Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Madison River

   Start your adventure by driving along the crystal-clear Madison River. As one of the best rivers in the nation for fly fishing, it holds the honorable distinction of being a Blue Ribbon Fishery. Some sights you’ll pass by are Talus Mountain, Mount Haynes, and National Park Mountain. There are lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, the Tribal Heritage Center, or the surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail. If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.

   30 minutes here

2. To start your epic day loop, head right at Madison Junction. Don’t forget to stop by the restroom if you need to!

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3. Firehole Canyon Drive

   It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for—Mammoth Hot Springs! Some big highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are the Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Aphrodite Terrace. You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white travertine terraces.

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4. Take a quick detour down Fountain Flat Drive, where you’ll find a lively, grassy meadow, two small hot springs, and the legendary Maiden’s Grave. You’ll also get another good look at the Firehole River, jumping and splashing with trout.

   15 minutes here

5. Firehole Lake Drive

   A brief loop on the 3-mile Firehole Lake Drive leads to several stunning hydrothermal features, including the White and Pink Dome Geysers and the Great Dome Geyser. They’re all available from roadside lookouts or short boardwalk walks. Temporary access notice: Firehole Lake Drive is currently closed to vehicles. The road remains accessible on foot or by bicycle where permitted, but there is no dedicated parking along the route. Continue along the main tour route and check current National Park Service conditions before your visit.

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6. Midway Geyser Basin

   The Midway Geyser Basin may just end up being your favorite stop in the park. Along the short boardwalk trail that encircles the gigantic, 370' Grand Prismatic Spring, you'll also witness a number of other smaller hot springs. If you have time, be sure to pull into Fairy Falls Trailhead and take the 0.6 mile one-way hike to Grand Prismatic Overlook. If you’re feeling adventurous, this trail continues for another 1 mile (each way) to Fairy Falls, one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls.

   60 minutes here

7. Old Faithful

   It’s not a trip to Yellowstone without visiting the iconic, reliable Old Faithful. The big geyser itself erupts about every 60-110 minutes, but if you get there early, don’t fret. There’s lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, Tribal Heritage Center, or visiting one of its many surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail. If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.

   60 minutes here

8. Kepler Cascades

   A short boardwalk allows visitors to see the roaring Kepler Cascades. This multi-tiered fall has drops as long as 50 feet.

   30 minutes here

9. Stop at Isa Lake and see the only lake in the world that flows into two different oceans. Not only that, this lake drains backward—the western end flows to the Atlantic, and the eastern end flows to the Pacific. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind stop.

   10 minutes here

10. West Thumb Geyser Basin

    This may just be one of the best-kept secrets in aYellowstone. Without traveling too far off the beaten path, you’ll be able to enjoy one of Yellowstone’s best geyser basins. Be sure to check out the famous Fishing Cone Geyser while you’re there! The Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is also worth a walk if you have time. It’s a quick 1.7-mile loop that’s popular with birders.

    60 minutes here · Admission not included

11. Take this scenic drive along the lake peninsula and enjoy a picnic stop at Gull Point.

    20 minutes here

12. Fishing Bridge has a ranger station, a general store, and, of course, the fishing bridge. Be sure to walk along the bridge to scan for the Cutthroat trout that like to gather below. Then, when you’re done, rejoin the Grand Loop and continue north.

    30 minutes here

13. Hayden Valley

    Continue your journey north by driving into the wildlife haven known as Hayden Valley. This marshy landscape attracts grazers from all over, and grazers attract predators. Keep on going until you reach the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

    25 minutes here

14. Lehardy's Rapids

    Take a short boardwalk down to the Yellowstone River and the roaring LeHardy Rapids. In early spring, these rapids are alive with jumping, spawning cutthroat trout.

    30 minutes here

15. Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area

    This may not be one of the park’s best-known geysers, but it should be! Mud Volcano is one of the most unique and overlooked hydrothermal areas of the park—and one of the most acidic! Be sure to check out Dragon’s Mouth Hot Spring—a roaring, sloshing, bubbling hot spring full of personality!

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16. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    This drive leads to two more fantastic canyon viewpoints—the Upper Falls View and Artist Point—along with some optional hikes. I recommend Uncle Tom’s Trail. Take time to admire this geological wonder: the eras of rock carved through by the Yellowstone River's awesome power are truly breathtaking.

    60 minutes here

17. After you circle around, turn right just past the North Rim Drive to get one final look at the Upper Falls. This viewpoint, right at the brink of the falls, is one of the best in the park. You’ll need to walk just over a quarter mile on an easy trail to enjoy its viewing platform.

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18. Canyon Village has a restaurant, a lodge, several shops, and a visitor center. If you do nothing else, be sure to stop by the visitor center—the displays, including one lit diorama of Yellowstone, are informative. They really help to visualize complex geological processes like the formation of the canyon and caldera.

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19. Stop at the Washburn Hot Springs Overlook for views toward the thermal area and surrounding high-country landscape. This is a scenic overlook; do not attempt to access the hot springs.

    10 minutes here · Admission not included

20. The drive up to Mount Washburn is sure to leave you breathless—whether from the heights or the narrow road. The stunning view that awaits you looks over the river, peaks, and valleys off in the distance.

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21. Tower Fall

    Tower Falls has a general store and, as you may have guessed, a waterfall. A short boardwalk leads to several breathtaking overlooks of the plunging 132-foot falls. There is also a one-mile there-and-back trail that leads to the river and past a few bubbling cauldrons.

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22. Up next is the majestic hot spring cone known as Soda Butte. Even though it's no longer active, it's still worth stopping by. Not to mention, cliff swallows have turned the cone into a kind of bird condominium, so be sure to check it out!

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23. Take a quick restroom break and fill up the tank before continuing your journey along the northern loop. If you’re feeling hungry, step into the historic Roosevelt Lodge to fill up your internal tank.

    15 minutes here

24. Petrified Tree

    Take a short detour to see one of Yellowstone’s petrified trees—a fossilized remnant from a time when Yellowstone was covered in redwoods and warm-weather forests.

    15 minutes here

25. Blacktail Plateau Drive

    Blacktail Drive is accessible to all vehicles, but exercise caution after rain. This gravel road is much more scenic and private than the main road, and that means you’ll have a better chance to see wildlife. Be aware that this one-way drive will take you back to Tower Junction, so you will have to turn around if you choose to take this optional side-trip.

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Where it starts and ends

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 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Shaka Guide Apps

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
• The tour has five designated starting areas at Yellowstone’s West, North, Northeast, East, and South Entrances. Choose the starting point that best fits your trip in the Shaka Guide app.
• Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
• Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before entering the park. Cell service is unreliable in Yellowstone. Once downloaded, the Shaka Guide audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
• The itinerary is flexible. Stops, viewpoints, and hikes are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer at places that interest you, or explore different sections of the park over multiple days.
• Yellowstone National Park requires a separate entrance pass. Park admission is purchased directly from the National Park Service and is not included with the Shaka Guide tour. Entrance requirements and fees may vary by pass type and traveler eligibility.
• Most Yellowstone roads and entrances are seasonal. Road access can also change due to weather, construction, wildlife activity, or other conditions. Check current National Park Service road status before your visit.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Always follow posted park regulations and maintain required distances from wildlife.
• Hiking is optional. Trail length, difficulty, elevation, and conditions vary throughout the park, so choose activities that match your available time and comfort level.
• Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some boardwalks, trails, viewpoints, and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.
• Bring a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended, especially when exploring the park for a full day or across multiple days.

Photos

Traveler reviews

48 verified traveler reviews for Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.