5-Day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City

Planning a multi-day road trip through some of America’s most iconic landmarks can feel overwhelming. That’s where a guided tour like this one from Salt Lake City steps in, promising a seamless experience packed with natural wonders, historic monuments, and a comfortable ride. As someone who’s looked into tours like these, I can tell you that they tend to be a good option for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines immersive national park visits with visits to historically significant sites like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Plus, the tour’s emphasis on expert-guided sightseeing ensures you’re not just looking at pretty pictures but understanding what makes these places special. But, with a packed schedule and around six hours of driving each day, it’s definitely a whirlwind – so be prepared for full days. This tour suits those eager to see a lot in a short time, especially if you enjoy group travel, comfortable transport, and learning along the way.

One thing to keep in mind: the price of $1,368 per person covers a lot, but meals are not included, so budget accordingly. Also, the larger group size (up to 55 travelers) might not appeal if you’re seeking total privacy or a more intimate experience. Still, if you’re after a well-organized, value-packed adventure through stunning landscapes, this tour could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, and historic landmarks provide a wide-ranging experience.
• Expert Guides & Seamless Transport: Knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation help maximize sightseeing and minimize stress.
• Value for Money: For $1,368, you get five days of guided touring, park entry fees, and accommodation, offering good value considering the scope.
• Active but Manageable Pace: The itinerary involves some moderate walking and sightseeing, but it’s designed to keep everyone comfortable.
• Accommodation & Comfort: Four nights in modest but clean hotels, with some reviews mentioning small buses and high steps—be prepared for that.
• Flexible & Well-Organized: The tour operator is willing to make itinerary adjustments for weather or other conditions, ensuring a smooth trip.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Steps in Salt Lake City

The journey starts with your flight into Salt Lake City, where the tour’s friendly guide will assist with hotel shuttles. Arriving around 3 pm, you’ll settle into the Clarion Inn for the night—an accessible base for the days ahead. This initial step sets a relaxed tone before the busy days of exploring.

Day 2: Yellowstone’s Geysers and Hot Springs

Depart early for Yellowstone, enjoying a roughly six-hour drive that includes a stop at Flying J Travel Center for a quick rest. The route then takes you into Wyoming’s iconic towns, with Jackson Hole’s Town Square offering classic wooden architecture and elk antler arches—a photo-worthy stop.

Once inside Yellowstone, you’ll visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin, with colorful hot springs and geysers along Yellowstone Lake, and Old Faithful, perhaps the park’s most famous geyser. Expect to see eruptions every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet high—a spectacle that’s both predictable and awe-inspiring.

In the afternoon, the Grand Prismatic Spring’s rainbow hues and Fountain Paint Pot’s bubbling mud pots reveal Yellowstone’s geothermal activity in vivid detail. Reviews praise how well-organized these stops are, with visitors noting the easy hikes and engaging commentary from guides.

Day 3: Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders and Scenic Overlooks

Continuing your Yellowstone exploration, you’ll visit Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most dynamic geothermal area in the park, where the variety of steaming vents and geysers make for fantastic photos and learning opportunities.

The Upper Yellowstone Falls provide a dramatic backdrop at Artist Point, one of the most iconic views in Yellowstone. Here, the powerful cascade of water into the canyon is truly breathtaking. The tour then takes you to the Mud Volcano area, with bubbling mud pots and sulfuric steam vents, offering insight into the park’s volcanic activity.

From reviews, we see that travelers value the guide’s knowledge and the scenery’s grandeur. One noted that seeing these sights was “a great value for the price,” emphasizing how Yellowstone’s natural heat displays are a highlight.

Day 4: Wyoming’s Natural Monuments and Mount Rushmore

The morning starts with a visit to Devils Tower, rising 1,267 feet above the valley—a striking monolithic formation steeped in Native American significance. The easy hike around the base offers close-up views of the unique hexagonal columns.

Next, the tour heads to Mount Rushmore. Standing before the carved faces of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship and history. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours, giving enough time for photos and reflection.

