Winter Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Mount Rushmore 7-day Tour

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Salt Lake City - Antelope Island - Jackson⌄

   If you arrive at Salt Lake City Airport before 12:00 PM, your tour guide will pick you up, and you will then be taken to see various sites in Salt Lake City, including Temple Square, Utah State Capitol, and the Beehive House. If you arrive at Salt Lake City Airport after 12:00 PM, you will be taken directly to the Salt Lake City Hotel to rest. If it is too late to visit the attractions, we will not refund the fee. Your tour guide will start the day by picking you up at Salt Lake City Airport or hotel of your choosing. Depending on your flight's arrival time, your guide will decide which of the following attractions to visit:

   Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, begin your adventure with a visit to Antelope Island State Park, located in the heart of the Great Salt Lake. This beautiful destination is known for its diverse wildlife, including herds of bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and a variety of bird species. The island offers breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains, with Frary Peak providing the most spectacular vistas.

   After exploring Antelope Island, unwind in one of Utah’s natural hot springs, famous for their mineral-rich waters. The hot springs, ranging from 102°F to 113°F, offer a soothing and therapeutic experience—the perfect way to relax after your journey. In the evening, transfer to your hotel in Jackson, Wyoming, where you can settle in and rest before the next day’s adventures.

   Overnight: Snow King Resort, Hampton Inn Jackson Hole, SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole, or equivalent accommodations.

2. 2Jackson Hole - The National Elk Refuge - The Great Migration of Animals by Sled - Grand Teton - West Yellowstone⌄

   Early in the morning, your tour guide will come to pick you up from your accommodation. Jackson Hole is a quaint Western town in Wyoming known for its artwork and cowboys. Due to its proximity to numerous ski resorts and Grand Teton National Park, this lively town is a great stopping point. One of the most recognizable aspects of Jackson is the town square, where the four corners of the park are marked with arches made entirely out of antlers.

   Your day begins with an exciting visit to the National Elk Refuge. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll embark on a sleigh ride through a herd of over 5,000 wild elk. This one-hour tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, taking you up close to these magnificent animals as they migrate south for the winter. With the snow-covered landscape and thousands of elk in sight, it’s a spectacle you won’t forget—so be sure to bring your camera!

   After the sleigh ride, you’ll head to Grand Teton National Park, where winter transforms the rugged mountains into a winter wonderland. The Teton Range boasts soaring peaks, some reaching over 13,000 feet, offering spectacular views. Keep an eye out for wildlife like moose, wolves, bison, and bighorn sheep. Stops at Jenny Lake and the Snake River Overlook provide picture-perfect views of the jagged Tetons and pristine winter landscapes. After lunch in Jackson Hole, your journey continues with a scenic drive through Idaho along the western slopes of the Tetons. Marvel at Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range, rising to an impressive 13,777 feet.

   End the day with a festive farewell dinner in West Yellowstone at a local restaurant, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

   Meals: Breakfast: Notes：Check in Villa/Chalet without breakfast and no refund.

   Overnight: Cowboy Village Resort near Jackson Park (Jackson Hole), Ranch Inn, or a Ranch on a Wildlife Sanctuary or equivalent

3. 3Yellowstone National Park⌄

   Early in the morning, your tour guide will pick you up and take you on an unforgettable journey through Yellowstone National Park. Begin your day with a snow coach ride from West Yellowstone, offering breathtaking views of the park's stunning winter scenery. Along the way, you’ll stop at key landmarks, including the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Continental Divide, and Shoshone Point Overlook. A highlight of the day is your visit to the Old Faithful area, the world's most famous geothermal basin. Here, you’ll witness the impressive eruptions of Old Faithful itself, along with other iconic geysers like Castle, Daisy, Riverside, and Grand. The tour also includes a stop at the mesmerizing Fountain Paint Pots, where bubbling mud creates a captivating display. At Old Faithful Lodge, you can watch the geyser erupt, enjoy lunch, or relax inside the cozy lodge. Boxed lunches must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance and it includes Sandwich with Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Chips, Cookie, and a Water.

