7-Day Lower Antelope, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City Tour

Discover the land of striking landscapes on this 7-day itinerary from Los Angeles to some of America’s most renowned natural wonders. Priced at $1,267 per person, this tour takes you through the Mojave Desert, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Salt Lake City, and the lively streets of Las Vegas. With a mix of guided excursions, scenic drives, and free time, it’s tailored for travelers eager to see some of the West’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to witness iconic landscapes like Antelope Canyon and Yellowstone in a single trip—which is hard to beat for the sheer diversity of scenery. Plus, the inclusion of National Park entry fees and some of the most scenic drives means you’re getting good value for your money. That said, the tour’s long driving hours and packed schedule might feel a little rushed for those seeking a more relaxed pace.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind spending significant days on the road and want a broad overview of key landmarks with a knowledgeable guide. However, if you prefer more time at each site or a more leisurely experience, this might feel a bit too fast-paced.

Key Points

• Diverse Landscapes: From the stunning slot canyons of Antelope to the geysers of Yellowstone, the tour offers a wide variety of scenery.
• All-Inclusive Parks: Entry fees for Yellowstone and Grand Teton are included, making the experience more seamless.
• Expert Guides: The reviews highlight guides like Ethan Yuen, who are professional and engaging.
• Long Days, Rich Experiences: Expect full days of sightseeing, often 7 hours or more at parks, with some stops being particularly memorable.
• Varied Accommodation: Hotels vary based on the day, with some nights in well-rated locations like West Yellowstone or Salt Lake City.
• Some Criticisms: One review mentions less-than-ideal group dynamics and language barriers, which could impact the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Starting in Los Angeles, Heading into the Desert

Your journey begins early in Los Angeles, with a drive through the Mojave Desert, where you’ll see iconic Joshua trees and barren plains. Traveling by bus, you’ll get a scenic introduction to the southwestern landscape. While the drive is long—around 10 hours—you’ll find that the changing scenery keeps you engaged. It’s a good way to kick off a trip packed with natural wonders.

Day 2: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Your first major stop is Lower Antelope Canyon, a true marvel of nature carved by water into swirling, twisting shapes. The tour involves stepping off the bus onto desert terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must. This slot canyon is often described as an otherworldly experience, and the light filtering through narrow openings creates vibrant hues. One reviewer appreciated the “amazing views” and the opportunity to step into a landscape shaped over thousands of years.

Alongside Antelope, you’ll visit Glen Canyon, which holds back Lake Powell—a sprawling reservoir with countless side canyons. Passing by Horseshoe Bend provides another breathtaking photo op: a nearly perfect meander of the Colorado River that looks like a giant horseshoe from above. The admission to Horseshoe Bend is included, making it a straightforward stop. Travelers love the views, though some note the short visit (about an hour) leaves little time for lingering.

Nights are spent either in Salt Lake City or nearby hotels, depending on your schedule.

Day 3: Salt Lake City, Jackson, and Grand Teton

Moving into Salt Lake City, you’ll get a taste of the local culture before heading towards Jackson, Wyoming. The Antler Arches at Jackson Town Square are a quirky highlight—thousands of elk antlers make these arches uniquely memorable.

Your scenic drive takes you into Grand Teton National Park, with its jagged mountain peaks and stunning vistas. The scenic loop drive offers incredible photo opportunities—think rugged mountains reflected in shimmering lakes. One reviewer remarked how spectacular the mountain views are, and you’ll notice the clean, crisp air that makes the scenery even more striking.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Yellowstone, where highlights include Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, and Fountain Paint Pot. The guide’s schedule might vary, but the entry to Yellowstone is included, ensuring you don’t need to worry about extra costs. Visitors often mention the “breathtaking geothermal features” and the chance to see wildlife, although some note the weather can impact visibility.

Day 4: Yellowstone’s Full Day of Wonders

Expect a full day in Yellowstone, exploring its geothermal marvels, waterfalls, and lakes. Stops include the Norris Geyser Basin, Upper Yellowstone Falls, Artist Point, and Mammoth Hot Springs. The 7-hour itinerary means you’ll see many of Yellowstone’s highlights, but given the size and diversity of the park, it’s still a whistle-stop.

One review mentions the “impressive geyser displays” and the chance to photograph animals in Hayden Valley. Keep in mind that some attractions, like the East Entrance, might be closed during certain seasons, so your guide may adjust accordingly.

