Yellowstone & Grand Teton: 5-Day Guided Tour from Salt Lake City
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days (approx. 48–60 hours including transit)
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness: able to walk 1–3 miles intermittently and manage stairs and short elevation changes.
Overview
A five-day guided loop from Salt Lake City that pairs Grand Teton’s glaciated peaks with Yellowstone’s geyser-studded caldera. This tour balances short hikes, wildlife viewing, and interpretive stops with hotel nights in West Yellowstone and Salt Lake City.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton: 5-Day Guided Tour from Salt Lake City
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On the second morning out of Salt Lake City the bus slips west across a changing map: irrigated fields give way to sagebrush flats, then the Tetons lift like a jagged spine on the horizon. Travelers find themselves balancing between two national parks that define the American West—Grand Teton’s glacial shoulders and Yellowstone’s volatile, steamy heart—while a guide narrates geology, wildlife behavior, and practical route choices that turn a long drive into a layering of discovery.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for altitude swings
Temperatures can vary 30°F between morning and afternoon at 7,000–8,000 ft—pack a warm midlayer and a wind shell.
Respect wildlife distances
Bison, elk and bears are common—never approach; use binoculars or a telephoto lens and follow guide instructions.
Footwear for boardwalks and uneven trails
Sturdy trail shoes with good tread handle hot-spring boardwalks and muddy overlooks better than sandals.
Hydrate for higher elevation
Drink water regularly; altitude and dry air increase dehydration risk even on easy walks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American bison
- Elk (especially around dawn and dusk)
History
These valleys and plateaus were shaped by seismic and glacial forces and were inhabited and traversed by Native American tribes long before 19th-century trappers and ranchers established western settlements.
Conservation
Both parks manage high visitor numbers through boardwalks and designated trails to protect fragile thermal features and wildlife habitats—pack out what you pack in and stay on marked paths.
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Adventure Hotspots in West Yellowstone, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy trail shoes
Provide traction and ankle support on boardwalks, dirt trails and rocky overlooks.
Layered clothing (base, mid, shell)
Allows quick adjustments for sun, wind, and sudden temperature drops at altitude.
Binoculars
Bring wildlife and distant geothermal features into view without disturbing animals.
Small daypack with water reservoir
Carries water, sunscreen, snacks, and layers for daily outings and short hikes.
summer specific