Private Upper Loop Tour of Yellowstone National Park
Description
Our mission is to create lifelong memories of our national parks for every guest. We specialize in going the extra mile to customize and personalize each tour to your unique needs. We offer hotel and airport pick-ups in Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, and Gardiner, MT, and can accommodate multi-generational families. We provide child seats for infants and address mobility concerns for grandparents. Special dietary requirements can also be catered to with advance notice. For more active guests, we’re happy to discuss hiking options in Yellowstone or how to incorporate additional adventures like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, fishing, or even a fine dining experience into your trip. Call us today to explore how we can make your Yellowstone adventure truly unforgettable!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover Yellowstone’s beauty on an all-day private tour, with options for the Lower Loop, Upper Loop, or a complete Grand Loop Tour. Call to customize your adventure and arrange the best meeting location. The Lower Loop includes iconic sights like Old Faithful, the vibrant Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Lake Yellowstone, and the stunning Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The Upper Loop takes you to Lamar Valley, a prime spot for viewing bison, wolves, and other wildlife, as well as the fascinating Mammoth Hot Springs. Book a multi-day tour to fully explore both loops and enjoy more time to relax, absorb the sights, and appreciate the park’s wonders. Call us today to explore how we can make your Yellowstone adventure truly unforgettable!
Guests touring Lamar Valley with Obsidian Experience can expect breathtaking scenic vistas and unparalleled wildlife viewing. Known as the "Serengeti of North America," this area is famous for its diverse animal population, including bison, elk, and the elusive wolves. The stunning landscapes, framed by rugged mountains and rolling hills, provide a perfect backdrop for photography and nature appreciation, making it a highlight of any Yellowstone adventure.
In Cooke City, visitors will experience a charming mountain town steeped in history, once a bustling mining hub. Surrounded by stunning winter landscapes, guests can enjoy cozy local cafes and shops while soaking in the picturesque views. The area serves as a gateway to Yellowstone, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings, including moose and deer, against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, enhancing the overall experience of this unique destination.
Calcite Springs offers guests a stunning overlook of the Yellowstone River and the surrounding canyon, showcasing the park's dramatic geological features. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bleached Cliffs and the river's swift currents, making it a perfect spot for photography and appreciating the natural beauty of the area. The overlook is also rich in historical significance, as it provides insight into the geological processes that shaped Yellowstone. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot various species, including bighorn sheep and eagles, adding to the allure of this breathtaking location. The combination of scenic vistas and wildlife makes Calcite Springs a memorable stop on any tour.
The Mount Washburn/Dunraven Pass area offers guests a scenic drive through some of Yellowstone's most breathtaking landscapes. As one of the highest points in the park, it provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This area is rich in history, having been a vital route for early explorers and settlers. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot bighorn sheep and eagles soaring overhead, making it a perfect stop for those looking to connect with nature and learn about the park's fascinating past.
At the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, guests will be captivated by the dramatic landscapes and vibrant colors of the canyon walls, carved by the Yellowstone River. This iconic site features stunning viewpoints, such as Artist Point, where visitors can witness breathtaking waterfalls and the interplay of light on the canyon's rock formations. The area is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot bald eagles and deer, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife observation.
Norris Geyser Basin is a geothermal wonderland that showcases the park's dynamic geothermal activity. Guests can explore a network of trails that lead to impressive geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, including the famous Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. The unique landscape, with its colorful mineral deposits and steam vents, provides a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's geothermal processes, while the surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife, including bison and coyotes.
Roaring Mountain is known for its unique geothermal features, including fumaroles that emit steam and create a roaring sound, hence its name. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape while learning about the geothermal processes that shape the park. The area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with chances to see elk and grizzly bears in their natural habitat, making it a memorable stop on any tour.
Obsidian Cliffs offers a glimpse into Yellowstone's volcanic past, showcasing stunning black obsidian rock formations that are both beautiful and historically significant. Guests can learn about the Native American use of obsidian for tools and the geological processes that created these striking cliffs. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities to spot animals like foxes and deer, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery.
Mammoth Hot Springs is a must-visit destination, featuring stunning terraced formations created by mineral-rich hot springs. Guests can stroll along boardwalks that wind through the vibrant travertine terraces, witnessing the unique colors and shapes formed by geothermal activity. The area is also home to a historic district with buildings dating back to the early 20th century, adding a layer of historical relevance. Wildlife is abundant here, with frequent sightings of elk grazing in the area.
