Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
19 Reviews
3.95 out of 5 stars Based on 19 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Cody, USA
10 to 14 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Experience Yellowstone’s wonders your way with Shaka Guide’s self-guided driving audio tour. Journey past Old Faithful’s eruptions, gaze over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, wander through steaming hot springs, and spot roaming bison, elk, and bears—all while listening to captivating stories that bring the park’s history, legends, geology, and wildlife to life.
Enjoy total flexibility: start anytime, pause for photos, take scenic detours, and explore at your own pace. With offline GPS navigation, insider tips, and lifetime access, you’ll uncover both famous landmarks and hidden gems without crowded bus tours or strict schedules.
Highlights include Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake, cascading waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and unique geothermal features you won’t see anywhere else on Earth.
Simply download the Shaka Guide app, hop in your car, and let your personal audio guide lead you through one of America’s most breathtaking national parks.
What's Included
- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
- Tour Start is Customizable
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
- Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Private transportation
- Meals and refreshment
- Parking Fees
- Private Vehicle: $35
Meeting Location
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Madison River
Start your adventure by driving along the crystal-clear Madison River. As one of the best rivers in the nation for fly fishing, it holds the honorable distinction of being a Blue Ribbon Fishery. Some sights you’ll pass by are Talus Mountain, Mount Haynes, and National Park Mountain.
There are lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, the Tribal Heritage Center, or the surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail. If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
madison junction, yellowstone national park (Pass By)
To start your epic day loop, head right at Madison Junction. Don’t forget to stop by the restroom if you need to!
Firehole Canyon Drive
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for—Mammoth Hot Springs! Some big highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are the Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Aphrodite Terrace. You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white travertine terraces.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fountain Flat Drive
Take a quick detour down Fountain Flat Drive, where you’ll find a lively, grassy meadow, two small hot springs, and the legendary Maiden’s Grave. You’ll also get another good look at the Firehole River, jumping and splashing with trout.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Firehole Lake Drive
A brief loop on the 3-mile Firehole Lake Drive leads to several stunning hydrothermal features, including the White and Pink Dome Geysers and the Great Dome Geyser. They’re all available from roadside lookouts or short boardwalk walks.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Midway Geyser Basin
The Midway Geyser Basin may just end up being your favorite stop in the park. Along the short boardwalk trail that encircles the gigantic, 370' Grand Prismatic Spring, you'll also witness a number of other smaller hot springs.If you have time, be sure to pull into Fairy Falls Trailhead and take the 0.6 mile one-way hike to Grand Prismatic Overlook. If you’re feeling adventurous, this trail continues for another 1 mile (each way) to Fairy Falls, one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Old Faithful
It’s not a trip to Yellowstone without visiting the iconic, reliable Old Faithful. The big geyser itself erupts about every 60-110 minutes, but if you get there early, don’t fret.There’s lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, Tribal Heritage Center, or visiting one of its many surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail.If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Kepler Cascades
A short boardwalk allows visitors to see the roaring Kepler Cascades. This multi-tiered fall has drops as long as 50 feet.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Continental Divide
Stop at Isa Lake and see the only lake in the world that flows into two different oceans. Not only that, this lake drains backward—the western end flows to the Atlantic, and the eastern end flows to the Pacific. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind stop.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
West Thumb Geyser Basin (Pass By)
This may just be one of the best-kept secrets in aYellowstone. Without traveling too far off the beaten path, you’ll be able to enjoy one of Yellowstone’s best geyser basins. Be sure to check out the famous Fishing Cone Geyser while you’re there! The Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is also worth a walk if you have time. It’s a quick 1.7-mile loop that’s popular with birders.
Gull Point
Take this scenic drive along the lake peninsula and enjoy a picnic stop at Gull Point.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fishing Bridge - General Store
Fishing Bridge has a ranger station, a general store, and, of course, the fishing bridge. Be sure to walk along the bridge to scan for the Cutthroat trout that like to gather below. Then, when you’re done, rejoin the Grand Loop and continue north.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hayden Valley
Continue your journey north by driving into the wildlife haven known as Hayden Valley. This marshy landscape attracts grazers from all over, and grazers attract predators. Keep on going until you reach the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Lehardy's Rapids
Take a short boardwalk down to the Yellowstone River and the roaring LeHardy Rapids. In early spring, these rapids are alive with jumping, spawning cutthroat trout.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Yellowstone Geysers - Mud Volcano Area (Pass By)
This may not be one of the park’s best-known geysers, but it should be! Mud Volcano is one of the most unique and overlooked hydrothermal areas of the park—and one of the most acidic! Be sure to check out Dragon’s Mouth Hot Spring—a roaring, sloshing, bubbling hot spring full of personality!
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This drive leads to two more fantastic canyon viewpoints—the Upper Falls View and Artist Point—along with some optional hikes. I recommend Uncle Tom’s Trail. Take time to admire this geological wonder: the eras of rock carved through by the Yellowstone River's awesome power are truly breathtaking.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Brink Of The Upper Falls (Pass By)
After you circle around, turn right just past the North Rim Drive to get one final look at the Upper Falls. This viewpoint, right at the brink of the falls, is one of the best in the park. You’ll need to walk just over a quarter mile on an easy trail to enjoy its viewing platform.
Canyon Village - General Store (Pass By)
Canyon Village has a restaurant, a lodge, several shops, and a visitor center. If you do nothing else, be sure to stop by the visitor center—the displays, including one lit diorama of Yellowstone, are informative. They really help to visualize complex geological processes like the formation of the canyon and caldera.
