Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at SLC Airport & Car Rental

Arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Collect your rental car, which will be essential for your driving holiday.

Ensure your rental car has unlimited mileage and is suitable for mountain driving.

Drive to Idaho Falls

Begin your journey north from Salt Lake City towards Idaho Falls, immediately heading out of the city.

Enjoy the changing landscapes as you head into Idaho.

This is the first major leg of your road trip. Take breaks to stay refreshed.

Idaho Falls Waterfall Visit

Stop in Idaho Falls to see the city's namesake waterfalls on the Snake River and stroll along the scenic River Walk.

Great spot for a quick stretch and photo opportunity of the waterfalls.

Hotel Check-in in Idaho Falls

Check into your accommodation in Idaho Falls after your drive and city stop.

Dinner in Idaho Falls

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Idaho Falls.

Drive to Grand Teton Area

Continue your scenic drive north towards Jackson, Wyoming, the gateway to Grand Teton National Park.

The mountain views will become more dramatic.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the roadside, especially as you approach the park.

Explore Jackson Town Square

Wander through the charming town square of Jackson, famous for its elk antler arches and Western-themed shops.

Grab a souvenir or enjoy an ice cream before checking into your accommodation.

Lunch in Jackson

Enjoy lunch at one of Jackson's many eateries, from casual cafes to more upscale options.

Southern Grand Teton Scenic Drive

Begin exploring Grand Teton National Park with a drive through its southern sections, offering initial views of the majestic Teton Range and potential wildlife sightings.

Look for wildlife like moose, elk, and bears. Be sure to stay a safe distance. National Park Entrance Fee (covers 7 days for Grand Teton & Yellowstone).

Dinner in Jackson

Enjoy dinner in the lively town of Jackson, offering various dining options from casual to fine dining.

Consider reservations during peak season.

Sunrise & Photography at Mormon Row

Start your day early with a visit to Mormon Row for iconic barn photography with the Teton range in the background, especially beautiful at sunrise.

Dress warmly as mornings can be chilly. Bring your camera!

Jenny Lake Loop & Hidden Falls

Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for stunning views.

Alternatively, hike part of the Jenny Lake Loop.

The shuttle saves time and offers great views. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Shuttle fee is extra.

Lunch at Colter Bay Village

Enjoy a casual lunch at Colter Bay Village, with options overlooking Jackson Lake.

Picnic options are also available if you packed a lunch.

Signal Mountain Summit Road

Drive up Signal Mountain Summit Road for panoramic views of the entire Teton Range and Jackson Lake.

One of the best spots for panoramic views over the park.

Drive towards Yellowstone South Entrance

Enjoy the northern part of Grand Teton National Park and then continue driving north towards the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, settling in for the night nearby.

The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway connects Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Dinner near Yellowstone South Entrance

Enjoy dinner at a lodge restaurant within the immediate vicinity of Yellowstone's South Entrance.

Make reservations if dining at a lodge inside or very near the park. Staying here allows for early access to Yellowstone tomorrow.

Enter Yellowstone National Park

Drive into Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, ready to explore its famous geothermal features.

Have your park pass ready. Roads can be busy, especially in summer.

Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin

Witness the iconic Old Faithful geyser erupt.

Explore the boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin to see other geysers and hot springs.

Check the visitor center for predicted eruption times for Old Faithful and other geysers.

Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin

Visit the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the USA, and the vibrant Midway Geyser Basin.

Walk the boardwalks for incredible colors.

For the best view of Grand Prismatic, take the short hike to the overlook from the Fairy Falls trailhead parking lot.

Fountain Paint Pot Trail

Explore the diverse geothermal features at Fountain Paint Pot, including mud pots, geysers, and hot springs, all accessible via an easy loop trail.

This area showcases all four types of thermal features found in Yellowstone.

Norris Geyser Basin

Visit the hottest and most dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone, featuring acidic hot springs and the tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser (infrequent eruptions).

Stay on boardwalks, as the ground here is thin and fragile. Be prepared for strong sulfur smells.

Dinner in West Yellowstone

Enjoy dinner in the lively town of West Yellowstone, just outside the park's west entrance.

Many restaurants and souvenir shops available here.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Explore the magnificent Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, including Artist Point and Inspiration Point for views of the Upper and Lower Falls.

Multiple viewpoints and short hikes offer different perspectives of the canyon and falls.

