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The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Waterfalls and Geysers

Quick Details

  • Duration: 8-10 hours
  • Ages: Ages 5+
  • Meeting Locations: Gardiner, MT; Mammoth Hot Springs; Norris Geyser Basin; Canyon Visitor Center; Tower Junction; Roosevelt Lodge
  • Alternative Meeting Locations: Sage Lodge (extra $150)
  • Further Information: Private & customizable
Summer 2023 Rates Please call regarding pricing for groups larger than 10
One Guest
$1,050
Two Guests
$1,050
Three Guests
$1,100
Four Guests
$1,150
Five Guests
$1,200
Six Guests
$1,250
Seven Guests
$1,300
Eight Guests
$1,350
Nine Guests
$1,400
Ten Guests
$1,450

This is a landscape carved by glaciers, volcanoes, enormous lakes, and thermal rumblings!

Highlights may include:

  • Norris Geyser Basin – Home of the world’s tallest active geyser and otherworldly landscapes of porcelain pools and hissing steam vents.
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Geologic wonder, grandeur, and jaw-dropping colors of the Grand Canyon and its magnificent waterfalls.
  • Waterfalls – Our favorite views of the 109’ Upper Falls, 308’ Lower Falls and, time permitting, a peek at the lesser-known but no less spectacular 129’ Crystal Falls.
  • Hayden Valley – The Yellowstone River winds through this picturesque mountain valley with abundant wildlife, giving the ultimate sense of “big sky” country.
  • Mud Volcano and the Dragon’s Mouth – A cave that belches pungent sulphery steam and bubbling mud with explosive history.
  • Nez Perce Ford – Picnic at an historic ford across the Yellowstone River and hear the epic tale of the Nez Perce tribe during their 1877 flight from the US Army, covering 1170 miles in an effort to reach Canada – and freedom from life on a reservation. They nearly made it.

We will discover evidence of all of these massive forces of nature, visiting some popular attractions, as well as hidden gems not often seen by the masses. Along the way, it is certainly possible to encounter any number of wild animals that call Yellowstone home, so plan on a day full of unexpected surprises!

We’ll beat the crowds for an early morning walk to explore the fascinating and complex Norris Geyser Basin. Home to Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest erupting geyser, Norris presents a scene reminiscent of another planet. With its weathered rhyolite deposits, hissing steam vents and porcelain-colored hot pools, this area represents Yellowstone’s hottest, most acidic, and continually changing thermal area.

The rest of the day includes short hikes that take us away from the crowds to best explore, understand, and connect with the majestic waterfalls, deeply carved chasms, and “painted” rocks in Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. The canyon, of which an 1871 painting was instrumental in securing the establishment of Yellowstone, is a water-carved masterpiece formed through the incredible forces of both heat and ice.

The mighty Yellowstone River dominates the eastern side of the park, and remains a powerful symbol of raw, untamed wild beauty. Beginning just south of the park and flowing freely for 671 miles to its confluence with the Missouri River, it remains the longest undammed river in the Lower 48! Throughout its history this magnificent waterway has provided a critical lifeline for the animals, flora, and human inhabitants of this region.

We will explore the vastness of Hayden Valley, where the pristine Yellowstone River slowly winds timelessly through gently rolling meadows. Ancient glacial lakes laid the perfect foundation for dense grasses, sedges, and forbes making it prime habitat for our grazing animals. While this tour is not primarily wildlife focused, it is not uncommon to spot herds of bison and elk taking advantage of the rich foraging possibilities – there is also a chance to see wolves, grizzly bears, coyotes, fox, and birds of prey, and we will always take advantage of any wildlife sightings we may come across.

The first human inhabitants to benefit from Yellowstone’s bounty can be dated to over 11,000 years ago. It should be no surprise that the otherworldly thermal features inspired a sense of wonder and awe, as they do today, inspiring deep cultural lore such as the fascinating creation story that was borne out of a feature now called Dragon’s Mouth!

Your tour experience:

  • Experience the magic of Yellowstone’s iconic hydrothermal features, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley
  • Your own local naturalist guide
  • Private and customizable tours
  • Small, single-party groups
  • Away from the crowds and into the wild
  • Vast, wide-open spaces and clean mountain air
  • Breakfast and lunch – picnic style
  • Safe, fun and educational
Amazing Time

We had an amazing time on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Waterfalls, & Geysers tour! Our guide, Rob was awesome & very knowledgeable about the area. He was very friendly & accommodating in what we wanted to do! Would definitely recommend this tour!

– Tarina H., TripAdvisor
The Perfect Yellowstone Experience

A tour with Yellowstone Wild is the perfect way to spend a day in Yellowstone. My wife and I have been on three separate tours with Yellowstone Wild, and each has been more spectacular than the last. The guides are friendly, professional and extremely knowledgeable, and they will greatly enhance your experience in the park by sharing their expertise. These tours can also be tailored to your interests and your desired level of activity, so you can be sure that you will be completely satisfied by your time in the park. I give Yellowstone Wild my highest recommendation and strongly encourage anyone interested in exploring Yellowstone to book a tour with them. You will not be disappointed!

– Kyle S., TripAdvisor