Traverse the western side of the Rockies for hidden gems, gorgeous views and fresh mountain air on this Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip.
Start in Salt Lake City, a vibrant community set against the backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, capped by impossibly blue skies. From here, you’ll cross Utah, Idaho and Wyoming on your way to Yellowstone, escaping the crowds to see a side of the West that’s often overlooked.
Hit wildflower-filled trails in Park City before discovering pioneer history as you make your way north to Logan. A shockingly turquoise lake awaits on the border between Utah and Idaho, a perfect place for outdoor recreation. Fort Hall offers a glimpse into the culture of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and if Idaho makes you think potatoes, stop in Blackfoot to learn everything there is to know about this humble tuber. Then, dive into communities like Idaho Falls, St. Anthony and Ririe where you’ll discover that this state is so much more than just fields of spuds.
As you approach the Tetons from the west, you might be surprised by the mirror-image view of the range you’ve seen photographed from the east. This side of the Tetons is home to uncrowded trails, hot springs soaks and more. Head into Wyoming’s incredible Jackson Hole where you’ll find unparalleled summer recreation at two ski resorts. You’re almost to Yellowstone, America’s first national park, but before you get there don’t miss Grand Teton National Park.
Exit Yellowstone via the West Entrance, taking a quick jaunt through Montana before you’re back in Idaho. A national park site celebrating the region’s volcanic past is the perfect place to stretch your legs on the way back to Utah.
There’s no denying it, west is best.
Road Trip Map
Start: Salt Lake City Area
The Center of it All in Salt Lake
Salt Lake is where the tradition meets a progressive and energetic cultural scene.
Find Your Mountain Mindset in Park City
From mountain biking to al fresco dining to live music, Park City has it all and there’s no better time to visit than summer.
Natural Retreats Park City
Stay in a beautifully appointed vacation rental on your way to the parks.
Why Your Next National Park Trip Should Be in an RV
Level up your national park adventures with an RV or camper van rental from Outdoorsy.
Cache Valley and Bear Lake
Go Local in Logan and Cache Valley
Catch a glimpse into pioneer living, enjoy live theater performances and stroll a charming downtown with a stop in Logan.
Have a Bear of a Time at Bear Lake
Get on the stunning waters of Bear Lake, a recreational paradise on the Utah-Idaho border, offering 48 miles of shoreline with boat rentals, swimming beaches, bike paths, hiking trails and more for everyone to enjoy.
Best of Southeast Idaho
Take a Dip in Lava Hot Springs
Soak in hot springs and float down a river in this charming town in Idaho.
Stay at an Uncrowded Hotel and Learn About the Shoshone-Bannock
The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel offers a spa, a gift shop selling Shoshone-Bannock crafts and a place to watch your favorite sports team. Here are seven reasons to visit.
Get a Potato Selfie at the Idaho Potato Museum
Discover the stories behind this unsung hero of a vegetable.
On the Fly in Idaho Falls
Basecamp in Idaho Falls, two hours from Yellowstone and Grand Teton, with direct flights from across the country. Here’s the top six reasons to visit.
Find prehistoric history and modern innovations at the Museum of Idaho
With tons of historic artifacts and beautifully curated displays, the Museum of Idaho offers an inside glimpse at Idaho’s intriguing history.
6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons
Whether you like motorized recreation or exploring via your own two feet, there’s an adventure for everyone on the Tetons’ western and—if you ask a local—better side. Here are can’t-miss stops from Idaho Falls to Ririe on the way to Yellowstone.
Jackson and Grand Teton National Park
2 Days in Grand Teton National Park
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Grand Teton from amazing hiking trails to scenic boat rides and the best huckleberry milkshake ever.
3 Best Grand Teton Photo Spots
The iconic Teton mountain range is perhaps one of the National Park System’s most photographed landscapes. From sunrise to sunset to the alluring Milky Way, here’s how to get your own amazing shot.
Fun on the Snake River and Grand Teton Lakes
With temperatures reaching new highs, figuring out how to stay cool is key to enjoying your summer. Enjoy adventures in Jackson and nearby Grand Teton National Park.
Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips
Grand Teton Lodge Company
Jackson Hole Whitewater
Solitude Float Trips
GuideAlong Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour App
Download the Yellowstone tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GuideAlong automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
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.
Saddle Up in Jackson
Just 15 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and two hours from Yellowstone, Jackson is a great stop if you’re looking for an old West town with a touch of class and a lot of fun.
6 Big Adventures at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Right next to Grand Teton National Park, spend a day on the new Via Ferrata assisted climbing course, ride the gondola, tackle the ropes course or bike and hike downhill.
Summer Fun Starts at Snow King Mountain Resort
Jackson, Wyoming’s best-kept secret offers a ton of activities for all ages, including the incredible summit planetarium.
Town Square Inns of Jackson Hole
With four Jackson locations and more than 400 rooms and cabins, Town Square Inns have more options to meet your style and budget than any other area hotelier.
Antler Inn
Cowboy Village Cabins and Lodge
Elk Country Inn
49er Inn and Suites
Yellowstone National Park
Enter the South Entrance to Yellowstone
2 Days in Yellowstone
Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by visiting some of our favorite spots in the park including wildlife watching, dining at historic lodges and see geysers erupt.
Traveling on a Budget?
These are our best tips to make your next trip more affordable.
Fun on the Water in Yellowstone National Park
Leave dry land behind to explore the rivers and lakes of Yellowstone. Go paddling, fishing, boating, or take a boat cruise tour in the national park.
Whose Land Am I On?
Long before Yellowstone became the country’s first national park, this land was important to a diverse group of people. Philetus W. Norris, the park’s second superintendent, convinced America that Native Americans avoided Yellowstone because of their fear of the park’s geysers. This came at a time when the U.S. was at war with many Indigenous groups so it was a convenient story, but it couldn’t have been further from the truth. Native Americans hunted, fished and gathered plants in the park. Some visited the geysers and conducted ceremonies while others collected obsidian. The Fishing Bridge area was used as a gathering place and the thermal waters of the park were used for ceremony and healing. There are 27 Native American groups with historic ties to Yellowstone who are now spread across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas.
Exit the West Gate of Yellowstone
West Yellowstone
7 Sights in West Yellowstone
The town of West Yellowstone sits right at the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. Here are the top seven ways to avoid the park’s crowds and see the best of the area.
Natural Beauty in Southern Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Feel like you’re on another planet as you explore volcanic formations, including lava tube caves, on the trails and scenic drives at this uncrowded national park site.
Rural and Wild History and Nature in Challis
The heart of Challis, Idaho is its unique and all-encompassing state park, Land of the Yankee Fork which includes a hot springs pool and three well-preserved ghost towns.