The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Waterfalls and Geysers

Duration

Full Day (8 hours)

About

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

The rest of the day may 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.

Time permitting, your guide will share the vastness of Hayden Valley, one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the park, with your group in hopes of capturing Yellowstone's iconic bison, bears, and other fauna in action! 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 - and if we're lucky - views of the predators taking advantage of them!

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.

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 fully 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

What’s included & What you need to bring

Your Tour Includes:

• Full-day (8 hour) private guided tour
• Transportation in our fully equipped touring vehicle (we drive, you enjoy the scenery)
• Plenty of space for gear and extra clothing
• Breakfast pastries and hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot cocoa)
• Healthy and hearty snacks and beverages
• Full picnic lunch spread

Gratuity is NOT included in the price of the tour. Tipping your guide is a common practice in North America, and tips are an important part of their income.

What to Bring

• Warm clothes for cooler early morning hours
• Dress warmly so that you can comfortably be out in the elements during the cold hours of the dawn. You will be at high elevations in the Rocky Mountains, and temperatures will be unseasonably cold. Be prepared!
• Close-toed shoes/hiking boots
• Long pants
• Sweater/sweatshirt
• Windbreaker/rain jacket
• Hat and gloves
• Duffle/backpack to store warm clothing as the day warms up
• Water (reusable bottle or water bladder)
  Your guide will provide a water cooler for refilling your bottles/water bladders
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses
• Sunscreen
• Lots of questions and curiosity