Yellowstone Grand Loop Ultimate Self-Guided Driving Tour

Gardiner , United States

Yellowstone Grand Loop Ultimate Self-Guided Driving Tour

Active

8h - 10h

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 the wonders of Yellowstone National Park on a self-guided audio tour that takes you along the scenic 140-mile Grand Loop. Experience the dramatic landscapes of erupting geysers, majestic waterfalls, and wildlife-rich meadows, all narrated by GPS technology. Discover fascinating stories about Old Faithful, the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and the transformative role of wolves in the ecosystem. Unearth hidden gems like Sylvan Lake and Dragon’s Mouth Spring while enjoying the freedom to travel at your own pace. This immersive journey connects you to the park's rich history and natural beauty, making every moment memorable.

- Scenic 140-mile Grand Loop with GPS-triggered narration
- Learn about iconic sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring
- Discover lesser-known spots and unique natural features
- Get insider tips on what you can safely skip and what not to miss
- Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families

Available options

Yellowstone Grand Loop Ultimate Self-Guided Driving Tour

What's included

App & Tour Download

Audio Guide

Route Map (in app)

Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 1 year)

Detailed itinerary

Watch bubbling mud pots and colorful mineral pools create a living canvas of shifting textures and hues.

Follow a scenic side road through a narrow volcanic canyon, past waterfalls and one of Yellowstone’s few legal swim spots.

Pause at this striking columnar basalt cliff — a frozen reminder of ancient lava flows and the people who once called this area home.

Stop 4

Watch Yellowstone’s most famous geyser erupt with clockwork precision — a timeless symbol of nature’s power and rhythm.

Stop 5

Marvel at a rainbow-colored hot spring so large and vibrant it looks like a living painting seen from above.

Stop 6

Stand in awe of the park’s namesake canyon, where waterfalls plunge through bands of gold, red, and rust-colored rock.

Stop 7

Experience one of North America’s best wildlife-viewing areas, where bison herds and elk roam across misty morning meadows.

Stop 8

Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” this broad valley offers prime chances to spot wolves, bears, and other predators in the wild.

Walk among ever-changing terraces of white and orange travertine that seem sculpted by both heat and time.

Stop 10

Explore Yellowstone’s hottest and most active geothermal area, where geysers bubble, hiss, and erupt unpredictably.

Encounter a landscape that roils, steams, and growls — a reminder of the restless forces beneath your feet.

Discover a rare thermal area on the edge of Yellowstone Lake, where geysers erupt beside cold, blue water.

Stop 13

Take in the vast expanse of North America’s largest high-elevation lake — serene on the surface, volcanic at heart.

Admire a striking waterfall framed by eroded rock spires that lend this scenic stop its distinctive name.

See the glassy black rock once prized by Indigenous peoples and explorers alike — a monument to both geology and history.

What's not included

Smartphone (bring your own)

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

DE EN ES

Written guide

DE EN ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Priced per-vehicle so everyone in your car can listen and enjoy

Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required

GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location

Get the Drives & Detours app and download the tour ahead of time

Wheelchairs: travelers use their own vehicles, and most stops along the route offer accessible viewpoints and facilities

Meeting point

Open the app and tap "Start Tour" just after you pass the entrance station. Tour can be started from any entrance station.

Important notes

IMPORTANT – YOUR ACCESS CODE IS: CFX915 - PLEASE READ STEPS BELOW -

To access your tour, you’ll need the Drives & Detours App. We recommend downloading the tour in advance in case cell service is unreliable.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

UNLOCK YOUR TOUR:

1. Open app, tap "Driving Tours", then "Yellowstone"
2. Enter Your Access Code (on iPhone tap "Login to Download" then "Login")
3. Tap "Download Tour" and wait until complete (1-2 minutes)

STARTING THE TOUR:

1. Open app, select your tour
2. Enter through one of the entrance stations
3. Tap “Start Tour”

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Tour is valid for 180 days, no need to reschedule
Questions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920

About Gardiner

Gardiner, Montana, is a charming gateway town to Yellowstone National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and historic charm, Gardiner offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality. It's the northern entrance to Yellowstone, providing easy access to some of the park's most iconic sights and activities.

Top Attractions

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first national park in the world. It is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, as well as its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Nature Multiple days recommended Entry fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River flows through Gardiner and offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing. The river is home to a diverse range of fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers.

Nature Half day to full day Varies by activity and tour operator

Sacajawea Statue

The Sacajawea Statue is a tribute to the Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The statue is located in a small park in downtown Gardiner and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Absaroka Mountain Range

The Absaroka Mountain Range is a stunning backdrop to Gardiner, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The range is known for its rugged peaks, dense forests, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Half day to full day Free (unless using a tour operator)

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife. The sanctuary offers educational programs and guided tours, providing visitors with an up-close look at the region's diverse wildlife.

Nature 1-2 hours $10-$20 per person

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A classic American burger made with locally sourced bison meat, often topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and huckleberry sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made gluten-free upon request

Huckleberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with wild huckleberries, a local favorite in Montana.

Dessert Contains gluten, can be made with gluten-free crust upon request

Trout Almondine

A delicate dish featuring fresh trout fillets cooked in butter and topped with toasted almonds and lemon.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and dairy, can be made gluten-free upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Whitewater rafting Horseback riding Wildlife viewing Fishing Picnicking Scenic drives

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Gardiner, offering the best weather for outdoor activities and easy access to Yellowstone National Park. The town is bustling with visitors, and all attractions and facilities are fully operational.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Gardiner is a generally safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should exercise caution when exploring the great outdoors, as wildlife encounters and natural hazards can pose a risk. Additionally, visitors should be aware of potential scams and pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when exploring the great outdoors, and be aware of wildlife and natural hazards
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas
• Research and choose reputable tour operators and guides

Getting there

By air

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport • 90 km (56 miles)
Billings Logan International Airport • 320 km (200 miles)

By train

Gardiner Amtrak Station

By bus

Gardiner Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Shuttle services are available for visitors without private transportation, offering scheduled trips to popular attractions and nearby locations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi companies do not operate via apps; phone booking is required

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Gardiner Yellowstone Gateway Absaroka Foothills

Day trips

Livingston

50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day

Livingston is a charming town located along the Yellowstone River, offering a variety of historical sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Bozeman

90 km (56 miles) • Full day

Bozeman is a vibrant college town located in the heart of Montana, offering a variety of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining options.

Big Sky

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

Big Sky is a popular resort destination located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and luxury accommodations.

Festivals

Gardiner Music Festival • July Yellowstone Wildlife Festival • May Montana Folk Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit Yellowstone National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and see wildlife at its most active
Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day
Bring bear spray and know how to use it when hiking or exploring the great outdoors in bear country
Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out quickly
Explore the town's historic downtown and support local businesses by shopping and dining locally