Custom Private Yellowstone Tour
Build your own private Yellowstone tour. Multi-day, photography, family, Grand Teton add-ons & more — designed by local guides from Island Park & West Yellowstone.
Custom Private Yellowstone Tour
Build your own private Yellowstone tour. Multi-day, photography, family, Grand Teton add-ons & more — designed by local guides from Island Park & West Yellowstone.
Custom Private Yellowstone Tour
Build your own private Yellowstone tour. Multi-day, photography, family, Grand Teton add-ons & more — designed by local guides from Island Park & West Yellowstone.
Some Yellowstone visitors know exactly what they want — a sunrise in Lamar Valley, a long lens on a grizzly bear, three days in the park instead of one, a side trip to Grand Teton, a guide who'll skip Old Faithful and instead spend the morning at a thermal area they read about ten years ago and have wanted to see ever since. For those guests, the standard menu of group tours doesn't fit. A custom private Yellowstone tour with Island Park Expeditions is built around exactly what you want to see, at exactly the pace you want to see it, with a local guide who knows how to make it happen.
Some Yellowstone visitors know exactly what they want — a sunrise in Lamar Valley, a long lens on a grizzly bear, three days in the park instead of one, a side trip to Grand Teton, a guide who'll skip Old Faithful and instead spend the morning at a thermal area they read about ten years ago and have wanted to see ever since. For those guests, the standard menu of group tours doesn't fit. A custom private Yellowstone tour with Island Park Expeditions is built around exactly what you want to see, at exactly the pace you want to see it, with a local guide who knows how to make it happen.
Some Yellowstone visitors know exactly what they want — a sunrise in Lamar Valley, a long lens on a grizzly bear, three days in the park instead of one, a side trip to Grand Teton, a guide who'll skip Old Faithful and instead spend the morning at a thermal area they read about ten years ago and have wanted to see ever since. For those guests, the standard menu of group tours doesn't fit. A custom private Yellowstone tour with Island Park Expeditions is built around exactly what you want to see, at exactly the pace you want to see it, with a local guide who knows how to make it happen.
We've designed custom tours for first-time visitors who wanted a perfect single day, photographers chasing specific light at specific locations, families with very young kids and very particular grandparents, multi-generational reunions, repeat Yellowstone visitors who'd already done the geysers and wanted to go deep on wolves, international guests with one week in the American West, and small private groups who simply wanted a great day with a great guide. Every one of those tours was different. Every one of them worked because we built it from scratch.
We've designed custom tours for first-time visitors who wanted a perfect single day, photographers chasing specific light at specific locations, families with very young kids and very particular grandparents, multi-generational reunions, repeat Yellowstone visitors who'd already done the geysers and wanted to go deep on wolves, international guests with one week in the American West, and small private groups who simply wanted a great day with a great guide. Every one of those tours was different. Every one of them worked because we built it from scratch.
We've designed custom tours for first-time visitors who wanted a perfect single day, photographers chasing specific light at specific locations, families with very young kids and very particular grandparents, multi-generational reunions, repeat Yellowstone visitors who'd already done the geysers and wanted to go deep on wolves, international guests with one week in the American West, and small private groups who simply wanted a great day with a great guide. Every one of those tours was different. Every one of them worked because we built it from scratch.
What's included?
Every custom tour with Island Park Expeditions is fully private and fully tailored. The standard inclusions are the same as our other private tours — a dedicated local naturalist guide, comfortable touring vehicle, spotting scope and binoculars, field-prepared lunch, snacks, bottled water, pickup at your lodging in Island Park or West Yellowstone, and all park logistics handled for you. What changes is everything else: the itinerary, the pace, the focus, the length, the start time, the stops, and the goals for the day. Custom tours start at $900 for a full day, with pricing scaling for multi-day itineraries, longer days, or specialized add-ons like photography setups. Whatever you book, the day belongs to your group — not a tour bus.
What's included?
Every custom tour with Island Park Expeditions is fully private and fully tailored. The standard inclusions are the same as our other private tours — a dedicated local naturalist guide, comfortable touring vehicle, spotting scope and binoculars, field-prepared lunch, snacks, bottled water, pickup at your lodging in Island Park or West Yellowstone, and all park logistics handled for you. What changes is everything else: the itinerary, the pace, the focus, the length, the start time, the stops, and the goals for the day. Custom tours start at $900 for a full day, with pricing scaling for multi-day itineraries, longer days, or specialized add-ons like photography setups. Whatever you book, the day belongs to your group — not a tour bus.
