Tour Overview
This small group winter tour is perfect for visitors that want to take a short vacation to check out the national parks in winter! With this tour only being 4 days, we have packed it chock full of attractions and winter activities in order to make the most of your trip! Sit back and relax as you get to check out a whole new side of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!
Itinerary
Day One: Salt Lake City - Lava Hot Springs
If you arrive and meet up with our tour guide before noon, you will have the opportunity to choose between a half-day tour in Salt Lake City or a half-day trip to Lava Hot Springs
Temple Square is often seen as the heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormons. Back in the late 1840s when LDS pioneers first reached Utah, the prophet of the time, Brigham Young, decided to build a temple so that there would be a safe place for the Saints to worship. From there, the church grew outwards across Utah, then throughout the United States, and then throughout the world. Temple Square is still the global headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to this day. Besides the Salt Lake City temple, Temple Square also contains other historic buildings such as the Tabernacle, the Beehive House, and the Conference Center.
Utah State Capitol*
Modeled after the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, the Utah State Capitol Building is stunning. This brilliant piece of architecture is the center of government for all of Utah, containing the chambers for the Utah State Legislature, the chamber for the Utah Supreme Court, and the office for the Utah Governor. In addition to its important role as the seat of government for all of Utah, the Capitol Building also holds incredible pieces of artwork depicting the history of the state.
Antelope Island State Park
With three sides surrounded by the Great Salt Lake, this island park is home to many wildlife, from the pronghorn antelope the island was named after, to bison and bighorn sheep. For those travelers interested in birdwatching, this is a great place to spot different types of birds, especially during the spring and fall seasons. If time permits, we will also have an opportunity to swim in the lake. This attraction may also be possible at the end of the trip, depending on the timing of departure flights.
Hill Aerospace Museum*
Here we can learn about the history of aviation in the United States, displaying over 70 different aircrafts, ranging from the early 1900s, to current day. You will also get to learn about codes and technology from World War II, like the American Indian Code Talkers and the Wright Flier.
Lava Hot Springs Inn and Spa
If you choose the Hot Springs half-day trip, your tour guide will take you directly from Salt Lake City to the Hot Springs area. These hot springs are world-famous, providing warm water from deep below the Earth’s surface. The minerals in these waters also provide health benefits, nourishing the skin as you soak in them. Depending on airplane arrival time and chosen itinerary, you’ll either be dropped off at a hotel in Salt Lake City or Hot Springs.
Either choice chosen will have the opportunity to stay overnight at Salt Lake City or a hotel near Lava Hot Springs
If you arrive and meet up with our tour guide before noon, you will have the opportunity to choose between a half-day tour in Salt Lake City or a half-day trip to Lava Hot Springs
- If you choose the half-day tour to Salt Lake City, you will be able to explore the starred attractions below. If you would like to choose the hot springs, skip to that section of this day.
Temple Square is often seen as the heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormons. Back in the late 1840s when LDS pioneers first reached Utah, the prophet of the time, Brigham Young, decided to build a temple so that there would be a safe place for the Saints to worship. From there, the church grew outwards across Utah, then throughout the United States, and then throughout the world. Temple Square is still the global headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to this day. Besides the Salt Lake City temple, Temple Square also contains other historic buildings such as the Tabernacle, the Beehive House, and the Conference Center.
Utah State Capitol*
Modeled after the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, the Utah State Capitol Building is stunning. This brilliant piece of architecture is the center of government for all of Utah, containing the chambers for the Utah State Legislature, the chamber for the Utah Supreme Court, and the office for the Utah Governor. In addition to its important role as the seat of government for all of Utah, the Capitol Building also holds incredible pieces of artwork depicting the history of the state.
Antelope Island State Park
With three sides surrounded by the Great Salt Lake, this island park is home to many wildlife, from the pronghorn antelope the island was named after, to bison and bighorn sheep. For those travelers interested in birdwatching, this is a great place to spot different types of birds, especially during the spring and fall seasons. If time permits, we will also have an opportunity to swim in the lake. This attraction may also be possible at the end of the trip, depending on the timing of departure flights.
Hill Aerospace Museum*
Here we can learn about the history of aviation in the United States, displaying over 70 different aircrafts, ranging from the early 1900s, to current day. You will also get to learn about codes and technology from World War II, like the American Indian Code Talkers and the Wright Flier.
Lava Hot Springs Inn and Spa
If you choose the Hot Springs half-day trip, your tour guide will take you directly from Salt Lake City to the Hot Springs area. These hot springs are world-famous, providing warm water from deep below the Earth’s surface. The minerals in these waters also provide health benefits, nourishing the skin as you soak in them. Depending on airplane arrival time and chosen itinerary, you’ll either be dropped off at a hotel in Salt Lake City or Hot Springs.
Either choice chosen will have the opportunity to stay overnight at Salt Lake City or a hotel near Lava Hot Springs
Day 2: Great Salt Lake - Idaho Falls - West Yellowstone
Depending on timing and road conditions, we may have the chance to spend some time today going to Antelope island.*
Idaho Falls
We will stop here to eat lunch, and then stretch out our legs with a walk to the waterfall that the town is named after.
West Yellowstone
After this we will head over to West Yellowstone, a small town immediately west of Yellowstone National Park. After arriving in West Yellowstone, you’ll be able to eat dinner and then explore the town’s many gift shops. Here you will also be given the opportunity to choose the activity for the day. You an either go to Big Sky Montana, or go on a self-paid snowmobile trip in West Yellowstone. Finally, we’ll drop you off at your hotel, giving you time to rest and prepare before the next day’s journey.
