Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop)
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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
4.8/5
Based on 98 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop) worth booking?
Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop) is a 10-hour experience in Big Sky, United States, from $595 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 98 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (98)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $595 per person
At Obsidian Expeditions, our mission is to create lifelong memories in our national parks. Your private tour includes an exclusive guide and vehicle reserved just for your group, allowing us to customize every experience
What you get
About this experience
At Obsidian Expeditions, our mission is to create lifelong memories in our national parks. Your private tour includes an exclusive guide and vehicle reserved just for your group, allowing us to customize every experience to your interests, pace, and travel style. This tour explores Yellowstone's Upper Loop. To experience the park's iconic geyser basins, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, we recommend booking our Lower Loop Tour on a second day. We offer hotel and airport pickup in Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, and Gardiner, MT. Multi-generational families are welcome, with child safety seats, mobility accommodations whenever possible, and special dietary options available with advance notice. Traveling with more than 14 guests? We can accommodate larger groups with additional guides and vehicles. Contact us to customize your Yellowstone adventure.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Professional tour guide with current avalanche safety, CPR, & Wilderness First Aid certifications
- Snacks
- Transportation in a spacious 4WD Chevy Suburban or Ford Transit Van
- Breakfast
- Use our professional-grade Vortex™ spotting scopes and binoculars
- Lunch
Not included
- National Park entry fees (Buy before your visit or upon entry. $20/per or $80 for up to 4 ppl)
- Optional guide gratuity (15% recommended)
What you'll see and do
Yellowstone National Park
Discover Yellowstone’s beauty on an all-day private tour, with options for the Lower Loop, Upper Loop, or a complete Grand Loop Tour. Call to customize your adventure and arrange the best meeting location. The Lower Loop includes iconic sights like Old Faithful, the vibrant Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Lake Yellowstone, and the stunning Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The Upper Loop takes you to Lamar Valley, a prime spot for viewing bison, wolves, and other wildlife, as well as the fascinating Mammoth Hot Springs. Book a multi-day tour to fully explore both loops and enjoy more time to relax, absorb the sights, and appreciate the park’s wonders. Call us today to explore how we can make your Yellowstone adventure truly unforgettable!
120 minutes here
Lamar Valley
Guests touring Lamar Valley with Obsidian Experience can expect breathtaking scenic vistas and unparalleled wildlife viewing. Known as the "Serengeti of North America," this area is famous for its diverse animal population, including bison, elk, and the elusive wolves. The stunning landscapes, framed by rugged mountains and rolling hills, provide a perfect backdrop for photography and nature appreciation, making it a highlight of any Yellowstone adventure.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Cooke City
In Cooke City, visitors will experience a charming mountain town steeped in history, once a bustling mining hub. Surrounded by stunning winter landscapes, guests can enjoy cozy local cafes and shops while soaking in the picturesque views. The area serves as a gateway to Yellowstone, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings, including moose and deer, against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, enhancing the overall experience of this unique destination.
30 minutes here
Calcite Springs Overlook
Calcite Springs offers guests a stunning overlook of the Yellowstone River and the surrounding canyon, showcasing the park's dramatic geological features. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bleached Cliffs and the river's swift currents, making it a perfect spot for photography and appreciating the natural beauty of the area. The overlook is also rich in historical significance, as it provides insight into the geological processes that shaped Yellowstone. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot various species, including bighorn sheep and eagles, adding to the allure of this breathtaking location. The combination of scenic vistas and wildlife makes Calcite Springs a memorable stop on any tour.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Mount Washburn
The Mount Washburn/Dunraven Pass area offers guests a scenic drive through some of Yellowstone's most breathtaking landscapes. As one of the highest points in the park, it provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This area is rich in history, having been a vital route for early explorers and settlers. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot bighorn sheep and eagles soaring overhead, making it a perfect stop for those looking to connect with nature and learn about the park's fascinating past.