From there, the Crazy Horse Memorial provides insight into Native American heritage, with a still-ongoing sculpture that will honor the warrior Crazy Horse. The reviews praise guides for their professionalism and knowledge, making these visits both educational and memorable.

Day 5: Historic Landmarks and Return to Salt Lake City

On the final day, you’ll explore Independence Rock, a key Oregon Trail landmark, and stop in Green River for a quick lunch and rest. Finally, a visit to Salt Lake City’s Utah State Capitol and Temple Square completes your journey, giving a taste of local history and culture.

The tour concludes with transportation back to Salt Lake City or the airport, with plenty of time to catch flights after 8 pm.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Voices

Multiple reviews highlight the quality of guides and the scenery. One traveler raved, “Chris the guide and Jay our driver get high marks for their effort,” emphasizing the importance of knowledgeable guides. Others appreciated seeing Yellowstone and the Tetons in a single trip, noting the “stunning views” and “good value for the money.”

Some critiques focus on logistics: a comment about the bus being difficult to get in and out of due to high steps, which is worth considering if mobility is an issue. The accommodations were generally described as clean but modest, aligning with the tour’s focus on value rather than luxury.

Practical Details

Transportation & Group Size

Traveling in a high-roof van or bus, the group can include up to 55 travelers. Some reviews suggest smaller groups (around 12) for a more personal feel, which is possible with a booking. The transportation is comfortable but note that getting in and out of the bus might require some agility.

Accommodation

The tour includes four nights in hotels, with room configurations typically accommodating 2-3 guests. Expect to share beds or rooms with fellow travelers, with varying bed types. The accommodations are modest but generally clean and functional.

Cost & What’s Included

At $1,368 per person, the tour covers park entry fees, accommodations, transportation, and guiding services. Meals, tips, personal expenses, and travel insurance are not included, so budget for those extras.

Booking & Cancellation

Booking well in advance (average 59 days ahead) is recommended. Cancellation is free up to six days before departure, providing some flexibility if plans change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a broad swath of the American West, including Yellowstone, the Tetons, and Mount Rushmore, without the hassle of planning each step. If you’re comfortable with a full schedule, enjoy learning from guides, and don’t mind some bus travel, this trip offers excellent value.

It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a lively, educational experience. However, those seeking more luxury or privacy might prefer private tours or smaller groups.

The Sum Up

This 5-day guided tour from Salt Lake City presents a compelling way to see some of America’s most iconic landmarks with expert guidance and relative ease. The combination of natural beauty—Yellowstone’s geysers and waterfalls, the Tetons’ rugged peaks—and historic monuments like Mount Rushmore makes for a memorable trip.

The value for money is solid, especially considering all park fees, accommodations, and transportation included. The guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the experience richer than just sightseeing.

If you’re a traveler eager to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, appreciate well-organized logistics, and enjoy learning about the places you visit, this tour will likely meet or exceed your expectations.

For those seeking an immersive, relaxed experience with plenty of free time, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re after a comprehensive adventure with a good mix of scenery, history, and fun, this tour offers a well-rounded package.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers of all ages can participate. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women can join if under 24 weeks by trip’s end.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration are recommended. The itinerary involves walking and outdoor activity.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You should budget for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your own.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 55 travelers, but some reviews mention smaller groups, which can be more personal.

How long are the driving days?
Expect approximately six hours of driving each day, with scenic stops along the way. It’s a fast-paced trip, so be prepared.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour operator may make itinerary adjustments due to weather or other conditions, but major changes are unlikely.

What are the accommodations like?
Four nights in modest, clean hotels. Room sharing arrangements typically include two to three guests per room.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The starting point is the Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport. Transportation to and from the airport is included, and you should book flights arriving before 3 pm on the first day and departing after 8 pm on the last day.

This 5-day adventure strikes a good balance between seeing the highlights and managing a busy schedule, making it perfect for those eager to tick off multiple iconic sites without the stress of self-planning.