5Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Tour from SLC

Experience the best of Yellowstone and Grand Teton in five days with this thoughtfully curated tour from Salt Lake City. Priced at $1,968 per person, it combines iconic landmarks, breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and comfortable accommodations. Led by knowledgeable guides, this trip is perfect for travelers who want a well-organized, immersive experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What we especially like about this tour is how it balances wildlife viewing and geothermal marvels with iconic viewpoints like Jenny Lake and Old Faithful. Plus, riding the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram offers some of the most spectacular mountain panoramas you’ll find in the West. One potential consideration is the tight schedule—if you’re a slow explorer or crave more free time, this might feel a bit rushed. However, if your goal is to see it all in a limited time, the value here is hard to beat. This tour suits active travelers eager to experience both parks’ highlights and who appreciate an expert guide making logistics smoother.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: All major park entrance fees and tickets for attractions like the Jackson Hole Tram and Yellowstone’s geothermal sites are included.
• Comfort and Convenience: Four nights in quality hotels, comfortable transportation, and a professional guide ensure a seamless trip.
• Diverse Highlights: From iconic geysers and waterfalls to wildlife-rich valleys and mountain vistas, every day brings something new.
• Family-Friendly and Accessible: Suitable for most travelers, with some age restrictions and the need for booster seats for children under six.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 13 travelers, you get a more personalized experience.
• Extra Optional Tours: An optional half-day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats adds a unique spectacle to the itinerary.

A Deep Dive into the Yellowstone & Grand Teton Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

Your adventure begins with a convenient transfer from Salt Lake City International Airport, where a friendly guide greets you and helps you settle into the journey ahead. Over the next five days, you’ll cover over a thousand miles, zigzagging through some of America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The tour’s first stop in Pocatello sets the stage, with the drive offering a scenic preview of the open plains giving way to towering mountains.

Day 1 & 2: Entering the Wild West

The second day marks a dramatic shift in scenery, with a six-hour drive into the heart of the Rockies. We loved how this drive is an experience in itself—seeing the transition from plains to mountain ranges prepares your senses for what’s to come. Once in Jackson, the highlight is riding the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. In just 75 minutes, the tram ascends over 4,000 vertical feet, revealing jaw-dropping views of the Teton Range. If you appreciate panoramic vistas, this is a real treat that offers a sense of the grandeur of the mountains.

Afterward, you’ll stroll through Jackson, known for its historic elk antler arches and Old West charm. We found it an enjoyable break—perfect for browsing shops or grabbing a quick lunch on your own. Although meals aren’t included here, the free time allows you to sample local eateries and soak in the mountain atmosphere.

Next, the tour takes you to Jenny Lake, where a gentle walk offers postcard-worthy reflections of the surrounding peaks. The scenery here is so iconic that many travelers say it’s one of the most photographed spots in the park. The Jackson Lake Overlook offers an expansive view, setting the scene for the next day’s wildlife and geothermal adventures.

Days 3 & 4: Yellowstone’s Wonders

Yellowstone’s size and diversity are legendary, and with a full-day dedicated to exploring its highlights, you’ll see why. The itinerary includes stops at Artist Point for a classic view of Lower Falls, and Upper Falls, which is one of the park’s most powerful waterfalls. We loved the way the guide explained the volcanic origins of these formations—making the scenery not just beautiful but meaningful.

Lamar Valley is often called the “Serengeti of North America”—and for good reason. You might spot wolves, bison, and elk roaming in this vast, open landscape. The guide emphasized the importance of patience here; wildlife sightings depend on luck and timing, but the chance to see these animals up close is a highlight many travelers praise.

Mammoth Hot Springs and Fountain Paint Pot showcase Yellowstone’s geothermal diversity. The colorful mineral terraces and bubbling mud pots aren’t just sights—they’re reminders of the park’s incredible volcanic activity. We found the Grand Prismatic Spring particularly stunning, with its vivid rings of color created by heat-loving bacteria—truly a natural masterpiece.

The famous Old Faithful Geyser lives up to its name, erupting roughly every 90 minutes. Being so close to this natural spectacle is a thrill that many reviews mention as a favorite moment. Staying at Canyon Lodge & Cabins provides a cozy base to relax after days packed with exploration.