Washburn Hot Springs
The Washburn Hot Springs Overlook is a great place to stretch your legs, look out at the Yellowstone caldera, and take a quick restroom break.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chittenden Loop Trail (Pass By)
The drive up to Mount Washburn is sure to leave you breathless—whether from the heights or the narrow road. The stunning view that awaits you looks over the river, peaks, and valleys off in the distance.
Tower Fall (Pass By)
Tower Falls has a general store and, as you may have guessed, a waterfall. A short boardwalk leads to several breathtaking overlooks of the plunging 132-foot falls. There is also a one-mile there-and-back trail that leads to the river and past a few bubbling cauldrons.
Soda Butte (Pass By)
Up next is the majestic hot spring cone known as Soda Butte. Even though it's no longer active, it's still worth stopping by. Not to mention, cliff swallows have turned the cone into a kind of bird condominium, so be sure to check it out!
Tower Junction
Take a quick restroom break and fill up the tank before continuing your journey along the northern loop. If you’re feeling hungry, step into the historic Roosevelt Lodge to fill up your internal tank.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Petrified Tree
Take a short detour to see one of Yellowstone’s petrified trees—a fossilized remnant from a time when Yellowstone was covered in redwoods and warm-weather forests.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Blacktail Plateau Drive (Pass By)
Blacktail Drive is accessible to all vehicles, but exercise caution after rain. This gravel road is much more scenic and private than the main road, and that means you’ll have a better chance to see wildlife. Be aware that this one-way drive will take you back to Tower Junction, so you will have to turn around if you choose to take this optional side-trip.
Undine Falls
Undine Falls is where Lava Creek tumbles over basaltic stones. To reach the overlook, you just go down a few wooden steps. At the next pullover—just seconds ahead—lies the Lava Creek Trail and Picnic Area.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
It’s time to check out Mammoth's famous Lower Terrace. Those stunning photos of snow-white terraces you see online? They happen right here.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Upper Terrace Drive
And now, it’s on to the Upper Terrace! Some major highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are the Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Aphrodite Terrace. You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white, otherworldly landscape.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Hoodoos
This quick looping drive takes you through Yellowstone’s “hoodoos.” Though we call them "hoodoos," they are actually boulders that rolled down from nearby Terrace Mountain. Real hoodoos are formed by erosion. You should take a few minutes to check out this boulder field and “false hoodoos” for yourself.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Rustic Falls
These two pullovers let you admire the plummeting rustic falls and the Golden Gate viaduct. Though this new concrete bridge is much more stable than its wooden predecessor, its sheer height is sure to take your breath away.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Sheepeater Cliffs
Pull in to see Sheepeater Cliff, a geometric basaltic wall that was named for the Sheepeater people, one of the few Native American tribes to have lived in Yellowstone year-round. These hexagonal columns formed naturally over 1.3 million years ago and cooled into the unique shape you see today.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Obsidian Cliff
Because of some extra-handsy tourists (shame! ), you aren’t allowed to walk directly to the Obsidian Cliff. But we’ll get a great view as you drive past, and then we’ll stop off at the exhibit. Then, take a short 5-minute walk to get another view of the cliff, with black glass shining and shimmering in the sun.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Roaring Mountain
You’ve seen them, and you’ve smelled them. Now, let’s hear them. Roaring Mountain is pocked with fumaroles, super-hot chasms that “roar” and hiss with steam. The ash-gray color of this mountain is caused by sulfur-reducing bacteria that dissolve the lava stone over time.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Museum of the National Park Ranger
Drown down this side road to check out a film about the park rangers, browse some historical exhibits, and maybe pick the brain of a current or retired park ranger. After all, without these dedicated employees, none of what you’re experiencing would be possible.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Norris Geyser Basin (Pass By)
You’re not “geysered out” yet, are you? Because there is one more major basin to see before you head up to Mammoth Hot Springs. The Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s hottest and oldest geyser basin, featuring the tallest geyser in the world! You won’t want to miss this 2.9-mile looping boardwalk trail.
Artists Paintpots (Pass By)
Artists’ Paintpots 0.6-mile boardwalk begins in pine woods and emerges into a basin full of colorful mud pots. It's one of Shaka's top spots for avoiding the crowds while enjoying the park's unique, bubbly, gurgly hydrothermals.
Beryl Spring
This is one of the most radiant hot springs in the park, with a striking blue color like that of a beryl stone. It’s just on the side of the road, so it’s more than worth the stop.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Gibbon Falls
Want to enjoy the music of the Gibbon River while having lunch? Swing by the Gibbon Picnic Area! After you’re done, it’s less than a half-mile drive to Gibbon Falls, named for early Yellowstone explorer Colonel Gibbon.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Tuff Cliffs Picnic Area
Yellowstone's early volcanic eruptions left behind this mountain of compacted, welded volcanic ash. Be sure to stop by to see it. Additionally, picnic tables and a restroom are available at the pullover.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
West Yellowstone
From here, it’s a scenic drive at dusk through the west exit. Then, you’ll be back in West Yellowstone and ready to rest and recharge for your day in Grand Teton!
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-102020P56
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.95
19 reviews
Average 3.95 out of 5 stars based on 19 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
13
4 stars
0
3 stars
2
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1 star
4
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Take the tour when you want.
- Tours NEVER expire.
- Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed).
- Tour Start is Customizable.
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS.
- Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t.
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive.
- Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music.
The following is NOT included:
- Private transportation.
- Meals and refreshment.
- Parking Fees.
- Private Vehicle: $35.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
- Tour Start is Customizable
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
- Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Private transportation
- Meals and refreshment
- Parking Fees
- Private Vehicle: $35
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
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