Lodging at Old Faithful Yellowstone&Grand Teton 5-Day Tour

This 5-day journey offers an immersive experience through some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes, with comfortable accommodations and expert-guided sightseeing. While it’s a relatively short trip, it packs in plenty of highlights, from geysers to mountain vistas, with a focus on comfort and ease. What really sets this tour apart is the two-night stay at the iconic Old Faithful Snow Lodge, giving travelers a true immersion in Yellowstone’s geothermal wonderland.

We particularly love how this tour is designed for travelers who want to leave the logistics behind and just enjoy the scenery and expert insights. The small group size, capped at 13 people, ensures a more intimate experience and personalized attention. However, a potential consideration is that meals outside of the included breakfasts are on your own, so you’ll want to budget for lunches and dinners along the way.

This trip is best suited for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those wanting a comfortable, guided exploration of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re after a well-organized, scenic adventure with cozy lodging in a prime location, this package hits the mark.

• Exclusive Lodging: Spend 2 nights at the famous Old Faithful Snow Lodge, enjoying Yellowstone’s geothermal landscape.
• Comfort & Convenience: All transportation, park entry fees, and a hot breakfast are included, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 13 guests, ensuring personalized service and less crowded sightseeing.
• Flexible & Authentic: Enjoy a mix of guided sightseeing and free time, plus optional activities like boating and Salt Flats tour.
• Educational & Scenic: Well-curated stops highlight Yellowstone’s geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, alongside Grand Teton’s mountain majesty.
• Value for Price: For $1,661 per person, the tour offers a balance of comfort, guided expertise, and memorable landscapes.

If you’re dreaming of Yellowstone’s iconic geysers and the sweeping vistas of the Grand Tetons but don’t want the hassle of organizing every detail, this tour might be the perfect fit. From the moment you step into the comfortable Mercedes Benz high-top van, you’re in good hands with the experienced guides who know these parks inside and out. They’ll make sure you see the best spots, share fascinating insights, and keep the journey smooth.

Day 1: Arrival and Transition into Nature

Your adventure begins with a flight into Salt Lake City, where your guide will arrange for pickup between 10 AM and 8 PM. Whether you arrive early or late, help is at hand — you can take the hotel shuttle if needed. After checking in at the SpringHill Suites Marriott SLC Airport, the day is yours to relax or explore on your own, preparing for the days ahead.

Day 2: The Drive into Yellowstone

This day is a perfect warm-up for the wilderness ahead. After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll stop at the Flying J Travel Center for a quick restroom break — always appreciated on long road trips. Then your journey takes you through Jackson, a charming town with a Western vibe, where you’ll have about an hour for sightseeing and lunch (on your own).

The route continues with stops at Jenny Lake for a gentle hike, offering stunning mountain views and a chance to stretch your legs. Jackson Lake Dam Overlook provides a panoramic shot of the lake, perfect for snapping photos. From there, the tour heads to West Thumb Geyser Basin, where geothermal features create steaming pools and colorful hot springs.

By late afternoon, you reach Old Faithful Snow Lodge, your home for the next two nights. The lodge itself is a cozy base with easy access to Yellowstone’s geothermal highlights. Expect to be greeted by the crackling warmth of the lodge after a day of travel, with dinner on your own — plenty of nearby options or perhaps a cozy meal at the lodge if available.

Day 3: Yellowstone’s Iconic Sights

This is the day to really immerse in Yellowstone’s geothermal marvels. Your guide will lead you on a 90-minute moderate hike along the Old Faithful Geyser & Geyser Trail, so bring comfortable shoes. Watching the geyser erupt reliably is a thrill; it’s one of nature’s most captivating spectacles.

Next, you visit the colorful Morning Glory Pool, and then head to Canyon Village, where you have an hour for lunch and some free time to explore. The landscape around the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is dramatic, with vibrant cliffs and waterfalls.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with stops at Mammoth Hot Springs and the Upper Terraces, with easy hikes revealing the surreal limestone formations. Each stop is a chance to see geothermal activity up close, with guides sharing insights about the park’s geology and wildlife.

An authentic highlight is the visit to Hayden Valley, where wildlife such as bison and elk frequent. Small groups and expert guides make wildlife sightings more rewarding.

Day 4: The Wonders of Yellowstone and Beyond

After breakfast, the focus shifts to the park’s most colorful features. The Grand Prismatic Overlook offers a sweeping view of Yellowstone’s largest hot spring, renowned for its rainbow hues. The tour continues through Midway Geyser Basin and Fountain Paint Pots, both showcasing bubbling mud pots and steaming pools — perfect for photography.

