Salt Lake City: Yellowstone National Park 6-Day Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American West, this 6-day guided tour from Salt Lake City offers a comprehensive peek into Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and famous landmarks like Mount Rushmore. While we haven’t personally joined this trip, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a well-rounded option for those craving scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and hassle-free logistics.

What we love about this tour is how it balances stunning natural sights with carefully planned stops that don’t make you feel rushed. The presence of expert guides makes a difference, especially when they provide insightful commentary and helpful tips. The comfortable accommodations and seamless transportation ensure the focus stays on the experience, not logistics. However, a possible consideration is that the tour covers a lot of ground in just six days, which might mean long driving hours for some travelers. It’s best suited for those willing to keep a steady pace and eager to see a mix of parks, monuments, and historic sites.

This tour would appeal particularly to travelers who appreciate organized group travel with guided commentary, want to see a variety of landmarks in a short time, and value good transportation and accommodations. If your goal is a relaxed, flexible trip with plenty of free time, you might prefer a different style of tour. But for those keen on an immersive, varied journey through some of America’s top sights, this offers excellent value and richness in experience.

Good To Know:

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides (notably Johnny Xu and Chris) enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Five nights in functional hotels, helping you relax after busy days.
• Seamless Transportation: High-roof vans or buses make traveling between sites straightforward.
• Good Value: Entry fees and some major attractions are included, making the upfront cost more appealing.
• Long Days, Full Schedule: Be prepared for extensive driving and a packed itinerary that maximizes sightseeing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Analyzing the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Hometown to Salt Lake City

The tour begins with your own arrangements to Salt Lake City, where the guide will be ready to assist with hotel check-in. The hotel, Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport, is straightforward and functional, providing a comfortable base for the journey ahead. Most travelers arrive in the afternoon, giving you a chance to rest or explore the city briefly before the adventure begins.

Day 2: First Glimpse of Yellowstone and Grand Teton

The second day is an exciting start to the parks with a full schedule of highlights. After breakfast, there’s a brief stop at the Flying J Travel Center for restrooms and snacks before heading to Jackson. The town square offers a charming glimpse of old West architecture and elk antler arches, which set the tone for the region’s rugged charm.

Next up is the Grand Teton National Park, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views from Teton Point Overlook—an Instagram-worthy spot that offers a perfect introduction to the mountain range’s majesty. Then it’s on to Yellowstone’s West Thumb Geyser Basin, where colorful hot springs and geysers by Yellowstone Lake make for a spectacular first impression.

The day culminates with the iconic Old Faithful eruption, a must-see that’s worth the early wake-up call. We loved the way the tour combines natural beauty with accessible hikes, like at the Prismatic Spring and Fountain Paint Pot, which showcase Yellowstone’s thermal wonders.

Day 3: Yellowstone’s Geysers and Waterfalls

This day dives deeper into Yellowstone’s geothermal features. The Norris Geyser Basin hosts the tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser, a fascinating spectacle for those interested in geothermal activity. The Upper Falls and Artist Point offer jaw-dropping views of the Yellowstone River and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone—viewpoints that truly highlight the park’s rugged, dramatic landscape.

The Mud Volcano area is a bubbling, colorful spectacle, and reviewers appreciated the moderate hikes that aren’t too strenuous but enough to get you close to nature’s wonderworks. After a full day of exploring, the group heads to Sheridan for overnight.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Day 4: Iconic Monuments and Native American Heritage

Day four is packed with some of the most recognizable American landmarks. The visit to Devils Tower offers stunning views and a sense of sacred significance, especially for Native American communities. The hike here is moderate but rewarding.

Moving on, you’ll see Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial—both awe-inspiring sculptures that symbolize American history and Native American heritage. We noted from reviews that guides like Johnny Xu often switch between English and Mandarin, making sure diverse groups feel included. Arriving in Casper, you’ll settle into another hotel, preparing for the next day’s big drive.

Day 5: Historic Landmarks and Return to Salt Lake City

The route back includes a stop at Independence Rock, a historic Oregon Trail landmark etched with pioneer inscriptions. Such sites add a tangible sense of American history to the trip, beyond just scenic views.

Later, the tour explores Salt Lake City itself, with visits to the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square—both offering insight into the city’s cultural and religious heart. The day wraps up with a transfer back to Salt Lake City, where you’ll stay near the airport.