Pass by without stopping
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
At the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, guests will be captivated by the dramatic landscapes and vibrant colors of the canyon walls, carved by the Yellowstone River. This iconic site features stunning viewpoints, such as Artist Point, where visitors can witness breathtaking waterfalls and the interplay of light on the canyon's rock formations. The area is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot bald eagles and deer, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife observation.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is a geothermal wonderland that showcases the park's dynamic geothermal activity. Guests can explore a network of trails that lead to impressive geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, including the famous Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. The unique landscape, with its colorful mineral deposits and steam vents, provides a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's geothermal processes, while the surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife, including bison and coyotes.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Roaring Mountain
Roaring Mountain is known for its unique geothermal features, including fumaroles that emit steam and create a roaring sound, hence its name. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape while learning about the geothermal processes that shape the park. The area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with chances to see elk and grizzly bears in their natural habitat, making it a memorable stop on any tour.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Obsidian Cliff
Obsidian Cliffs offers a glimpse into Yellowstone's volcanic past, showcasing stunning black obsidian rock formations that are both beautiful and historically significant. Guests can learn about the Native American use of obsidian for tools and the geological processes that created these striking cliffs. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities to spot animals like foxes and deer, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery.
Pass by without stopping
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Mammoth Hot Springs is a must-visit destination, featuring stunning terraced formations created by mineral-rich hot springs. Guests can stroll along boardwalks that wind through the vibrant travertine terraces, witnessing the unique colors and shapes formed by geothermal activity. The area is also home to a historic district with buildings dating back to the early 20th century, adding a layer of historical relevance. Wildlife is abundant here, with frequent sightings of elk grazing in the area.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Roosevelt Arch
The Roosevelt Arch serves as the iconic entrance to Yellowstone National Park, symbolizing the park's historical significance as the first national park in the world. Guests can admire the impressive stone structure, which was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. The arch offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to reflect on the park's rich history and commitment to conservation. The surrounding area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see bison and antelope.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Sky
Meeting point
Big Sky
Meeting point
Big Sky
Meeting point
Big Sky
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Obsidian Expeditions
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 97 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
97 verified traveler reviews for Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
How to tour the upper loop in style: book with Mark
Having a knowledgeable guide like Mark who knew where to look for animals and had binoculars and telescope to facilitate the viewing was fantastic. He also knew how to facilitate seeing all the terrific sites unique to the upper loop. Mark thoughtfully brought tasty snacks , breakfast muffin and fruit, lunch . We chuckled about his reputation as knowing where all the flushing toilets are located. We had a great time.
via Viator
Fantastic Yellowstone Tour !
I had an absolutely amazing time on our Yellowstone tour with Rose. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the park, super friendly and kind , and made the day so much fun for me. We saw all the highlights without feeling rushed and got to spot incredible wildlife through the provided scopes. We saw bison, elk, and omg we spot a bear . Obsidian Expeditions ran a top class tour providing everything from breakfast to picnic lunch , comfortable transportation with a SUV, making the entire day unforgettable . Rose truly is exceptional. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Hi Panagiotis, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and recommendation! We're delighted to hear that you had such a memorable day exploring Yellowstone with Rose. Yellowstone is full of unforgettable moments, and spotting a bear alongside bison and elk certainly makes for an incredible day. We're glad you enjoyed the relaxed pace of the tour, the opportunity to view wildlife through our spotting scopes, and the comfort of traveling in one of our SUVs. From breakfast and a picnic lunch to thoughtful planning throughout the day, our goal is to ensure our guests can enjoy the experience while we take care of the details. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Rose. She has a genuine passion for Yellowstone and loves helping guests discover what makes this remarkable place so special. Thank you again for choosing Obsidian Expeditions. It was our pleasure to share Yellowstone with you, and we wish you safe travels and many more adventures in the years ahead. Best wishes, Stace
via Viator
They canceled our tour one hour before we got to our hotel
Its our 15 years wedding anniversary. And we have been planning this for years to make this trip happen. We drove 26 hours to get here and one hour before we got to our hotel the tour place called us and canceled the entire tour stating they didnt have enough people to go on the guided tour. The crazy thing is this wasnt our 1st choice, they canceled the 1st tour we picked stated it was too full.
