The 14 Best National Park Tours in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a fantastic starting point for exploring some of America’s most stunning national parks. Thanks to its central location, you can easily hop on guided tours that cover Utah’s legendary Mighty 5, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and even Arizona’s Canyonlands. The city’s mix of urban culture and proximity to wilderness makes it an ideal base for both quick escapes and in-depth explorations. Plus, with many tours including hotel stays, park entry fees, and some meals, you’re set for hassle-free adventures. Whether you’re after a small-group experience or a tailored private journey, Salt Lake City offers options that cater to different budgets and interests.
In this guide, we’ll review the 14 best national park tours available in Salt Lake City. From short 3-day trips to comprehensive 8-day expeditions, each has its own charm—some focus on Utah’s iconic landscapes like Zion and Bryce, while others venture into Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Ready to explore? Read on to find the perfect tour for your next adventure.
1. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks: Small Group 3-Day Tour
For those pressed for time but craving a taste of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, this 3-day small-group tour is hard to beat. It combines the highlights of both parks with overnight accommodations, transit, park entry, and some meals included. You’ll fly into Salt Lake City, then visit Idaho Falls, a scenic town with a stunning man-made waterfall, before heading to Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons. The second day is packed with Yellowstone’s must-sees: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake among others. With a cap of only eight people, this tour offers a personal touch and expert guidance, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but a big appetite for nature.
Bottom line: A concise but rich experience perfect for short visits that want the highlights without sacrificing depth.
2. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Winter Tour 5-Day
If you prefer visiting in winter, this private 5-day tour offers a unique perspective on Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It features a heated snow coach adventure, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and a snowshoe trek. The tour kicks off with a visit to Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, then ventures into the parks with a focus on wintertime scenery. A big advantage is the customizable itinerary—you can tailor activities or add options like helicopter rides for an extra fee. The trip includes complimentary breakfasts and lunches, and the private setting makes for a very personalized experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for winter travelers seeking a flexible, cozy, and scenic experience with fewer crowds.
3. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks: Small Group 5-Day Tour
Among Utah’s most popular tours, this 5-day small group trip covers all five of Utah’s Mighty 5: Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. It’s designed for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Utah’s varied landscapes. You’ll visit Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands, with a chance to explore Arches’ famous landscape arches up close. The tour also includes overnight stays, park fees, and select meals, giving you a balance of guided sightseeing and free time to explore independently. The guide’s knowledge means you’ll hear stories behind the parks’ famous formations, like the Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting an immersive, well-organized multiday tour covering Utah’s most iconic scenery.
4. Utah & Arizona National Parks: Small Group 7-Day Tour
This 7-day journey combines Utah’s Mighty 5 with Arizona’s Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon. It offers a deep dive into the Southwest’s diverse geology and landscapes. The itinerary includes prehistoric museum visits, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Antelope Canyon, with optional activities like helicopter rides or horseback riding. The small-group format ensures flexibility and a more personal experience. Each day features key sights like Landscape Arch and Grand Canyon viewpoints. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive adventure with opportunities to customize certain days.
Bottom line: Designed for those eager to see Utah and Arizona’s major parks in one trip, with enough flexibility for personal interests.
5. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks & Antelope Canyon 6 Day Tour
If your goal is to cover all five Utah parks plus Antelope Canyon, this 6-day tour is a great pick. It kicks off with Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands, then explores Arches and Bryce Canyon. An exclusive highlight is the adventure day in Page, where you can choose between activities like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or a helicopter ride. This tour balances guided sightseeing with flexible activities, making it ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Included are hotel stays, park entry, and some meals, offering excellent value for the comprehensive experience.
Bottom line: Suited for travelers wanting to maximize Utah’s iconic parks plus an adventure day in Page.
6. Grand Teton, Yellowstone National Park 3-Day Tour from SLC
This 3-day trip from Salt Lake City features Grand Teton and Yellowstone with a focus on iconic sights like Elk Antler Arches and Jackson. It combines scenic drives with opportunities to view wildlife and enjoy the mid-west scenery. Rated 4.6/5, guests praise the tour for its well-paced schedule and knowledgeable guides. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a short but rich experience of the parks, including Old Faithful and artists’ viewpoints. The tour’s highlight is exploring the parks’ landscapes and wildlife in just three days, making it perfect for those with limited time.
Bottom line: Efficient, well-reviewed, and packed with classic sights—a reliable choice for a quick parks visit.
7. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks: Small Group 7-Day Tour
This 7-day tour is similar to the earlier Utah adventure but with more days for a deeper experience. It covers all five parks, with scenic hikes, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting options. The tour emphasizes small group sizes (up to 8 people) and features guided exploration of iconic formations like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Guests appreciate the customizable itinerary, allowing you to focus on your interests. The inclusion of transportation, accommodation, and some meals makes it a well-rounded choice for those wanting a thorough Utah trip.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a more leisurely pace and a personalized experience across Utah’s legendary parks.
8. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Winter Tour: Small Group 4-Day Tour
This winter version of the popular parks tour offers a 4-day private experience with snowshoeing, snow coach rides, and a guided exploration of both parks. You’ll start with Salt Lake City City highlights or a trip to Lava Hot Springs, then head into Yellowstone with snowy geysers and frozen lakes. The tour also includes a Grand Teton visit, with options to see Jackson Hole and wildlife in the snow. Rated 4.0/5, it’s best suited for those eager for a winter wonderland and comfortable in colder weather. The tour features hotel stays, park entry, and select meals.
Bottom line: For winter travelers wanting a private, flexible experience with snowy landscapes.
9. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks: Small Group 6-Day Tour
This 6-day small-group tour emphasizes personalized exploration with whitewater rafting along the Snake River and a gondola lift with jaw-dropping Teton views. Rated 3.5/5, it offers a flexible, intimate experience with customized itineraries. It includes Yellowstone’s geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife, plus Grand Teton’s stunning peaks. The tour is best for travelers who want to combine adventure activities with sightseeing, with a focus on personalized service. You’ll stay in comfortable accommodations and enjoy guided excursions throughout.
Bottom line: A good choice for active travelers wanting a mix of adventure and scenery.
10. Premium Small Group SLC, Yellowstone National Park 6-Day Tour
This luxury experience features all park tickets, hotel breakfasts, and select meals, in a Mercedes-Benz mini-group with up to 14 guests. It combines in-depth guided tours, rafting, cable cars, hot springs, and stargazing. The focus on comfort and exclusivity makes this ideal for travelers who prefer a more refined approach. The itinerary includes Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and other highlights like Mount Rushmore—a bit of a stretch but worth it for the convenience and added touches.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a luxury, comprehensive tour experience with plenty of included extras.
11. Small Group Yellowstone & Grand Teton 4-Day Tour w/ 2 Night Cabins
Offering a cozy 2-night stay at authentic western cabins, this 4-day tour is geared toward travelers who want a rustic experience. It covers Yellowstone and Grand Teton with a small group (max 13) and includes visits to Jackson, Jackson Lake, and artists’ viewpoints. It emphasizes relaxing stays in cabins, making it ideal for those who prefer a more laid-back, immersive experience. The guide’s focus on stunning views and local culture makes this a memorable choice.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a comfortable, rustic experience with scenic and cultural highlights.
12. Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks 8-Day Tour
This extensive 8-day tour covers 4 states and 3 parks, including Glacier National Park. It features mountain peaks, lakes, and glaciers, along with historic sites like Mount Rushmore. The itinerary balances guided sightseeing with free time for hikes and photography. It’s suited for travelers seeking a comprehensive multi-park experience with plenty of time to soak in the scenery. For those wanting to see the massive glaciers before they melt, this is a prime choice.
Bottom line: An ideal choice for adventurers ready for a full-spectrum Western US trip.
13. Grand Teton, Yellowstone National Park 5-Day Tour from SLC
Combining 5 days of guided exploration, this tour emphasizes classic sights like Old Faithful, Artist Point, and Elk Arches. With small group size and flexible options, it’s suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed adventure. The focus on personalized itineraries and quality accommodations makes it popular among those who want a balance of sightseeing and comfort. The tour’s reputation is solid, with a 4.6/5 rating.
Bottom line: A dependable choice for a mid-length park tour with a focus on quality experiences.
14. Salt Lake City: Yellowstone National Park 6-Day Tour
This 6-day trip combines Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and historic monuments like Mount Rushmore. It features guided tours with comfortable accommodations and seamless transportation. The itinerary covers Old Faithful, Prismatic Spring, Fountain, and Mud Volcano in Yellowstone, plus Jackson Square and Teton Point Overlook. It’s perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded experience of both parks and some iconic landmarks en route.
Bottom line: An excellent option for those wanting a comprehensive multi-park trip with an emphasis on both natural wonders and historic sites.
How to Choose the Right National Park Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re tight on time, the Yellowstone & Grand Teton Small Group 3-Day Tour offers a quick but thorough experience. For those who want a luxury, all-inclusive experience, the Premium Small Group SLC, Yellowstone Tour combines comfort with expert guidance. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for shorter trips or small-group multiday tours, which often provide better value and personalization.
If winter scenery is a priority, the Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Tour offers snow-coach rides and snowshoeing, ideal for cold-weather enthusiasts. For those seeking a comprehensive multi-park adventure crossing multiple states, the 8-day Glacier National Park tour is unbeatable in scope.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular dates and private tours, to secure your preferred dates and accommodations.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the US. The options range from quick, expertly guided getaways to immersive multiday adventures that explore Utah’s Mighty 5, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and even Glacier National Park. For those with limited time, the Yellowstone & Grand Teton 3-Day Tour offers a fantastic snapshot of natural wonders. If you’re after a more detailed journey, the 7- or 8-day tours provide deeper insights and broader scenery.
No matter your preferences, these tours ensure you’ll see some of America’s most iconic landscapes with ease and expert guidance. Be sure to book early, especially for peak season, and enjoy the journey into wilderness that will leave you with lasting memories.