For many travelers, flying into Salt Lake City is often cheaper than booking flights directly to Yellowstone’s closer airports. However, the road trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone can be the highlight of your journey.
Having done this drive multiple times, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable road trip. Follow along for tips and advice on making the most of this scenic adventure.
Table of Contents
– Distance from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone NP
– Recommended Route
– Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park
– Why Start in Salt Lake City
– Best Time for the Road Trip
– Suggested Duration for the Road Trip
– Itineraries
– Salt Lake City Highlights
– Journey from Salt Lake City to Jackson, Wyoming
– Exploring Jackson, WY
– Grand Teton National Park Exploration
– Yellowstone National Park Adventure
– Return Trip from Yellowstone to Salt Lake City
– Tips & FAQs
Distance from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone NP
There are two main routes to travel between Salt Lake City to Yellowstone.
# Via Idaho
Take I-15N to Idaho Falls, then US-20E to reach the West Yellowstone Entrance. This is the quicker route, covering 321 miles in about 5 hours. There are plenty of interesting stops along the way if you have the time.
# Via Wyoming
Take I-80E to UT-30E, then head up WY-89 North, passing through Jackson before reaching the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. This route is 332 miles and takes over 6 hours, but offers outstanding scenery and worthwhile stops.
Recommended Route
For the best experience, consider making a loop: ascend via Wyoming, then return through Idaho.
Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park
Several airports serve Yellowstone National Park. Here are the closest ones:
– Cody Airport (YRA) – 55 miles (1 hour)
– Bozeman Airport (BZN) – 88 miles (90 minutes)
– Idaho Falls (IDA) – 109 miles (2 hours)
– Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – 49 miles (1 hour)
– Billings Airport (BIL) – 158 miles (3 hours)
– Missoula Airport (MSO) – 271 miles (4 hours)
It’s worth comparing flight and rental car costs, as prices can vary significantly.
Why Start in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is much larger than the other nearby airports, offering more flight options and likely better deals. Additionally, the road trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is packed with scenic views and interesting stops.
Best Time for the Road Trip
Late Spring to Mid-Autumn is ideal for this trip. Winter can close many sites and roads.
– Spring: Beautiful but unpredictable weather; fewer crowds except for late spring when schools are out.
– Summer: Longer days and all facilities are open, but expect crowds and higher prices.
– Fall: Cooler weather, vibrant foliage, and active wildlife, but increasing crowds and costs.
– Winter: Limited access due to road closures, but winter activities like snowmobiling and skiing are available.
Suggested Duration for the Road Trip
Ideally, plan for 8-12 days to fully enjoy this journey:
– Salt Lake City: 1-2 days
– Grand Teton National Park: 1-2 days
– Yellowstone National Park: 3-5 days
– Transit days: 1-3 days
Itineraries
Here are suggested itineraries based on the time you have:
# Fast-Paced (6 Days)
– Day 1: Salt Lake City
– Day 2: Salt Lake City to Jackson, WY
– Day 3: Grand Teton NP
– Day 4: Yellowstone NP
– Day 5: Yellowstone NP
– Day 6: Return to Salt Lake City
# Recommended (9 Days)
– Day 1: Salt Lake City
– Day 2: Salt Lake City to Jackson, WY
– Day 3-4: Grand Teton NP
– Day 5-7: Yellowstone NP
– Day 8: Craters of the Moon NM to Twin Falls
– Day 9: Twin Falls to Salt Lake City
# Extended Adventure (13 Days)
– Day 1-2: Salt Lake City
– Day 3: Salt Lake City to Jackson
– Day 4: Jackson, WY
– Day 5-6: Grand Teton NP
– Day 7-10: Yellowstone NP
– Day 11: Yellowstone to Idaho Falls, Craters of the Moon NM
– Day 12: Craters of the Moon to Shoshone Falls, Minidoka NHS
– Day 13: City of Rocks NR, Golden Spike NHS, Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Highlights
Salt Lake City offers a diverse range of activities from cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures.
# Things to Do
– Temple Square: Explore the heart of the city and its rich Mormon heritage.
– Natural History Museum: Discover extensive fossil collections.
– Wasatch Mountains: Hiking and skiing opportunities.
– Antelope Island: Enjoy wildlife and scenic views.
# Where to Stay
– Fairfield Salt Lake City Downtown: Convenient and comfortable with free breakfast.
– AC Hotel Downtown: Centrally located near major attractions.
– Hyatt Regency Downtown: Close to Salt Palace and Temple Square attractions.