The Roosevelt Arch serves as the iconic entrance to Yellowstone National Park, symbolizing the park's historical significance as the first national park in the world. Guests can admire the impressive stone structure, which was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. The arch offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to reflect on the park's rich history and commitment to conservation. The surrounding area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see bison and antelope.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(90)
Tour was amazing. So much to see including bears, bison, osprey and more. Rose, our brilliant guide, was so knowledgeable but also looked after us with drinks, lunch and snacks, stops, and a comfy drive. We had a private tour with pick up/drop off from hotel and Rose knew exactly where to find the wildlife we wanted to see.
Angie, Thank you for taking the time to share this. The Upper Loop is at its best when the wildlife cooperates, and it sounds like the day delivered in full. Seeing bears, bison, osprey, and more in a single outing is exactly why that corridor is so special. We’re glad the private format worked well for your pace and comfort, and that your guide was able to balance the logistics of the day—meals, timing, and stops—with getting you into the right areas at the right moments. I’ll pass your feedback along to Rose Sower. Appreciate you choosing Obsidian Expeditions, and we’re glad the day matched what you were hoping to experience in Yellowstone. Come back and see us again sometime soon, in Glacier, the Badlands, or the Utah Mighty Five National Parks. Happy travels, Stace
Mark was our tour guide, and he was outstanding. He helped us see ALL the wildlife: bears, bison, wolves, elk, pronghorn, cranes, marmots. He was a knowledgeable and clever interpreter of flora, fauna, geology and history. Wonderful experience!
Hi Vicki, Thank you so much for this incredibly kind review! It truly made our day to read. Mark is passionate about sharing the wonders of the natural world, and knowing that you got to witness such an incredible array of wildlife — bears, bison, wolves, and so much more — makes all the early mornings and careful planning so worthwhile. We'll be sure to pass along your wonderful words to Mark. Guests like you are the reason he loves what he does. We hope your paths cross with nature again soon, and that we get to be a part of your next adventure! Team Obsidian Expeditions
Amazing tour organization )best spots, lots of information, comfortable car. Saw a lot of animals and made cool pics
Thank you again, Yuliia, for taking the time to leave a second review—it means a lot to us. We’re really glad you enjoyed the organization of the tour, the selected viewing spots, the vehicle comfort, and the flow of the day. Finding the right balance between information, timing, and wildlife viewing is exactly what we aim for. And of course, Yellowstone delivered on the wildlife—there’s nothing better than getting those memorable photo moments in such a wild setting. We truly appreciate you joining us, and we hope to see you again for another adventure in the Greater Yellowstone region. Warm regards, Stace
Stace is a very experienced and world class traveler who has completed thoughts of tours in Yellowstone… Stace was amazing and he found Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Mt Goats for us to view from his scope.
Joshua and Letha, Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review—and more importantly, for being such great guests to spend time with in the field. That was truly one of those rare Yellowstone days. Seeing five grizzly bears, five wolves, hundreds of bison, mountain goats, elk, eagles, pronghorn, and osprey all in a single tour is something we never take for granted. Moments like that are a reminder of just how wild and alive this ecosystem still is. We also appreciate your good humor and resilience in handling the lingering cold winter weather in spring—it definitely adds character to the experience out here. Most of all, thank you for trusting us to guide your time in Yellowstone and for your kind words about the experience. We’d be glad to welcome you and your family back anytime. And next time, we’ll aim to raise the bar again (no promises Yellowstone will cooperate, but we’ll try). Don’t be strangers. Warm regards, Stace
Hassle free travel with a tour guide allowed us to focus on wildlife and the beautiful scenery. Our guide Rose was always on the lookout for wildlife and we stopped at everyplace on my wish list and then some. She had the gear and scopes that allowed us to see more than what we could have on our own. It was a great day due to Obsidian Tours taking such good care of us including lunch!
Peggy, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that your Upper Loop tour was such a perfect day and that Rose made it both effortless and enriching. She’s exceptional at tuning into our guests’ wish lists while keeping an eye out for every wildlife opportunity—and we’re so glad her knowledge, gear, and care helped you see even more of Yellowstone’s wonders. It means a lot to know you enjoyed the full experience, from the sights to the lunch and all the little details in between. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure soon—whether it’s exploring more of Yellowstone, the Tetons, Glacier, the Badlands, or the Utah Mighty Five. Warm regards, | Stace
Hiring a guide was the best decision ever! Having Rose plan the route using our wish list made for a hassle free experience. She had the gear and scoop to ensure we would see wildlife all over the loop. Friendly and professional!
