5-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Winter Tour from Salt Lake City
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Light to moderate—suitable for most travelers who can manage periodic short walks in cold conditions and tolerate long vehicle transfers.
Overview
Spend five days moving from Salt Lake City to Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone with guided stops at the National Elk Refuge, Old Faithful and panoramic gondola rides. This vehicle-based winter itinerary pairs easy access to iconic sights with an optional 65‑mile snowmobile adventure.
5-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Winter Tour from Salt Lake City
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The bus hums to life before dawn at Salt Lake City Airport, exhaust and coffee fogging the windows as mountains pinwheel into view. By mid-morning the Wasatch recedes and the Tetons rise like a jagged wall — black rock cut against a big winter sky — while the guide sketches the week ahead: elk in a frozen meadow, the predictable plume of Old Faithful, and an optional 65‑mile self-drive snowmobile route that threads Yellowstone’s steaming valleys.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing with elevation; base layers plus an insulated jacket and waterproof shell keep you comfortable across valleys and geothermal basins.
Bring traction and warm boots
Snow and ice are common—microspikes or insulated waterproof boots make walking near geysers and trailheads far safer.
Charge and protect electronics
Cold drains batteries quickly—carry spare batteries or power banks and a weatherproof camera bag for steam and snow shots.
Plan for long drives
Expect multiple multi-hour transfers; keep water, snacks, and motion-sickness aids handy for the longer legs between parks and towns.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bison
History
The National Elk Refuge was established in 1912 to protect wintering elk herds; Yellowstone was designated the first national park in 1872, shifting conservation policy worldwide.
Conservation
Winter travel can stress wildlife—stay on designated routes, keep distance from animals, and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salt Lake City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated layering system (base, mid, shell)
Allows quick adjustments for changing temperature and wind across elevations.
winter specific
Waterproof insulated boots with traction
Keeps feet warm and stable on snow, ice and muddy boardwalks near geothermal areas.
winter specific
Daypack with water and snacks
Handy for carrying layers, camera gear, and essentials during short walks and viewpoint stops.
Camera or binoculars
Improves wildlife viewing and captures geyser eruptions and Tetons at dawn or dusk.