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

If you’re dreaming of seeing some of America’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail, this 6-day guided tour from Salt Lake City might be just what you’re looking for. It promises a mix of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and scenic drives, all with the convenience of included transportation and expert guides. From geysers to mountain views and presidential monuments, there’s a lot packed into this trip.

What really caught our eye are two things: the comprehensive itinerary that hits major highlights in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse, and the positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. On the flip side, the long driving hours might be a consideration for some travelers, especially if you’re more about relaxed sightseeing than a whirlwind tour. If you’re someone who enjoys packed days with a good mix of nature and history, this tour could be a perfect fit.

This experience suits travelers who want a guided approach, enjoy seeing top sights without the stress of self-driving, and are comfortable with long days on the road. Families, groups of friends, or solo adventurers with an interest in America’s national treasures will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• All-inclusive itinerary covers Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more.
• Expert guides and seamless transportation make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Long driving hours are part of the package, but strategic stops help break up the day.
• Stunning scenery and iconic landmarks make this a memorable trip.
• Hotel stays are comfortable, with accommodations spanning Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
• Price reflects a comprehensive experience with entry fees and guided services included, offering good value for seeing multiple major sights.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

This 6-day journey is designed to take you through some of the most photogenic and historically significant sites in the Western United States. The package is priced at $1,398 per person, which, when you consider the included national park entry fees, guided commentary, and comfortable transportation, offers solid value. You’re not just paying for the sights, but for the convenience of having experienced guides handle the logistics.

Day 1: Arrival in Salt Lake City

The trip kicks off with your arrival in Salt Lake City, where you’ll be greeted at the airport around 3 PM and transferred to your hotel, the Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Air. The hotel provides a comfortable base, and the early check-in allows you to relax after your journey.

Day 2: Into Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Starting bright and early, you’ll begin with a roughly six-hour drive to Yellowstone. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with scenic stops like the Flying J Travel Center for a quick break and Jackson Town Square, where the iconic elk antler arches make for great photos. The guides reportedly take care of these details, making the long drive more enjoyable.

Once in Yellowstone, you’ll visit highlights like the West Thumb Geyser Basin and Old Faithful. Old Faithful’s eruptions are scheduled roughly every 90 minutes, and you’ll get a chance to see this natural spectacle up close. The tours include time for walking around geysers and hot springs, so comfortable shoes are a must.

You’ll also visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, famous for its vibrant colors, and Fountain Paint Pot, showcasing bubbling mud and geothermal activity. These sites are not just scenic but also tell fascinating stories about Yellowstone’s geothermal activity.

Day 3: Yellowstone’s Wonders Continue

Yellowstone’s vastness means there’s always something to see. You’ll explore Norris Geyser Basin, one of Yellowstone’s hottest and most dynamic geothermal areas, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at Artist Point, where the view of the Lower Falls is breathtaking. The guide’s knowledge is often praised, with guests noting how well they’re led through these iconic spots.

Additional stops at the Mud Volcano area reveal bubbling mud pots and sulfur vents, adding a different texture to your geothermal experience. The day ends with some free time in Cody, Wyoming, for lunch and a break before heading to your next destination.

Day 4: From Wyoming to South Dakota

This day starts with a stop at Devils Tower, a striking monolith that’s both a geological marvel and a cultural site sacred to Native American tribes. The photos here are spectacular, and the easy hikes allow everyone to enjoy the views without strenuous effort. The tour then visits Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into the granite face—an awe-inspiring sight that encapsulates American history.

Following Mount Rushmore, you’ll see the Crazy Horse Memorial, still a work in progress but impressive in scale and significance. The ongoing sculpture honors Native American culture and history, offering a different perspective from the more American-centric Mount Rushmore.

Day 5: Historic Landmarks and Scenic Stops

Leaving South Dakota, you’ll pass through Wyoming, stopping at Independence Rock, a key Oregon Trail landmark. This spot gives you a feel for the pioneer’s journey and the history of westward expansion. The drive continues with a stop in Green River, before heading back to Salt Lake City. Here, you’ll visit the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square, allowing a moment of reflection amid the city’s cultural and religious history.

Day 6: The Great Salt Lake and Farewell

Your final stop is the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Its unique, salty waters and expansive views make for a memorable farewell to your trip. After some sightseeing, you’ll head to the Salt Lake City International Airport for your departure, with transfers arranged around 10 AM.

What We Loved About This Tour

The guides seem to be a real highlight, with reviewers praising their knowledge and driving skills—especially in tricky areas like Yellowstone’s Grand Loop. The scenic stops are carefully chosen, balancing natural wonders with cultural landmarks, making the long driving days worth it.

The value for money is another plus. For just over $1,400, you get multiple park entries, guided commentary, and comfortable transportation—no need to worry about organizing each stop yourself.

The scenery is, of course, stunning. From geysers and hot springs to mountain overlooks and monumental sculptures, every day offers something visually striking and culturally enriching.

Considerations and Downsides

The main thing to keep in mind is the length of driving hours. With about six hours on Day 2 and additional long stretches each day, it’s a tour best suited to those who don’t mind being on the road quite a bit. If you prefer more leisurely exploration or have mobility issues, this might feel a bit rushed.

Also, meals aren’t included, so you’ll need to budget for food along the way. While the hotel accommodations are comfortable, the tour’s focus is on sightseeing, so don’t expect luxury accommodations or downtime.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurers eager to see major landmarks without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s perfect if you want a guided experience that covers a wide area, blending national parks, historic sites, and cultural monuments in one trip. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy structured days filled with iconic sights will find plenty to love here.

If you’re someone who values expert guidance, comprehensive itineraries, and the convenience of included transportation, this tour can be a real time-saver. That said, expecting a laid-back pace might lead to disappointment—this is a busy, sightseeing-heavy trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it involves a lot of walking and some long days. Children over 6 could participate, especially with booster seats if under 6, but keep in mind the long driving hours and busy schedule.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You’ll need to plan for meals and snacks during the day, especially at times when the group is on the move.

What kind of transportation is used?
Travel is in a comfortable high-roof van or bus, which can accommodate up to four guests per hotel room. The guides are praised for their driving skills, particularly on scenic and sometimes challenging routes.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but the guides may make adjustments for weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Group reservations are recommended for best experience.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 40 days ahead, so planning early is wise to secure your spot.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, most travelers find it a great way to meet others and share the experience. The group setting and guided format make it easy to connect.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, camera, cash for meals, and anything else needed for outdoor exploring. Weather can vary, so layered clothing is advisable.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day guided tour from Salt Lake City packs a lot into a relatively short period, offering a chance to see some of America’s most famous landmarks with ease. The combination of expert guides, scenic stops, and comfortable accommodations makes it an appealing choice for travelers who want a well-organized, visually stunning trip.

While the long travel days are not for everyone, those who enjoy packed itineraries and appreciate having logistics handled will find this tour very rewarding. The glowing reviews about the guides and scenery suggest it’s a worthwhile experience for anyone eager to cover big ground and see the highlights.

In the end, whether you’re a first-time visitor to these iconic sites or someone revisiting for a quick overview, this tour offers a solid balance of convenience, sightseeing, and memorable views. Just be prepared for the road, and you’ll likely come away with plenty of stories—and photos—to cherish.

Happy travels!