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Jackson Hole, 82190, USA
Get your discount tickets for the Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour, save up to 10% !
Overview
Drive through the heart of Yellowstone on your own schedule. You’ll see steaming geysers, bubbling hot springs, deep canyons, and all kinds of wildlife—all with friendly stories playing as you go. Start at any entrance and choose where to head next. Stop to watch Old Faithful erupt, walk among colorful thermal basins, or pull over in Hayden Valley to look for bison and elk. Use GPS that works without internet. It gives you directions, local tips, and it stays on your phone forever. This tour brings you to: • Geysers like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring • Hot pools at Biscuit Basin and Fountain Paint Pots • Canyon views at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Tower Fall • Wildlife in Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley • Roadside treasures like Mammoth Hot Springs and Obsidian Cliff Download the tour, hit the road, and let the stories lead your Yellowstone adventure—right when you want, the way you want.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Start your tour in Jackson, the perfect gateway for exploring Yellowstone from the south. It's ideal if you're visiting Grand Teton first.
Language Offered
English-AUDIO
Itinerary
1. Madison River
Start your adventure by driving along the crystal-clear Madison River. As one of the best rivers in the nation for fly fishing, it holds the honorable distinction of being a Blue Ribbon Fishery. Some sights you’ll pass by are Talus Mountain, Mount Haynes, and National Park Mountain.
There are lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, the Tribal Heritage Center, or the surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail. If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.
Duration: 30 mins
2. madison junction, yellowstone national park
To start your epic day loop, head right at Madison Junction. Don’t forget to stop by the restroom if you need to!
3. Firehole Canyon Drive
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for—Mammoth Hot Springs! Some big highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are the Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Aphrodite Terrace. You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white travertine terraces.
Duration: 15 mins
4. Fountain Flat Drive
Take a quick detour down Fountain Flat Drive, where you’ll find a lively, grassy meadow, two small hot springs, and the legendary Maiden’s Grave. You’ll also get another good look at the Firehole River, jumping and splashing with trout.
Duration: 15 mins
5. Firehole Lake Drive
A brief loop on the 3-mile Firehole Lake Drive leads to several stunning hydrothermal features, including the White and Pink Dome Geysers and the Great Dome Geyser. They’re all available from roadside lookouts or short boardwalk walks.
Duration: 30 mins
6. Midway Geyser Basin
The Midway Geyser Basin may just end up being your favorite stop in the park. Along the short boardwalk trail that encircles the gigantic, 370' Grand Prismatic Spring, you'll also witness a number of other smaller hot springs.
If you have time, be sure to pull into Fairy Falls Trailhead and take the 0.6 mile one-way hike to Grand Prismatic Overlook. If you’re feeling adventurous, this trail continues for another 1 mile (each way) to Fairy Falls, one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls.
Duration: 60 mins
7. Old Faithful
It’s not a trip to Yellowstone without visiting the iconic, reliable Old Faithful. The big geyser itself erupts about every 60-110 minutes, but if you get there early, don’t fret.
There’s lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, Tribal Heritage Center, or visiting one of its many surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail.
If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.
Duration: 60 mins
8. Kepler Cascades
A short boardwalk allows visitors to see the roaring Kepler Cascades. This multi-tiered fall has drops as long as 50 feet.
Duration: 30 mins
9. Continental Divide
Stop at Isa Lake and see the only lake in the world that flows into two different oceans. Not only that, this lake drains backward—the western end flows to the Atlantic, and the eastern end flows to the Pacific. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind stop.
Duration: 10 mins
10. West Thumb Geyser Basin
This may just be one of the best-kept secrets in aYellowstone. Without traveling too far off the beaten path, you’ll be able to enjoy one of Yellowstone’s best geyser basins. Be sure to check out the famous Fishing Cone Geyser while you’re there! The Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is also worth a walk if you have time. It’s a quick 1.7-mile loop that’s popular with birders.
11. Gull Point
Take this scenic drive along the lake peninsula and enjoy a picnic stop at Gull Point.
