Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

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7-Day Yellowstone and Las Vegas Tour from Salt Lake City — Grand Teton, Yellowstone & West Rim

7-Day Yellowstone and Las Vegas Tour from Salt Lake City — Grand Teton, Yellowstone & West Rim

A seven-day loop from Salt Lake City that stitches Grand Teton’s sharp skyline to Yellowstone’s steaming basins and the neon of Las Vegas. Expect long drives tempered by concentrated walks, guided wildlife viewing and several optional upgrades like the West Rim Skywalk.

Salt Lake City, Utah
7 days (daily driving 4–6 hours with short walks/boardwalks)
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Acclimatize to elevation

Yellowstone sits near 7,500–8,000 ft—move slowly on your first full day, hydrate, and expect cooler mornings.

Bring layered clothing

Temperatures can swing dramatically between deserts, high plateaus and nights in Vegas—pack insulating midlayers and a wind shell.

Respect thermal features

Stay on boardwalks and marked trails around geysers and springs; microbial mats are fragile and ground temperatures can be lethal.

Plan camera storage

Carry extra batteries and a small tripod for dawn geyser light and low-light wildlife shots; remote charging opportunities on route are limited.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Jackson Town Square Elk Antler Arches—best early morning light and fewer crowds
  • Artist Point at Canyon—visit right after rain for intensified color and fewer buses

Wildlife

  • Bison
  • Elk
  • Black bear

Conservation Note

Thermal features and microbial mats are extremely sensitive—stay on boardwalks. Water levels at the Great Salt Lake fluctuate; avoid shorelines where crusts can be fragile and support no life.

Yellowstone was designated the world’s first national park in 1872; Grand Teton’s skyline formed where a steep normal fault uplifted crystalline bedrock during Basin-and-Range tectonics.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Sunrise (geysers and Tetons), Golden hour (Artist Point, Oxbow Bend), Blue hour in Las Vegas
Key viewpoints:
  • Grand Prismatic overlook (Palate Rim Trail)
  • Artist Point on the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
  • Oxbow Bend for Teton reflections
Subjects to capture:Geothermal features (springs, geysers), Wildlife at a distance (bison herds, elk), Mountain and lake panoramas

What to Bring

Sturdy walking shoesEssential

Support and traction for boardwalks, short hikes and uneven viewpoints.

Insulating midlayer and wind shellEssential

Mornings in the parks are cold year-round; layer to stay comfortable from dawn to dusk.

Refillable 1L water bottleEssential

Hydration on long drives and during walks—re-fill at hotel or visitor centers.

Binoculars or telephoto lens

Crucial for wildlife viewing from a safe distance and capturing details at Hayden Valley or Oxbow Bend.

Common Questions

What time should I book my flights on the last day?

The operator provides free airport drop-off; book flights from LAX after 8:30 PM for domestic and after 9:30 PM for international departures.

Are park entrance fees included?

Entrance fees for Yellowstone and Grand Teton are included in the tour price.

Can I bring children or infants?

Infants may join but must sit on an adult’s lap; children under 6 require state-mandated booster seats for vehicle travel—check specifics when booking.

How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour is rated easy—most activity is short walks and boardwalks, but days are long and include several hours on the bus.

Are optional activities refundable if weather cancels them?

Optional experiences like helicopter flights may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled for weather; policies vary by supplier and will be handled case-by-case.

What wildlife can I safely expect to see?

Common sightings include bison, elk and occasionally bears; always observe from a distance and follow your guide’s safety instructions.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

7 days (daily driving 4–6 hours with short walks/boardwalks)

Location

Salt Lake City, Utah

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers who can manage several short walks (0.5–2 miles) and long days on a coach; basic mobility needed for getting on/off the bus.

Free cancellation available

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