7 Best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2024
Searching for the best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole, Wyoming?
Well then, this list is for you! As a van lifer who has traveled up and down the West Coast for years, Yellowstone is one of my favorite places to visit.
After spending five days in the park, I totally understand why Yellowstone is so beloved. You’re in for a real treat if you haven’t yet heard of Old Faithful’s blast or the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring. It certainly is one of my favorite national parks in the country, and I’ve been to 28 of them.
Below, I’ve filtered through and ranked 7 of the best trips to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole, pointing out their unique features so you can find the perfect guided experience and itinerary for you.
Just want the best? This is my top pick. This Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour is the best overall day trip with a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
If you’d like to scout all your options, below is a list of 7 excellent outings. Separated into day trips and multi-day excursions, each one has a tremendous 5 Star rating!
Top 3 Picks: Best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole, WY
Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour
Best Overall Day Trip
Best of Yellowstone Private Safari Tour
Best Private Day Tour
Yellowstone and Grand Teton 4 Day 3 Night Wildlife Adventure
Best Multi-Day Trip to Both National Parks
7 Top Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole
If you’re trying to avoid the drive or are short on time, here are the best Tours from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone. Again, because Yellowstone is huge and so close to Grand Teton, I highly recommend spending more than one day to see both parks if you have the time.
I’ve separated the following into the following categories:
- Best Day Trip Yellowstone tours focus on the main points of interest on the lower loop with small group or private trips.
- Best Multi-Day Yellowstone tours go beyond just the popular attractions, and you can see more of Grand Teton.
Note that many day trips have nearly identical itineraries, so I’ll emphasize what sets each one apart and why you should choose them.
Tip! Most roads (outside the north entrance) are closed to regular vehicles from early November to late April. Check here for the road closure schedules.
Best Yellowstone Day Tours From Jackson Hole
Take a day trip and check out some amazing views from the famous Old Faithful, the stunning Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and the Upper Geyser Basin.
1. Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour
Best Overall Yellowstone Day Trip
⌛ Tour Length: 12 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🦬 Book now
Why You Should Join This Tour:
- One of the cheapest options, especially if you already have a National Park Pass
- Small groups of up to 11 people
- Visits the Highlights of the Lower Loop
Explore the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park in this small-group guided tour from Jackson. In a very long, single day, you’ll see diverse wildlife and the park’s most famous landmarks. Travel inside a comfy, air-conditioned ride with a nature guide who’ll fill you in on the park’s history, ecology, and rocks while you explore all day.
The tour includes several short, easy walks to stops like Old Faithful, Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, colorful geothermal areas, and several chances to spot big game. There will even be a couple of photo stops at Grand Teton National Park.
Incredible tour that highlighted some of the best sights and wildlife in the region. Had a phenomenal group and an amazing guide- Cooper was fun, knowledgeable and one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. Highly recommend taking this tour!
– Melissa (read more reviews)
With a cap of 11 people, bask in the untouched ecosystems and check out some of Earth’s most active geysers. This full-day experience includes lunch, hotel pick-up, and a pair of binoculars to borrow.
However, note that National Park fees are not included but can be purchased upon arrival.
2. Best of Yellowstone Private National Park Safari Tour
Best Private Yellowstone Tour For 2-6 People
⌛ Tour Length: 12 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🦬 Book now
Why You Should Join This Tour:
- You want to customize your itinerary of the Lower Loop
- Your group is between 2-6 people
Join this personalized Best of Yellowstone Park Safari Tour, witnessing the beauty of famous landmarks for you and up to 5 of your closest friends and family. While you take in this scenery, scan the horizon for roaming buffalo with your very own private guide.
On this full-day excursion, you can design your own itinerary and explore the highlights of Lower Loop Road. Along the way, a knowledgeable naturalist guide will point out rare animal sightings.
We had a great time! It was so nice having someone that knew the area take us to so many cool spots!…And even better that we just got to sit back and enjoy the view without the stress of driving! We would definitely recommend!
