Head over to Lower Falls. With the recent developments, I could use some help creating an alternate plan for the Yellowstone portion. This attractive route has the most picturesque views and spends less time on freeways or interstate roads. Doubletree by Hilton in Helena, or drive 2 hours to stay in Bozeman or Livingston. Day 3 Drive to Yellowstone and explore West Thumb, Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool and Grand Prismatic Spring. 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. For a fun (disturbing) time, visit the Shine Beer Sanctuary restroom area and choose the first door on the right.Teds Montana GrillA local favorite.Western CafeAnother local favorite. Popular sites include, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests as well as Antelope Island and Willard Bay State Parks. Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip Planning Resources. Keep a close eye on the NPS website for Yellowstone for any potentially important updates before your trip. The terraces can be accessed by lower and upper boardwalks and are very different from most other thermals in the area. Day 9 Set off early for SLC, but stop in Idaho Falls and Craters of the Moon on your way back. I also cant believe a bear just sauntered out by you! Take a boat ride across the lake to hike to Hidden Falls. There are several direct long haul flights into Salt Lake City from major cities around the world. Note: If you plan to rent a car,compare pricesand book in advance to ensure availability. Gardiner, Montana is an Old West town near the Yellowstone north entrance, the only year-round entrance to the park. In Yellowstone National Park, enjoy a tour of this incredible land with a park guide. 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. Remember, the extra night also means you need the budget for a hotel room, eating out and another day with a hire car. Fun on the Water in Yellowstone National Park In June, my family loved staying in Danes Newly Renovated Industrial Modern Downtown Loft.. Whitefish is a great town to explore. Drive over to Mammoth and explore the terraces. Hi Ashley, yep you'll definitely be too late for Yellowstone and Grand Teton end of November, we would recommend heading south from Salt Lake City instead. Save. I loved the park just as much this time as I had the first. The land literally hisses, steams, and bubbles while bison and elk roam the grasslands. 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. If not adapt the itinerary below to fit your plans. 6 Big Adventures at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Teton Village is a quieter and more upscale place to stay for visiting Grand Teton. The iconic town square features antler arches collected from the nearby National Elk Refuge, numerous shops, and restaurants, bronze art, and galleries. I loved the authentic Montana dcor. Next, head north until you reach a short trail leading to the impressive Tower Fall. Chicago, IL Salt Lake City, UT Yellowstone National Park San Francisco, CA Yosemite National Park, CA Seattle, WA Glacier National Park, MT Chicago, IL. A woman viewing Morning Glory Pool from the boardwalk, Discover an eclectic ecosystem in Salt Lake City, from mountain biking to al fresco dining to live music, Then head back to town to explore pioneer life or see a live show, known for its turquoise waters and a delicious treat, Discover the stories behind this unsung hero of a vegetable, Youll lose the crowds and find affordable lodging options, Here are some of our favorite things to do, Enjoy adventures in Jackson and nearby Grand Teton National Park, old West town with a touch of class and a lot of fun, Via Ferrata assisted climbing course, riding the gondola, tackling the ropes course or biking and hiking downhill, a ton of activities for all ages, plus bike and SUP rentals, Go paddling, fishing, boating, or take a boat cruise tour, Here are the top seven ways to avoid the parks crowds and see the best of the area, Yellowstone Essentials: 12 Basic Things You Need to Know, 6 Best Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park, Soak in Montanas Beauty at Under Canvas North Yellowstone Paradise Valley. What a glorious trip! Sitting quietly along the road with windows down listening for rustling in the tall grass, I heard a snort. 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. Take the right turn, stop at String Lake and Jenny Lake Overlook for beautiful lake views. Salt Lake City is the closest big city to Yellowstone and Grand Teton with a major international airport. Morning Glory Pool, named in the 1880s for its likeness to the flower of the same name, is a favorite stop for visitors. 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. Required fields are marked *. The pullout is easily recognizable. Here are the top seven ways to avoid the parks crowds and see the best of the area. Dont forget deicer and a scraper for your windshield if you do plan your trip for when snow and ice is possible. Rent an RV with Outdoorsy From Salt Lake City to St. Mary on the east side of Glacier National Park is about 700 miles but a long stretch of that can be done on I-15 so it will go fast. 