Day 4: More Yellowstone and a Wildlife Encounter

The second day in Yellowstone offers a chance to explore Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most dynamic geothermal area. The vibrant hot springs and steaming fumaroles create a surreal landscape. Morning Glory Pool, with its deep blue center and bright outer rings, is a favorite for its striking colors.

Later, the tour visits Yellowstone Bear World—a drive-through wildlife park. It’s a family-friendly option that offers close-up views of bears, bison, and wolves in a controlled environment. Multiple travelers appreciated this stop, noting it provided a fun and engaging break from the more strenuous sightseeing.

Day 5: Wrapping Up in Salt Lake City

The last day begins with a relaxed breakfast before exploring Salt Lake City. The Utah State Capitol offers impressive architecture and sweeping views, while Temple Square provides insight into the city’s Mormon heritage. A visit to the Great Salt Lake introduces you to one of Utah’s most unique natural features—its vast, shimmering waters and salty shores. For those interested in the Salt Flats, a half-day optional tour offers a glimpse of this otherworldly landscape, famous for land speed records.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour is priced at $1,968, which, when you consider all included park entries, tickets, hotel stays, and an expert guide, offers solid value. The small group size (up to 13 travelers) means you’ll get more personalized attention compared to larger tours. The modern, comfortable vehicles and headset systems ensure everyone can hear the guide clearly—a small but thoughtful touch.

Meals aren’t included, so budget for lunches and dinners, especially in Jackson and West Yellowstone. The optional Bonneville Salt Flats tour is a nice add-on, if you want to experience this surreal landscape firsthand.

Transportation is well-managed, with pickup at Salt Lake City Airport and hotel accommodations in quality lodges and hotels. The itinerary is ambitious—covering a lot of ground each day—but this is part of the appeal if your goal is to see as much as possible in a limited time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who are active and eager to see a wide variety of landscapes, wildlife, and geothermal features without the hassle of logistics. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton who want a guided overview, as well as those with limited time who prefer a structured, all-inclusive approach. Families with children over six will find it manageable, especially with the included booster seats and family-friendly wildlife stops.

If you’re someone who appreciates expert guides with local knowledge, stunning scenery, and well-paced travel, this tour will meet your expectations. However, if you prefer a more leisurely experience or more free time in each location, you might find the packed schedule a bit demanding.

The Sum Up

This 5-day Yellowstone and Grand Teton tour from Salt Lake City offers a well-rounded blend of natural beauty, wildlife spotting, geothermal marvels, and cultural highlights. The inclusion of all major park entries, comfortable accommodations, and a knowledgeable guide makes it an excellent value for those wanting to maximize their time and sights.

It’s best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see the highlights without the stress of planning every detail. The small group setting makes it more personal, and the variety of stops ensures a comprehensive experience. If you’re looking for a trip that delivers the essence of these iconic parks in just five days, this tour hits the mark.

For those who love spectacular vistas, wildlife encounters, and geothermal wonders, this adventure could be your perfect escape into the rugged beauty of the American West. Just be prepared for some early mornings and a fair bit of walking, but rest assured, the memories you’ll bring home will be worth every minute.

FAQ

How many days does the tour last?
The tour spans five days, including travel days and park exploration.

What is included in the price?
All major park entrance fees, tickets for attractions like the Jackson Hole Tram and Yellowstone geothermal sites, four nights in hotels, transportation, and a guided experience are included.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so you should budget for lunches and dinners along the way.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour limits groups to 13 travelers, providing a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

What kind of accommodations are provided?
Four nights are spent in comfortable hotels or lodges, with some options like Canyon Lodge & Cabins.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children over six can participate, and booster seats are available for younger kids under six.

Are there optional excursions?
Yes, an optional half-day tour to the Bonneville Salt Flats is available at an extra cost.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and snacks are recommended. Weather can vary, so layered clothing is wise.

What if I want to leave early or cancel?
You can cancel up to six days in advance for a full refund. Leaving early requires informing the guide; no refunds are given for unused portions.

In sum, this tour offers a robust introduction to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, blending natural wonders with practical comforts. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to see the highlights with the guidance of experts and enjoy a hassle-free adventure in some of America’s most stunning landscapes.