A Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip takes you between the United States' largest saltwater lake and its oldest National Park.
A perfect 325-mile Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary takes you from the biggest city in Utah, through Idaho, to one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks in “The Cowboy State,” Wyoming. You’ll pass stunning national parks and forests, magnificent lakes and mountains, and historic towns and locations, as you travel to one of the wildest and most undeveloped areas in the lower 48 states.
Read on for help planning a perfect Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary.
A Salt Lake City To Yellowstone National Park Road Trip Itinerary: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take, & What Is The Best Route?
A Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip covers at least 320 miles and takes a minimum of 4.75 hours to drive.
However, the best route for a perfect Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary is slightly longer at 325 miles (523 km). This route takes 6.25 hours to drive, but the far more scenic route makes it worthwhile. It is also incredibly straightforward. Simply take I-15 north to Exit 362, join US Route 89, and follow it north the rest of the way to the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Best Time For A Salt Lake City To Yellowstone National Park Road Trip
The best time for a road trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park is from early June to late August. During this period, travellers can enjoy the warmest temperatures along the route and within the park, and all attractions will be accessible. July and August are the park's peak months, making them perfect for those who wish to hike in hotter conditions.
However, these months also experience the highest visitor traffic, so those who prefer milder, yet still pleasant weather might opt for June or even September instead. While much of Yellowstone National Park remains accessible in May and October, it's important to note that closures can occur, and temperatures can be quite chilly.
Additionally, from early November through late April, most of the park is closed to regular vehicles, making this period less favourable for a visit.
Best Place To Stop On A Salt Lake City To Yellowstone National Park Road Trip
As a road trip to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City takes just 6.25 hours, many will aim to complete the drive in a day. However, for those following our perfect Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary, we strongly recommend breaking it up across at least 2 days. This will ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy everything the route offers.
There are a few good places to make an extended stop on the route from Salt Lake to Yellowstone National Park, but none are as perfect as Jackson, Wyoming.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, frequently mislabelled as Jackson Hole, which is the larger region it’s situated in, shares the title of the 10th most populated area in Wyoming with Cody (another of Wyoming’s most popular attractions). The town is particularly recognised for the Jackson Town Square, a lovely park serving as the centre of the community, featuring the town’s distinctive elk antler arches, which are an essential photo backdrop for visitors.
Surrounding the square, numerous attractions exude the rich Western culture for which Jackson is celebrated, notably being a backdrop for Western films dating back to John Wayne’s debut role in 1930. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar evokes the ambience of an Old West saloon, while a Stagecoach Ride around the park offers insight into the local history and traditions. The area is dotted with themed shops selling souvenirs and keepsakes that allow visitors to cherish their experiences for years to come.
On the town’s outskirts lies the National Elk Herd, the largest in the United States and one of the biggest globally, where up to 7,500 elk can be spotted during peak times. In winter, sleigh rides around the reserve provide a remarkable experience. Each spring, the refuge hosts the Elkfest auction to sell shed antlers, and the Grand Teton Music Festival occurs every summer, ensuring a variety of activities year-round.
Overlooking the National Elk Herd is the National Museum of Wildlife Art, featuring paintings and sculptures that highlight the region's wildlife. Additionally, the Center for the Arts reflects the vibrant arts scene prevalent in Jackson. While not technically within the town, the neighbouring ski resorts, including Grand Targhee Resort, Jackson Hole Resort, and Snow King Mountain Resort, make Jackson an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Jackson, Wyoming - Wyoming Inn Of Jackson Hole
The Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole is an exquisite lodge characterised by its western-style decor and an inviting lobby fireplace, designed to help you fully engage with the picturesque environment. The breakfast space features robust wooden ceiling beams, a wood-panelled fireplace, and stone columns, all of which contribute to its remarkable atmosphere.
On the premises, the Whistling Grizzly restaurant ensures you have plenty of food and drink options available at any hour. The guest rooms maintain a traditional aesthetic while incorporating warm hues to create a cosy ambience. With amenities such as cable television, coffee-making equipment, and Wi-Fi, the inn clearly exemplifies high quality. Additionally, there is an on-site gym for those wishing to maintain their fitness routine during their road trip to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City.
