Michelle23

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for a tour of Yellowstone National Park, anything from day tours up to about a week long. I prefer tours with small groups that allow time to really experience the surroundings, I don't like to feel too rushed.

I have considered renting a car and exploring the park alone, but since I'm a solo traveller I think I'd prefer the company of a tour group.

Can anyone recommend a tour company for me? Any advice/suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

spirobulldog

I would rent a car and go on you own. You could do several of the Yellow Bus Tours in the park and you would be with different groups.

spirobulldog

Might also consider doing some Ranger-led tours, Geysers, hikes, etc.

Michelle23

I've been doing some research ... has anyone had any experience with any of the following companies:
Caravan Tours
Tours 4 Fun
Bundu Bashers
Adventure Bus ?

Michelle23

wdx; your webside isn't relevant at all?! maybe you gave me the wrong address?

RedRock

>> I don't like to feel too rushed.

Then rent a car and explore on your own. You will enjoy Yellowstone more.

starrs

I'd go solo. Take advantage of the ranger led hikes and events. Do the Yellow Bus tours. Yellowstone is a great place to visit on your own. I used to do it a lot while the "menfolk" were fishing the Snake. I'd just head in to the park for the day.

When are you thinking about going? It's going to be hard to find lodging for this summer in the park. Book as early as possible for your dates.

I'd be miserable on a tour bus for a week. I promise you, seeing Yellowstone solo is NOT a problem...and you get to go at your own pace. Visit the Yellowstone forum and talk to the park experts. If you like photography, they can tell you where to go to see certain wildlife at certain times. Heck, if you "talk" there enough with them, you'll probably see some of the regulars there.

Don't forget the Grand Tetons!

USspitfire

Check out SeeYellowstone.com based in West Yellowstone. They do tours to the lower loop (Old Faithfull & Geyser basin), a morning or evening wildlife tour to the upper loop (Canyon, Mammoth etc) and a tour of Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Mesa Falls.

Their Tel # is 800-221-1151 or website www.seeyellowstone.com

starrs

Here's the Yellowstone forum -
http://forums.yellowstone.net/

Kind of like here, but for Yellowstone. They are a community. Everything you need to know about Yellowstone, these guys will know.

Michelle23

Yellow Bus Tours and SeeYellowstone are both helpful, I haven't really looked at the forums yet, but I will.
starrs; I'm thinking of going in August or September, maybe even early October, ideally I'd like to miss the summer crowds.

spirobulldog

If you go in August, the crowds will be in full swing. I would go about the 3rd week of June or maybe the 2nd week of September. Great anytime

nanecam

Last year when we were there I saw some brochures for the Yellowstone Association/Institute, which has some higher end tours and eco activities centered in the park. It might be a great mix for a solo traveler seeking company while experiencing the park...but I think it's pricey.

http://www.yellowstoneassociation.org/institute/

spirobulldog

that is a great idea nanecam

atravelynn

Years back I did something with an outfit that was loosely associated with The Teton Science Schools.

http://www.tetonscience.org/index.cf...fe_expeditions

I went for a week and then returned the next year it was so fascinating. We participated in research such as tracking pronghorn and porcupine with radio collars. Plus we just did wildlife watching. This was all orgainzed with a guide/driver for up to 6 people.

You could combine some activities on your own and some with the group.

I agree June is a great time to go, not too late in June.

Good luck with your plans.

Michelle23

Thank you everyone, lots of great ideas!

I have one more question; is it possible to find public transport in this area? Especially between airports and hotels? And between the gateway towns?

spirobulldog

You really need a car to get around in Yellowstone unless you are with a tour company.

starrs

I think we all assumed you would be in a rental car. If you aren't comfortable with that, find a tour bus.

Michelle23

I might rent a car, still deciding what I want to do. I found a taxi service operating from West Yellowstone which offers transport throughout the Park and surrounding areas, so I will either use this or rent a car - whichever seems more practical.

I think I will do a few day tours to give myself an overview of the park, and I'll combine that with some hiking and maybe a full-day horse ride. I'm also looking at some wildlife expeditions.

Thanks again everyone, you've all been really helpful!

starrs

Yellowstone is not practical with a taxi.

Rent a car for your entire visit or join a bus tour.

spirobulldog

I cannot see anyway possible to hire a taxi in Yellostone. Yellowstone is hard to describe. You can plan some of your trip, but all wildlife sightings are spontaneous stops. I can't tell you how many times you will pull off the road and spend an hour watching a bear, moose, baby animals, bison rolling in the dirt, wolf, etc. This isn't like a city, it is big and takes some time to get from point A to point B. Everyone drives super slow, you won't have any problems driving. When you do pull off the road to see something, just make friends around you. People generally are very friendly and will share their spotting scope, etc.

I guess it is possible to find public transportation or taxi, but You will be absolutely the only one there in a taxi.