Los Angeles to Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore and Devil’s Tower 8-Day Tour

Los Angeles - St. George

This morning, we’ll depart from Los Angeles and begin our scenic journey to Antelope Canyon. Along the way, we’ll travel through the Mojave Desert, taking in the unique beauty of its arid landscape dotted with iconic Joshua trees. We’ll arrive in Las Vegas around noon, then continue on to St. George, Utah, where we’ll spend the night.

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Itinerary:

Los Angeles → Las Vegas → St. George
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Hotel：Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center St. George; or similar
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Lower Antelope Canyon - Horseshoe Bend - Salt Lake City

Today, we’ll head to Lower Antelope Canyon, passing by the impressive Glen Canyon, which holds back the waters of Lake Powell—the second-largest man-made lake in the U.S., surrounded by 96 scenic side canyons. The views here are truly breathtaking! We’ll then explore the remarkable Lower Antelope Canyon (at your own expense), renowned as one of the top ten photography destinations in the world. Our final stop will be the awe-inspiring Horseshoe Bend before we continue on to Salt Lake City for an overnight stay.

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Itinerary:

St. George → Glen Canyon (pass by) → Lower Antelope Canyon (optional) → Horseshoe Bend → Salt Lake City
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Lower Antelope Canyon (Optional) 

Lower Antelope Canyon, a stunning slot canyon located on Navajo land just east of Page, Arizona, offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the American Southwest. Upon arrival, you’ll step off the vehicle and into the breathtaking desert landscape. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll learn about the canyon’s geology, Navajo culture, and rich history. As you walk between the sculpted sandstone walls, you'll be fully immersed in the natural beauty and wonder of this remarkable place.

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Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a prominent landmark within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is often associated with nearby destinations such as Grand Canyon National Park, the cities of Page, AZ; Kanab and St. George, UT; and the Navajo Nation. With boundary lines converging closely in the area, the official start of Grand Canyon National Park lies just nine miles downstream. Now a social media sensation, Horseshoe Bend has become one of the most iconic and frequently visited spots in the Glen Canyon region.

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Hotel：Clarion Inn Salt Lake Airport; or similar

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Salt Lake City - Jackson - Yellowstone National Park

Today, we’ll depart from Salt Lake City and head to Jackson, Wyoming—a famous cowboy town and a world-renowned vacation destination. Don’t miss the iconic Elk Antler Arches at Jackson Town Square and the stunning landscapes of Grand Teton National Park!

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Yellowstone National Park, home to the world’s largest supervolcano and more than 10,000 geothermal features. Experience everything you expect from a national park: snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, canyons, meadows, and abundant wildlife including herds of buffalo and elk. Highlights include the Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful Geyser, West Thumb, and opportunities to spot wildlife up close. We’ll spend the night in West Yellowstone.

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Itinerary:

Salt Lake City → Jackson → Jackson Town Square with Elk Antler Arches → Grand Teton National Park → Yellowstone National Park (stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin) → West Yellowstone
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Jackson Town Square with Elk Antler Arches

Jackson Town Square features four distinctive arches made from thousands of elk antlers, creating a truly unique landmark. It’s a remarkable place to explore, offering a memorable experience for every visitor.

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Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, nestled in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Wyoming, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views and sparkling alpine lakes. The park is also a haven for diverse and abundant wildlife, making it a true natural treasure.
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West Thumb Geyser Basin

The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the western edge of a large bay along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. This area lies within the West Thumb caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 174,000 years ago. The bay itself is a smaller caldera nested within the larger Yellowstone caldera, which later filled with water to form the bay seen today.

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Fountain Paint Pot

The Fountain Paint Pot gets its name from the vibrant reds, yellows, and browns found in the mud, which result from varying oxidation levels of iron. Like all hot springs, the heat from the Yellowstone caldera forces pressurized water to the surface, where it escapes through the ground. Gases rising with the water create the bubbling effect seen in the mud. This bubbling action can change with the seasons, making each visit a unique experience.

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The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring, measuring about 370 feet (110 meters) in diameter and 160 feet (50 meters) deep, releases around 560 gallons (2,100 liters) of 160°F (70°C) water every minute. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. The spring’s vibrant colors are created by microbial mats that thrive around the edges of the mineral-rich water.

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Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful, located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, is one of the park’s most iconic natural landmarks. Renowned for its reliability, this cone geyser erupts approximately every 91 minutes, delighting visitors with its regular displays.

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Hotel：Yellowstone Country Inn; Dude & Roundup; Travelers Lodge; or similar
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Yellowstone National Park - Rocky Mountain - Gillette

This morning, continue your journey through the incredible beauty of Yellowstone National Park! Today’s highlights include the Norris Geyser Basin, the powerful Upper Yellowstone Falls, and several more of the park’s natural wonders.

In the afternoon, we’ll cross the majestic Rocky Mountains—known as the Great Backbone of North America—and take in the breathtaking scenery along the way. Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Gillette.

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Itinerary:

West Yellowstone → Yellowstone National Park stop at Yellowstone Norris Geyser Basin, Upper Yellowstone Falls, Artist Point and other attractions. Passing by Mud Volcano Area, Hayden Valley, Fishing Bridge. The tour guide will be adjusted according to the actual situation of the day, please refer to the actual arrangement.) → Gillette
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Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin, named after one of Yellowstone’s early superintendents, is considered the hottest geyser basin in the park. The Porcelain Basin within it features a stark, barren landscape shaped by its highly acidic environment, which makes it difficult for plants, algae, and bacteria to thrive. Instead, the basin’s vivid colors come from mineral oxides—iron creating shades of pink, red, and orange, and sulfur and iron sulfates producing bright yellows. This basin is also home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. Though its eruptions are infrequent, when it does erupt, it can shoot water nearly 380 feet into the air in a dramatic spectacle.
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Upper Yellowstone Falls

Just a quarter mile upstream from the larger Lower Falls, the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River cascade 109 feet over a rugged lava cliff into the basin below. The area beneath the falls has experienced more intense erosion compared to the calmer stretch above.

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Artist Point

Artist Point is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Canyon Area of Yellowstone National Park. The canyon’s sheer walls plunge 700 feet to the river below, with the majestic Lower Falls visible upstream. Downstream, the canyon expands and deepens to a maximum depth of 1,540 feet. While the canyon walls are primarily yellow, they also display vibrant hues of blue, red, orange, and brown—colors that shift and intensify, especially after rainfall followed by bright sunshine.

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Mud Volcano Area

The Mud Volcano violently erupted in the early 20th century, leaving behind a striking crater that remains visible today. Surrounding the site are several fascinating geothermal features, including the Mud Cauldron, Black Dragon's Caldron, and Dragon's Mouth Spring, each offering a unique glimpse into Yellowstone’s dynamic geothermal landscape.
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Hotel：Comfort Inn & Suites Gillette near Campbell Medical Center; or similar
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Devil's Tower - Mount Rushmore - Crazy Horse Monument

This morning, join us as we explore the fascinating Devil’s Tower, rising 1,267 feet above the valley floor. Known for its striking hexagonal columns—the tallest of their kind in the world—the tower is also famous for its appearance in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Next, we’ll visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States: Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Gaze up at the monumental faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln as they inspire us with the reminder that even the impossible can be achieved.

Our final stop of the day is the Crazy Horse Memorial, home to the world’s largest mountain carving. We’ll wrap up the day with an overnight stay in Casper.

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Itinerary:

Gillette → Devil's Tower → Mount Rushmore → Crazy Horse Monument → Casper
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Devil's Tower

Devils Tower is a laccolithic butte made of igneous rock, located in the Bear Lodge Mountains. The name "Devils Tower" dates back to an 1875 expedition led by Colonel Richard Irving Dodge, during which an interpreter is said to have mistranslated a Native American name as "Bad God's Tower." According to geographic naming conventions, the apostrophe is omitted, so all official signage refers to it as "Devils Tower."

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Mt Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial showcases a monumental sculpture carved into the granite face of the mountain. The memorial features 60-foot-tall likenesses of four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—representing the nation’s founding, expansion, development, and preservation.
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Crazy Horse Monument

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a monumental sculpture in progress, located on privately owned land in the Black Hills of Custer County, South Dakota. It portrays the legendary Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, mounted on horseback and pointing toward his ancestral homeland. The carving is being shaped from Thunderhead Mountain, a site considered sacred by some Oglala Lakota, and lies about 17 miles (27 km) from Mount Rushmore. Construction began in 1948 and continues today, with the project still far from completion. Once finished, it is expected to be the second-tallest statue in the world, following the Statue of Unity.

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Hotel：Ramkota Hotel - Casper; or similar

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Independent Rock - Salt Lake City

Today, we begin our journey with a visit to Independence Rock State Historic Site! This iconic landmark served as a crucial waypoint for pioneers traveling across the American frontier. Over the years, hundreds of names have been etched into its solid granite surface, telling stories of those who passed through.

Afterward, we’ll head to Salt Lake City to explore Capitol Hill, home to one of the most magnificent and expensive state capitol buildings in the United States. We’ll walk through the stunning State Capitol building, taking in its grand architecture, intricate sculptures, and wealth of historical exhibits.