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that hiring a guide made your Upper Loop adventure so seamless and enjoyable. Rose has a true talent for tailoring each day around our guests’ wish lists and using her knowledge—and gear—to help spot Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife. We’re so glad you enjoyed the day and found the experience both friendly and professional. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure soon—perhaps exploring more of Yellowstone, the Tetons, Glacier, the Badlands, or even the Utah Mighty Five. All the best, Stace Obsidian Expeditions
Yellowstone Guided Tour: Our group’s experience was amazing. Our guide, Mark, was very knowledgeable, but also engaging, entertaining, and personable. He was stellar at locating and spotting wildlife. His knowledge of the park’s history, geology, plants, trees, and animals, was impressive!! Communication from the tour company and with Mark were great. We were well provided with delicious food, drinks, snacks, and binoculars, along with Mark’s spotting scope. Icing on the cake was the fact that we all clicked with Mark‘s upbeat sense of humor. Overall, such a wonderful experience! We would highly recommend this private Yellowstone Upper Loop tour with Mark and Obsidian tours.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your Yellowstone adventure was such a meaningful experience. Mark will be thrilled to know how much you appreciated his knowledge, humor, and ability to connect with your group. He takes great pride in helping guests discover wildlife and the natural wonders of the park in a way that’s both informative and fun. At Obsidian Expeditions, it’s always a team effort—our goal is to make sure every detail is cared for, from the first email to the final stop on your tour. Knowing that the food, gear, communication, and guiding all came together to create lasting memories means the world to us. Thank you again for trusting us with your Yellowstone journey and for recommending Obsidian Expeditions. We’d be honored to welcome you back on another adventure in the future! Warm regards, Stace
Obsidian was amazing. When we started planning our tour,Stacy was great. He gave us suggestions and ideas once we decided which tour, Stacy called us and went through this tour with locations and sites to be seen. Lisa contacted us about a week before our trip and went over everything that we needed to know and answer any questions we might have. The day of our tour Mark was out quite. He was amazing. He is very high energy and informative. He worked hard to locate us wildlife to see, and took us to locations that were stunning. Obsidian made our trip amazing. I would highly recommended them to anyone.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that your time with Obsidian Expeditions was such a memorable experience. From the moment you first reached out, our team worked together to ensure your tour was carefully designed around your interests—Stace helping to plan your itinerary, Lisa confirming details and answering questions, and Mark bringing that energy and expertise in the field. We see every guest as an investment, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that this level of care made your day in Yellowstone so special. We’ll be sure to share your praise with Mark—he takes great pride in helping guests discover wildlife and stunning locations. Thank you again for choosing Obsidian Expeditions and for recommending us to others. We’d be honored to craft another personalized adventure for you in the future! Warm regards, The Obsidian Expeditions Team
Stace was personable, knowledge, has excellent communication skills, and attended to all of our needs. He has special equipment to help spot wildlife. He exceeded all of our expectations and treated us to some very funny unforgettable stories.. We will definitely book with him again. Thank you so much!!! Debbie, Paul, Jim, and Cheryl
Debbie, Paul, Jim, and Cheryl, Thank you so much for your kind words and for spending the day exploring with me—it was truly a pleasure getting to know all of you! I’m thrilled to hear that the stories (and the spotting gear!) helped make your time in Yellowstone so memorable. There’s still so much more to discover here in the Rockies, and I’d love to welcome you back soon. Whether it’s another corner of Yellowstone, the Tetons, or further afield to places like Glacier, the Badlands, or even the Utah Mighty Five, we’d be delighted to craft another personalized adventure just for your group. Thanks again for trusting Obsidian Expeditions with your time. I hope our paths cross again soon for more wildlife, scenery, and a few new stories! Warmly, Stace
We did our tour today with Tom. He was AMAZING. Best tour guide ever. My whole family loved him. He is a nice guy who is super intelligent and knowledgeable. He made our trip well worth it! 👍🏼👍🏼
Syomara, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Tom helped make your day in Yellowstone so memorable. He’s a fantastic guide, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him—he’ll be delighted to know your whole family enjoyed the experience. It was truly our pleasure to host your family and craft a day that was well worth your time. When you’re ready for another adventure, whether it’s exploring more of Yellowstone, the Tetons, Glacier, the Badlands, or even the Utah Mighty Five, we’d be honored to welcome you back! Warm regards, Stace