What's included?
Every custom tour with Island Park Expeditions is fully private and fully tailored. The standard inclusions are the same as our other private tours — a dedicated local naturalist guide, comfortable touring vehicle, spotting scope and binoculars, field-prepared lunch, snacks, bottled water, pickup at your lodging in Island Park or West Yellowstone, and all park logistics handled for you. What changes is everything else: the itinerary, the pace, the focus, the length, the start time, the stops, and the goals for the day. Custom tours start at $900 for a full day, with pricing scaling for multi-day itineraries, longer days, or specialized add-ons like photography setups. Whatever you book, the day belongs to your group — not a tour bus.
Popular Custom Yellowstone Tour Itineraries
Most guests start by asking “what's possible?” Here are a few of the custom itineraries we build most often. None of these are fixed packages — they're starting points to adapt.
The Two-Day Yellowstone Essentials
Day one: a private Lower Loop tour — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Day two: a private wildlife day focused on the Northern Range or Lamar Valley, with sunrise start, scopes up, and a serious search for wolves, bears, and the full predator-prey cast. This is the single best two-day Yellowstone itinerary for first-time visitors who want to see it all.
The Wildlife Photography Tour
A multi-day private custom tour built around light, wildlife behavior, and time on location. Sunrise starts, long sessions at productive pullouts, scope spotting that puts you on subjects before they move, golden hour returns to favored locations, and a guide who understands what photographers need — patience, position, and the willingness to sit when nothing's happening because something might. We've guided guests with everything from iPhones to full medium-format kits.
The Yellowstone + Grand Teton Combo
Two to four days that combine the best of both parks. A typical version: day one private Lower Loop in Yellowstone, day two private wildlife in northern Yellowstone, day three drive south and shoot the Tetons at sunrise from Oxbow Bend, work Antelope Flats for pronghorn and bison, then explore Jenny Lake or Mormon Row. Photography-strong, scenery-strong, and a more complete picture of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem than any single-park itinerary can deliver.
The Family Yellowstone Tour
A pace and itinerary built around kids and grandparents. Shorter driving days, frequent stops, ranger-program timing, ice cream at Old Faithful, bison up close (safely) in Hayden Valley, the colors of Grand Prismatic, the waterfalls, and a guide who's as comfortable explaining geyser geology to an eight-year-old as to a retired engineer. The whole day is private, so nobody is holding up a bus.
The Repeat-Visitor Deep Dive
For guests who've already done Old Faithful, the canyon, and the geysers, and now want to go deeper. Custom days focused on wolves in Lamar, bears in the Northern Range, the lesser-known thermal areas, off-the-beaten-path hikes, and the corners of the park most visitors never see. This is the tour we get the most repeat bookings for.
The Honeymoon or Anniversary Tour
A flexible, romantic itinerary built around the two of you — slower pace, scenic stops, a quiet lunch somewhere beautiful, sunset at a Yellowstone overlook. Add a Grand Teton sunrise day if you want a bigger trip. We've done a lot of these. They're some of our favorite tours to build.
The Multi-Day Yellowstone Expedition
Three to five private days covering both loops, Lamar Valley, wildlife focus days, geyser focus days, and the option to add Grand Teton. By the end, you've seen more of Yellowstone than 95% of visitors ever do. We help with lodging recommendations in Island Park, West Yellowstone, and inside the park if you want to base inside.
Popular Custom Yellowstone Tour Itineraries
Most guests start by asking “what's possible?” Here are a few of the custom itineraries we build most often. None of these are fixed packages — they're starting points to adapt.
The Two-Day Yellowstone Essentials
Day one: a private Lower Loop tour — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Day two: a private wildlife day focused on the Northern Range or Lamar Valley, with sunrise start, scopes up, and a serious search for wolves, bears, and the full predator-prey cast. This is the single best two-day Yellowstone itinerary for first-time visitors who want to see it all.
The Wildlife Photography Tour
A multi-day private custom tour built around light, wildlife behavior, and time on location. Sunrise starts, long sessions at productive pullouts, scope spotting that puts you on subjects before they move, golden hour returns to favored locations, and a guide who understands what photographers need — patience, position, and the willingness to sit when nothing's happening because something might. We've guided guests with everything from iPhones to full medium-format kits.
