Salt Lake City, UT to Yellowstone National Park, WY Road Trip
A 4-day one-way road trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. See free-roaming bison on Antelope Island, witness Old Faithful erupt, and marvel at the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Itinerary
Your journey north to the world's first national park begins in Salt Lake City. Stop at Antelope Island State Park in the morning for views of the Great Salt Lake and free-roaming bison. Continue north into Idaho, where you can stretch your legs along the beautiful Idaho Falls River Walk. By evening, you'll arrive in West Yellowstone, the vibrant gateway town, ready for an early start into the park tomorrow.
- Antelope Island State Park - Antelope Island, Syracuse, UT 84075 - See free-roaming bison and incredible reflective views of the Great Salt Lake.
- Idaho Falls River Walk - Idaho Falls, ID 83402 - Beautiful 5-mile paved trail circling the Snake River and its massive man-made waterfall.
- Madison Crossing Lounge - 121 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 - Great local spot for dinner located in the old West Yellowstone schoolhouse.
- Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - 104 Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 - Comfortable lodging right at the park's West Entrance.
Day 2 Itinerary
Today you explore Yellowstone's Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. Start with the iconic Old Faithful, watching it erupt surrounded by historic lodge architecture. Walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks to Morning Glory Pool. In the afternoon, head to the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin—the largest hot spring in the US. A hike up the Fairy Falls trail to the overlook provides the best view of the spring's vibrant colors.
- Old Faithful Geyser - Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 - Check the visitor center for predicted eruption times. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
- Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool - Upper Geyser Basin Trail, Yellowstone NP - Walk the boardwalks past numerous geysers and colorful hot springs.
- Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook - Fairy Falls Trailhead, Yellowstone NP - A short hike (1.2 mi RT) to a stunning elevated view of the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - 104 Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 - Second night in West Yellowstone.
Day 3 Itinerary
Focus on the 'Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone' today. The immense waterfall and yellow-hued canyon walls are breathtaking. View the Lower Falls from Artist Point, then head to the North Rim to hike down the brink of the Upper Falls. In the afternoon, drive through Hayden Valley, one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing—keep an eye out for bison herds, elk, and possibly bears or wolves. Stay in Canyon Village tonight.
- Artist Point - South Rim Drive, Yellowstone NP - The most famous and spectacular view of the Lower Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- Brink of the Upper Falls - North Rim Drive, Yellowstone NP - Short but steep walk down to stand right at the edge where the river plunges over the falls.
- Hayden Valley - Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone NP - Prime wildlife viewing. Traffic jams ('bison jams') are common. Bring binoculars.
- Canyon Lodge Eatery - Canyon Village, Yellowstone NP - Convenient dining area in Canyon Village with several fast-casual options.
- Canyon Lodge - Canyon Village, Yellowstone NP - Stay right in the heart of the park.
Day 4 Itinerary
Your final day takes you out the South Entrance and through the magnificent Grand Teton National Park. Enjoy the stark, jagged peaks reflecting in Jenny Lake. Take the boat across and hike up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for spectacular views. Conclude your trip in the charming town of Jackson, Wyoming, where you can celebrate your journey under the famous antler arches of the town square.
- Jenny Lake - Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Grand Teton NP - Stunning crystal clear lake at the base of the Teton range.
- Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point - Jenny Lake Trailhead, Grand Teton NP - Take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake to save time, then hike to the waterfall and viewpoint.
- Jackson Town Square - Jackson, WY 83001 - Take a photo under the famous elk antler arches and explore the boutique shops.
- Snake River Grill - 84 E Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001 - Upscale western dining to celebrate the end of a fantastic road trip.