Midday, you’ll enjoy some free time in West Yellowstone for lunch and additional exploration. Later, the tour visits Yellowstone Bear World, an attraction where you can see bears and other wildlife in a more controlled environment, adding a fun and educational element to the trip.

That evening, you’ll return to Salt Lake City, staying again at the Marriott SLC Airport or Courtyard. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after four days of adventure, with dinner on your own.

Day 5: City Highlights and Departure

The final day begins with a relaxed breakfast before visits to Utah’s State Capitol and Temple Square, landmarks that offer a glimpse into Salt Lake City’s cultural and spiritual heart. The tour wraps up with a stop at the Great Salt Lake Marina, where the shimmering saline waters provide a unique photo opportunity.

Your guide will transfer you to the airport around 10:30 AM, giving plenty of time for domestic or international flights departing after noon or later. If you opt for the half-day Salt Flats tour (for an additional fee), you’ll visit the stunning, mirror-like surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats — a surreal experience of nature’s artistry.

Comfortable Lodging in Yellowstone: Staying two nights at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge allows visitors to relax after a full day of sightseeing, without the rush of moving hotels. The lodge’s location near the geyser basin makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

Expert Guides and Small Group Size: With a maximum of 13 guests, the tour offers a more intimate experience. Guides are praised for their knowledge — one reviewer noted how their guide’s insights made the geyser eruptions come alive with stories and facts.

All-Inclusive Park Access: The tour covers all entrance fees, transit, and includes a hot breakfast each morning, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The inclusion of bottled water, snacks, and binoculars adds value and convenience.

Balanced Itinerary: The schedule combines well-paced sightseeing, moderate hikes, and free time to explore or rest. It’s designed to give a comprehensive Yellowstone experience without feeling rushed.

Additional Optional Activities: The possibility of adding the Salt Flats tour or visiting Bear World provides options to customize the experience.

Real Insights from Past Travelers

Reviewers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides, with one mentioning, “Our guide was fantastic — so passionate about Yellowstone and very informative.” They also appreciate the stunning scenery, noting that “the views exceeded our expectations, especially from the Grand Prismatic Overlook.”

Some mention that meals outside breakfast are on your own, so packing some snacks or planning meals ahead could enhance the trip. The small group setting is praised for creating a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere, which is key to truly appreciating the parks.

• Transportation: The fully guided tour uses a brand-new Mercedes Benz high-top van, ensuring a comfortable ride through the parks’ sometimes bumpy roads.
• Timing: The tour starts with airport pickup between 10 AM and 8 PM on Day 1; flights should be scheduled accordingly.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and snacks or cash for meals and souvenirs.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of travelers.
• Pricing & Value: At $1,661 per person, the cost includes hotel stays, most activities, guided tours, and park fees. Given Yellowstone’s popularity and the included amenities, it offers good value for a curated experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized way to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton’s most iconic sights, with the added bonus of staying inside the park at the Snow Lodge. The small group size fosters a more personal experience, perfect for those who appreciate guided insights and the chance to ask questions.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the scenery, from geysers to mountain vistas, while wildlife enthusiasts will benefit from expert guides who know where to spot animals. The mix of guided sightseeing and free time makes it suitable for both first-timers and seasoned park visitors.

If you’re looking for a balanced blend of comfort, adventure, and expert guidance in one of America’s most stunning natural areas, this tour offers a compelling option. Just be prepared for some self-catering meals outside of breakfast, and ensure your flights align with the pickup times for a smooth trip.

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides airport pickup at Salt Lake City International Airport between 10 AM and 8 PM on Day 1. If you arrive outside these hours, guidance will help you take the hotel shuttle.

What’s included in the price?
Your package includes 4 nights of hotel accommodations, all park entrance fees, transit, a guided tour, bottled water, snacks, and a hot breakfast from Day 2 to Day 5.

Are meals covered?
Only breakfast is included; lunches and dinners are on your own, so plan accordingly.

Can I add extra tours?
Yes, there’s an optional half-day tour of the Bonneville Salt Flats available for an additional $98 per person.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A brand-new Mercedes Benz high-top van ensures a comfortable ride throughout the parks.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for those with mobility needs.

In essence, this Yellowstone & Grand Teton tour offers a thoughtfully curated, comfortable way to experience some of America’s most stunning landscapes, guided by knowledgeable experts and staying inside the park for maximum immersion. It’s perfect for those who want scenic beauty, expert insights, and a cozy base, all without the stress of planning every detail themselves.