Want more Wyoming content? Plus, flights into SLC are likely to be cheaper because of higher airline competition. After multiple long term US road trips we have learned a thing or two about how to best prepare for a successful adventure. It will be getting into mid afternoon by now. Grand Teton National Park: 4-Hour Wildlife TourEnjoy this excursion in the morning or evening to increase the likelihood of spotting moose, bison, grizzly and black bears, wolves, elk, eagles, and more. That's because of its crazy-bright colors and enormous size. Day 4 Spend another full day enjoying the tranquility in Grand Teton. 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. Full-Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park: 4-Hour Wildlife Tour, The Best Savannah Ghost Tours: An In-Depth Review, Best Things To Do In Canyonlands National Park, Utah National Parks Road Trip: Utah Mighty 5. Once you have explored Seattle and want to see more of the Pacific Northwest, take a 1-hour flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Portland International Airport. Roosevelt Arch was built in 1903 and was dedicated by President Teddy Roosevelt who laid the archs cornerstone. If you want to feel on top of the world,here are 5 views you must seeincluding Artist Point, Lamar Valley, and the Yellowstone River cutting thru lava spires. The arch is located at the North entrance of Yellowstone. My favorites are those near public transportation to Salt Lake City International Airport and close to downtown. It sounds so beautiful! As a side note, this is one of the most popular sunset locations in Yellowstone. The changing colors of blues and blacks reveal the depth of this fascinating pool. Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner in Salt Lake City; Highest Elevation: 8,000 feet. I wished I had more time in both towns! You will love the Portland area. You can read our guides to visiting Yellowstone in April and visiting Yellowstone in October if planning your trip for early spring or late falls. If you get a good sunrise the waterfall, canyon and sky will light up with stunning browns, blues, greens, pinks and purples. Flash Sale Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier National Park. Yellowstone National Park (139) Worldwide. 6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons Day 7 Hike Mt Washburn, head into Lamar Valley and see Mammoth Hot Springs. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Simply use my 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary and allow an extra day in each of the parks. Venture to America's First National Park. Here you'll experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine . My regular rotation of footwear and socks include Ahnu hiking shoes with Darn Tough ankle socks for hiking, Asics running shoes with Smart Wool running socks for walking and paved trails, and Sanuk Yoga Mat flip flops for everything in between. Solitude Float Trips 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. Sunrise is when animals are most active in Yellowstone, so dont miss this final opportunity. Make the most of your time by visitingsome of our favorite spots in the parkincluding wildlife watching, dining at historic lodges and see geysers erupt. Follow US-191 N from Jackson and turn right onto Antelope Flats Road. Here are seven reasons to visit. Pin It For Your Road Trip! Glacier National Park National Parks Collectible Non-Topographical Postcards, . Sponsored. Most people planning a Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip have very limited timeframes, which means it is usually a straight-shot for Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Dont miss the Tabernacle right behind Salt Lake Temple. Day 6 Spend the morning revisiting any of your favorite Yellowstone spots before driving back to SLC airport. Both were great and worked perfectly for our itinerary. You can then grab dinner either back in SLC downtown or at the airport. Specials USA West Florida Tampa, Crystal River, Florida Keys & Bradenton Hawaii Kanada Bahamas Mietwagenreisen USA . The speed, the sun, the wind, the fantasy of never looking back, and the sheer diversity of . This place is alway hoppin. But we have filtered through every lodging option at each stop you will make and have listed only the top rated hotels available. A little further north on the loop road take the right turn onto Firehole Lake Drive, stopping to look at the various pools and geysers. Day 7 Explore Mammoth Hot Springs. The good news is it has a wide range of places to grab dinner. We think 7 days is the perfect amount of time you need to see the best of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone from Salt Lake City. What a glorious trip! I am bookmarking this for a future trip! 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. The Yellowstone Route is a longer 1,570-mile drive that takes about 26 hours. We think 7 days offers the best balance between speed, cost and overall experience. Craters of the Moon National Monument Start Your Trip. If you have time to do nothing but drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, you will not be disappointed. We are flying into SLC and staying for a night, then to Jackson Hole for 2 nights. 