Los Angeles to Las Vegas Yellowstone National Park 7 Day Tour

If you’re dreaming of a packed week exploring some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes—from the vibrant city lights of Las Vegas to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone and the striking formations of Utah’s national parks—you might find the Los Angeles to Las Vegas Yellowstone 7-Day Tour offers an intriguing option. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, we’ve gone through the details carefully, and it seems tailored for those eager to see a lot without endless planning.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the way it balances nature’s grandeur with famous landmarks—a good mix if you’re after variety. Plus, the expert guides and the chance to see iconic sights like Old Faithful, Horseshoe Bend, and Bryce Canyon are definite plus points.

A consideration worth noting is the length of the days—this kind of trip is fast-paced, and if you prefer to linger over each scene or enjoy a more relaxed pace, it might feel a bit hurried. Also, since hotel bookings in key locations like Yellowstone and Las Vegas need to be made in advance, you’ll want to plan ahead to secure your preferred accommodations.

This tour is a smart choice for travelers who want a rundown of the American West in just a week, especially if you’re happy to travel with a small group and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• All-in-one Experience: Combines urban excitement with natural wonders, ideal for a first-time visit to the region.
• Expert-guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides help you understand the significance of each site.
• Photo Opportunities Galore: From Horseshoe Bend to Grand Prismatic Spring, the scenery is designed to impress.
• Efficient Itinerary: Covers a lot in 7 days, though it’s fairly fast-paced.
• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned vehicles and small group size (max 12 travelers) make for a manageable trip.
• Advance Planning Needed: Hotels in Yellowstone and Las Vegas must be booked well ahead to avoid last-minute issues.

An Honest Breakdown of the 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Los Angeles to Las Vegas
The journey kicks off in Los Angeles, heading through the Mojave Desert, which is quite a sight. You’ll pass by Joshua trees—those iconic desert plants that make for great photos—and arrive in Las Vegas around noon. The scenery is interesting, and the drive offers a chance to transition from city to desert. Once in Vegas, you can relax or explore a bit on your own before the next day’s adventures. It’s a straightforward start, setting a lively tone for the trip.

Day 2: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Monument Valley
This day is a visual feast. Lower Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon on Navajo land, famous for its narrow, winding walls and the way light filters through. Since the tour doesn’t include admission tickets, you’ll want to book that separately if you’re keen. Next up is Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic meander of the Colorado River—truly a photographer’s dream. Then, Monument Valley’s iconic buttes, which seem to be straight out of a Western movie, offer some of the most recognizable landscape shots in the U.S. This day offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, and the stops are well-timed for short explorations.

Day 3: Utah’s National Parks & Salt Lake City
Start early at Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural arches—including the famous Delicate Arch. It’s a highlight for anyone into striking rock formations. You’ll then visit the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square in Salt Lake City, giving a taste of local history and architecture. The Great Salt Lake is the finale—an immense, salty body of water that’s unlike any other. Each stop is brief but packed with visual interest. The stops at Arches and Salt Lake City help balance the outdoor adventures with cultural insights.

Day 4: Yellowstone’s Geothermal Marvels and Grand Teton
Yellowstone’s geothermal features are the main theme today. The Grand Prismatic Spring’s vibrant colors are dazzling, and Old Faithful’s reliable eruptions are always a crowd-pleaser. Visiting Fountain Paint Pot and Biscuit Basin adds to the geothermal story, with bubbling mud pots and colorful deposits. The day continues with wildlife viewing in Hayden Valley and visiting Norris Geyser Basin. The day culminates in Grand Teton National Park—another stunning mountain landscape—and Jackson’s Elk Antler Arches, which are quite whimsical. This day really showcases Yellowstone’s geological wonders and diverse scenery.

Day 5: More Yellowstone
This day dives deeper into Yellowstone’s natural wonders. The Upper Falls offers a powerful view, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin extends the geothermal theme by Yellowstone Lake. Artist Point provides a classic view of the canyon, perfect for photos. Norris Geyser Basin and Hayden Valley give you opportunities to spot wildlife and geothermal activity. The day ends with a visit to Grand Teton, emphasizing mountain vistas and lakes, and Jackson’s town square, which is charming and photo-worthy.