Best Things To See On A Salt Lake City To Yellowstone National Park Road Trip Itinerary
Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake is the Western Hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake and Earth’s eighth-largest endorheic lake (lake with no outlet). One of Utah’s most popular and remarkable natural attractions, the first stop on a road trip to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City is renowned for expansive views, sparkling waters, and unique landscapes. It gives visitors opportunities to witness stunning sunsets, inhale the saline air, and enjoy an otherworldly environment.
Notable locations like Antelope Island State Park allow for close exploration of the lake, offering chances to observe bison, pronghorn, and a variety of bird species against a backdrop of striking mountains. Visitors are drawn to the serene vistas, accessible hiking paths, and the enjoyable experience of floating in buoyant waters, reminiscent of the Dead Sea. The lake is also a prime site for birdwatching and photography, particularly during migration periods when countless birds flock to its shores and wetlands.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Center
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Center is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts. It provides an intimate glimpse into one of the most significant wetland ecosystems in the western United States, backdropped by expansive views and a serene ambience. Set along the northeastern boundary of the Great Salt Lake, the refuge conserves thousands of acres of marshes and open waters that draw vast numbers of birds throughout the year.
The visitor centre serves as an ideal starting point, featuring exhibits and information that educate visitors about the area's wildlife and the crucial role of wetlands. A key attraction is the refuge’s scenic auto tour route, where guests can drive through tranquil landscapes while encountering various birds, including pelicans, herons, hawks, and numerous migratory waterfowl. This experience is particularly captivating during the spring and fall migrations, when the skies and wetlands teem with activity.
Brigham City, Utah
Brigham City is a charming town named after the Utah Territory’s first governor, Brigham Young. Situated at the northern edge of the Wasatch Front, it is recognised for its tranquil ambience, historical allure, and convenient access to outdoor landscapes. Nestled near the foothills and adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, it offers an appealing stop for those travelling through northern Utah.
The town's streets are adorned with trees, and its classic downtown area provides a leisurely, traditional vibe, featuring local boutiques and cafés that cater to a relaxed visit. A prominent feature of Brigham City is its rich pioneer heritage, which can be explored at sites such as the Brigham City Museum and the well-maintained historic buildings throughout the area.
Millville Face Wildlife Management Area
Millville Face Wildlife Management Area is a serene outdoor venue nestled at the base of the Wellsville Mountains in Cache Valley. It offers a quieter option than the area's more crowded parks and trails, boasting expansive landscapes, native vegetation, and panoramic views across the valley. It is perfect for strolls, observing wildlife, or a brief retreat into nature, and is particularly attractive to those who prefer less touristy destinations.
The location is favoured for birdwatching and photography, offering opportunities to spot deer and a range of bird species throughout the year. During spring and summer, the routes and open areas are great for simple hikes, while autumn showcases crisp weather and vibrant foliage in the nearby mountains. Whether you seek a tranquil nature escape or a picturesque spot to stretch on your way from Salt Lake to Yellowstone National Park, Millville Face serves as an uncomplicated yet fulfilling destination.
Logan, Utah
Logan, Utah, is the last major urban hub on a road trip to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City. A dynamic mountain town nestled in the picturesque Cache Valley, it is renowned for its natural beauty, inviting atmosphere, and charm typical of small cities. Surrounded by the Bear River Mountains, it serves as an excellent hub for exploring Logan Canyon, waterfalls, and scenic routes and trails, particularly in autumn when the valley transforms with stunning fall colours.
The city boasts a leisurely pace, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a blend of nature and local culture. In addition to its outdoor attractions, Logan features a vibrant arts and history scene, largely influenced by Utah State University, which contributes to the local energy through museums, events, and cultural activities. Tourists can wander through the historic downtown, savour meals at local eateries and breweries, or visit notable sites such as the American West Heritage Center and the impressive Logan Utah Temple.
Cache National Forest
Utah’s Cache National Forest serves as an enchanting mountain retreat characterised by its picturesque scenery, clean air, and a range of outdoor activities. Nestled across the Bear River Range, it presents numerous opportunities, including scenic drives, tranquil picnic areas, and hiking paths that traverse pine forests and wildflower fields and ascend to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints from Salt Lake to Yellowstone National Park.
