Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks: Small Group 6-Day Tour

The Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks: Small Group 6-Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two of America’s most iconic parks. Priced at $3,295 per person, this adventure spans 6 days, starting from Salt Lake City, USA. The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. It combines scenic drives, wildlife encounters, geothermal wonders, and outdoor activities like whitewater rafting along the Snake River.

A notable advantage is the tour’s access to Yellowstone without the typical ALPS restrictions, thanks to the tour’s authorized partnership. This benefits those eager to see Yellowstone’s geothermal features without the usual license plate system constraints. However, a potential limitation is the variable pacing, with some days offering only one activity and significant free time, which might not suit travelers seeking a packed schedule every day.

This tour suits those who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and cultural stops. It balances guided visits to key attractions with the flexibility of optional activities, making it ideal for travelers who want a broad experience of the American West with some leisure time.

Key Points

• Small-group size of 8 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.
• Includes Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks, with scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and geothermal features.
• Optional activities such as whitewater rafting, hot springs, and rodeo are available seasonally.
• Accommodation includes 4 hotel nights and 1 camping night, offering a taste of outdoor life.
• All park entrance fees and some seasonal activities are covered, providing good value.
• The tour starts with a city tour in Salt Lake City, including visits to Temple Square and Utah State Capitol.

From Salt Lake City to Utah’s Historic Sites

The tour begins in Salt Lake City, where the guide picks up participants either at the airport or a hotel, with a flexible itinerary depending on arrival time. If arriving before 12:00 PM, travelers enjoy a quick tour of Temple Square, known for its impressive architecture and significance to the LDS church. This site offers a glimpse into Utah’s religious history and features the Tabernacle, Beehive House, and Conference Center.

Later, the Utah State Capitol provides insight into Utah’s government, offering stunning views and artwork depicting the state’s history. Depending on timing, the group may visit Antelope Island State Park, where you can see free-ranging bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and many bird species. The park also offers great Salt Lake views and optional water dips, although this may be moved to the final day if time is tight.

The Hill Aerospace Museum is another stop, showcasing over 100 military aircraft from WWI to stealth fighters. It offers a compelling look at US military aviation, with exhibits on World War II Indian Code Talkers and the Wright Flyer.

Scenic Drive and Waterfalls in Idaho Falls

On day 2, the group travels towards Yellowstone, stopping in Idaho Falls for lunch and a quick sightseeing tour. The town is famed for its long man-made waterfall, offering a peaceful scenic break. Shortly after, the tour visits Mesa Falls, where Upper Falls features a torrential cascade as tall as a 10-story building, created by ancient volcanic activity. The Lower Falls provides additional stunning views, and a scenic walk leads to well-positioned viewpoints.

This part of the journey showcases Yellowstone’s volcanic landscape and the Snake River’s natural beauty, setting the stage for the park’s geothermal wonders.

Entry into Yellowstone and Its Main Attractions

Arriving at Yellowstone National Park marks a highlight of this tour. The park covers nearly 3,500 miles across three states and is home to half of the world’s geothermal features. The itinerary includes visits to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

The tour emphasizes scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities, with binoculars provided for close animal sightings such as bison, bears, wolves, and more. The stops are carefully chosen to highlight Yellowstone’s geothermal activity and diverse ecosystems.

Depending on the day and weather, guides may choose to focus on Northern or Southern Yellowstone, balancing geothermal sites with wildlife-rich areas. The tour notes some optional activities at your own expense, like horseback riding overlooking the Tetons or Yellowstone Valley exploration, to add adventure to your visit.

Exploring the Geothermal Wonders of Yellowstone

The itinerary allows ample time for exploring Yellowstone’s geothermal features: Mud Volcano, Norris Geyser Basin, and West Thumb Geyser Basin. These sites showcase the park’s boiling mud pots, fuming geysers, and colorful hot springs. The Upper and Lower Geyser Basins offer some of the most iconic sights, with Old Faithful standing out as a must-see geyser erupting roughly every 90 minutes.

