Spread . Travel insurancecovers unexpected events such as re-booking flights due to airline cancellations, replacement of belongings when luggage is lost, replacement of stolen items, or emergency travel home due to accident or illness. These two places have the better locations for accessing other parts of the park, and they have plenty of places to eat. The long stretches of road are beautiful and often filled with bison. Drive south from Canyon and this time turn left into South Rim Drive. John Moultons barn on Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park, Wyo. I was spellbound every few feet as I walked the boardwalk around the massive Black Pool. The next morning you can drive to Canyon and pick up the itinerary, but it would mean you miss sunset over Lower Falls and would add on a total of 62 miles of driving. I would love to do this road trip one day. I loved the park just as much this time as I had the first. I recommendWorld Nomads, an insurance provider trusted by seasoned travelers worldwide. Sponsored. Grizzly bears are seen occasionally as well. Have a Shoshone-Bannock Native Experience Plenty of motor oil, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, etc. I wear only quality shoes with good arch support to avoid plantar fasciitis flare-ups and my Ahnu hiking shoes are perfect. Take the right onto N Beach Road to enter Idahos North Beach State Park with $7 vehicle entry fee and dont forget your swimsuit. Explore these four stops where youll see Stripes and Shoni, a place devoted to cleaning up,ancient curious creaturesand a hub of ethnic flavors. Would love to spend some time in Glacier National Park next time! It is valid for one year for admission to any national park or federal recreation site, including Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park. The Windbag SaloonServing burgers, seafood, steak, amazing mac and cheese, and more. If not adapt the itinerary below to fit your plans. The September drive offered stunning colors of wheat fields and purple mountains. Found along Going-to-the-Sun Road, just north of McDonald Lake is the Trail of Cedars. The park is enormous and it is most efficient to spend each night at a different hotel. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-leader-3','ezslot_5',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-leader-3-0');West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the most overlooked areas of the park. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. So many great tips here! Mountain goats are common sightings. Drive 20 miles to West Thumb Geyser Basin. Dont skip this 1-mile trail loop. Stay in Canyon. SLC international airport conveniently serves both domestic and international travelers, 2. Some may want to enjoy more of the Tetons but others will want to get right into Yellowstone. Only have 5 nights 6 days. Cross into Wyoming and experience the bustling town of Jackson, the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. My favorites are those near public transportation to Salt Lake City International Airport and close to downtown. This route stops in major national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Glacier to Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park: 7-Day Road Trip, Day One: Drive from Salt Lake City to Kalispell, Montana, Many Glacier (Optional for those extending time in the park), Backtrack from East to West along Going-to-the-Sun Road, Where to Stay if extending time in Glacier National Park, Things to remember before visiting Glacier National Park, Where to Stay near the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Artist Paint Pot Trail and Paint Pot Hill, Day Seven: Explore Salt Lake City and/or Travel Day, Optional 4 Day Road Trip: Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Park, Optional 10 Day Road Trip: Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Park, Things to Consider When Planning Your Itinerary, America the Beautiful National Park Pass $80. I chose to drive up and down this road several times in the early morning to watch for wildlife. The City Lastly, Salt Lake City itself is well worth a visit if you have the time. Thanks in advance! I recommend:The Little America HotelAn affordable 4-star hotel great for families and with a touch of elegance.The Grand America HotelTHE top-rated hotel in Salt Lake City. What an incredible road trip guide! We will cover where to stay on the Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip in much greater depth later in the guide. Heres how we might plan a 9 day itinerary: Day 1 Spend the day in Salt Lake City. You'll miss out on Mammoth and Lamar Valley, but that means you can focus more of your time on the southern loop areas like Hayden Valley, Lake, West Thumb, Norris and of course the Old Faithful / Grand Prismatic Spring geyser basin areas. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'sunshineandvine_com-leader-4','ezslot_8',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-leader-4-0');This was my second visit to Yellowstone. Many visitors to Yellowstone choose to stay for 2, 3 or 4 nights exclusively in West Yellowstone which does work well enough but it also means a lot of driving. Once I start travelling, I will be pre-checking all of your advice for the places I am going. Day 2 Drive to Park City in the morning, before heading to Jackson later in the afternoon. Check in at your Canyon hotel or lodge and head straight back to the car to drive south for just over a mile before turning left into North Rim Drive. Day 5 Hike Mt Washburn and Tower Fall, before venturing out into Lamar Valley. However, we know many visitors prefer to book one hotel and stay there for the duration. I loved entering the park here. A woman viewing Morning Glory Pool from