road trip from denver colorado to yellowstone national park

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Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip

Explore the rocky mountains on this loop from colorado to wyoming and dipping into the corner of utah.

Stretching from the high deserts of New Mexico across 3,000 miles into Canada, the Rocky Mountains are North America’s biggest range. Our Denver to Yellowstone road trip traces a small section of these iconic peaks from the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, to the Wyoming-Montana border before looping back south through the canyons of Utah and western Colorado.

Touch the clouds as you drive Rocky Mountain National Park’s 12,183-foot-high Trail Ridge Road. Then, cross into Wyoming and visit a bison ranch or watch a rodeo in the state’s capital, Cheyenne. Drive through some of the prettiest scenery in the West on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and get out on the water at beautiful lakes near towns like Wheatland and Casper. You can learn about the history of the West from ranching to the WWII incarceration of Japanese Americans to the iconic Buffalo Bill Cody as you make your way through Buffalo, Powell and Cody. Two national parks await, both filled with wildlife like grizzly bears, bison and wolves.

After visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton, loop south through Wyoming towns like Kemmerer, along with Vernal, Utah and Craig, Colorado, where you’ll discover a region full of history and fossils.

As you take in the views of snow-capped peaks, herds of mighty bison and rivers cutting their way through striking cliffs, take a deep breath and soak it all in. You just might feel the Rocky Mountain High that John Denver sang about in 1972. It’s a feeling you can still capture today, if you slow down and enjoy the journey.

Road Trip Map

Start: Denver, Colorado

A Denver Local’s Perfect Day in the Mile High City Here are the top places to see, do and eat .

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Two Perfect Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park.

Longs Peak It is impossible to stare at the skyline of Rocky Mountain National Park and not be compelled to at least wonder what it would be like to climb Longs Peak . Dominating the park’s peaks and topping out at 14,259 feet, Longs is the ultimate adventure for experienced hikers.

Southeast Wyoming

A New West in Cheyenne As you drive to Wyoming’s capital from Denver, Colorado, you’ll pass herds of bison at the Terry Bison Ranch where you can go on a trail ride or train ride to see these iconic creatures up close. Each July, you can visit Cheyenne Frontier Days , a world-renowned festival full of pro-rodeo, country music and Western heritage. If you’re not visiting in July, the Hell on Wheels Rodeo Series on select Friday nights throughout the summer, complete with a Chuck Wagon Dinner, will give you a taste of cowboy culture. The Old West traditions are still a vital part of Cheyenne’s culture, but there’s so much more to this city than cowboy charm.

Laramie’s Top 6 Escape the crowds by taking the scenic route to Yellowstone. Located on the edge of the Snowy Mountain Range, Laramie has a ton of outdoor and cultural attractions for travelers from great microbrews to uncrowded alpine hikes. Here are the top things to do .

Small Wyoming Towns and Open Spaces in Carbon County In southern Wyoming, you’ll discover a string of towns woven together by hot springs, ranching, coal, oil and a growing wind turbine industry. Break up your drive to Yellowstone by stopping at some of these attractions .

Connect with Nature at a Dude Ranch Experience cowboy life firsthand. Make reservations at one of the the West’s top dude ranches and guest ranches . You’ll find four ranches in the Laramie-Carbon County area, one in Lander and a dozen near Jackson along this road trip route.

Central Wyoming

Go Off the Radar on the Oregon Trail in Platte County Get off the highway and explore the authentic southern Wyoming towns that stretch from Chugwater to Glendo for sparkling lakes, pioneer history and delicious eats.

Come for Fort Laramie, Stay for Wyoming Charm Explore Fort Laramie National Historic Site and the charming towns in Goshen County on your way to Yellowstone.

Casper’s Top 7 As the heart of the Wild West in the 1880s Casper sat at the intersection of the Mormon, California, Oregon and Pony Express Trails. Today, it still serves as a crossroads for travelers. Stop in Casper on your way to Yellowstone National Park to relive the history of the West with trail landmarks, wagon rides and cowboy boots. Or get a taste of Casper’s unexpected culture with its 100-year-old art scene, festivals and craft distilling.

6 Ways to Experience the West Stop in the towns of Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming for a dose of Western culture including going on a trail ride, visiting a saloon and learning about Wyoming’s history. Nearby, stay at Paradise Guest Ranch to see how a week with family at a 100-year-old dude ranch will create memories for a lifetime.

