Yellowstone Upper Loop Historic Sites, Wildlife, and Waterfalls for an Exciting First Day!

Mammoth Hot Springs - Step back in time in the historic town of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch while observing the resident elk herd wandering through the town. Explore gift shops and perhaps indulge in some ice cream as you marvel at the massive travertine terraces.

Roosevelt Arch - Pass through this grand structure, built in the early 1900s as the first entrance to the world’s most famous volcano. Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of this gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The arch perfectly frames the rolling hills and mountains behind it, leaving visitors from around the world in awe.

Tower Fall - Tower Falls is a definite crowd-pleaser. Take a walk around this impressive 132-foot waterfall with stunning rock formations. Keep an eye out for various birds, coyotes, foxes, bighorn sheep, and even bears.

Obsidian Cliff - This vast mineral deposit of obsidian spans over 5 square miles and was significant to the indigenous people who once lived here. Formed over 180,000 years ago by rapidly cooling magma/rhyolitic rock, obsidian has been used for millennia for tools, weapons, and jewelry.

Lamar Valley - No visit to Yellowstone is complete without a trip to this popular wildlife viewing area. Millions of visitors each year travel this road to glimpse the abundant wildlife in this feeding and breeding ground. Along with beautiful rivers, mountains, and cliffs, you might see thousands of bison, foxes, coyotes, wolves, bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, and a variety of birds. Keep your eyes peeled for surprises!

Chief Joseph Scenic Highway - One of the most breathtaking mountain drives in the lower 48 states, this highway attracts visitors from around the world. Enjoy the expansive skies, beautiful lakes, and stunning mountain views. Watch for wildlife like moose, bears, and wolves, and learn about the history of the Lewis and Clark Trail and Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Tribe.

Undine Falls - View this beautiful 60-80 foot cascading waterfall from a scenic platform on Lava Creek. Formed over 700,000 years ago, this lava bed is home to a variety of wildlife.

Cody - Spend an exciting day in the Wild West town of Cody, Wyoming. Enjoy sightseeing and fun activities such as Cody’s Firearm Experience, the Center of the West museum, the Dug Up museum, By Western Hands, and more!

A Day in Wild West Cody, Wyoming

Wyoming - Embark on an exciting wild mustang safari in Cody, Wyoming. Spend a beautiful morning exploring the McCullough Peaks and Badlands area, watching for various wildlife. Learn about Buffalo Bill Cody and the Wild West from your knowledgeable guide as you navigate this 123,000-acre area, spotting pronghorn antelope, foxes, coyotes, owls, sage grouse, and wild mustangs. While you can stay in the vehicle, we recommend a short nature hike to see wildflowers, horny toads, and search for horn sheds or arrowheads.

Cody - Spend the rest of the day exploring this historic town. Shop and visit the amazing Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum. If you’re on this tour from June 1st to August 31st, we highly recommend dinner at the Cody Cattle Company and attending the Cody Night Rodeo.

Buffalo Bill Dam - Enjoy a scenic drive to see the dam that inspired the Hoover Dam.

The Cody Cattle Company - Savor a cowboy chuck wagon dinner and an amazing cowboy music show before heading to the world’s longest-running rodeo.

Cody Night Rodeo - Put on your boots and get ready for some western-style fun at the world’s longest-running rodeo.

Day 3: Yellowstone Lower Loop, the Volcano Tour, and Overnight in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - A must-see, the Yellowstone Grand Canyon features mesmerizing rhyolitic rock colors. This stunning canyon is home to a variety of wildlife and two of the most photographed waterfalls in the world.

Lower Yellowstone River Falls - Admire the beauty of this over 300-foot tall waterfall from the famous “Artist Point,” named after the painter Thomas Moran in the late 1800s. This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world, with thousands of gallons of water roaring over the edge every second.

Upper Falls - At over 100 feet tall, the spectacular brink view of the Upper Falls is absolutely mesmerizing.

Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area - Experience the power and smell of the volcano beneath Yellowstone at this hot and acidic geothermal feature. The Mud Volcano, with its bubbling and splashing hot acidic mud, is a personal favorite.

Grand Prismatic Spring - Often described as the “Rainbow Lake,” this spring is a true phenomenon with its rainbow-like colors created by living organisms. Learn about thermophiles (heat-loving bacteria) and their scientific and medical uses. No trip to Yellowstone is complete without a stroll around this amazing boardwalk.

Hayden Valley - Known as the next “Lamar Valley,” this area is home to two of Yellowstone’s most popular wolf packs. Carved by glaciers, this valley provides ample water and food for a variety of wildlife. Stop to view thousands of bison, coyotes, trumpeter swans, pelicans, foxes, bears, and more.

Fountain Paint Pot - See four different types of geothermal features in one location. Marvel at the paint pots, geysers, steam vents, and the colorful bacteria mats.

Old Faithful - No trip to Yellowstone is complete without seeing the world’s most famous geyser, “Old Faithful.” Watch it erupt approximately every 90 minutes, reaching heights of 60-80 feet for 2-10 minutes. Old Faithful never disappoints.

Old Faithful Inn - While waiting for Old Faithful to erupt, enjoy the original Old Faithful Inn. Built in 1902 as the largest log cabin in the world, its jaw-dropping design is amazing. Take a short tour, shop for souvenirs, and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine by the 80-foot tall hand-quarried lava rock fireplace. They also have fantastic ice cream!

Grand Tetons National Park Early Morning Wildlife Tour

Signal Mountain Summit Road - Drive this scenic road to the top of Signal Mountain for the best views of the Tetons and Jackson in the park.

Grand Teton - The massive Grand Teton is the tallest of the peaks, standing at over 13,775 feet.

West Yellowstone - Your day concludes back in West Yellowstone at your desired drop-off location.

• Cody Night Rodeo
• Dinner at the Cody Cattle Company
• Spotting scope
• Healthy and delicious snacks
• Binoculars
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Rain slickers

• Gratuities

CWA is delighted to offer the “Ultimate” Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 4-day/3-night/5-entrance Tour. This incredible journey is crafted to fill your Yellowstone experience with thrilling activities, comfortable accommodations, and the rich history of the Wild West in Cody and Jackson Hole, WY. Our GYE specialist will pick you up from any location in West Yellowstone for an unforgettable adventure!

Day 1: The Upper Loop is brimming with waterfalls, historic sites, and wildlife. The day concludes with a scenic drive down the stunning Chief Joseph Scenic Highway into Cody, WY, where you’ll enjoy your first night’s stay.

Day 2: Experience the excitement of Cody, Wyoming’s Wild West, starting at 8 am with a thrilling morning Wild Mustang Tour or whitewater rafting, followed by a fun dinner at the Cody Cattle Company and Rodeo.

Day 3: The day begins at 7 am with an exhilarating tour of the Yellowstone Lower Loop, the Volcano Tour, and then an overnight stay in Jackson Hole.

Day 4: Start at 7 am with a morning visit to the Tetons, returning to West Yellowstone.

• Please let us know of any dietary restrictions so We can accommodate your specific needs.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.