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

Travelers looking to see some of America’s most famous sights in a manageable, well-organized package will find this 6-day guided tour a compelling choice. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it offers a seamless way to cover a lot of ground — from Yellowstone’s geysers to Mount Rushmore’s carved presidents — without the headache of planning every detail themselves.

What makes this trip stand out? First, it’s praised for knowledgeable guides who bring the landmarks to life with expert commentary. Second, the stunning scenery — from geothermal wonders to mountain vistas — is vividly brought to life through carefully selected stops. That said, the tour involves quite a bit of driving, which might challenge those with limited patience for long bus rides.

This tour suits travelers eager for authentic sights, comfortable travel arrangements, and a structured itinerary that balances sightseeing with some free time. It’s ideal for those who want to see big-ticket destinations with the reassurance of a guided experience, especially if you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with hotel stays, park entry fees, and guided commentary.
• Comfortable transportation in a high-roof van or bus, with most travel between stops lasting a few hours.
• Iconic landmarks like Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse.
• Well-paced itinerary balancing sightseeing, scenic stops, and some free time for exploring or meals.
• Authentic insights from guides who know their sites and make the experience more meaningful.
• Good value for the price considering the number of major attractions included.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival and Salt Lake City

Starting in Salt Lake City, the tour begins with a smooth check-in at the Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport. This hotel offers a convenient base, with check-in after 3 pm. The initial day involves settling in, with most travelers arriving by air, and sets the tone for the adventure ahead. The fact that the tour starts with a relaxed schedule allows you to shake off travel fatigue and prepare for the miles of exploration.

Day 2: Into Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Bright and early, your guide will meet you for a full day’s drive into Yellowstone. The trip includes a stop at the Flying J Travel Center for a quick rest and a chance to stretch your legs. The first impression of Jackson Town Square—with its famous elk antler arches—is a perfect introduction to the Wyoming scenery.

The day’s highlight? The Grand Teton National Park, especially Teton Point Scenic Overlook. This spot offers panoramic views of the rugged peaks that make the Tetons a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike. Expect about 25 minutes here, enough to snap some photos and soak in the majesty.

Later, you’ll visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin, where the colorful thermal springs around Yellowstone Lake reveal the park’s geothermal activity. Then, Old Faithful erupts roughly every 90 minutes, providing a dramatic water display up to 180 feet high. The tour includes time for both sightseeing and restroom breaks, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The day wraps up with visits to the Grand Prismatic Spring and Fountain Paint Pot, where vibrant colors and bubbling mud pots showcase Yellowstone’s geothermal drama.

Day 3: Yellowstone’s Geyser Basins and Waterfalls

The second day in Yellowstone focuses on its most iconic features. Norris Geyser Basin — often considered Yellowstone’s hottest geothermal area — is a highlight, with steaming fumaroles and hot springs. The moderate hike here gets you close to the geothermal activity, offering memorable photos and a sense of the park’s geothermal power.

Next, the Upper Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon’s Artist Point provide stunning vistas. The view from Artist Point, overlooking the Lower Falls, is one of the most famous in the park for good reason. This spot offers a sweeping panorama of the canyon’s rugged beauty, making it a must-see for visitors.

The Mud Volcano area introduces you to Yellowstone’s sulfuric and bubbling landscape, with bubbling mud pots and geothermal vents. The day’s explorations reveal Yellowstone’s volcanic activity and natural wonder, from geysers to waterfalls.

Day 4: Wyoming Monoliths and South Dakota Monuments

Driving through Wyoming, you’ll visit Devils Tower — a striking, hexagonal rock formation rising 1,267 feet above its surroundings. Recognized for its spiritual significance to Native American tribes, this site offers easy hikes and photo opportunities.

Later, the tour takes you to Mount Rushmore, where the carved faces of four U.S. presidents greet you in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The setting is impressive, and the guided visit helps you appreciate the monument’s history and craftsmanship.