Prohibition and Planes in Greybull Back in the day, bootleggers stashed liquor in tunnels they built underneath the heart of Greybull’s downtown, or so the legend goes. Today, you can visit the Historic Hotel Greybull and see the renovated speakeasy .

Heartbreak at Heart Mountain During World War II, more than 14,000 Japanese Americans ended up behind barbed wire at Heart Mountain Relocation Center . Discover what life was like for them at Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Powell, Wyoming.

Cody, Wyoming

Find the Wild West in Buffalo Bill’s Cody When Buffalo Bill Cody helped found the town that bears his name, the year was 1895. One hundred and 25 years later, Cody, Wyoming, offers travelers to and from Yellowstone the best of the Old and New West. Plan your multi-day adventure with these must-sees.

Old West Experiences at Buffalo Bill Center of the West Watch your dinner get prepared at a chuckwagon at the Cowboy Chuckwagon Experience at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. It’s one of many experiences you can have at this Smithsonian-affiliated complex that’s home to world-class art, remarkable Indian artifacts and cultural exhibits.

Where to Stay Between Cody and Yellowstone Absaroka Mountain Lodge Buffalo Bill [Cabin] Village at Buffalo Bill Village Resort Comfort Inn at Buffalo Bill Village Resort Elephant Head Lodge Holiday Inn Buffalo Bill Village Resort Lodges of East Yellowstone Pahaska Tepee Resort

Yellowstone National Park

Enter the east entrance.

2 Days in Yellowstone Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by visiting some of our favorite spots in the park including wildlife watching, dining at historic lodges and see geysers erupt.

Top 5 Vistas in Yellowstone National Park If you want to feel on top of the world, here are 5 views you must see including Artist Point, Lamar Valley, and the Yellowstone River cutting thru lava spires.

Fun on the Water in Yellowstone National Park Leave dry land behind to explore the rivers and lakes of Yellowstone. Go paddling, fishing, boating, or take a boat cruise tour in the national park.

Make Memories Last Commemorate your favorite national park vacation with beautiful hand-illustrated maps of locations like Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton.

Exit the south entrance.

Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone’s Sister Park, Grand Teton Located at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Rockefeller Parkway connects Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park with Yellowstone.

2-Days in Grand Teton National Park Here are some of our favorite things to do in Grand Teton from amazing hiking trails to scenic boat rides and the best huckleberry milkshake ever.

3 Roadside Stops in Grand Teton National Park From historic homesteads to breathtaking river valleys, here are our top stops for a fantastic scenic drive .

8 Best Places to Eat and Sleep in Grand Teton National Park It’s easy to get distracted by the park’s world-class views, but don’t miss these places at Grand Teton Lodge and Jackson Lake to eat and sleep. Want to stay between Yellowstone and Grand Teton? Flagg Ranch Headwaters Lodge and Cabins puts you close to both parks.

A Level Up with Great Western Expeditions Tour Yellowstone and Grand Teton with Great Western Expeditions for a touch of luxury. It’s not just another Jackson, Wyoming tour company. Family-owned and operated, the staff has taken national park touring to the next level .

GuideAlong’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour App Download the Yellowstone narrated driving tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. The GuideAlong app automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.

3-Day Eco-Friendly Vacation Itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton Want tips on how to be a sustainable traveler? We’ve put together ideas for a three-day vacation .

Jackson, Wyoming

Saddle Up in Jackson Just 15 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and two hours from Yellowstone, Jackson is a great stop if you’re looking for an old West town with a touch of class and a lot of fun .

Fun on the Snake River and Grand Teton Lakes With temperatures reaching new highs, figuring out how to stay cool is key to enjoying your summer. Enjoy adventures in Jackson and nearby Grand Teton National Park .

Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips Grand Teton Lodge Company Jackson Hole Whitewater Mad River Boat Trips Solitude Float Trips

6 Big Adventures at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Right next to Grand Teton National Park, spend a day on the new Via Ferrata assisted climbing course, riding the gondola, tackling the ropes course or biking and hiking downhill .

Head to Snow King Mountain Resort for Family Fun Jackson, Wyoming’s best-kept secret offers a ton of activities for all ages, plus bike and SUP rentals.

Town Square Inns of Jackson Hole With four Jackson locations and over 400 rooms and cabins, the Town Square Inns have more options to meet your style and budget than any other area hotelier.

Antler Inn Cowboy Village Cabins and Lodge Elk Country Inn 49er Inn and Suites

Wyoming’s Fossil Basin

Prehistoric Gems Explore a 52-million-year-old graveyard that preserves an ancient underwater world of fish, turtles, crocodiles, insects, mammals, birds, and leaves. Visit a private fossil quarry to hunt for your own fossils.

