Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Arches: 6-Day National Parks Road Tour from Denver
From Denver to Salt Lake, this six-day coach tour strings together Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone’s geysers, Grand Teton viewpoints and Utah’s salt and red-rock country. Expect short hikes, long drives, dramatic geology and practical pacing that puts you outside often and on the move between iconic sites.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for big temperature swings
Pack a lightweight insulating layer and a waterproof shell — mornings at high elevations can be chilly while afternoons warm quickly.
Hydration and snacks
Carry a refillable water bottle and high-energy snacks; bus days and altitude make steady hydration essential.
Bring binoculars
Binoculars help with wildlife viewing and capturing details at monuments from viewing areas without crowding.
Expect variable cell service
Download maps and confirmations ahead of time; many park interiors have limited reception and the guide may post updates via paper or group chat.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Morning visits to Norris Geyser Basin for quieter boardwalks and steam formations
- •West Thumb shoreline at sunrise for reflective views of Yellowstone Lake and subtle geothermal colors
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Elk
Conservation Note
Parks are fragile: stay on boardwalks around thermal features, pack out waste, and obey wildlife distance regulations to minimize human impact.
Mt. Rushmore (1927–1941) and the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial reflect different eras of monument building and ongoing cultural conversations with the Lakota people.
Photographer's Notes
- • Mt. Rushmore viewpoint and the Presidential Trail
- • Old Faithful boardwalk and Midway Geyser Basin
- • Artist Point overlooking the Lower Falls
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Support and traction for boardwalks, rocky viewpoints, and brief trail sections.
Layered clothing (base, fleece, waterproof shell)Essential
Altitude and desert-to-montane weather require adaptable layers.
Refillable water bottle (1–2L)Essential
Keeps you hydrated on long drives and during short hikes.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Helps spot wildlife at safe distances and frame distant landscapes.
Common Questions
Where does the tour start and end?
Pickup is at Denver International Airport (DEN) on day one and the tour finishes at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) on day six; follow provider guidance for arrival/departure windows.
Are park entrance fees included?
All admission tickets listed in the itinerary are included with the tour price.
How much walking is required?
Daily activity is light to moderate — expect a few 0.5–2 mile walks on boardwalks and viewpoints; one or two steeper short hikes may have 200–800 ft elevation gain.
Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes — it’s rated accessible to a broad range of fitness levels, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and guests should be able to board the coach and handle short walks.
What wildlife can I expect to see and how close can I get?
Common sightings include bison and elk; always observe wildlife from a distance — at least 25 yards for most animals, 100 yards for bears and wolves.
Can I add the Bonneville Salt Flats half-day option?
Yes — the half-day Bonneville Salt Flats excursion is an upgrade on the final day; book in advance and schedule flights accordingly if you plan to join it.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6 days
Location
West Yellowstone, Montana
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Comfortable with multiple short hikes, stepping on/off a coach, and several long driving days; not technically demanding.
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