Response from the operator: We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and can certainly understand how disappointing that must have been, especially on your 15th wedding anniversary. That said, we're concerned this review may have been intended for another tour operator, as the circumstances you described do not align with how Obsidian Expeditions operates. We exclusively offer private tours and never combine unrelated guests to create a departure. Whether your party consists of one guest or fourteen, your tour is guaranteed to operate once your reservation is confirmed. We would never cancel a tour because there were "not enough people." Our reservation process also includes several points of contact before your tour. Shortly after booking, we reach out to learn about your travel plans, arrival details, mobility considerations, dietary restrictions, and any special occasions we can help celebrate. Had we known you were visiting for your 15th anniversary, we would have made every effort to make it memorable—often with special touches such as a celebratory toast and dessert, and, when appropriate, one of our most experienced guides or an owner personally leading the experience. We have carefully reviewed our records and cannot locate a reservation matching the circumstances described. If you believe this review was intended for Obsidian Expeditions, we would genuinely appreciate the opportunity to investigate further. Please contact us directly with the name on the reservation and your tour date so we can review what occurred. If this review was accidentally posted to the wrong company, we kindly ask that you consider updating or relocating it so future travelers have an accurate understanding of the experience we provide. Best, Stacy Noland
via Tripadvisor
A fun and educational tour
We had a great day with Mark. He was so pleasant and so knowledgeable. He helped us to understand the various natural hydrothermal phenomena that make Yellowstone so unique. We saw geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and fumaroles, and Mark explained what causes these to form. He also shared his knowledge of trees and all of the creatures that roam the park. He is a skilled photographer and offered often to shoot photos of us in various settings. We felt that our tour was fun, informative, and gave us a good overview of Yellowstone National Park.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Susan, for your thoughtful review and for spending the day exploring Yellowstone with us. Yellowstone is one of the few places on Earth where geology, wildlife, and history come together in such spectacular fashion, and we're delighted to hear that Mark helped bring those stories to life. Understanding why geysers erupt, mud pots bubble, and fumaroles vent steam often transforms a beautiful landscape into something truly unforgettable. We're also glad he was able to capture photographs of your adventure along the way. Some of the best souvenirs from a national park are the memories—and the photos that help preserve them for years to come. Thank you again for choosing Obsidian Expeditions. We hope Yellowstone is just the beginning of your journey with us. When you're ready for your next adventure, we'd love to introduce you to the glaciers of Glacier National Park, the red rock wonders of Utah's Mighty Five, the Badlands and Black Hills, or the wild coastlines and forests of the Pacific Northwest. Until then, safe travels, and we hope to welcome you, your friends, and your family on another adventure in the future. Stace
via Viator
Our guide Nate was...
Our guide Nate was knowledgeable and tried to make sure we had a well-rounded experience. We saw wildlife, gorgeous scenery and geologic wonders on our 8-hour private tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Dennis. We're glad to hear Nate helped provide a well-rounded day exploring Yellowstone's incredible wildlife, scenery, and geothermal features. We appreciate you choosing Obsidian Expeditions and wish you safe travels on your future adventures.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $595 to $1190
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 34
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Sky.
How much does Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop) cost?
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Prices start at $595 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Sky usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop) take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Big Sky is not rushed.
Is Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 98 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Sky, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop)?
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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 Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop)?
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Around 34 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 Big Sky 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 Big Sky and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop) 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 Big Sky 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 Big Sky?
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Big Sky, MT packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Big Sky by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Big Sky experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour, Ziplining across the Beautiful Gallatin River, Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + 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 Big Sky?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Big Sky, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. 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 Big Sky?
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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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