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. A 4.5-mile round-trip hike leading to wide-open views of the crystal-clear Avalanche Lake surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. It is valid for one year for admission to any national park or federal recreation site, including Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park. (Check the park website as most dining options are closed during the offseason. Take the backroad, Moose-Wilson Road, at dawn and dusk. Farther north, youll discover Yellowstone National Park. Take the drive from Grand Teton to the Yellowstone area on the evening of day 1 or the morning of day 2. For the purposes of this example itinerary and our personal preference, we will split the day exactly in half. But I had NO trouble justifying paying for THE BEST steak I could find while in Bozeman.:-). This 1-mile hike takes you through a cedar forest and leads to Avalanche Lake Trail. Here are our popular road trip resources for planning and packing: Packing for Grand Teton and Yellowstone is fairly straightforward year round. USA Glacier Grand Canyon Yellowstone Yosemite Zion. Follow Teton park road as far as Chapel of the Transfiguration. In addition, we have noted which hotels we have personally stayed at and impressed us. 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. We are assuming you need to drive back from Yellowstone to Las Vegas on the sixth day? If you are not interested in kayaking, continue until you reach West Thumb Geyser Basin. Doubletree by Hilton in Helena, or drive 2 hours to stay in Bozeman or Livingston. Jackson has a wide range of hotel options spanning the budget range so you shouldnt have too many issues finding a good fit. Spend the night in Salt Lake City at Grand Americaor Homewood Suites. Is there a pdf version for a quick reference? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-leader-1-0');Also accessible at Logan Pass is Highline Trail, an 11.6-mile one-way hike. Spend the day out on the water on Bear Lake. When you are ready, drive north and enter Yellowstone via south entrance. And crowded. Day 1 - Fly London to Salt Lake City - overnight at airport Day 2 - pick up hire car - Salt Lake City to Jackson for 2 nights via I-89 - overnight at Inn on the Creek Day 3 - explore Jackson Day 4 - Jackson to Ketchum, Idaho. Dont skip this 1-mile trail loop. Helena is another great college town and the capital of Montana. This beautiful guy is bigger than a football field in diameter. I spent so much time enjoying Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks that there was no time to make the drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park. Next, drive north and park at Fairy Falls Trail lot to hike 0.8 miles so you can enjoy Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. Walk the loop trail before continuing up the loop road. 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. This is one of the most famous elevated views in the entire park and shouldnt be missed. Follow the western shores of Bear Lake and cross into Idaho. 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. I did this exact same road trip back in September and it was absolutely amazing! The land literally hisses, steams, and bubbles while bison and elk roam the grasslands. Reaching the park by 6 am is even better. Next, drive through the center of Yellowstone Loop road to Canyon. Explore on your own or take a tour on horseback or e-bike. Discover the citys vibrant restaurant scene and explore its stunning outdoors. Watch for signs to Apgar Visitor Center. Just watch for the crowd taking pictures. Book a trip with one of Yellowstone Anglers fishing guides. Thank you! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Planning a trip but have to drive from las vegas. Salt Lake City to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park is a popular bucket list road trip route filled with natural beauty and unique landscapes. The night of Day 5 is the one night we recommend you book into a hotel, lodge, cabin or even campground at Canyon Village. This route is 394 miles and 8 hours, one way. 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. Guided offerings include floating the Yellowstone River, wade fishing in Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, hiking and fishing in Yellowstone National Park, and more.). 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. See a world-class art museum, hot springs, historic towns and high peaks under . In this national parks road trip itinerary we'll take you from Salt Lake City up to a few of the most iconic national parks, but not without passing through a myriad of smaller, more quaint, less-traveled towns that Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho have to offer. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The night of Day 3 is the most open to your interpretation part of this Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip. LOVE them! 