Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip
Mountains, geysers, and wildlife — the road to Yellowstone is pure western magic.
A Salt Lake City to Yellowstone RV road trip that winds through mirror-flat salt flats, lava fields, alpine lakes, and geyser basins—some of the most surreal landscapes in the American West. This 8-day loop delivers bison herds, volcanic trails, roadside hot springs, and bucket-list stops like Grand Prismatic Spring and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Whether you’re new to RV life or a seasoned road tripper, it’s the perfect route for scenic drives, laid-back camping spots, and unforgettable views in every direction.
Route: Salt Lake City ➤ Idaho Falls ➤ Jackson ➤ Grand Teton ➤ Yellowstone ➤ Salt Lake City
Distance: Approx. 800 miles
Duration: 8 Days
Landmarks & Scenic Spots: Bonneville Salt Flats, Snake River Greenbelt, Grand Teton, Jenny Lake, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley
Best Time to Travel: Late May to early October
Tolls & Fees: No tolls; entry fees for Yellowstone & Grand Teton ($35 each per vehicle or valid America the Beautiful Pass)
Stop 1: Salt Lake City, Utah
Our recommendation: 1 day
Salt Lake City is your gateway to the ultimate western escape. If you’re planning a road trip north, start by picking up your vehicle at the RV rental station in Salt Lake City. From the mirror-like Bonneville Salt Flats and bison-dotted Antelope Island to quirky local gems like the Gilgal Sculpture Garden, the landscapes start delivering even before you hit the highway.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Bonneville Salt Flats – Vast, mirror-like salt crusts just 1.5 hours west; stunning at sunrise or after rain.
- Antelope Island State Park – Hike or bike among bison with sweeping Great Salt Lake views.
- Donut Falls Trail – Easy hike to a unique waterfall flowing through a donut-shaped rock.
Local Culture
- Temple Square – Historic 35-acre plaza with the Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle; free daily tours.
- Natural History Museum of Utah – Dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits in a scenic hillside museum.
- Gilgal Sculpture Garden – Quirky outdoor art park filled with symbolic stonework and poetry.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Buds (VG) – All-vegan sandwich shop with Buffalo chik’n hoagies and meatball subs.
- The Pie Pizzeria (VG, GF, DF) – Student-favorite for loaded pies, pull-aparts, and gluten-free crusts.
- Sweet Hazel & Co. (VG, GF, AF) – Allergy-friendly bakery & bistro with all-day vegan brunch.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Red Iguana (V, GF) – Iconic Mexican spot with award-winning mole and veggie-friendly plates.
- Laziz Kitchen (VG, GF) – Modern Lebanese café with mezze, falafel, and plenty of vegan options.
- Vertical Diner (VG, GF) – Retro vegan diner serving up burgers, shakes, and comfort food.
- Bombay House (V, GF) – Indian favorite with a full vegetarian menu and naturally gluten-free curries.
Stop 2: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Our recommendation: 1 day
Idaho Falls is the perfect place to pause your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip with a mix of small-town charm and scenic nature. Walk the Snake River Greenbelt, explore local lava fields, and grab a vegan-friendly bite downtown before heading into mountain country.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Snake River Greenbelt – Easy riverside loop with views of Idaho Falls’ namesake waterfall and plenty of picnic spots.
- Japanese Friendship Garden – Island garden on the Snake River with koi ponds, bridges, and peaceful landscaping.
- Hell’s Half Acre – Strange lava field west of town with a short interpretive trail across ancient volcanic terrain.
Local Culture
- Museum of Idaho – Dynamic local museum with rotating science and history exhibits, including dinosaurs and frontier life.
- Art Museum of Eastern Idaho – Small gallery highlighting regional artists and Idaho’s cultural heritage.
- Idaho Potato Museum – Campy museum (30 min south in Blackfoot) honoring Idaho’s iconic crop, with exhibits, photo ops, and a giant potato sculpture.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Mahana Fresh (VG, GF) – Build-your-own bowls with all gluten-free bases and a rotating lineup of plant proteins.
- Altavita Restaurant (VG, GF, DF, AF) – Health-focused café serving wraps, soups, and smoothies with allergy-friendly options.
- A Street Soup Market (VG, GF) – Cozy downtown lunch spot with rotating vegan soups and gluten-free bread.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- The SnakeBite Restaurant (V, GF) – Local favorite for burgers and huckleberry lemonade; offers GF buns and veggie patties.
- Tandoori Oven (V, GF) – North Indian food with rich vegetarian curries and mostly gluten-free menu (skip the naan).
- Bee’s Knees Pub & Catering Co. (VG, GF) – Gastropub with a house veggie burger, bar snacks, and labeled gluten-free options.
- Copper Rill (GF) – Elevated American dining with a riverside view and thoughtful gluten-free accommodations.
