Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

• Bear Lake Overlook (Logan Canyon) – The classic turquoise-lake viewpoint with paved pullouts, room for RVs, and wide-angle shots in late morning when the color pops.
• Rendezvous Beach (UT) – Gentle, shallow shoreline for swimming and SUP; wide sand, mellow waves, restrooms, and easy day-use parking close to the water.
• North Beach (ID) – Long sandy shelf with warm, knee-deep water that extends far out—ideal for families, wading, and beginner paddlers; arrive early on hot weekends.
• Limber Pine Nature Trail – Easy 1.3-mile loop near the summit of Logan Canyon with steady shade, benches, and peek-a-boo lake views; wildflowers in late spring.
• Minnetonka Cave (ID) – Guided limestone tours (seasonal); cool temps year-round and dramatic chambers—bring a jacket and book ahead in mid-summer.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

• Kalaloch Mercantile (VG, V, GF, DF) – Grab vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free snacks before you hit the trails.
• Roosevelt Dining Room (to-go) (V, GF) – Vegetarian and gluten-free soups and sandwiches to take away.
• Pop-up Food Trucks (VG, GF, DF) – Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options in summer; availability varies.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Roosevelt Dining Room (Kalaloch Lodge) (V, VG, GF, DF) – Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free menu items clearly labeled.
• Salmon House (GF, DF) – Focus on fresh fish with gluten-free and dairy-free options.
• Rain Forest Resort Restaurant (V, GF) – Classic diner fare; vegetarian and gluten-free options on request.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

• National Elk Refuge – Winter brings huge elk herds and frequent bighorn sightings; in warmer months watch for pronghorn and birds from Refuge Road pullouts (sleigh rides operate in winter).
• Snow King Mountain Trails – Hike from town to ridge-top views of the Tetons, or ride the scenic chairlift and wander along the summit paths.
• Snake River Canyon – South of Jackson on US-89/191; run whitewater or pick a mellow float section, with big canyon walls and roadside viewpoints.
• Cache Creek → Putt-Putt Trail – Close-to-town singletrack through aspen and sage with steady shade and easy grades; great for a quick stretch-of-legs hike.
• Gros Ventre River & Slide Lake – Quiet drive east for teal water, river pullouts, and the historic landslide scar; watch for moose along the willows at dawn/dusk.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

• Persephone Bakery (V, GF) – Stylish bakery and café known for fresh pastries, vegetarian quiches, and gluten-free baked goods.
• Healthy Being Café & Juicery (VG, GF) – Organic café for cold-pressed juices, vegan toasts, grain bowls, and GF smoothies.
• D.O.G. (Down on Glen) (V) – Tiny breakfast shack serving quick burritos and tacos; veggie-friendly and great for grab-and-go.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Gather (VG, GF) – Inventive bistro; vegan cauliflower “wings” and GF subs.
• FIGS (VG, GF) – Upscale Lebanese-Mediterranean eatery in Hotel Jackson with mezze spreads, falafel, and gluten-free grill dishes.
• Snake River Brewing (V, GF) – Wyoming’s oldest brewery; pizza, salads, vegan jackfruit, GF beer.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

• Jenny Lake → Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point – Boat shuttle or hike the shoreline, then climb the switchbacks above the falls for big Teton panoramas; go early for easier parking.
• Schwabacher Landing – Flat riverside path with glassy reflections of the peaks; sunrise/sunset light and frequent moose, beaver, and bird activity.
• Oxbow Bend – Wide pullouts and a short stroll to the Snake River’s famous curve with Mount Moran centered; bring a long lens for wildlife on the far bank.
• Antelope Flats & Mormon Row – Open sage flats with bison and pronghorn; the historic Moulton barns frame the range for iconic photos—best with early or golden-hour light.

Quick Bites

• Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Company (V, GF) – Laid-back pizza in Moose with Teton views; GF crust and veggie toppings.
• Leek’s Marina & Pizzeria (VG, GF) – Lakeside pies on Jackson Lake; vegan cheese on request plus GF/veg options.
• Colter Bay Village Café Court (V, GF) – Casual cafeteria with bison chili and grab-and-go salads; clearly marked veg/GF.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Jackson Lake Lodge – Mural Room (V, GF) – Fine dining with floor-to-ceiling Teton views; seasonal vegan and GF choices.
• Signal Mountain Lodge – Peaks Dining Room (V, GF) – Relaxed and scenic; trout, game, and a dedicated vegetarian section.
• Colter Bay – John Colter Ranch House (V, GF) – Western comfort food with plant-based skillets and labeled GF options.

Things to Do

Nature Highlights

• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin – World-famous eruption roughly every 90 minutes, plus boardwalk loops past dozens of geysers and hot pools in one compact area.
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• Grand Prismatic Spring (Overlook) – Short overlook above Midway Geyser Basin with full rainbow bands and steam plumes; mid-day light often shows the brightest color.
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• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – North and South Rim drives lead to classic viewpoints of Upper and Lower Falls; Artist Point delivers the iconic shot.
• Lamar Valley – Broad, wild valley with frequent bison, elk, bears, and often wolves; sunrise/sunset are prime—bring binoculars and pull fully off the road.
• Hayden Valley – Wildlife hotspot between Canyon and Yellowstone Lake; wide pullouts for safe viewing of bison herds and waterfowl along the river.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites

• Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria (V, GF) – Multi-station; veggie chili, GF sandwiches, fast meals.
• Mammoth Terrace Grill (V, GF) – Burgers, fries, grab-and-go; veg/GF options.
• Canyon Village Food Court (V, GF) – Stir-fry, pizza, salads; labeled meatless/GF.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Old Faithful Inn Dining Room (V, GF) – Historic lodge; trout, bison; marked vegan/GF.
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room (V, GF) – Elegant lakefront; veg dishes and GF sides/desserts.
• Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room (VG, GF) – Cookout vibe; vegan BBQ jackfruit and GF cornbread.