5 Day Tour L. Angeles Las Vegas Yellowstone & Grand Teton from LA

If you’ve ever dreamed of a road trip that takes you from the bright lights of Los Angeles into the heart of some of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders, this 5-day tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t traveled it ourselves, a look into the itinerary and reviews reveals a journey filled with iconic sights, memorable landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for genuine adventure.

What we like: First, the itinerary hits some real highlights—Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and more—offering a well-rounded snapshot of the American Southwest and the Rockies. Second, the inclusion of national park entrance fees and some guided stops means you can focus on enjoying the views rather than hunting for tickets or navigating the crowds.

Potential drawback: This tour is tightly scheduled, which might mean a lot of bus time and quick stops, leaving less room for lingering. Also, some reviews hint at variable guide experiences and additional costs that travelers should be aware of.

Best suited for: Travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of the West in a relatively short time, especially those comfortable with large group tours, early mornings, and a packed itinerary.

Key Points

• Includes major highlights like Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone.
• All entrance fees for parks and key sites are included, offering straightforward budgeting.
• Group size is capped at 55, balancing social interaction with comfort.
• Additional costs such as service fees and optional activities can boost the price.
• Guides receive mixed reviews, so your experience may depend on the leadership.
• Timing and pace are fast, good for sightseeing but less ideal if you prefer slow, in-depth exploration.

What This Tour Offers: A Closer Look

The journey begins in Los Angeles, but you’ll quickly transition into some of the most iconic Western landscapes. Traveling through the Mojave Desert decorated with Joshua trees, the route to Las Vegas offers a taste of desert beauty and the allure of Las Vegas’ vibrant cityscape. Arriving around noon, you get a brief taste of Sin City before heading onward to St. George, Utah, where you’ll stay overnight. This overnight stop breaks up the drive and provides a chance to stretch your legs after the first day of travel.

Day 1: From LA to St. George

Starting early in Los Angeles, you’ll pass through the Mojave Desert, a landscape famous for its stark beauty and unique flora like Joshua trees. Expect wide-open vistas and photo opportunities along the way. The drive is approximately 8 hours, so be prepared for a long day on the bus. Arriving in Las Vegas around noon means some travelers might want to grab a quick lunch or explore briefly before heading to your overnight in St. George.

Day 2: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

The real highlight kicks in on the second day. You’ll visit Lower Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon famous for its wave-like structure and captivating light beams filtering through narrow openings. This visit is about 1.5 hours, so plan to soak in the surreal, almost otherworldly formations. The canyon is on Navajo land, making this a culturally significant stop.

Passing by Glen Canyon, you’ll see Lake Powell, the second-largest artificial lake in the U.S., surrounded by nearly 100 side canyons. While you won’t dock or explore the lake, its presence adds a sense of scale and grandeur to the landscape. The next stop, Horseshoe Bend, is a quick 1-hour visit, but the view of this meandering Colorado River curve is worth every photo. Most travelers agree it’s a must-see for its dramatic curvature and color contrasts.

Review insight: Some travelers noted extra costs, such as a $377 service fee and park admissions, which aren’t included in the base price. It’s worth budgeting accordingly.

Day 3: Jackson and Grand Teton

Traveling north to Jackson, Wyoming, you’ll explore Jackson Hole’s Elk Antler Arch, a quirky but iconic landmark made from thousands of elk antlers. It’s an interesting photo stop and a taste of the Old West.

Next, you’ll drive through Grand Teton National Park, renowned for its soaring peaks and stunning alpine lakes. The scenic loop drive offers a quick yet picturesque introduction to these mountains, perfect for scenery lovers. The highlight of the day is a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Though only a brief stop (about 40 minutes at West Thumb Geyser Basin), it provides a glimpse into the geothermal wonders that make Yellowstone famous—think bubbling springs and steaming vents.

Review insight: The guide’s knowledge is praised in some reviews, but others hint at variability. For the most part, the scenic drive and stops are well-organized, but patience is key on such a tightly scheduled day.

