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Discover Yellowstone National Park: A Self-Guided Tour

2 Reviews 3.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | West Yellowstone, USA
Book online or call us

from $4.55 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Yellowstone with your self-guided tour, exploring America’s first national park at your pace. Begin at Old Faithful, where the world’s most famous geyser erupts with stunning regularity every 90 minutes. Drive to Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, its rainbow rings of thermophilic bacteria creating colors visible from the overlook trail above. Stand at the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as the Lower Falls plunge 308 feet into a golden-walled gorge. Explore Mammoth Hot Springs where travertine terraces build living sculptures of mineral deposits. Watch bison herds roam the Lamar Valley, known as America’s Serengeti for its unmatched wildlife viewing. Visit Norris Geyser Basin, the park’s hottest and most dynamic thermal area. Marvel at Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. This 2.2-million-acre wilderness sits atop an active supervolcano, creating a landscape found nowhere else on Earth.

What's Included

  • Self-guided walking tour, fully on the app — explore at your own pace
  • Digital Map & Offline Content: no cell service needed
  • Instant access: your tour activation code is ready on your ticket, below the barcode.
  • Private transportation
  • Entry fees to national parks,tourist attractions or museums.
  • Headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals.
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

104 Yellowstone Avenue
West Yellowstone, MT 59758, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Old Faithful (pass by)

The world's most famous geyser has erupted with remarkable predictability since its 1870 discovery, launching 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of boiling water 130 to 180 feet into the air every 44 to 125 minutes. Rangers post predicted times at the visitor center so you can plan your viewing. The surrounding Upper Geyser Basin contains the largest concentration of geysers on Earth within a single square mile.
Read more

Grand Prismatic Spring (pass by)

The largest hot spring in the United States and third largest in the world measures 370 feet in diameter and reaches depths of 160 feet, its vivid bands of orange, yellow, green, and blue created by heat-loving microorganisms called thermophiles. The boardwalk provides intimate proximity to the steaming pools while the Grand Prismatic Overlook trail delivers the iconic aerial perspective that reveals the spring's full rainbow pattern against the surrounding forest.
Read more

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (pass by)

The Yellowstone River carved this 20-mile-long, 1,200-foot-deep canyon through rhyolite rock, its walls displaying brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds. The Lower Falls plunge 308 feet into the canyon best viewed from Artist Point on the South Rim. Uncle Tom's Trail descends 328 metal steps for an immersive perspective, while the North Rim Trail offers Lookout Point and Red Rock Point for closer views.
Read more

Mammoth Hot Springs (pass by)

The travertine terraces at Mammoth are a living geological sculpture where hot water rising through limestone deposits up to two tons of calcium carbonate daily. The boardwalk system winds through both the Upper and Lower Terraces, passing features like Palette Spring, Minerva Terrace, and Canary Spring. Fort Yellowstone surrounds the area with historic stone buildings. Elk frequently graze on the lawns, providing reliable wildlife viewing.
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Norris Geyser Basin (pass by)

The hottest and most dynamic thermal area in the park sits at the intersection of three major fault lines. The Porcelain Basin's open landscape of milky blue pools and hissing fumaroles contrasts with the forested Back Basin where Steamboat Geyser can erupt over 300 feet high. The Norris Geyser Basin Museum provides geological context for the surrounding thermal features.
Read more

Grand Loop Road (pass by)

The 142-mile Grand Loop Road forms a figure-eight through the park's major attractions, connecting all five entrances and passing through diverse ecosystems from sagebrush valleys to alpine meadows to dense lodgepole pine forests. Wildlife jams are a regular and cherished part of the Yellowstone driving experience.
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Yellowstone Lake (pass by)

The largest high-altitude lake in North America covers 136 square miles at 7,733 feet elevation. The historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel, built in 1891, provides elegant lakeside dining. Fishing Bridge at the lake's outlet offers excellent wildlife viewing as pelicans, osprey, and bears fish the shallow waters.
Read more

Lamar Valley (pass by)

Known as America's Serengeti, this broad glacial valley in the park's northeast corner provides the best wildlife viewing in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with large herds of bison, pronghorn, elk, and mule deer grazing open grasslands while wolves, grizzly bears, and coyotes hunt the same landscape. The valley became world-famous after the 1995 wolf reintroduction. The drive through Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk ranks among the park's most unforgettable experiences.
Read more

Tower Fall (pass by)

This stunning 132-foot waterfall plunges from the mouth of Tower Creek into a dramatic gorge surrounded by eroded volcanic pinnacles that early explorers thought resembled medieval tower ruins. Located near the Tower-Roosevelt junction, the waterfall is one of Yellowstone's most photographed features. A short trail leads to an overlook with sweeping views of the falls and the surrounding columnar basalt formations, making it a perfect brief stop.
Read more

