
moderate
9 days
Moderate fitness—able to handle full days of walking, some snowshoeing, and occasional short hikes at altitude.
A small-group, nine-day winter circuit through Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Utah’s Mighty 5—mixing snowcoaches, sleigh rides, slot canyons and hot springs. Expect long drives, high-elevation vistas, and guided winter access to landscapes few see in snow.
The bus eases away from Salt Lake City under a low winter sun and the land folds open: salt flats that glint like metal, jagged Tetons that pin the horizon, then the orange and white giants of southern Utah’s arches and hoodoos. Snow clings in pockets—on canyon rims, in sagebrush hollows—and the air bites like an honest thing that won’t be bargained with. Over nine days you move through ecosystems as different as weather systems: boreal forest that muffles sound, geyser basins that huff steam, and desert mesas that hold heat even in deep winter.

Temperatures swing with elevation—base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell let you adapt from snowy Tetons to sunlit canyon rims.
Microspikes or crampon-compatible boots are recommended for Yellowstone boardwalks, Bryce viewpoints, and any snowshoe approach.
Cold suppresses thirst but not exertion—carry 1–2 liters of water and plan for snack breaks during long drives between parks.
Carry spare batteries in an inner pocket and keep electronics warm to avoid rapid drain during flightseeing and cold-weather shoots.
This route spans Indigenous lands—Navajo guides lead slot canyon tours and Monument Valley sits within the Navajo Nation; northern stops intersect Mormon pioneer history in Salt Lake City.
Winter travel concentrates impacts on a narrower window—stay on designated routes, respect wildlife wintering areas, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile cold-season habitats.
Thermal regulation and a waterproof shell are essential for long exposure in snow and wind.
winter specific
Keeps feet warm and stable on icy trails and snow-covered boardwalks.
winter specific
Improves traction on icy switchbacks, boardwalks, and snowy canyon rims.
winter specific
Carries water, snacks, camera gear, and emergency layers for long field days.
winter specific