salt lake city to west yellowstone road trip
Mormon Row is incredibly beautiful at sunrise. With mountain biking, hiking, climbing, OHV opportunities, climbing, and rafting, there's no shortage of things to do. There are 27 tribes with historic ties to Yellowstone who are now spread across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas. Splitting the fourth day between Grand Teton and Yellowstone is completely open to your interpretation. Rent an RV with Outdoorsy Catch a glimpse into pioneer living, enjoy live theater performances and stroll a charming downtown with a stop in Logan. While many visitors choose to drive directly from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park, I argue that Grand Teton is a must-do stop on your road trip. wake up and drive to grand tetons. 6 Places to See in Temple Square in Salt Lake City 6 Things to Explore On the Way From Rushmore to Yellowstone 6 Ways to Experience the Old West in Buffalo, Wyoming 7 Sights in West Yellowstone 7 Standout Stops in the Heart of Montana 9 Reasons to Visit Dillon, Montana 9 Undiscovered Southern Idaho Gems near Yellowstone This is particularly pertinent if you drive from Salt Lake City to Grand Teton and Yellowstone in the shoulder season month of April and October. West Yellowstone 39F. Walk around Upper Geyser Basin in the late afternoon. Exit Yellowstone via the West Entrance, taking a quick jaunt through Montana before youre back in Idaho. Lastly, Salt Lake City itself is well worth a visit if you have the time. If you're flying, you can fly into Salt Lake City and enjoy a 5-hour drive to Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip, 6 Best Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone Essentials: 12 Basic Things You Need to Know. It is located in the north-western United States, in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Walk the loop trail before continuing up the loop road. For Yellowstone, we have reservations at the Lake Lodge (July 29), Canyon Lodge (July 30) and Mammoth Lodge (July 31) before heading back to Salt Lake City (August 1). What about a trip week of thanksgiving? With just 3 days you will be rushing to tick off attractions and we think 5 days is only necessary for visitors who wish to move slowly through the park. Lets start planning your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip! Watch sunset over Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. If you're interested in wildlife we would recommend getting away from the crowds, maybe try to east side of the park around Hayden Valley and the road to east entrance (Cody). Feels like 33.51 Wind speed 8.6 mph Pressure 1025 hPa. Overnight in West Yellowstone or continue on to Pocatello, Idaho. Jackson Hole is a world-famous ski town and the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use, Copyright 2023 | Where Are Those Morgans, Our Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip Experience. The route to here from Bear Lake weaves along the Idaho/Wyoming border through Jackson, Wyoming, and passes west of another popular local destination, Grand Teton National Park, before ending in West Yellowstone, Montana. Day 6 Explore Norris Geyser Basin, then visit Lower Falls and Hayden Valley. The main reason for starting and ending your Yellowstone road trip in Salt Lake City is the large airport located here, but its an incredible place to visit too! Alternatively, if you are a hiker you should definitely spend the morning hiking to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point and eventually Cascade Canyon. Salt Lake City is the natural stopping off point between visiting Glacier, Grand Teton and Yellowstone to the north, and the 5 Utah national parks to the south for those on longer US road trips. A booming culinary and brewing culture is emerging out of SLC, perfect for fueling up in between epic national park road trip loops. But if you have an afternoon flight we recommend you drive south past Norris Geyser Basin before leaving the park via West Yellowstone. In summer Yellowstone is like a theme park, so you have to be organized and book hotels way in advance. The most direct route from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is about 325 miles which takes you along I-15. 2 Days in Yellowstone You can then hire a car in Jackson so you only drive around Grand Teton and Yellowstone before taking the bus back to Salt Lake City from Jackson. I will need to cancel my Gardiner reservations. The. However, we know many visitors prefer to book one hotel and stay there for the duration. You can then drive back to SLC via Grand Teton and the scenic route. Its almost like you planned it! We spent 2 nights in Jackson, which is undoubtably one of the most popular places to visit in Wyoming. Drive further south into Hayden Valley for the first of your major Yellowstone wildlife spotting experiences. The closest Yellowstone entrance to Salt Lake City is the West Entrance, located in West Yellowstone, Montana. West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City drive - plan a road trip Grand Teton National Park is a nature and landscape photographers ideal arena and it one of our personal favorite places to visit in