Lodging at Old Faithful-Yellowstone&Grand Teton Small Group 5-Day

Traveling through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is a dream for many outdoor lovers—and this 5-day tour offers a well-rounded way to experience these iconic landscapes. While we haven’t personally gone on this exact trip, we’ve reviewed the details and feedback to offer you a clear picture of what to expect. From a cozy 2-night stay at the historic Old Faithful Snow Lodge to guided visits to geothermal marvels and alpine lakes, this small-group experience aims to balance comfort with adventure.

What we love most about this tour is its intimate group size of just 13 travelers, which promises a more personalized experience, and the use of a brand-new Mercedes Benz high-top van that ensures smooth, comfortable travel. The expert guides—who are the true stars here—are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the scenic stops even more rewarding. That said, a potential consideration is the long driving days, which might be tiring for some.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive Yellowstone and Grand Teton experience without the hassle of planning, and who enjoy small groups and guided tours. If you’re eager to see the parks’ highlights with knowledgeable guides and comfortable lodging, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Setting: Small groups capped at 13 travelers allow for personalized attention and easier socializing.
• Expert Guides: Praised for their knowledge, they help turn scenic stops into memorable learning moments.
• Comfortable Transportation: A brand-new Mercedes Benz high-top van offers a smooth ride across long distances.
• Two-Night Stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Unique opportunity to stay inside Yellowstone’s iconic geothermal area.
• Well-Structured Itinerary: Balances sightseeing, light hikes, and leisure, with plenty of iconic Yellowstone and Grand Teton highlights.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Park entry fees, hotel, breakfast, and some attractions like Bear World are included, making budgeting easier.

A Practical Look at the 5-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Tour

This tour is designed for travelers who want an immersive experience without the stress of logistics. From the moment you land in Salt Lake City, the tour takes care of your transportation, hotel stays, and entry fees, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery and learn from your guides.

Day 1: Arrival and Starting the Journey

Your adventure kicks off with a flight into Salt Lake City. After being greeted by your friendly guide, you’ll be picked up from the airport—available from 10AM to 8PM—and transported comfortably to your hotel. This initial pickup ensures a seamless start and sets a friendly tone for the days ahead.

Day 2: From Salt Lake City to Yellowstone via Jackson and Grand Teton

The drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is about six hours, but it’s far from dull. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Flying J Travel Center for a quick rest, perfect for stretching your legs and grabbing a snack. Then, you’ll visit Jackson Town Square, famous for its rustic charm and mountain backdrop—an ideal spot for a quick stroll and perhaps a snack on your own dime.

Next, you’ll explore Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Its alpine clarity and towering peaks make it a photographer’s paradise. The easy hike around Jenny Lake allows you to enjoy the scenery without too much effort. The day concludes with views at Jackson Lake Dam Overlook, where the Teton Range provides a dramatic backdrop.

An important aspect here is the geothermal West Thumb Geyser Basin, where you’ll see bubbling hot springs and colorful geothermal features. This stop offers a glimpse into Yellowstone’s volcanic activity in a manageable, scenic setting.

Day 3: Inside Yellowstone—Major Highlights

Your first full day inside Yellowstone is packed with famous sights. The Old Faithful Geyser is the star of the show, erupting roughly every 90 minutes. Watching this natural wonder does not disappoint, especially when complemented by a moderate walk along the Geyser Trail.

Next, the vibrant Morning Glory Pool showcases Yellowstone’s colorful thermal springs. Then, you’ll visit Bridge Bay Marina—available from mid-June to early September—for scenic boat rides and fishing, adding a water-based element to your Yellowstone exploration.

The tour then moves to Hayden Valley, a prime spot to observe wildlife and appreciate Yellowstone’s vast open landscapes. From there, the Brink of Upper Falls offers an up-close view of Yellowstone’s powerful waterfalls, followed by the iconic Artist Point overlooking the Lower Falls—a photograph that will stay with you.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time at Canyon Village, the park’s bustling hub, then visit Mammoth Hot Springs to marvel at its terraced, mineral-rich formations. The easy hikes here allow you to experience Yellowstone’s geothermal activity firsthand.

Day 4: Exploring Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders

This day focuses on deeper geothermal features and the park’s eastern sections. The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook offers bird’s-eye views of Yellowstone’s most photographed hot spring. The subsequent stops at Midway Geyser Basin and Fountain Paint Pot showcase Yellowstone’s bubbling mud pots, colorful springs, and active fumaroles—an otherworldly experience.

