For many, flying into Salt Lake City is a cost-effective alternative to flights closer to Yellowstone National Park. However, the road trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone can be an adventure all on its own.
Having done this drive multiple times, I’m here to help you make the most out of this journey. Follow along for planning tips, itineraries, and must-see stops along the way.
How far is it from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park?
There are two main routes to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City:
1. Via Idaho: This route takes you along I-15N to Idaho Falls, then onto US-20E to the West Yellowstone Entrance. This is the fastest route, covering 321 miles in about 5 hours. There are interesting stops along the way, which we’ll cover in more detail.
2. Via Wyoming through the Grand Tetons: This route goes from I-80E to UT-30E to WY-89 North, passing through Jackson, Wyoming, then onto the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. It’s a scenic 332-mile drive that takes over 6 hours, but with plenty of worthwhile stops.
The best way to experience this trip is as a loop: drive one route to Yellowstone and return via the other.
Recommended Route
For the sake of brevity, this guide focuses on traveling from Salt Lake City to Jackson, Wyoming, and then to Yellowstone via the Wyoming route, returning through Idaho. You can easily reverse this itinerary if that suits your plans better.
Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park
Several airports are within driving distance of Yellowstone, each with its own advantages:
– 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)
Check flight options and rental car prices at these airports. Rental cars, especially in Jackson, can be quite expensive.
Why Start in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is significantly larger than other nearby airports, offering more flight options, better deals, and a wider range of rental cars. Plus, the drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is filled with fascinating stops, making it a fantastic road trip destination.
Best Time for the Road Trip
The ideal time for this journey is late spring to mid-autumn. Winter might close many roads and services, but each season offers unique experiences:
– Spring: Beautiful but unpredictable weather, lower crowds, some road closures.
– Summer: Long days, high crowds, higher prices, everything is open.
– Fall: Cooler weather, stunning foliage, active wildlife, spots are less crowded right after Labor Day.
– Winter: Quiet and serene but challenging travel conditions and many road closures.
How Many Days for the Road Trip
You can rush through it in 4-5 days, but 8-12 days allows for a more relaxed, enjoyable experience. Here’s a quick day-by-day recommendation for various trip lengths:
– Fastest (6 days):
– Day 1: Salt Lake City
– Day 2: Salt Lake City to Jackson, WY
– Day 3: Grand Tetons NP
– Day 4-5: 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: Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon NM to Twin Falls
– Day 9: Twin Falls to Salt Lake City
– Extended (13 days):
– Days 1-2: Salt Lake City
– Day 3: Drive to Jackson, WY
– Days 4-6: Grand Tetons NP
– Days 7-10: Yellowstone NP
– Days 11-12: Yellowstone, Idaho Falls, Craters of the Moon NM
– Day 12: City of Rocks NR, Golden Spike NHS, Salt Lake City
Must-Do Activities
Salt Lake City: Explore Temple Square, the Natural History Museum, hiking in the Wasatch Mountains, and nearby spots like Antelope Island.
Drive to Jackson: Consider the scenic Guardsman Pass, Fossil Butte National Monument, and small towns along the way.
Jackson, WY: Enjoy local eateries, Jackson Hole Resort, the rodeo, National Museum of Wildlife Art, and National Elk Refuge.
Grand Teton NP: Drive the 42-mile loop, catch sunrise at Mormon Row, visit Jenny Lake, hike to Inspiration Point, and stop at Snake River Overlook.
Yellowstone NP: Spend at least three days visiting highlights such as Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fairy Falls, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and Lamar Valley.
Return Trip to Salt Lake City: Don’t miss Idaho Falls, Arco, Craters of the Moon NM, Shoshone Falls, Minidoka NHS, City of Rocks NR, and Golden Spike NHS.
Accommodations and Dining
In Salt Lake City, options range from Fairfield Downtown and AC Hotel Downtown to Hyatt Regency Downtown. Restaurants like Red Iguana and Settebello offer diverse cuisine.
For Jackson, consider staying at Cowboy Village Resort or Hotel Jackson. Enjoy dining at Bin22, Liberty Burger, or Persephone.
In Grand Teton NP, lodgings like Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge offer stunning views and great amenities. Yellowstone offers a variety of accommodations from Old Faithful Inn to campgrounds like Grant Village, Madison, and Canyon.
Travel Tips
– Book lodgings early.
– Consider dispersed camping if on a budget.
– Wildlife can be dangerous; keep a safe distance.
– Carry bear spray.
– Allow extra travel time within the parks.
– Start your days early to avoid crowds.
Additional Resources
– CRATERS: Guide to Visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument
– UTAH: Best Things to do in Salt Lake City
– MONTANA: Guide to Pompeys Pillar and Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Sites
– IDAHO: Guide to Visiting Minidoka National Historic Site
Embarking on this road trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone promises adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!