8-Day Adventure: Explore Grand Teton & Yellowstone
What your day looks like
From a land built on fire, earthquakes, and other extreme geological forces, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are comprised of two unique ecosystems. Peaks that soar to 14,000 feet, broad valleys teeming with wildlife, glaciers, thermal features, and barren landscapes still recovering from the ravages of volcanic eruptions and forest fires are awaiting you. Spend eight exciting days exploring and learning about the unique geological and ecological history that continues to shape this region, how it came into existence, and the plants and animals that call this wilderness home. Your adventure awaits!
The experience, in brief
- Jackson Hole
- Grand Teton National Park
- Jenny Lake boat shuttle
- Yellowstone National Park
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Lamar Valley
- Beartooth Highway
- Cooke City
- Mesa Falls
Your day, step by step
Salt Lake City
Arrive at the Salt Lake Airport and transfer to the hotel on your own by Uber, Taxi or an airport shuttle. You can arrive at any time today. When you get to the hotel, just give your name to the front desk and you will be checked into your hotel room for the evening. Once you settle in, feel free to explore Salt Lake City. April 5, 2027 – October 1, 2027 Departure Dates This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers to discuss the exciting national park journey ahead. Following dinner, you will head to Temple Square to experience the historic 2027 Salt Lake Temple Open House. Following a massive, five-year renovation to add seismic reinforcements and restore the grounds, this highly anticipated event marks the first public open house since 1893. When the original pioneers completed the temple over a century ago, visitors were allowed to tour it just before its dedication—and now, history is repeating itself. AC Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City
Sightseeing at Jackson Hole. This morning, your guide will pick you up at the hotel at 7:00 am to depart for Jackson, WY. Learn about the unique geology and history of Northern Utah, Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming on the way to Jackson, WY. After a hearty western-style cookout along the Snake River, enjoy a one-of-a-kind, 10-mile scenic float trip. (peak season only) Elk Country Inn, Jackson, WY | Meals: B, L, D
Salt Lake City
Eco Tour at Grand Teton National Park. Today you will enter Grand Teton National Park and start your day with wildlife viewing and photography opportunities at Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row. Arrive at Jenny Lake and enjoy a boat ride across before a hike to Hidden Falls and/or Inspiration Point. (The shuttle typically begins operating after May 15th and normally closes in late September, weather and ice conditions permitting.) Next, head north to Jackson Lake and Colter Bay for lunch and an early afternoon of more hiking and wildlife watching. After a few hours of rest and an early dinner, you will return to Grand Teton for an evening of wildlife watching and adventure! Elk Country Inn, Jackson, WY | Meals: B, L,
Salt Lake City
Sightseeing at Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy a scenic journey into Yellowstone National Park, beginning with the steaming pools of West Thumb Geyser Basin, the serene shores of Jackson Lake, and the wildlife-filled Hayden Valley. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Canyon Junction before taking in the dramatic vistas and waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Your day concludes with a picturesque ride to Gardiner, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel to enjoy a free evening in this charming gateway town. Roosevelt Hotel, Gardiner, MT (or similar) | Meals: B, L
Salt Lake City
Begin your day with early wildlife viewing in the famed Lamar Valley before continuing on to the rugged beauty of the Tower Falls and Roosevelt Areas. After a midday break for lunch, explore the striking terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. Then journey south to take in Gibbon Falls and wander the geothermal wonders of the Norris Geyser Basin. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive through the Madison River Valley, arriving in West Yellowstone for an evening free to relax and explore this lively western town. Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone, MT | Meals: B, L
Salt Lake City
Today, along with wildlife watching, you will explore the main geothermal areas of Yellowstone NP, the Old Faithful Geyser Basin, and the Old Faithful Lodge. Afterwards, continue your way to Madison Junction with stops at Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, Firehole Geyser Basin, and other areas. There will be some great hikes and multiple opportunities to enjoy watching wildlife within the park. Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone, MT | Meals: B, L
Salt Lake City
This morning will be spent exploring just outside of Yellowstone NP in Island Park with stops at Big Springs and Mesa Falls. Continue south through the potato fields of Idaho, the Bear River Bird Refuge and then along the shore of the Great Salt Lake with optional stops at Bear River Bird Refuge or Antelope Island time permitting. You will return to Salt Lake City by 6:00 PM. AC Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT (or similar) | Meals: B, L
Salt Lake City
This morning, if time allows you are free to explore Salt Lake City. When the time comes, you will transfer to the Salt Lake City Airport on your own to catch your flight home.
What to know before booking
Included
Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide Comfortable transportation 7 nights of hotel accommodations 7 breakfasts 6 lunches 1 dinner – day may change, the guide will let you know Fee for Jenny Lake boat tour Park entrance fees Gratuities for included meals and activities Applicable taxes and fees
Not Included
Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.) Meals (other than those listed in the itinerary) Optional Activities Airfare Airport transfers Gratuities for the tour director $100 per-person fee for non-U.S. residents to enter each National Park
Restrictions
Starting January 1, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) is implementing a $100 per-person fee for non-U.S. residents entering 11 major national parks, in addition to standard entrance fees, as part of a new "resident-focused" fee structure designed to prioritize U.S. taxpayers and fund park maintenance. This fee will only impact our international customers. The only exception is for those non-U.S. residents that have purchased the America the Beautiful (ATB) International Pass for $250, which grants annual access to all federal lands.
Meeting & Pickup
Upon arrival to the airport and picking up your luggage, please use an Uber, taxi or airport shuttle to get you to the hotel on your own: AC Hotel Salt Lake City
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Before Booking
Please advise the country of residence for all guests. (Fees apply to non-US residents).
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business