7 -Day Tour from Las Vegas to Yellowstone National Park

Experience the best of the American West on this 7-day journey from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, covering stunning national parks, monumental landmarks, and fascinating historic sites. For roughly $1,232 per person, you’ll visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, and the Great Salt Lake, with comfortable hotel stays and guided transport.

What we love about this tour is the focus on iconic natural wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, along with the opportunity to explore the Black Hills and historic Salt Lake City. The experienced guides often receive praise for their knowledge—making these awe-inspiring sights even more meaningful. Plus, the convenience of multi-drop locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles gives you flexibility for your journey home.

A potential drawback is the pace—covering so many spots in just a week can feel rushed, especially at popular attractions where time is limited. Also, some travelers might find the group size of up to 55 a bit impersonal, but most seem satisfied with the overall value. This tour suits those eager to see the highlights of the American West without the hassle of planning every detail, especially if you enjoy guided trips and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Coverage of major landmarks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, and Salt Lake City.
• All-inclusive value: Hotel stays, park entries, and key attractions are covered, offering good value for the price.
• Expert guides: Well-rated guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and storytelling.
• Flexible drop-off points: Multiple Las Vegas and Los Angeles drop-off options for convenience.
• Fast-paced itinerary: The quick itinerary means you’ll see many sites, but with limited time at each.
• Ideal for: Travelers seeking a comprehensive West Coast and national park adventure with minimal planning.

In-Depth Review of the 7-Day Tour

Setting the Scene: Starting from Salt Lake City

This tour kicks off with your arrival in Salt Lake City, where you’ll check into the Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport. The first day is flexible, giving you time to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. It’s ideal for travelers arriving early, as the hotel’s location near the airport makes logistics straightforward.

Day 2: Jackson and Grand Teton

We loved the visit to Jackson’s Elk Antler Arches, crafted from thousands of elk antlers—a quirky, memorable photo spot that immediately sets the tone for the trip. The guide will share some local lore, making the visit more engaging.

Next is Grand Teton National Park, renowned for its towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes. With about an hour here, you get a taste of this rugged, stunning mountain landscape. Expect breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities that will make you want to linger longer, but the short stop keeps the schedule tight.

By afternoon, you’re in Yellowstone National Park, home to some of the world’s most famous geothermal features. From the West Thumb Geyser Basin to Old Faithful, the stops are well-chosen to showcase Yellowstone’s geothermal marvels. We appreciated the detailed descriptions of each feature, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring’s vibrant colors—a true highlight that looks better in person than any photo can convey.

Day 3: Yellowstone’s Hidden Corners

Further exploring Yellowstone, this day includes stops at Norris Geyser Basin and Yellowstone Falls. Norris is often described as the hottest geyser basin, with its stark, volcanic landscape. It’s a fascinating contrast to the more famous geyser areas, offering insight into Yellowstone’s geothermal diversity.

Upper Yellowstone Falls provides a stunning view of the canyon, with sheer cliffs plunging 109 feet. The popular Artist Point offers a postcard-perfect scene—one of those stops that’s worth the quick visit for the chance to see one of the most iconic views in the park.

The Mud Volcano area offers a glimpse into Yellowstone’s volcanic activity, with bubbling mud pots and geothermal craters. If you love geology or hot springs, this spot will fascinate you, though some may find the area somewhat stark compared to the lush thermal features elsewhere.

Day 4: Devils Tower to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

This day shifts gears—visiting the Devils Tower is a must-see for anyone interested in unique geological formations. Rising 1,267 feet, its hexagonal columns make it an unforgettable sight, especially with the story of its origins and the chance to walk around its base.

Moving to South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore sculpture is a sight we’ve all seen in photos, but seeing the colossal carvings in person still leaves a strong impression. The tour gives ample time to appreciate the artistry and the history behind these presidents.

Next is the Crazy Horse Memorial, still under construction but already impressive in scale. The guide emphasizes the cultural significance for the Oglala Lakota, which adds depth to the visit. With about 45 minutes here, you get a meaningful slice of Native American history amid the grandeur of the Black Hills.

