Gardiner stands out as a vibrant gateway to Yellowstone National Park, offering more than just scenic drives and wildlife spotting. It’s a place where you can enjoy some memorable lunch experiences that complement your outdoor adventures perfectly. Whether you’re after a guided wildlife tour with a picnic or a private sightseeing trip with local flair, Gardiner provides options that cater to a variety of interests and budgets.
What makes Gardiner especially appealing for lunch is its proximity to iconic Yellowstone sites and its diverse tour options. You might choose a full-day wildlife safari, a private geothermal tour, or a combination of both—all with included meals and snacks. These tours not only give you a taste of the natural wonders but also set the stage for a satisfying meal in some of the most scenic settings the park offers.
Quick Overview
Our list features guided wildlife safaris, private and group tours, and full-day adventures that include lunch. These experiences provide insider access to Yellowstone’s most famous sights, with many including binoculars, spotting scopes, and expert guides. To see what each tour offers, check out the detailed descriptions below, starting with the Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour with Lunch.
1. Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour with Lunch
At number 1, the Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour with Lunch takes you into Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley early in the morning for prime wolf and wildlife watching. This 7 to 8-hour private experience caters to groups up to five, with the option to bring more friends or family. Your knowledgeable guide will organize your day, taking you to famous spots like Roosevelt Arch, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Tower Fall.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on wildlife, especially wolves, with binoculars, spotting scopes, and walking sticks provided. Your day includes a picnic or deli-style lunch in Cooke City, with hot drinks and snacks to keep energy high. Guides are well-versed in animal behavior and park history, making the experience both educational and immersive.
Guests rave about the personal service and expert guiding—one reviewer, “Ron, amazing! He took us all around and found wolves immediately.” While the price might seem steep at $1,199 per group, the personalized attention and the chance to see wolves make it worthwhile. This tour suits those who want a high-end wildlife experience with convenience and expert guidance.
Bottom Line: For wildlife lovers seeking a private, all-inclusive day with a focus on wolves and scenic spots, this tour offers excellent value for a truly customized Yellowstone day.
2. Private Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
Number 2 on our list is the Private Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing Tour with Lunch. Priced at $1,645 for groups up to five, this 5 to 6-hour tour emphasizes seeing Yellowstone’s geothermal features and key landmarks. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed experience.
Your guide will take you from the Roosevelt Arch to Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs. The tour includes walking and viewing opportunities, with high-powered binoculars and spotting scopes provided for wildlife spotting. Lunch is served picnic-style, with time to relax between stops. The tour also offers insights into Yellowstone’s history, with visits to Fort Yellowstone and the park’s geothermal marvels.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics. “Eric, our guide, was knowledgeable, shared stories, and served us lunch in style,” says one reviewer. It offers a good balance of sightseeing and comfort, making it suitable for families or travelers seeking a hassle-free day.
Bottom Line: If you want a private, guided experience that covers Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders and wildlife with excellent amenities, this tour is a top choice.
3. Yellowstone Full-Day Upper Loop with Wildlife Adventure w/Lunch
Number 3 is the Yellowstone Full-Day Upper Loop with Wildlife Adventure, costing $550 per person for a full 8-hour day. This tour emphasizes wildlife viewing along the Upper Loop, focusing on spotting animals like bison, wolves, bears, and elk.
During this adventure, your guide—who has spent countless hours seeking out Yellowstone’s creatures—uses spotting scopes and binoculars to maximize your viewing chances. The itinerary includes parks highlights like Lamar Valley, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Norris Geyser Basin, with time allocated for walks and photo stops. Guests commend guides like Isaac and Jackson for their knowledge and passion, often describing the experience as “the trip of a lifetime.”
The tour’s value is high considering the inclusion of snacks, drinks, and a hearty lunch, making it perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want to maximize sightings without sacrificing comfort. Its main strength is the personalized wildlife focus, making it ideal for serious animal watchers. The only caveat is that it’s a long day, so be prepared for the full outdoor experience.
Bottom Line: For dedicated wildlife watchers who want expert guidance and a day packed with animals and scenic views, this tour delivers.
4. Yellowstone Private Upper Loop Tour with Lunch
Next is the Yellowstone Private Upper Loop Tour with Lunch. Priced at $1,350 for groups up to five, this 7 to 8-hour private tour offers a personalized approach to Yellowstone’s highlights.
Your guide will take you to Roosevelt Arch, Norris Geyser Basin, Dunraven Pass, and the Tower Fall area. The tour emphasizes learning about the park’s geology, history, and ecosystems, with binoculars included for wildlife watching. The flexibility of a private tour allows for tailored stops—whether you want a closer look at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone or to seek out bison and eagles in Hayden Valley.
Guests note the high level of service and knowledge, with one reviewer praising Adam’s expertise and comfort. The tour’s private status makes it suitable for travelers who prefer a less crowded, more customized experience. The drawback might be the higher cost compared to group tours, but the personal attention and flexibility often justify the expense.
Bottom Line: For travelers who prioritize a private, flexible, and educational Yellowstone experience, this tour is a strong choice.