A stop at West Yellowstone provides an opportunity for lunch and some leisure time in a town that epitomizes the gateway to Yellowstone. Later, you’ll visit Yellowstone Bear World, a wildlife park where you can see bears and other animals in a safe environment, which is especially appealing for families and animal enthusiasts.

Day 5: Final Sights and Departure

Your last day begins with a visit to Salt Lake City’s sights: the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square offer cultural insights and impressive architecture. A highlight is the Great Salt Lake, where you can enjoy the stark beauty of this salty inland sea.

Optionally, you can extend your trip with a half-day tour of the Bonneville Salt Flats, famous for its surreal, reflective surface and racing history. This extra adds a layer of uniqueness to your journey, although it’s an optional surcharge.

Transportation & Group Size

Traveling in a brand-new Mercedes Benz high-top van means you’ll enjoy ample space and comfort for the long drives—important given the many hours spent on the road. The small group size of just 13 travelers ensures your experience feels intimate, allowing for more interaction with guides and fellow travelers. This setup is ideal for those who prefer a more personal touch and less crowded tour buses.

Hotel Stays & Lodging

The highlight of this tour is the two-night stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, inside Yellowstone. Staying overnight in the park means you wake up to geysers and geothermal features right outside your window—a rare opportunity that many travelers cherish. The other nights are spent at the SpringHill Marriott SLC Airport, providing a comfortable base for your journey.

Dining & Included Services

Most breakfasts are included, giving you a hearty start to your days. The tour covers park entry fees, airport pickups, and some attractions like Bear World, which makes budgeting straightforward. However, meals like lunch and dinner are on your own, so you’ll have the chance to explore local eateries and enjoy regional flavors.

Value & Considerations

At a price point of $2,078 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included accommodations, park fees, and guided expertise. The small group size, exclusive lodging inside Yellowstone, and comprehensive itinerary make it stand out from self-guided trips or larger bus tours.

That said, the long drives mean you’ll spend quite a bit of time on the road—something to keep in mind if you prefer a more leisurely pace. Also, booking 99 days in advance suggests this is a popular choice, so planning early is advisable.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized, in-depth Yellowstone and Grand Teton experience with a small group. It’s ideal for those eager to stay inside Yellowstone overnight, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and enjoy scenic drives with comfort. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and first-time visitors will particularly benefit from the structured itinerary and included amenities.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

For anyone craving an authentic Yellowstone adventure without the stress of planning logistics, this 5-day tour offers a compelling package. The small group format ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and the expert guides help turn each stop into a memorable learning opportunity. The two-night stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge is a fantastic perk—waking up inside Yellowstone is a rare treat.

While the daily long drives could be tiring for some, the comfort of the modern van and the variety of stops—geothermal wonders, waterfalls, wildlife parks—help keep the experience lively and engaging. The included park entry fees and hotel accommodations mean fewer surprises on your budget, adding to the overall value.

If you’re the type of traveler who wants a balanced mix of sightseeing, comfort, and authentic park experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s a particularly smart choice for those new to Yellowstone or Grand Teton, or for travelers who prefer guided, small-group adventures over self-drive options.

FAQs

Is airport pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup at Salt Lake City International Airport between 10AM and 8PM, making your arrival smooth and easy.

What’s the group size?
The tour is capped at 13 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and easier interaction with your guides.

Are park entry fees included?
Yes, all park entry fees are covered in the price, so there are no surprises when you arrive at each site.

Does the tour include hotel accommodations?
Yes, you’ll stay four nights, including two inside Yellowstone at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and two nights at SpringHill Marriott near Salt Lake City.

What meals are included?
Most breakfasts from Day 2 through Day 5 are included. Lunches and dinners are not provided, allowing you to explore local eateries.

Can I extend my trip?
Yes, the tour offers an optional half-day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats for an additional surcharge, which can be arranged on-site.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women can join if under 24 weeks by the trip’s end.

To sum it up, this tour offers a rich, guided Yellowstone and Grand Teton experience with the benefits of small groups, insider knowledge, and comfortable lodging. It’s perfect for travelers looking to see the highlights without the hassle of planning and driving, while still enjoying the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes.