Yellowstone National Park Small Group Tours
Picture snowshoeing at Mammoth Springs when everything's frozen solid. Or skiing around Bunsen Peak, tracking wolves with experts who spot things you'd miss. Traveling by snowcoach keeps you warm while geysers steam against white. While most see Yellowstone in summer, winter opens it differently. Animals stand out, silence feels real. Whatever time of year you choose, Yellowstone is calling.
10 best Yellowstone National Park small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaYellowstone National Park travel expert at TourRadar
Duration 6 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
- US$2,899
Twelve visitors enjoy close wildlife viewing at Elephant Back Mountain and Storm Point. The setting allows guides to share detailed knowledge of geothermal features, while maintaining minimal impact on delicate areas like Grand Prismatic Spring overlook.
Duration 5 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,480
20% Off- US$1,984You save $496
Winter adventurers numbering 12-15 explore Yellowstone via snowcoach and snowshoe trails. The modest size permits up-close wolf tracking near Mammoth Hot Springs and personalized dog sledding instruction with Alaskan huskies.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bozeman, Gardiner, Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
20% Off- US$4,605
A select group of 12 women travelers moves quietly through Crevice Lake and Black Canyon trails. The intimate format enables stealth hiking through prime grizzly and wolf territories, with exclusive camping spots along the Yellowstone River's edge.
Duration 4 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
20% Off- US$1,785
Pack llamas accompany 4-8 adventurers through Yellowstone's remote Heart Lake region. Small numbers grant access to pristine campsites near Snake River Hot Springs for intimate wildlife viewing, while llamas carry gear for enhanced photography and exploration.
Duration 6 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
20% Off- US$3,545
Small groups of 12-15 visitors track wolves through Lamar Valley and navigate Mammoth Hot Springs on snowshoes. The intimate setting allows for schedule adjustments to maximize wildlife viewing and photography moments.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bozeman, Mammoth, Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Bindlestiff Tours From
20% Off- US$3,995
Ten trekkers navigate Yellowstone's remote northwestern trails with dedicated guides. The size creates perfect conditions for spotting wildlife at Specimen Creek and sharing quiet moments at 9,200-foot Shelf Lake, with individual attention during challenging 2,000-foot Bighorn Peak ascent.
Duration 5 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
20% Off- US$2,105
Ten hikers maintain Yellowstone's wilderness feel in the backcountry. Groups move silently through Heart Lake's wildlife corridors with exclusive access to remote thermal springs, while guides adjust pace for prime wildlife spotting opportunities.
Duration 4 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
20% Off- US$1,920
With just 8 people per group, visitors get closer to Yellowstone's wonders. From Mt. Washburn's 10,000-ft summit to Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, smaller numbers enhance wildlife spotting and geothermal feature interpretation.
Duration 5 days Destinations Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
20% Off- US$4,510
Backpackers traverse Northwestern Yellowstone's remote Gallatin Range in groups of 4-10. The compact size allows quiet wildlife observation near Sportsman Lake and flexibility to attempt Electric Peak's 11,000-foot summit, with terrain varying from meadows to alpine passes.
Duration 5 days Destinations Jackson, Yellowstone National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
20% Off- US$1,850
Reviews of Small Group tours to Yellowstone National Park
An excellent tour of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Our guide Adriann did an amazing job. He was knowledgeable and provided interesting facts about the parks and answered everyone's questions. This was my first multi day tour as well as first camping experience (in a tent) and it was enjoyable. The parks were beautiful, albeit crowded for this time of year, but that didn't take away from anything. Couldn't have asked for better weather. There were 7 of us in our group and we all got along well. By the end we had a good comradery going. Saw a lot of wildlife including Bison, Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Prong horn, and even a Black Bear. Definitely a lot of driving. But I knew that going in and really just enjoyed the scenery. Look forward to my next adventure with this company.
4 day Yellowstone and Tetons in depth tour from Salt Lake City Small Groups Tour
- 8 Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Explorer
Cody was a very good guide, full of interesting information about the history of the areas we visited. He had a great sense of humour. Due to the nature of the areas we travelled to there was a lot of backtracking over the same territory to get to the next destination.
- Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure
I am three years post stroke and travel with a walker. Our guide, Pat, was excellent in managing my situation without compromising the experience of other passengers in our group. He made sure everyone in the party had a fulfilling experience.
What our customers ask about Yellowstone National Park Small Group Tours
What is the typical daily schedule like on a small group tour in Yellowstone?
Tour days begin early between 7-8am to take advantage of prime wildlife viewing times in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley. Each day combines scenic drives short walks and visits to key sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Properties like the Elk Country Inn serve as convenient bases letting groups maximize both morning and evening activities. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "The flexible schedule meant we could spend sunrise watching wolves in Lamar Valley and sunset photographing geysers with plenty of breaks in between."
What is the typical group size for small group tours in Yellowstone National Park?
Groups remain small with 6-13 travelers creating a close-knit experience. Companies like Bindlestiff Tours cap their groups at 13 participants and book stays at places like the Antler Inn in Jackson. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group size was perfect - just 9 passengers plus our guide Daniel which allowed for a more personalized experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities."
How do small group tours handle accommodation arrangements in Yellowstone?
Lodging includes a selection of well-located hotels and lodges positioned near key park attractions. Popular choices include the Kelly Inn in West Yellowstone and Elk Country Inn in Jackson which provide easy access for dawn wildlife viewing. Tour operators typically reserve room blocks to keep groups together for smoother logistics. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Staying at smaller character-filled properties like the Gardiner Lodge gave us a more authentic experience than the large park hotels."
What transportation is used for small group tours in Yellowstone?
Tours utilize Mercedes Sprinter vans or custom mini-coaches that balance comfort with maneuverability. These smaller vehicles can reach viewpoints and parking areas that larger tour buses can't access including spots along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. According to one TourRadar review: "Having a smaller vehicle meant we could quickly pull over for wildlife sightings and access more remote areas of the park that bigger tours couldn't reach."
What wildlife viewing opportunities are available on small group tours?
Expert guides lead groups to prime viewing spots in Lamar Valley Hayden Valley and Paradise Valley where wolves grizzlies bison and elk roam. Strategic lodging at places like Alpine Motel in Cooke City and The 49'er Inn in Jackson puts groups close to wildlife hotspots. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw black wolves elk bighorn sheep and bison up close. The small group made it easier to quietly observe without disturbing the animals."
What is the best season for small group tours in Yellowstone?
While tours run year-round June through September offers full access to park roads and facilities. Winter brings unique experiences with fewer visitors and snow-draped landscapes. Hotels like the Kelly Inn in West Yellowstone and Elk Country Inn in Jackson welcome groups throughout all seasons. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Visiting in shoulder season with a small group meant we had many viewpoints to ourselves and could really appreciate the park's beauty."