Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Self-Guided Walking Tour

Yellowstone National Park , United States

Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

(4 reviews)

1h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Yellowstone's thermal marvels on the Grand Prismatic Walking Tour. Start at the Grand Prismatic Overlook, capturing stunning views of the vibrant hot spring—venture to Yellowstone's Hotspot, revealing the park's volcanic secrets. Fairy Falls offers a tranquil natural escape, followed by a stop at Osborne Russell, commemorating the famed explorer. Be captivated by the Rainbow-Colored Hot Spring's vivid beauty. Conclude your journey along the Firehole River, a testament to Yellowstone's dynamic geothermal landscape.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

Continue walking. We’re getting pretty close to the overlook.

But that’s not actually where this trail ends. If you want to continue beyond the overlook, this trail also leads to a majestic waterfall. Hiking all the way to Fairy Falls will add another four miles to your trip, and it takes about two hours to get there and back. The hike itself is moderately easy, though a lot of it is uphill.

Stop 2 Pass by

Welcome to our walk up to the phenomenal Grand Prismatic Overlook! Grand Prismatic is the biggest hot spring in Yellowstone and the overlook is an absolute must-see!

Note: The tour is over 1.6 miles long, with more than 10+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

Winter Season Notice Most Yellowstone park roads are now closed to regular vehicles for the winter, with limited access until late April. Please check Road Status & Closures and Park Roads Overview before your trip and consider our Yellowstone Winter Tour for cold-season travel.

Meeting point

Begin from Fairy Falls Trailhead, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-435-288-0560
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

❄️ Winter Closure 2025:
Most roads are closed for winter prep, with snow coach and snowmobile travel starting December 15. Only the road between the North and Northeast entrances is open year-round to regular vehicles.

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