
Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 118 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone worth booking?
Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone is a 8-hour experience in West Yellowstone, United States, from $275 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 118 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (118)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $275 per person
Take in the sights and earn a ton of education while our expert guide tours you and your group through the nations first National Park. We are professional guides - approved by the National Park Service - that can provide a quality tour and take you to the best stops with the most information in the highest and best way. We are passionate about the Yellowstone and know how to fill a jam-packed day with fun and amazing experiences. Learn about park history, wildlife, natural wonders and all of the park's many hydrothermal features located within Yellowstone. We always aim to provide an epic experience unlike any other. This all day Yellowstone experience from the West side is amazing, and departs daily from Big Sky, MT at 6am or West Yellowstone, MT at 7am. We always return you to your starting location.
What you get
About this experience
Take in the sights and earn a ton of education while our expert guide tours you and your group through the nations first National Park. We are professional guides - approved by the National Park Service - that can provide a quality tour and take you to the best stops with the most information in the highest and best way. We are passionate about the Yellowstone and know how to fill a jam-packed day with fun and amazing experiences. Learn about park history, wildlife, natural wonders and all of the park's many hydrothermal features located within Yellowstone. We always aim to provide an epic experience unlike any other. This all day Yellowstone experience from the West side is amazing, and departs daily from Big Sky, MT at 6am or West Yellowstone, MT at 7am. We always return you to your starting location.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Spotting Scopes + Tripods
Not included
- anding and/or facility fees
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Firehole Canyon Drive
Drive through the Firehole Canyon Drive to see the Firehole river and waterfall in this tremendously scenic 2-mile drive.
15 minutes here
Fountain Paint Pot
This is many visitor's favorite feature because they get to see "All Four Hydrothermal Features" in one! See hot springs, mud pots (the paint pots), geysers and more in this very neat and historic roadside stop.
35 minutes here
Grand Prismatic Spring
Drive past the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the world! If traffic permits we will stop and spend time getting up close and personal to this colorful, steaming spring located in the Midway Geyser Basin, just below Old Faithful. Often times we will either stop here or at Old Faithful, depending on group needs.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Old Faithful
See the most famous and most predictable of Yellowstone National Park's geysers, Old Faithful. This varying ~150 ft. geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes and you are guaranteed to see it in action. Also enjoy touring the historic Old Faithful Inn and numerous gift shops, cafeterias and seeing resident Bison along the way.
90 minutes here · Admission included
West Thumb Geyser Basin
*We stop depending on timing*. See more of Yellowstone's hydrothermal features in Mud Pots, Fumaroles and Hot Springs directly on the beautiful shore front of Yellowstone Lake. See Fishing Cone and others as you walk through this incredibly scenic boardwalk.
20 minutes here
Yellowstone Lake
Witness the crystal clear waters of the largest alpine lake in the world, formed in the heart of the Yellowstone caldera.
Pass by without stopping
Dragon's Mouth Springs
Stop at Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth Springs, to see some of Yellowstone's many hydrothermal features including mud pots and fumaroles
15 minutes here · Admission included
Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area
See "Mud Volcano" and the bubbling, steaming (and stinky!) gesyer area in the heart of the Yellowstone Caldera.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Hayden Valley
Drive through the stunning Hayden Valley, home to Bears, Wolves, Bison and Elk. We always slow and stop for wildlife viewing where possible.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Artist Point
See one of the best views you will ever see of Lower Falls of the Yellowstone here at Artist Point; be prepared to be wowed!
30 minutes here
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Visit Artist Point lookout to view the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, a 308 ft. waterfall and the 20 mile long "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone" with towering, colorful walls and breathtaking vistas. We take you to another viewing point too as time permits
30 minutes here · Admission included
Gibbon Falls
See the Gibbon Falls, centrally located in the heart of the Gibbon River, one of the tributaries that flows to the Madison River.
15 minutes here
Madison River
Experience the beautiful drive in and out of the West gate via the W. Entrance Rd. and earn and amazing introduction of why Yellowstone became the world's first national park.
