Heres how we might plan a 5 day road trip: Day 1 Drive straight from SLC airport to Jackson. The drive time from Salt Lake City to Glacier National Park is 10 hours. 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. I need to flip the itinerary to travel from N-S due to our flight timings. The 42-mile scenic drive loop is a great way to see highlights of the park or choose between any of the following stops and turn-outs along the way. Eruptionschedules can be found at theOld FaithfulVisitor Education Center, park lodges, the NPSYellowstoneGeysers app, and onTwitter. Tour Date & Pricing . Shine Beer SanctuaryAn open-air fun place with a taco bar. This extra time gives you so much freedom and flexibility to add in time wherever you prefer. How Far Is Yellowstone From Salt Lake City International Airport? Yellowstone and Glacier are not RV friendly and cannot even take some RV's on the GTTSR in Glacier. 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. Found along Going-to-the-Sun Road, just north of McDonald Lake is the Trail of Cedars. A boardwalk loops through other incredible hot springs as well as a wonder-inducing pool and dormant geyser, the Excelsior Geyser Crater. The park's massive lands are connected through the Grand Loop Road. Your email address will not be published. Here are cant-miss stops from Idaho Falls to Ririe on the way to Yellowstone. The good news is it has a wide range of places to grab dinner. The drive time from Salt Lake City to Glacier National Park is 10 hours. Your final day on this epic Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip begins back in Lamar Valley. West entrance is close to Lower, Midway and Upper Geyser Basins where you will find Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. Straddling the Utah-Idaho border, this recreational paradise is known for its turquoise waters and a delicious treat. There are several restaurants and cafeterias throughout the park. We enjoyed witnessing bison being herded by a Yellowstone Park Ambulance. It is practically the ONLY way to go. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Splitting the fourth day between Grand Teton and Yellowstone is completely open to your interpretation. Like Missoula, Bozeman is spotless and its streets are lined with perfectly preserved historic buildings. However, there are more places you can visit on the drive between Utah and Wyoming: In truth, none are comparable with the beauty and uniqueness of the two national parks, so we definitely do not recommend prioritizing these places over the Tetons or Yellowstone. Multicolored layers get their hues from heat-loving bacteria. Yellowstone In October: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting, Where To Stay In Yosemite: Best Places, Hotels + Lodging. We think 7 days offers the best balance between speed, cost and overall experience. Dramatic Scenes in Logan and Cache Valley There isnt much to see between Tower and Mammoth. Thank you! About this Itinerary 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. Also, keep an eye out for ultra-photogenic Star Valley Mormon Temple as you drive through Afton. Drive south 5 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs. Hi, thanks for an easy to understand road trip itinerary. Next time, I want to visit Jackson Hole. What if you have more or less time than 7 days? Day 6 Explore Norris Geyser Basin, then visit Lower Falls and Hayden Valley. 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. Caribbean-blue body of water) and up the Snake River Canyon to Jackson and Grand Teton National Park before arriving at Yellowstone. Spend day 2 exploring Yellowstone National Park. However, if you stayed in West Yellowstone, you will need to drive back to Old Faithful to begin Day 5. If not adapt the itinerary below to fit your plans. John Moultons barn on Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park, Wyo. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Cross into Wyoming and experience the bustling town of Jackson, the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. 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. (The Idaho Falls Riverwalk and Butte, Montana are other great options for a stretch break.). I am a penny pincher when it comes to eating out. I must put Steamboat Springs on my bucketlist! Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use, Copyright 2023 | Where Are Those Morgans, Our Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip Experience. 3 Roadside Stops in Grand Teton National Park I'm not into being in the car for 10 hours to get to Glacier. They are lightweight for everyday use as well which is helpful when I want to travel with only a few pairs of shoes. Without stopping the drive should take around 5 hours, but you will be stopping so plan for more like 6-7 hours. 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. With 6 days you wont have to compromise as much and you will still have enough time for both parks. The heavily trafficked 2.9-mile loop offers close-up views of Hot springs and fumaroles with temperatures as high as 200F. Jackson, Wyo.s best-kept secret offers a ton of activities for all ages, plus bike and SUP rentals. Day 3 Spend a full day ticking off the top sights in Grand Teton. You may even get a colorful sunset as you gaze down at the world famous geyser and main attraction in Yellowstone. Salt Lake City is the closest big city to Yellowstone and Grand Teton with a major international airport. When we hit the national park with its 25 mph speed limit, the car wasn't happy. Missoula is the most popular city on the route it's 7 hours from Salt Lake City and 3 hours from Glacier National Park. Grand Teton Lodge Company. 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. During my time in the parks, I got a lot of use out of my Ahnu hiking shoes. GyPSy Guide Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour App Pricey, but exquisite. 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. 