5. Family Friendly Private Tour at Yellowstone National Park w/Lunch
Number 5 on our list is the Family Friendly Private Tour with Lunch. Priced at $1,385 for groups up to five, this 8-hour experience is perfect for families, especially those visiting Yellowstone for the first time.
It covers major sights like Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and includes a tailored itinerary to suit children’s interests and energy levels. Guided by experts with high-powered binoculars and spotting scopes, the tour focuses on wildlife viewing, photography, and trail hikes, making it engaging for all ages. Lunch is provided, so you can rest and enjoy the scenery without extra stops.
Reviewers appreciate the flexibility, noting guides like Adam and Isaac for their ability to customize the experience. The tour works well for families seeking a relaxed, educational day with plenty of opportunities to see Yellowstone’s unique features without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: If traveling with children or first-time visitors, this private tour combines sightseeing, wildlife, and comfort with personalized service.
6. Yellowstone Private Lower Loop Adventure with Lunch
Number 6 is the Yellowstone Private Lower Loop Adventure, costing $1,385 for groups up to five. It’s a 9-hour tour focusing on Yellowstone’s natural landscapes and thermal features, ideal for those who want an in-depth look at the park’s southern areas.
Your guide will take you to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Craig Pass, and West Thumb Thermal Basin. The tour emphasizes learning about the park’s ecosystem and offers binoculars for wildlife viewing. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are included, making it a comfortable way to explore the more accessible lower loop.
Guests praise guides like Ron and Frank for their knowledge and friendly approach. The private nature of the trip allows tailored stops, which can be especially helpful if there’s a specific feature or animal you want to see. Its longer duration makes it suitable for those wanting a thorough but relaxed experience.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a private, detailed exploration of Yellowstone’s geothermal and scenic spots, this tour offers good value and flexibility.
7. Yellowstone Full-Day Upper Loop Wildlife Adventure w/Lunch
Number 7 features the Yellowstone Full-Day Upper Loop Wildlife Adventure, priced at $550 per person for 8 hours. It’s geared toward wildlife enthusiasts wanting to maximize animal sightings in one day.
Using binoculars and spotting scopes, you’ll search for animals like bears, wolves, moose, and eagles. The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and hot drinks to keep energy up. The guide will focus on finding wildlife in Lamar Valley, considered Yellowstone’s “Serengeti.”
Guests mention guides like Kyle and Jack for their knowledge and enthusiasm. The itinerary is tailored to wildlife, with plenty of stops for observation. Since it’s a full-day outing, it’s best suited for those comfortable with long outdoor days and eager to see as many animals as possible.
Bottom Line: For wildlife lovers who want a dedicated, full-day guided search with all meals included, this tour offers a rewarding experience.
8. 2-Day Private Tour in Yellowstone (Lower and Upper Loops) w/Lunch
Two-day travelers will find the 2-Day Private Tour ideal. At $1,000 per person, it covers both the Lower and Upper loops, with highlights like Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Lamar Valley, and more.
Your guides will curate a personalized experience, focusing on sights, wildlife, and geology. The itinerary includes breakfast and lunch each day, with ample time for photo stops and wildlife viewing. Guests appreciate the detailed explanations and flexibility to explore favorite spots.
This extended tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive Yellowstone experience without the hassle of planning. Its length allows for a deeper appreciation of the park’s diversity—geothermal features one day, wildlife the next.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting an in-depth, private exploration of Yellowstone across two days, this tour offers excellent value and customization.
9. Upper Loop: Lamar Wildlife Safari from Gardiner | PRIVATE + Lunch
Our final pick is the Upper Loop: Lamar Wildlife Safari. Priced at $399.99 per person, it’s a 7 to 9-hour private safari that takes you into Yellowstone’s premier wildlife habitat.
This fully customizable tour begins with a hotel pickup and emphasizes seeing native animals in their natural environment. The guide will take you to Yellowstone’s iconic spots like the Grand Canyon, with plenty of time for wildlife observation using provided binoculars and scopes. The itinerary is flexible, tailored to your interests, and designed for those who want an intimate, wildlife-focused day.
Guests appreciate the passion and knowledge of guides like Sky, who make the experience both educational and fun. Since it’s private, it’s ideal for small groups or families wanting a more personal touch.
Bottom Line: For a flexible, wildlife-centered day with personalized service and a focus on the park’s animals, this safari delivers a memorable experience.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Gardiner
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and what you want out of Yellowstone. If you’re after a luxurious, private wildlife experience, the Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour with Lunch is outstanding. For those who want a comprehensive geothermal tour with minimal fuss, the Private Yellowstone Sightseeing Tour hits the mark.
Serious wildlife fans looking for a full day of animals should consider the Wildlife Adventure, while families or first-timers might prefer the Family Private Tour. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the Lamar Wildlife Safari, which still offers a private, personalized experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred tour and dates.
Final thoughts
Gardiner offers a range of lunch experiences that combine scenic beauty with expert-guided access to Yellowstone’s top sights and wildlife. Whether you want a private, full-day wildlife safari, an immersive geothermal tour, or a family-friendly adventure, there’s an option to fit your style and interests. For a truly memorable Yellowstone visit, consider booking your preferred tour well in advance—these experiences tend to fill up quickly during the busy season.