   After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to West Yellowstone for dinner and some leisurely shopping before heading back to your hotel for the night. The town of West Yellowstone, Montana, is located just outside the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is a year-round, family-friendly destination. Nestled among majestic mountain peaks, and surrounded by natural scenic wonders, the town is rich in history and activities. After arriving, you’ll be able to eat dinner and explore the town’s many gift shops. After, we’ll drop you off back at your hotel, giving you time to rest and prepare before the next day’s journey.

   Meals: Breakfast: Check in Villa/Chalet without breakfast and no refund. · Lunch: Only if you have snowcoach tour with box lunches. You may have snowcoach tour on Day 3 or Day 4.

   Overnight: Yellowstone Lodge or similar hotels near Yellowstone, or special hotel/villa (upgrade fees applied) or equivalent

4. 4Yellowstone National park⌄

   See remaining attractions from yesterdays list of 13 attractions

   After exploring Yellowstone National Park, you can continue your journey by driving through Shoshone National Forest to reach your hotel in Cody. This town, located east of the park, is named after its native son, Buffalo Bill Cody, and is celebrated for its strong Western heritage and association with the legendary figure, who established the town in the late 1800s. One of the top draws of Cody is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, comprising five museums dedicated to showcasing the rich history and culture of the American West. You can plan to visit this notable attraction the following morning.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

   Overnight: The Cody Hotel, Best Western Inn or similar , or special hotel/villa (upgrade fees applied) or equivalent

5. 5Devils Tower National Monument - Spearfish Canyon - Deadwood Town⌄

   This morning, we'll be visiting the Buffalo Bill Center, where we'll learn about the iconic legacy of William Cody. He was a remarkable man who had a diverse range of skills and experiences, including being a cavalry scout, Pony Express rider, ranch hand, wagon train driver, city planner, railroad contractor, bison hunter, fur trapper, gold prospector, Native American advocate, feminist, and even the inventor of modern show business. Cody's legend serves as a symbol of the unlimited possibilities that the early American West held. He gained recognition for his outstanding horsemanship and sharpshooting skills, which caught the attention of the U.S. Army, while his Wild West shows endeared him to the aristocratic audiences of Europe. After our visit to the Buffalo Bill Center, we'll continue our journey by driving to Sheridan. We'll have the pleasure of enjoying lunch at a local family-run restaurant, which is renowned for embodying true Rocky Mountain hospitality.

   Sheridan, Wyoming is a unique and beautiful town that offers a blend of Western history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West. It is often referred to as "Wyoming's Jewel" due to its natural beauty and rich history. The town was founded in 1882 and quickly became an important center of commerce and culture in the region.

   An astounding geological feature located in the plains of the Black Hills, Devils Tower is the world's first national monument. With its peculiar hexagonal columns, Devil's Tower is home to some of the best crack rock climbing in North America. The tower is considered sacred to Native Americans and their modern descendants come to keep their spiritual and physical connection to the area. Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota, home to iconic natural wonders, rich history, and unforgettable adventures. Explore and you'll discover the best this destination has to offer, from world-renowned landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park to hidden gems like winding mountain roads and charming small towns. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, you'll find something to suit your interests in the Black Hills and Badlands.

   Spending an evening at Legends & Lore in Deadwood promises to be a fascinating journey into the Wild West and a chance to experience the town's rich history and legendary characters firsthand. It would be an exciting and memorable experience! Deadwood has a rich history as a mining town in the Wild West, and it's known for its colorful characters and stories of adventure and danger. It is home to the ghosts of the Wild West, where bold frontiersmen and optimistic gold miners set down stakes in this untamed mining town. Hear the rip-roaring stories of legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny while exploring the streets where shoot-outs and sheriffs ruled the day. Discover a community steeped in rich history. Finally, you might want to visit some of Deadwood's famous saloons and casinos, where you can imagine yourself in the midst of a wild shootout or playing a hand of poker with the town's notorious characters.

