5 Day Temple Square Shared Minivan Tour

A Practical Look at the 5 Day Temple Square Shared Minivan Tour

Whether you’re craving a quick escape into some of America’s most stunning landscapes or an immersive adventure that combines natural wonders with cultural stops, this 5-day small group tour offers an enticing package. From Los Angeles, you’ll journey through Utah’s iconic Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon to the geothermal marvels of Yellowstone, ending in Salt Lake City’s historic sights.

What we love about this experience are two things: first, the luxury van seating makes long drives comfortable enough to truly enjoy the scenery without fatigue, and second, the inclusion of inside Yellowstone lodges offers a cozy respite in the middle of wilderness. The tour also keeps group sizes small—capped at just 10 travelers—which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds at the key stops.

A potential consideration is that the tour is non-refundable, so if your plans change, there’s no option for a refund. Also, meals and gratuities are not included, so budget for those extras. But overall, this trip is well-suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and authentic outdoor experiences without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s perfect for those who value comfort, expert commentary, and a route that hits the highlights of some of the West’s most iconic landscapes.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with luxury van seating enhances long travel days.
• Small group size means a more intimate experience and better chances for personalized attention.
• Diverse stops include major natural wonders like Zion, Antelope Canyon, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton.
• Inclusion of lodges inside Yellowstone offers a rare chance to stay overnight in the park.
• Expert guides help interpret the landscapes and history, enriching your understanding.
• Flexible options at Yellowstone Bear World and other stops allow for tailored experiences.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

This tour spreads out across five days, weaving together spectacular scenery with cultural and geological highlights. Here’s what you can expect at each step, and why they matter.

Day 1: Zion National Park and Seven Magic Mountains

Starting in Zion National Park, Utah’s most visited park, you’ll witness towering steep giant rocks and lush canyons. Zion’s diverse terrain offers opportunities for stunning vistas and photo ops, especially around The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The park covers 229 square miles, and its geological formations have evolved over millions of years, making it a fascinating stop for geology buffs and nature lovers alike.

Just 30 minutes south of Zion, you’ll stop at Seven Magic Mountains, a modern art installation by Ugo Rondinone. These brightly colored rock towers in the Mojave Desert create a striking contrast against the desert landscape—a fun, colorful break that provides perfect photo opportunities. It’s a quick stop but memorable, especially if you appreciate how art intersects with landscapes.

Day 2: From Antelope Canyon to Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell

Antelope Canyon, in northern Arizona, is famous for its wave-like sandstone formations shaped by eons of erosion. You’ll spend around 70 minutes exploring this slot canyon, with guides often providing insightful commentary on how the canyon was formed. Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included, so you might find this an additional expense, but the canyon’s sculpted walls, illuminated by beams of light, are truly worth it.

Next, you’ll visit Horseshoe Bend, recognized as one of the top photography spots in the U.S. by National Geographic. The view of the meandering Colorado River in a dramatic horseshoe shape is jaw-dropping. This stop is included, and you’ll spend about an hour soaking in the scene.

Finally, Lake Powell offers a vast, tranquil body of water. While free to enjoy, it’s a great place for a brief stroll or photo, and its expansive shoreline provides the perfect backdrop for the day’s natural wonders.

Day 3: The Great Salt Lake and Yellowstone’s Wildlife

The Great Salt Lake is an expansive, otherworldly body of water, renowned for its high salinity and mineral-rich environment. Just a 30-minute stop, but it’s a distinctive landscape, with salt flats and brine pools that highlight the uniqueness of Utah’s geography.

You then have the option to visit Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-through wildlife park featuring bears, bison, and elk. The guide emphasizes that if no guests opt in, they will skip this stop, but it offers an engaging, close-up encounter with North American wildlife.

The day’s highlight is Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. Its predictable eruptions make it a must-see. You’ll spend about 90 minutes here, and guides often share stories about Yellowstone’s geothermal activity, adding depth to the experience.

Day 4: Yellowstone’s Iconic Landscapes

This day is dedicated to Yellowstone’s most awe-inspiring sights. Starting with Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America, you’ll get a sense of the park’s vast scale.

