Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
4.5 / 5 · 48 traveler reviews
Explore Yellowstone National Park with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through geyser basins, wildlife-filled valleys, waterfalls, canyons, and mountain scenery. There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, stories, wildlife insights, and directions as you explore the park. Follow turn-by-turn directions to iconic sights including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lamar Valley. Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing Yellowstone to life through engaging stories, history, wildlife insights, and local knowledge. One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
To start your epic day loop, head right at Madison Junction. Don’t forget to stop by the restroom if you need to!
Stop 3
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.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
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. Temporary access notice: Firehole Lake Drive is currently closed to vehicles. The road remains accessible on foot or by bicycle where permitted, but there is no dedicated parking along the route. Continue along the main tour route and check current National Park Service conditions before your visit.
Stop 6
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.
Stop 7
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.
Stop 8
A short boardwalk allows visitors to see the roaring Kepler Cascades. This multi-tiered fall has drops as long as 50 feet.
Stop 9
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.
Stop 10
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.
Stop 11
Take this scenic drive along the lake peninsula and enjoy a picnic stop at Gull Point.
Stop 12
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.
What’s included
- Stories, history, geology, wildlife, and park recommendations
- Access to the Yellowstone National Park Tour in the Shaka Guide app
- Offline map and audio after download
- Works from all five Yellowstone entrances
- Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes
- Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
- Tour access does not expire
- One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle
Not included
- In-person tour guide
- Private transportation
- Meals and refreshment
- Personal expenses
Meeting and pickup
Start your tour in Jackson, the perfect gateway for exploring Yellowstone from the south. It's ideal if you're visiting Grand Teton first.
Enter from Cody for a historic, Wild West experience. It’s a great way to see Yellowstone’s wildlife while enjoying Buffalo Bill’s famous town.
Coming from the north? Gardiner is your best entry, with quick access to Mammoth Hot Springs and stunning wildlife in the Lamar Valley.
If you love scenic drives, start in Cooke City via the Beartooth Highway. This route offers breathtaking mountain views before reaching Yellowstone’s northeast.
The tour has four starting points: West Entrance Northeast Entrance East Entrance South Entrance This tour is completely customizable. No matter where you start or what direction you’re taking, the tour will work.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
- The tour has five designated starting areas at Yellowstone’s West, North, Northeast, East, and South Entrances. Choose the starting point that best fits your trip in the Shaka Guide app.
- Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
- Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before entering the park. Cell service is unreliable in Yellowstone. Once downloaded, the Shaka Guide audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.
- The itinerary is flexible. Stops, viewpoints, and hikes are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer at places that interest you, or explore different sections of the park over multiple days.
- Yellowstone National Park requires a separate entrance pass. Park admission is purchased directly from the National Park Service and is not included with the Shaka Guide tour. Entrance requirements and fees may vary by pass type and traveler eligibility.
- Most Yellowstone roads and entrances are seasonal. Road access can also change due to weather, construction, wildlife activity, or other conditions. Check current National Park Service road status before your visit.
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Always follow posted park regulations and maintain required distances from wildlife.
- Hiking is optional. Trail length, difficulty, elevation, and conditions vary throughout the park, so choose activities that match your available time and comfort level.
- Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some boardwalks, trails, viewpoints, and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Bring a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended, especially when exploring the park for a full day or across multiple days.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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