Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 103 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE worth booking?
Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE is a 8-hour experience in West Yellowstone, United States, from $450 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 103 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (103)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $450 per person
Join Sky’s the Limit Tours for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich terrain of Yellowstone’s Upper Loop. This fully private, customizable safari is ideal for nature enthusiasts & pho
What you get
About this experience
Join Sky’s the Limit Tours for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich terrain of Yellowstone’s Upper Loop. This fully private, customizable safari is ideal for nature enthusiasts & photographers, guided by expert storytellers who bring the park’s wonders to life. From your hotel pickup in West Yellowstone, our passionate guides lead you through Yellowstone’s most iconic areas—including the renowned Lamar Valley, a hotspot for wolves, bears, bison, and more. With high-end Vortex optics, you’ll enjoy close-up views of wildlife, and may even cross paths with renowned researchers like Rick McIntyre for unique, real-time insights. Throughout the day, we provide catered lunches with options for every diet, plus healthy snacks and bottled water to keep you energized. Experience Yellowstone’s remarkable ecosystems while learning about our commitment to conservation, ecology, and responsible ecotourism in a comfortable tour vehicle, Toyota Sienna mini-van.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Spotting Scope & Binoculars
Not included
- Gratuities
- Park Entrance Fees
What you'll see and do
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley "the Serengeti of North America" is located in the northeastern region of Yellowstone National Park and is well known for its incredible landscape, flora, fauna, and abundance of wildlife. Our safari makes several stops here in search of wildlife. Your guide will educate you on its historical or geological significance.
60 minutes here
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The canyon is 800 to 1,200 feet deep and 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. Enjoy the awe-inspiring view of Yellowstone River raging through the canyon and dropping as a 308-foot waterfall.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Slough Creek
Slough Creek is a tributary of the Lamar River and originates in the Absaroka Range. The watershed supports a variety of flora and fauna. Our wildlife safari makes multiple stops in the Slough Creek area to track and spot wildlife. Your guide will educate you on its historical or geological significance.
30 minutes here
Tower Fall
Located in the northeastern part of the Upper Loop near Tower Junction, this fall features a 132 foot drop. The unusual rock columns north of the fall (columnar basalt) were created by lava cracking as it cooled.
15 minutes here
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is a collection of thermal features at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner, MT. It is known for the travertine terraces that form from mineral deposits. The algae living in the pools creates the distinct brownish and reddish colors.
30 minutes here
Gibbon Falls
Gibbon Falls is a 84 foot high drop of the Gibbon River along the rim of the Yellowstone caldera.
20 minutes here
Norris Geyser Basin
Here, you can take an amazing walk through the most geothermically active area in Yellowstone. You will have the opportunity to see the famous Steamboat Geyser and the Porcelain Basin Hot Springs. There are a variety of trails here ranging from 0.2 miles to 3 miles.
30 minutes here
Mount Washburn
We have several favorite pull offs around Mount Washburn that are wildlife viewing hotspots! Enjoy having your professional guide help you spot animals with binoculars and spotting scopes.
30 minutes here
Undine Falls
This easy to view waterfall is a must see three step fall! Once called the "Cascade Falls of the East Gardiner," it was renamed to Undine by geologist Arnold Hague. He named it Undine after the wise, female water goddess from German mythology who was said to live around waterfalls and who could gain souls by marrying mortal men. Sound familiar? Think Little Mermaid.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
West Yellowstone
Plan to meet your guide in West Yellowstone at a convenient meeting spot with safe/free parking for the entire day.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Plan to meet your guide in West Yellowstone at a convenient meeting spot with safe/free parking for the entire day.
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
- Sky's the Limit Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Total duration of the tour includes the travel time
- Please call with any clarifying questions if you are staying outside of our pickup zone
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 102 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
102 verified traveler reviews for Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We had a great time on...
We had a great time on the tour. Our guide Randy took us to some great spots for viewing wildlife. The highlight of the day was seeing a wolf pack. It was an excellent day and I highly recommend the tour.
Response from the operator: A wolf pack sighting — what an incredible Yellowstone highlight! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. We’re so glad Randy helped make the day excellent by getting you to great wildlife-viewing spots and creating such a memorable experience in the park. Thank you for recommending Sky’s the Limit Tours. We’ll make sure Randy hears how much you enjoyed your day!
via Viator
Randy Rocks Yellowstone!