Duration: 20 mins
12. Fishing Bridge - General Store
Fishing Bridge has a ranger station, a general store, and, of course, the fishing bridge. Be sure to walk along the bridge to scan for the Cutthroat trout that like to gather below. Then, when you’re done, rejoin the Grand Loop and continue north.
Duration: 30 mins
13. Hayden Valley
Continue your journey north by driving into the wildlife haven known as Hayden Valley. This marshy landscape attracts grazers from all over, and grazers attract predators. Keep on going until you reach the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Duration: 25 mins
14. Lehardy's Rapids
Take a short boardwalk down to the Yellowstone River and the roaring LeHardy Rapids. In early spring, these rapids are alive with jumping, spawning cutthroat trout.
Duration: 30 mins
15. Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area
This may not be one of the park’s best-known geysers, but it should be! Mud Volcano is one of the most unique and overlooked hydrothermal areas of the park—and one of the most acidic! Be sure to check out Dragon’s Mouth Hot Spring—a roaring, sloshing, bubbling hot spring full of personality!
16. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This drive leads to two more fantastic canyon viewpoints—the Upper Falls View and Artist Point—along with some optional hikes. I recommend Uncle Tom’s Trail. Take time to admire this geological wonder: the eras of rock carved through by the Yellowstone River's awesome power are truly breathtaking.
Duration: 60 mins
17. Brink Of The Upper Falls
After you circle around, turn right just past the North Rim Drive to get one final look at the Upper Falls. This viewpoint, right at the brink of the falls, is one of the best in the park. You’ll need to walk just over a quarter mile on an easy trail to enjoy its viewing platform.
18. Canyon Village - General Store
Canyon Village has a restaurant, a lodge, several shops, and a visitor center. If you do nothing else, be sure to stop by the visitor center—the displays, including one lit diorama of Yellowstone, are informative. They really help to visualize complex geological processes like the formation of the canyon and caldera.
19. Washburn Hot Springs
The Washburn Hot Springs Overlook is a great place to stretch your legs, look out at the Yellowstone caldera, and take a quick restroom break.
Duration: 10 mins
20. Chittenden Loop Trail
The drive up to Mount Washburn is sure to leave you breathless—whether from the heights or the narrow road. The stunning view that awaits you looks over the river, peaks, and valleys off in the distance.
21. Tower Fall
Tower Falls has a general store and, as you may have guessed, a waterfall. A short boardwalk leads to several breathtaking overlooks of the plunging 132-foot falls. There is also a one-mile there-and-back trail that leads to the river and past a few bubbling cauldrons.
22. Soda Butte
Up next is the majestic hot spring cone known as Soda Butte. Even though it's no longer active, it's still worth stopping by. Not to mention, cliff swallows have turned the cone into a kind of bird condominium, so be sure to check it out!
23. Tower Junction
Take a quick restroom break and fill up the tank before continuing your journey along the northern loop. If you’re feeling hungry, step into the historic Roosevelt Lodge to fill up your internal tank.
Duration: 15 mins
24. Petrified Tree
Take a short detour to see one of Yellowstone’s petrified trees—a fossilized remnant from a time when Yellowstone was covered in redwoods and warm-weather forests.
Duration: 15 mins
25. Blacktail Plateau Drive
Blacktail Drive is accessible to all vehicles, but exercise caution after rain. This gravel road is much more scenic and private than the main road, and that means you’ll have a better chance to see wildlife. Be aware that this one-way drive will take you back to Tower Junction, so you will have to turn around if you choose to take this optional side-trip.
26. Undine Falls
Undine Falls is where Lava Creek tumbles over basaltic stones. To reach the overlook, you just go down a few wooden steps. At the next pullover—just seconds ahead—lies the Lava Creek Trail and Picnic Area.
Duration: 20 mins
27. Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
It’s time to check out Mammoth's famous Lower Terrace. Those stunning photos of snow-white terraces you see online? They happen right here.
Duration: 60 mins
28. Upper Terrace Drive
And now, it’s on to the Upper Terrace! Some major highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are the Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Aphrodite Terrace. You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white, otherworldly landscape.
