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 within Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch while observing the resident elk herd wandering through the town. Explore the charming gift shops and perhaps indulge in some ice cream as you marvel at the impressive travertine terraces.

Roosevelt Arch - Pass through this grand structure, constructed in the early 1900s as the original entrance to the world’s most renowned volcano. Theodore Roosevelt laid the first cornerstone of this gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The arch beautifully frames the rolling hills and mountains beyond, leaving visitors from around the globe in awe.

Tower Fall - Tower Falls is a definite crowd favorite. Take a leisurely walk around this majestic 132-foot waterfall, surrounded by stunning rock formations. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds, coyotes, foxes, bighorn sheep, and even bears.

Obsidian Cliff - This vast mineral deposit of obsidian covers over 5 square miles and played a significant role in the lives of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area. Formed over 180,000 years ago by magma/rhyolitic rock rising from the volcano below and cooling rapidly, obsidian has been used for millennia for tools, weapons, and jewelry.

Lamar Valley - A visit to Yellowstone is incomplete without exploring this popular wildlife viewing area. Millions of visitors each year travel this road to catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife that may be found in this favored feeding and breeding ground. In addition to beautiful rivers, mountains, and cliffs, you might see thousands of bison, foxes, coyotes, wolves, bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, and a wide variety of birds. Keep your eyes open for surprises!

Chief Joseph Scenic Highway - Chief Joseph Scenic Highway is one of the most breathtaking mountain drives in the lower 48 states. Visitors from all over the world come to witness the expansive skies, beautiful lakes, and stunning mountain views. Look out for wildlife such as moose, bears, and wolves, and learn about the fascinating history of the Lewis and Clark Trail and Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Tribe.

Undine Falls - Admire this beautiful 60-80 foot cascading waterfall from a scenic platform on Lava Creek. This lava bed, formed over 700,000 years ago, is home to a diverse array of wildlife.

Cody - Experience an exciting day in the Wild West of Cody, Wyoming. Enjoy sightseeing in this lively town with 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 exhilarating wild mustang safari in Cody, Wyoming. Enjoy a picturesque morning exploring Wyoming’s beautiful McCullough Peaks and Badlands area while observing a variety of wildlife. Learn about the history of Buffalo Bill Cody and the Wild West as your knowledgeable guide leads you through this 123,000-acre area, spotting pronghorn antelope, foxes, coyotes, owls, sage grouse, and even wild mustangs. While staying in the vehicle is an option, a short nature hike is recommended to see wildflowers, horny toads, and search for horn sheds or arrowheads.

Cody - Spend the rest of the second day exploring this historic town. Do some shopping and perhaps visit the remarkable Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum. If visiting between June 1st and August 31st, a visit to the Cody Cattle Company for dinner and the Cody Night Rodeo is highly recommended.

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

The Cody Cattle Company - Delight in 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 - The Yellowstone Grand Canyon is a must-see. The stunning colors of the rhyolitic rock are mesmerizing. This breathtaking canyon is home to a wide variety of wildlife and two of the most photographed waterfalls in the world.

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

Upper Falls - Standing over 100 feet tall, the spectacular view of the Upper Falls is truly mesmerizing.

Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area - Experience the power and aroma of the volcano beneath Yellowstone at this hot and highly acidic geothermal feature. The Mud Volcano is a personal favorite, with its bubbling and splashing hot acidic mud churning from the thermal vents below. It’s a real treat!

Grand Prismatic Spring - This geothermal feature has been described in many fascinating ways over the past 27 years. The “Rainbow Lake” description is quite fitting. This spring is a true phenomenon, with its rainbow-like colors created by living organisms putting on a show. Learn about these thermophiles (heat-loving bacteria) and their scientific and medical uses, as well as why they display such beautiful colors. A stroll around this amazing boardwalk is a must when visiting Yellowstone.

Hayden Valley - Known as the next “Lamar Valley,” Hayden Valley is home to two of the most popular wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park. This vast valley, carved by receding glaciers, now provides ample water and food sources for a wide variety of wildlife species. Travel through this area, stopping to view thousands of bison, coyotes, trumpeter swans, pelicans, foxes, bears, and other wildlife species that may inhabit this valley.

Fountain Paint Pot - Discover four different types of geothermal features in one incredible location. Learn about the fascinating paint pots and their intriguing name. Witness geysers that never stop and steam vents that sound like jet planes, along with the stunning colors of the beautiful bacteria mats!

Old Faithful - A visit to Yellowstone is incomplete without seeing the world-famous geyser, “Old Faithful.” Watch this iconic geyser erupt approximately every 90 minutes, reaching heights of 60-80 feet for 2-10 minutes. Regardless of the duration or height, Old Faithful never disappoints.

Old Faithful Inn - While waiting for Old Faithful’s show, enjoy some fun at the original Old Faithful Inn. Built in 1902 as the largest log cabin in the world, the lodge’s jaw-dropping design is remarkable. Take a short tour of the Inn, shop for souvenirs, and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine by the impressive 80-foot tall hand-quarried lava rock fireplace. They also serve fantastic ice cream!

Grand Tetons National Park Early Morning Wildlife Tour

Signal Mountain Summit Road - Travel 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 mightiest of the peaks, standing at over 13,775 feet tall.

West Yellowstone - Conclude the day 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

“Couples Trip” CWA is delighted to offer the “Ultimate” Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 4-day/3-night/5-entrance Tour. This adventure is crafted to fill your Yellowstone experience with thrilling activities, cozy hotel accommodations, and the rich history of the Wild West in Cody and Jackson Hole, WY. A 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 will end 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 an exhilarating day in Cody, Wyoming’s Wild West, starting at 8 am with a choice of a Wild Mustang Tour or whitewater rafting. Enjoy a delightful dinner at the Cody Cattle Company and Rodeo.

Day 3: The day begins at 7 am with an exciting exploration of the Yellowstone Lower Loop on the Volcano Tour, followed by an overnight stay in Jackson Hole.

Day 4: The day starts at 7 am with a morning visit to the Tetons, concluding back in 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.