Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

Vaycai is a digital travel magazine bringing curated trips, tours, and experiences from around the world to inspire your next vacation.

← Back to Journal
5-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Small-Group Tour with Old Faithful Snow Lodge Stay

5-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Small-Group Tour with Old Faithful Snow Lodge Stay

Spend two nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge and four days exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton with a small group. This 5-day guided loop blends geyser eruptions, wildlife watching, and alpine lakes with hotel comfort and expert guiding.

Old Faithful (Yellowstone National Park), Wyoming
5 days
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Prepare for altitude

Old Faithful sits around 7,350 ft—expect thinner air and cooler nights; hydrate and pace exertion on the first day.

Stay on boardwalks

Thermal features are fragile and dangerous—do not step off marked paths and supervise children closely.

Early starts for wildlife

Plan dawn departures for Hayden and Lamar valleys when bison and elk are most active and light is best for photos.

Pack snacks and cash

Lunch and some purchases in park villages can be limited—carry snacks and small bills for convenience.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Black Sand Basin boardwalk (smaller, vivid thermal pools)
  • Oxbow Bend at sunrise for reflections of the Tetons

Wildlife

  • Bison
  • Elk and occasionally grizzly bears

Conservation Note

Stay on boardwalks and keep distance from wildlife; the parks rely on visitors following guidelines to protect fragile thermal features and animal behavior.

Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in 1872; its geothermal features stem from a massive volcanic caldera beneath the plateau.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Sunrise, Golden hour (late afternoon), Blue hour for long exposures
Key viewpoints:
  • Old Faithful eruption platform
  • Grand Prismatic Overlook
  • Artist Point at the Lower Falls
Subjects to capture:Geyser eruptions and thermal pools, Wide-angle Teton ridgelines, Wildlife in Hayden or Lamar Valley

What to Bring

Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Support and traction for boardwalks, dirt trails, and uneven viewpoints.

Layered jacket (fleece + shell)Essential

Temperatures swing widely from morning to night at high elevation.

Reusable water bottle with filterEssential

Hydration is essential at altitude; filter useful if refilling away from lodges.

Camera with zoom lens

A 200–400mm equivalent helps capture wildlife and distant geothermal features.

Common Questions

Are park entrance fees included?

Yes—Yellowstone and Grand Teton park entry fees are included in the tour price.

What time is airport pickup?

Pickup from Salt Lake City International Airport is available between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM on day one; contact the operator if you arrive outside that window.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?

The tour is described as suitable for all fitness levels, but some short walks include boardwalks and uneven surfaces; advise contacting the operator for specific accessibility needs.

When is Bridge Bay Marina boating available?

Boating at Bridge Bay Marina runs mid-June through early September; the activity may be offered depending on seasonal schedules.

How will wildlife viewing be managed?

Guides use binoculars and staging locations; guests must remain in vehicles or designated viewing areas when animals are close to the road.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund if cancelled at least 6 full days before departure; 50% refund if cancelled 2–6 days prior; no refund within 2 days of departure.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

5 days

Location

Old Faithful (Yellowstone National Park), Wyoming

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Light-to-moderate fitness for short hikes (30–90 minutes) and multiple days of sightseeing; comfortable walking and ability to step over short obstacles.

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Old Faithful (Yellowstone National Park)?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

Check Availability & Book Now