The Yellowstone + Grand Teton Combo
Two to four days that combine the best of both parks. A typical version: day one private Lower Loop in Yellowstone, day two private wildlife in northern Yellowstone, day three drive south and shoot the Tetons at sunrise from Oxbow Bend, work Antelope Flats for pronghorn and bison, then explore Jenny Lake or Mormon Row. Photography-strong, scenery-strong, and a more complete picture of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem than any single-park itinerary can deliver.
The Family Yellowstone Tour
A pace and itinerary built around kids and grandparents. Shorter driving days, frequent stops, ranger-program timing, ice cream at Old Faithful, bison up close (safely) in Hayden Valley, the colors of Grand Prismatic, the waterfalls, and a guide who's as comfortable explaining geyser geology to an eight-year-old as to a retired engineer. The whole day is private, so nobody is holding up a bus.
The Repeat-Visitor Deep Dive
For guests who've already done Old Faithful, the canyon, and the geysers, and now want to go deeper. Custom days focused on wolves in Lamar, bears in the Northern Range, the lesser-known thermal areas, off-the-beaten-path hikes, and the corners of the park most visitors never see. This is the tour we get the most repeat bookings for.
The Honeymoon or Anniversary Tour
A flexible, romantic itinerary built around the two of you — slower pace, scenic stops, a quiet lunch somewhere beautiful, sunset at a Yellowstone overlook. Add a Grand Teton sunrise day if you want a bigger trip. We've done a lot of these. They're some of our favorite tours to build.
The Multi-Day Yellowstone Expedition
Three to five private days covering both loops, Lamar Valley, wildlife focus days, geyser focus days, and the option to add Grand Teton. By the end, you've seen more of Yellowstone than 95% of visitors ever do. We help with lodging recommendations in Island Park, West Yellowstone, and inside the park if you want to base inside.
Popular Custom Yellowstone Tour Itineraries
Most guests start by asking “what's possible?” Here are a few of the custom itineraries we build most often. None of these are fixed packages — they're starting points to adapt.
The Two-Day Yellowstone Essentials
Day one: a private Lower Loop tour — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Day two: a private wildlife day focused on the Northern Range or Lamar Valley, with sunrise start, scopes up, and a serious search for wolves, bears, and the full predator-prey cast. This is the single best two-day Yellowstone itinerary for first-time visitors who want to see it all.
The Wildlife Photography Tour
A multi-day private custom tour built around light, wildlife behavior, and time on location. Sunrise starts, long sessions at productive pullouts, scope spotting that puts you on subjects before they move, golden hour returns to favored locations, and a guide who understands what photographers need — patience, position, and the willingness to sit when nothing's happening because something might. We've guided guests with everything from iPhones to full medium-format kits.
The Yellowstone + Grand Teton Combo
Two to four days that combine the best of both parks. A typical version: day one private Lower Loop in Yellowstone, day two private wildlife in northern Yellowstone, day three drive south and shoot the Tetons at sunrise from Oxbow Bend, work Antelope Flats for pronghorn and bison, then explore Jenny Lake or Mormon Row. Photography-strong, scenery-strong, and a more complete picture of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem than any single-park itinerary can deliver.
The Family Yellowstone Tour
A pace and itinerary built around kids and grandparents. Shorter driving days, frequent stops, ranger-program timing, ice cream at Old Faithful, bison up close (safely) in Hayden Valley, the colors of Grand Prismatic, the waterfalls, and a guide who's as comfortable explaining geyser geology to an eight-year-old as to a retired engineer. The whole day is private, so nobody is holding up a bus.
The Repeat-Visitor Deep Dive
For guests who've already done Old Faithful, the canyon, and the geysers, and now want to go deeper. Custom days focused on wolves in Lamar, bears in the Northern Range, the lesser-known thermal areas, off-the-beaten-path hikes, and the corners of the park most visitors never see. This is the tour we get the most repeat bookings for.
The Honeymoon or Anniversary Tour
A flexible, romantic itinerary built around the two of you — slower pace, scenic stops, a quiet lunch somewhere beautiful, sunset at a Yellowstone overlook. Add a Grand Teton sunrise day if you want a bigger trip. We've done a lot of these. They're some of our favorite tours to build.
