Limited-Time Gateway Deals Winter Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Utah Mighty 5: Small Group 9-Day Tour

DAY 1: Salt Lake City & Idaho Falls

Your adventure will begin around 9 AM when your tour guide picks you up either from the Salt Lake City Airport or from a hotel of your choosing. If you’d like to start your tour from an area other than Salt Lake City, please let us know and we’ll make arrangements.

If you arrive before 12 PM, you will have the opportunity to choose between a half-day tour in Salt Lake City or a half-day trip to Volcano Hot Springs.

If you choose the Salt Lake City half-day trip, you’ll be taken to see various sites in Salt Lake City, including Temple Square, Antelope Island, the State Capitol Building, and the Hill Aerospace Museum.

Temple Square is often seen as the capital of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormons. This historic region contains the world-famous Salt Lake City Temple, Tabernacle, and Beehive House, all important sights that must be seen!

Modeled after the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, the Utah State Capitol Building is both stunning and beautiful. This building is the house of government for all of Utah, containing the chambers and offices of the Utah State Legislature, the offices of the Governor, and of the Attorney General.

Following these sights in Salt Lake City, you’ll either be dropped off at a hotel in Salt Lake City or drive to nearby Volcano Hot Springs to be dropped off at a hotel.

If you choose the Volcano Hot Springs half-day trip, your tour guide will take you directly from Salt Lake City to the Volcano Hot Springs area. These hot springs are world famous, providing warm water from deep below the Earth’s surface. The minerals in these waters also provide health benefits, nourishing the skin as you soak in it. For an additional fee, you’ll have the opportunity to soak at one of two different types of hot springs. The first type is an all-natural hot spring whose waters constantly flow into an adjoining river, providing clean, fresh water that lacks a sulfur smell.  The other type is a thermal cave whose warm, crystal-clear water provides heat that maintains a constant, comfortable temperature. Regardless of which you chose, you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed after your soak!

Depending on airplane arrival time and chosen itinerary, you’ll either be dropped off at a hotel in Salt Lake City or Volcano Hot Springs. You’ll then have the rest of the night to rest and relax before the next day’s adventures!

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Hot Spring Resort, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Tru by Hilton, Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites, or similar quality hotel  

DAY 2: Great Salt Lake, Idaho Falls, West Yellowstone

In the morning, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Antelope Island. This island is found in the midst of the Great Salt Lake, a large body of saltwater often compared with the Dead Sea. On a still day, the sky reflects off of the lake, offering a stark contrast with the desert mountains of Utah. 

Following Antelope Island, you’ll then be taken three hours north to the town of Idaho Falls. This town is known for its large man-made waterfall that spans the length of the city. These pristine and sparkling waters provide the perfect backdrop for personal or family photos! You’ll also have some time to eat a quick lunch in the area before moving on to the next destination.

Next, we’ll travel to West Yellowstone, a small town immediately west to Yellowstone National Park. Along the way, we’ll cross over the continental divide, the boundary between two great river systems. One of these river systems flow into the Pacific Ocean, the other flows into the Gulf of Mexico. After arriving in West Yellowstone, you’ll have the chance to walk around a little, taking in the local sights and shopping at the many gift shops. 

At this point, you’ll be given the opportunity to choose the next activity. You can either go to Big Sky, Montana or go on a self-paid snowmobile trip of West Yellowstone. 

Big Sky is known for its vast, pure skies and its white, sweeping snow slopes. When the sun goes down, this region becomes the perfect place to see the stars, unpolluted by bright city lights.

Snowmobile is by far the most convenient way of traveling in this snow-covered tundra! Apart from its efficiency however, it’s also incredibly fun!  You’ll love speeding through the snow-covered trees, entering areas impossible to reach by foot or by vehicle. For $225 per person, you’ll be given all the essentials to explore West Yellowstone: a snowmobile, appropriate clothing, insurance, and gas. 

Finally, we’ll drive back to West Yellowstone and drop you off at your hotel, giving you time to rest and prepare before the next day’s journey. 

Accommodations: Yellowstone Lodge, Gray Wolf Inn, Three Bear Lodge, Stagecoach Inn, Brandin’ Iron Inn, 320 Guest Ranch, or similar quality hotel

DAY 3: Yellowstone River Corridor and Mammoth Hot Springs

In the morning, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to Mammoth Hot Springs in Northern Yellowstone. To get there, we’ll drive along the Yellowstone River corridor west of Yellowstone. You’ll have many opportunities along the way to take pictures of both the landscape and local animals, such as bald eagles, golden eagles, bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, white-tailed deer, and even coyotes! 