The forest is highly sought after for its cool, high-altitude climate and convenient access to Logan Canyon, one of the region's most picturesque routes. Guests can wander along riverside trails, observe wildlife such as deer and moose, and relish the peaceful surroundings, away from the urban hustle.
During the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage across the canyons and ridgelines. In winter, Cache National Forest becomes a snowy haven for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledging, offering year-round appeal for nature enthusiasts.
Among the forest’s notable attractions are Minnetonka Cave and Wind Caves. Minnetonka Cave is a popular limestone cave system adorned with striking stalactites, stalagmites, and aesthetically illuminated chambers, often explored through guided tours during warmer periods. In contrast, the Wind Caves are smaller and more rugged, recognised for their tight passageways and natural air currents that create a “breathing” effect, catering to adventurers seeking a more unconventional cave experience.
Garden City, Utah/Bear Lake
Nestled on Utah’s northern border with Idaho, Garden City may lack widespread recognition, yet it is cherished by those familiar with its rural charm and appeal. The town is adorned with intricate wood carvings of animals like bears, transforming everyday features such as benches and bus stops into captivating sculptures. Additionally, Garden City is renowned for its delicious raspberries, which locals sell fresh and use in a variety of treats, such as jams, pies, and other speciality foods.
However, the town's most notable attraction is Bear Lake, which straddles the Idaho-Utah state line. As one of Utah's largest lakes, Bear Lake has earned the nickname the "Caribbean of the Rockies," due to its remarkably clear turquoise waters. Popular throughout the year, but especially in the summer, it offers a range of activities, including boating, fishing, ice fishing, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, and water skiing.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest spans 3.4 million acres, making it the fourth-largest national forest in the contiguous United States and the sixth largest nationwide. It lies along the continental divide and encompasses portions of the Salt River, Teton, Wind River, and Wyoming mountain ranges. The forest features the Bridger, Gros Ventre, and Teton wilderness areas, which collectively cover 1.2 million acres.
It is home to 40 named peaks, including Gannett Peak, the tallest mountain in Wyoming at 13,804 feet (4,207 meters), and showcases one of the largest visible landslides on the planet. With a landscape rich in diversity, the forest contains 27 glaciers, 1,500 lakes, three major rivers, numerous streams, and an extensive 2,000 miles (3,200 km) of hiking trails.
It supports a vibrant ecosystem, including 75 mammal species, 355 bird species, alongside various amphibians, fish, and lizards. As a result, Bridger-Teton is a favoured destination on a road trip to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City for activities such as camping, hiking, boating, and backpacking.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park neighbours Yellowstone National Park, with the two separated by just 10 miles on a stretch of Route 89 known as the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Due to its proximity to its more famous neighbour, Grand Teton National Park often flies under the radar. This is quite unfortunate, as it has numerous attractions worth exploring.
The park derives its name from the Grand Teton, the highest peak in the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, which runs through the park. Its terrain features expansive mountain ranges, glistening lakes, and picturesque prairies. The Jackson Hole valley presents some of the most breathtaking views in the United States, with the Snake River flowing against the backdrop of the tallest mountains in the area.
The lower visitor numbers contribute to a greater presence of wildlife compared to Yellowstone, with species such as black bears, grizzly bears, bison, deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, and over 300 bird species roaming freely throughout the park. While hiking and cycling are among the most sought-after activities, options like boating, fishing, and mountaineering are also very popular, along with seasonal pursuits such as snowshoeing.
Final Thoughts On A Perfect Salt Lake City To Yellowstone National Park Road Trip Itinerary
This concludes our guide to planning a perfect Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary. You should now know when to travel, the ideal route, where to stay, and what to see on the drive. We also have a Yellowstone National Park guide to help plan your time at your destination, which you can read here.
All that’s left is to decide what to take with you, and then you can start booking and budgeting everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible. Anyone looking to continue their journey may also appreciate our guide to a road trip from Yellowstone National Park to Grand Canyon, which you’ll find here.
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