6-Day Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Arches National Parks: Denver to Salt Lake City Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days (full-day sightseeing and driving)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with average fitness who can handle short hikes, boardwalks and multiple consecutive travel days.
Overview
A six-day guided loop from Denver to Salt Lake City that packs Mt. Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and an optional visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Expect geothermal basins, high-elevation plateaus and a steady rhythm of scenic stops with hotel nights and guided logistics included.
6-Day Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Arches National Parks: Denver to Salt Lake City Tour
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You step off the bus in Cheyenne with wind that seems to push the day forward, and by evening the carved faces of presidents stare down from granite while a prairie horizon pulls the sky wide. Over six days this guided loop threads through high plateaus and desert fins, past geysers that rehearse their eruptions on a geological clock, and into towns that remember the Old West.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for elevation swings
Temperatures vary from desert basins to 7,000–8,000 ft plateaus—bring insulating layers and a lightweight shell.
Respect wildlife distances
Bison and elk often block roads; stay in the vehicle or 100+ yards from large animals and follow guide instructions.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Long driving days and arid stops mean hydration is essential—water stations are limited between towns.
Charge and protect camera gear
Cold mornings and mineral steam can fog lenses—carry a small microfiber cloth and spare batteries.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison
- Elk (also possible bear sightings with proper distance)
History
This route traces Plains and Mountain West histories—from Indigenous nations and frontier trails to 20th-century park designations and sculptural monuments like Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
Conservation
Stay on boardwalks and marked trails around thermal areas to prevent damage; keep all food secured and pack out trash to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
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Adventure Hotspots in West Yellowstone, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on boardwalks, gravel viewpoints and short trails around geyser basins.
Layered jacket and insulating midlayer
Keeps you comfortable across morning chills and warmer afternoons at lower elevations.
fall specific
Reusable water bottle with filter
Hydration is critical during long drives and at higher elevation stops.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
High plateaus and open desert expose you to strong UV; shade is limited.
summer specific