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. Venture to America's First National Park. Spend the day out on the water on Bear Lake. Gazing upon astonishing natural wonders like gushing geysers and vibrantly colored hot springs isnt something you do every day. The town of West Yellowstone sits right at the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. Discover an eclectic ecosystem in Salt Lake City that involves unique coffee houses, artisan cocktails and a short hike that gives you fantastic views of the city. Assuming you stayed in Jackson on night 3, begin your fourth day with another sunrise but this time head straight to Schwabacher Landing to get there before the sun rises. Eat breakfast at Mammoth or Gardiner, followed by lunch in West Yellowstone on the way out of the park. You may be keen on saving on flights, and arriving at an airport which is a bit further away could be the right choice for you. You can then drive back to SLC via Grand Teton and the scenic route. However, we suspect everyone else has the same idea so you may not find availability. Logan Pass is the highest point along Going-to-the-Sun Road and a site where the Continental Divide passes through. 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. Yellowstone to Glacier National Park. For all accommodation outside of the parks, we recommend using Booking.com and then comparing against Hotels.com to find the best deals available. You will want to stick around looking out for bears and wolves but you do have to get back to SLC today. 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. Spend the night in Salt Lake City at Grand Americaor Homewood Suites. Everything from recommended footwear to lodging, to best sites to a mysterious interesting door to check out by the bathrooms! Since Jackson Hole Airport is only 5 miles from Grand Teton National Park, it is possible to do a driving tour the same day you arrive. 4 Idaho Falls Secrets to a Fantastic Yellowstone Area Vacation . Check into a hotel and then spend the afternoon exploring Grand Teton. We are assuming you need to drive back from Yellowstone to Las Vegas on the sixth day? Walk around Upper Geyser Basin in the late afternoon. Helena is another great college town and the capital of Montana. Hi there! You will stop in Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho, before heading to Salt Lake City, Utah. We think Salt Lake City is one of the best places to visit in the US and we have plans to spend more time in the city next time we head out west. Heres how we might plan a 6 day itinerary: Day 2 Spend the full day hiking and taking photos in Grand Teton, before staying at a hotel near Moran. Glacier National Park is a remote wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. Stay in Canyon. You shared so many great recommendations. Head to Idaho Falls for a dose of culture and explore off-the-beaten path towns like Ririe and St. Anthony. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-leader-3','ezslot_5',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-leader-3-0');West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the most overlooked areas of the park. The night of Day 3 is the most open to your interpretation part of this Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip. With so much to see, make sure you read on to plan an ideal itinerary. 1. Stay at one of the convenient airport hotels such as Tru by Hiltonor Spring Hill Suites. I prefer hiking shoes over hiking boots and certainly for easy and short hikes. The Abyss Pool is equally mesmerizing. What Is There To See Between Salt Lake City And Yellowstone? Hi Matt, thanks for getting in touch and we're happy to hear you are following our itinerary. You will cross a bridge but go slowly because we saw a bald eagle right on the bridge at sunrise, so keep your eyes peeled. Depending on size and if want electricity, etc. 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. Here are the best hotels in West Yellowstone MT: Want to read more about where to stay in Yellowstone? West Glacier Village is located at the entrance to the park and is a fantastic area for shopping, eating, drinking, mini-golf, and more. 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! 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? US-191 turns left and your next stop is Oxbow Bend for more stunning mountain reflections. Revisit any of your favorite Yellowstone spots before heading back to SLC airport. Need help! Flights from Kalispell to West Yellowstone via Salt Lake City Ave. The area offers hotels as well as gondolas, and a cable car with views of the Tetons. Discover the stories behind this unsung hero of a vegetable including VP Dan Quayles potato incident. Follow Your Trail in Park City 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. We have spent a night at both a Mammoth Hot Springs cabin and a Canyon Village hotel room. 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. Explore the hidden park and trails behind the public library. I have 7 days off! A short walk through forest ends with bubbling mud pots and colorful hot springs. That is what makes creating an example road trip itinerary so challenging. 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. 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. Head over to Lower Falls. Guided offerings include floating the Yellowstone River, wade fishing in Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, hiking and fishing in Yellowstone National Park, and more.). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Open RangeThe steak is exquisite! I booked a trip following your itinerary from July 26 - August 2nd. Both were great and worked perfectly for our itinerary. Spend the night in Jackson at Wyoming Inn of Jackson Holeor Inn on the Creek. 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. Two Things You Must Do at Bear Lake Thank you, Kim. Covering over 2 million acres, Yellowstone is one of the largest national parks in the United States. 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. On the way back, stop at Upper Falls View and Uncle Toms Trail if it is open. 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. Take the drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park on the evening of day 2 or morning of day 3. This area is mesmerizing. If theres a Utah Jazz basketball game on. 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. Action packed day, sleep in Canyon Village. Next, drive north and park at Fairy Falls Trail lot to hike 0.8 miles so you can enjoy Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, with small portions of the park crossing over into neighboring Idaho and Montana. Thank you! Is there a pdf version for a quick reference? Roosevelt Arch was built in 1903 and was dedicated by President Teddy Roosevelt who laid the archs cornerstone. Oh, I love the way you drop hints!!! The train ride from Chicago to Salt Lake City is about 35 hours and about 16 from Sacramento. 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.