Day 6: Utah’s National Parks: Bryce Canyon & Zion
Today focuses on Utah’s famed parks. Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoos—those tall, thin spires—are unlike anything else. Zion’s towering cliffs and deep canyons are equally stunning. Both parks are well-loved for their natural formations and hiking opportunities, though this tour keeps it brief with about an hour and a half at each. You’ll get a taste of their dramatic landscapes without the lengthy hikes, making it accessible even if you’re not an avid hiker.

Day 7: Las Vegas Highlights & Return
The final day is a mix of fun and souvenirs. Your stops include the M&M’s Store and Coca-Cola Store, which are great if you’re into quirky shopping or traveling with kids. The Flyover Vegas ride offers an exhilarating simulated flight over landscapes. Seven Magic Mountains adds a splash of color to the desert. Ending at the Barstow Outlets provides some shopping before heading back home. The day wraps up a busy week of sightseeing.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who want a fast-paced, comprehensive exploration of the American West. It suits travelers who don’t mind early mornings and long days, and who appreciate guided experiences to help navigate complex logistics. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a broad overview, especially if you’re traveling with a small group and value expert commentary.

If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced adventure with time to linger at each site, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you prefer to customize your trip or focus on specific parks, a self-drive might suit you better. But for those eager to tick off major landmarks and get a good taste of the region’s diversity, this tour covers a lot of ground in just a week.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Price and Value: At $1,657 per person, the trip’s cost includes transportation, guide, and many park admissions—making it a solid value for such a wide-ranging itinerary. You’ll get expert guidance and a well-organized schedule, which can save you planning time and hassle.
• Transport: The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring comfort and a more intimate experience than larger bus tours.
• Booking in Advance: Hotels in Yellowstone and Las Vegas need to be booked ahead of time, so plan early to lock in your accommodations and avoid last-minute surprises.
• Duration and Pace: The trip spans 7 days with a pretty full schedule, so be prepared for early mornings and lots of sightseeing.
• What’s Not Included: Lunch, dinner, and some optional activities like Flyover are extra. Also, you should budget for personal expenses and the suggested service fee of at least $12 per day.

The Experience on the Ground

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides as one of the trip’s strengths—they really enhance each stop with interesting facts and stories, making the scenery more meaningful. The scenic stops are well-chosen, offering a mix of well-known spots and some lesser-known gems.

Travelers also appreciate the stunning views—from the colorful geothermal pools of Yellowstone to the vast, rocky arches of Utah’s national parks. However, some mention the fast pace can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re trying to get photos or spend time at each site.

The Sum Up

This 7-day tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of the American West, blending urban stops, geological wonders, and iconic landscapes. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail, all within a manageable group size. The guided approach ensures educational insights, which can make the experience more enriching.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety of sites—from geothermal geysers to sandstone arches to mountain vistas—means you’ll leave with a deep appreciation of this diverse region. Just be prepared for early starts and quick transitions, as this trip covers a lot of ground.

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys a structured, all-in-one adventure and appreciates expert guidance, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s a solid choice for those new to the region or anyone wanting a broad overview in just a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is generally manageable for most travelers, it involves a lot of driving and sightseeing, with some stops that might require short walks or hikes. It’s most suited for families with older kids or teenagers comfortable with a busy schedule. The tour doesn’t specifically cater to younger children.

What should I pack for this trip?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for temperature changes, sun protection, and a camera for all those scenic shots. Since the tour visits geothermal areas and deserts, be prepared for both warm days and cooler evenings.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included, so you’ll need to plan for those on your own. Breakfast might be optional, depending on your booking.

How much free time will I have?
Most of the day is scheduled with guided stops, but you can usually explore the surroundings briefly or grab a quick snack. The focus is on seeing as much as possible.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and easier to manage.

Do I need to book accommodations separately?
Yes, hotels in Las Vegas and Yellowstone need to be booked in advance. The tour provider recommends doing this at least 7 days prior.

Is the tour suitable if I’m not interested in photography?
Absolutely. While many stops are photo-worthy, you can also simply enjoy the scenery and learn from guides. The key is to go at your own pace within the scheduled activities.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 6 days before the start for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 6 days in advance won’t be refunded, so it’s best to confirm your plans early.

If you’re eager to explore the highlights of the American West in just a week and don’t mind a packed schedule, this tour offers a well-organized, guided way to do it. It’s worth considering if you value expert insights, comfortable transport, and a wide variety of scenery all in one trip.