Then, the Crazy Horse Memorial — still a work in progress — offers a different kind of cultural insight, honoring Native American heritage. The included museum adds context, making this stop more meaningful than just a photo op.

Day 5: Historic Trails and Utah’s Capital

The journey continues with a visit to Independence Rock, a key Oregon Trail landmark. The massive granite formation has historical significance, and the stop provides a sense of the pioneers’ journey westward.

Afterward, the group stops in Green River for lunch and a break before heading to Salt Lake City. Here, you’ll visit the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square, both rich in history and architecture. The Capitol offers views over the city, while Temple Square—the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—features beautiful gardens and iconic buildings.

Day 6: The Great Salt Lake and Departure

Your final stop is the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Its high salinity and expansive surface create a unique landscape and habitat for millions of migratory birds. Most travelers find the scenery surprisingly beautiful and worth a quick visit.

Following this, transportation will take you to Salt Lake City International Airport for your departure. The tour ends around 10 am, giving you enough time for flights scheduled after noon.

Real Voices: What Past Travelers Say

Multiple reviews echo the tour’s strengths. One traveler praised the guides for being “superior” and “accommodating,” noting that the guide took them to “very exciting places.” Another reviewer appreciated the skilled driving, especially through Yellowstone’s complex roads, and said the itinerary was “right on spot,” with “awesome views”.

A third reviewer, who found the itinerary “excellent” for sightseeing, highlighted the hard-working guides and the fact that the tour was flexible enough to accommodate delayed flights. The overall consensus? The tour offers good value for money with a focus on authentic, memorable sights.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

The price of $1,398 per person covers five nights of hotel accommodation, park entry fees, and transportation in comfortable vehicles. The group size is capped at 55 travelers, which strikes a balance between intimacy and social energy.

Traveling in a high-roof van or bus, you’ll enjoy ample space for baggage and comfort on long drives. The itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing while allowing some downtime. Meals are not included, so packing snacks or planning meals at stops will be necessary.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with age and safety considerations noting that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and pregnant women can join if under 24 weeks.

What to bring? Think comfortable shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water. Since some attractions may be weather dependent, pack layers for variable conditions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who want a guided, all-inclusive experience of America’s iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail. Nature lovers will enjoy Yellowstone’s geothermal marvels and mountain vistas, while history buffs will appreciate stops at landmarks like Independence Rock and the Native American monuments.

Travelers comfortable with long bus rides — roughly six hours on the first day and similar on subsequent days — will find the schedule manageable, especially given the quality of stops and scenery.

This tour might be less suitable for travelers seeking intense hiking or very flexible schedules, as it’s structured around a set itinerary with limited free time outside of designated stops.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, but you will meet at the Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport, and the tour ends at Salt Lake City International Airport.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included, so you will need to plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trip.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women under 24 weeks can also participate.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 55, providing a good balance of social interaction and comfort.

Are park entry fees included?
Yes, entry fees for Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse are included.

What transportation is used?
Travel is in a comfortable high-roof van or bus, designed for scenic comfort and ample space.

How much driving should I expect?
Expect about 6 hours on the first day, with steady drives between parks and attractions throughout the trip.

Can I customize my experience?
Since this is a guided tour with pre-arranged stops, customization options are limited.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This 6-day guided tour offers a convenient and comfortable way to see some of the American West’s most recognizable landmarks. With knowledgeable guides, well-chosen stops, and a balanced mix of nature and history, it’s a strong option for travelers who prefer a structured experience without sacrificing authentic sights.

If you’re excited by wide-open landscapes, geothermal wonderlands, and giant monuments, this trip delivers that and more. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good value and want to leave the logistics to someone else. Just be prepared for the long drives — but rest assured, the views and experiences along the way are well worth it.

This tour is perfect for first-timers to the West, families, or groups who want a memorable snapshot of the American frontier and natural marvels in one organized package.