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. Travel insurancecovers unexpected events such as re-booking flights due to airline cancellations, replacement of belongings when luggage is lost, replacement of stolen items, or emergency travel home due to accident or illness. You might be able to find a cheaper rate with Hotels compared to going direct so it is worth checking. These two places have the better locations for accessing other parts of the park, and they have plenty of places to eat. Once you are done in the valley, drive to Mammoth Hot Springs and check out the unique terraces. Take the ferry across Jenny Lake to cut out a long walk around the lake to Cascade Canyon trailhead. Bison on Antelope Island in Great Salt Lake. The train ride from Chicago to Salt Lake City is about 35 hours and about 16 from Sacramento. Jackson is a sweet ski resort town and the perfect base camp for exploring Grand Teton National Park. Animal activity in Lamar Valley is greatest early in the morning and in the early evening. This tour hits highpoints including the Old Faithful area, Midway Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots, the Canyon Area, Hayden Valley, as well as short hikes to geyser basins and waterfalls. Watch for wildlife drawn to the river.Schwabacher LandingA great place to capture photos of mountains reflecting on the water.Mormon RowTour historic barns and homesteads and watch for deer, bison, and moose. Hood and Ponderosa State Park. For the purposes of this example itinerary and our personal preference, we will split the day exactly in half. It's around 350 miles off, but the essential thing to know is that a few Canadian, European, and Mexican cities have nonstop flights operating into SLC. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_15',120,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-120{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}FindGooseIslandViewpointat a pullout along Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'sunshineandvine_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'sunshineandvine_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-115{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Pro Tip: Exploring three national parks in one week requires a lot of walking and hiking. If you choose to fly into Salt Lake City, you'll save money versus the regional airports in Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. . 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. Trust your senses.Trust your gut.If youve planned well and it feels right, do it!If it doesnt feel right, dont. Depending on size and if want electricity, etc. Mary Village or Travelers Rest Lodge in East Glacier. I chose to get the hardest driving day out of the way with plans to reach Kalispell, a small town not far from Glacier National Park, soon after dark. Sedona is one of our favorite places in the southwest and the end of November means comfortable temperatures for hiking. It is valid for one year for admission to any national park or federal recreation site, including Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park. West Yellowstone is the best place to stay outside Yellowstone boundaries because it is central to the park and has plenty of amenities. Want to know more about Grand Teton? Similar to fireworks and rotten eggs. Mormon Temple at Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT. 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. The drive time from Salt Lake City to Glacier National Park is 10 hours. Stroll the Walking Mall Trolley Block, an active area offering art galleries, shops, great dining, micro-breweries, and entertainment. Hike Mt Washburn and Tower Fall, before heading out into Lamar Valley around sunset. Watch for a majestic bull elk resting in the grass keeping watch over his lady-herd. Thanks in advance! They are our go to car hire platforms and we always choose whichever has the better vehicle at the right price point. Spend around two hours walking through Upper Geyser Basin, the area with the highest concentration of geysers in Yellowstone. If you want to reduce trip time, fly out of Salt Lake City after your visit to Yellowstone National Park and ride Amtrak just one way. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Any suggestions? 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. 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. Nearby Teton Village nestled at the base of Jacksons ski lifts is the main alternative to staying in Downtown Jackson. Do you prefer visuals to text when absorbing information? 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. The New Salt Lake Jackson has a wide range of hotel options spanning the budget range so you shouldnt have too many issues finding a good fit. Great guide! Day 6 - Drive back to Las Vegas. The airport is only an eight minute drive from Downtown . After Yellowstone, dip into southern Idaho to explore nine attractions, including two national park sites, you wont find elsewhere. Not Ready to Leave the American Northwest? 