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
West Yellowstone
We stop at the Madison Day Use Parking area at 8am for guests coming from inside the park such as Old Faithful Inn or the North Gate. You may park your car here for the day. We will be there at 8am near the bathroom building.
Meeting point
West Yellowstone
Meet between 7:00am - 7:20am in the parking lot of the West Yellowstone Visitor Center at 30 Yellowstone Ave. in West Yellowstone, MT. There are restrooms there and we have permission to park there for the day. We will likely be there closer to 7:10am.
Meeting point
West Yellowstone
Please meet us at The Wilson Hotel at 6am. We will pull directly into the main hotel entrance with the overhead awning. Again, this tour departs Big Sky at 6AM (we know it's listed for 7am but that is from West Yellowstone. Big Sky is at 6am).
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
We stop at the Madison Day Use Parking area at 8am for guests coming from inside the park such as Old Faithful Inn or the North Gate. You may park your car here for the day. We will be there at 8am near the bathroom building.
Ends at
Meet between 7:00am - 7:20am in the parking lot of the West Yellowstone Visitor Center at 30 Yellowstone Ave. in West Yellowstone, MT. There are restrooms there and we have permission to park there for the day. We will likely be there closer to 7:10am.
Ends at
Please meet us at The Wilson Hotel at 6am. We will pull directly into the main hotel entrance with the overhead awning. Again, this tour departs Big Sky at 6AM (we know it's listed for 7am but that is from West Yellowstone. Big Sky is at 6am).
Options you can book
Pickup: Big Sky, MT
Duration: 10 hours Starting point: Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel, 145 Town Center Ave, Big Sky, MT 59716, USA Pickup included
Pickup: West Yellowstone, MT
Duration: 9 hours Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CoveredGround Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 118 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
118 verified traveler reviews for Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
It was a GREAT experience, from the beginning to the end! Tyler is an excellent tour guide! He made sure we all had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend this tour and Tyler! Thank you 😊
via Viator
Amazing Experience
What an amazing tour! Our guide, Tyler, was amazing. He was engaging, knowledgeable, and funny. We saw the most incredible sights. Would definitely recommend!
via Viator
Great tour of Yellowstone National Park
Tyler was an excellent guide. He took us. To some of the best spots on the lower loop. Highly recommend this tour company.
via Viator
Fantastic way to see lower loop
Nice way to capture the highlights of the southern loop. Our guide, Ethan, was most helpful, knowledgeable & gave great advice on our self-guided tour of the north loop for the next day.
via Tripadvisor
Do this tour!
Tour of Yellowstone's lower loop was amazing. It was the perfect length (8 hrs). Only 12 people on the tour. Chase was our guide and he was incredible. Extremely knowledgeable about the park's history, geography, fauna, sights. He knew where to look for wild life. He was very easy to listen to. It was nice to not have to deal with parking at each sight.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $275 to $299
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 41
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by CoveredGround Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.2.
See everything CoveredGround Tours runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for West Yellowstone.
How much does Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone cost?
+
Prices start at $275 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in West Yellowstone usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone take?
+
Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in West Yellowstone is not rushed.
Is Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 118 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in West Yellowstone, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone?
+
Around 41 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in West Yellowstone can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in West Yellowstone and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central West Yellowstone within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in West Yellowstone?
+
West Yellowstone is the busiest park gateway: guided Yellowstone loops to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, wildlife safaris at dawn, and snowcoach or snowmobile tours once roads close. On Outty we rank every West Yellowstone experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour, Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from West Yellowstone. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit West Yellowstone?
+
June to September for driving tours, December to March for snowcoach access. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in West Yellowstone?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone?
+
Included: Lunch; Bottled water; Binoculars; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Spotting Scopes + Tripods. Not included: anding and/or facility fees; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 47 listed pickup locations in and around West Yellowstone. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone?
+
Across 118 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Pickup: Big Sky, MT, Pickup: West Yellowstone, MT. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone.
Pick your date




