San Francisco to Yellowstone, Canyonlands, Arches and Las Vegas 7-Day Tour

Today, we’ll depart from San Francisco and head east toward Nevada! Our first stop will be the California State Capitol in Sacramento for a brief sightseeing visit. We’ll then continue our journey through the scenic Donner Pass, taking in the striking desert landscapes along the way. Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Elko, Nevada.

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Hotel：Ramada by Wyndham Elko Hotel; SureStay By Best Western Wells; or similar

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Today, we’ll leave Elko and continue our journey east toward the legendary Yellowstone National Park! As the first national park in the world, Yellowstone is home to the largest supervolcano on Earth and more than 10,000 geothermal features. This iconic park offers everything you could hope to experience in nature—snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, winding rivers, deep canyons, open meadows, and roaming herds of bison and elk. But what truly sets Yellowstone apart are its incredible geothermal wonders—geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots—that make it a destination like no other.

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Itinerary:

Elko → Yellowstone National Park (Head to visit Palette, Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Old Faithful Geyser, Fountain Trail, Morning Glory, Biscuit Basin and other attractions. The tour guide will be adjusted according to the actual situation of the day, please refer to the actual arrangement.) → West Yellowstone

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Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park—the first national park in the United States—is a must-see treasure filled with year-round scenic beauty. It offers incredible opportunities to observe wildlife as animals migrate in and out of the park throughout the seasons. No matter where you go in Yellowstone, you’re likely to spot some of its iconic residents, including bears, wolves, moose, elk, bison, and more!

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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：White Buffalo West Yellowstone; Yellowstone Country Inn; Dude & Roundup; Travelers Lodge; or similar

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This morning, we’ll continue our exploration of the breathtaking Yellowstone National Park. Afterward, we’ll travel along the scenic Snake River and arrive at Grand Teton National Park, where you’ll experience some of nature’s most stunning views. Next, we’ll head to Jackson—a famous cowboy town and world-renowned vacation destination. Don’t miss a visit to Jackson Town Square, home to the iconic Elk Antler Arches at the heart of the town!

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Itinerary:

West Yellowstone → Yellowstone National Park (Head to visit Norris Geyser Basin, Upper Falls, Artist’s Point, West Thumb Geyser and other attractions. Passing by Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano, Fishing Bridge. The arrangement of attractions will be adjusted according to the actual situation of the day) → Grand Teton National Park → Jackson → Jackson Town Square with Elk Antler Arches → Pocatello

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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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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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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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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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Hotel：La Quinta by Wyndham Pocatello; or similar
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Join us for another exciting day as we continue exploring the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park! From there, we’ll journey along the scenic Snake River to the stunning landscapes of Grand Teton National Park. Next, we’ll head to Jackson—a legendary cowboy town and world-famous vacation spot. Don’t miss a stroll through Jackson Town Square, home to the iconic Elk Antler Arches.

Our adventure continues as we make our way to Salt Lake City, where we’ll stop by the Great Salt Lake for a breathtaking view. Then, we’ll visit Temple Square, the spiritual heart of the LDS Church. Here, we’ll be guided by Mormon missionary sisters to learn about the church’s rich history and core beliefs.

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Itinerary: 

Pocatello → Great Salt Lake → Salt Lake City → Utah State Capitol → Temple Square → Canyonlands National Park → Green River
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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. Fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers, the lake has no outlet, causing its size to fluctuate depending on river inflow and evaporation rates. Much like the Dead Sea, it lies in an arid region and shares similar chemical properties with ocean water—but with significantly higher salinity, due to evaporation outpacing water inflow.

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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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Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah near the town of Moab, showcases a stunning landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers and their tributaries. The park features a dramatic mix of canyons, mesas, and buttes, each area offering its own unique desert beauty. One of the most accessible and popular regions of the park is Island in the Sky—a massive mesa perched atop sheer sandstone cliffs rising over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. With numerous scenic pullouts along its paved road, Island in the Sky provides unforgettable views and a perfect introduction to the park’s breathtaking vistas.

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Hotel：First Choice Inns at the Swell; or similar
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This morning, we’ll visit the breathtaking Arches National Park, where towering rock formations and winding canyons are set against a backdrop of overlapping mountain ranges. It’s the perfect spot to snap some unforgettable, movie-worthy photos! After lunch, we’ll continue to Monument Valley, famous for its towering sandstone buttes that rise dramatically from the desert floor. Featured in countless iconic films and commercials, Monument Valley offers a true taste of the American Southwest. For those looking to dive deeper, an optional jeep tour is available at your own expense.

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Itinerary: 

Green River → Arches National Park → Monument Valley → Page
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Monument Valley

Monument Valley, located on the Arizona–Utah border near the Four Corners region, is a striking area of the Colorado Plateau known for its towering sandstone buttes, some rising as high as 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Since the 1930s, this iconic landscape has been featured in countless films and media. Legendary director John Ford famously used Monument Valley as a backdrop for many of his classic Westerns, leading critic Keith Phipps to note that “its five square miles have defined what decades of moviegoers imagine when they think of the American West.”

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Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located just north of Moab, Utah, is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Bordered by the Colorado River to the southeast, the park features stunning formations like the iconic Delicate Arch, glowing red in the eastern section. In the north, Devils Garden showcases the slender and graceful Landscape Arch. Other remarkable landmarks include Balanced Rock, which rises dramatically above the desert floor in the heart of the park.
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Hotel：Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell; or similar
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This morning, enjoy a scenic journey across the stunning Colorado Plateau as we make our way to Antelope Canyon! Along the way, we’ll pass by the impressive Glen Canyon Dam, which holds back Lake Powell—the second-largest man-made lake in the U.S.—featuring 96 winding side canyons.

Antelope Canyon, one of the world’s top photography destinations, is divided into two sections. The Upper Canyon is known by the Navajo as “water through the rocks,” while the Lower Canyon means “arch-shaped spiral rock.” Both areas captivate visitors with their smooth, wavy sandstone walls and otherworldly beauty.

Next, we’ll visit Horseshoe Bend, named one of the top ten photo spots in the U.S. by National Geographic. We’ll then head to Lake Powell for a relaxing boat tour across its crystal-clear waters, framed by dramatic red rock canyons and blue skies.

Our day ends with an afternoon arrival in the entertainment capital of the world—Las Vegas!

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Itinerary:

Page → Glen Canyon (pass by) → Lake Powell Kayaking (Optional) → Horseshoe Bend → Antelope Canyon (Optional) → Las Vegas
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Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is one of the most iconic and frequently visited landmarks within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It’s been featured as a highlight for surrounding regions, including Grand Canyon National Park, the cities of Page, AZ; Kanab, UT; St. George, UT; and the Navajo Nation—whose borders are all nearby. Located just nine miles upstream from the official start of Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend has become a social media favorite and a must-see destination in the American Southwest.

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Lower Antelope Canyon (Optional)

Lower Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon located on Navajo land just east of Page, Arizona. Upon arrival, you’ll step off the truck and into a breathtaking desert landscape. As you journey through the narrow sandstone walls, your Navajo guide will share fascinating insights into the canyon’s geology, history, and cultural significance. Walking through the sculpted passageways, you’ll be fully immersed in the natural beauty of this remarkable place.
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Hotel：Fontainebleau Las Vegas; or similar
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Today marks the final day of our tour. We’ll depart from Las Vegas and make our way back to the San Francisco Bay Area. Along the journey, we’ll travel through the vast Mojave Desert—the largest desert in the western United States—home to the world’s largest solar power station and impressive wind energy farms. We’ll arrive in the San Francisco Bay Area by evening, concluding our unforgettable adventure.

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Itinerary:

Las Vegas → Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Sign → San Francisco
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