JACKSON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Yellowstone by Road: Geysers, Canyon Walls and a Lake of Steam from Jackson
A guided scenic driving tour from Jackson that visits Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake across the park’s 2.2‑million‑acre landscape.
Yellowstone by Road: Geysers, Canyon Walls and a Lake of Steam from Jackson.
This signature guided drive through America’s first national park traces the hot, wild heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. From Old Faithful’s active geyser basins to the thunder of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the steaming shoreline of Yellowstone Lake, the tour offers an intimate look at iconic geothermal features, wildlife and the deep cultural and ecological story of a 2.2‑million‑acre landscape that has drawn people for more than 11,000 years.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Old Faithful and the active geyser basins
See the region’s most famous active geysers and colorful hot springs in the Old Faithful area, interpreted by a personal guide who places the springs in ecological and cultural context.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone vistas
Stand above the canyon’s dramatic drops and waterfalls—one of the park’s signature sights—while your guide explains the geology and history that shaped this spectacular gorge.
Yellowstone Lake’s shoreline and wildlife viewing
Visit Yellowstone Lake and its nearby geothermal features, and watch for the wildlife that inhabits the lake’s vast shoreline and surrounding valleys.
What the day feels like
What the drive feels like
This guided scenic driving tour moves the landscape into focus: short walks and viewpoints punctuate stretches of road that cross the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, while a knowledgeable guide narrates the geothermal activity, natural history and cultural stories behind each stop. The emphasis is on classic sights—active geysers, the park’s grand canyon and the steaming expanse of Yellowstone Lake—presented as a sequence of high-impact encounters rather than a single strenuous outing.
THE GEOTHERMAL
Old Faithful and the active geyser basins
See the region’s most famous active geysers and colorful hot springs in the Old Faithful area, interpreted by a personal guide who places the springs in ecological and cultural context.
THE CANYON
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone vistas
Stand above the canyon’s dramatic drops and waterfalls—one of the park’s signature sights—while your guide explains the geology and history that shaped this spectacular gorge.
THE LAKE & WILDLIFE
Yellowstone Lake’s shoreline and wildlife viewing
Visit Yellowstone Lake and its nearby geothermal features, and watch for the wildlife that inhabits the lake’s vast shoreline and surrounding valleys.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this tour
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack for variable mountain weather and for brief walks at viewpoints; operators can provide specific recommendations—confirm gear suggestions with Wyoming Stargazing before departure.
The tour is run by Wyoming Stargazing out of Jackson, Wyoming; contact the operator for meeting details and any trip‑specific logistics.
This guided experience emphasizes natural and cultural history of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and provides context for geothermal activity, wildlife and landmark vistas.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who operates the tour?
The Public Yellowstone Scenic Driving Tour is operated by Wyoming Stargazing, based in Jackson, Wyoming.
What major sights does the tour include?
The tour visits classic Yellowstone sights including active geysers in the Old Faithful area, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Lake with nearby geothermal features.
How large is Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone is a 2.2‑million‑acre landscape—the tour showcases features within this vast national park.
Is the tour interpretive or educational?
Yes. The signature tour is guided and emphasizes interpretation of natural history and cultural history within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
How long have people used the Yellowstone region?
People have spent time in the Yellowstone region for more than 11,000 years, a history that figures into the tour’s cultural interpretation.
Is this a strenuous hike?
No—the itinerary is a scenic driving tour with short walks at viewpoints rather than extended backcountry hikes.