Flaming Gorge, Utah

Flaming Gorge Country’s Desert Oasis Take a break from the desert heat by jumping in the sparkling water at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and spend several days exploring this 91-mile-long reservoir.

Dinosaur National Monument, Utah/Colorado

The dinosaur bones at this park straddling northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah would be reason enough to stop here. The quarry displays the remains of Allosaurus, Diplodocus and Stegasaurus, among other dinosaurs. But the monument also has excellent river rafting, hiking and ancient rock art panels. Two visitor centers, one in Colorado and one in Utah, each have interactive displays. See the wall of bones at the Quarry Exhibit Hall and raft the Yampa River past the iconic formations such as Steamboat Rock.

10 Best Things to Do at Dinosaur National Monument Seeing dinosaur bones, going rafting and more of our favorite things to do .

Vernal’s Hidden Gems Looking to avoid the crowds and see one of the country’s most spectacular national monuments? You’ll dig ancient animal history in Vernal , Utah, located close to Dinosaur National Monument

A Jurassic Journey through Moffat County See wild horses, hundreds of elk and the eastern side of Dinosaur National Monument near Craig, Colo., on the way back to Denver.

End: Denver

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12 Unmissable Stops From Denver to Yellowstone (Road Trip Itinerary Included)

Starting in the bustling heart of Denver and winding up amidst the sprawling wilderness of Yellowstone? Sounds like a dream, and trust us, it’s every bit as exhilarating as it seems. 

As you navigate from the urban sprawl to untamed nature, you’re tracing a path that showcases the contrasting beauty of the American landscape.

While Yellowstone, with its geysers and vast landscapes, is undeniably the star of the show, the journey itself is riddled with experiences that are equally unforgettable. 

Imagine breezing through roads framed by towering mountains, stopping by quaint towns with rich histories, and taking unexpected detours that lead to scenic vistas you won’t find in any guidebook.

And we’re here to ensure you don’t miss out on any of it. We’ve curated a list of the top spots you’ll encounter, each adding a unique flavor to your road trip. 

So, pack those bags, prep your playlist, and get ready to embark on an adventure that promises memories at every turn. Drive on!

Table of Contents

Planning Your Trip From Denver to Yellowstone National Park

Here are quick answers to questions that arise while planning a road trip from Denver to the stunning Yellowstone National Park:

How do I plan the best route from Denver to Yellowstone?

When mapping your journey from Denver to Yellowstone, consider the sights you wish to experience along the way. The most straightforward route typically takes you through I-25 N, CO-14 W, US-287, and I-80 W. 

However, depending on detours for scenic spots or attractions, your path might vary. 

Before you set out, it’s beneficial to list down the main attractions you want to visit and then design your route accordingly. 

Factor in driving hours, rest stops, and overnight stays to optimize your travel experience.

What are the must-have essentials for this road trip?

Packing smart is vital. Ensure you have maps or a GPS device, even if you’re using smartphone navigation—remote areas might have limited signal. 

Bring along a first aid kit, extra water and snacks, a spare tire, and necessary tools. Since you’ll be transitioning from urban settings to wilderness, pack for a variety of weather conditions. 

Remember camping equipment if you plan to stay outdoors and always have a flashlight, extra chargers, and power banks.

When is the best time to make this journey?

Late spring to early fall is ideal. Between May and September, the roads are clear, and attractions, including Yellowstone, are fully accessible. 

It’s worth noting that Yellowstone can be crowded during peak summer months. For fewer crowds and pleasant weather, consider late May to early June or September.

How can I ensure safety during the drive?

Regularly check your vehicle, especially if it’s a long drive. Ensure the brakes, lights, and tires are in good condition. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar terrains. 

While on the road, stay updated on weather forecasts, especially when passing through mountainous regions. 

In wild areas, always follow guidelines concerning wildlife—maintain distance and avoid feeding animals.

Are there any hidden gems on the route?

Absolutely! While the main attractions get most of the limelight, places like the Gateway Natural Area near Fort Collins or the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop in Rock Springs are worth the detour. 

Often, local diners or off-the-beaten-path hikes can offer authentic experiences that aren’t crowded with tourists.

What kind of accommodations can I expect along the way?

The stretch from Denver to Yellowstone offers a variety of accommodations. From motels and hotels in larger towns to quaint B&Bs in smaller communities, there’s something for every budget. 

