Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 114 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 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 114 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (114)
- 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 & 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 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 114 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 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
114 verified traveler reviews for Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent Yellowstone tour
Lisa was our guide and was absolutely fantastic! She is so knowledgeable about Yellowstone National Park giving a history lesson along the entire tour. She also was very informative of the animals and plants in the park. She knew exactly where to take us to see animals that we otherwise would not have seen. She set us up with a nice picnic lunch overlooking a meadow with bison and mountains in the background. Beautiful! The ride was very comfortable. We definitely feel this is the best way to see Yellowstone and highly recommend Lisa and Sky’s the Limit Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect
We had a great day in Yellowstone! Mike was a fantastic guide and was very knowledgeable about the park and everything in it. We saw lots of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
via Tripadvisor
Great!
Very fun experience. Lisa great guide.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour of park and animals
Tour guide, Randy, was awesome. He tooks us to most of the park highlights in addition to locating Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, Mule deer, Sheep, Wolves and Coyotes. Incredible experience.
via Tripadvisor
Best way to see Yellowstone!
Lisa and Randy really offered such a wonderful tour. We started bright and early and got into the park right away. They were very knowledgeable about where to find the animals of the park and came prepared with a scope, tripod and camera. They set up a nice picnic lunch for us and made sure to get me gluten free options. If you want an excellent tour-this is it!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I’m so glad Lisa and Randy helped make your Yellowstone day such a good one! It means a lot to hear that you felt well cared for from the early start through the picnic lunch, and I especially appreciate you mentioning the gluten-free options and all the viewing equipment they brought along. Those little details can make such a difference in how the day feels. Thank you again for choosing Sky’s the Limit Tours! We’d love to welcome you back if your travels bring you to Yellowstone again in the future.
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
- 40
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sky's the Limit Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 82.4.
See everything Sky's the Limit Tours runsWhy this scores 83
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?
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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?
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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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 114 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in West Yellowstone, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE?
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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 Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE suitable for kids and families?
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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?
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Around 40 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?
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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 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?
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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?
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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 Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from West Yellowstone, Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with 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 West Yellowstone?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; Snacks; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Spotting Scope & Binoculars. Not included: Gratuities; and Park Entrance Fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 53 listed pickup locations in and around West Yellowstone. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE offered in?
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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 Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE?
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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 Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in West Yellowstone. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE?
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Across 114 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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