Day 6: The Great Salt Lake and Departure

Your final morning includes a visit to the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It’s a unique ecosystem and offers a fitting close to your trip—an otherworldly landscape that’s as fascinating as the parks. The tour concludes with drop-off at Salt Lake City International Airport, with transfers arranged for flights scheduled after noon.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour uses high-roof vans or buses, which are spacious enough for comfort during long drives. Given the extensive distances covered—spanning multiple states—these vehicles make the trip manageable, especially for those not keen on self-driving or planning multiple stops. The group size isn’t specified, but reviews indicate a diverse mix of travelers, often speaking different languages, which suggests a well-managed, moderate group size.

Accommodation & Meals

While meals are not included, the tour provides hotel stays that are described as functional and comfortable, enough to rest after busy sightseeing days. Guests have mentioned the hotels as “functional” and “hotels were sometimes amazing,” reflecting a range but generally decent standards. The focus here is on the experience rather than luxury, so packing some snacks and planning for meals on your own makes sense.

Cost & Value

At $1,398 per person, the tour strikes a balance between affordability and coverage. With entry fees for parks and major attractions included, you’re not surprised by hidden costs. Reviewers felt the value was good, especially considering the dense itinerary and expert guidance.

What Travelers Are Saying

Multiple reviews praise guides like Johnny Xu and Chris for their knowledge, caring attitude, and bilingual explanations that help diverse groups understand what they’re seeing. One traveler noted that guides provided excellent tips on restaurants and restrooms, which can be surprisingly helpful on such a packed schedule.

In terms of sightseeing, guests mention the stunning views at Yellowstone’s waterfalls and geysers, and the impressive scale of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. A reviewer described the trip as “incredible” and highlighted how the views alone made the long drives worthwhile.

Some feedback points out the long driving hours and the fact that the guide sometimes sticks closely to the schedule, which might limit spontaneity. One traveler commented on missing some additional stops, like Bighorn Forest Viewpoint, due to the strict itinerary.

The Bottom Line: Is This Tour for You?

This tour is a fantastic pick for travelers who want a rundown of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and iconic monuments like Mount Rushmore. It’s perfect for those who value guided experiences with knowledgeable guides, as well as comfortable, practical accommodations.

If you’re someone who enjoys seeing a lot in a short amount of time and doesn’t mind long days of travel and sightseeing, this tour offers excellent value for the price. It’s especially suited for families, first-timers, or travelers eager to tick many major sights off their list without the stress of planning every detail.

However, if your ideal trip involves more flexibility, spontaneous stops, or detailed, slow-paced exploration, this might feel a bit hurried. Also, keep in mind the physical aspect—there’s a fair amount of walking and hiking, but nothing too strenuous, making it accessible for most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is airport pickup offered at the start of the tour? No, the tour begins with hotel check-in, and you are responsible for your own transport to Salt Lake City.

Where do I check in for the tour? You check in at the Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport at 5575 W Amelia Earhart Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84116.

What is included in the price? The tour price covers hotel accommodations for five nights, national park entry fees (Yellowstone, Grand Teton), and entry to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included, so you should plan to dine on your own.

What kind of transportation is used? The tour uses high-roof vans or buses, which are comfortable for long drives across multiple states.

How many nights do I stay in each place? The itinerary includes five nights in hotels—most in West Yellowstone, Sheridan, Casper, and Salt Lake City.

Can children participate? The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women under 24 weeks may also participate.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 4 days in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable clothing suitable for various weather conditions, some hiking shoes, and essentials like water and sun protection.

Final Thoughts

This Salt Lake City to Yellowstone 6-Day Tour offers a well-structured, scenic journey through some of America’s most iconic natural and historic sights. It strikes a good balance between guided expertise and free exploration, making it ideal for first-timers or those wanting an intensive overview. The inclusion of park fees and key landmarks adds to its value, while the knowledgeable guides ensure you gain more than just a visual experience—they provide context and insights that enrich your visit.

While it’s a fast-paced trip with long drives, it’s also a chance to see breathtaking landscapes, learn about American heritage, and enjoy comfortable accommodations along the way. If you’re eager for a memorable, all-in-one adventure in the American West, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

You can check if your dates are available here: