Winter Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Mount Rushmore 7-day Tour

The Winter Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Mount Rushmore 7-day Tour offers an in-depth adventure through some of America’s most famous natural and historic landmarks. Priced at $3,395 per person, this tour takes approximately seven days to explore Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Teton mountain range, and Mount Rushmore, starting from Salt Lake City or Rapid City. It’s designed for those eager to see iconic sights in winter, with the added convenience of pickup and mobile tickets included.

While the tour offers extensive sightseeing and an engaging itinerary, it’s worth noting that wild animal sightings are not guaranteed due to their elusive winter behavior. Suitable for active travelers comfortable with winter conditions, this experience combines natural beauty with cultural highlights, making it a comprehensive North American adventure in the cold months.

Key Points

• Includes visits to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, and more over 7 days.
• Price of $3,395 per person, with pickup and mobile ticket options.
• Starting points are Salt Lake City or Rapid City, with accommodation and most park fees included.
• The itinerary features guided tours, scenic drives, geyser eruptions, wildlife encounters, and cultural stops.
• Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed due to winter conditions.
• Suitable for travelers seeking a comprehensive, guided winter tour of iconic American landmarks.

Starting in Salt Lake City: First Day Highlights and Hot Springs Relaxation

The tour begins in Salt Lake City, where if you arrive before 12:00 PM, a guide greets you and offers a quick tour of local sights such as Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the Beehive House. Those arriving later are transferred directly to the hotel for rest, with no refund if the sightseeing is missed.

The first day’s main highlight is a visit to Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake. This island is known for its diverse wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and various bird species. Expect breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. The admission is included, and the natural scenery offers excellent photo opportunities.

Afterward, travelers unwind at the Lava Hot Springs Inn and Spa, famous for mineral-rich hot springs ranging from 102°F to 113°F. This soothing stop provides a relaxing break after travel. The day ends with a transfer to Jackson, Wyoming, where overnight accommodations are arranged for the following day’s adventures.

Jackson Hole and the Elk Refuge: Wildlife and Mountain Views in Wyoming

On Day 2, the tour moves into Jackson Hole, a lively Western town famed for its art scene and the antler arches at the town square. The day kicks off with a sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge, where a herd of over 5,000 wild elk migrates south for winter. This one-hour tour provides a close-up view of elk against the snow-covered landscape—perfect for wildlife photography.

Next, the guide leads travelers into Grand Teton National Park, where the Teton Range transforms into a winter wonderland. Peaks soaring over 13,000 feet dominate the scenery, and wildlife such as moose, wolves, bison, and bighorn sheep can be seen, especially at stops like Jenny Lake and the Snake River Overlook. The scenic drive along the west slopes of the Tetons offers stunning vistas of Grand Teton, standing at 13,777 feet.

After enjoying lunch in Jackson, the group embarks on a scenic drive through Idaho, soaking in winter mountain views. The day concludes with a festive dinner in West Yellowstone, allowing for reflection on the day’s natural encounters.

Exploring Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders in Winter

Day 3 marks the beginning of Yellowstone National Park exploration, starting with a snow coach ride from West Yellowstone. This full-day tour features stops at attractions like West Thumb Geyser Basin, Continental Divide, and Shoshone Point Overlook. The highlight is visiting the Old Faithful area, where Old Faithful geyser erupts regularly, along with other geothermal features such as Castle, Daisy, Riverside, and Grand geysers.

The winter landscape adds a special charm to Yellowstone, with snow accentuating the vibrant colors of geysers and hot springs. The tour provides approximate six hours of guided sightseeing, with all entrance fees included. In the evening, the group returns to West Yellowstone for dinner and some leisure time, exploring local shops and preparing for the next day’s Yellowstone adventures.

Yellowstone’s Geothermal Features and Wildlife in Winter

On Day 4, the group continues exploring Yellowstone, covering remaining key attractions or revisiting favorites from the previous day. The full eight-hour tour dives deeper into the park’s geothermal marvels under winter conditions, with opportunities to see steaming geysers and colorful hot springs.

The park’s winter scenery transforms the landscape into a scene of icy beauty, with fewer crowds making for a more intimate experience. The tour’s focus on key geothermal sites provides a comprehensive view of Yellowstone’s volcanic activity, even in the cold months. Afterward, the journey takes travelers eastward into Cody, Wyoming, famous for its Western heritage.

Discovering Cody and the Wild West Heritage

Day 4 ends with a drive through Shoshone National Forest to reach Cody. This town, founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, celebrates its iconic Wild West roots. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a major attraction, holding five museums dedicated to Western history and culture. It offers insights into Cody’s legendary figure and his colorful life.

Cody’s authentic Western atmosphere makes it a fitting stop after Yellowstone. The town’s museums and local history provide enriching context about frontier life, cowboy traditions, and Native American culture, all set against a snow-dusted backdrop.

Visiting Devils Tower and South Dakota’s Landmarks

On Day 5, the tour continues eastward, visiting Devils Tower National Monument. Recognized as the world’s first national monument, Devils Tower features hexagonal columns and is famed for crack rock climbing. The site holds spiritual significance for Native Americans, who visit to honor their heritage.

Later, the group moves into South Dakota’s Black Hills, where they explore Deadwood. Known for its Wild West history, Deadwood offers a Legends & Lore experience, sharing stories of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and other legendary figures. This evening activity enhances understanding of Western frontier legends and local folklore.

Plus, a scenic drive through Spearfish provides stunning views of waterfalls and cliffs, rounding out the day’s exploration of natural and cultural sights.

Key Landmarks: Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial

On Day 6, the focus shifts to South Dakota’s iconic monuments. The Crazy Horse Memorial, still under construction since 1947, is the largest mountain carving in the world, dedicated to the Oglala Lakota warrior. The adjacent Native American museum enriches the visit, emphasizing cultural heritage.

Following this, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. This enduring symbol of American history offers spectacular views of the granite mountain. The tour includes ample time for photos and learning about the history behind these presidential portraits.

Next, Custer State Park provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities, with its granite peaks and grasslands. The day concludes with optional activities such as ziplining, mountain coaster riding, or horseback riding in Custer, depending on personal preference.

Final Day: Return Options and Wyoming’s Casper

On Day 7, travelers either fly out of Rapid City or choose to be dropped off in Salt Lake City. Those heading to Salt Lake City will enjoy a scenic 6.5-hour drive, passing Independence Rock, a notable landmark for pioneers on the Oregon Trail. This granite monolith is a historic symbol of American independence and frontier migration.

For those ending in Rapid City, a morning departure from the airport is scheduled, with the possibility to extend the trip with a night in Casper, Wyoming. Casper, known as “The Oil City”, offers attractions like the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and Nicolaysen Art Museum, adding a cultural touch to the journey.

The tour concludes with a comfortable drop-off at either airport, ensuring travelers can plan flights for 7 PM or later to accommodate driving times and potential delays.

The Sum Up: An In-Depth Winter Tour with Natural Wonders and Cultural Highlights

This 7-day guided tour offers a detailed exploration of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, and other landmarks, all in winter. The itinerary balances scenic drives, guided sightseeing, and cultural insights, making it suitable for travelers eager to see iconic national parks and monuments in a winter setting.

The inclusion of most park entrance fees, accommodation, meals, and guides provides good value, though personal expenses and additional activities are not covered. The tour’s group size is limited to eight travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the guided nature of the tour, combined with expert commentary, enhances the chances of appreciating the parks’ natural beauty. Travelers should be prepared for winter travel conditions and the physical demands of sightseeing in snow and cold.

This tour suits adventurous, active individuals seeking a comprehensive winter journey through some of America’s most famous landmarks, with the convenience of guided transportation and a well-structured itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children five years or younger may not be able to participate in all activities. Please inform the tour operator if traveling with young children so accommodations can be adjusted.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect visits to Yellowstone’s geothermal features, Grand Teton’s mountain scenery, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Wildlife encounters, cultural storytelling, and scenic drives are central components.

Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included (six in total), as well as lunch on specific days. Dinners and other meals are not included, giving flexibility for personal preferences.

Can I join this tour as a solo traveler?
A minimum of two people is required to book the tour. Solo travelers can contact the provider for assistance in joining a group.

What should I prepare for winter conditions?
Travelers should be ready for cold weather, snow, and winter travel logistics. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or road conditions, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.