
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 445 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 West Yellowstone, United States, from $292 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 445 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 92 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (445)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $292 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 M
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
West Yellowstone
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
West Yellowstone
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 439 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
439 verified traveler reviews for Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Yellowstone lower loop tour
This tour was thorough, entertaining, pleasant and worth the cost. Tim, the guide/driver was energetic, enthusiastic, polite, professional, informative and deeply knowledgeable. We came away with a more satisfying experience of the Yellowstone lands than we ever expected. This company treats you with a personal touch. That makes a difference.
via Viator
Take this tour!!!
Tim was an amazing guide. His knowledge of the history and stops made this a once in a lifetime tour. To see bison in the wild with calves, fighting for power was breath taking. The natural wonders from geysers to thermal pools to water falls each unique in its own right but when you combine these amazing sights in one day you will be in awe of this amazing national park and this amazing country. PS - terrific lunch and picnic spot!
via Tripadvisor
Tim was a great guide
Easy walking tour on time pickup and drop off. Tim was a fantastic guide with deep knowledge of history geology ecology and hydrology by of Yellowstone
via Viator
Worthwhile Tour!
Words cannot convey the beauty we saw today! First off, our guide Tim was extraordinarily knowledgeable and engaging. He not only provided a history of the park but also pointed out the sites and sounds of the area in great detail. If we were staying longer, we’d book another tour with this company-but when we come back, we will. The lunch was more than enough and we were offered hot and cold drinks as well as a snack. Tip: dress in layers and charge your phones/cameras for all the pictures you’ll take! ! Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tour!
This was an absolute fantastic tour! Bri was our guide and she was energetic, knowledge and all around funny. We saw all the landmarks and stopped for animal sightings! This tour is a must if you want to see all the sights without worrying about guiding yourself!
via Tripadvisor
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
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 156
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 92
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 West Yellowstone.
How much does Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful cost?
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Prices start at $292 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 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 West Yellowstone 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 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 445 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in West Yellowstone, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
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 156 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?
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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 West Yellowstone 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 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?
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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 Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from West Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour | Wildlife & Hot Springs | PRIVATE, Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone 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 West Yellowstone?
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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?
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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.
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