Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour in Big Sky, United States
Big Sky, United States

Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour

Outty Ranking 67 4.6 · 27 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $275
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour worth booking?

Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour is a 9-hour experience in Big Sky, United States, from $275 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (27)
Duration
9 hours
From
$275 per person

This is a tour of the northern range of Yellowstone National Park and the 'Upper Loop' of Yellowstone. We call this the Wildlife and Nature Safari because it highlights the opportunity for abundant wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes. This tour will give you all of the best opportunities to see wildlife in Yellowstone and you will be able to sit back and take in the sights with us, with an extended focus on wildlife spotting with scopes and binoculars.

What you get

    About this experience

    This is a tour of the northern range of Yellowstone National Park and the 'Upper Loop' of Yellowstone. We call this the Wildlife and Nature Safari because it highlights the opportunity for abundant wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes. This tour will give you all of the best opportunities to see wildlife in Yellowstone and you will be able to sit back and take in the sights with us, with an extended focus on wildlife spotting with scopes and binoculars.

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch
    • Bottled water
    • Binoculars and Spotting Scope
    • Snacks
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Park Entry Fees(included with your National Park Pass)
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Yellowstone National Park

      Experience Yellowstone National Park! The Grand Loop road was designed to encapsulate as much of the hydrothermal features in Yellowstone as possible.

      15 minutes here

    2. Lamar Valley

      Watch out for extreme wildlife viewing in the 'Serengeti of the West' in Lamar Valley. Common wildlife sightings include Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Grey Wolves, Moose, Pronghorn, Mountain Goat, Mule Deer and more.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Tower Fall

      See the Iconic Tower Fall waterfall, one of the many sights painted by 19th century artists that helped make Yellowstone the first National Park in the World. This is also a good stop for restrooms, gift shopping and a place to eat outdoors.

      50 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Mount Washburn

      Drive over Dunraven Pass from Tower junction to Canyon Village. Stop on the way up in search of plentiful Black Bear, and at the top for Bighorn Sheep sightings. This is also one of the best places in the park for Wildflowers!

      50 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Mammoth Hot Springs

      We will view both the lower terraces and upper terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs and have lunch nearby in Fort Yellowstone

      45 minutes here

    6. Fort Yellowstone Historic District

      We will have lunch in Fort Yellowstone with time for light gift shopping at the general store, ice cream, and a walk through the first building in Yellowstone National park. Here, we will see ranger housing and the federal district courthouse

      45 minutes here

    7. Norris Geyser Basin

      View the area that has measured the hottest measurements in Yellowstone and home to the largest geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser! We will walk the porcelain basin and see some of the wonders of the most dynamic and acidic location in Yellowstone

      45 minutes here

    8. Gibbon Falls

      See the trickling cascade waterfall of Gibbon Falls and get some great photos for your camera roll!

      25 minutes here

    9. Virginia Cascade Drive

      Drive through Virginia Cascade when it is open and see a waterfall with an opportunity for wildlife

      20 minutes here

    10. Slough Creek

      Drive down a dirt road to Slough Creek, home of one of the Junction Butte wolf pack dens

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Big Sky

    We meet at The Wilson Hotel at 6am in Big Sky MT

    Meeting point

    Big Sky

    Parking lot of West Yellowstone Visitor Center at 7am or we will pick you up at your hotel.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    We meet at The Wilson Hotel at 6am in Big Sky MT

    Ends at

    Parking lot of West Yellowstone Visitor Center at 7am or we will pick you up at your hotel.

    Options you can book

    • Big Sky, MT

      Duration: 10 hours Lunch + Bottled Water: Each guest will get the option of Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef, Veggie or PB&J. Sandwich includes chips, fruit and a cookie. Starting point: Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel, 145 Town Center Ave, Big Sky, MT 59716, USA Pickup included

    • West Yellowstone, MT

      Duration: 9 hours Lunch + Bottled Water: Each guest will get the option of Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef, Veggie or PB&J sandwiches. Lunches include chips and a cookie. Pickup included

    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 11 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    CoveredGround Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour in Big Sky, photo 2Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour in Big Sky, photo 3Pronghorn Antelope, Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour in Big SkyYellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour in Big Sky, photo 5Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour in Big Sky, photo 6Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour in Big Sky, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    27 verified traveler reviews for Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    23
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    J7717PLjohnh · September 2026

    A perfect day

    10 PLUS experience! Started with a BIG Griz up close and only got better. Kaylee was a great and knowledgeable guide

    via Tripadvisor

    Robert_D · September 2026

    Good, not great.

    This tour would be better done on your own unless you can guarantee a great guide. It’s about of riding and the guide’s knowledge base and communication skills are critical to the days success.

    via Viator

    LindaB51620 · May 2026

    Great tour of Northern Yellowstone

    This was a great tour and exceeded our expectations. Wonderful tour with many animals seen on our tour of Northern Yellowstone including Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Our tour guides were very knowledgeable and experienced. We saw different animals including, elk, grizzly bears, black bear, black wolves, bison, white tail deer, mule deer, and big horn sheep. It was also a great sightseeing tour. It was a learning experience for both of us. we would consider doing this tour again.

    via Tripadvisor

    Paradise34348306177 · September 2025

    A great Yellowstone tour!

    Had a great trip. Saw pronghorn, bison, elk, back bear and our hilight was a grizzly! Darin was a fun and informative guide. I'd highly recommend this trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    671owena · September 2025

    Cover ground & See Key Animals

    The guided van tour was great. So much great information about the park and anecdotes. The Yellowstone roads are dotted with hubs of excitement as visitors spy key species and gather. The guides were excellent at anticipating the plains animals and engaging with other ‘spotters’ to get great views. It was a great way to cover a lot of ground.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $275 to $299
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by CoveredGround Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.2.

    See everything CoveredGround Tours runs

    Why this scores 67

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)49
    Booking momentum (14% weight)40
    Value for money (12% weight)90
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Sky.

    How much does Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $275 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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 27 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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour?

    +

    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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour?

    +

    Around 9 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?

    +

    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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour 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 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?

    +

    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, Guided Yellowstone Tour from Big Sky and West Yellowstone. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour?

    +

    Included: Lunch; Bottled water; Binoculars and Spotting Scope; Snacks; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Park Entry Fees(included with your National Park Pass); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 43 listed pickup locations in and around Big Sky.

    What languages is Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour?

    +

    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.

    Is Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour?

    +

    Across 27 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Big Sky, MT, West Yellowstone, MT. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Yellowstone Upper Loop Safari Tour.

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