the US. If you get a good sunrise the waterfall, canyon and sky will light up with stunning browns, blues, greens, pinks and purples. Walk around Lower Geyser Basin and then drive to a hotel in West Yellowstone. West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City. Need help! Day 4 Enjoy a sunrise over Lower Falls from Artists Point and explore Hayden Valley. Lets assume you will arrive into Salt Lake City or SLC airport the night before we begin this itinerary on Day 1. Excelsior Geyser will be billowing and hopefully you have a clear day to see vibrant colors inside Grand Prismatic Spring. We will cover where to stay on the Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip in much greater depth later in the guide. Yellowstone is due north of SLC along I15, and you'll pass through the towns of Ogden, UT and Idaho Falls, ID during the drive. Enter the chapel to take the iconic mountains through the church window photograph. Lets take a quick look at some of the most asked questions about planning a Wyoming road trip from Salt Lake City to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstones west entrance is 323 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, it is the closest entrance by distance and time from the airport and should take a little over 5 hours to reach. Day 3 Drive to Yellowstone and explore West Thumb, Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool and Grand Prismatic Spring. Let us know if you need any more help and enjoy your trip! If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting stops along the way, eat at great restaurants, and maybe even find a hotel to stay overnight. My Salt Lake to Yellowstone Itinerary I planned the following basic Grand Teton and Yellowstone road trip itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive in Salt Lake City Day 2 - Drive to Grand Teton National Park via Fossil Butte National Monument Day 3 and 4 - In Grand Teton National Park Day 5 - To Yellowstone National Park Day 6 and 7 - In Yellowstone National Park Well, we have personally driven this route ourselves, stopping to explore Salt Lake City, Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Outside the park your best bet is West Yellowstone, which has several hotel options and makes it easy to leave for SLC the next morning. If you were able to get a room in Old Faithful, you can begin Day 5 right as you leave your lodge in Upper Geyser Basin where Old Faithful is located. Read more about the best time to visit Yellowstone here. Starting and ending in Salt Lake City is an excellent option if youre planning a road trip to Yellowstone National Park. In addition, dont forget bug spray if you visit Yellowstone in summer. ahead of time. Dont miss the Tabernacle right behind Salt Lake Temple. In truth, booking your hotels will be the hardest part of planning your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip. Surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains at over 4,000 ft high with incredible skiing opportunities and an array of national parks within a stones throw, Salt Lake City is an outdoor enthusiasts dream come true. sleep there. You'll miss out on Mammoth and Lamar Valley, but that means you can focus more of your time on the southern loop areas like Hayden Valley, Lake, West Thumb, Norris and of course the Old Faithful / Grand Prismatic Spring geyser basin areas. This post may contain affiliate links, where I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. The town of West Yellowstone sits right at the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. Here are the top seven ways to avoid the parks crowds and see the best of the area. Cowboy Village Cabins and Lodge Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days In Yellowstone Things to Do: 22 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone Hikes: 15 Best Hikes in Yellowstone Getting There: 8 Best Airports Near Yellowstone When to Visit: The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone Where to Stay: Where to Stay in Yellowstone Airbnbs Nearby: 25 Best Airbnbs Near Yellowstone. However, we suspect everyone else has the same idea so you may not find availability. The Fishing Bridge area was used as a gathering place and the thermal waters of the park were used for ceremony and healing. Figuring out the best places to stay in several places on consecutive nights can become challenging. This route is filled with beautiful gold, red, and yellow foliage in the fall. But before reaching the Grand Tetons, there are so many incredible destinations to see. 1. There will be four major areas of interest on your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip: Depending on your time frame and travel preferences, you might want to see all four places or you might only have eyes for Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Driving through Yellowstone and Grand Teton is easily one of the best USA road trips, but first you have to get to northwest Wyoming. Like Afton, Jackson has its elk antler arches surrounding the town square. Its a self-guided audio tour that shares stories, local tips & directions. Our Favorite Road Trip: Yellowstone From Salt Lake City Then you have