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Nature & wildlife · Yellowstone National Park

Top 10 nature & wildlife things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Yellowstone National Park that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Guided kayak tour of West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park1

    1. Guided kayak tour of West Thumb Geyser Basin

    5.0· 36 reviews· 3 hours

    Three hours paddling in Yellowstone Lake — 3-mile route through geyser features and potential wildlife sightings, including elk and a variety of bird species.

    Dylan was fantastic, with a wonderful personality and a wealth of knowledge. I really enjoyed the kayak tour, along with the historical information and stories he shared. I highly recommend it!Kathleen_P
  2. Custom wildlife photography safari in Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park2

    2. Custom wildlife photography safari in Yellowstone

    5.0· 8 reviews

    Flexible summer photo safaris in Yellowstone led by an experienced nature photographer, tailored to your interests in wildlife, landscapes, or nature.

    Our tour of Yellowstone was greatly enhanced by Brian, our guide, making it a must-do for anyone wanting a meaningful experience in the park. While we did some exploration on our own, Brian's tour truly brought everything to life and left a lasting impact. From the beginning, Brian's enthusiasm for Yellowstone was clear and contagious. His extensive knowledge, paired with engaging storytelling, kept us captivated throughout the day. He effortlessly gauged our energy levels and adjusted the pace, creating a relaxed and personalized tour just for us. The meticulous planning was noteworthy. Our son wanted to take wildlife photos, and thanks to Brian's skills, we got stunning shots of bison, pronghorns, coyotes, bears, and more. We enjoyed our time with him so much that we added an extra hour, making it a full 12-hour tour, which was absolutely worth it. We laughed, learned, and left with a newfound appreciation for the park's beauty and history. Brian wasn't just a guide; he created memories we will cherish forever. I highly recommend scheduling your tour with Brian; you won't be disappointed.OctavioS567
  3. Half-day kayaking tour of Lake Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park3

    3. Half-day kayaking tour of Lake Yellowstone

    5.0· 211 reviews· 4 hours

    Three hours on the water — kayak past geothermal features like West Thumb Geyser with an expert guide in a small group setting.

    The kayaking tour was a delightful experience. Initially, I worried about the chilly temperatures—35°F overnight and only 40°F at our 8:30 launch—however, dressing in layers and enjoying some sunshine alleviated my concerns. Our group included both beginners and those with moderate experience, so we eased into the activity. Our guide, Annie, was not only patient but also a skilled instructor, helping the less experienced quickly catch on. We paddled past the site where hot water from thermal pools flows into the lake, passing bubbling underwater fumaroles. Annie shared a wealth of stories and information about the local wildlife, plants, and thermal features, and engaged with more knowledgeable participants who had deeper questions. While seasoned kayakers might find the pace a bit slow, it strikes a perfect balance for most. I highly recommend this tour.thomasdN1003NE
  1. Kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake - morning or twilight option, Yellowstone National Park4

    4. Kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake - morning or twilight option

    4.9· 94 reviews· 3 hours

    Three hours on North America's largest alpine lake — enjoy kayaking in small groups at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds.

    Dylan showcased impressive knowledge, making the experience truly astonishing. It offered a unique perspective of Yellowstone that was breathtaking. I highly recommend it.McKayla_I
  2. Six-mile geyser hiking tour in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park5

    5. Six-mile geyser hiking tour in Yellowstone National Park

    4.9· 82 reviews· 6 hours

    A six-mile loop hike through Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin, featuring Old Faithful and lesser-known thermal features with a lunch stop at the Historic Old Faithful Inn.

    Prepare for the weather and consider bringing a backpack for lunch. Be ready for a lengthy walk, though the trails are generally easy to navigate.Curt_C
  3. 4-hour kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park6

    6. 4-hour kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake

    4.9· 161 reviews· 4 hours

    Four hours of kayaking from Grant Village Marina to West Thumb Geyser Basin, with lunch and snacks included, guided by an instructor.

    The kayak tour of West Thumb Geyser was fantastic. Our guide, Spencer, was excellent, and we were fortunate to have great weather. It was fascinating to observe how the geysers interact with the water. The lunch provided was very generous, including a sandwich, fruit, drinks, chips, granola bars, and candy.leejeanneg
  4. Guided kayaking tour of Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park7

    7. Guided kayaking tour of Yellowstone Lake

    4.8· 277 reviews· 5 hours

    Around six hours on Yellowstone Lake — guided kayaking to West Thumb Geyser Basin with a picnic lunch included, suitable for all skill levels.

    Paddling to the geyser basin on Yellowstone Lake was truly unforgettable. My husband and I were fortunate to have an outstanding guide, Brian, who was not only focused on safety but also an exceptional paddling instructor. His extensive knowledge of Yellowstone's ecology and history kept us engaged throughout the trip. I highly recommend this kayaking adventure and encourage you to request Brian as your guide; it will surely become one of our fondest memories of Yellowstone.lisadF7969KM
  5. Grand Canyon Rim and Loop hike in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park8

    8. Grand Canyon Rim and Loop hike in Yellowstone National Park

    4.8· 375 reviews· 6 hours

    A guided loop hike through the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, combining scenic views with lunch, wildlife spotting, and fascinating geological features.

    We truly enjoyed our experience, despite the heavy rain and hail. Although we didn't spot any wildlife, the beauty of the canyon was impressive.Blanche_B
  6. Yellowstone Lower Loop tour in a glass-top van with lunch, Yellowstone National Park9

    9. Yellowstone Lower Loop tour in a glass-top van with lunch

    4.8· 50 reviews· 8 hours

    Full-day tour — explore Yellowstone’s Lower Loop in a glass-top van, including lunch and wildlife viewing.

    Observing a wolf pursue a herd of bison was unforgettable. The small group tour offered a wonderful lunch and an excellent driver. The open roof allowed for amazing photo opportunities, and I appreciated the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.John_D
  7. Lamar Valley wildlife hiking tour with lunch, Yellowstone National Park10

    10. Lamar Valley wildlife hiking tour with lunch

    4.7· 174 reviews· 6 hours

    Full-day hike in Lamar Valley, led by knowledgeable guides, includes lunch and wildlife viewing opportunities.

    The experience was fantastic. Safety was prioritized, yet we still had a lot of fun. Josh and the other guides were both knowledgeable and enjoyable to interact with. I'll certainly reach out to Yellowstone Hiking Guides for my next hiking adventure.MikeMcFa

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