The Multi-Day Yellowstone Expedition
Three to five private days covering both loops, Lamar Valley, wildlife focus days, geyser focus days, and the option to add Grand Teton. By the end, you've seen more of Yellowstone than 95% of visitors ever do. We help with lodging recommendations in Island Park, West Yellowstone, and inside the park if you want to base inside.
Where We Go on Custom Tours
A custom Yellowstone tour can go anywhere a road-accessible day in the park can reach from our home base. The most commonly requested regions:
The Lower Loop
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Midway Geyser Basin, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The greatest hits of the southern park.
The Upper Loop and Northern Range
Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Lamar Valley, the Lamar River, and the Northern Range. The wildlife center of the park and the single best wolf country in the lower 48.
Lamar Valley
"America's Serengeti." A long drive from Island Park, but on the right day, the best wildlife day of your life. Best paired with a multi-day itinerary or a sunrise pre-dawn departure.
Hayden Valley
The wildlife center of the southern park. Resident wolf pack, large bison herds, regular grizzly activity, and the Yellowstone River. Reachable as part of a single day from our base.
The Madison and Firehole River Corridors
Reliable elk and bison country, especially during the September elk rut. Often the first wildlife stop on any day that starts at the West Entrance.
Grand Teton National Park
Add a day (or two) for the Tetons. Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Antelope Flats, Mormon Row, Jenny Lake, the Snake River. Pairs naturally with multi-day Yellowstone itineraries.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Island Park
The wild country immediately around our home base in Island Park, Idaho. Moose in the willows, the Henrys Fork of the Snake River (one of the best trout rivers in the world), Big Springs, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, and views of the Tetons from the back side. A great half-day add-on or a destination in its own right.
Where We Go on Custom Tours
A custom Yellowstone tour can go anywhere a road-accessible day in the park can reach from our home base. The most commonly requested regions:
The Lower Loop
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Midway Geyser Basin, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The greatest hits of the southern park.
The Upper Loop and Northern Range
Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Lamar Valley, the Lamar River, and the Northern Range. The wildlife center of the park and the single best wolf country in the lower 48.
Lamar Valley
"America's Serengeti." A long drive from Island Park, but on the right day, the best wildlife day of your life. Best paired with a multi-day itinerary or a sunrise pre-dawn departure.
Hayden Valley
The wildlife center of the southern park. Resident wolf pack, large bison herds, regular grizzly activity, and the Yellowstone River. Reachable as part of a single day from our base.
The Madison and Firehole River Corridors
Reliable elk and bison country, especially during the September elk rut. Often the first wildlife stop on any day that starts at the West Entrance.
Grand Teton National Park
Add a day (or two) for the Tetons. Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Antelope Flats, Mormon Row, Jenny Lake, the Snake River. Pairs naturally with multi-day Yellowstone itineraries.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Island Park
The wild country immediately around our home base in Island Park, Idaho. Moose in the willows, the Henrys Fork of the Snake River (one of the best trout rivers in the world), Big Springs, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, and views of the Tetons from the back side. A great half-day add-on or a destination in its own right.
Where We Go on Custom Tours
A custom Yellowstone tour can go anywhere a road-accessible day in the park can reach from our home base. The most commonly requested regions:
The Lower Loop
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Midway Geyser Basin, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The greatest hits of the southern park.
The Upper Loop and Northern Range
Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Lamar Valley, the Lamar River, and the Northern Range. The wildlife center of the park and the single best wolf country in the lower 48.
Lamar Valley
"America's Serengeti." A long drive from Island Park, but on the right day, the best wildlife day of your life. Best paired with a multi-day itinerary or a sunrise pre-dawn departure.
Hayden Valley
The wildlife center of the southern park. Resident wolf pack, large bison herds, regular grizzly activity, and the Yellowstone River. Reachable as part of a single day from our base.
The Madison and Firehole River Corridors
Reliable elk and bison country, especially during the September elk rut. Often the first wildlife stop on any day that starts at the West Entrance.
Grand Teton National Park
Add a day (or two) for the Tetons. Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Antelope Flats, Mormon Row, Jenny Lake, the Snake River. Pairs naturally with multi-day Yellowstone itineraries.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Island Park
The wild country immediately around our home base in Island Park, Idaho. Moose in the willows, the Henrys Fork of the Snake River (one of the best trout rivers in the world), Big Springs, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, and views of the Tetons from the back side. A great half-day add-on or a destination in its own right.
