Los Angeles: 10-Day Yellowstone National Park Round Tour

Planning a trip that packs in some of the most iconic national parks in the United States can feel overwhelming. That’s where this 10-day small-group tour from Los Angeles shines, promising an adventure through Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Grand Teton. While it’s an ambitious itinerary, it offers a fantastic way to see the highlights with the support of knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the intimate group size—limited to 14 travelers—ensures a more personalized experience and easier access to photo opportunities and interaction. Second, the well-organized route covers a broad swathe of the American West’s most famous parks, offering a sense of variety and awe. Third, the inclusion of high-quality hotels and professional guides adds comfort and expert insights, elevating the overall value.

That said, one point to consider is the pace: some reviews mention long, action-packed days with frequent bus changes and multiple guide shifts, which can be tiring for those craving a more relaxed pace. If you’re looking for a leisurely, in-depth exploration, this might not be the perfect fit.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, once-in-a-lifetime exploration of the American West without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s perfect for those with a sense of adventure, a love for natural landscapes, and a willingness to cover a lot of ground in a limited time.

Good To Know

Small group size ensures more personal attention and flexibility.
Diverse parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Arches provide a wide variety of landscapes and photo opportunities.
Expert guides like David Zhao earn high praise for their knowledge and safety-conscious driving.
Comfortable transportation in modern minibuses makes long days easier.
Accommodation quality is generally high, with at least one night in a 5-star hotel in Las Vegas.
Pace and logistics can be intense, with long travel days and multiple guide changes, which may not suit everyone.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Day 1: Los Angeles to Zion National Park via Seven Magic Mountains

Your adventure kicks off in Los Angeles with a stop at the eye-catching Seven Magic Mountains. This colorful art installation against the desert backdrop offers a perfect photo opportunity before heading to Zion National Park. Zion’s towering cliffs and dramatic canyons are awe-inspiring. You’ll likely spend time exploring the main areas, with overnight in Kanab. Expect an energetic start—this is a day packed with scenery and travel.

Day 2: Kanab, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Salt Lake City

This day immerses you in some of the most photographed sights in the Southwest. Visiting Antelope Canyon, famous for its swirling rock formations and shafts of light, is a highlight (note that entry fees are additional). Nearby, Horseshoe Bend offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado River. Later, you’ll relax at Lake Powell before heading to Salt Lake City for the night. Reviewers appreciate this day’s variety and the chance to see iconic formations, though some note the day involves a lot of driving.

Day 3: Into Yellowstone—Yellowstone Bear World and Geysers

Entering Yellowstone National Park is a major milestone. The day includes an optional stop at Yellowstone Bear World, a good choice if you’re interested in wildlife encounters. Once inside Yellowstone, your guides will help you spot Grand Prismatic Spring, with its vibrant colors, and the Fountain Paint Pots. The iconic Old Faithful Geyser provides a classic Yellowstone experience. Accommodation is near the East Gate, making for convenient access to the park’s main sights.

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Day 4: Yellowstone’s Highlights

This full day explores Yellowstone’s stunning features, including Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Artist Point—famous for its picture-perfect views. The day wraps up at Mammoth Hot Springs and the Roosevelt Arch. The busy itinerary means you’ll get a comprehensive look but might feel some fatigue by day’s end. Reviewers commend the guides’ ability to maximize sightseeing, despite the long hours.

Day 5: Grand Teton and Return to Salt Lake City

Traveling through Grand Teton National Park offers dramatic mountain and lake views. Stops at the West Thumb Geyser Basin provide additional geothermal sights. Returning to Salt Lake City, you visit Utah State Capitol and Temple Square, rounding out the day with cultural insights. This day balances nature and city sights, appreciated by travelers who enjoy a mix of landscapes.

Day 6: Bryce Canyon’s Hoodoos and Unique Formations

Heading south, Bryce Canyon impresses with its surreal hoodoos and amphitheaters carved by erosion. Expect to walk among these striking rock formations and soak in the extraordinary landscape. This stop is often highlighted as a highlight for its otherworldly scenery.