the boardwalk, Discover an eclectic ecosystem in Salt Lake City, from mountain biking to al fresco dining to live music, Then head back to town to explore pioneer life or see a live show, known for its turquoise waters and a delicious treat, Discover the stories behind this unsung hero of a vegetable, Youll lose the crowds and find affordable lodging options, Here are some of our favorite things to do, Enjoy adventures in Jackson and nearby Grand Teton National Park, old West town with a touch of class and a lot of fun, Via Ferrata assisted climbing course, riding the gondola, tackling the ropes course or biking and hiking downhill, a ton of activities for all ages, plus bike and SUP rentals, Go paddling, fishing, boating, or take a boat cruise tour, Here are the top seven ways to avoid the parks crowds and see the best of the area, Yellowstone Essentials: 12 Basic Things You Need to Know, 6 Best Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park, Soak in Montanas Beauty at Under Canvas North Yellowstone Paradise Valley. Gazing upon astonishing natural wonders like gushing geysers and vibrantly colored hot springs isnt something you do every day. Gather RestaurantAn upscale restaurant serving tasty small portions.Liberty BurgerServing great burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and more.The Bunnery Bakery and RestaurantA local favorite serving traditional breakfasts, sandwiches, baked goods, and desserts.Snake River BrewingRefined comfort food and certified organic brews served in a chill atmosphere.Drive south 5 hours to Salt Lake City, if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');There are numerous great options for lodging in Salt Lake City. (Check the park website as most dining options are closed during the offseason. Best car for this trip: SUV. Start your journey in the historic and spiritual heart of Salt Lake City, Temple Square. Day 6 - Drive back to Las Vegas. What Is The Closest Entrance To Yellowstone From SLC? Like Missoula, Bozeman is spotless and its streets are lined with perfectly preserved historic buildings. This route is 394 miles and 8 hours, one way. Then head back to town to explore pioneer life or see a live show. There will be four major areas of interest on your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park road trip: Depending on your time frame and travel preferences, you might want to see all four places or you might only have eyes for Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Moab and Arches National Park (77) Salt Lake City (151) Uinta Mountains (96) Zion National Park (70) . With the recent developments, I could use some help creating an alternate plan for the Yellowstone portion. Discover the stories behind this unsung hero of a vegetable including VP Dan Quayles potato incident. Accommodations here are fairly reasonable and book up quickly.Lake McDonald Lodge inside the parkThis is a great option though books up quickly and is expensive. The only downside if you stay at Old Faithful is being limited to eating in the restaurants or food courts on site. . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Read our popular 2 days in Grand Teton itinerary which organizes the best things to do into two easy days. You might be able to find a cheaper rate with Hotels compared to going direct so it is worth checking. Jenny LakeStroll through this busy lake-park area for stunning views of the Tetons and access to trails. Follow the western shores of Bear Lake and cross into Idaho. We are planning on doing this in September. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Just 15 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and two hours from Yellowstone, Jackson is a great stop if youre looking for anold West town with a touch of class and a lot of fun. While in Gardiner, watch for elk roaming around EVERYWHERE at dawn and dusk. If spending a single day in Glacier National Park, driving the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Roadis the way to go. Stay Right Next to the Water at Bear Lake Head south on US-20 W as far as Idaho Falls and join I-15 S all the way to Salt Lake City airport. I loved the adventure going from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone to Grand Teton. Fun on the Water in Yellowstone National Park You will not go hungry. When exploring I often take short 1-3 mile hikes. Where To Stay On Your Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip, 5. At the end of the 7 days, we will assume you have a late flight booked on the 7th day or an early flight on the 8th day. Day 3 Drive to Yellowstone and explore West Thumb, Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool and Grand Prismatic Spring. Spending a few minutes considering what you need to pack for your SLC to Yellowstone road trip can save you time, money and energy later in your vacation. Most people planning a Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip have very limited timeframes, which means it is usually a straight-shot for Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It was comfortable and affordable. More. Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone's Midway Geyser Basin. Please forgive the delay in responding! Salt Lake City International Airport is the closest major international airport to Yellowstone National Park. Will land at Salt Lake City. Hampton Inn by Hilton in KalispellA 5-minute drive from the park entrance, offering free breakfast, and is most affordable.West GlacierAbout a 20-minute drive from the park so lodging here is a bit expensive.Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge in WhitefishA 30-minute drive from the park entrance. Logan Pass offers incredible views of glaciers and access to favored trails. Find all the transport options for your trip from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park right here. You could head back to Jackson, stay in the same hotel as the night before so its one less check out and check in process, grab a nice dinner and spend another sunrise in southern Grand Teton the next morning before driving to Yellowstone later in the day. As part of our first 3 month US road trip, we actually drove from Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone before driving through Grand Teton to Salt Lake City and onto the Utah parks. We hope the long list of hotel options is helpful and not overwhelming! It is the perfect base for exploring Grand Teton and enjoying the culinary scene after a long day in the park. Read our popular guide listing the best places to stay in Yellowstone both inside and outside the park to help you figure out the most challenging part of planning this road trip. Yellowstone National Park WY-Wyoming, Lake Yellowstone Vintage Postcard. Watch for signs to Apgar Visitor Center. And if you are looking for the best Savannah Ghost Tour, I have two, I love road trips. See my Seattle Travel Guide and Washington State Travel Guide for all things Seattle and Washington State. Stay in West Yellowstone. They are lightweight for everyday use as well which is helpful when I want to travel with only a few pairs of shoes. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Top Hat LoungeA long-standing establishment in Missoula offering great music and a cool vibe.Montgomery DistilleryOffering excellent craft cocktails and tasty gin and vodka. 6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons Travel Tip: If you have flexibility over your travel dates, we recommend planning your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip itinerary around booking night 5 in a Canyon Village hotel or lodge. It looks delicious! Americans can fly into SLC from almost all airports in the US, whereas only certain origin airports will fly direct into airports closer to Yellowstone, such as Bozeman MT. Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip Along the 1,398 mile road trip, find ancient history and the best Americana. 2 Days in Yellowstone But if you have an afternoon flight we recommend you drive south past Norris Geyser Basin before leaving the park via West Yellowstone. The park's massive lands are connected through the Grand Loop Road. If you are traveling east to Salt Lake City, arrival time is around 3 a.m. without delays, and scheduled arrival of . For those traveling with children or wanting more time to explore and hike, consider a 10 Day road trip itinerary. Day 6 See Hayden Valley, hike Mt Washburn, walk to Tower Fall and drive into Lamar Valley. Revisit any of your favorite Yellowstone spots before heading back to SLC airport. Stay west of the Tetons to discover all the gems in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Take a boat ride across the lake to hike to Hidden Falls. Considering how close they are to one another, it is amazing how much Grand Teton and Yellowstone differ, not just in scenery but also in the overall experience. Take the right turn, stop at String Lake and Jenny Lake Overlook for beautiful lake views. Helena is another great college town and the capital of Montana. Fly out of Glacier Park International Airport on day 4. After stretching your legs and enjoying a great meal in Missoula, drive 2.5 hours to stay the night inside or near the parks West entrance. Sunrise is when animals are most active in Yellowstone, so dont miss this final opportunity. If you have time to do nothing but drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, you will not be disappointed. Day 8 Spend the day revisiting any of your favorite spots in Yellowstone. That is what makes creating an example road trip itinerary so challenging. Wildlife in Glacier National Park includes . Great guide! Note: For those who prefer a guided tour, the Full-Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from Jackson, Wyoming is a great option. It was my first visit to Glacier, and my second visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. July 8, 2022 Tori Peglar Hot springs, high peaks and Montana's wide open spaces dominate this tour from Seattle to Glacier and Yellowstone national parks and back. Drive further south into Hayden Valley for the first of your major Yellowstone wildlife spotting experiences. The road to Gardiner is closed. I chose to get the hardest driving day out of the way with plans to reach Kalispell, a small town not far from Glacier National Park, soon after dark. If you are looking for ghosts, Savannah, Georgia is the place. It is one of only 2 places you are permitted to swim in Yellowstone. 1. Travel from Rapid City South Dakota to Salt Lake City Utah and enjoy amazing stops along the way. A short walk through forest ends with bubbling mud pots and colorful hot springs. After you are done at Bear Lake, take Merkley Lake road to US-30 W and get back on US-89 N. Follow US-89 as far as Afton, which is the largest town in Star Valley. I am a first time visitor to Yelliwstone. There are 6 places you can stay at park lodging inside Yellowstone: If you do choose just one place to stay inside Yellowstone, we recommend you pick a hotel either in Canyon Village or Old Faithful. The first day can be action packed or easy going depending on your journey to reach SLC and how you prefer to travel. Feel Like Youre On Another Planet as you explore volcanic formations, including lava tube caves, on the trails and scenic drives at this uncrowded national park site. But they might be worth a stop if you have enough time, which is why we have included several SLC to Yellowstone road trip itinerary ideas later in the guide. Day 4 Spend another full day