Day 4: Yellowstone Deep Dive

This day is dedicated to exploring Yellowstone in depth. With about 7 hours of sightseeing, you’ll visit key spots like Norris Geyser Basin, Upper Falls, Artist Point, Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano, and Fishing Bridge. Expect a whirlwind tour, but you’ll get a good sense of Yellowstone’s geothermal activity, wildlife, and breathtaking canyon views.

The stop at Artist Point is a highlight—its views of the Lower Falls are spectacular and arguably the most photogenic part of the park.

Review insight: Some guests found the day’s schedule intense, with lots of driving and quick visits, but acknowledged the value of seeing major sites in one day.

Day 5: Yellowstone and the Final Sights

The last day offers another full Yellowstone experience, including Yellowstone Lake, Fountain Paint Pot, and Old Faithful. These are Yellowstone’s most emblematic features—rushing geysers, mud pots, and steaming springs. You’ll also visit Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-thru wildlife park, ideal for animal lovers.

The tour wraps up with a brief stop at Great Salt Lake in Utah, providing a contrasting landscape—salty, expansive, and stark.

Review insight: The final day’s schedule is tight but offers a comprehensive taste of Yellowstone’s diverse scenery.

Transportation, Accommodation, and Value

Transportation is via bus, with the vehicle size depending on group numbers, ensuring a balance of comfort and efficiency. Hotels are centrally located, with rooms accommodating 2-4 guests and beds varying between full, double, queen, or king. Some reviews mentioned decent lodging, though the tour’s overall value depends on your expectations regarding amenities.

The included entrance fees for parks and attractions help simplify budgeting, but additional costs like service fees and optional activities can add up. Travelers should factor in around $377 extra for service charges and optional activities, which some reviewers noted as surprising but necessary to enjoy the full experience.

Pricing and Overall Value

At $878 per person, the tour offers an efficient way to see significant landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. However, it’s important to recognize that the price doesn’t include meals, tips, or personal expenses. The value lies in the guided convenience, park access, and the opportunity to see several national parks in five days—something challenging to do independently without significant planning.

The Guide and Group Experience

Guide quality appears mixed based on reviews. Some found guides to be knowledgeable and engaging, enhancing the experience, while others had less favorable impressions, especially regarding language barriers or communication. The group size of up to 55 travelers can affect the personal feel of the tour, making it more suitable for those comfortable in larger groups.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of the American West’s most iconic landscapes in a short span. It works well for those comfortable with bus travel and eager to tick off multiple sights without the stress of self-driving or detailed planning. It’s also ideal for travelers new to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons who want to see key sites efficiently.

Those seeking deep, leisurely exploration or off-the-beaten-path experiences may find this schedule too rushed. However, for travelers who value guided insights, park passes included, and a good mix of scenic stops, this tour offers considerable value.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 5-day adventure offers a solid introduction to some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the American West. It balances scenic highlights with the convenience of guided transportation and included park fees, making it a practical choice for travelers who want to see a lot in a short time.

While the pace might feel brisk and some reviews suggest variable guide quality, you’ll gain access to iconic sights—Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Grand Teton, Yellowstone—without the hassle of organizing each stop yourself. The accommodation appears decent, and the included entrance fees streamline costs, though extra charges should be anticipated.

This tour is best for first-timers, families, or groups who want a guided, all-in-one experience with minimal planning. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, scenic overview of the West and don’t mind the crowds or tight schedule, it could be a good fit. Just be prepared for some busy days and extra costs along the way.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers hotel stays (with shared rooms), transportation, entrance fees for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and some guided stops. Breakfast is optional, and some activities and food are not included.

Are park entrance fees included?
Yes, park entrance fees for Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and attractions like Horseshoe Bend are included in the price.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 55 travelers, which offers a balance between social opportunities and comfort, but some might find it large for a more intimate experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), cash for personal expenses, and drinks for hydration are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women under 24 weeks may join, but families with young children should consider the pace and schedule.

Can I customize my hotel rooms?
Rooms accommodate 2-4 guests with various bed types available based on hotel availability. For larger parties or separate rooms, separate bookings are recommended.

This 5-day journey offers a practical way to experience some of America’s most iconic outdoor scenery, packed into a manageable, guided package. It’s a good fit for those craving a broad overview and comfortable logistics, provided you’re prepared for a busy schedule and potential additional costs.