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. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. I do like the, Oregon is packed full of natural wonders and historic sites. Let us know if you need any more help and enjoy your trip! If you have less than a week to explore, consider flying into Jackson Hole Airport. I would recommend it, especially during low-traffic seasons. Eat breakfast at Mammoth or Gardiner, followed by lunch in West Yellowstone on the way out of the park. I will need to cancel my Gardiner reservations. Here are the best hotels in West Yellowstone MT: Want to read more about where to stay in Yellowstone? To Enjoy a Yellowstone National Park Tour Call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826) In April, May, September and October the mornings and evenings will be cold so you need heavy layers, gloves, wooly hats and a winter coat in addition to your basic hiking or exploring gear. This route is 394 miles and 8 hours, one way. Stay west of the Tetons to discover all the gems in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Stay in Canyon. . Walk the loop trail before continuing up the loop road. I could live here. Day 2 Drive to Jackson and spend the late afternoon around Mormon Row. Watch for signs to Apgar Visitor Center. O show areo tem lugar no Aeroporto Internacional Billings Logan, que espaoso o suficiente para caber todos os avies e visitantes. 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. Alternatively, you could continue onto the Utah parks straight after completing your Wyoming loop. The night of Day 3 is the most open to your interpretation part of this Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip. Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner in Salt Lake City; Highest Elevation: 8,000 feet. Hi there! Start Your Trip. Whether you decide to go to Park City, the Great Salt Lake, hiking or to a museum, we highly recommend you spend at least an hour walking around Temple Square in the center of town. Mad River Boat Trips 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. Stay in a cabin, hotel room or your RV on the shores of sparkling Bear Lake with Sun Outdoors Garden City. 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. This place is alway hoppin. Then head back to town to explore pioneer life or see a live show. Hope that helps but feel free to get back to us with any specifics or more questions. Downtown Bozeman is full of great shops packed full of quality inventory. However, we suspect everyone else has the same idea so you may not find availability. This beautiful guy is bigger than a football field in diameter. We spent 2 nights in Jackson, which is undoubtably one of the most popular places to visit in Wyoming. Head back to Mormon Row for sunset, which is equally as spectacular as the sun set behind Teton mountains. Look for the worlds largest Elkhorn Arch as you enter town, it is hard to miss with over 3,000 intertwined elk antlers! Hotels Between Grand Teton And Yellowstone, Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip Variations. It will be about a 40 minute drive just to get to the nearest points of interest in Yellowstone. Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip Along the 1,398 mile road trip, find ancient history and the best Americana. Everything from recommended footwear to lodging, to best sites to a mysterious interesting door to check out by the bathrooms! Editors' Picks. 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. www.outdoorsy.com. Check the weather before you go. It looks delicious! This salty oasis is home to birds, bison and pronghorn. Splitting the fourth day between Grand Teton and Yellowstone is completely open to your interpretation. The top cities between Salt Lake City and Glacier National Park are Missoula and Ogden. I used to go to Missoula and Jackson Hole a lot for work but only did things in those areas. We saw a moose and an otter playing on ice here. I booked a trip following your itinerary from July 26 - August 2nd. We have spent a night at both a Mammoth Hot Springs cabin and a Canyon Village hotel room. Seattle, Washington is a mere 1.5-hour direct flight from Glacier Park International Airport. Yellowstone National Park WY-Wyoming, Lake Yellowstone Vintage Postcard. Americans can fly into SLC from almost all airports in the US, whereas only certain origin airports will fly direct into airports closer to Yellowstone, such as Bozeman MT. Was This Guide Helpful? 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. 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. I wear only quality shoes with good arch support to avoid plantar fasciitis flare-ups and my Ahnu hiking shoes are perfect. Drive back to Jackson. 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. 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. In our example itineraries we have you driving into Yellowstone via the prettier route and then back to SLC via the quicker freeways. Dont miss the Old Faithful Inn. This is the perfect spot for extraordinary views of Lower Falls. It is one of only 2 places you are permitted to swim in Yellowstone. 