Salt Lake City: 7-Day Guided Yellowstone Tour to Las Vegas

Planning a trip through the American West can feel overwhelming—so many parks, landscapes, and scenic highlights. That’s where this 7-day guided tour from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas comes in, offering a carefully curated peek into some of the most stunning sights of Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. It’s designed for travelers who want a blend of guided ease and authentic natural beauty, with a small group atmosphere that keeps things intimate and personalized.

What immediately caught our eye about this tour? First, it hits major national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon—no small feat in just a week. Second, the small group size (no more than 14 guests) promises a more personal experience, with room for genuine interaction and tailored insights from your guide. A potential downside? The price might seem steep, but when you tally all included sights, hotels, and transportation, it’s often a good value—particularly if you’d prefer not to drive yourself through unfamiliar terrain. This trip is perfect for travelers craving an overview of the Western highlights without the hassle of planning every detail, especially those who appreciate expert guides and memorable scenery.

Key Points

• Limited group size ensures a more personal and flexible experience.
• Comprehensive itinerary covers iconic parks and lesser-known treasures.
• Expert guide service enhances the journey with local knowledge and anecdotes.
• All-inclusive accommodation and transportation simplify logistics.
• Flexible booking policy allows cancelation up to 24 hours before departure.
• Value for price when considering the extensive sights and amenities included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour

This tour packs in a lot of nature and culture across seven days, starting early from Salt Lake City and ending in the bright lights of Las Vegas. Traveling in a comfortable, professionally guided vehicle means you won’t have to worry about navigation or hotel bookings—your trip is organized from start to finish. The small group size (maximum 14 people) helps foster a friendly, engaging atmosphere where questions and spontaneous stops are encouraged.

Cost and what it covers—$1,786 per person—includes most accommodations, transportation, guide service, and access to a variety of natural wonders. Extras like park entry fees, certain activities such as boat rentals, and meals are not included, so budget accordingly. Still, for the amount of ground covered and views experienced, many consider this a fair deal, especially when compared to the expense of coordinating similar self-guided trips.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Yellowstone, with Optional Stop at Yellowstone Bear World

Your journey begins with an early departure from the Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Airport, heading north toward Wyoming. The first stop might be Yellowstone Bear World, a popular family-friendly attraction where you can see bears, elk, and other wildlife in semi-natural enclosures. Though optional and at an extra cost ($40 for adults over 11, $27 for children), it’s a charming introduction if you’re traveling with kids or want a quick wildlife fix.

Inside Yellowstone, your guide will take you to some of the park’s most famous geothermal features: the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, with its rainbow hues; the bubbling Fountain Paint Pots; and the iconic Old Faithful Geyser. Expect to spend several hours exploring these geological marvels, ideal for first-time visitors eager to see Yellowstone’s geothermal activity.

Day 2: Yellowstone’s Eastern Highlights

The focus shifts to Yellowstone’s eastern section, featuring Yellowstone Lake—one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America—and Hayden Valley, renowned for wildlife sightings like bison and elk. From Artist Point, you’ll get a panoramic view of the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. The Upper Yellowstone Falls are a must-see, roaring down from the canyon walls.

In the afternoon, visit Mammoth Hot Springs and the historic Roosevelt Arch, where your guide might share stories about Yellowstone’s founding and conservation efforts. The night is spent near the park’s North Entrance, giving you a chance to enjoy Yellowstone’s tranquil wilderness.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 3: From Yellowstone to Grand Teton and Salt Lake City

After a morning at the West Thumb Geyser Basin, famed for its lakeside geothermal features, you’ll make your way through the striking landscapes of Grand Teton National Park. The towering Teton Range provides a dramatic backdrop for photo stops and short hikes, perfect for stretching your legs after days of travel.

Returning south to Salt Lake City, you’ll visit Utah’s Capitol and the historic Temple Square, offering a contrast to the natural wonders with some cultural and city sights. These stops give a well-rounded experience of the area’s history and architecture.

Day 4: Utah’s Natural Wonder: Bryce Canyon

Heading south, the landscape changes dramatically as you arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park. The park’s famous hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock—create a landscape unlike any other. Your guide will likely take you to viewpoints like Sunrise Point or Inspiration Point, where the sweeping vistas and unusual formations truly come alive.

This day is all about appreciating geological artistry—a different kind of scenic wonder compared to Yellowstone’s geothermal activity. You might find yourself marveling at how nature can craft structures of such delicacy and color over millennia.