Day 5: Historic Landmarks and Salt Lake City

Heading east, you’ll stop at Independence Rock, a key milestone for pioneers heading west. The story of pioneers tracking across the plains adds a human touch to the journey through history.

In Salt Lake City, visits to Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol give a peek into the city’s spiritual and political heart. Both sites are free, and the guides often share engaging stories about Utah’s history and culture, making these stops worthwhile for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Day 6: The Great Salt Lake and Las Vegas

The day begins with the stunning Great Salt Lake, known affectionately as “America’s Dead Sea.” Its high salinity and vast, shimmering waters are fascinating. We liked the way the tour highlights the lake’s unique status and natural beauty.

The evening offers the chance to explore Las Vegas on your own or opt for the optional Night Tour and shows. The lively city is a stark contrast to the natural landscapes, giving you a taste of entertainment, lights, and city life.

Day 7: Vegas and Departure

The final day includes visits to the Las Vegas Welcome Sign, Seven Magic Mountains, and the Outlets at Barstow for some last-minute shopping. If you choose to end your tour in Las Vegas, you’ll get a chance to take selfies at iconic spots and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

The optional Flyover Las Vegas adds a bird’s-eye view of the city—great if you’re into aerial adventures. The tour wraps up with convenient drop-off options in Las Vegas or Los Angeles, making departure plans flexible.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers often praise the knowledgeable guides, emphasizing how their storytelling transforms simple sightseeing into memorable learning moments. One traveler shared, “Chris the guide made the geothermal features come alive, making the trip so much more meaningful.”

Others appreciate the stunning views, especially at Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The opportunity to tick off major landmarks like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring in a short time is a big plus—they’re genuinely breathtaking and photos don’t quite do them justice.

However, some mention the fast pace can make it difficult to fully soak in each site, and the busy schedule might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed or in-depth experience. Still, most agree that the overall value—covering so many highlights in just a week—is impressive for the price.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of the American West’s most famous sights. It’s especially appealing if you prefer guided travel that removes the stress of logistics and leaves you free to enjoy the scenery.

If you’re someone who appreciates geology, history, and iconic landmarks, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also ideal if you want to see a lot without sacrificing comfort, as hotel stays are included, and transportation is organized for you.

That said, if you prefer slow-paced travel or deep dives into fewer locations, you might find this schedule a bit rushed. Still, for a value-packed, adventurous week, it’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers seem to enjoy this tour, especially since it’s designed as a group experience. The reviews highlight that it’s a great option for solo adventurers wanting to explore many sites efficiently.

How many days will I spend at each major site?
The itinerary suggests about 1-3 hours at each major park or monument, enough to see the highlights but with limited time for extensive exploration. For example, expect 3 hours in Yellowstone and 1.5 hours at Mount Rushmore.

Are hotel accommodations included?
Yes, the tour provides 6 nights of hotel stays based on double or queen beds, with a maximum of four travelers per room. For groups larger than four or those wishing separate rooms, separate bookings are recommended.

What attractions are included in the price?
All major parks and attractions—Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the Great Salt Lake—are covered with admission fees included.

Can I customize my drop-off location?
The tour offers multiple drop-off locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles for convenience. Be sure to specify your preferred drop-off when booking to ensure your plans fit.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash for tips or extra expenses, and drinks for hydration during the day’s excursions.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day guided adventure offers a well-balanced mix of natural wonders, iconic landmarks, and historic sites across the American West. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and all major attractions included, it delivers a lot of value for travelers looking to tick off bucket-list sights while avoiding the headache of logistics.

While the schedule can be fast-paced, the trip is ideal for those eager to see ** Yellowstone’s geothermal features, Mount Rushmore, and the stunning mountain vistas of Grand Teton** in one whirlwind week. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or travelers who want a broad snapshot of this diverse region with expert guidance.

If you’re prepared for a busy itinerary and enjoy guided travel, this tour offers a memorable, hassle-free way to experience some of America’s most awe-inspiring sights.