7 Best Yellowstone Tours from Bozeman for an Epic National Park Escape

Looking for an amazing Yellowstone tour from Bozeman?

Yellowstone is a completely surreal place where geysers shoot steam into the air, bison wander across the road, causing traffic jams, and rainbow hot springs.

During my van life years, I spent four days driving in and out every day to catch a Wi-Fi signal for remote work, but all those hours on the road were worth it. You don’t mind when the reward is sunset over the Grand Prismatic Spring or walking around the travertines of Mammoth Spring.

Just want to pick the best? This is my top choice. Reserve this full-day small-group Yellowstone excursion with a perfect 5-star rating!

The world’s first national park is massive, so if you’re looking to experience all that without the logistics and detours, these Yellowstone tours from Bozeman take care of the heavy lifting from guided hikes, wildlife spotting, and all the park’s greatest hits without you having to navigate a single backroad.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Yellowstone Tours from Bozeman

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yellowstone Full Day National Park Tour From Bozeman

✔️ Small Group Up to 8

✔️ Cheaper Option Great for 1-2

✔️ Hits All the Major Highlights

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#2 Pick

Private Yellowstone Tour for Iconic Sites & Wildlife

✔ Fully Customizable Schedule

✔️ Flat Fee up to 6

✔️ Lunch Included

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#3 Pick

Private Yellowstone Wildlife Safari from Bozeman

✔️ Focus on Wildlife Chasing

✔️ Professional Naturalist Guide

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1. Yellowstone Full Day National Park Tour From Bozeman

Best for Solo or A Pair

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  10 – 11 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Opt for this Yellowstone adventure from Bozeman for a comprehensive yet intimate experience of Yellowstone’s highlights. Unlike larger group tours, this option limits participants to just eight. This is great if you’re just one or two people, as it’s much cheaper than going with a private option.

The tour covers as much as you can fit into one day, going from Yellowstone’s iconic Lower Loop, including stops at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Along the way, you can enjoy short hikes and potential wildlife sightings.

Included in the package are a professional naturalist guide, a locally sourced picnic lunch, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and the use of UHD binoculars and spotting scopes. While national park entrance fees are not included, this allows guests with existing passes to utilize them.

2. Private Yellowstone Tour: Iconic Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch

Flat Fee Private Adventure for Up to 6

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

Kick off your adventure with this private, flat-rate tour designed for up to six guests. With a professional wildlife biologist at your disposal, you can customize your trip however you want and stop at as many (or little) places as you can fit in.

Choose to cover the iconic landmarks such as Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Falls, and Yellowstone Lake. You can also explore lesser-known geysers and hot springs. The itinerary includes family-friendly hikes suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

A highlight of the day is a gourmet picnic lunch at a scenic spot along Yellowstone Lake. The package includes modern, air-conditioned vehicle transportation, lunch, beverages, and wildlife-viewing equipment.

3. Private Lower Loop Tour of Yellowstone National Park

Variable Pricing Private Excursion

⭐️ RATING: 0/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  10 – 12 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Join this private national park excursion if you want a more flexible pricing tailored to your group’s size. Unlike flat-rate tours like the one above, this option adjusts costs based on the number of participants, making it cheaper if you are a group smaller than 6.

The itinerary is make what you will, go everywhere from Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring to the wildlife of Lamar Valley.

Included in the package are breakfast, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and the use of professional-grade Vortex spotting scopes and binoculars in a spacious 4WD vehicle.

4. Private Yellowstone Wildlife Safari

Best Private Safari

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  10 – 12 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Choose this wildlife safari from Bozeman for a private, in-depth wildlife experience that stands apart from standard group tours. Sneak quietly through the Northern Range, focusing on wildlife-rich areas like Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.

Led by a professional naturalist guide, you have the opportunity to spot a variety of animals, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears, using high-quality binoculars and spotting scopes provided.

The itinerary includes a scenic drive through Paradise Valley, with stops at key locations known for wildlife sightings. A locally sourced picnic lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.

This private journey is limited to your group only. While it may be priced higher than group tours and requires a longer day, the personalized attention and exclusive access to certain areas make it a worthwhile investment.

5. Small-Group Yellowstone Wildlife Safari in Lamar Valley

Best Small Group Safari

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  10 – 11 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Select this wildlife safari in Lamar Valley if you’re looking for a small-group experience focused on wildlife spotting in one of the park’s most wildlife-rich areas. This is a great option if you’re riding solo or have a friend and want to be able to easily find animals without the hassle of navigating the park on your own.

The day starts with an early morning pickup from Bozeman, heading directly to Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America” for its abundant wildlife.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, spot wolves, bison, bears, and other animals with the help of professional-grade spotting scopes and binoculars. You will also stop at key viewing points known for consistent wildlife activity.

One advantage of this tour is the small group size, typically limited to 6 to 8 people, which makes it easier to maneuver in wildlife-viewing areas. The package includes round-trip transportation from Bozeman, professional guidance, and the use of high-quality optical equipment.

6. Private Two-Day Yellowstone Tour of Upper & Lower Loop

⭐️ RATING: 0/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  2 Days | 😍 Book it!

Extend your trip with this overnight excursion to cover both Yellowstone’s Upper and Lower Loop from Bozeman. I promise you, one day is not enough to see everything in this gigantic park, and you will feel a lot less rushed with an extra day.

The itinerary covers both the Upper and Lower Loops, including iconic sites such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This also makes leaves space for you to snap pictures of herds of bison or spot bears in the famous wildlife valleys.  

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and the use of binoculars. Although this trip does not include lodging, meals, or park entrance fees, you can choose accommodations and dining options with guidance.

7. 5-day In-Depth Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  5 Days | 😍 Book it!

If you really want to see every corner of Wyoming, this 5-day in-depth Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park trip covers it all. This detailed itinerary covers the geothermal wonders and majestic peaks of two of America’s most iconic national parks.

Starting from Bozeman, the journey includes visits to the park’s renowned sites, but also adds in activities like tracking wolves and a visit to the Wolf and Grizzly Bear Discovery Center.

In Grand Teton National Park, hike up Inspiration Point to experience the stunning landscapes of Jenny Lake and the Teton Range.

This package includes four nights of hotel accommodation with breakfasts, five picnic-style lunches, and the services of an expert local tour guide. Note that this trip ends in Jackson, not Bozeman!

Yellowstone Travel Guide and FAQ

What is the most scenic route from Bozeman to Yellowstone?

The most scenic route from Bozeman to Yellowstone is via US-191 S, which follows the Gallatin River through the breathtaking Gallatin Canyon.

Is Bozeman a good base for Yellowstone?

Yes, Bozeman is an excellent base for exploring Yellowstone. It offers a mix of accommodations, dining, and outdoor activities and is just over an hour’s drive to the park’s entrance.

Which Yellowstone entrance is best from Bozeman?

The West Entrance near West Yellowstone is the best and most accessible entrance from Bozeman. It provides a straightforward route and easy access to major park attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.

Final Thoughts

Yellowstone is a bucket list destination and a place I even want to bring my mom to, who absolutely hates traveling. Expect to drive far with very little cell service. If you want to skip the logistics and dive straight into the adventure, a guided tour is the way to go.

But if you’re heading out on your own, check out my one day in Yellowstone guide for insider tips.

In case you’re still not sure which to pick:

• Go on a private wildlife safari; join this guided tour
• Focus on geysers and hot springs; book this small group trip
• Have a group; sign up for a flat-fee private trip