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Yellowstone

Yellowstone Tours from Salt Lake City

4.8 (47 reviews)

Explore the wonders of the American West with multi-day Yellowstone tours departing from Salt Lake City. These 4- to 6-day guided trips include park entry fees, accommodations, and visits to nearby highlights like Grand Teton National Park and Mount Rushmore.

🎟️ National park entry fees included
🏕️ Hotel or camping accommodations provided
🚐 Comfortable van or bus transit
Highly-rated expert local tour guides
4-Day Small Group Tour: Yellowstone and Tetons Camping from Salt Lake City Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (32) ⏱ 96h

4-Day Small Group Tour: Yellowstone and Tetons Camping from Salt Lake City

4 days of camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with a local guide.

5-Day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City
4.5 (11) ⏱ 120h

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

A 5-day guided tour from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devil’s Tower, and Mount Rushmore.

6-Day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City
5.0 (4) ⏱ 144h

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

A guided multi-day circuit from Salt Lake City through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the landmarks of South Dakota.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Yellowstone — from practical tips to personal highlights.

J
James K. United States, Apr 2026
4.4

"Great way to knock out the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Rushmore in one go. The logistics were handled perfectly. Only downside was the lack of cell service in the park, but honestly, it was nice to disconnect. Make sure you bring your own water bottle."

M
Mark T. Australia, Nov 2025
5.0

"Absolutely epic 6-day loop. Lamar Valley was the highlight—we got caught in a massive 'bison jam' which was hilarious and amazing to see up close. The hotels were clean and the guide kept us on schedule without feeling rushed."

D
David M. United Kingdom, Sep 2025
4.8

"The 4-day camping trip was brilliant. I was worried about the gear, but the tents were top quality and fully sanitized. Waking up in the park and seeing the Tetons before the crowds arrived was magic. The guide cooked fantastic meals too."

A
Anita B. Canada, Aug 2025
4.7

"Traveling with a 5-year-old was easier than expected on the 5-day bus tour. We had to bring our own booster seat, which was a slight hassle, but the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs were super easy for him to walk on. Highly recommend!"

S
Sophie L. France, Jul 2025
4.9

"Loved the small group dynamic on our camping tour. There were only 10 of us. The downloadable app with French commentary was a really nice touch while we drove through the park. Old Faithful erupted right on time!"

E
Elena R. Spain, Jun 2025
4.5

"We took the 5-day tour to see Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. It's a lot of driving from Salt Lake City, but the van was comfortable. Grand Prismatic Spring is unreal in person. Just remember to bring layers, it was freezing in the morning and boiling by noon!"

What to Expect on Your Yellowstone Tour from Salt Lake City

Setting out from Salt Lake City, multi-day tours to Yellowstone offer an incredible journey into the world's first national park. Expect to see dramatic canyons, gushing geysers, and abundant wildlife as you explore the geothermal wonders of Wyoming, Montana, and beyond.

🌋

Old Faithful Geyser

Witness the most famous predictable geyser in the world. It regularly shoots boiling water up to 180 feet into the air.

🌈

Grand Prismatic Spring

Marvel at the largest hot spring in the U.S. Its vivid, rainbow-colored waters are caused by heat-loving bacteria.

🦬

Wildlife Encounters

Experience iconic 'bison jams' and spot elk across the park. Lamar Valley offers the best chances to see grizzly bears and wolves.

🏔️

Grand Teton National Park

Most tours departing from Salt Lake City include a drive through the neighboring park to see the jagged, breathtaking Teton Range.

🏞️

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Take in the stunning, yellow-tinted canyon walls and feel the power of the massive 308-foot Lower Falls.

🗿

Mount Rushmore Extensions

Longer 5- or 6-day tour loops often cross into South Dakota to visit iconic monuments like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning a multi-day trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone requires some preparation. Here are the key details to keep in mind before you book your adventure.

Tour Durations

Because Yellowstone is over 300 miles from Salt Lake City, tours are multi-day adventures. Expect itineraries ranging from 4 to 6 days to properly cover the vast distances across Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota.

Accommodation Styles

You can choose between rugged camping experiences or comfortable hotel stays. Camping tours usually provide tents and gear (excluding sleeping bags), while hotel tours typically accommodate 2 to 4 guests per room.

Included Fees

Most tours include standard National Park entry fees. However, starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents must pay an additional $100 surcharge per person, which is usually collected in-destination rather than at booking.

Group Sizes

Options range from intimate small-group camping tours capped at 13 passengers to larger bus tours. If you have a large group, some operators allow you to purchase a set number of seats to make the tour fully private.

Physical Fitness & Accessibility

Tours are generally suitable for all fitness levels. Yellowstone is highly accessible with extensive flat boardwalks, but if you require a wheelchair-accessible bus, you must notify the tour operator in advance for approval.

What to Pack

High-altitude weather (averaging 8,000 feet) is unpredictable even in summer. Bring moisture-wicking synthetic layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of drinking water to avoid altitude sickness.

Age Restrictions

Camping tours often have a minimum age requirement of 7 years old. Hotel-based bus tours generally allow infants, but state laws require children under 6 to have a booster seat, which you may need to provide.

Cancellation Policies

Multi-day tours usually offer full refunds if canceled well in advance, typically 3 to 6 full days before departure. Cancellations within 2 to 3 days of the trip usually result in a 0% refund.