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. About Old Faithful, Yellowstone's Famous Geyser. Well, we have personally driven this route ourselves, stopping to explore Salt Lake City, Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It will be mid afternoon or late afternoon depending on whether or not you hiked Mt Washburn. Take the right onto N Beach Road to enter Idahos North Beach State Park with $7 vehicle entry fee and dont forget your swimsuit. Note: If you plan to rent a car,compare pricesand book in advance to ensure availability. Gather RestaurantAn upscale restaurant serving tasty small portions.Liberty BurgerServing great burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and more.The Bunnery Bakery and RestaurantA local favorite serving traditional breakfasts, sandwiches, baked goods, and desserts.Snake River BrewingRefined comfort food and certified organic brews served in a chill atmosphere.Drive south 5 hours to Salt Lake City, if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');There are numerous great options for lodging in Salt Lake City. It is a quiet, relaxing wild west town with saloon-style bars and a great vibe. Mornings and evenings will be cold but during the day it warms up nicely. What if you have more or less time than 7 days? A little further south you will reach Mud Volcano and Mud Geyser. Caribbean-blue body of water) and up the Snake River Canyon to Jackson and Grand Teton National Park before arriving at Yellowstone. I was spellbound every few feet as I walked the boardwalk around the massive Black Pool. The overheating problem had gotten progressively worse. Continue to the end of North Rim Drive and walk out to Artist Point, which is our personal favorite viewpoint into Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It was one of the easiest road trips I had ever taken due to all the unique towns along the way. Thank you! Stay in West Yellowstone. Take short hikes to geyser basins and waterfalls. Glacier National Park features over 20 glaciers and 200 lakes as standing reminders of the last ice age. Enjoy your time off! Gardiner works better if you are entering or leaving Yellowstone to the north, say to visit Glacier National Park before or afterward. Journey north to Yellowstone, a national park that is situated on top of the world's largest supervolcano. Continue North and drive through Alpine Junction, which marks the beginning of a scenic stretch of highway following the Snake River. Eat breakfast at Mammoth or Gardiner, followed by lunch in West Yellowstone on the way out of the park. Schedule plenty of time to enjoy Jenny Lake. What about a trip week of thanksgiving? Continue north to Snake River Overlook and look for bison roaming on the flatlands. You can go inside with free entrance and might even strike it lucky with a choir performance. 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. But the star of the show is crystal clear mountain reflections in the Snake River. Here are the top seven ways to avoid the parks crowds and see the best of the area. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Day 3 Drive to Yellowstone and explore West Thumb, Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool and Grand Prismatic Spring. After Yellowstone, dip into southern Idaho to explore nine attractions, including two national park sites, you wont find elsewhere. If not adapt the itinerary below to fit your plans. If you cant get a room in Old Faithful or they are too expensive, book a night at a hotel in West Yellowstone such as Kelly Inn or Explorer Cabins. Eruptionschedules can be found at theOld FaithfulVisitor Education Center, park lodges, the NPSYellowstoneGeysers app, and onTwitter. 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. 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. Yellowstone National Park WY-Wyoming, Lake Yellowstone Vintage Postcard. Popular sites include, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests as well as Antelope Island and Willard Bay State Parks. going to print this out and put this on my boyfriends desk as a *hint hint* haha . Drive 17 miles south to visit Fountain Paint Pots or 2.5 miles further to Grand Prismatic Spring. I think you will too. *Please note this post may contain affiliate links. A short walk through forest ends with bubbling mud pots and colorful hot springs. Stay in a cabin, hotel room or your RV on the shores of sparkling Bear Lake with Sun Outdoors Garden City. You can do a little bit of everything in Grand Teton, from hiking to wildlife spotting and from sunrise photography to swimming in lakes. I am a first time visitor to Yelliwstone. Grizzly bears are seen occasionally as well. If you have a late flight or a next morning flight from SLC airport, spend this final day revisiting any of your favorite spots in Yellowstone. First choice here is a room at one of the Old Faithful lodges for convenience. Also, keep an eye out for ultra-photogenic Star Valley Mormon Temple as you drive through Afton. Fastest Route: Salt Lake City to Pocatello to Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone (via I-15). From Salt Lake City, the park's west entrance (West Yellowstone) is the shortest distance, about 325 miles. If you stayed near Moran, you might want to drive up Signal Mountain for sunrise or simply having a slower start at your rural lodging. Visit the Old Faithful Area, Midway Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots, the Canyon Area, Hayden Valley, and more!