Who Custom Tours Are For
A custom private Yellowstone tour is the right pick for:
Guests who want more than one day in the park and want it designed cohesively. Photographers — full stop. Families with mixed ages and mixed energy levels. Multi-generational reunions. Honeymoon and anniversary travelers. Repeat Yellowstone visitors who've outgrown standard itineraries. International guests with one shot at the American West. Guests who want to combine Yellowstone with Grand Teton. Anyone whose ideal day in Yellowstone doesn't fit neatly into the Wildlife Tour or the Lower Loop Tour boxes.
If you have a vision for your Yellowstone trip and you're tired of trying to make a standard tour fit it, build the tour around the vision instead.
Who Custom Tours Are For
A custom private Yellowstone tour is the right pick for:
Guests who want more than one day in the park and want it designed cohesively. Photographers — full stop. Families with mixed ages and mixed energy levels. Multi-generational reunions. Honeymoon and anniversary travelers. Repeat Yellowstone visitors who've outgrown standard itineraries. International guests with one shot at the American West. Guests who want to combine Yellowstone with Grand Teton. Anyone whose ideal day in Yellowstone doesn't fit neatly into the Wildlife Tour or the Lower Loop Tour boxes.
If you have a vision for your Yellowstone trip and you're tired of trying to make a standard tour fit it, build the tour around the vision instead.
Who Custom Tours Are For
A custom private Yellowstone tour is the right pick for:
Guests who want more than one day in the park and want it designed cohesively. Photographers — full stop. Families with mixed ages and mixed energy levels. Multi-generational reunions. Honeymoon and anniversary travelers. Repeat Yellowstone visitors who've outgrown standard itineraries. International guests with one shot at the American West. Guests who want to combine Yellowstone with Grand Teton. Anyone whose ideal day in Yellowstone doesn't fit neatly into the Wildlife Tour or the Lower Loop Tour boxes.
If you have a vision for your Yellowstone trip and you're tired of trying to make a standard tour fit it, build the tour around the vision instead.
Your Guide and Our Local Roots
Island Park Expeditions is locally owned and operated, based in Island Park, Idaho — twenty minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. Our guides are local naturalists who spend their working lives in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We are a small company. We run a small number of tours. We do them well. Our return-guest rate is what we're proudest of. Custom tours are where our guides get to do their best work — and it shows.
Your Guide and Our Local Roots
Island Park Expeditions is locally owned and operated, based in Island Park, Idaho — twenty minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. Our guides are local naturalists who spend their working lives in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We are a small company. We run a small number of tours. We do them well. Our return-guest rate is what we're proudest of. Custom tours are where our guides get to do their best work — and it shows.
Your Guide and Our Local Roots
Island Park Expeditions is locally owned and operated, based in Island Park, Idaho — twenty minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. Our guides are local naturalists who spend their working lives in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We are a small company. We run a small number of tours. We do them well. Our return-guest rate is what we're proudest of. Custom tours are where our guides get to do their best work — and it shows.
What to Bring on Your Tour
Pack layers — Yellowstone mornings can be 35°F in June and afternoons 80°F at lower elevations. Sturdy walking shoes for the geyser basin boardwalks and the Grand Canyon viewpoints. A water bottle (we'll refill it). Camera with whatever lens you own — the Lower Loop is the most photogenic day in the park. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. A spirit of patience — Old Faithful erupts on its own schedule, and so does everything else here.
What to Bring on Your Tour
Pack layers — Yellowstone mornings can be 35°F in June and afternoons 80°F at lower elevations. Sturdy walking shoes for the geyser basin boardwalks and the Grand Canyon viewpoints. A water bottle (we'll refill it). Camera with whatever lens you own — the Lower Loop is the most photogenic day in the park. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. A spirit of patience — Old Faithful erupts on its own schedule, and so does everything else here.
What to Bring on Your Tour
Pack layers — Yellowstone mornings can be 35°F in June and afternoons 80°F at lower elevations. Sturdy walking shoes for the geyser basin boardwalks and the Grand Canyon viewpoints. A water bottle (we'll refill it). Camera with whatever lens you own — the Lower Loop is the most photogenic day in the park. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. A spirit of patience — Old Faithful erupts on its own schedule, and so does everything else here.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom private Yellowstone tour cost?
