion, to Yellowstone to Rocky Mountain National Park and more, start experiencing these incredible protected areas today!
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.
- 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 & speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Welcome: South Entrance (Jackson)
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Lewis Falls
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Grant Village & Visitor Center
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West Thumb
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Abyss Pool
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Fisherman’s Cone: William Trumbull
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Shoshone Lake & DeLacy Creek Trail
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Shoshone Lake Overlook
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Trail to Shoshone Lake
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Isa Lake & Continental Divide
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Kepler Cascade
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Old Faithful
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Beehive
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Castle Geyser
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Grand Geyser
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Morning Glory
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Fairy Falls & Grand Prismatic
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Firehole River
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Grand Prismatic Parking Lot
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Firehole Lake Drive and the Great Fountain
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Fountain Paint Pot
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Fountain Flat Drive
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Welcome: West Entrance Visitor Information Center
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Madison
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Gibbon River
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Gibbon Falls
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Artist’s Paint Pots
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Boardwalk Artist's Paintpots
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Gibbon Meadows
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Norris Geyser Basin
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Shortcut to Canyon Village
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Semi-Centennial Geyser
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Electric Peak
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Sheepeater Cliffs
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Swan Lake Flats
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Bunsen Peak and Sheepeater Cliffs
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Golden Gate Bridge
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Hoodoos
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Mammoth Hot Springs
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The Town of Mammoth
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Welcome: North Entrance (Roosevelt Arch)
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Boiling River
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Albright Visitor Center
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Undine Falls
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Wraith Falls
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Petrified Tree
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Lost Lake
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Roosevelt Lodge at Tower Junction
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Tower Junction
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Slough Creek
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Lamar Valley
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Trail
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Welcome: Northeast Entrance (Cooke City)
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"Devil’s Den"
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Dunraven Pass and Mt Washburn
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Yellowstone River
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Canyon Village
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Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
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North Rim of Grand Canyon
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Inspiration Point
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South Rim of Grand Canyon
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Hayden Valley
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Welcome: East Entrance (Cody)
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Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
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Fishing Bridge
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Yellowstone Lake
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Shortcut
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.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
- Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on next trip. Never expires.
- Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
- At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace.
- Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
- Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Exclusions:
- Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
- Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
- Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.