After a quick lunch in Gardner, you’ll continue onwards towards Mammoth Hot Springs. Since parts of Yellowstone are closed to vehicle traffic during the winter, your tour guide will take you the rest of the way using snowshoes, a truly unique experience. Compared to other Hot Springs in the park, Mammoth Hot Springs is massive with its white chalky terraces, colorful pools, hissing steam vents, and cascading water.  

Following Mammoth Hot Springs, you’ll return to West Yellowstone for a warm dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. I’d suggest a hearty rack of ribs or some succulent brisket at a local BBQ restaurant. Finally, we’ll drop you off at your hotel, allowing you to rest up before the next day’s adventures! 

Accommodations: Yellowstone Lodge, 320 Guest Ranch, or similar quality hotel

DAY 4: Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pots

In the morning, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to see the most famous landmark in Yellowstone, Old Faithful! Although not the tallest geyser in the park, Old Faithful erupts fairly regularly, offering an incredible demonstration of the Earth’s power. To get to the geyser, you’ll ride one of Yellowstone’s comfortable snow-coaches. These snow-coaches are the perfect place to see the beautiful winter scenery in Yellowstone, passing by picture perfect vistas, snow covered trees, and boiling Hot Springs.  

Along the way, the snow-coach will stop at Fountain Paint Pots, a unique thermal feature that is sure to mesmerize you. These “pots” are filled with viscous mud that appears to boil, sending large bubbles to the surface that spew mud everywhere. The area surrounding Fountain Paint Pots also contain many smaller Hot Springs that billow steam high up in the air.  

After arriving at Old Faithful lodge, you’ll either go out to watch the geyser erupt or eat lunch inside, depending on the predicted eruption time. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the warmth of the lodge, or to walk around outside and observe nature.  

Depending on desire, you’ll also have the opportunity to ride a snowmobile or snowshoe in the area around Old Faithful Lodge. Exploring this winter wonderland will allow you to understand the true beauty of Yellowstone! 

At the end of the day, your tour guide will lead you back to West Yellowstone for dinner and shopping. After dinner, you’ll be taken back to your hotel to rest and relax before the next day’s journey. 

Accommodations: Yellowstone Lodge, 320 Guest Ranch, or similar quality hotel

DAY 5: West Yellowstone, Volcano Hot Springs and Provo

In the morning, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel take you directly the Hot Spring Resort, Or at your own expense, you can either enjoy Option 1: a half day dog sled adventure ($295 per person) or  Option 2: a half day snowmobile ($225 per person, appropriate clothing, insurance, and gas.) experience based out of West Yellowstone. While exploring, you’ll see beautiful sights such as snow glistening off the forest trees and elegant wildlife looking for food.  

Upon returning, you’ll have a quick lunch in West Yellowstone before departing for Volcano Hot Springs. These hot springs are world famous, providing warm water from deep below the Earth’s surface. The minerals in these waters also provide health benefits, nourishing the skin as you soak in it. For an additional fee, you’ll have the opportunity to soak at one of two different types of hot springs. The first type is an all-natural hot spring whose waters constantly flow into an adjoining river, providing clean, fresh water that lacks a sulfur smell.  The other type is a thermal cave whose warm, crystal-clear water provides heat that maintains a constant, comfortable temperature. Regardless of which you chose, you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed after your soak! 

Depending on time constraints, your tour guide will either take you to a local hotel in Volcano Hot Springs or a hotel in Provo, Utah. Before dropping you off to relax, you’ll have the chance to eat at a local restaurant of your choosing.  

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Hot Spring Resort, or similar quality hotel  

DAY 6: Canyonland, Arches and Moab

In the morning, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to Dead Horse Point State Park. Located only a few miles from Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park offers a unique view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. While driving around, your tour guide will tell you the interesting story of how this park got its name.  

Next, we will drive over to the adjacent Canyonlands National Park. This park is made up of three distinct regions: The Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. Today, we will be touring the Island in the Sky region, which is situated far above the Colorado River, on top of the Colorado Plateau. From this vantage point, we will see deep into the virtually untouched canyons below, giving us a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years ago.  

