Upper Loop Tour: Exploring Yellowstone's Unique Wildlife

Embark on an active van tour through Yellowstone National Park to discover its unique wildlife. Explore Shadow Canyon, Mount Washburn, Lamar Valley, and Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Madison River - Observe wildlife along the Madison River in the early morning light. Bears and elk are common visitors to this valley.
  • Mount Washburn - Look for wildlife while driving up Mount Washburn. This area is inhabited by grizzly bears and elk herds.
  • Lamar Valley - Home to over 60 species of mammals, Lamar Valley is often called…
What's 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
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This Wildlife Viewing Van Tour offers an excellent opportunity to observe the distinctive animals of Yellowstone National Park. The adventure begins in the lively gateway town of West Yellowstone.
In the early morning, the tour explores wildlife habitats in the renowned Shadow Canyon of the Madison River, an area inhabited by bears and elk.
Later, the…

Location
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center
Yellowstone Avenue
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(150 Ratings)
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Flyer15482642592
Oct 8, 2025
Great views of Yellowstone - First time at Yellowstone and didn’t want to miss anything. This tour didn’t disappoint. Spencer was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the area. He made sure we got see wildlife and the natural beauty of the area. I would recommend this company!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan
Oct 4, 2025
Upper loop tour - Spenser was informative and always answered our numerous questions. He was also humorous and joking around with us. Couldn’t have had a better tour guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shawn_l
Oct 4, 2025
Magical day on this your! - We had a magical day and saw numerous wildlife which included deer, herds of elk, pronghorn, bison, a wolf, coyote, black bear with cubs - but seeing a huge bull moose was the highlight! We had 6 in our group plus our driver/tour guide Ron who was very knowledgeable & courteous. Van was air conditioned & comfy & individual binoculars provided for everyone!
Review provided by Viator
Ruthmn5126wl
Sep 28, 2025
Wonderful experience - It was such an unbelievable successful Upper Loop Tour of Lamar Valley and Mammoth Springs. We had such a good time. Our guide, Spencer took such good care of us and he went out of his way to assure we had our snack bags, hot coffee and a nice lunch. He was very personable and spoke to everyone, answered a number of questions and was very informative about Yellowstone and its animals. It was a great time and I would recommend this tour to anyone, oh, and ask for Spencer as your guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda_f
Sep 28, 2025
Amazing - It was amazing. We saw bison, bears, antelope and an eagle. Ron was great! He was very knowledgeable and informative. We could not have asked for anything better.
Review provided by Viator
Journey18346596617
Sep 20, 2025
Great Tour - Excellent tour. Our guide Spencer was terrific. Very knowledgeable and we saw various kinds of wild life. Lunch was good. Definitely would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
265peadarc
Sep 19, 2025
Upper Loop Tour - Had a wonderful experience. Michell did a wonderful job in explaining all the details of the Upper Loop and Lemar Valley. Would take this tour again without hesitation! Thank you Michell and Yellowstone Hiking Guides Peadar
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Louise_s
Sep 17, 2025
Best experience - Long Day, amazing tour, loved it, would do it again, tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable, answered all our questions
Review provided by Viator
Bryanway1015
Sep 16, 2025
Great Day!! - It was an awesome excursion. We saw grizzlies, black bears, elk, and pronghorn deer, in breath taking scenery!! Our guide, Spencer, was great! He was very knowledgeable, personable, and super helpful!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pat_r
Sep 30, 2025
Yellowstone adventure - Our guide, Spencer, was terrific. Knowledgable, informative, funny. He helped us to see things we would have never seen. We learned a lot. Our advice though, do not be the last ones to be picked up. We were in the back row. Tiny seats, smallest window in the van. Very tight.
Review provided by Viator