Day 5: From Bryce Canyon to Arches and Monument Valley

The journey continues westward to Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The park’s iconic formations, like Delicate Arch, are perfect photo ops and highlight Utah’s distinctive sandstone scenery. Afterwards, a stop at Monument Valley offers cinematic views that have graced countless Western films, with its vast red landscapes and striking buttes.

That evening, you arrive in Page, Arizona, a hub for exploring the surrounding scenery and preparing for the next day’s canyon visit.

Day 6: Grand Canyon Adventure and Lake Powell

The highlight here is the Grand Canyon National Park—a must-see for any Western road trip. Your guide will take you to key viewpoints, possibly including Mather Point or Yavapai Point, where the canyon’s vastness truly strikes visitors. If you wish, extra activities like a helicopter tour are available for an additional fee ($299), but the scenic viewpoints alone make for a memorable experience.

After the canyon, visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend—both close to Lake Powell. Antelope Canyon’s narrow, winding passages and the sweeping bend of Horseshoe Bend over the Colorado River are both photographic treasures.

Day 7: Lake Powell to Las Vegas

Your final day covers scenic spots like Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon before heading into the bright lights of Las Vegas. The tour concludes with a photo stop at The Sphere, one of the city’s newest landmarks, before you’re dropped off in the vibrant city center. It’s a fitting end to a trip focused on the natural beauty of the American West and the excitement of Las Vegas.

What We Loved About This Tour

The knowledgeable guides were repeatedly praised for their insight and friendliness, making even the most iconic sights more meaningful with stories and context. The stunning views at every stop—whether it was the vibrant colors of Yellowstone’s geothermal features or the sweeping vistas of the Grand Canyon—made it clear why this part of the world inspires so many travelers.

The small group size meant everyone had space to ask questions and enjoy personalized attention. It also fostered a friendly atmosphere, encouraging conversations and spontaneous stops for photos or quick hikes.

The seamless transportation and included hotels simplified logistics considerably, allowing us to focus on the scenery rather than the details of planning. Plus, the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance offers some peace of mind amid changing travel plans.

Potential Considerations

While the itinerary is packed with incredible sights, it does require some long days on the road, which might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed pace. Also, the trip is geared toward able-bodied adults, as it is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Budget-conscious travelers should note that extras like park entry fees, boat rentals, or additional activities are not included, so additional costs can add up if you choose to indulge.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

When considering the price of $1,786, it’s important to remember what’s included: expert guide service, transportation, hotel accommodations for six nights, and access to some of the most iconic parks on the continent. The guided format means no stress about navigation or booking hotels, and the small group size enhances the experience with a more personal touch. For travelers eager to see Yellowstone, the Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon without the hassle of planning each detail, this represents a solid value.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits travelers who are excited by nature and eager to see key landmarks in a relatively short period. It’s ideal for those who prefer guided experiences, especially if they dislike the logistics of self-driving or coordinating multiple bookings. The small group feel creates an intimate, engaging atmosphere—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups of friends.

Since the tour doesn’t accommodate those with mobility impairments and involves some long days, it’s best suited for generally active travelers in good health. If you’re looking for a rundown of the Western parks with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, your tour includes professional transportation in a designated tour vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and efficient way to cover all the sights.

Are hotels included?
Yes, the tour provides 6 nights of hotel accommodation, based on rooms with two beds. Check-in time is after 3:00 pm.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to no more than 14 participants, which helps keep the experience personalized and allows for more flexibility.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, making it easy to keep your plans flexible.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast at Yellowstone and other meals are not included, so you’ll want to budget for those separately.

Are activities like boat rentals or helicopter tours included?
Extras such as boat rentals ($100/hour), Antelope Canyon entry ($150), or helicopter tours ($299) are optional and paid separately if you choose.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for able-bodied adults. It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments due to the nature of some sites and long travel days.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day guided journey offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, expert guiding, and logistical ease. From the geothermal splendors of Yellowstone to the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon, travelers will leave with a deeper appreciation for the diversity and grandeur of the American West. The small group size and thoughtful itinerary make it a smart choice for those who want to maximize their experience with minimal hassle.

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized tour that covers the essentials of the West’s most iconic parks, with friendly guides leading the way, this trip could be just what you need. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value storytelling, scenic views, and the camaraderie of a small group adventure. With some planning, it’s an investment in unforgettable memories—and a great way to see this incredible part of the world without the stress of DIY travel.

You can check availability for your dates here: