Yellowstone: Upper Geyser Basin Hike With Lunch

Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin is a must-see for any adventurer. This 6-hour guided hike covers 6 miles of stunning trails and boardwalks, showcasing the park’s iconic thermal features like Old Faithful and Morning Glory Pool. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, the tour includes snacks, lunch, and essential gear. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just seeking an unforgettable Yellowstone experience, this guided adventure promises breathtaking sights and memories to last a lifetime. But what makes this hike truly unique, and why should you consider it for your next Yellowstone trip?

This experience made our article of 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Gardiner Montana.

Key Points

• 6-hour guided tour of Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, covering 6 miles of trail and boardwalk.
• Tour includes a morning snack, lunch, and essential gear like backpacks and bear spray.
• Opportunities to see wildlife like elk, black bears, and bison, and explore geothermal features like Old Faithful.
• Tour not suitable for young children, mobility-impaired individuals, or those with heart problems.
• Participants meet at the Biscuit Basin Trailhead, approximately 1-2 hours from surrounding towns.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Upper Geyser Basin Hike is a 6-hour guided tour that takes visitors through Yellowstone’s thermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and steam vents.

Priced from $182 per person, the tour includes a morning snack, lunch, and use of essential gear like backpacks and bear spray.

Participants will meet their naturalist guide at the Biscuit Basin Trailhead and hike to iconic sights like Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool, and several erupting geysers.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for young children, mobility-impaired individuals, or those with heart problems.

Comfortable shoes, rain gear, and water are recommended.

Itinerary and Highlights

After meeting the guide at the Biscuit Basin Trailhead, 3 miles north of Old Faithful, you will embark on a hike through Yellowstone’s famous Upper Geyser Basin.

They’ll witness the iconic Old Faithful Geyser and the stunning Morning Glory Pool. Along the way, they’ll encounter a variety of thermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and steam vents.

With luck, they may spot wildlife like elk, black bears, and bison. The hike covers 6 miles of trail and boardwalk, providing ample opportunities to observe Yellowstone’s incredible geothermal landscape.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes a morning snack and hot drink, as well as a backpack, trekking pole, and bear spray for participants’ use.

A picnic lunch is also provided. The naturalist guide will lead the hike and share their expertise on Yellowstone’s unique thermal features and wildlife.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as park entrance fees, are all included in the tour price. This ensures a hassle-free and immersive experience exploring the Upper Geyser Basin.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, water, and rain gear for the 6-mile hike covering both trail and boardwalk.

Participant Requirements and Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or people over 80 years.

Participants should be prepared for moderate hiking at an elevation of 6,200 feet, covering 6 miles of trail and boardwalk. The tour operates rain or shine, so proper attire is required.

Prohibited items include:

• Pets

• Drones

• Feeding animals

• Touching exhibits or animals

This tour is designed for active, able-bodied adventurers seeking to explore Yellowstone’s stunning thermal features and diverse wildlife.

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Preparation and Important Information

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, water, and rain gear for the tour.

The hike covers 6 miles of trail and boardwalk at an elevation of 6,200 feet, so proper preparation is essential.

Pets, drones, feeding animals, and touching exhibits or animals aren’t allowed.

The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be ready for varying weather conditions.

The meeting location is approximately 1 hour from West Yellowstone, MT, and 2 hours from Gardiner, MT.

Participants should plan their travel accordingly to arrive on time for the tour’s departure.

Meeting Location and Directions

The meeting location for this tour is the Biscuit Basin Trailhead, located 3 miles north of Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.

From West Yellowstone, MT, the drive is approximately 1 hour, while from Gardiner, MT, it’s around 2 hours to reach the trailhead.

The directions are straightforward:

• Take the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone

• Look for signs directing you to the Biscuit Basin Trailhead

• Park at the designated parking area near the trailhead

Once at the trailhead, you’ll meet your naturalist guide and begin your adventure exploring the Upper Geyser Basin.

Wildlife Sightings in Yellowstone

What kinds of wildlife might you spot during the Upper Geyser Basin hike? Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and the hike offers excellent opportunities to spot some of the park’s most iconic species.

Keep an eye out for majestic elk, grazing peacefully in the meadows. You might also catch a glimpse of a black bear foraging in the bushes or a herd of bison lumbering across the landscape.

With a bit of luck, you may even spot a wolf or a grizzly bear in the distance. The hike’s scenic beauty is matched only by the thrill of wildlife encounters.

Experiencing Yellowstone’s Thermal Features

As the hike winds through Yellowstone’s breathtaking landscape, you will be treated to an up-close encounter with the park’s iconic thermal features.

From towering geysers like Old Faithful, to vibrant hot springs like the Morning Glory Pool, the Upper Geyser Basin is a prime location to experience the raw power and stunning beauty of Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders.

The hike will also showcase:

Steaming fumaroles and mudpots that bubble and gurgle, colorful terraces formed by mineral deposits, and the chance to witness major geyser eruptions.

• Steaming fumaroles and mudpots that bubble and gurgle

• Colorful terraces formed by mineral deposits

• The chance to witness the eruption of several major geysers

Ask Away

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour does not include time for purchasing souvenirs. However, there are gift shops and visitor centers throughout Yellowstone National Park where you can buy souvenirs before or after the tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Hike?

Photography is allowed during the hike, but visitors shouldn’t use drones or touch the exhibits or animals. Participants should also follow the tour guide’s instructions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the entire group.

What Are the Restroom Facilities Along the Trail?

There are restroom facilities at the Biscuit Basin Trailhead and visitor centers along the trail. Hikers should plan accordingly, as there are limited restroom options in the backcountry areas of the Upper Geyser Basin.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch Instead of the Provided Picnic?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch instead of the provided picnic. However, please note that the tour price doesn’t include any refund or discount for bringing your own lunch.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

There’s no minimum number of participants required for the tour to operate. The tour runs rain or shine, so it’ll depart as scheduled regardless of the group size. The price per person remains the same.

Final Words

The Upper Geyser Basin Hike offers an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone. Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, adventurers will explore iconic thermal features, spot wildlife, and enjoy a delicious lunch. With essential gear and transportation provided, this 6-hour tour is perfect for active travelers seeking to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of one of America’s most iconic national parks.

You can check availability for your dates here: