Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, United States

Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch

Outty Ranking 78 4.8 · 196 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $292

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$292
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Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 196 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch worth booking?

Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch is a 8-hour experience in Yellowstone National Park, United States, from $292 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 196 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (196)
Duration
8 hours
From
$292 per person

This Wildlife Viewing Van Tour is a great way to see the unique animals of Yellowstone National Park. We begin in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone. The early morning part of the tour explores wildlife haunts in

What you get

    About this experience

    This Wildlife Viewing Van Tour is a great way to see the unique animals of Yellowstone National Park. We begin 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 scope for wildlife on the shoulders of one of Yellowstone's tallest peaks, Mount Washburn. Next we explore the Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America. We will use spotting scopes to look for wolves, bears and other wildlife. Enjoy a hot drink and morning snack while watching wolves. Next we visit the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces for a short walk. If you don't feel like walking we find a safe, scenic spot for you to wait for the group near the van. Finally, we head back toward West Yellowstone stopping for additional wildlife sightings along the way. The day concludes back at West Yellowstone.

    What's included

    Included

    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Snacks
    • Carbonated beverages
    • Bottled water
    • Tea and coffee
    • Spotting Scope for viewing wildlife at a safe distance
    • Lunch
    • Binoculars for personal use to view wildlife

    Not included

    • Entrance fees
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Madison River

      Scope for wildlife along the Madison River in the early morning light. Bears and elk frequent this valley.

      30 minutes here

    2. Mount Washburn

      Scope for wildlife on driving up Mount Washburn. This area is home to grizzly bears and elk herds.

      30 minutes here

    3. Lamar Valley

      Lamar Valley is home to more than 60 species of mammal. Known as the Serengeti of North America, we will use spotting scopes to look for bears, wolves, bison and more! This is the richest wildlife valley in Yellowstone with the largest bison herd in North America. Wolves abound throughout the valley where they were reintroduced in 1995. This valley is also home to mountain goats, moose, big horn sheep, and other rare wildlife.

      60 minutes here

    4. Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

      We will take a short stroll on the boardwalks near the Liberty Cap thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs.

      20 minutes here

    5. Gibbon Meadows

      Scope for wildlife along the Gibbon River where elk and bison roam.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Yellowstone National Park

    We meet in the parking lot in between the Madison Amphitheater and the Restrooms at 6:45AM. There is no cell service at this location.

    Meeting point

    Yellowstone National Park

    For guests staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center during a window of 6AM to 6:15AM. Please do not pick a hotel that you are not staying at as your meeting location.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    We meet in the parking lot in between the Madison Amphitheater and the Restrooms at 6:45AM. There is no cell service at this location.

    Ends at

    For guests staying outside of West Yellowstone, we meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center during a window of 6AM to 6:15AM. Please do not pick a hotel that you are not staying at as your meeting location.

    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 12 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

    Bear cub. Antelope Creek, Upper Loop.Photo opportunity of a bull elk in the Madison River.Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch in Yellowstone National Park, photo 4Viewpoint near Tower Falls.Grizzly bear.Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch in Yellowstone National Park, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 194 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    194 verified traveler reviews for Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    172
    4 star
    11
    3 star
    6
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    Carol_H · August 2026

    Upper Loop and Wildlife tour

    Really enjoyed the opportunity to explore wildlife at Yellowstone Park. Roy was very friendly, accomodating and knowledgeable. From elk and Bison, eagles and baby osprey, big horn sheep and mountain goats as well as a pack of wolves, it was an action packed day checking off the animals...While we didn't find the moose, we had a black bear cross the road coming back from dinner that night. Thanks for a memorable day. Carol H

    via Viator

    Madison_D · August 2026

    Rory was an amazing tour...

    Rory was an amazing tour guide. The tour itself doesn’t have much walking and i found it a little hard to stay awake at times/antsy to want to move around more.

    via Viator

    R2383MHmeganm · August 2026

    Upper loop

    We did the upper loop van tour and had a blast. Maddie was our guide and she was very bubbly and eager to find animals for us! We saw tons in the park. I would recommend this tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    dominiclZ582TB · August 2026

    Upper Loop tour

    The tour was awesome. My guide Tim was personable n very knowledgeable of Yellowstone. We were fortunate to see a variety of wildlife. It was extremely a great day. I highly recommend this company.

    via Tripadvisor

    John_C · August 2026

    Easterners very impressed

    We had a great time and Parker who was our guide was very informative about things we saw through out the day. The fact that no one in the party had to drive was nice as we all gor to take in the beauty and look for animals. It was our first visit to this part of the country and it was awesome.

    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
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    69
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 78

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)80
    Booking momentum (14% weight)76
    Value for money (12% weight)58
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)44
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yellowstone National Park.

    How much does Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch cost?

    +

    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 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 Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch 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 Yellowstone National Park is not rushed.

    Is Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 196 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 Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch?

    +

    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 Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch 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 Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch?

    +

    Around 69 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?

    +

    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 Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch 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 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?

    +

    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, Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful, Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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