Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States, is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. For those looking to explore this iconic destination from San Francisco, there are several tour options available, ranging from 3-day to 7-day excursions. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of these tours, highlighting the key attractions, itineraries, and differences between the two options.
7-Day Yellowstone Tour from San Francisco
The 7-day Yellowstone tour from San Francisco is a comprehensive package that allows you to experience the best of Yellowstone and the surrounding region. This tour, with the code GOL-SFO-238, is a budget-friendly option that includes the following highlights:
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Yellowstone National Park | Explore the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, the West Thumb Geyser Basin Area, and the stunning Yellowstone Lake. |
| Mount Rushmore | Visit the iconic monument featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents. |
| Snake River Canyon | Admire the breathtaking views of this natural wonder. |
| Reno | Explore the vibrant city known for its casinos and entertainment. |
| Crazy Horse | See the massive monument dedicated to the famous Oglala Lakota warrior. |
| Temple Square | Visit the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. |
| Eagle Gate Mountain | Witness the stunning natural formation. |
| Bear County | Observe the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. |
| Independence Rock | Explore this historic landmark along the Oregon Trail. |
| Shoshone Falls | Marvel at the impressive waterfall, often referred to as the “Niagara of the West.” |
| Devils Tower | Discover the unique geological formation that was the first national monument in the United States. |
The tour also includes a stop at Grand Teton National Park and the charming town of Jackson, as well as an optional boat trip on Jenny Lake. Lodging is provided in Pocatello, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the tour.
3-Day Yellowstone Tour from San Francisco
For those with a more limited time frame, the 3-day Yellowstone tour from San Francisco offers a focused exploration of the park’s highlights. The itinerary is as follows:
- Day 1: Fly from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, then travel by road to West Yellowstone. Tour part of Yellowstone’s lower loop, including the iconic Old Faithful Geyser and the main geyser basins.
- Day 2: Explore Yellowstone’s entire upper loop, taking in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Day 3: Tour more of the lower loop, then visit Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson before returning to Salt Lake City. Optionally, you can return to San Francisco from there.
Key Differences Between 7-Day and 3-Day Tours
The primary differences between the 7-day and 3-day Yellowstone tours from San Francisco are:
- Duration: The 7-day tour provides more time to explore a wider range of attractions, while the 3-day tour focuses on the highlights of Yellowstone.
- Attractions: The 7-day tour includes additional destinations, such as Mount Rushmore, Snake River Canyon, Reno, and Devils Tower, which are not part of the 3-day itinerary.
- Itinerary: The 7-day tour has a more comprehensive itinerary, covering more areas of Yellowstone and visiting other national parks like Grand Teton. The 3-day tour concentrates on Yellowstone’s lower and upper loops.
Additional Information
Some tour operators may offer discounts, such as 15% off on certain tours. Additionally, tour operators have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask-wearing, temperature monitoring, and hand sanitizer provision, to ensure the well-being of their guests.
References
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60999-i481-k11526172-Bus_tour_to_Yellowstone_National_Park_from_San_Francisco-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html
- https://www.taketours.com/san-francisco-ca/yellowstone-tours/
- https://www.goldenbustours.com/7-day-san-francisco-salt-lake-city-to-grand-teton-mount-rushmore-yellowstone-national-park-tour.html
- https://yellowstonenationalparktours.com/san-francisco-to-yellowstone-tours/
- https://www.tours4fun.com/tours/yellowstone-national-park/from-san-francisco/