– Korinne (read more reviews)
This tour includes meals (breakfast and lunch), private transportation, and easy pick-up/drop-off of guests at all Jackson Hole & Teton Village hotels, condos, and private residences.
3. Private Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour
Best Private Tour For 5-11 People
⌛ Tour Length: 11 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🦬 Book now
Why You Should Join This Tour:
- You want to customize your itinerary of the Lower Loop
- You have a big group of between 5-11 people
This private full-day Yellowstone National Park Tour itinerary is quite similar to the one above, but is a great option for larger groups as it can accommodate up to 11 people. For smaller parties of up to 5, you’ll ride in style with a luxury SUV, while bigger crews will be transported in spacious Sprinter vans.
Hit the park’s most iconic places in just one day without worrying about logistics or directions. From standing above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to standing in awe at Old Faithful, you’ll see all the famous sights like Firehole River and Hayden Valley.
We had an amazing day seeing the highlights of the lower loop. Our tour guide Jessie was incredible – not only was he extremely knowledgeable, it was clear he was absolutely passionate about the National Parks. I would have given this a 6 out of 5 stars if I could have.
– Nancy (read more reviews)
This private tour provides seamless transportation in a luxury vehicle. With binoculars included, watch for the park’s diverse animal life while driving past the jagged peaked landscapes of the Grand Tetons too.
4. Half-Day Group Sunset Wildlife Safari
Best Tour for Those with Very Little Time
⌛ Tour Length: 4 – 5 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🦬 Book now
Why You Should Join This Tour:
- You have less than a day
- You are interested in seeing wildlife
So, with half a day, reaching and seeing any of Yellowstone National Park from Jackson Hole is impossible. So, while I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this since you don’t actually set foot in the park, if you would like a taste of the local wildlife here, I can still suggest this half-day wildlife tour through the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem area.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll be taken to the best places to encounter bison, elk, grizzly bears, bald eagles, and, with any luck, wolves. Usually, you can only observe big mammals from your car, but here, you can scout for them in their natural habitat.
The guide was very knowledgeable of the terrain and the animals. He was very entertaining. The wildlife we saw was exquisite. The van was very comfortable with large Windows provided great views as we were driving along.
– Scott (read more reviews)
With frequent sightings, the route varies daily based on group interest and wildlife activity.
Best Multi-Day Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole
Going on multi-day trips lets you really dig deeper. You get to stay overnight and check out some cool spots that aren’t on the usual tourist map.
Tip! Hotel rooms fill up quickly inside National Parks. Most tours can only guarantee accommodation on bookings made within 30 days of travel. Otherwise, you may need to make arrangements outside of the park.
5. Yellowstone and Grand Teton 4 Day 3 Night Wildlife Adventure
Best Multi-Day Trip to See Everything in Yellowstone & Grand Teton
⌛ Tour Length: 4 Days | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🦬 Book now
Why You Should Join This Tour:
- You want to see everything noteworthy in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park
- You want an all-inclusive experience with food, lodging, and transportation handled
- Explore together with up to 9 new friends
Join this exceptional 4-day tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, where you don’t have to worry about planning the perfect itinerary, as your guide does that for you. With so many things to see, I’m so happy that you’re thinking of staying for more days! It’s certainly worth it!
Witness the best of both parks, where you will have all the time you want to take pictures, go on some of the best Yellowstone hikes, and not feel rushed hitting all the sights.
Kenny is a great guide. We appreciate his knowledge of the parks’ history; the best locations for spotting animal; and he kept us safe and comfy during the trip. We covered most major scenic spots on our 3-4 day trip and saw tons of wildlife.
– Wenxi (read more reviews)
This package is for a small group tour of up to 10 people and includes accommodation, breakfast and snacks, entrance fees, and transfers.