Day 5: More Yellowstone & the Great Salt Lake

Your exploration continues with another 3-hour tour of Yellowstone, focusing on colors of the Palette, Fountain Paint Pot, and Old Faithful erupting again. The Grand Prismatic Spring remains a top photo spot—its vibrant colors are unlike anything else in the park.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-thru wildlife park where you can see bears and other animals up close. Reviewers who love wildlife photography rave about this stop, though it’s not included in the basic package.

Later, the tour visits the Great Salt Lake, the largest inland saltwater body in the U.S. It’s a surreal experience, with some reviewers describing it as a “salt-encrusted, vast body of water”—a fitting end to a day full of natural contrasts.

Day 6: Salt Lake City Sights and Final Nature Stops

Back in Salt Lake City, you’ll explore Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol, both free attractions rich in local history and architecture. This quieter morning provides a contrast to the previous days’ adventures.

In the late afternoon, the tour heads to Las Vegas, where you’ll take in the vibrant Strip—bright lights, bustling casinos, and world-famous landmarks. Some travelers opt for the optional Las Vegas Night Tour with Helicopter, adding a spectacular view of the city’s glittering skyline.

Day 7: Las Vegas Highlights & Departure

Your last day features visits to M&M’s World and the Las Vegas Welcome Sign, perfect for photos and souvenirs. The optional FlyOver Las Vegas simulator is a fun way to experience flying over the city’s landmarks without leaving your seat.

Later, there’s a visit to the Seven Magic Mountains, a colorful sculpture installation in the desert. If you’re heading home from Las Vegas, this might be your last memorable photo stop before heading back to Los Angeles, a drive of about 5 hours.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Perspectives

The positive feedback highlights guides like Ethan Yuen, who are described as “professional and funny,” making the long days more enjoyable. Tourists also rave about the stunning views at Yellowstone and Antelope Canyon—truly unforgettable landscapes.

However, there are notable criticisms. One reviewer expressed frustration with the group dynamics, noting that only two people were grouped with Chinese-speaking travelers, which affected communication and overall enjoyment. This underscores the importance of discussing group composition if language or cultural comfort is a priority.

Some travelers comment on the long driving hours, which, though necessary to cover the vast distances, can be tiring. Yet, most appreciated the value of seeing major landmarks in a week—something that would be hard to accomplish on your own.

The Value of This Tour

Compared to planning your own trip, this tour offers the advantage of expert guiding and included entry fees, reducing logistical hassle. The hotels are generally well-rated, and the scenic drives through mountain passes and along lakes are genuinely striking.

The cost might seem high at first glance, but when you factor in the entry fees, guided tours, and convenient transportation, it’s a reasonable option for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free experience. Just keep in mind that the schedule is quite packed, with little free time at some stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This trip is best for adventurous travelers who want to see many highlights without the stress of organizing logistics. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with long days and bus travel and looking for diverse landscapes—from slot canyons to geysers, mountains, and salt lakes.

Those who value guides knowledgeable about the area’s geology and history will find this especially rewarding. However, if you prefer more leisurely exploration or more time at each site, you might want to consider a different, less packed itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate. Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind that some attractions involve long days, so plan accordingly.

Are meals included in this tour?
No, food and beverages are not included, so bring snacks, water, or plan to purchase meals along the way.

How much time will I spend at Yellowstone?
Expect about 7 hours on the full-day Yellowstone excursion, with stops at major geothermal and waterfall sites.

Are the hotels comfortable?
Hotels vary based on the night; reviews suggest they are well-rated, with some nights in Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone.

What’s the best way to handle the long driving hours?
Bring entertainment, snacks, and comfortable clothing. The scenery is spectacular, so try to enjoy the views during the drive.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The operator reserves the right to adjust the schedule, and some stops may vary based on weather or traffic.

Is there any free time during the tour?
Most days are packed with scheduled activities, so free time is limited. But you’ll have the chance to explore some locations on your own.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 55 travelers, which can be a mix of solo travelers, couples, or families.

Are park entry fees included?
Yes, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Great Salt Lake, and Horseshoe Bend admissions are covered.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended. Some attractions involve walking on rugged terrain, so be prepared.

In essence, this tour offers a whirlwind adventure through the American West’s most iconic landscapes. It’s perfect for those eager to see a wide array of sights with the benefit of guided insight, but it does come with the need for a good pair of walking shoes and a sense of adventure for long days on the road. If you’re looking for an active, scenery-packed experience that balances nature with some cultural stops, this could be just what you need.