Following Canyonlands National Park, we’ll travel to Arches National Park. At more than 2,000 arches, Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world! With only a short hike, many world-famous arches can be seen in all their glory, including landscape arch, delicate arch, and double arch. Without a doubt, this is one national park you do not want to miss!  

Afterwards, your tour guide will take you to Moab, Utah to eat dinner and explore the town. Located between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab is seen as the gateway to many of Utah’s greatest natural landscapes. This popular town has it all: river rafting, hiking, rock climbing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, and even skydiving! You’ll love your stay here just as much as the parks themselves! Finally, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel so you can rest and relax before the next big day! 

Accommodations: Best Western, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Archway Inn or similar quality hotel

DAY 7: Monument Valley and Four Corners National Monument

In the morning, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to Monument Valley. Composed of vast buttes that tower over 1,000 feet in the sky, Monument Valley is the perfect place to stretch your legs from the long car ride and take some pictures. These buttes have made appearances in many movies, the most famous of which being the running scene in Forrest Gump. Around this time, you’ll also have the chance to eat a quick lunch and rest up. 

If time permits, your tour guide will take you to see Four Corners National Monument. This monument is the only place in America where four states converge: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Since this park is found within the Navajo Nation, this is also a great place to buy locally made Native American jewelry and other souvenirs to bring home. At the end of the day, your tour guide will drive you back to the Monument Valley area where you can check into your hotel and rest.  

Accommodations: Goulding’s Lodge, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Lake Powell Resorts Page, or similar quality hotel

DAY 8: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Kanab and Bryce Canyon

Start your day with a thrilling trek through Antelope Canyon. Experience the mesmerizing slot canyon, with small group sizes, moderate exercise, and photo opportunities. Learn about the canyon alongside a knowledgeable Navajo local guide. This majestic slot canyon will provide you with an experience you will never forget on a walking tour. In fact, this region in Antelope Canyon is one of the top ten destinations for photography in the world! Following our adventure to Antelope Canyon, we’ll stop at Horseshoe Bend, Afterwards, you’ll be taken to Page, Arizona for a quick bite to eat at a local eatery.

Following the hike, you’ll be taken to Page, Arizona for a quick bite to eat at a local eatery. From there, your guide will drive you towards Kanab, Utah, passing by the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon Dam along the way. You’ll stop briefly to see Moqui Cave, a cave-turned-museum that has many interesting artifacts on display.  

While in Kanab, you’ll have the opportunity to check out amazing destinations such as Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge, Horseshoe Bend, and Reflection Canyon from the sky! This one-hour trip in a Cessna airplane is included with the trip and is a once in a lifetime opportunity! 

The last stop on today’s itinerary is Bryce Canyon National Park. From its beautiful pink and white cliffs to its thousands of hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to leave a powerful impression with you. This park features many incredible viewpoints that are easily accessible and provide excellent locations to take photographs. For the more adventurous, your tour guide will take you down into the canyon along the Navajo-Queen’s Garden Trail, passing right next to incredible rock formations that have taken thousands of years to shape.  

At the end of the day, your guide will take you to the nearby town of Bryce Canyon for dinner. After dinner, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, giving you time to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey. 

Accommodations: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon Lodge, or similar quality hotel

DAY 9: Zion National Park and Departure

In the morning, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to Zion National Park, one of the most beautiful National Parks in all of Utah! Zion National Park will surely take your breath away as you drive through gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hike along incredible trails. This park has something for everyone: for those who want to remain in the car, you will love the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For those who want to do a little hiking, you will enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk. For those who are experienced hikers, you will appreciate the thrill of hiking along the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.  

Around lunch, we’ll either eat at a nearby restaurant or from a packed lunch. After confirming departure times, your tour guide will begin to head to the airport of your choice (Las Vegas, St. George, or Salt Lake City).  

If flying out of St. George or Las Vegas, your guide will deliver you to any destination in the St. George area. Both airports offer daily flights to other major airports in the US.  

If flying out of Salt Lake City, your guide will take you north along the Wasatch Fault line, arriving in Salt Lake City around 6 PM. Your guide could either take you directly to the airport or drop you off at a hotel. The next day, the hotel shuttle should be able to take you directly to the Salt Lake City Airport for departure.