SF to Yellowstone,Grand Teton,Antelope Canyon&Vegas 7-Day Tour

Discover the Ultimate 7-Day San Francisco to Yellowstone and Southwest Adventure

This 7-day tour from San Francisco offers an exciting journey through five national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton, along with highlights like Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Las Vegas. Priced at $1,226 per person, this experience provides a comprehensive look at some of the most stunning natural wonders of the American West. The trip includes hotel accommodations, major attraction entrance fees, and a free upgrade to a Five-Star hotel in Las Vegas for one night, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a mix of nature and city excitement.

While the tour packs a full schedule, it emphasizes visiting 12 major attractions, including geothermal features, scenic viewpoints, and Native American tribal parks. With a rating of 4.0 out of 5, it appeals most to travelers eager for a well-rounded experience that combines outdoor exploration, cultural sites, and vibrant entertainment, though some may find the pace a bit brisk, especially at popular stops.

Key Points

• Visits to 5 national parks and 3 Native American tribal parks showcase the natural and cultural diversity of the southwestern U.S.
• Yellowstone’s geothermal features and iconic attractions like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring are highlights.
• Luxury hotel upgrade in Las Vegas offers a comfortable stay for one night.
• The tour features many scenic viewpoints including Horseshoe Bend and Grand Teton.
• The itinerary covers extensive ground with multiple stops daily, some with limited time, ideal for active travelers.
• All hotel rooms accommodate 2-4 guests, with options for separate bookings if traveling in larger groups.

Starting from San Francisco: A Road Trip of Natural Marvels

The adventure begins early from San Francisco, heading east across the western states. The first day involves scenic drives with a stop at the Sacramento State House and a visit to the Donner Pass, setting a tone of historical interest combined with natural beauty. This initial segment offers a taste of the diverse landscapes you’ll encounter.

As the journey progresses, the focus shifts toward Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States. The route through Nevada and into Wyoming promises a scenic road trip packed with photo opportunities and cultural stops, all while setting the stage for the four days of park exploration ahead.

Exploring Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders and Iconic Geysers

Yellowstone is the star of the itinerary, famous for being the world’s first national park and home to over 10,000 geothermal features. The tour includes visits to Yellowstone Lake, the Norris Geyser Basin, and the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts approximately every 91 minutes, providing predictable and awe-inspiring displays. The Grand Prismatic Spring impresses with its vast size—about 370 feet in diameter—and vibrant colors, discharging 560 gallons of hot water per minute.

The Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring are both free to view, but they highlight Yellowstone’s geothermal activity that continues to draw attention. Visitors get around 3 hours exploring Yellowstone on day 2, experiencing its diverse landscapes and natural features firsthand.

Touring Yellowstone’s Upper and Lower Geyser Basins and Waterfalls

On the third day, the tour continues within Yellowstone, emphasizing its geyser basins and spectacular waterfalls. The Norris Geyser Basin—possibly the hottest geyser area—features Porcelain Basin, a stark, acidic landscape. The Yellowstone River’s Upper Falls plunges 109 feet, offering dramatic views with minimal walking required.

The Artist Point overlook provides panoramic vistas of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with sheer 700-foot cliffs and the Lower Falls visible upriver. The day ends with visits to geothermal sites like the Mud Volcano Area and the West Thumb Geyser Basin, situated along Yellowstone Lake, showcasing the park’s geothermal diversity and volcanic history.

Cross into the Grand Teton National Park

The transition from Yellowstone to Grand Teton occurs on day 3, where travelers experience stunning mountain vistas and shimmering alpine lakes. At Grand Teton, the guide highlights key sights like Teton Point Turnout and the Elk Antler Arches Park, crafted with thousands of elk antlers. The 1-hour visit to Grand Teton allows for picture-perfect moments and appreciation of the rugged peaks.

This part of the tour emphasizes the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains, with ample opportunities for photography and nature observation. The combination of Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders and Teton’s majestic peaks offers a diverse outdoor experience.

Visiting the Great Salt Lake and Utah’s Capitol

On day 4, the journey heads west into Utah, visiting the Great Salt Lake, the largest inland saltwater body in the Western Hemisphere, famous for its high salinity and unique ecology. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, enough for photos and quick exploration.