   Drive through one of the most scenic routes in the nation, featuring stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife. From breathtaking natural wonders to rich cultural heritage, the Black Hills and Badlands are brimming with wonders just waiting to be explored. Start planning your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

   Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Tru by Hilton, or equivalent accommodation.

6. 6Crazy Horse - Mount Rushmore Memorial - Custer State Park - Rapid City or Casper City⌄

   This privately funded statue is the largest in the world. Beginning in 1947 and standing at nearly 600 feet tall, this statue is still being carved. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski was commissioned to create a memorial to Crazy Horse in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Dedicated to this warrior, Ziolkowski wanted to allow the Lakota Tribe to feel pride and preserve their heritage and culture. Come enjoy this memorial and look around in the surrounding Native American museum, learning about their culture, and Witness the massive carving of Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse.

   The Black Hills, with their rough charm and untamed tranquility, embody the spirit of the American West and its indigenous history, from the four visages carved high on Mount Rushmore's granite peak to the rocky spires of granite. It's an experience that will remain etched in your memory. Immerse yourself in the remarkable tribute to Chief Crazy Horse, the valiant Sioux leader known for his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, at the awe-inspiring memorial. Explore the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which displays the immense likenesses of four esteemed U.S. presidents - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt - etched into the mountainside. Take a leisurely walk along the Presidential Trail for an up-close view of this poignant monument or drop by the Information Center. Mount Rushmore is a symbol of America's ideals and freedoms since its inception in 1925 As you revel in the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills region, learn about the conservation of American

   Named after the Army General, Custer State Park is surrounded by granite peaks and grassy plains. Within the park is an abundance of wildlife, hiking, swimming, and many other adventures. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.

   Choose 1 of the following adventure activities --Ziplining --Rushmore Mountain coaster --Horseback riding

   --Berlin Wall --Museum of Geology --South Dakota Air Museum

   You can choose to fly out either tonight or tomorrow morning. If you opt to leave today, kindly schedule your flight for 7 PM or later to allow for any potential traffic we may encounter on our journey. We will drop you off at Rapid City International Airport in the afternoon, or you may choose to spend the night in Casper, WY, and return to Salt Lake City the following day. To accommodate any possible traffic delays during our trip, please ensure that your flight is scheduled for 7 PM or later.

   Experience a night in Casper City, also known as "The Oil City," with a rich history of oil boomtown and cowboy culture. In 2010, Forbes magazine recognized Casper as the highest-ranked family-friendly small city in the West and eighth overall in the nation on their list of "the best small cities to raise a family." Additionally, Casper City hosts various annual events, such as the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo and the Casper Marathon. --National Historic Trails Interpretive Center --Nicolaysen Art Museum --Tate Geological Museum

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

   Overnight: Casper C'mon Inn Hotel & Suites, Best Western Plus Casper Inn & Suites, or similar

7. 7Casper City - Independent Rock - Salt Lake City⌄

   If you are flying out today, your tour guide will drop you off at the Rapid City airport early in the morning. You also have the option of driving back to SLC with your tour guide and flying out of SLC international airport. If you decide to drive back with the tour guide, please book your flight for 10 PM or later because of the 11 hour drive.

   Today will return to Salt Lake City the following day. Without making any stops, a trip of 412 miles from Casper City to Salt Lake City is expected to take approximately 6 hours and 32 minutes. To accommodate any possible traffic delays during our trip, please ensure that your flight is scheduled for 7 PM or later.

   on the way will have a chance to see Independence Rock, which is a granite monolith located in central Wyoming, and it played an important role as a landmark for pioneers traveling westward along the Oregon Trail in the mid-19th century. The rock is about 130 feet tall and covers an area of about 24 acres. The name "Independence Rock" was given to the formation by early explorers and fur traders, who often reached the site on July 4th and saw it as a symbol of American independence. The rock was also a popular resting spot for pioneers on their journey west, and many of them carved their names into the rock's surface, leaving behind a historical record of their travels. Today, Independence Rock is a state historic site and a popular destination for visitors interested in learning about the history of the Oregon Trail and the pioneers who traveled it.

   Meals: Breakfast