Big Sky
Big Sky is a town in Montana known for its sweeping snow slopes. Here we will go on Ousel Falls Trail to see the frozen waterfall. We will also have time to check out the shopping and dining areas of the city. We will then drive back to your hotel West Yellowstone so you can rest.
Idaho Falls
We will stop here to eat lunch, and then stretch out our legs with a walk to the waterfall that the town is named after.
West Yellowstone
After this we will head over to West Yellowstone, a small town immediately west of Yellowstone National Park. After arriving in West Yellowstone, you’ll be able to eat dinner and then explore the town’s many gift shops. Here you will also be given the opportunity to choose the activity for the day. You an either go to Big Sky Montana, or go on a self-paid snowmobile trip in West Yellowstone. Finally, we’ll drop you off at your hotel, giving you time to rest and prepare before the next day’s journey.
Big Sky
Big Sky is a town in Montana known for its sweeping snow slopes. Here we will go on Ousel Falls Trail to see the frozen waterfall. We will also have time to check out the shopping and dining areas of the city. We will then drive back to your hotel West Yellowstone so you can rest.
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park - West Yellowstone
Yellowstone
This morning, your tour guide will take you to see the most famous Yellowstone landmark, Old Faithful. In order to reach the geyser, we will need to take a Yellowstone snow-coach. This snow-coach ride will take a majority of the day, and will visit many stops such as Madison Junction, Fountain Paint Pots, Biscuit Basin, Firehole River and Old Faithful Geyser. If you would like, there will also be an opportunity to eat lunch at Old Faithful Lodge and snowshoe around the area.
West Yellowstone
After a day at Yellowstone, we will head back to West Yellowstone for your hotel. Feel free to check out the area yourself, specifically sights like the Museum of the Yellowstone and renting flyfishing gear at local shops.
Yellowstone
This morning, your tour guide will take you to see the most famous Yellowstone landmark, Old Faithful. In order to reach the geyser, we will need to take a Yellowstone snow-coach. This snow-coach ride will take a majority of the day, and will visit many stops such as Madison Junction, Fountain Paint Pots, Biscuit Basin, Firehole River and Old Faithful Geyser. If you would like, there will also be an opportunity to eat lunch at Old Faithful Lodge and snowshoe around the area.
West Yellowstone
After a day at Yellowstone, we will head back to West Yellowstone for your hotel. Feel free to check out the area yourself, specifically sights like the Museum of the Yellowstone and renting flyfishing gear at local shops.
Day 4: Grand Teton National Park - Jackson Hole - Salt Lake City
Grand Teton National Park
In the morning we will drive over to this national park, as it is in full bloom with animals migrating to the south. Watch out for moose, wolves, bighorn sheep, and even bison on this tour. We will check out the main Grand Teton attractions like Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake Trailhead and the National Elk Refuge on snowshoes so that we can make it though the park.
National Elk Refuge
You will be able to experience these grounds up close, as we will take you on a sleigh ride through the elk refuge. Here you will get the chance to see elk up close, as they tend to spend time in this area specifically in the winter months, making this activity only available in winter. If you worry you will get cold don't worry, we will bring handwarmers on this trip to ensure your comfort.
Jackson Hole
This city is the entrance to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Here you can take pictures of Mormon Row and hike up to Snake River Overlook, following the footsteps of conservationist, photographer and writer, Ansel Adams.
Salt Lake City
If your plane flies out that evening, we’ll drop you off directly at the airport. If your flight leaves the next morning, we’ll drop you off at your hotel. We highly suggest you book a hotel with a shuttle going directly to the Salt Lake City airport.
What's Included
- Standard Hotel Lodging for 3 Nights
- Park Entrance Fees
- Snow Coach Tour of Yellowstone
- Sleigh Rides in National elk Refuge
- Natural Hot Spring Admission Fees
- Hand Warmers
- Snacks and Water
- 3 Breakfasts
What's Not Included
- Travel and Cancellation Insurance
- Meals Not Included on Itinerary
- Guide gratuities (5-10% of tour price recommended)
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- The travel agent is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler as a result of any unforeseen circumstances outside of the travel agent’s control. This could include but is not limited to: disease, weather conditions, criminal acts, social unrest, or mechanical failures. Guests are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
- Itineraries may change due to unforeseen issues such as flight arrival and departure times and road and weather conditions.
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) Pick-up - Guests are requested to arrive at the airport before 09:00 AM. Later arrivals may require changes to the itinerary and additional fees.
- At least two people are required to schedule a tour. If you’re a solo traveler, please contact us and we’ll help you join another group.
- Booking early is highly recommended as availability is limited.
- Children five years or younger may not be able to participate in all of the activities listed on the itinerary. If you have children who are five years or younger, please let us know so we can make adjustments.
- If cancellation occurs 30 days prior to the start date of the tour, the cost of the tour will be rolled over into a credit that must be used within six months of the original tour date. Alternatively, we could refund 50% of the total tour cost back to the card. This credit can be used towards the cost of any tour offered by Nomad Unlimited Adventures. If cancellation occurs within 30 days of the start date of the tour, 50% of the total cost of the tour will be rolled over into a credit that must be used within six months of the original tour date. This credit can be used towards the cost of any tour offered by Nomad Unlimited Adventures. For any additional questions, please reach out to us directly.
- Wild animals they are often elusive and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.