See the West Glacier Village website for details and hours. We stayed in a cabin during our first visit to Yellowstone in October and it was great. This is one of the most-detailed itineraries Ive ever seen, but its truly helpful for those of us hoping to plan a trip to the area! Drive 17 miles south to visit Fountain Paint Pots or 2.5 miles further to Grand Prismatic Spring. Figuring out the best places to stay in several places on consecutive nights can become challenging. Start Your Trip. These two places have the better locations for accessing other parts of the park, and they have plenty of places to eat. Right next to Grand Teton National Park,spend a day on the newVia Ferrata assisted climbing course, riding the gondola, tackling the ropes course or biking and hiking downhill. See my Oregon Travel Guide for all things Portland and Oregon State. You can then grab dinner either back in SLC downtown or at the airport. Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip Planning Resources. You have several options to reach Yellowstone and Grand Teton, such as Bozeman which is close and convenient, South Dakotas Black Hills which are stunning and often combined with the Wyoming parks or Denver Colorado which is another major city within driving distance. Editors' Picks. The train ride from Chicago to Salt Lake City is about 35 hours and about 16 from Sacramento. Morning Glory Pool, named in the 1880s for its likeness to the flower of the same name, is a favorite stop for visitors. Then see Tower Fall, Lamar Valley for wildlife, Mammoth Hot Springs and sleep either Mammoth or Gardiner. Throughout Montana and Wyoming, the yellows of grain fields, greens of alfalfa grass, and blues of the sky and flowing rivers form an incredible backdrop for photos. For the purposes of this example itinerary and our personal preference, we will split the day exactly in half. West Yellowstone will put you on just one side of the 2 million acres + that is Yellowstone. They are our go to car hire platforms and we always choose whichever has the better vehicle at the right price point. Salt Lake City - Vernal - Jackson - Yellowstone - Helena - Glacier Park - Missoula - Sun Valley - Pocatello - Salt Lake City. . The Yellowstone Route is a longer 1,570-mile drive that takes about 26 hours. Located in the North Section of Upper Geyser Basin / Old Faithful area, follow the easy 2.8-mile round-trip trail passing by several geysers along the way. Thank you! If you want to swim, turn into one way Firehole Canyon Road and drive the full loop to Firehole River swimming area. That pricey but exquisite steak is calling my name. I was spellbound every few feet as I walked the boardwalk around the massive Black Pool. Airport Options:Salt Lake City International AirportJackson Hole AirportGlacier Park International AirportBozeman Yellowstone International AirportIdaho Falls Regional Airport, Drive Times to Consider When Planning Your Itinerary:Salt Lake City to Grand Teton National Park: 5 HoursGrand Teton to Yellowstone National Park: 3.5 HoursYellowstone to Glacier National Park: 6.5 Hours. Walk around Upper Geyser Basin in the late afternoon. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Planning a trip but have to drive from las vegas. . Id fly in and didnt get to see much in between. 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. Glacier National Park vs Yellowstone: An Honest - wanderingourworld.com Schedule plenty of time to enjoy Jenny Lake. Downtown Bozeman is full of great shops packed full of quality inventory. The one geyser you cant miss at Norris is called Steamboat Geyser, which is the worlds tallest active geyser. What other options can you recommend to replace the Mammoth Lodge? Many visitors to Yellowstone choose to stay for 2, 3 or 4 nights exclusively in West Yellowstone which does work well enough but it also means a lot of driving. Fun on the Water in Yellowstone National Park Grand Teton to Yellowstone: The Best 7-Day Road - National Park Blog Saint Mary Falls trail is a 1.7-mile out and back hike. Book a trip with one of Yellowstone Anglers fishing guides. 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. Salt Lake City to South Yellowstone (300+miles, 4.5-6 hours) Unless you arrive at West Yellowstone airport, you will end up renting a car and being on the road for at least an hour. Rome2rio makes travelling from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park easy. Pull over at the scenic route overlooks to admire the valley views. It is one of only 2 places you are permitted to swim in Yellowstone. June, July and August are warm enough for light layers but you will need sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats. The heavily trafficked 2.9-mile loop offers close-up views of Hot springs and fumaroles with temperatures as high as 200F. Here is how we would do it: Day 