Trip Itinerary:
- Day 1: Best of Grand Teton National Park & Wildlife Chasing
- Day 2: Half of Lower Loop (West Thumb Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)
- Day 3: Best of Upper Loop
- Day 4: Wildlife Viewing & Other Half of Lower Loop (Lamar Valley, Old Faithful, Mammoth Springs, Fountain Paint Pots)
6. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Wildlife Adventure (2 Day/1 Night)
Best Multi-Day Trip to See the Highlights of Grand Teton & Yellowstone
⌛ Tour Length: 2 Days | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🦬 Book now
Why You Should Join This Tour:
- You want to see the best of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park
- You want an all-inclusive experience with food, lodging, and transportation handled
Check into the ultimate wildlife adventure through the American Serengeti on this 2-day expedition across Grand Teton & Yellowstone. Let your guide show you some cool animals like wolves, bison, moose, and bears.
On the first day, begin your journey through some of my personal favorite Grand Teton Valley panoramas, like Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and Mormon Row Historic District. Keep your binoculars at the ready, as there are always herds of buffalo on the side of the road towards the Lower Loop. Rest overnight at a hotel in West Yellowstone or Cooke City.
On the second day, set out early in search of wolves and grizzly bears. Afterward, take easy, short hikes through geothermal features and geysers.
No Other Way to see Yellowstone. I cannot say enough good about this tour!…Being a small group, we all got to know each other, and we made new friends we will remember forever. One of my favorite tours of all time!
– Juanita (read more reviews)
Limited to 10 people, this package also includes park entrance fees, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and overnight accommodation.
7. 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration
Best Multi-Day Trip to Explore Yellowstone National Park In-depth
⌛ Tour Length: 2 Days | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🦬 Book now
Why You Should Join This Tour:
- You want to see more than just the best of Yellowstone National Park by going to the Upper & Lower Loop
- You want a mostly inclusive experience with food and transportation handled
- Cheaper tour overall, but accommodation is not included in the price
Enjoy a leisurely two-day exploration of Yellowstone National Park with this exclusive tour. You will have ample time to wander through the national park’s Upper and Lower Loops, which is impossible during traditional single day tours.
On day one, venture north from Jackson, Wyoming, pausing for a few Grand Teton photo ops. As you approach the South Entrance Station, observe all of the attractions the Lower Loop offers, such as the impressive hues of Grand Prismatic Spring, and lesser-visited sites like Firehole Canyon Drive or Golden Gate Canyon before reaching Mammoth Hot Springs!
After a restful night at the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort, begin day two by heading around the Upper Loop to Paradise Valley. From there, you will drive to Undine Falls, Blacktail Plateau Drive, Petrified Tree, and Lamar Valley. Tower Fall and Canyon Village Area are also must-sees, along with Lower and Upper Falls, Mud Volcano, and more.
We had a very knowledgeable guide, George, who took us to numerous sites in 2 days! Too many to count and far more than we would have been able to see on our own…Incredible experience from start to finish!
– Joan (read more reviews)
This tour includes lunch, a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and hotel pick-up and drop-off from Jackson, WY.
Where to Stay in Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole is a charming town, yet it can be pretty pricy for budget-minded roadtrippers and travelers. To help make you stay comfy, here are two highly rated options with varying rates, along with a map so that you may check all your possibilities.
Tip! Note that some tours do door-to-door pick up only at certified hotels, not private residences like Airbnb or VRBO.
THE BEST HOTEL IN JACKSON WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS – Hotel Jackson
In a prime location in the heart of Jackson, book a stay at Hotel Jackson, arguably the best hotel in the whole town. With the surrounding snowcapped mountains as the view for your spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, it can only be topped with its top-of-the-line amenities, like its sparkling indoor swimming pool and fitness center.
HOMEY WESTERN-INSPIRED INN – Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole
Stay at the Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole for a cozy and authentic mountain getaway. This homey, western-inspired inn is perfect for those seeking a warm and inviting retreat. Relax before the fireplace, take in the stunning mountain vistas from your balcony, or unwind in the indoor pool after a long day at the slopes.