If you’re into camping, numerous campgrounds and RV parks dot the route. Always book in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.

How can I make the trip more engaging for kids?

Turn the journey into an educational adventure! Incorporate stops at interactive attractions like museums or nature centers. Plan for outdoor activities such as short hikes or picnics. 

Keep a travel journal or a game list that includes spotting specific animals, landmarks, or license plates from different states. 

Audiobooks or travel-related games can also make drive-time fly by for younger passengers.

What wildlife should I be prepared to encounter in Yellowstone, and how do I ensure safety?

Yellowstone is home to a plethora of wildlife including bears (both grizzly and black bears), wolves, elk, bison, and moose. 

Always observe animals from a distance, and never approach or feed them. When hiking, make noise to avoid surprising any animals. 

Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is advisable, especially if you’re venturing into backcountry areas. Stick to designated trails and be cautious during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.

Are there specific regulations or permits required for camping inside Yellowstone?

Yes, camping within Yellowstone requires adherence to park-specific regulations. 

There are developed campgrounds that can be reserved in advance and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

If you’re interested in backcountry camping, a permit is required, and you need to check in with a park ranger station. 

Always follow the Leave No Trace principles to protect the park’s pristine environment and its inhabitants.

Which geothermal features are a must-visit in Yellowstone, and are there any safety guidelines associated with them?

Yellowstone boasts some of the world’s most incredible geothermal wonders. 

Old Faithful geyser is the most iconic, but Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Norris Geyser Basin are equally breathtaking. 

Always stay on designated boardwalks and trails when exploring these areas. The ground near geothermal features can be fragile and extremely hot. 

Avoid touching the water, which can cause severe burns, and ensure children are supervised at all times. 

Remember that wandering off designated paths not only endangers you but also harms the delicate ecosystems of these features.

Our Favorite Route from Denver to Yellowstone

Embarking on the journey from the bustling city of Denver to the natural sanctuary of Yellowstone National Park is an adventure that beautifully juxtaposes urban charm with untouched wilderness. 

This route, a favorite among road trip enthusiasts, encompasses approximately 510 miles of diverse landscapes, changing topographies,  and provides a unique experience that beckon travelers of all kinds.

Starting in Denver, the capital city of Colorado, one begins the trip amidst urban landscapes and the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains . 

As you navigate your way north, the transition from cityscapes to more pastoral and rugged terrains begins. 

Interstate I-25 N serves as your initial highway, guiding you towards Fort Collins, a vibrant city known for its picturesque old town and thriving craft beer scene.

From Fort Collins, the journey takes you westward through CO-14 W, introducing you to the beginnings of mountainous terrains and the potential for your first few stops. 

As you merge onto US-287, the scenery begins to evolve more rapidly. This highway serves as a conduit to Wyoming, marking a notable shift from Colorado’s landscapes.

Entering Wyoming, the vast open spaces and the sight of distant mountain ranges greet you. 

The route weaves through I-80 W and then meanders onto the US-287 N, which is a long stretch that covers a significant portion of Central Wyoming. 

This stretch is punctuated by small towns, each with its unique offerings.

As you approach closer to Yellowstone, you’ll transition onto US-191/US-287/US-89 in Teton County. 

This segment of the drive is particularly scenic, with the Grand Tetons looming on the horizon and signaling your proximity to the park.

The entire route from Denver to Yellowstone is a masterclass in diverse American landscapes, providing travelers with a taste of the urban, the pastoral, the mountainous, and the wild. 

12 Stops From Denver to Yellowstone National Park

The journey from Denver to Yellowstone offers more than just a destination; it’s a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled. 

Between the urban allure of Denver and the untamed wilderness of Yellowstone, lies a route punctuated with historical landmarks, quaint towns, and nature’s spectacles. 

Dive into these 12 curated stops that promise to enrich your road trip, making every mile an adventure in its own right.

Fort Collins, CO

Just a short 65-mile drive north of Denver will bring you to the inviting city of Fort Collins, often hailed as the craft beer capital of Colorado. 

As you roll into town, you’re immediately greeted with the aroma of brewing hops, hinting at the renowned craft breweries scattered throughout. 

But there’s more to Fort Collins than just its beers. Venture a little deeper and you’ll discover its charming Old Town. 

A walk through this historic district is akin to taking a step back in time, with beautifully preserved brick buildings housing an array of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and delightful eateries. 

Street musicians often fill the air with melodies, as locals and tourists alike revel in the artsy, laid-back vibe. 