to drive all the way thru Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone which can take at least another 3 hours IF you make no stops whatsoever and don't get caught up in an animal jam. Floating the Portneuf River through the city of Lava Hot Springs. If you have time and energy before sunset, hike up to Old Faithful viewing area to see the eruption from an elevated position. Are you visiting multiple national parks in the next year? From Idaho Falls, you finally get to experience a scenic route as you turn slightly . The scenic drive cuts through jagged limestone rock formations along the Logan River as you pass through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Native Americans hunted, fished and gathered plants in the park. What is the most scenic route from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole? Salt Lake To Yellowstone Loop [8-Day Itinerary] | Visit Utah Traveling with a dog or cat? However, if youre short on time or plan on skipping Grand Teton National Park, you can take the Fastest Route above both ways. 31 Best Stops Between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone Other than Mesa Falls, there isn't much of note between SLC and West Yellowstone. Use, to browse deals on rental cars or rent an RV or campervan with, My favorite way to learn more about the park is with GyPSy Guides, a narrated self-guided tour perfect for road trips and scenic drives. The closest entrance into Yellowstone from Salt Lake City is west entrance, which is 320 miles drive and should take around 5 hours. Download the Yellowstone tour app thats like having a tour guide in your car. Day 4 Spend another full day enjoying the tranquility in Grand Teton. I will share more scenes from our visit to Salt Lake City, on May 7th (the Sunday Stills theme is Temples, Churches, and Spiritual Centers). My goal is to help busy people like you plan epic national park adventures with super-detailed itineraries, gear guides, and planning tips. The easiest option would simply be to cut out the day in Salt Lake City and pick up the full itinerary above on Day 2. The rest of the park is accessible so you will be able to see all of the most popular hot springs and geysers. June, July and August are warm enough for light layers but you will need sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats. The best cities to stay between Salt Lake City and Grand Teton are Logan, Afton, and Jackson. Without stopping the drive should take around 5 hours, but you will be stopping so plan for more like 6-7 hours. All things considered we think SLC is the best airport to use for Yellowstone because it is the most convenient for long haul travel and offers low budget airlines for domestic US travel. The Teton Range is distinct and recognizable with its sharp, arrowhead-like peaks. What other options can you recommend to replace the Mammoth Lodge? GyPSy Guide Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour App Only have 48 hours? Head into Wyoming where youll find summer fun at Snow King Resort before exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. It is a quiet, relaxing wild west town with saloon-style bars and a great vibe. We're spending a week in Sedona, then flying into Salt Lake City for some time in Yellowstone/Grand Tetons. National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: Utah to Yellowstone & Grand Teton Our top SLC food and drinks recommendations include White Horse, Siegfrieds Delicatessen and Caffe Molise. The only downside if you stay at Old Faithful is being limited to eating in the restaurants or food courts on site. The good news is it has a wide range of places to grab dinner. Thank you. Fun on the Snake River and Grand Teton Lakes Along the way to Yellowstone, we've included fun attractions, great places to eat and other national park sites that offer different experiences than Yellowstone. Posted on Last updated: February 19, 2023. Add them to walking, waterfalls and wildlife in Yellowstone and you have the perfect focal point on your Salt Lake City to Wyoming road trip. Nestled among majestic mountain peaks, and surrounded by natural scenic wonders, the town is rich in history and activities. The one geyser you cant miss at Norris is called Steamboat Geyser, which is the worlds tallest active geyser. If you are not driving your own car from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone, you will need to hire a car when you land at SLC International Airport. Continue to both Grand View and Inspiration Point and if you arrive at the right time, you will be at Inspiration Point for sunset directly behind Lower Falls. Day 3 - Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree and arrive in Los Angelo's. Day 4-8 - Los Angelo's. Day 9 - Los Angelo's to Las Vegas. Road Trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone - Enterprise Rent-A-Car There are a couple of options for starting your Yellowstone road trip, depending on where you are coming from. There are 6 places you can stay at park lodging inside Yellowstone: If you do choose just one place to stay inside Yellowstone, we recommend you pick a hotel either in Canyon Village or Old Faithful. This is one of our favorite road