– Courtyard Cottonwood Heights: Ideal for mountain access.
# Where to Eat
– Red Iguana: Famous Mexican cuisine with recommended moles.
– MakanMakan: Malaysian flavors located in Sandy.
– Pretty Bird: Renowned for fried chicken.
– Settebello: Authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Journey from Salt Lake City to Jackson, Wyoming
Head north on I-80 to WY-89 North. Plan to take a day for this scenic drive with potential stops to enhance your trip.
# Stops
– Guardsman Pass: For incredible views and hiking trails.
– Fossil Butte National Monument: Explore fossils and visitor center exhibits.
Exploring Jackson, WY
Jackson offers a charming stopover and gateway to Grand Teton National Park.
# Where to Eat
– Bin22: Wine bar with delicious food.
– Gather: Upscale dining with exquisite small plates.
– Liberty Burger: Varied burger options.
– Persephone: Popular bakery with excellent coffee.
# Things to Do
– Jackson Hole Resort: Year-round activities.
– Jackson Hole Rodeo: A summer highlight.
– National Museum of Wildlife Art: Impressive collection outside Grand Teton entrance.
– National Elk Refuge: A great spot for wildlife in winter.
# Where to Stay
– Cowboy Village Resort: Rustic yet well-appointed cabins.
– Springhill Suites Jackson: Modern amenities and central location.
– The Wort Hotel: Historic and centrally located.
– Hotel Jackson: Luxurious rooms near downtown action.
– Snow King Resort: Peaceful yet near attractions.
Grand Teton National Park Exploration
Spend at least 1-2 days exploring this stunning, compact park.
# What to Do
– 42-mile loop: Drive and stop at overlooks.
– Mormon Row for sunrise: Popular photo spot.
– Jenny Lake: Visit via ferry; hike to hidden falls and Inspiration Point.
– Schwabacher Landing: Prime moose sighting and picturesque views.
# Where to Stay
– Jenny Lake Lodge: Luxurious retreat by Jenny Lake.
– Jackson Lake Lodge: Offers beautiful mountain views.
– Colter Bay Cabins: Rustic but charming by Jackson Lake.
Yellowstone National Park Adventure
Yellowstone’s vastness demands a strategic plan.
# What to Do
– Old Faithful: Visit early to beat the crowds.
– Upper Geyser Basin: Explore the geyser-filled area.
– Midway Geyser Basin: Don’t miss Grand Prismatic Spring.
– Mammoth Hot Springs: Admire the terraced hot springs.
– Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding points.
– Hayden and Lamar Valleys: Prime wildlife viewing spots.
# Where to Stay
Inside the Park:
– Old Faithful Inn: Historic and centrally located.
– Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Scenic and well-positioned.
– Grant Village: Central with good amenities.
Outside the Park:
– Gardiner: Travelodge or Yellowstone Gateway Inn
– West Yellowstone: Yellowstone Park Inn
– Silver Gate: Close for Lamar valley exploration
Camping:
– Grant Village Campground: Large with good facilities.
– Canyon Campground: Popular and scenic.
– Madison and Lewis Lake: Basic but beautifully situated.
Return Trip from Yellowstone to Salt Lake City
You can drive straight back in about 5 hours or take 1-2 days to explore additional attractions on the route.
# Notable Stops
– Idaho Falls: Enjoy the river walk and stock up on supplies.
– Arco: Known for being the first city powered by nuclear energy.
– Craters of the Moon NM: Fascinating volcanic wilderness.
– Shoshone Falls: Impressive waterfalls near Twin Falls.
– City of Rocks NR: Famous for rock climbing.
– Golden Spike NHS: See where the transcontinental railroad was completed.
– Antelope Island State Park: Scenic views and wildlife.
# Where to Stay
– Craters of the Moon: First-come, first-serve camping.
– Arco: DK Motel for comfortable lodging.
– Twin Falls: TownePlace Suites for modern amenities.
Tips & FAQs
– Book Early: Lodging in popular areas fills up fast.
– Consider Camping: National Forests offer free dispersed camping.
– Wildlife Safety: Maintain a safe distance and avoid risky interactions.
– Carry Bear Spray: Be prepared for wildlife encounters.
– Plan Extra Time: Travel times can be longer than expected.
– Start Early: Avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
Other Posts You May Like
– Guide to Visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument
– Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City
– Guide to Pompeys Pillar National Monument
– Guide to Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
– Guide to Visiting Minidoka National Historic Site
This guide will help you craft a memorable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy your adventure!