Hayden Valley is your wildlife viewing hotspot—expect to see bison and elk in their natural habitat, often with expert guides helping spot animals others might miss. It’s often described as the second-best wildlife area in the park.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone ranks as a top scenic highlight, with stunning waterfalls and colorful canyon walls. Artist Point and the Upper Falls offer viewpoints that perfectly frame Yellowstone’s geothermal and geological drama. The guide’s commentary here, along with the breathtaking vistas, makes these stops memorable.

In the geothermal area, Yellowstone Hot Springs and Mammoth Hot Springs provide a chance to see famous limestone terraces and mineral deposits. These features are both visually intriguing and scientifically fascinating, illustrating the park’s volcanic activity.

Day 5: From Yellowstone to Salt Lake City

Your last day begins with a visit to the West Thumb Geyser Basin, a geothermal area along Yellowstone Lake’s shoreline. Its bubbling springs and thermal pools are a fitting farewell to Yellowstone’s geothermal diversity.

Next, a drive through Grand Teton National Park offers majestic mountain scenery and opportunities for photos of the iconic Grand Teton peak, rising sharply against the sky.

Finally, arriving in Salt Lake City, you’ll visit the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square—cultural and historical highlights. These stops round out the trip by blending natural beauty with Utah’s spiritual heritage.

What’s the Value?

This tour, priced at $1,708 per person, packs a lot into five days. The cost covers transportation, four nights in comfortable lodges (including two inside Yellowstone), and guided insights into some of the most spectacular landscapes in the western U.S.

While meals and tips are extra, the inclusion of lodges inside Yellowstone is a genuine perk, providing a rare opportunity for early and late park access, away from day-trippers. The small group size means more personalized attention, and the professional guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor.

The luxury van makes long days more comfortable, and the itinerary’s diversity—blending geological wonders, wildlife, and iconic landmarks—offers a well-rounded experience. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want a carefully curated route without the stress of driving or planning each stop.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate comfortable transportation and want to see a wide variety of sights without sacrificing personal attention. It’s ideal for those who enjoy learning from guides who can bring the landscapes to life with stories and insights.

Nature lovers will find tremendous value in the stops at Zion, Antelope Canyon, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Culture and history enthusiasts will appreciate the stops in Salt Lake City, especially Temple Square. If you’re on a limited schedule but want a comprehensive snapshot of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American West, this tour will serve you well.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day tour offers an excellent mix of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and comfortable travel. It’s a great way to see Zion, Yellowstone, and the surrounding wonders with the help of knowledgeable guides who help interpret the scenery. The inclusion of lodging inside Yellowstone is a real highlight, giving you an authentic park experience.

The price reflects the comfort, access, and expert guidance. Travelers who value ease and want to make the most of a short trip without feeling rushed will find this tour a smart choice. Just remember, since it is non-refundable, make sure your plans are firm before booking.

This trip balances adventure with relaxed comfort, making it a memorable way to experience some of the most stunning landscapes the American West has to offer.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour price covers transportation from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, a professional tour vehicle, hotel accommodations for four nights, expert guides, and access to Yellowstone’s geothermal features. It also includes gifts and some entry points, like Yellowstone Hot Springs.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You should plan for additional costs for dining along the way.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour maintains a small group size for better comfort and interaction.

Can I participate in optional activities?
Yes, optional activities like Yellowstone Bear World are available, but they are not included, and participation depends on the group’s interest.

What are the meeting points and timings?
The tour starts at 8:00 am, with pickup offered, making it convenient for travelers arriving in Los Angeles.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is capped at 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Is there a focus on photography?
Many stops, like Horseshoe Bend and Artist Point, are highly photogenic, making this trip appealing for photography enthusiasts.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If canceled due to insufficient bookings, a full refund or alternative will be offered.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s advisable to book early, especially since the tour has a limited group size and specific booking conditions.

This 5-day adventure offers a practical, well-organized way to experience some of the most iconic landscapes of the American West, blending natural beauty with cultural insights—all while providing comfort and personalized attention.