6-Day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City

Experience the Great American West on a 6-Day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City

This 6-day guided adventure takes you through some of America’s most iconic landmarks, starting in Salt Lake City and winding through Yellowstone National Park, the Black Hills, and beyond. For $1,398 per person, you’ll enjoy a mix of geothermal wonders, rugged mountain scenery, and historic monuments, all with comfortable hotel stays and expert-guided sightseeing.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances stunning scenery with manageable driving distances—you’ll spend plenty of time soaking in the sights without feeling overwhelmed. The second is the knowledgeable guides—reviews specifically praise guides like Chris, Edison, and Yang, highlighting their friendly professionalism and local expertise.

One consideration is the amount of driving involved—expect long days with approximately six hours of travel on some days. This might be a bit tiring for those with limited stamina, but it’s a small trade-off for seeing so much in a short time.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, geology, and American history—if you’re eager to explore Yellowstone’s geysers, the Black Hills’ monuments, and historic sites like Independence Rock, this is a great fit. It’s especially ideal if you prefer guided travel to handle logistics and want a well-organized experience that covers a lot of ground in a compact schedule.

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, and historic landmarks.
Expert guides consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and driving skills.
Comfortable transportation and lodging ensure a relaxed experience despite long travel days.
Authentic scenic experiences, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and panoramic mountain views.
Good value considering included park fees, entry tickets, and guided service.
Long days with significant driving, suitable for active travelers comfortable with road trips.

Exploring Yellowstone and Beyond: What’s in Store?

This tour is designed for those who want a deep dive into the American West’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. From Salt Lake City, you’ll journey through varied landscapes, with each day packed with memorable stops. Let’s walk through what makes each part of this trip stand out.

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Day 1: Starting in Salt Lake City

You’ll begin by flying into Salt Lake City, Utah’s largest city, where your tour guide will assist with hotel shuttle arrangements. Check-in at the Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport by 3 pm, giving you a little time to settle before the adventure begins. The convenience of this hotel’s location near the airport means you’re close to the start of the journey but also have easy access if you need to arrive early or rest after a long flight.

Day 2: The Wonders of Yellowstone and Grand Teton

The first full day on the road is packed with highlights. Expect a roughly six-hour drive to Yellowstone, with several stops en route, including a restroom break at Flying J Travel Center, which is always appreciated after a morning flight.

The day kicks off with a stop in Jackson, Wyoming, famous for its elk antler arches in the town square—a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs. From there, you’ll enjoy a stunning view at Teton Point, where rugged peaks create a dramatic backdrop—ideal for photography.

Next, it’s time for Yellowstone’s geothermal marvels. West Thumb Geyser Basin, along Yellowstone Lake, boasts colorful hot springs and steaming fumaroles, offering a magical glimpse into the park’s geothermal activity. The highlight is Old Faithful, erupting approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet high—truly a bucket-list moment.

The day ends with a visit to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S., with its vibrant rainbow colors and swirling depths that captivate visitors. The Fountain Paint Pot area provides a bubbling, colorful display of mud pots, hot springs, and geysers.

Reviewers like Josephine mention how the “awesome views are worth it,” and the guide Edison’s skill in navigating Yellowstone’s roads makes the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Day 3: Yellowstone’s Geothermal and Waterfall Marvels

Continuing into Yellowstone’s interior, your guide will take you to Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most dynamic geothermal area in the park. Expect to see a variety of steaming springs and geysers—a photographer’s paradise.

The Upper Yellowstone Falls and artist’s overlook, Artist Point, offer breathtaking views of the canyon’s dramatic waterfalls—an absolute must-see. Visitors often describe this viewpoint as “breathtaking,” and it’s easy to see why.

You’ll also visit the Mud Volcano area, where bubbling mud pots and steaming vents underscore Yellowstone’s ongoing geothermal activity.

According to reviews, the tour’s pacing allows you to enjoy these sights without feeling rushed, and the included walking and hiking are manageable.

Day 4: The Black Hills and Iconic Monuments

A longer travel day takes you northwest, stopping at Devils Tower in Wyoming—an inspiring monolithic formation that rises over a thousand feet and is sacred to Native American tribes. The towering hexagonal columns are striking up close, and the walk around the base is both easy and fascinating.