Custom private Yellowstone tours start at $900 for a full day for the group, not per person. Multi-day, photography-focused, and extended-hour tours are quoted based on the itinerary. Pricing includes guide, vehicle, scope, binoculars, lunch, snacks, water, and pickup from Island Park or West Yellowstone lodging. Park entrance fees are not included.
Can a custom tour combine Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
Yes — and it's one of our most-requested itineraries. The most common version is a two- to four-day private custom tour that covers the Yellowstone highlights and adds a Grand Teton day for sunrise at Oxbow Bend, the Tetons, and the Antelope Flats wildlife corridor.
Can a custom tour be photography-focused?
Yes. We've guided photographers from beginners to working pros. Photography-focused tours build the day around light, wildlife behavior, and position — sunrise starts, golden hour returns, and time on location at the right pullouts. Tell us your gear and your priorities ahead of time and we'll plan accordingly.
Can you build a multi-day private Yellowstone itinerary?
Yes — two-day, three-day, four-day, and five-day private custom itineraries are all available. We can also help with lodging recommendations in Island Park, West Yellowstone, and inside the park.
Is a custom tour good for families?
Yes — custom tours are often the best fit for families because the day can be paced exactly for your kids and your grandparents. Shorter driving stretches, frequent stops, snacks and bathroom breaks built in, and a guide who's as engaging with a six-year-old as with an adult.
Can a custom tour focus only on wildlife?
Absolutely. If you want a pure wildlife day — wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose — we'll build that. The dedicated Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour is our standard wildlife product, but custom wildlife tours let you target specific species, specific valleys, or multi-day searches.
Can a custom tour focus only on geysers and thermal features?
Yes. A custom geyser-and-thermal-focused tour can go deeper than the standard Lower Loop — adding Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Black Sand Basin, the Biscuit Basin, and the less-visited thermal areas most visitors miss. Pairs naturally with a half day of geology storytelling.
Where do custom tours depart from?
We pick up from lodging in Island Park, Idaho and West Yellowstone, Montana. Island Park is roughly twenty minutes from the park's West Entrance.
How far in advance should I book a custom tour?
Sooner is better, especially for summer, the September elk rut, and any multi-day or holiday-week itinerary. Our guide availability is limited — we run a small number of tours on purpose. For peak season, four to eight weeks ahead is typical; multi-day and Grand Teton combinations often book three to six months out.
What other tours does Island Park Expeditions offer?
In addition to custom tours, we offer the Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour, the Private Lower Loop Yellowstone Van Tour, and UTV and snowmobile rentals in Island Park.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom private Yellowstone tour cost?
Custom private Yellowstone tours start at $900 for a full day for the group, not per person. Multi-day, photography-focused, and extended-hour tours are quoted based on the itinerary. Pricing includes guide, vehicle, scope, binoculars, lunch, snacks, water, and pickup from Island Park or West Yellowstone lodging. Park entrance fees are not included.
Can a custom tour combine Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
Yes — and it's one of our most-requested itineraries. The most common version is a two- to four-day private custom tour that covers the Yellowstone highlights and adds a Grand Teton day for sunrise at Oxbow Bend, the Tetons, and the Antelope Flats wildlife corridor.
Can a custom tour be photography-focused?
Yes. We've guided photographers from beginners to working pros. Photography-focused tours build the day around light, wildlife behavior, and position — sunrise starts, golden hour returns, and time on location at the right pullouts. Tell us your gear and your priorities ahead of time and we'll plan accordingly.
Can you build a multi-day private Yellowstone itinerary?
Yes — two-day, three-day, four-day, and five-day private custom itineraries are all available. We can also help with lodging recommendations in Island Park, West Yellowstone, and inside the park.
Is a custom tour good for families?
Yes — custom tours are often the best fit for families because the day can be paced exactly for your kids and your grandparents. Shorter driving stretches, frequent stops, snacks and bathroom breaks built in, and a guide who's as engaging with a six-year-old as with an adult.
Can a custom tour focus only on wildlife?
Absolutely. If you want a pure wildlife day — wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose — we'll build that. The dedicated Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour is our standard wildlife product, but custom wildlife tours let you target specific species, specific valleys, or multi-day searches.
Can a custom tour focus only on geysers and thermal features?
Yes. A custom geyser-and-thermal-focused tour can go deeper than the standard Lower Loop — adding Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Black Sand Basin, the Biscuit Basin, and the less-visited thermal areas most visitors miss. Pairs naturally with a half day of geology storytelling.