Randy was incredible! His knowledge of the park past and present gave us such a comprehensive understanding of where Yellowstone is, was and where it can be. He shared his experiences openly and researched questions we had sent in advance. His passion for Yellowstone resonated and as a first time visitor I am so grateful that Randy was our guide. He took time to share unique perspectives and photos for us. In gratitude Randy!
Response from the operator: “Randy Rocks Yellowstone!” might be one of our favorite review titles ever — thank you! We’re so glad Randy made your first visit to Yellowstone such a meaningful one. He brings so much heart, curiosity, and lived experience to his tours, and it’s wonderful to hear that his passion for the park came through in such a memorable way. We especially love that he took time to research your questions in advance and share unique perspectives and photos along the way. That is Randy in true Yellowstone rockstar form! Thank you for choosing Sky’s the Limit Tours and for sharing such kind words. We’ll make sure Randy sees this one — it will absolutely make his day.
via Tripadvisor
Wildlife and Waterfalls
Randy was our guide and he shared so much information about the park that we did not know, so that was great! He worked really hard to show us wildlife and we saw lots today! He was great, very accommodating! And we got to see waterfalls which is something we requested also.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing this! It sounds like Randy really listened to what mattered most to you and worked hard to shape the day around it. We’re so glad you were able to see lots of Yellowstone wildlife, learn new things about the park, and make it to the waterfalls you were hoping for. Randy also mentioned that you had a “three-dog day” with a wolf, fox, and coyote — what a treat! And getting that incredible photo of the majestic black wolf in Lamar Valley must have been such a special bonus. Thank you for choosing Sky’s the Limit Tours. We’ll make sure Randy knows how much you appreciated his knowledge, effort, and flexibility!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Laurel was an incredible guide and the experience she gave my wife and I was priceless. This was my wife’s dream trip and it turned out incredible. Highly recommend this tour and make sure you request Laurel as your guide and you will not regret it.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re honored that we could be part of your wife’s dream trip to Yellowstone, and it means so much to hear that Laurel helped make it such a memorable experience. Laurel has a true passion for sharing Yellowstone’s incredible landscapes, wildlife, and stories, and she loves creating meaningful, personalized experiences for every guest. We’ll definately share your kind words with her—they’ll mean a great deal. Thank you for choosing Sky’s the Limit Tours and for recommending us to future visitors. We hope to welcome you both back for another unforgettable Yellowstone adventure someday!
via Tripadvisor
An Amazing Day with an Exceptional Guide
Our tour guide, Chris, made this safari tour an unforgettable experience from start to finish. He was incredibly flexible with our pickup location, communicated promptly and clearly before and during the tour, and was exceptionally knowledgeable about the park and its wildlife. Not only did he know exactly where to find the animals, but they also taught us what to look for so we could begin spotting wildlife on our own. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he was outgoing, friendly, and easy to talk to, making the entire day both fun and informative. Chris also provided professional viewing equipment, allowing us to see the animals up close. Even better, he captured amazing photos and videos through the equipment and shared them with us—images we never could have taken with our own cameras. The included lunch was delicious and exactly what we needed after a morning of exploring. This was truly a full day of touring, and every detail was thoughtfully planned. The best part was that the tour never felt rushed. Chris, our guide genuinely wanted us to have the best possible experience and took the time to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible while answering all of our questions. We left with incredible memories, beautiful photos, and a much greater appreciation for the park and its amazing animals. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an exceptional wildlife experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that Chris made your Yellowstone safari tour unforgettable from start to finish. It sounds like he brought together so many pieces of a great day — clear communication, flexibility, wildlife knowledge, professional viewing equipment, photos and videos, a delicious lunch, and plenty of time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. We especially love that he helped you learn what to look for so you could start spotting wildlife on your own. Thank you for choosing Sky’s the Limit Tours and for recommending us so highly. We’ll make sure Chris hears how much his care, enthusiasm, and expertise meant to your day in Yellowstone!
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
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 36
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for West Yellowstone.
How much does Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE cost?
+
Prices start at $450 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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE 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 West Yellowstone is not rushed.
Is Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 103 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in West Yellowstone, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE?
+
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 Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE 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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE?
+
Around 36 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?
+
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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE 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 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?
+
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, Full Day Private Tour and Hike from 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 West Yellowstone?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE.
Pick your date