Next, we’ll visit Temple Square, where we’ll be guided by the Mormon Missionary sisters through the heart of the LDS Church. Here, we’ll discover the rich history, values, and teachings that shape the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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Itinerary:

Casper → Independent Rock → Salt Lake City → Utah State Capitol → Temple Square
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Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol serves as the seat of government for the state of Utah. It houses the chambers and offices of the Utah State Legislature, along with the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and State Auditor. Located on Capitol Hill and overlooking downtown Salt Lake City, the Capitol is the centerpiece of the Utah State Capitol Complex. Designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting in a Neoclassical Revival style with Corinthian elements, the building was constructed between 1912 and 1916. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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Temple Square

Temple Square is a 10-acre complex in the heart of Salt Lake City, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It features several historic and religious landmarks, including the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, the Seagull Monument, and two visitors' centers. In 1964, Temple Square was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of the LDS Church's role in the settlement of Utah.

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Hotel：Clarion Inn Salt Lake Airport; similar
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Salt Lake City - Las Vegas

Today, we’ll visit the Great Salt Lake to take in its stunning natural beauty! Nicknamed “America’s Dead Sea,” it’s the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. With its high salt concentration, the lake is buoyant enough for visitors to float effortlessly on its surface.

In the afternoon, we’ll hit the road and head to Las Vegas for the next leg of our adventure.

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Itinerary:

Salt Lake City → Great Salt Lake → Las Vegas (Optional for the Night Tour and shows)
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Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake, located in northern Utah, is the largest inland saltwater body in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most saline in the world. It is fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers, but has no natural outlet. The lake’s size varies significantly over time, influenced by river inflow and evaporation rates. Similar to the Dead Sea, it lies in an arid region and shares chemical traits with ocean water. However, its salinity is much higher due to the rate of evaporation consistently exceeding the amount of incoming water.

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Las Vegas Night View Tour

Experience the dazzling lights of Las Vegas on this exciting 3-hour tour of the city’s most iconic attractions. We’ll stop by famous landmarks such as the erupting Mirage Volcano, the stunning Bellagio Fountains, and more! The tour also includes a visit to the legendary Fremont Street Experience—a five-block light and sound show featuring millions of LED lights and 555,000 watts of music and effects.

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Hotel：The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower; or similar
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Las Vegas - Los Angeles

Rise and shine! Join your tour guide for a fun stop at the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, where you can snap some unforgettable selfies. Before we head out of Vegas, we can’t miss a visit to the M&M’s and Coca-Cola stores, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at both and experience their 3D movies in the sweet-scented air! Next, we’ll take an adventure to the colorful Seven Magic Mountains. Finally, we’ll wrap up the day with some free-time shopping at the Outlets at Barstow!

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Itinerary:

Fabulous Las Vegas Sign & M&M'S Las Vegas & Coca-Cola Store Las Vegas → FlyOver Las Vegas (Optional) → Outlets at Barstow → Los Angeles
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M&M'S Las Vegas

The M&M’s Las Vegas store is a 28,000-square-foot, four-level paradise and was the very first M&M’s store ever created. In just two minutes, you can design your own custom M&M’s using their personal printer! And before you leave, don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with your favorite chocolate treat!

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Coca-Cola Store Las Vegas

Welcome to the Coca-Cola Store Las Vegas! Make this stop a highlight of your Vegas adventure and discover the world’s most iconic beverage in a truly unique and unforgettable way!
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FlyOver Las Vegas (Optional)

Embark on a one-of-a-kind ride along the Las Vegas Boulevard! Experience the thrill of flight with cutting-edge, immersive technology that lets you soar over breathtaking landscapes without ever leaving The Strip. From volcanic eruptions and icy glaciers to vast prairies, towering peaks, and buzzing urban jungles, this adventure takes you through some of the world’s most stunning sights and more!

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Seven Magic Mountains

South of Las Vegas, in the heart of the desert, stands a striking and vibrant anomaly—Seven Magic Mountains. This stunning installation features seven towering stone sculptures that seem to defy gravity with their precarious stacks. Created by artist Ugo Rondinone, the artwork blends geological formations with abstract design, using locally sourced limestone boulders stacked in groups of three to six. Each boulder is painted in a different fluorescent hue, with individual totems soaring between 30 and 35 feet high. This piece continues Rondinone’s exploration of natural phenomena and their transformation into art.
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Outlets at Barstow

Barstow Outlets, located in the desert along the route from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, offers a unique shopping experience. While it doesn’t feature many high-end luxury brands, it boasts a wide selection of second-tier labels, especially local U.S. brands. The stores are well-organized, with a solid variety of options, and the service is excellent, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable end to your day of shopping.

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