Where do custom tours depart from?
We pick up from lodging in Island Park, Idaho and West Yellowstone, Montana. Island Park is roughly twenty minutes from the park's West Entrance.
How far in advance should I book a custom tour?
Sooner is better, especially for summer, the September elk rut, and any multi-day or holiday-week itinerary. Our guide availability is limited — we run a small number of tours on purpose. For peak season, four to eight weeks ahead is typical; multi-day and Grand Teton combinations often book three to six months out.
What other tours does Island Park Expeditions offer?
In addition to custom tours, we offer the Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour, the Private Lower Loop Yellowstone Van Tour, and UTV and snowmobile rentals in Island Park.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom private Yellowstone tour cost?
Custom private Yellowstone tours start at $900 for a full day for the group, not per person. Multi-day, photography-focused, and extended-hour tours are quoted based on the itinerary. Pricing includes guide, vehicle, scope, binoculars, lunch, snacks, water, and pickup from Island Park or West Yellowstone lodging. Park entrance fees are not included.
Can a custom tour combine Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
Yes — and it's one of our most-requested itineraries. The most common version is a two- to four-day private custom tour that covers the Yellowstone highlights and adds a Grand Teton day for sunrise at Oxbow Bend, the Tetons, and the Antelope Flats wildlife corridor.
Can a custom tour be photography-focused?
Yes. We've guided photographers from beginners to working pros. Photography-focused tours build the day around light, wildlife behavior, and position — sunrise starts, golden hour returns, and time on location at the right pullouts. Tell us your gear and your priorities ahead of time and we'll plan accordingly.
Can you build a multi-day private Yellowstone itinerary?
Yes — two-day, three-day, four-day, and five-day private custom itineraries are all available. We can also help with lodging recommendations in Island Park, West Yellowstone, and inside the park.
Is a custom tour good for families?
Yes — custom tours are often the best fit for families because the day can be paced exactly for your kids and your grandparents. Shorter driving stretches, frequent stops, snacks and bathroom breaks built in, and a guide who's as engaging with a six-year-old as with an adult.
Can a custom tour focus only on wildlife?
Absolutely. If you want a pure wildlife day — wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose — we'll build that. The dedicated Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour is our standard wildlife product, but custom wildlife tours let you target specific species, specific valleys, or multi-day searches.
Can a custom tour focus only on geysers and thermal features?
Yes. A custom geyser-and-thermal-focused tour can go deeper than the standard Lower Loop — adding Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Black Sand Basin, the Biscuit Basin, and the less-visited thermal areas most visitors miss. Pairs naturally with a half day of geology storytelling.
Where do custom tours depart from?
We pick up from lodging in Island Park, Idaho and West Yellowstone, Montana. Island Park is roughly twenty minutes from the park's West Entrance.
How far in advance should I book a custom tour?
Sooner is better, especially for summer, the September elk rut, and any multi-day or holiday-week itinerary. Our guide availability is limited — we run a small number of tours on purpose. For peak season, four to eight weeks ahead is typical; multi-day and Grand Teton combinations often book three to six months out.
What other tours does Island Park Expeditions offer?
In addition to custom tours, we offer the Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour, the Private Lower Loop Yellowstone Van Tour, and UTV and snowmobile rentals in Island Park.
Book Your Custom Private Yellowstone Tour
If your ideal Yellowstone trip doesn't fit neatly into a standard tour, build the trip around what you actually want. Tell us your dates, your group, and what matters most — we'll design the itinerary, you'll react to it, and on tour day, your guide makes it happen.
Questions before you book? Reach out — we'd rather talk through what you're hoping to see than have you book the wrong tour.
Book Your Custom Private Yellowstone Tour
If your ideal Yellowstone trip doesn't fit neatly into a standard tour, build the trip around what you actually want. Tell us your dates, your group, and what matters most — we'll design the itinerary, you'll react to it, and on tour day, your guide makes it happen.
Questions before you book? Reach out — we'd rather talk through what you're hoping to see than have you book the wrong tour.
Book Your Custom Private Yellowstone Tour
If your ideal Yellowstone trip doesn't fit neatly into a standard tour, build the trip around what you actually want. Tell us your dates, your group, and what matters most — we'll design the itinerary, you'll react to it, and on tour day, your guide makes it happen.
Questions before you book? Reach out — we'd rather talk through what you're hoping to see than have you book the wrong tour.