Which Yellowstone Tour from Salt Lake City Is Best for You?

Small Group Camping Tour5-Day Yellowstone & Rushmore6-Day Extended Loop
Duration 4 Days5 Days6 Days
Accommodation Camping (tents provided)4 Nights Hotel5 Nights Hotel
Inclusions Meals, Park Fees, GuidePark Fees, Monument AdmissionPark Fees, Monument Admission
Price from $1,050$1,224$1,286

Plan Your Visit to Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is technically open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, access changes drastically depending on the season.

From early November to late April, most park roads are completely closed to wheeled vehicles due to snow. During this winter season, the only road that remains open year-round is the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT).

If you are booking a multi-day driving tour from Salt Lake City, these typically operate between May and October when the interior park roads are fully accessible.

Salt Lake City is located approximately 321 miles from Yellowstone's West Entrance. Driving yourself takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, but guided tours handle all the transportation for you.

If you prefer to travel independently before joining a local tour, the Salt Lake Express public bus provides daily service to West Yellowstone. The journey takes 7 to 8 hours and costs between $76.00 and $95.00, requiring a transfer in Rexburg, Idaho.

  • Tour Transit: Most multi-day tours pick you up at designated hotels in Salt Lake City (e.g., Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport) using comfortable high-roof vans or buses.

The peak season for visiting Yellowstone is during July and August. During these months, you'll find warm weather and full access to all roads, trails, and facilities, though you should expect heavy crowds at major attractions like Old Faithful.

September is widely considered the best month for wildlife viewing. The elk rut (mating season) is in full swing, bears are actively foraging before hibernation, and the summer crowds begin to thin out.

Avoid visiting in April and November. Known locally as the 'mud season', the park transitions between winter and summer operations. Most roads, visitor centers, and facilities are closed during these months.

Yellowstone is highly accessible for visitors with mobility needs. Many of the park's most famous hydrothermal areas, including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic Spring, feature extensive, flat wooden boardwalks.

  • Viewpoints: Major overlooks like Artist Point and Lookout Point at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are wheelchair accessible.
  • Rentals: Manual wheelchairs can be rented at medical clinics in Mammoth, Lake Village, and Old Faithful for $10 per day.

Note: The park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet. Elderly visitors or those with respiratory issues should take it slow, as the high altitude can cause shortness of breath and fatigue.

While Yellowstone has developed areas, it is a vast wilderness, and facilities can be spread far apart.

  • Dining & Food: Restaurants and cafeterias are available at major hubs like Canyon Village and Old Faithful, but lines can be very long in summer. It is highly recommended to pack a cooler with food and water.
  • Connectivity: Do not expect to use your phone. Cell service is extremely limited, and free Wi-Fi is practically non-existent (limited only to registered lodge guests at very slow speeds). Download the NPS App offline before you arrive.
  • Gas Stations: There are 6 gas stations inside the park, but prices are higher than outside the park. Always fill up before entering.

Yellowstone has strict rules designed to protect both visitors and the delicate environment. Violating these can result in heavy fines or fatal accidents.

  • Thermal Danger: You must stay on designated boardwalks and trails in hydrothermal areas. The crust is thin, and stepping off can plunge you into boiling, acidic water.
  • Wildlife Distance: It is illegal to approach wildlife. You must stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk.
  • Prohibited Items: Drones are strictly banned in all U.S. National Parks. You also cannot remove any natural items, such as rocks, antlers, or wildflowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Yellowstone from Salt Lake City?

Yellowstone's West Entrance is about 321 miles from Salt Lake City. Driving or taking a public bus usually takes between 5 and 8 hours, which is why tours from SLC are multi-day experiences.

Are park entrance fees included in the tour price?

Yes, standard National Park entry fees for Yellowstone and Grand Teton are typically included. However, starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents must pay an additional $100 surcharge per person, which is usually collected by the guide.

Will we see Mount Rushmore on these tours?

It depends on the itinerary. The 5-day and 6-day extended loop tours from Salt Lake City specifically include travel through South Dakota to visit Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

What should I pack for a multi-day Yellowstone tour?

The park sits at 8,000 feet, so weather changes rapidly. Pack moisture-wicking synthetic layers, a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle.

Are meals included on the tour?

Camping tours generally include breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared at the campsite. Hotel-based bus tours usually do not include meals, so you will need to budget for food at park cafeterias and local restaurants.

Can I bring young children on the tour?

Yes, but check specific tour rules. Camping tours often require children to be at least 7 years old. Hotel bus tours allow younger kids, but state laws require you to bring a booster seat for children under 6.

Will I have cell service or Wi-Fi in Yellowstone?

Cell service is extremely limited and only available in a few developed areas like Mammoth and Old Faithful. There is no free public Wi-Fi, so be sure to download offline maps and tour apps before leaving Salt Lake City.

How close can we get to the animals?

Federal law requires you to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards away from bison, elk, and other wildlife. Bison are fast and injure more people in the park than any other animal.

Can I fly a drone to get photos of Grand Prismatic Spring?

No. Drones are strictly prohibited in Yellowstone and all other U.S. National Parks. Personal photography with standard cameras or phones is completely free and encouraged.

What happens if it rains or snows during the tour?

Tours generally proceed rain or shine. Guides may adjust the daily schedule based on weather or traffic conditions to ensure safety and the best possible experience.

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