Tips to Prepare for Your Tour
Before you head off on a Yellowstone adventure, make sure you’re all prepped up. Here’s what you need to know:
- What to pack: Be sure to pack for the weather, including layers, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear. Outside of summer, it is pretty cold for most of the year.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit is May through September, when the weather is mild, and the park is actually open.
- Wildlife safety: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PET THE ANIMALS! I’m not kidding; people every year get killed by buffalo. They are not pets. If they are in your way, go around.
- Geothermal Safety: DON’T POKE OR STEP ON THE GEOTHERMAL FLOORS! Yes, even if the wind blows your hat off the boardwalk. Aside from destroying the formation, you might literally fall in and get burned.
A Bit About Yellowstone National Park
Did you know that Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the United States? Established in 1972, it spans 3,472 square miles of Wyoming wilderness, making it among the largest of the federal park system.
From its very own Grand Canyon to its geysers and hot springs, Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with free-roaming bison on open prairies or grazing elk near bubbling thermal pools. This protected area promises outdoor enthusiasts hiking, camping, fishing, and boating adventures, or simply a tranquil scenic drive.
How far is Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?
As a massive park, Yellowstone sports five entrance stations, and it takes several hours to drive between them. Jackson Hole is a popular jumping-off point to exploring Yellowstone, a 1.5 – 2 hour drive from the south entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular loop in the park is the Grand Loop (Lower Loop), which covers almost 142 miles and takes approximately 8 hours to complete. This loop takes visitors to the park’s most famous things to do, including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Yes, as per the list above, it is possible to do a day trip to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole. However, keep in mind that Yellowstone is a large park. It would be difficult to see all the major attractions in just one day. Spending at least 2-3 days in the park is highly recommended to fully experience it.
Yes, Jackson Hole is a great place to stay when visiting Yellowstone. It’s only a 1.5 – 2 hours drive to the park’s southern entrance and filled with lodging, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Plus, it’s great if you are also in time for the end of the ski season, as it is home to one of the best ski resorts in the country.
The closest entrance from Jackson Hole is the south entrance, approximately 60 miles away.
The drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone is a scenic one. Be prepared for winding roads and possible delays due to herds of buffalo on the road, construction, or accidents. Many roads may be closed in the wintertime.
Many visitors to the area are often torn between which park to spend more time at, but, in my opinion, Yellowstone is way better. As subjective as I’m trying to be as Grand Teton does have an impressive mountain range and alpine lakes, Yellowstone’s geothermal and canyon sceneries are just so unique, I think every traveler to America should visit this park.
Jackson Hole is closer to Grand Teton National Park, approximately 20 miles away. Yellowstone’s southern entrance is about 60 miles from Jackson Hole.
The best time of year to visit is the summer months (June-August) with the warmest weather and the most things to do. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a chance to see wildlife and changing foliage. Most roads are closed in the winter months unless you sign up for winter tours like cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.
Yes, Old Faithful is one of the most popular points of interest and will be visited on most tours. Check the eruption schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Best Yellowstone Tours from Jackson Hole
Yellowstone National Park will forever be an amazing place, and I hope to return soon! With geothermal features and plenty of wildlife to find, Jackson Hole is a great starting point for those looking to day trip or take a longer excursion. Plus, being close to Grand Teton National Park makes this location even more desirable!
In case you’ve just scrolled to the end:
- To choose the best overall Yellowstone day trip, join this tour from Jackson.
- To go on a private day tour, book this lower loop tour.
- For the ultimate 4 Day/3 Night multi-day trip to see all of Grand Teton and Yellowstone, book this all-inclusive tour.
No matter which way you go, Yellowstone is an absolute treat for the eyes. I bet you’re going to love it just as much as I did!
| TRAVEL RESOURCES |
| ✈️ Find the best tours and activities with Viator to cross off your bucket list and create unforgettable memories 🏘️ Book your accommodation with Booking.com in advance and check availability on the days of your travels. 🧾 Rent a car in advance with Discovercars for those epic road trips at the best price. 📓 Safety first! Insure yourself with Safety Wings nomad travel insurance for $45/month for all your adventures and activities abroad. |