1 - Drive from Las Vegas to Jackson, it will be a long day but you can set off early and still have time to see Jackson in the evening. Like Missoula, Bozeman is spotless and its streets are lined with perfectly preserved historic buildings. Grand Teton is incredibly picturesque and one of the best examples of staggering natural beauty in the United States. Heres how we might plan an 8 day itinerary: Day 1 Spend the day in Salt Lake City. A booming culinary and brewing culture is emerging out of SLC, perfect for fueling up in between epic national park road trip loops. Depending on size and if want electricity, etc. Why Start A Yellowstone Road Trip From Salt Lake City? Stopping in Missoula, Montana to explore the town broke up the drive, making it a most enjoyable day. Flights from Kalispell to West Yellowstone via Salt Lake City Ave. The bison and elk are incredible. Hi there! Well, we have personally driven this route ourselves, stopping to explore Salt Lake City, Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. However, we will also explain how to drive this road trip route in less and more time later in the guide. While the airflow at highway speeds seemed to be cooling the car, the temperature would start climbing towards red as soon as we slowed down. In truth, booking your hotels will be the hardest part of planning your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip. US-191 turns left and your next stop is Oxbow Bend for more stunning mountain reflections. Take the right turn off loop road at Tower Junction to enter Lamar Valley. This is a great place to grab a snack and take in the relaxing view of McDonald Lake. Old Faithful may be more famous, but the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is the most photographed thermal feature in Yellowstone. Salt Lake City United States Utah Collectible Topographical Postcards; If not, you will have to drive another 31 miles back to your West Yellowstone hotel. I chose the Comfort Inn Yellowstone North. I would love to do this road trip one day. $7.99 . May 3, 2021 Tori Peglar Hit desert highlights on this road trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, returning through Craters of the Moon National Monument and southern Idaho. Salt Lake City is the closest big city to Yellowstone and Grand Teton with a major international airport. You can either stay at hotels, lodges and cabins inside the park boundaries or you can stay in resort villages right outside the park boundaries. Tours From Salt Lake City - GoldenBusTours 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. A short walk through forest ends with bubbling mud pots and colorful hot springs. Take the drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park on the evening of day 2 or morning of day 3. Yellowstone National Park WY-Wyoming, Lake Yellowstone Vintage Postcard. Glacier to Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park: 7-Day Road Trip, Day One: Drive from Salt Lake City to Kalispell, Montana, Many Glacier (Optional for those extending time in the park), Backtrack from East to West along Going-to-the-Sun Road, Where to Stay if extending time in Glacier National Park, Things to remember before visiting Glacier National Park, Where to Stay near the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Artist Paint Pot Trail and Paint Pot Hill, Day Seven: Explore Salt Lake City and/or Travel Day, Optional 4 Day Road Trip: Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Park, Optional 10 Day Road Trip: Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Park, Things to Consider When Planning Your Itinerary, America the Beautiful National Park Pass $80. 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. Gardiner has several restaurants and shops as well as lodging options. The center offers clean restrooms, useful park information, and a gift shop. You can choose between a lodge style hotel room or semi-detached cabin at Mammoth. As a side note, this is one of the most popular sunset locations in Yellowstone. In our example itineraries we have you driving into Yellowstone via the prettier route and then back to SLC via the quicker freeways. It is worth sticking around here until later in the day because this is regarded as the best place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Mormon Row is incredibly beautiful at sunrise. Follow US-191 N from Jackson and turn right onto Antelope Flats Road. 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 park's massive lands are connected through the Grand Loop Road. Well, lets take a summarized look at how you could adapt this itinerary to suit a shorter or longer trip: If you have 5 days for this road trip you are going to have to compromise and cut out some of the luxury stops, such as Salt Lake City and stopping on the way to Jackson. Dont miss the Tabernacle right behind Salt Lake Temple. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This historic warehouse building has been renovated with several warehouse-style rentals available on Airbnb. An affordable hotel near the town square restaurants and shops.Cowboy Village ResortI stayed here in 2016, during my first visit to Jackson. Whether you like motorized recreation or exploring via your own two feet, theres an adventure for everyone on the Tetons western and if you ask a local better side. Note: For those who prefer a guided tour, the Full-Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from Jackson, Wyoming is a great option. That is what makes creating an example road trip itinerary so challenging. Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park - 6 ways - Rome2rio See my Seattle Travel Guide and Washington State Travel Guide for all things Seattle and Washington State. 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. It's the spot where the city was founded in 1847. Just minutes from the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and the northern section of Grand Teton National Park, stay at the Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch. Adapt the itinerary below to suit your exact travel plans and please feel free to leave us a comment at the end if you need help planning for your specific vacation plans, such as hiking or photography focused. Yellowstone, America's first national park, was established in 1872 to protect the area's unique geothermal features and is also a wildlife sanctuary for hundreds of species. Park in the large lot and walk to the back of the lodge. Was This Guide Helpful? You could head back to Jackson, stay in the same hotel as the night before so its one less check out and check in process, grab a nice dinner and spend another sunrise in southern Grand Teton the next morning before driving to Yellowstone later in the day. Plenty of motor oil, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, etc. Visit the Old Faithful Area, Midway Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots, the Canyon Area, Hayden Valley, and more! Fun on the Snake River and Grand Teton Lakes Explore these four stops where youll see Stripes and Shoni, a place devoted to cleaning up,ancient curious creaturesand a hub of ethnic flavors. Your email address will not be published. I prefer hiking shoes over hiking boots and certainly for easy and short hikes. I was stunned by a little bear who emerged from the tall grass and sauntered across the road to scale a tree. Really unfortunate timing for you and thousands of others who are planning a visit to Yellowstone this Summer but it will still be a fantastic trip. After Yellowstone, dip into southern Idaho to explore nine attractions, including two national park sites, you wont find elsewhere. The good news is it has a wide range of places to grab dinner. Possibly visit Craters of the Moon on the way. The most beloved of Yellowstones geysers is Old Faithful. Guided offerings include floating the Yellowstone River, wade fishing in Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, hiking and fishing in Yellowstone National Park, and more.). Download the Yellowstone tour app thats like having a tour guide in your car. Stay at one of the convenient airport hotels such as Tru by Hiltonor Spring Hill Suites. Guided tours are a great option when exploring a new area or traveling solo. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. Hi Jim, yes you'll need to cancel your Gardiner reservations but you will still be able to complete your full Yellowstone itinerary within the park. Get a free Yellowstone trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. Thank you, Kim. However, we know many visitors prefer to book one hotel and stay there for the duration. There isnt much to see between Tower and Mammoth. Three Park Entrances and a Surprise Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone. Covering nearly 9,000 square kilometers, Yellowstone is best known for its 10,000 geysers and hot springs. Stay Right Next to the Water at Bear Lake I need to flip the itinerary to travel from N-S due to our flight timings. 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. Wow. This night of the itinerary works just fine if Mammoth has no availability or the prices are too high for your budget because you can stay in the town of Gardiner, which is just 5 miles north of Mammoth. Rental Caror Personal CarIf you plan to rent a car,compare pricesand book in advance to ensure availability. Jackson, Wyo.s best-kept secret offers a ton of activities for all ages, plus bike and SUP rentals. Road Trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone - Enterprise Rent-A-Car You might only be planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, but thousands each year use SLC as a hub to drive through Wyoming and Utah. Drive 20 miles to West Thumb Geyser Basin. Drive back to Jackson. We met plenty of people who used SLC airport to start and end their road trip to Yellowstone but had no time for Downtown Salt Lake City, which is a lovely place to explore for a day. Day 4 - See Midway and Lower Geyser Basins (inc Grand Prismatic Spring), Artist Paintpots, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley. 