Day 7: Arches and Monument Valley

The red rock Arches National Park is a favorite for its natural stone arches—some famous, some less known but equally stunning. From here, you travel to the legendary Monument Valley area, known for its iconic buttes and cinematic views. The journey ends in Page, Arizona, a hub for exploring further sights.

Day 8: Grand Canyon South Rim

No trip through the American West is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. You’ll have time to explore the South Rim’s vistas, with viewpoints that showcase its vastness and layered rock formations. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth, and the reviews suggest you’ll want your camera ready.

Day 9: Return to Vegas—Futuristic Sphere and Luxury Stay

After a scenic drive back to Las Vegas, you’ll get to see the Sphere, a modern marvel and great photo op. The night in Las Vegas is in a luxury hotel, offering some well-deserved comfort after the long days. Travelers mentioned that this day offers a relaxing contrast to the busy sightseeing.

Day 10: Head back to Los Angeles with a Shopping Stop

Your journey concludes with a visit to Barstow Outlets, perfect for picking up souvenirs or last-minute gifts. The drive back is a fitting end to your adventure, leaving you with memories—and perhaps a few new treasures.

Transportation, Accommodation, and Overall Value

The tour’s round-trip transportation from Los Angeles is a major selling point, especially considering the vast distances covered. The vehicle is described as a professional, modern, air-conditioned minibus—important for making those long travel days more comfortable. The hotel stays are generally of good quality, with one night in a 5-star hotel in Las Vegas adding a touch of luxury.

The cost of $2,136 per person might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the inclusion of hotels, transportation, guides, and many entrances, it offers a reasonable value for the scope. It’s not a budget trip, but it consolidates multiple parks and attractions into one seamless experience, saving you the headaches of logistics and booking.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer praised the guides, especially David Zhao, for his impeccable driving and adaptability, making long days manageable. Others note the quality of accommodations and the well-organized itinerary as significant positives. Conversely, some travelers felt the schedule was rushed, with multiple guide changes and repetitive visits to certain parks like Bryce and Zion, which could be a downside if you prefer a slower pace.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see top national parks in a limited time frame, without the hassle of planning each detail. If you value expert guides and comfortable transport and don’t mind long days, this is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed, in-depth exploration or traveling with small children or mobility issues, you might find the pace challenging.

Final Thoughts

This 10-day Yellowstone round tour offers a solid mix of must-see parks and landscapes, guided by professionals who know the terrain well. It’s a great way to tick off the big names—Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Arches—and get a taste of what makes the American West so special.

While the packed schedule isn’t for everyone, those who thrive on seeing a lot in a short period will find this trip worthwhile. The quality of guides, the comfort of transportation, and the variety of landscapes make it a compelling option for travelers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of iconic American national parks.

Who Should Book?

Those seeking a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to the American West’s highlights. Adventure lovers comfortable with long days and multiple guide changes. Travelers who value quality accommodations and expert insight. And anyone eager to photograph some of the most famous natural wonders in the world.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families? Since the tour involves long days and busy schedules, it’s best suited for older children and adults who can handle extended periods of travel and sightseeing.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen for outdoor activities. Remember, pets are not allowed, and hotel check-in is after 3 pm.

Are meals included? Meals are not included at Yellowstone, and some lunches and dinners are at service stations. This gives flexibility but also means you should budget separately for food.

How many people are in each group? The tour is limited to 14 participants, making for a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours.

What are the accommodation arrangements? You’ll stay in 9 hotels, with at least one night in a 5-star hotel in Las Vegas, providing a balance of comfort and convenience.

Can I cancel or change my reservation? Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

In summary, this tour offers a well-rounded and value-packed adventure into the wild heart of the American West. Perfect for those eager to see the big parks with expert guidance, in comfort, and with a sense of camaraderie.

You can check if your dates are available here: