Grand Teton to Mount Rushmore: 7-Day Yellowstone, Devils Tower & Black Hills Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Comfortable with several hours of walking over mostly easy terrain; able to handle long vehicle days and short hikes at moderate altitudes.
Overview
This seven-day loop from Salt Lake City threads Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore into a single continuous landscape tour. Expect geysers daring you to look closer, Tetons that command silence, and a mix of geology and frontier history delivered with hotel stays and guided interpretation.
Grand Teton to Mount Rushmore: 7-Day Yellowstone, Devils Tower & Black Hills Adventure
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The bus eases out of Salt Lake City's grid before dawn, headlights sweeping over sagebrush that seems to hold its breath. Within hours the Tetons appear — a jagged wall of granite that slices the horizon — and the pace of the trip changes: roads shorten, conversations quiet, cameras come out. Over seven days this route pushes through geological extremes and living history, from thermal basins that steam like a planet's open wound to granite faces carved by hand and explosives.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for wildlife
Dawn and early morning are the best times to see bison, elk, and bears; guides may reroute to follow sightings so be ready for schedule changes.
Layer for elevation swings
Temperatures can drop dramatically between valley mornings and mountain afternoons — pack a breathable shell and insulating mid-layer.
Respect thermal areas
Stay on boardwalks at geyser basins; thermal ground is brittle and dangerous, and closures save lives.
Bring a reusable water bottle
Long drives and active days require hydration; refill stations are available at lodges and visitor centers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison
- Pronghorn (antelope)
History
The route traces migration, homesteading and conservation histories — Yellowstone was the world's first national park (1872), while Devils Tower became the first national monument in 1906.
Conservation
The operator promotes Leave No Trace practices and advises staying on trails and not feeding wildlife; thermal features are fragile and protected to prevent damage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salt Lake City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy day hiking shoes
Support for boardwalks, short switchbacks and uneven overlooks encountered throughout the parks.
Layered clothing system (base, mid, shell)
Quick temperature swings and wind at higher elevations make layering the simplest comfort solution.
Daypack with hydration bladder (2–3L)
Keeps water, snacks, binoculars and a light jacket at hand during stops and short hikes.
summer specific
Binoculars and zoom lens for camera
Improves chances of close-up wildlife and geyser photography without disturbing animals.