trips and we cant wait to help you plan the perfect Salt Lake City to Yellowstone vacation. You will likely be visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone in late Spring, Summer or Fall, which means Jackson will be (mostly) free of snow and the enormous crowds of thrill seekers in the winter season. I need to flip the itinerary to travel from N-S due to our flight timings. If not, have a great trip and good luck! It is important to stay up to date with live conditions such as roads, weather, hiking trails and lodging when you visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Road Trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park After you are done at Bear Lake, take Merkley Lake road to US-30 W and get back on US-89 N. Follow US-89 as far as Afton, which is the largest town in Star Valley. Start in Salt Lake City, a vibrant community set against the backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, capped by impossibly blue skies. Some tribes visited the geysers and conducted ceremonies while others collected obsidian. Its time to put it all together and create an unforgettable 7 day Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip itinerary! Recommended stay: 2 days minimum. We are flying into SLC and staying for a night, then to Jackson Hole for 2 nights. Enjoy adventures in Jackson and nearby Grand Teton National Park. Salt Lake City is less than 5 hours drive from Grand Teton National Park, 3. 4. This side of the Tetons is home to uncrowded trails, hot springs soaks and more. This is where your accommodation challenges begin and why it really pays to be organized before you visit Yellowstone. 6 Best Road Trips to Yellowstone with Detailed Stops The road from Salt Lake to Yellowstone has no shortage of beauty! Insurance, license, registration, identification, roadside assistance and extra car keys. Hi, thanks for an easy to understand road trip itinerary. are my favorites, both close to all the most popular places to see in the park. Day 6 - Drive back to Las Vegas. Plan to drive this in one day. Nearby Teton Village nestled at the base of Jacksons ski lifts is the main alternative to staying in Downtown Jackson. This park belongs on your bucket list, from the jagged Teton peaks visible throughout the park to the wildlife spotting to the incredible hikes. Yellowstone is an awe-inspiring and extraordinary landscape, but it requires careful planning to do it the right way without losing time driving back on yourself or missing out on top attractions. Best car for this trip: SUV. Stay in a cabin, hotel room or your RV on the shores of sparkling Bear Lake with Sun Outdoors Garden City. You will want to stick around looking out for bears and wolves but you do have to get back to SLC today. A longer but more scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is about 400 miles along Highway 89 / Highway 26, taking in more of the highlights of Wyoming and Idaho. What do you suggest to finish out our yellowstone trip before we do the 5 parks in Utah. Popular sites include, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests as well as Antelope Island and Willard Bay State Parks. Lodging inside Yellowstone can be booked through the official Yellowstone National Park Lodges site but we strongly recommend you try to beat the prices with Hotels.com before booking anything. But they might be worth a stop if you have enough time, which is why we have included several SLC to Yellowstone road trip itinerary ideas later in the guide. If not adapt the itinerary below to fit your plans. Head back to the car and drive to Grand Prismatic Spring parking lot to explore Midway Geyser Basin. Elk Country Inn Maybe you would prefer to drive straight to the northern areas of Yellowstone and work down through the park, before exploring Grand Teton on the way back to SLC? From historic homesteads to breathtaking river valleys, here are our top stops for a fantastic scenic drive plus road-trip advice. Also be sure to check out City Creek Center, a popular covered shopping and dining complex with high end shops and fountains. From the scenic landscapes of northern Utah to the majestic Teton Range to the exotic features of Yellowstone, theres no shortage of incredible sights on this once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Jackson is Wyomings incredibly popular and wealthy ski resort town located just 12 miles from Grand Teton National Park loop road. Town Square Inns of Jackson Hole If you have more or less time for your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip, here are a couple of modifications: Read More: 7 Days in Grand Teton and Yellowstone. These two places have the better locations for accessing other parts of the park, and they have plenty of places to eat. The mountain city is safe, clean, walkable and has a wonderful vibe. With one day in Salt Lake City, you can see the highlights, like Temple Square and the Natural History Museum. Its gorgeous in the fall as the leaves change. Travel Tip: If you have flexibility over your travel dates, we recommend planning your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip itinerary around booking night 5 in a Canyon Village hotel or lodge. Day 