Stop 3: Jackson, Wyoming
Our recommendation: 1 day
Jackson blends cowboy grit with mountain-town cool—making it a highlight of any RV trip from Salt Lake to Yellowstone. Wander beneath elk antler arches, catch sunset from Snow King Mountain, or grab a drink in one of the West’s most iconic saloons.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- National Elk Refuge – Vast wildlife reserve just outside of town; home to thousands of elk in winter and pronghorn in summer.
- Snow King Mountain – “Town hill” with hiking trails, a scenic chairlift, mountain coaster, and sweeping views of the Tetons.
- Snake River Canyon – Adventure corridor offering whitewater rafting, float trips, and epic canyon views south of Jackson.
Local Culture
- Jackson Town Square & Antler Arches – Central plaza surrounded by wooden boardwalks and shops, with four arches made of elk antlers.
- National Museum of Wildlife Art – Renowned museum with over 5,000 works dedicated to wildlife, from Audubon to contemporary artists.
- Jackson Hole Historical Society Museum – Small but rich museum covering local Indigenous, ranching, and mountain-man history.
- Million Dollar Cowboy Bar – Iconic 1930s saloon with saddle bar stools, live country music, and classic Western vibes.
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 with cold-pressed juices, vegan toasts, grain bowls, and allergy-friendly smoothies.
- D.O.G. (Down on Glen) (V) – Tiny breakfast shack serving quick burritos and tacos; veggie-friendly and great for grab-and-go.
- Pearl Street Bagels (V) – Beloved local spot offering NY-style bagels with hummus, peanut butter, and espresso (note: bagels contain gluten).
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Gather (VG, GF) – Inventive American bistro with locally sourced plates; vegan cauliflower “wings” and gluten-free substitutions available.
- 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 offering wood-fired pizza, big salads, and a vegan jackfruit sandwich; gluten-free beer on tap.
- Teton Thai (VG, GF) – Cozy spot for authentic Thai curries, noodles, and stir-fry—all with options for vegan and gluten-free diners.
Stop 4: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Our recommendation: 2 days
Often the unexpected highlight of a Yellowstone trip, Grand Teton stuns with jagged peaks, still lakes, and moose-filled meadows. As one of the most dramatic national parks near Yellowstone, it’s worth a couple days to hike, paddle, and take in the raw beauty of the Tetons.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Jenny Lake & Inspiration Point – Glacier-fed lake with hiking trails and a boat shuttle to a lookout above the lake and waterfall.
- Taggart Lake Trail – Popular 3-mile trail through forests and meadows to a serene lake at the base of the Tetons.
- Oxbow Bend – Famous riverbend with reflections of Mount Moran—ideal for sunrise photography and moose sightings.
- String Lake – Calm and shallow alpine lake great for paddling, picnicking, and a gentle loop hike.
Local Culture
- Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve – LEED-certified visitor center and quiet trails emphasizing environmental stewardship.
- Menor’s Ferry Historic District – Preserved settler site with a general store, original cabin, and replica ferry across the Snake River.
- Chapel of the Transfiguration – Rustic 1920s log chapel with a picture-perfect window framing the Teton Range.
- Craig Thomas Discovery Center – Main park visitor center in Moose with exhibits on geology, wildlife, and mountaineering.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Company (V, GF) – Laid-back pizza spot in Moose with stunning Teton views; gluten-free crust and veggie toppings available.
- Leek’s Marina & Pizzeria (VG, GF) – Low-key pizza café on Jackson Lake with vegan cheese on request and lots of gluten-free/vegetarian options.
- Colter Bay Village Café Court (V, GF) – Casual cafeteria with bison chili, grab-and-go salads, and clearly marked meat-free and gluten-free items.
- Signal Mountain Lodge ‘Trapper Grill’ (V, GF) – Known for trout tacos and massive nachos; vegetarian and gluten-free swaps available (perfect for to-go lakeside meals).
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Jackson Lake Lodge – Mural Room (V, GF) – Fine dining with floor-to-ceiling Teton views; seasonal American fare with vegan and gluten-free menu options.
- Signal Mountain Lodge – Peaks Dining Room (V, GF) – Relaxed but scenic, serving game, trout, and a dedicated vegetarian menu section.
- Colter Bay – John Colter Ranch House (V, GF) – Western-style comfort food with plant-based skillet dishes and clearly labeled gluten-free options.
- Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room (V, GF) – Upscale prix-fixe menus in a historic lodge; chefs accommodate vegan and gluten-free requests—jackets recommended for dinner.
Stop 5: Yellowstone National Park
Our recommendation: 3 days
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Yellowstone with a few days inside the park itself. From erupting geysers and rainbow hot springs to wide-open valleys teeming with wildlife, Yellowstone is a feast for the senses. With plenty of RV camping options, it’s easy to stay close to the action and wake up in the heart of the wild.
Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Nature Highlights
- Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin – World-famous geyser erupts roughly every 90 minutes; surrounded by hundreds of geothermal features.