Yellowstone Lake provides a peaceful setting amid vast wilderness, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone reveals dramatic waterfalls and rugged canyon scenery. The diverse geology makes Yellowstone a fascinating place for those interested in natural phenomena.

Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Lake Views

The tour transitions into Grand Teton National Park on day 5. The guide leads travelers through scenic routes showcasing the Teton Mountains and Jackson Lake, known for its striking reflections of the mountains. The group visits famous spots like Jenny Lake, where options include walking the Jenny Lake Trail or taking a boat across for a closer look.

Expect to see wildlife such as moose, wolves, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and bison. The reflection of the snow-capped peaks on Jackson Lake offers picturesque photo opportunities. The day combines stunning landscapes with chances to observe the region’s abundant fauna.

Visiting Jackson Hole and Optional Camping

If time permits, the tour visits Jackson Hole, a charming Western town with rustic architecture and lively shops. The guide may suggest dining at well-known spots like the Snake River Grill or Mangy Moose Steakhouse.

For those opting for camping, the guide sets up a campsite near Grand Teton, cooking dinner outdoors to enjoy the wilderness atmosphere. This part of the tour provides a more immersive outdoor experience, blending comfort with adventure.

Final Day in Jackson Hole and Idaho Hot Springs

The last day begins with a tour of Jackson Hole, where visitors can admire Mormon Row barns, Jenny Lake, and Snake River Overlook, famously associated with Ansel Adams’ photography. The tour then moves on to the National Elk Refuge, which, depending on the season, may feature large herds of elk and expansive views of the plains.

A relaxing stop at Lava Hot Springs near the Idaho-Utah border offers a chance to soak in mineral hot springs at 102-112°F. If preferred, guests can opt for visits to Bear Lake State Park or Bird Refuges for birdwatching. The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Salt Lake City, where participants are dropped off either at the airport or their hotel, ending the 6-day adventure.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour packs a broad spectrum of sights, from the geysers and wildlife of Yellowstone to the towering peaks of the Tetons. The inclusion of hotel stays, a camping night, and seasonal activities like rodeo, hot springs, and rafting add variety.

However, some reviews highlight a disappointing schedule, with days having only one activity and ample free time, which may not appeal to travelers seeking a more tightly packed itinerary. The guide’s professionalism is also a point for potential improvement, though the tour’s access to Yellowstone without ALPS restrictions is a significant advantage.

This tour delivers a taste of the American West’s natural beauty, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of guided sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural stops, with flexibility for personal exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $3,295 fee covers hotel accommodations (4 nights), 1 night camping, park entrance fees, seasonal activities, snacks and water, and breakfasts on 5 days. Some activities like rafting and rodeo are complimentary seasonal options.

Are meals included beyond breakfast?
Meals besides breakfast are not included in the itinerary, giving guests flexibility to choose their own dining options.

What are the main attractions visited?
Stops include Temple Square, Utah State Capitol, Antelope Island, Mesa Falls, Yellowstone’s geothermal sites, Yellowstone Lake, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Jackson Hole.

Can I participate in outdoor activities like rafting or horseback riding?
Yes, whitewater rafting along the Snake River and horseback riding within Yellowstone are available as seasonal optional activities at your own expense.

Is the tour accessible for children?
Children five years or younger may have restrictions on certain activities. It’s best to inform the tour provider beforehand for possible adjustments.

What is the cancellation policy?
The tour is non-refundable. Cancellations made 30 days prior will result in a credit usable within six months, or a 50% refund. Cancellations within 30 days are not refundable.

How large is the group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, promoting a more personal experience.

What makes this tour unique?
Its exclusive access to Yellowstone without ALPS restrictions, combined with seasonal activities like rodeo, hot springs, and rafting, distinguish this tour. The blend of sightseeing and outdoor adventure offers a versatile experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is included for all scheduled stops and scenic drives within the tour itinerary.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring comfortable clothing for outdoor activities, camera, binoculars (provided), and any personal items needed for camping or outdoor excursions.