Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch

Yellowstone National Park , United States

Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch

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(164 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Yellowstone Hiking Guides safely leads hiking groups into the Lamar Valley on a wildlife viewing day hike tour.

Our guides are well versed in Yellowstone's unique wildlife. Safety and fun are our top priorities. Regularly, we spot wolves, bears, and other rare wildlife from the trail in the backcountry of Yellowstone.

Our tours are off the beaten path, traveling on bison trails for the majority of the hike. Most tour providers in Yellowstone spend the majority of the day on the road, or very close to the road. Our guides take you into the backcountry for unique views of the Lamar Valley that you cannot see from the roadway.

Frequently, our guests tell us that they could not do this hike on their own through the massive bison herd and unpredictable wildlife.

Available options

Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch

What's included

A light breakfast snack

Bear Spray, Binoculars, Trekking Pole, Backpack (if necessary)

Hot Coffee/Tea/Cocoa

Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) *Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions*

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This six-mile tour through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park is the best place to hike and view wildlife in North America. Your expert guide will safely lead you to wildlife viewing locations and scenic vistas that you cannot see from the road. Your guide will help you navigate the large bison herds. We sometimes spot wolf and bear, at a distance. Your guide will carry a scope for viewing these animals safely. We also see pronghorn, elk, moose, badger, ground squirrels, and an array of birds. We take a break for a picnic lunch with river or valley views.

What's not included

Admission to Yellowstone National Park: $35 per vehicle, good for one week

Please bring 2 liters of water per person

Rain jacket and fleece layer

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

44 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

120 reviews

5★

106

4★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet at 8 AM at the Lamar River Trailhead from May-September.
THIS IS NOT THE SPECIMEN RIDGE TRAILHEAD.
Our website has very good directions and a pin drop.

Important notes

Please meet the Yellowstone Hiking Guides tour guide at 8 AM at the Lamar River Trailhead. Printed tickets are not necessary. Give the guide your name and party info at arrival.

●From Tower Junction: The trailhead is 14.8 miles from Tower Junction (25 minutes). Turn onto Highway 212 at Tower Junction toward Cooke City.

After driving through the Lamar Valley, you will pass the Lamar River Stock Trailhead. This trailhead is for horse users (with hitching posts). There are two latrines at this location. This is your last civilized bathroom location. On the trail there are many “facili-trees”.

The hiker trailhead is another 0.25 mile upstream. This large parking lot for the Lamar River Trail has no latrines.

EXIT YOUR VEHICLE AND YOU WILL NOTICE A SMALL FOOTBRIDGE OVER THE CREEK. (THIS IS NOT A BRIDGE YOU DRIVE OVER, IT IS A FOOTBRIDGE FOR WALKING OVER THE CREEK.) You cannot see the bridge from the road or your vehicle. You must get out of your vehicle to see the bridge.

If you pass the trailhead, your nearest turnaround spot will be Soda Butte (a dormant thermal feature) on your right. Turn around here and go back to the last parking area you passed.

●From Cooke City: The trailhead is 18.3 miles from Cooke City (30 minutes). It is located approximately 0.5 mile past the small, white Soda Butte thermal formation. You will smell this if you don’t see it! The parking lot for the Lamar River Trail is on the left. There is a small footbridge here if you get out of your vehicle and look. If you arrive at a parking lot with two latrines you have gone too far. This is the Lamar River Stock Trailhead. The hiker trailhead is 0.25 mile back upstream.

About Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a vast wilderness area spanning three states, known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. It's home to the world's first national park and offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the world, known for its regular eruptions every 90 minutes. It's a must-see attraction in Yellowstone.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (park entrance fee applies)

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most photographed attractions in Yellowstone. Its vibrant colors are stunning.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (park entrance fee applies)

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America and offers stunning views, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Nature Half day to full day Free (park entrance fee applies); boat rentals and fishing permits cost extra

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a stunning canyon carved by the Yellowstone River, featuring waterfalls, colorful rock formations, and breathtaking views.

Nature Half day to full day Free (park entrance fee applies)

Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing, particularly for wolves, bison, and elk.

Nature Half day to full day Free (park entrance fee applies)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A delicious and sustainable alternative to beef, made from locally sourced bison. Served with various toppings and sides.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free and low-fat options available

Huckleberry Pie

A classic Yellowstone dessert made with locally harvested huckleberries, a sweet and tangy treat.

Dessert Vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Elk Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew made with locally sourced elk, vegetables, and spices. A must-try for meat lovers.

Dinner Gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Whitewater rafting Mountain biking Horseback riding Rock climbing Wildlife viewing Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and full access to all park facilities and attractions. Expect large crowds and book accommodations well in advance.

15-30°C (59-86°F) 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Other European languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but be aware of wildlife and natural hazards

Yellowstone is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of wildlife, geothermal hazards, and changing weather conditions. Always follow park regulations and guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Stay on designated paths and roads
• Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance

Getting there

By air

West Yellowstone Airport • 2 miles (3.2 km) from park entrance
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport • 90 miles (145 km) from park entrance

By bus

West Yellowstone, Gardiner, MT, Cody, WY

Getting around

Public transport

Shuttles operate on a limited schedule and cover specific routes within the park. They are a convenient option for those without a car.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Old Faithful Area Canyon Village Lake Village Mammoth Hot Springs

Day trips

Grand Teton National Park

50 miles (80 km) from Yellowstone • Half day to full day

Grand Teton National Park offers stunning mountain landscapes, scenic drives, and excellent hiking opportunities. It's a great complement to a Yellowstone visit.

West Yellowstone, MT

2 miles (3.2 km) from Yellowstone • Half day

West Yellowstone is a charming town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a great place to stock up on supplies or enjoy a meal before or after visiting the park.

Gardiner, MT

50 miles (80 km) from Yellowstone • Half day

Gardiner is a historic town at the north entrance of Yellowstone, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. It's a great place to explore before or after visiting the park.

Festivals

Yellowstone Winter Festival • February Yellowstone Summer Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Carry bear spray and know how to use it, as wildlife encounters are common
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and year
Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak season
Follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the park's natural beauty