Self-Guided Audio Tour of Yellowstone’s West Thumb Basin

Yellowstone National Park , United States

Self-Guided Audio Tour of Yellowstone’s West Thumb Basin

Active

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio walking tour of the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail to uncover the famous hot springs and hydrothermal features on Yellowstone Lake’s shores. See the dynamic Blue Funnel Spring, historically-significant Fishing Cone, pleasant Thumb Geyser, & deep Abyss Pool hot spring.
Along the way, hear stories of geothermal wonders, early explorers, and a unique 19th-century cooking practice play automatically as you stroll the scenic boardwalk.
Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t.

Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location
Travel at your own pace
Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed
Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use
No time limits or expiry, and free updates
Like having a personal guide by your side on every step

Purchase one tour per person, or listen together by sharing headphones or a speaker.

Available options

Self-Guided Audio Tour of Yellowstone’s West Thumb Basin

What's included

Support: Toll free phone, chat and email

Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline

Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF

Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay

GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 20+ Points

Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates

Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Fishing Cone, a geothermal feature in Yellowstone National Park, is steeped in history. In the late 1800s, it served as a natural "hot pot" where visitors would cook trout directly in its boiling waters—a novel yet perilous method, leading to several fatalities.

Stop 2 Pass by

Blue Funnel Spring, previously measuring 18 feet across and maintaining temperatures between 172 and 182 degrees Fahrenheit, has witnessed cooling and depletion in the last thirty years, redirecting its water to the nearby Abyss Pool.

Behold Abyss Pool, enticing you to stroll over to the observation deck for an up-close encounter! Plummeting 53 feet into the earth, it reigns as one of Yellowstone's deepest hot springs—a title it wears with flair, naturally.

Thumb Geyser, renowned for its vivid colors, owes its brilliance to thriving bacteria flourishing in the warm waters of the West Thumb Geyser Basin. In the mid-1970s, reduced geyser activity puzzled scientists, attributing the decline to various factors like slow underground pool refilling or changes in rock composition.

What's not included

Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

Start at (West Thumb Information Station) or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi or cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.

Important notes

STEPS TO GET YOUR GUIDEALONG AUDIO TOUR:

1. SIGN IN + REDEEM your VOUCHER CODE: https://store.guidealong.com/voucher
2. DOWNLOAD the GuideAlong App
3. SIGN IN to the GuideAlong app with the same Apple or Google account as Step 1
4. DOWNLOAD the Audio Tour NOW

FIND YOUR VOUCHER CODE AND INSTRUCTIONS
- Email: Search your inbox for “Your Tour Operator Sent You A Message” and “Instructions for GuideAlong Audio Tour.” Check All Mail and your junk/spam folder.
- Text: Check for a text message from +17817732638.
- This Ticket: Find the voucher code at the top under the QR code and redeem at Step 1.
- Viator App: Open your booking and select Contact Support > Contact Tour Operator.
- TripAdvisor App: Open your Account and select Messages.
- Need help? Call GuideAlong toll-free on 1866-477-1791.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDEALONG APP & TOUR NOW
You must pre-download both the GuideAlong app and audio tour to your phone over reliable wifi or cellular data before you drive out of signal. If you can OPEN your tour and see the START TOURING button, your tour is downloaded. No service is required while touring.

FLEXIBLE TRAVEL DATE
There’s no expiry, date or time limit for your tour, so download the GuideAlong app and audio tour now. If your plans change to a different day there’s no need to change your travel date.

CHARGING & SOUND
Bring your own headphones or portable speaker for the best experience. If you're walking with someone, you can share a set of headphones, connect multiple headphones to one device (if compatible), or listen from a portable speaker. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you head out, and consider bringing a power bank.

HELP & SUPPORT

- FAQs: Check the offline Help menu in the GuideAlong app or online FAQs at guidealong.com/faq.
- Contact GuideAlong Support: Call toll-free 1866-477-1791, chat online at guidealong.com, or email info@guidealong.com.

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