4 Idaho Falls Secrets to a Fantastic Yellowstone Area Vacation Shine Beer SanctuaryAn open-air fun place with a taco bar. West entrance is close to Lower, Midway and Upper Geyser Basins where you will find Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. 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. Follow the loop road until you reach Gibbon Falls for a quick waterfall stop. 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. Head south on US-20 W as far as Idaho Falls and join I-15 S all the way to Salt Lake City airport. 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. Thank you. Will be flying in and out of Salt Lake city. Day 5 Explore West Thumb, Upper, Midway and Lower geyser basins. Simply use my 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary and allow an extra day in each of the parks. Also, check out my road trip packing list. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Thank you! Want to know more about Yellowstone? Four days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights in Yellowstone National Park at a relaxed but efficient pace. Once past Helena, MT turning onto highway 287 will be a more scenic route and a little shorter than continuing on !-15. Especially at dawn or dusk, keep an eye out for herds of elk and other wildlife enjoying rivers and ponds. Once you visit Jackson, you will not want to leave. You can choose between a lodge style hotel room or semi-detached cabin at Mammoth. Possibly visit Craters of the Moon on the way. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'sunshineandvine_com-leader-4','ezslot_8',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-leader-4-0');This was my second visit to Yellowstone. Here are the top rated hotels in each place you will stay: Depending on your flight times into and out from SLC airport, you may need to book a night at a hotel airport either side of your road trip. Continue North and drive through Alpine Junction, which marks the beginning of a scenic stretch of highway following the Snake River. A short walk through forest ends with bubbling mud pots and colorful hot springs. 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. If you get a good sunrise the waterfall, canyon and sky will light up with stunning browns, blues, greens, pinks and purples. You can go inside with free entrance and might even strike it lucky with a choir performance. US-89 transitions into US-191 N and not long after you will arrive into Jackson, Wyoming. Just watch for the crowd taking pictures. Day 5 Go back into Lamar Valley for sunrise and walk around Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. Here are the most helpful travel planning resources you might need to drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park. We enjoyed witnessing bison being herded by a Yellowstone Park Ambulance. Thank you for supporting the free content we provide! Day 7 Explore Mammoth Hot Springs. Posted on Last updated: February 19, 2023. 6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons The town of West Yellowstone sits right at the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. 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. What do you suggest to finish out our yellowstone trip before we do the 5 parks in Utah. Also be sure to check out City Creek Center, a popular covered shopping and dining complex with high end shops and fountains. The only downside if you stay at Old Faithful is being limited to eating in the restaurants or food courts on site. Day 6 Spend the morning revisiting any of your favorite Yellowstone spots before driving back to SLC airport. Flights from Kalispell to West Yellowstone via Salt Lake City Ave. While both parks have easy access from within the United States, international visitors may find Yellowstone a little less complicated to reach. From historic homesteads to breathtaking river valleys, here are our top stops for a fantastic scenic drive plus road-trip advice from Nokian Tyres. Day 4 Revisit any favorite spots in the Tetons before driving to West Thumb and Old Faithful. Drive further south into Hayden Valley for the first of your major Yellowstone wildlife spotting experiences. 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. Due to road construction in 2020, we were unable to visit the Many Glacier area. Drive south 5 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs. I'd like to break the drive up.. Around 5-6 hours would like to. Guided tours are a great option when exploring a new area or traveling solo. Use the morning to revisit any of the areas in Grand Teton you liked the most, such as Jenny Lake or Oxbow Bend. Driving through Yellowstone and Grand Teton is easily one of the best USA road trips, but first you have to get to northwest Wyoming. Check the Glacier National Park website for information on Many Glacier as well as planned closures. 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.