5 Day Temple Square Shared Minivan Tour

Discover the Wonders of the American Southwest and Yellowstone on a 5-Day Temple Square Shared Minivan Tour
This 5-day journey from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City packs in some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Utah and Yellowstone, with stops at Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Yellowstone’s geothermal marvels. For $1,708 per person, you’ll enjoy luxury van seating, two nights inside Yellowstone lodges, and the company of a knowledgeable guide, all with a small group of just 10 travelers.

What we love most about this tour is the intimate group size, which allows for more personal interaction and better opportunities for photography. Plus, the inside Yellowstone lodges offer a genuine feel of the park’s grandeur, far from the crowds of day-trippers. That said, the tour’s busy itinerary means you’ll need to be comfortable with long days of sightseeing and considerable travel time. If you’re eager to see iconic landscapes without the hassle of planning each detail, this tour offers a great mix of comfort, adventure, and authentic scenery.

This experience is best suited for travelers who crave in-depth exposure to some of America’s most famous natural landmarks, appreciate guided insights, and don’t mind a packed schedule. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to visit Zion, Yellowstone, and iconic sites like Antelope Canyon, this tour offers excellent value.

Key Points

Intimate Group Size: Small tours of just 10 travelers for a more personalized experience.
Diverse Landscapes: From Zion’s giant rocks to Yellowstone’s geothermal features, the variety is remarkable.
Comfort & Convenience: Luxury van transport, hotel stays, and guided commentary.
Breathtaking Stops: Iconic sights like Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Old Faithful, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Time-Efficient: Carefully curated stops to maximize your sightseeing without feeling rushed.
All-Inclusive Feel: Lodging, transportation, and access to many natural wonders included.

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Zion National Park & Seven Magic Mountains

Your adventure kicks off with Zion National Park, Utah’s most visited. We loved the way Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs and deep canyons create an almost surreal landscape. It’s easy to see why Zion is a favorite for hikers and photographers alike. The tour includes a 1.5-hour stop, giving you time to soak in the scenery, snap photos, or stretch your legs.

Next, a quick 30-minute stop at the Seven Magic Mountains, a bold public art installation in the Mojave Desert. Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s towering, colorful stone formations make for striking photos and a reminder of the creative spirit blending with Utah’s rugged beauty.

Day 2: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell

Day 2 is packed with some of the most iconic Arizona sights. Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon shaped over millions of years, promises stunning light beams and swirling sandstone—though note, the canyon entrance fee isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for that.

Just a 1-hour stop at Horseshoe Bend offers panoramic views of the Colorado River curving into a perfect horseshoe shape—a spot recognized by National Geographic as one of the top seven photography locations in the U.S. It’s a jaw-dropping view that will make your camera work hard.

A 30-minute stop at Lake Powell provides a chance to appreciate its vastness—an expansive reservoir popular for boating and water activities.

Day 3: Utah’s Great Salt Lake & Yellowstone Introduction

Morning begins with a brief visit to the Great Salt Lake, the second-largest saltwater lake worldwide, famous for its high salinity and surreal, shimmering surface. It’s a quick stop but one you shouldn’t miss for its unique environment.

Later, there’s an optional visit to Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-through wildlife park where you can see bears, bison, and elk up close—an excellent choice if you love animals. If you skip this, the guide will use the time for other sightseeing.

The highlight of the day is the Old Faithful Geyser, renowned for its regular eruptions. Watching this natural marvel erupt is a truly memorable experience, and the 1.5-hour stop gives plenty of time to explore the surrounding geothermal features.

Day 4: Yellowstone’s Highlights

Yellowstone’s extensive landscapes shine on day 4. The tour includes Yellowstone Lake, the park’s largest high-altitude body of water, surrounded by stunning scenery. Hayden Valley is the second-best wildlife viewing area, where early risers can spot bison, elk, or even wolves if luck is on your side.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone offers some of the park’s most impressive vistas—its colorful cliffs and roaring waterfalls are awe-inspiring. Artist Point is a favorite viewpoint, providing a postcard-perfect view of the canyon.

The Upper Falls is a powerful cascade, dropping 109 feet, and can be appreciated from various vantage points.

Later, geothermal wonders come into focus with visits to Yellowstone Hot Springs, rich in minerals, and Mammoth Hot Springs, known for its striking limestone terraces. The Roosevelt Arch stands as an iconic symbol at the park’s north entrance, perfect for a photo.

Day 5: Teton Mountains & Salt Lake City

Your final day begins at West Thumb Geyser Basin, a geothermal area along Yellowstone Lake, with colorful hot springs and fumaroles.

Next, a visit to Grand Teton National Park introduces you to towering peaks and rugged scenery. The park’s scenic drive provides spectacular views of the Teton Range, with some travelers noting it’s a highlight of the trip.

Finally, the tour concludes in Salt Lake City with a visit to the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square. The Capitol’s neoclassical architecture and Temple Square’s historic and religious significance make for meaningful cultural stops.

What Travelers Say and Why It Matters

Though the tour is newly listed and lacks a formal rating, the reviews highlight some common themes. Travelers appreciated knowledgeable guides who offered insights into the landscape and history—important for truly appreciating each stop. The stunning views at sites like Horseshoe Bend and Yellowstone’s waterfalls were frequently praised as breathtaking.

One reviewer noted, “The guide really brought the parks to life with stories and facts I hadn’t known,” showing how guided commentary enriches the experience. Another pointed out that the small group size made navigation easier and gave us more time at each sight.

A potential drawback is the busy schedule—days are long, and some stops are brief. It’s a good choice for those comfortable with a tight itinerary who want a rundown without driving all the distances themselves.

Why This Tour Offers a Strong Value

For $1,708, you’re paying for transportation, lodging, guided insights, and access to incredible sites—a lot to consider when planning a similar DIY trip. The lodges in Yellowstone, in particular, offer a level of comfort and immersion that can be costly and difficult to organize independently.

The tour’s focus on authentic landscapes combined with guided commentary makes it ideal for travelers who want to learn as they go, without the stress of route planning or booking accommodations separately. The inclusion of luxury van seating means you’ll travel in comfort, even on long stretches.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re eager for a well-organized, hassle-free way to see Zion, Antelope Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Teton Range, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy learning from guides, value small groups, and want to experience Yellowstone’s geothermal features without the hassle of navigating alone.

Travelers who appreciate stunning photo opportunities and want to maximize their time at iconic sites will find this itinerary rewarding. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or less travel, this might be a bit intensive.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from Los Angeles? Yes, the tour includes transportation from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City in a professional tour vehicle with insurance.
How many people are in the group? The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
Are hotel accommodations included? Yes, you will stay in hotels for four nights—inside Yellowstone lodges, providing a comfortable base.
What’s the tour duration? The tour lasts approximately 5 days, with carefully curated stops each day.
Are meals included? No, meals are not included, so you’ll need to budget for food during the trip.
Can I visit Antelope Canyon? Yes, but note that the canyon entrance fee isn’t included, so plan accordingly.
What is the best time of year to take this tour? While the tour details don’t specify seasons, most sites are best enjoyed in spring, summer, or early fall.
Is this suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but consider the long days and walking involved.
What should I pack? Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers for variable weather, and a camera for all the photo-worthy moments.
What is the cancellation policy? The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this 5-day Temple Square Shared Minivan Tour offers a rich and balanced way to experience some of the wildest and most scenic parts of Utah and Yellowstone. It combines expert guidance, comfortable travel, and memorable sights, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to explore without the hassle of extensive planning. If you value intimate group sizes, stunning landscapes, and insider knowledge, this tour is likely to leave you with lasting impressions—and plenty of photos.