- Grand Prismatic Spring – Enormous rainbow-colored hot spring best seen from the overlook trail above Midway Geyser Basin.
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Stunning canyon with two massive waterfalls; best seen from Artist Point or Uncle Tom’s Trail.
- Lamar Valley – Remote, wildlife-filled valley known for bison, bears, wolves, and elk—best visited at sunrise or sunset.
- Mammoth Hot Springs – Terraced, steaming limestone formations near the north entrance; accessible via scenic boardwalks.
Local Culture
- Old Faithful Inn – Historic log lodge built in 1904 with a towering stone fireplace and handcrafted wooden interiors.
- Fort Yellowstone (Mammoth) – Former U.S. Army post with preserved buildings and displays on early park management.
- Roosevelt Arch – 50-foot basalt gateway at the North Entrance, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.
- Albright Visitor Center & Museum – Compact but rich museum showcasing Yellowstone’s ecology, exploration history, and wildlife exhibits.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria (V, GF) – Multiple food stations with veggie chili, gluten-free sandwiches, and fast meals between geyser stops.
- Mammoth Terrace Grill (V, GF) – Quick-serve café near Mammoth Hot Springs offering burgers, fries, and grab-and-go snacks with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Canyon Village Food Court (V, GF) – Convenient indoor food court serving stir-fry bowls, pizza, and salads with meatless and gluten-free labeling.
- Fishing Bridge General Store (V, GF) – Rustic store with an old-school lunch counter—great for soups, bison chili, and gluten-free snack refills.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Old Faithful Inn Dining Room (V, GF) – Historic lodge dining with hearty local fare like trout and bison, plus marked vegan and gluten-free entrées.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room (V, GF) – Elegant lakefront dining in a 19th-century hotel offering vegetarian dishes and gluten-free sides and desserts.
- Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room (VG, GF) – Family-style cookout vibe with hearty plates and vegan BBQ jackfruit sandwiches with gluten-free cornbread.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room (V, GF) – Casual but thoughtful dining with locally sourced ingredients, vegan curry, pasta, and summer huckleberry “nice” cream.
Return to Salt Lake City
Wrap up
Your Yellowstone road trip comes full circle as you roll back into Salt Lake City—refreshed, inspired, and maybe a little trail-worn in the best way. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate the end of the journey with a final meal, take in one last view of the Wasatch Mountains, and return your RV with stories to spare. Whether this was your first RV adventure or your fifth, the road ahead is always open.
RV Travel Tips for the Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip
These are the key safety tips to keep in mind for your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone RV road trip — from winding mountain roads to close encounters with wildlife.
- Watch your speed: RVs brake slower and corner wider than cars. In national parks, speed limits are lower and strictly enforced.
- Expect wildlife on the road: Especially in Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Bison and elk don’t yield—slow down and never honk.
- Be extra alert at dawn and dusk: These are peak hours for animal movement and road ice, especially at higher elevations.
- Use pullouts when needed: If you’re cruising slower than traffic, pull aside and let others pass. You’ll avoid pressure—and likely spot a better view.
Camping with an RV gives you the freedom to roam—but in popular national parks, planning ahead makes all the difference. Here’s how to stay campground-smart from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone.
- Plan your camping in advance: Yellowstone RV camping areas can fill up quickly. Use the National Park Service’s campground guide for Yellowstone to explore your options and map out where you’ll stay.
- Bring leveling blocks: Many camping spots aren’t flat. Leveling improves sleep and fridge function.
- Know your power setup: Some spots offer shore power, others don’t. Plan battery and propane use accordingly.
- Pack for high-altitude camping: Even in summer, it gets cold at night. Bring extra layers and warm bedding.
- Understand entry fees: Yellowstone entry info and Grand Teton entrance fees are both $35 per vehicle. For unlimited access to over 2,000 sites, consider the America the Beautiful Pass.
- roadsurfer rigs come ready to roll: Every RV includes a kitchen box, camping chairs, cables, and more. No nickel-and-diming.
- Not sure what to bring? Check our RV camping packing list for everything you’ll need—and nothing you won’t.
Here are a few final tips to make your RV adventure smoother—especially once you’re deep inside Yellowstone and Grand Teton, where resources are limited and nature runs the show.
- Follow Leave No Trace rules: Respect trail boundaries, pack out trash, and be mindful of sensitive wildlife zones.
- Fire rules change constantly: Check current status before using camp stoves or fire rings on the Yellowstone fire management page.
- Offline maps are a must: Cell service drops in most of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Download maps and directions ahead of time.
- Refuel often: Gas stations are sparse and expensive inside the parks. Top off your tank in Jackson, West Yellowstone, or before entering Grand Teton.
Your Salt Lake City to Yellowstone RV Road Trip Starts Here!
From mirror-like salt flats to geyser-filled basins, this 8-day loop takes you through some of the most iconic landscapes in the West. Rent your RV and explore national parks, alpine lakes, and wide-open wilderness—at your own pace.