Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and Grand Teton 3-Day Tour — Geysers, Tetons & Wildlife
Three days of concentrated park time: travel from Salt Lake City into Grand Teton’s knife-edge peaks and Yellowstone’s steaming caldera. This guided tour bundles geysers, canyon viewpoints and wildlife watching into a compact, expertly timed loop.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for mountain microclimates
Temperatures can swing 30°F in a day — pack a warm midlayer and wind shell to stay comfortable during early mornings and high-elevation stops.
Bring binoculars
Wildlife is often visible from road pullouts; 8–10x binoculars will make bison, elk and distant bears easier to observe without disturbing them.
Respect wildlife distances
Stay inside the vehicle during sightings and follow ranger and guide instructions — getting too close is dangerous and illegal in national parks.
Hydrate and snack between stops
Long drives and high-altitude air dehydrate; carry a refillable water bottle and energy snacks for the field.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Oxbow Bend at dawn for mirror-like reflections and quiet moose sightings
- •West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk for less-crowded lakeside thermal features
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Elk (and occasional grizzly or moose)
Conservation Note
The parks emphasize staying on boardwalks and maintaining safe distances from wildlife; carry-in/carry-out principles and wildlife-aware driving reduce human impact.
Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872; Grand Teton’s peaks were named by French-speaking trappers in the early 19th century.
Photographer's Notes
- • Artist Point (Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)
- • Grand Prismatic Spring overlook (Midway Geyser Basin)
- • Oxbow Bend for reflections of the Tetons
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Protects against sudden mountain gusts and cool mornings.
Binoculars (8–10x)Essential
Essential for safe, distant wildlife viewing from pullouts.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Comfortable shoes for boardwalks and short uneven trails around viewpoints.
Sunscreen and wide-brim hatEssential
High-elevation sun is intense even on cool days; protect skin and eyes.
Common Questions
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from hotel parking lots in Salt Lake City at 7:00 am on day one and returns to Salt Lake City on the final morning.
Are park entrance fees included?
Park entrance fees are not always included—confirm with the operator before booking so you can prepare payment if needed.
How likely is wildlife viewing?
Very likely in valley areas like Hayden and Lamar — bison, elk and waterfowl are common; sightings of bears and wolves are possible but not guaranteed.
Is this suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Yes; the tour is designed with short, accessible walks and vehicle-based viewing, but it’s not recommended for travelers who require extensive mobility assistance.
What accommodations are provided?
The tour includes two nights at properties like Yellowstone Country Inn or similar; confirm rooming details and any special needs when booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund if canceled at least 6 full days before departure; 50% if canceled 2–6 days prior; no refund within 2 days of departure.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 days (approximately 72 hours)
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic mobility — mostly roadside stops and short boardwalk walks; not intended for extended backcountry hiking.
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