Duration: 20 mins
29. The Hoodoos
This quick looping drive takes you through Yellowstone’s “hoodoos.” Though we call them "hoodoos," they are actually boulders that rolled down from nearby Terrace Mountain. Real hoodoos are formed by erosion. You should take a few minutes to check out this boulder field and “false hoodoos” for yourself.
Duration: 10 mins
30. Rustic Falls
These two pullovers let you admire the plummeting rustic falls and the Golden Gate viaduct. Though this new concrete bridge is much more stable than its wooden predecessor, its sheer height is sure to take your breath away.
Duration: 20 mins
31. Sheepeater Cliffs
Pull in to see Sheepeater Cliff, a geometric basaltic wall that was named for the Sheepeater people, one of the few Native American tribes to have lived in Yellowstone year-round. These hexagonal columns formed naturally over 1.3 million years ago and cooled into the unique shape you see today.
Duration: 30 mins
32. Obsidian Cliff
Because of some extra-handsy tourists (shame! ), you aren’t allowed to walk directly to the Obsidian Cliff. But we’ll get a great view as you drive past, and then we’ll stop off at the exhibit. Then, take a short 5-minute walk to get another view of the cliff, with black glass shining and shimmering in the sun.
Duration: 15 mins
33. Roaring Mountain
You’ve seen them, and you’ve smelled them. Now, let’s hear them. Roaring Mountain is pocked with fumaroles, super-hot chasms that “roar” and hiss with steam. The ash-gray color of this mountain is caused by sulfur-reducing bacteria that dissolve the lava stone over time.
Duration: 15 mins
34. Museum of the National Park Ranger
Drown down this side road to check out a film about the park rangers, browse some historical exhibits, and maybe pick the brain of a current or retired park ranger. After all, without these dedicated employees, none of what you’re experiencing would be possible.
Duration: 30 mins
35. Norris Geyser Basin
You’re not “geysered out” yet, are you? Because there is one more major basin to see before you head up to Mammoth Hot Springs. The Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s hottest and oldest geyser basin, featuring the tallest geyser in the world! You won’t want to miss this 2.9-mile looping boardwalk trail.
36. Artists Paintpots
Artists’ Paintpots 0.6-mile boardwalk begins in pine woods and emerges into a basin full of colorful mud pots. It's one of Shaka's top spots for avoiding the crowds while enjoying the park's unique, bubbly, gurgly hydrothermals.
37. Beryl Spring
This is one of the most radiant hot springs in the park, with a striking blue color like that of a beryl stone. It’s just on the side of the road, so it’s more than worth the stop.
Duration: 10 mins
38. Gibbon Falls
Want to enjoy the music of the Gibbon River while having lunch? Swing by the Gibbon Picnic Area! After you’re done, it’s less than a half-mile drive to Gibbon Falls, named for early Yellowstone explorer Colonel Gibbon.
Duration: 20 mins
39. Tuff Cliffs Picnic Area
Yellowstone's early volcanic eruptions left behind this mountain of compacted, welded volcanic ash. Be sure to stop by to see it. Additionally, picnic tables and a restroom are available at the pullover.
Duration: 10 mins
40. West Yellowstone
From here, it’s a scenic drive at dusk through the west exit. Then, you’ll be back in West Yellowstone and ready to rest and recharge for your day in Grand Teton!
Duration: 25 mins
Inclusion
Take the tour when you want
Tours NEVER expire
Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
Tour Start is Customizable
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Exclusion
Private transportation
Meals and refreshment
Parking Fees
Entrance fees
Cancellation Policy
Refundable tickets
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
- 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
Tour has five starting points: West, Northeast, East, South, and North Entrances — fully customizable in any direction
Start by 8 a.m. or earlier to avoid crowds
The park is too large to cover in one day — pick a segment and focus on those highlights
Little to no signal inside the park — download the app and check schedules (including Old Faithful eruption times) before entering ••••••
Supplied by Shaka Guide Apps
Reviews
4.3
★★★★★
★★★★★
Based on 33 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5 stars
27
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 stars
5
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