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. I am a penny pincher when it comes to eating out. Both Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool are worthy of keeping the camera handy. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & SuitesI stayed here during my most recent visit. Feel Like Youre On Another Planet as you explore volcanic formations, including lava tube caves, on the trails and scenic drives at this uncrowded national park site. Note: For those interested in increasing their chances to spot moose, bison, grizzly and black bears, wolves, elk, and eagles, consider taking a Grand Teton 4-Hour Wildlife Tour. Eat breakfast at Mammoth or Gardiner, followed by lunch in West Yellowstone on the way out of the park. I Quit My Job for an Adventurous Life. Then My Car Broke Down Notice the front door and impressive lock, lobby mission-style furniture, candelabra-style light fixtures, and massive wrought iron and brass lobby clock, and dining room hickory chairs and chandeliers. You can continue south to Yellowstone Lake but in this 7 day itinerary you will head back towards Canyon and continue until you reach a parking lot at Dunraven Pass. This is easier but it will also mean a lot more driving. The third day is when your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip bursts into life. West Yellowstone is the closest place to Old Faithful that you can stay outside the park. Maybe even the entire day.Signal Mountain Summit RoadDrive to the peak of Signal Mountain Road to find two overlooks offering panoramic views of the Tetons and Jackson Lake.Oxbow Bend and Snake River OverlookA beautiful drive with views of the Snake River. Would love to spend some time in Glacier National Park next time! I loved the park just as much this time as I had the first. Lewis Lake is one of the best stops for kayaking in the park and you will pass it as you approach the south entrance to Yellowstone. Cross into Wyoming and experience the bustling town of Jackson, the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. So many great tips here! This area is mesmerizing. Animal activity in Lamar Valley is greatest early in the morning and in the early evening. Barker Ewing by Jackson Hole Whitewater Day 6 - Drive back to Las Vegas. Among the most popular are:Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining RoomOld Faithful Lodge CafeteriaMammoth Dining RoomGrant Village Dining RoomLake Yellowstone Hotel Dining RoomCanyon Eatery in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone area. The most popular trail at Logan Pass leads to Hidden Lake and is accessed via the Hanging Gardens Trailhead. Both were great and worked perfectly for our itinerary. Spread . The changing colors of blues and blacks reveal the depth of this fascinating pool. Airports Near Yellowstone: 8 Best and Closest Flight Options This elegant hotel offers Victorian-style architecture and dcor.For Airbnb lovers, try one of the Warehouse Condominium lofts on the west side of downtown Salt Lake City, an up-and-coming area for great food and nightlife. I'm not into being in the car for 10 hours to get to Glacier. It looks delicious! Only have 48 hours? Chapel of the TransfigurationA picturesque little church with views of the Tetons.Menors Ferry Historic DistrictTake a short ride on a replica of a historic ferry. The next morning you can drive to Canyon and pick up the itinerary, but it would mean you miss sunset over Lower Falls and would add on a total of 62 miles of driving. Helena is another great college town and the capital of Montana. Our top recommendation is to search for vehicle prices with Rental Cars and compare prices with Discover Cars. This is one of our favorite hidden gem areas of Yellowstone. Venture to America's First National Park. Manage Settings Continue North and drive through Alpine Junction, which marks the beginning of a scenic stretch of highway following the Snake River. The park headquarters is located in this area as well as Albright Visitor Center and Museum, lodging, campgrounds, a grill, and more. Required fields are marked *. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'sunshineandvine_com-netboard-1','ezslot_18',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-netboard-1-0');Drive 4 miles south to Artist Paint Pot Trail. First choice here is a room at one of the Old Faithful lodges for convenience. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website.