Following this, the tour explores Salt Lake City’s Capitol Hill and Temple Square, both landmarks of Utah’s cultural and religious history. The Utah State Capitol and Temple Square are free to visit, providing insight into the state’s heritage and architecture, with visits lasting 30 to 40 minutes at each site.

Canyonlands and Arches National Parks: Utah’s Natural Sculptures

Days 5 and 6 are dedicated to Utah’s iconic national parks. Canyonlands National Park boasts colorful, deeply eroded canyons, with the tour including a 1-hour visit. The next day features Arches National Park, famous for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches.

Each park offers mesmerizing landscapes perfect for photography. In Arches, the guide emphasizes the overlapping mountain and canyon scenery, with a 1-hour stop to capture the unique formations. For those interested, optional activities like Lake Powell kayaking are available, although the ticket is not included.

Exploring Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon’s Slot Canyons

Day 6 features Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, with its vast sandstone buttes that rise up to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. The visit lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, giving travelers time to appreciate the iconic landscape often seen in movies and photographs.

Later, the tour moves to the Glen Canyon Dam, then passes Lake Powell—the second-largest artificial reservoir in the U.S.—and culminates with a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a striking meander in the Colorado River. This 1-hour stop offers excellent photo opportunities of the curving river and steep cliffs.

The highlight of the day is the Lower Antelope Canyon, a famous slot canyon known for its narrow passageways and light beams, with a 1 hour 30-minute visit. Note that admission fees for Lower Antelope Canyon are not included.

Concluding in Las Vegas with a Night Tour and Signboard

The final day arrives in Las Vegas, where the tour includes a visit to the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, allowing for memorable photos. The 1-hour stop is free but essential for a classic Vegas shot.

The trip concludes with an early departure back to San Francisco, completing a route that combines natural beauty, cultural sites, and iconic landmarks. The hotel upgrade in Las Vegas offers a five-star experience for one night, providing a comfortable end to the adventure.

Tour Logistics and Accommodations

This tour offers 6 nights of hotel accommodations, with rooms designed for 2-4 guests. The rooms feature full/double beds or a king/queen bed, depending on availability. For groups larger than four or those wanting separate rooms, additional bookings are necessary.

Transportation is via professional vehicles suited to the group size, with a professional driver and guide leading the trip. The tour features group discounts and a mobile ticket for convenience.

Practical Considerations and Booking Details

The tour departs at 6:30 am, with confirmation provided upon booking. It is suitable for most travelers, including those under 18 with an adult, and pregnant women up to 24 weeks can participate. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash, and drinks.

Booking is recommended 28 days in advance, with a full refund available if canceled at least 6 days prior. The itinerary may be adjusted for weather or traffic, and some attractions could be temporarily closed.

Final Thoughts on the Yellowstone and Southwest Tour

This 7-day guided tour offers a convenient way to see many highlights of the American West without the hassle of planning logistics. The inclusion of five national parks and Native American parks ensures a rich experience of the region’s natural and cultural diversity.

While some reviews note the pace can be quick and stops may be brief, the tour provides a solid overview of key sights, especially for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Southwest in one trip. The hotel upgrade in Las Vegas adds a touch of luxury, rounding out an adventure suitable for active travelers eager to explore iconic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price? Yes, the tour provides professional vehicle transportation suitable for the group size, with a driver-guide leading the route.

Are entrance fees to national parks included? Most entrance fees, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Canyonlands, Arches, and some Native American parks, are covered. However, fees for Lower Antelope Canyon are not included.

What is the maximum group size? The tour accommodates up to 55 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group experience while allowing for social distancing.

Can I customize my hotel room? Rooms are based on two full/double beds or one king/queen bed, with a maximum occupancy of four. For special arrangements, separate bookings are recommended.

What should I bring? Travelers should prepare comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash, and drinks for hydration. Some stops involve walking, and weather conditions vary.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women up to 24 weeks pregnant can participate.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, cancellations are possible up to 6 days before the start date for a full refund.

Are meals included? No, meals, food, and drinks are not included aside from optional breakfast at hotels.

What if some attractions are closed? The tour guide may adjust the itinerary and substitute alternative sites if necessary.

Is this tour good for photography? Absolutely—many stops like Horseshoe Bend, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Teton Viewpoints are photogenic.