West Thumb Geyser Basin (pass by)

Situated on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, this compact thermal area showcases an extraordinary collision of fire and ice where hot springs and geysers bubble directly into the frigid lake waters. The boardwalk loop passes vivid blue pools, roaring fumaroles, and the iconic Fishing Cone—a lakeside hot spring where early visitors reportedly cooked freshly caught trout. The basin's location offers panoramic lake and mountain views that complement the geothermal features.
Read more

Roosevelt Arch

This iconic 50-foot stone gateway at Yellowstone's original north entrance in Gardiner, Montana, was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. The arch bears the inscription 'For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People,' a phrase from the 1872 act that created the world's first national park. Standing beneath the massive basalt arch provides a powerful connection to the conservation movement that saved America's wild places and remains one of the park's most photographed landmarks.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

West Yellowstone

This charming gateway town just outside Yellowstone's west entrance offers a quintessential Western experience with its wooden boardwalks, local shops, and restaurants serving bison burgers and huckleberry treats. Originally established as a railroad terminus to bring tourists to the park, the town retains its frontier character while providing modern amenities. Visitors can explore the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, the Yellowstone Historic Center museum, or simply stroll the main street soaking in the mountain-town atmosphere.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Earthquake Lake

This fascinating visitor center tells the dramatic story of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake—a magnitude 7.3 event that triggered a massive landslide, burying a campground and creating Earthquake Lake in seconds. Interactive exhibits, a memorial boulder garden honoring the 28 victims, and panoramic views of the landslide scar and the lake it formed make this an unforgettable stop. The center is operated by the U.S. Forest Service and provides a sobering reminder of the geologic forces still shaping the Yellowstone region.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hebgen Lake

This scenic overlook provides sweeping views of Hebgen Lake and the surrounding Madison Range, offering a peaceful contrast to the geothermal intensity of Yellowstone's interior. The lake, formed by earthquake faulting, sits at over 6,500 feet elevation and is surrounded by pristine forests and meadows. On clear days, the mirror-like surface reflects the mountain peaks, creating a postcard-perfect scene that epitomizes Montana's big-sky beauty.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Beartooth Highway

Dubbed 'the most beautiful drive in America' by Charles Kuralt, this breathtaking 68-mile All-American Road climbs to nearly 11,000 feet through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, crossing alpine tundra, glacial plateaus, and 27 switchbacks with jaw-dropping views of Montana and Wyoming's highest peaks. Snow-capped summits, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows line the route even in midsummer. The highway connects Red Lodge, Montana, to Yellowstone's northeast entrance and is typically open only from late May through mid-October.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Gallatin Canyon

This spectacular 80-mile corridor follows the Gallatin River through a narrow, cliff-walled canyon between Yellowstone National Park and Bozeman, Montana. The drive showcases towering limestone walls, dense evergreen forests, and world-class fly-fishing waters made famous by the film A River Runs Through It. Moose, elk, and bighorn sheep are frequently spotted along the roadside, and the canyon's dramatic geology reveals millions of years of Rocky Mountain formation.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 15 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Discover Yellowstone National Park: A Self-Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5520738P123

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.00
2 reviews

Average 3.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Discover Yellowstone National Park: A Self-Guided Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Self-guided walking tour, fully on the app — explore at your own pace.
  • Digital Map & Offline Content: no cell service needed.
  • Instant access: your tour activation code is ready on your ticket, below the barcode.
  • NO live guide or rental equipment provided — please bring your own smartphone and headphones.
  • Bonus: 3 New Guides Across Yellowstone — Grand Loop Drive, Grand Prismatic & West Thumb Walks.
The following is NOT included:
  • Private transportation.
  • Entry fees to national parks,tourist attractions or museums.
  • Headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals.
  • Our app-based self-guided tour has no physical guide on-site.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 15..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Discover Yellowstone National Park: A Self-Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Discover Yellowstone National Park: A Self-Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Self-guided walking tour, fully on the app — explore at your own pace
  • Digital Map & Offline Content: no cell service needed
  • Instant access: your tour activation code is ready on your ticket, below the barcode.
  • NO live guide or rental equipment provided — please bring your own smartphone and headphones
  • Bonus: 3 New Guides Across Yellowstone — Grand Loop Drive, Grand Prismatic & West Thumb Walks
  • Private transportation
  • Entry fees to national parks,tourist attractions or museums.
  • Headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals.
  • Our app-based self-guided tour has no physical guide on-site.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

Activity name