enjoying the tranquility in Grand Teton. Wow. Similar to fireworks and rotten eggs. best things to do in Yellowstone National Park, How to plan the perfect road trip in 10 easy steps, Complete list of road trip packing essentials, 30 best things to do in Yellowstone National Park, 10 key things to know about visiting Yellowstone in October, Best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park, Mormon Row sunrise and sunset photography guide, Schwabacher Landing sunrise photography guide, Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone 10 days road trip itinerary, 10 key things to know about visiting Yellowstone in April, Zion to Bryce Canyon 3 days road trip itinerary, Best things to do in Capitol Reef in one day, 1. Your final day on this epic Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip begins back in Lamar Valley. Missoula is home to the University of Montana and has an active downtown with numerous restaurants and access to outdoor activities. The most scenic journey from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole is via Logan Canyon, Bear Lake, the town of Afton, Alpine Junction and Snake River Canyon. Salt Lake City is the closest big city to Yellowstone and Grand Teton with a major international airport. This is one of our favorite road trips and we cant wait to help you plan the perfect Salt Lake City to Yellowstone vacation. The rest of the park is accessible so you will be able to see all of the most popular hot springs and geysers. See Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Little Bighorn Battlefield, the Grand Teton Mountains, and of course, Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Stay in Gardiner. Four days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights in Yellowstone National Park at a relaxed but efficient pace. Thank you! I chose the Comfort Inn Yellowstone North. Both were great and worked perfectly for our itinerary. Want more Wyoming content? Do this road trip in an RV to stay close to nature. This is particularly pertinent if you drive from Salt Lake City to Grand Teton and Yellowstone in the shoulder season month of April and October. Scroll around, zoom in and out, look for clustering of colored icons representing each day on the road trip and see the corresponding day in the left column. Salt Lake City Salt Lake continues to be the gateway for travelers venturing northward to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. I will need to cancel my Gardiner reservations. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-leader-2','ezslot_3',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sunshineandvine_com-leader-2','ezslot_4',136,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sunshineandvine_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-136{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, (Avid anglers will love spending a day fly fishing the Yellowstone River in Livingston, Montana. Spend an hour walking around Abyss Pool, Black Pool, Big Cone Geyser, Fishing Cone and various other colorful hot springs located in West Thumb. Pin It For Your Road Trip! Salt Lake City to South Yellowstone (300+miles, 4.5-6 hours) Unless you arrive at West Yellowstone airport, you will end up renting a car and being on the road for at least an hour. Grand Teton National Park: 4-Hour Wildlife TourEnjoy this excursion in the morning or evening to increase the likelihood of spotting moose, bison, grizzly and black bears, wolves, elk, eagles, and more. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Explore on your own or take a tour on horseback or e-bike. In June, my family loved staying in Danes Newly Renovated Industrial Modern Downtown Loft.. Hotels Between Grand Teton And Yellowstone, Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip Map, Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip 7 Days Itinerary, Day 2 Drive From Salt Lake City To Jackson, Day 3 Discover Stunning Grand Teton National Park, Day 4 Grand Teton Sunrise And South Yellowstone, Day 5 Geyser Basins And Yellowstone Falls, Day 6 Yellowstone Falls, Hayden Valley, Mt Washburn And Lamar Valley, Day 7 Mammoth, Lamar Valley And Drive From Yellowstone To Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip Variations, 5 Days Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip, 6 Days Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip, 8 Days Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip, 9 Days Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip, What To Pack For Your Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip, Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip FAQs, 5. Alternatively, if you brought a packed lunch, head straight to Norris Geyser Basin to enjoy some of the most interesting geysers in the park. Town Square Inns of Jackson Hole Alternatively, you could continue onto the Utah parks straight after completing your Wyoming loop. This beautiful guy is bigger than a football field in diameter. About this Itinerary If you choose to spend a day in downtown SLC there are plenty of hotel options available. On the way back, stop at Upper Falls View and Uncle Toms Trail if it is open. Heres how we might plan a 5 day road trip: Day 1 Drive straight from SLC airport to Jackson. Heres how we might plan a 6 day itinerary: Day 2 Spend the full day hiking and taking photos in Grand Teton, before staying at a hotel near Moran. Day 2 - Spend the whole day in Grand Teton, do Mormon Row or Schwabacher Landing for sunrise if possible. In our example itineraries we have you driving into Yellowstone via the prettier route and then back to SLC via the quicker freeways. For a more relaxing experience you should plan for 8 or even 9 days. Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip Planning Resources. Grand Teton National Park is a nature and landscape photographers ideal arena and it one of our personal favorite places to visit in the US. 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. At the highpoint of the trail, along Paint Pot Hill, is an active mudpot. The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel offers a spa, a gift shop selling Shoshone-Bannock crafts and a place to watch your favorite sports team. However, if you stayed in West Yellowstone, you will need to drive back to Old Faithful to begin Day 5. Take the backroad, Moose-Wilson Road, at dawn and dusk. A booming culinary and brewing culture is emerging out of SLC, perfect for fueling up in between epic national park road trip loops. Head to Snow King Mountain Resort for Family Fun See a world-class art museum, hot springs, historic towns and high peaks under . It will be getting into mid afternoon by now. Not Ready to Leave the American Northwest? My regular rotation of footwear and socks include Ahnu hiking shoes with Darn Tough ankle socks for hiking, Asics running shoes with Smart Wool running socks for walking and paved trails, and Sanuk Yoga Mat flip flops for everything in between. Watch for my upcoming Salt Lake City Travel Guide. Our top SLC food and drinks recommendations include White Horse, Siegfrieds Delicatessen and Caffe Molise. I wished I had more time in both towns! Yellowstone and Glacier are not RV friendly and cannot even take some RV's on the GTTSR in Glacier. What do you need to know about the drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone? A 4.5-mile round-trip hike leading to wide-open views of the crystal-clear Avalanche Lake surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. We think 7 days is the perfect amount of time you need to see the best of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone from Salt Lake City. Haha! This would allow you to sleep right out in nature surrounded by the Tetons but you would have very few amenities nearby. Day 4 - See Midway and Lower Geyser Basins (inc Grand Prismatic Spring), Artist Paintpots, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley. If you are lucky there will be wildlife drinking fresh water or playing in the river. Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your road trip. This is the perfect spot for extraordinary views of Lower Falls. That pricey but exquisite steak is calling my name. Starting your road trip to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City means you can access both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park within 5 hours drive time. Clean and Green in Pocatello Take the ferry across Jenny Lake to cut out a long walk around the lake to Cascade Canyon trailhead. Nearby Teton Village nestled at the base of Jacksons ski lifts is the main alternative to staying in Downtown Jackson. Walk around Upper Geyser Basin in the late afternoon. For Yellowstone, we have reservations at the Lake Lodge (July 29), Canyon Lodge (July 30) and Mammoth Lodge (July 31) before heading back to Salt Lake City (August 1). Day 4 Revisit any favorite spots in the Tetons before driving to West Thumb and Old Faithful. Take the right turn off loop road at Tower Junction to enter Lamar Valley. The cheapest way to get from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park costs only $97, and the quickest way takes just 7 hours. Its compact downtown makes for easy walking among the many restaurants, bars, and other attractions that bring life to the city center. Walk the loop trail before continuing up the loop road. Keep a close eye on the NPS website for Yellowstone for any potentially important updates before your trip. If you want to swim, turn into one way Firehole Canyon Road and drive the full loop to Firehole River swimming area. Multicolored layers get their hues from heat-loving bacteria. Assuming you stayed in Jackson on night 3, begin your fourth day with another sunrise but this time head straight to Schwabacher Landing to get there before the sun rises. The area offers hotels as well as gondolas, and a cable car with views of the Tetons. 9 Uncrowded Gems in Southern Idaho Thank you. Whether you like motorized recreation or exploring via your own two feet, theres an adventure for everyone on the Tetons western and if you ask a local better side. There are great detours to natural forests on this path, including Mt. The pullout is easily recognizable. West Yellowstone is the best place to stay outside Yellowstone boundaries because it is central to the park and has plenty of amenities. Stretch your legs on local trails in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Cache Valley, including a 2-mile one-way trek to see a triple arch rock formation and the Wind Caves. See my Oregon Travel Guide for all things Portland and Oregon State. Jackson is Wyomings incredibly popular and wealthy ski resort town located just 12 miles from Grand Teton National Park loop road. Salt Lake City - Vernal - Jackson - Yellowstone - Helena - Glacier Park - Missoula - Sun Valley - Pocatello - Salt Lake City. Day 5 Go back into Lamar Valley for sunrise and walk around Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. You can continue south to Yellowstone Lake but in this 7 day itinerary you will head back towards Canyon and continue until you reach a parking lot at Dunraven Pass. Get a Potato Selfie at the Idaho Potato Museum Once you are done in the valley, drive to Mammoth Hot Springs and check out the unique terraces. Old Faithful may be more famous, but the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is the most photographed thermal feature in Yellowstone. Take the drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park on the evening of day 2 or morning of day 3.