Private Yellowstone National Park Tour (Upper Loop)
Description
At Obsidian Expeditions, our mission is to create lifelong memories in our national parks. Your private tour includes an exclusive guide and vehicle reserved just for your group, allowing us to customize every experience to your interests, pace, and travel style. This tour explores Yellowstone's Upper Loop. To experience the park's iconic geyser basins, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, we recommend booking our Lower Loop Tour on a second day. We offer hotel and airport pickup in Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, and Gardiner, MT. Multi-generational families are welcome, with child safety seats, mobility accommodations whenever possible, and special dietary options available with advance notice. Traveling with more than 14 guests? We can accommodate larger groups with additional guides and vehicles. Contact us to customize your Yellowstone adventure.
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(95)
Its our 15 years wedding anniversary. And we have been planning this for years to make this trip happen. We drove 26 hours to get here and one hour before we got to our hotel the tour place called us and canceled the entire tour stating they didnt have enough people to go on the guided tour. The crazy thing is this wasnt our 1st choice, they canceled the 1st tour we picked stated it was too full.
We're truly sorry to hear about your experience and can certainly understand how disappointing that must have been, especially on your 15th wedding anniversary. That said, we're concerned this review may have been intended for another tour operator, as the circumstances you described do not align with how Obsidian Expeditions operates. We exclusively offer private tours and never combine unrelated guests to create a departure. Whether your party consists of one guest or fourteen, your tour is guaranteed to operate once your reservation is confirmed. We would never cancel a tour because there were "not enough people." Our reservation process also includes several points of contact before your tour. Shortly after booking, we reach out to learn about your travel plans, arrival details, mobility considerations, dietary restrictions, and any special occasions we can help celebrate. Had we known you were visiting for your 15th anniversary, we would have made every effort to make it memorable—often with special touches such as a celebratory toast and dessert, and, when appropriate, one of our most experienced guides or an owner personally leading the experience. We have carefully reviewed our records and cannot locate a reservation matching the circumstances described. If you believe this review was intended for Obsidian Expeditions, we would genuinely appreciate the opportunity to investigate further. Please contact us directly with the name on the reservation and your tour date so we can review what occurred. If this review was accidentally posted to the wrong company, we kindly ask that you consider updating or relocating it so future travelers have an accurate understanding of the experience we provide. Best, Stacy Noland
We had a great day with Mark. He was so pleasant and so knowledgeable. He helped us to understand the various natural hydrothermal phenomena that make Yellowstone so unique. We saw geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and fumaroles, and Mark explained what causes these to form. He also shared his knowledge of trees and all of the creatures that roam the park. He is a skilled photographer and offered often to shoot photos of us in various settings. We felt that our tour was fun, informative, and gave us a good overview of Yellowstone National Park.
Thank you, Susan, for your thoughtful review and for spending the day exploring Yellowstone with us. Yellowstone is one of the few places on Earth where geology, wildlife, and history come together in such spectacular fashion, and we're delighted to hear that Mark helped bring those stories to life. Understanding why geysers erupt, mud pots bubble, and fumaroles vent steam often transforms a beautiful landscape into something truly unforgettable. We're also glad he was able to capture photographs of your adventure along the way. Some of the best souvenirs from a national park are the memories—and the photos that help preserve them for years to come. Thank you again for choosing Obsidian Expeditions. We hope Yellowstone is just the beginning of your journey with us. When you're ready for your next adventure, we'd love to introduce you to the glaciers of Glacier National Park, the red rock wonders of Utah's Mighty Five, the Badlands and Black Hills, or the wild coastlines and forests of the Pacific Northwest. Until then, safe travels, and we hope to welcome you, your friends, and your family on another adventure in the future. Stace
Our guide Nate was knowledgeable and tried to make sure we had a well-rounded experience. We saw wildlife, gorgeous scenery and geologic wonders on our 8-hour private tour.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Dennis. We're glad to hear Nate helped provide a well-rounded day exploring Yellowstone's incredible wildlife, scenery, and geothermal features. We appreciate you choosing Obsidian Expeditions and wish you safe travels on your future adventures.
We had a tour with Mark last week and had an amazing experience. We booked the tour because we only had the 1 full day in the park and the tour did not disappoint. Mark was personable, knowledgeable and extremely efficient with how we moved to different areas and points of interest throughout the day. We felt like we pretty much saw everything, minus the few things that we identified having seen the day before on our way up from the Grand Tetons. I would highly recommend Obsidian tours to get the most out of your visit to Yellowstone!
Thank you, Jason, for your thoughtful review and for choosing Obsidian Expeditions during your visit to Yellowstone. We're honored you trusted us to make the most of your one full day in the park. We're delighted to hear that Mark's knowledge, efficiency, and personable approach helped you experience so much of Yellowstone in a single day. With limited time, every stop matters, and it's rewarding to know you left feeling like you experienced the very best the park has to offer. Yellowstone is just the beginning of the story. We'd love the opportunity to welcome you back for another adventure—whether it's exploring the towering peaks of Glacier National Park, the breathtaking landscapes of Utah's Mighty Five, the rich history of the Badlands and Black Hills, or the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Thank you again for your recommendation. It means the world to our small team. We hope you'll keep us in mind for your future adventures and encourage your friends and family to discover these remarkable places with us as well. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon! Stace
Great trip. Our tour guide Rose is very knowledgeable, cheerful and showed us many wild life. She took great photos
Vyjayanti, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're delighted to hear you had a great trip and that Rose helped make your day in Yellowstone so memorable. Rose has a genuine passion for Yellowstone, its wildlife, and the stories that bring the park to life. We're glad her knowledge, cheerful personality, and keen eye for wildlife made such a positive impression. Capturing those special moments with great photos is just another way she enjoys helping our travelers take a piece of Yellowstone home with them. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! Stace
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
