In June we are travelling from Glacier NP, to Yellowstone NP, to Salt Lake City, to Arches/Canyon Lands, to Rocky Mountain N.P., To Badlands N.P. And then on to our home in Sault Ste Marie Ontario. It is a one way road trip, as we are picking up a car from a friend he wants driven to Ontario. Hopefully someone can answer a few questions

Is a half day red bus tour in Glacier worthwhile? Is so which one? We can only take the ones on the west side due to our travel dates.

Of all the guided tours in Yellowstone, which is recommended? We have two days in the park.

In Salt Lake City, what is "not to be missed? We have about half a day there.

Thanks for always helping us have wonderful journeys, Fodors friends

How early in June? The Going to the Sun road may not be open over Logan Pass. Since you have such a short time, just drive the car through the park to see what you can.
How tight is your schedule? Utah is beautiful but it should not be rushed through to check it off.
Stay an extra day in Yellowstone and then head for Rock Springs WY and east on I-80 to Cheyenne and south to Rocky Mt. NP. Spend half a day in Denver instead of SLC.
On some future trip, fly to SLC or Las Vegas and spend your time seeing the Utah Parks and the Grand Canyon.

Without a time frame and the point of departure it is difficult to know if the trip makes sense or not.

Last year we toured a bit further south. We did a 21 day circle in and out of Las Vegas and enjoyed Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon and Death Valley very much.

We will arrive at Glacier on June 6. We need to be home June 18.

So, should we book tours in Glacier or Yellowstone, or just see them on our own? We will enter at the top and tour the upper portion of Yellowstone on day one.. We are staying at Lake Yellowstone Hotel two nights.

Salt Lake City is a natural overnight stop, as we want to take in Arches before heading north and home. Is there a not to be missed recommendation for SLC?

Thank you

Glacier Park is open 24/7, 365, but the Going to the Sun road will NOT be open in it's entirety that early. It will be open on the west side only to Lake McDonald Lodge which is about 12 miles in. East side will only be open to about 1 mile in. Most services will not be open that early either including the Red Bus tours and the free shuttles. Free shuttles began running 4th of July weekend.

GTTS road and most services will probably open mid June to late June as it is weather dependent. For the latest information, go to WWW.gov/glacier

CORRECTION: That web site is WWW.nps.gov/glacier

Where do you pick up the car and how are you getting there?
Use the free shuttles in Glacier if they are operating up to Logan Pass.
I would still spend a day or two more in Yellowstone and skip SLC and Arches.

John thank you very much. We'll make the most of what we can see. We aren't open to changing our stops, still wondering what, if any excursions in Yellowstone are recommended and opinions on the best SLC has to offer.

As for SLC--what do you like to do? It has a great Natural History Museum and a lovely arboretum. You could do a fun hike in the foothills where the flowers should be out in full force. There are lots of great restaurants. If you are here on a Saturday, the Farmers Market is good. I honestly don't find Temple Square all that interesting--although the tour of the Beehive House is good. You could see the Cathedral of the Madeleine. It just depends on what you like.

Yellowstone is easy to see on your own. It really does deserve an extra day if there is any way to squeeze one in. I suggest staying two nights at the Old Faithful Inn then a night somewhere like Canyon. That allows you to cut down on drive time and be at the location early and late (when the tour busses are not there). I am not able to comment on the details of any tour guides but do want you to know that you will be able to see the highlights on your own if you choose to. Do you have any days to see the Tetons? You will be SO close in Yellowstone and the Tetons are one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.