
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 478 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful worth booking?
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful is a 8-hour experience in Yellowstone National Park, United States, from $248 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 478 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (478)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $248 per person
This Active Van Tour is a great way to see Yellowstone National Park beginning in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone. The early morning part of the tour explores wildlife haunts in the famous Shadow Canyon of the Madison River. This area is home to bear and elk. Later we hike to an overlook of the famous Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group. Next we explore the Old Faithful area, including some time at the famous Old Faithful Inn. We continue over the continental divide and down to the West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake for a view of some spectacular lakeside thermal pools. Continuing our drive along Yellowstone Lake we arrive at the Mud Volcano near the Hayden Valley. See bison roam along the Yellowstone River. Finally, we arrive at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to view the canyon and the amazing Lower Falls at Artist Point. The day concludes back at West Yellowstone.
What you get
About this experience
This Active Van Tour is a great way to see Yellowstone National Park beginning in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone. The early morning part of the tour explores wildlife haunts in the famous Shadow Canyon of the Madison River. This area is home to bear and elk. Later we hike to an overlook of the famous Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group. Next we explore the Old Faithful area, including some time at the famous Old Faithful Inn. We continue over the continental divide and down to the West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake for a view of some spectacular lakeside thermal pools. Continuing our drive along Yellowstone Lake we arrive at the Mud Volcano near the Hayden Valley. See bison roam along the Yellowstone River. Finally, we arrive at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to view the canyon and the amazing Lower Falls at Artist Point. The day concludes back at West Yellowstone.
What's included
Included
- Binoculars for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Snacks
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
- Lunch
- Spotting scope for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Madison River
Drive along the Madison River and watch wildlife in the early morning light.
30 minutes here
Grand Prismatic Spring
Hike to a viewpoint of the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. This hike is along an old stagecoach road before climbing 200 feet to see one of the largest hot springs on earth. We arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. This is a must see while visiting Yellowstone!
45 minutes here
Old Faithful
We watch Old Faithful erupt near the historic Old Faithful Inn. If time permits, you can explore the Inn or the Visitor Center to learn more about Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes.
60 minutes here
We take a short stop at the Continental Divide, where water drains to the Gulf and Pacific Ocean.
5 minutes here
West Thumb Geyser Basin
This beautiful geyser basin along the shores of Yellowstone Lake has hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. We hike a boardwalk trail to see the Fishing Cone and Black Pool.
30 minutes here
Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area
We take a short stroll to the Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth. Listen to the super volcano breath with powerful mud churning and steam billowing out.
10 minutes here
Hayden Valley
We stop for wildlife viewing in one of Yellowstone's most iconic valleys. This valley is home to more bears than anywhere else in the Park. We sometimes spot wolves, elk, and trumpeter swans along the Yellowstone River.
30 minutes here
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Stop to see stunning views of the wonderous colors and thundering falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. We take a short break at Artist Point to see the 308 foot Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yellowstone National Park
This is not the Madison Campground. This the parking lot where the restrooms are located near the Madison Amphitheater. We meet here at 7:45AM. There is no cell reception at this location.
Meeting point
Yellowstone National Park
For travelers staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center parking lot. We meet here during a window of 7AM to 7:15AM once all hotel pickups are completed.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
This is not the Madison Campground. This the parking lot where the restrooms are located near the Madison Amphitheater. We meet here at 7:45AM. There is no cell reception at this location.
Ends at
For travelers staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center parking lot. We meet here during a window of 7AM to 7:15AM once all hotel pickups are completed.
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 475 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
475 verified traveler reviews for Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highlight of our time in Yellowstone
Amazing tour of Yellowstone. The van is very comfortable with large viewing windows. Our guide, Conor, was very personable and informative. This tour was the highlight of our time in Yellowstone. I highly recommend leaving the driving to a professional.
via Viator
Our tour through Beautiful Yellowstone
Our guide, Jillian, was very friendly and kind. You could tell she enjoyed her job of sharing the beauty of Yellowstone and so much of its history. My husband and I rate her and the tour, top notch! Thank you.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour. Great guide!
Lots of walking. Beautiful sights. Great guide, Connor, may the trip educational and exciting. Connor spoiled us for any other guide. He was not only wonderful but he took care of us all!!
via Viator
Rory was an awesome...
Rory was an awesome guide! She knew all about the park's geography and history and made the whole day a fun experience!
via Viator
Awesome Tour
Met tour at visitor center! Rory was awesome! She was so Personable and knowledgeable about the park. Right after entering the park, we saw some commotion so pulled over. We were able to see some wolves. One in particular across the Madison River was snacking on a carcass! It was fascinating. We saw all the sights on the tour and spotted a bald eagle, the wolves, and a herd of bison crossing the river. We had a great group of people and had a really great time. If you only have a day, this is a good tour of the lower loop. Lunch and snacks were provided. It was plenty for the full day! Thanks again Rory!
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $248 to $292
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 167
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Yellowstone Hiking Guides, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.6.
See everything Yellowstone Hiking Guides runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yellowstone National Park.
How much does Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful cost?
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Prices start at $248 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yellowstone National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful take?
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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 Yellowstone National Park is not rushed.
Is Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 478 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Yellowstone National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful?
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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 Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful suitable for kids and families?
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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 Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful?
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Around 167 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 Yellowstone National Park 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yellowstone National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park?
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Yellowstone tours run geyser basins and Grand Prismatic, Lamar Valley wolf and bison watching at dawn, photography workshops and winter snowcoach trips. Distances inside the park are enormous, so itinerary honesty matters more than anything else. On Outty we rank every Yellowstone National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour, Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features, 4-Hour Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch. 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 Yellowstone National Park?
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May to September, plus December to March for snowcoach tours. 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 Yellowstone National Park?
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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?
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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 Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful?
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Included: Binoculars for viewing wildlife at a safe distance; In-vehicle air conditioning; Snacks; Carbonated beverages; and Bottled water. Not included: Entrance fees; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 42 listed pickup locations in and around Yellowstone National Park. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful offered in?
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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 Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful?
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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.
What happens to Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful if the weather is bad?
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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 Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful?
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Across 478 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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