From there, you’ll head into South Dakota’s Black Hills, where the tour visits Mount Rushmore, arguably America’s most recognizable monument. The carved faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are impressive in scale and detail—an iconic symbol of U.S. history.

A stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial adds a Native American perspective, with ongoing sculpture work honoring the Sioux warrior. Reviews praise the museum and visitor center, making this a meaningful stop.

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Day 5: Historic Landmarks and the Oregon Trail

The journey continues eastward, visiting Independence Rock, a key landmark for pioneers traveling west on the Oregon Trail. The large granite outcrop is a fascinating glimpse into frontier history.

Next, a break in Green River, Wyoming, allows for some downtime and lunch before heading to Salt Lake City. Here, the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square offer cultural and spiritual insights. The Capitol’s neoclassical architecture and the beautiful gardens around Temple Square are both photo-worthy and culturally enriching.

Day 6: The Great Salt Lake and Departure

Your final morning includes a visit to the Great Salt Lake, known as America’s Dead Sea for its high salinity and unique environment. Expect stunning views and perhaps a few curious birds—this is a great spot to reflect on your journey.

Afterward, transportation to Salt Lake City International Airport makes returning home straightforward. With flights scheduled after noon, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the morning.

The Overall Experience: What Makes It Stand Out?

This tour’s main strength is its seamless combination of geothermal wonders, mountain scenery, and historic landmarks. The guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor add real value, making the experience feel personalized and trustworthy.

The included park entry fees and tickets mean no surprises or extra costs—another value add—while the comfortable transportation and hotel accommodations keep fatigue at bay, letting you truly enjoy each site.

The long drives are unavoidable given the distances, but reviews suggest that the guides manage traffic and timing skillfully. As Henry points out, “our experience was excellent,” despite the extensive driving.

Most travelers will find the balance of sightseeing and travel time well struck, especially if they’re comfortable with full days. Suitable for active, curious travelers who want an authentic, well-guided trip through the American West.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to see Yellowstone’s geysers and wildlife, explore the Black Hills’ monuments, and walk through historic pioneer landmarks, this tour hits all those points. It’s perfect for those who prefer guided trips that handle logistics and want a rundown of the region’s natural and cultural highlights.

Travelers who appreciate expert guides and don’t mind long days on the road will find this a good value—especially with the included park fees and accommodations.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or a focus on hiking and outdoor adventures, you might find this schedule a bit packed. Still, for most, the experience of seeing these iconic American sights within six days is a compelling offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $1,398 per person, which includes hotel accommodations, park entry fees, and guided transportation, making it a strong value for such comprehensive sightseeing.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 days, with most days involving around 6 hours of travel and multiple sightseeing stops.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so you’ll want to budget for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your own. There’s time for dining at stops like Jackson or Cody, and your guide can recommend options.

What kind of transportation is used?
The tour uses a comfortable high-roof van or bus, providing ample space for luggage and a smooth ride through scenic routes.

Are park tickets included?
Yes, all major park entry fees—Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse—are covered.

Can children join?
Yes, children over 6 years old can participate if they have a booster seat, which is required for safety on some state roads and in accordance with law.

Will I have free time?
Yes, there are some opportunities for independent exploration, such as in Jackson or Salt Lake City, but the itinerary is quite full.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most stops involve easy walking or short hikes, but some sites like Norris Geyser Basin and Artist Point involve moderate walking. It’s best to consider your mobility level.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash or cards for meals and souvenirs, and any personal items needed for a day outdoors.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore tour offers a robust and well-organized way to see some of the most iconic sights of the American West. With knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and solid value, it’s a great choice for travelers eager to cover a lot of ground with the comfort of expert planning.

While the long travel days may not suit everyone, they enable you to experience a diverse range of sights—from geothermal geysers to granite mountains and historic landmarks—in just under a week. If you’re looking for an authentic, guided exploration that balances scenery with history and culture, this tour hits all the marks.

Whether this is your first visit or a return trip, you’ll likely appreciate the well-paced, scenic drive and the chance to enjoy some of America’s most beloved natural wonders with a friendly, knowledgeable group.