3 - Morning in Grand Teton, then drive to Old Faithful via West Thumb, exploring all of Upper Geyser Basin once arriving at Old Faithful. Day 3 See Midway and Lower Geyser Basins, explore Norris Geyser Basin and drive over to Canyon so you can check in to a hotel. Looking for suggestions on any must-sees between West Yellowstone and Salt Lake City. Head back to US-191, turn right and not long after take a left on Schwabachers Landing road. Take things easy in town or head out for a hike. Get an early start in SLC, set your Google Maps for Idaho State Park North Beach and hit I-15 N. Turn onto US-89 N and enjoy the winding scenic drive through Logan Canyon to the town of Garden City on Bear Lake. The mountain drive to Bear Lake and the Snake River scenic views are worth it! We hope the long list of hotel options is helpful and not overwhelming! Wake up for another early start and arguably the most unmissable sunrise in Yellowstone. Do this road trip in an RV to stay close to nature. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone Road conditions from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone Salt Lake City 66F Clear Sky Feels like 63.32 Wind speed 10.4 mph Pressure 1023 hPa Farmington 64F Clear Sky Feels like 61.34 Wind speed 8 mph Pressure 1022 hPa Roy 62F Clear Sky Feels like 59.34 Wind speed 10.4 mph Pressure 1022 hPa Denver International Airport will be the best alternative for many, but the drive distance and drive time are around 40% longer to reach Grand Teton or Yellowstone. There are several direct long haul flights into Salt Lake City from major cities around the world. Yellowstone has eight lodges inside the park, plus several campgrounds. I agree with Pam. For a more relaxing experience you should plan for 8 or even 9 days. Alternatively, stop in at the National Elk Refuge on the way back into Jackson Hole. That is what makes creating an example road trip itinerary so challenging. Antler Inn This 28-page ebook includes the best things to do in all 63 national parks, plus exclusive trip planning tips. The park is home to various wildlife, including grizzly bears, bison, elk, and wolves. The Best 8-Day Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip The most attractive route from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is to drive via Logan Canyon, Bear Lake, Afton, Jackson and Grand Teton before arriving at Yellowstone south entrance. Salt Lake is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains with a vibrant, compact, clean, and safe downtown area. We're Mark and Kristen Morgan, former career scientists turned travel, hiking and photography experts after an 18 month honeymoon around the world forever changed our lives. A road trip to Yellowstone isn't just about the destination. Other major airports in the region include Jackson Hole (JAC), Bozeman (BZN), and Salt Lake (SLC). Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips Its truly a sight to see! So whether you choose to stay in Jackson or stay inside Grand Teton National Park, its worth spending an evening or morning strolling around downtown Jackson. I recommend spending your last day leisurely driving back to Salt Lake City and spending the night near the airport. Use the morning to revisit any of the areas in Grand Teton you liked the most, such as Jenny Lake or Oxbow Bend. As you return to your starting point, I recommend taking the faster route back via I-15. It would. Answer 1 of 22: I have been trying to plan a great trip for my 10 year old twins this year. But it is also a great option for those who want easy access to Mammoth Hot Springs or Lamar Valley, the best place in Yellowstone for wildlife spotting. Need advice on if my road trip to LA is realistic for the timeframe Input Salt Lake City and your travel dates to see your options. Youll arrive in Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance along John D. Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway. You can choose between a lodge style hotel room or semi-detached cabin at Mammoth. Many visitors only see the top attractions, like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Follow the loop road until you reach Gibbon Falls for a quick waterfall stop. Discover the stories behind this unsung hero of a vegetable including VP Dan Quayles potato incident. The only road currently closed that will impact a typical Yellowstone visit is the road between Tower-Roosevelt and Cooke City, that means you won't be able to go out into Lamar Valley which is one of the best places for spotting wildlife in the park. They are our go to car hire platforms and we always choose whichever has the better vehicle at the right price point. 6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons Day 5 Hike Mt Washburn and Tower Fall, before venturing out into Lamar Valley. Of course, you could skip the last part of Day 5 and instead of driving to Canyon, drive back from Norris to West Yellowstone. Six Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City. Instead, Id recommend flying into West Yellowstone or Jackson Hole Airport. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 49er Inn and Suites. 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