Wildlife Spotting at Hayden Valley

Drive through Hayden Valley, known for its abundant wildlife.

Keep an eye out for bison, elk, and other animals along the Yellowstone River.

Prime spot for wildlife viewing, especially bison, elk, and sometimes bears. Bring binoculars!

Drive to Craters of the Moon

Begin a long but scenic drive from Yellowstone towards Arco, Idaho, and Craters of the Moon National Monument.

This leg takes you out of the park and south into Idaho.

This will be a substantial driving leg. Consider packing a picnic lunch to eat on the road or grabbing something quick in a town like Rexburg or Arco.

Craters of the Moon Visit

Explore the unique volcanic landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Drive the 7-mile scenic loop and take short walks to various features like craters and lava flows.

Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. The terrain can be uneven and exposed to the sun. Entry fee is included with National Park Pass or can be paid at entry.

Drive to Ketchum/Sun Valley

Continue your journey to Ketchum, a charming mountain town nestled in the Sun Valley area, known for its outdoor activities and vibrant atmosphere.

You'll be ending your day in Ketchum, setting up for exploration tomorrow. Be mindful of potential wildlife on the roads at dusk.

Dinner in Ketchum

Enjoy dinner in Ketchum, which offers a variety of excellent restaurants, from casual to upscale.

Ketchum is known for its culinary scene. Reservations recommended for popular spots.

Sun Valley Gondola & Views

Take the scenic gondola ride up Bald Mountain (Baldy) from Sun Valley.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Pioneer, Boulder, and Smoky Mountains. You can hike at the top or simply enjoy the scenery.

Check seasonal operating hours for the gondola. Bring layers as it can be cooler at higher elevations.

Lunch in Ketchum

Grab lunch at a casual eatery in Ketchum, perhaps enjoying an outdoor patio.

Ketchum Art Galleries & Shops

Stroll along Ketchum's charming main street, browsing the many art galleries, boutiques, and outdoor gear shops.

The town has a vibrant arts scene.

Many galleries feature local and regional artists with a focus on western and landscape art.

Ernest Hemingway Memorial

Visit the poignant Ernest Hemingway Memorial near Sun Valley Lodge.

It's a peaceful spot with beautiful views, honoring the legendary author who spent his final years in the area.

A contemplative stop with a short walk through the woods.

Relax and Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing evening in Ketchum, perhaps with a drink at a local pub before dinner.

Drive to Lava Hot Springs

Enjoy a scenic drive from Ketchum through the Idaho countryside to the natural mineral hot springs of Lava Hot Springs.

Lunch in Lava Hot Springs

Upon arrival, grab a quick lunch at one of the local diners or cafes in Lava Hot Springs.

Lava Hot Springs World Famous Hot Pools

Relax and soak in the 'World Famous Hot Pools' of Lava Hot Springs.

These natural, odorless mineral hot springs offer various temperatures, perfect for unwinding.

The pools are fed by natural hot springs and contain no sulfur, so there's no unpleasant smell. Bring a towel and swimsuit.

Dinner in Lava Hot Springs

Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Lava Hot Springs, savoring the small-town atmosphere.

Optional Morning Soak in Lava Hot Springs

Enjoy a final, refreshing morning soak in the hot springs, or a leisurely breakfast before continuing your journey south.

Drive to Brigham City, UT

Begin your scenic drive south from Lava Hot Springs, crossing into Utah and heading towards Brigham City, a historic town at the foot of the Wasatch Front.

Lunch in Brigham City

Enjoy lunch in Brigham City, known for its fruit orchards and historic downtown.

Golden Spike National Historical Park

Visit the site where the Transcontinental Railroad was completed.

Witness re-enactments (seasonal) and explore the visitor center.

Check seasonal operating hours for re-enactments. A short drive west from Brigham City.

Dinner in Brigham City

Have dinner at a local restaurant in Brigham City before settling in for the night.

Drive to Salt Lake City

Enjoy a short drive south from Brigham City to Salt Lake City for your final overnight stay.

Hotel Check-in in Salt Lake City

Check into your Salt Lake City hotel, conveniently located for your morning flight tomorrow.

Lunch in Salt Lake City

Enjoy a final lunch in Salt Lake City.

Leisure & Final Packing

Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot from arrival day or simply relaxing and packing for your flight.

Farewell Dinner in Salt Lake City

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Salt Lake City, reflecting on your incredible journey.