Whether you’re a beer aficionado eager to sample some local brews or someone who appreciates the allure of a well-preserved historical district – Fort Collins seamlessly blends the past with the present, making it a must-visit stop on your journey from Denver to Yellowstone.

Cheyenne, WY

A mere 45 miles north of Fort Collins, Cheyenne welcomes travelers with the spirit of the Wild West. 

As Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne is steeped in rodeo history, which pulses through its streets and is vividly displayed in its local museums and galleries.

If your travels coincide with late July, you’re in for an authentic treat. Cheyenne comes alive during its Frontier Days, a tradition that’s over a century old. 

This annual event isn’t just a rodeo; it’s a celebration of the city’s rich heritage. Locals and visitors gather for lively parades featuring vintage wagons and spirited horses. 

Every morning, places like The Plains Hotel host pancake breakfasts, where warm flapjacks drizzled in syrup become the perfect pre-rodeo meal.

For lunch or dinner, swing by the historic Albany Restaurant, where dishes tell stories of Cheyenne’s past. 

Whether you’re in town for the Frontier Days or just passing through, the combination of rodeo culture, hearty meals, and Western charm make Cheyenne a memorable detour on your way to Yellowstone.

Laramie, WY

Roughly 50 miles from Cheyenne lies Laramie, a mix of Wild West heritage and collegiate verve. The University of Wyoming stands at the heart of the city, lending it an energetic and innovative spirit. 

If you’re visiting during an academic year, consider wandering through “Prexy’s Pasture,” the university’s central quad, where students often gather for events or simply to study under the open sky.

Yet, beyond the bustle of college life, Laramie offers rich historical experiences. A standout is the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. Step inside and be transported back to the late 1800s. 

This former prison once housed notorious criminals like Butch Cassidy. Engaging tours share tales of daring escapes and day-to-day life of inmates.

Having worked up an appetite, make your way to Jeffrey’s Bistro on 2nd Street. Loved by both locals and visitors, Jeffrey’s offers a range of hearty dishes, from flavorful soups to robust sandwiches. As a bonus, they pride themselves on using local ingredients.

In Laramie, the blend of the youthful buzz from its university and the echoes of its rich history create a unique stopover, adding depth and variety to your trip towards Yellowstone.

Medicine Bow National Forest, WY

A mere 45 miles west of Laramie, the expansive Medicine Bow National Forest stretches out, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The undulating landscapes, punctuated by dense forests and alpine meadows, beckon hikers and nature lovers alike.

One of the standout features of this region is the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. As you drive along, you’re treated to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and sprawling meadows dotted with wildflowers, especially during spring and early summer.

For those eager to stretch their legs, the Lewis Lake Trail offers a relatively easy trek leading to a serene lake setting, while the more challenging Medicine Bow Peak Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the highest summit in southern Wyoming.

Post-hike, if you find yourself with a growling stomach, the nearby town of Centennial offers a respite. The Trading Post Dinner House is a favorite, with its hearty dishes reminiscent of homestyle cooking, the perfect way to recharge after a day of adventure.

Medicine Bow National Forest enriches your journey with its natural beauty, challenging trails, and scenic drives, making it an unmissable stop as you wend your way towards Yellowstone.

Rawlins, WY

Approximately 60  miles from Medicine Bow National Forest, Rawlins emerges as a distinctive blend of Wild West heritage and modern-day charm. 

As you drive through Wyoming’s vast open landscapes, this small city becomes a welcome sight, offering both history buffs and casual travelers a slice of the state’s past.

Central to Rawlins’ allure is the old Wyoming State Penitentiary. With its imposing stone walls and storied past, it once housed some of the West’s most notorious criminals. 

Today, it stands as a fascinating museum, taking visitors on a journey through time, from the prison’s harsh early days to its eventual closure. Walking its corridors, you can almost hear the echoes of past inmates, their tales waiting to be uncovered.

Once you’ve delved into the Penitentiary’s tales, the streets of Rawlins beckon with a handful of delightful eateries. 

Buck’s Sports Grill is a local favorite, offering a diverse menu in a cozy setting, while the Aspen House Restaurant is known for its sumptuous steaks and regional specialties.

Whether you’re on a history quest or merely seeking a restful pit stop, Rawlins presents an engaging blend of culture, cuisine, and curiosity on your journey to Yellowstone.

Independence Rock, WY

Situated about 75 miles from Rawlins, the immense granite formation of Independence Rock rises from Wyoming’s landscape like a sentinel of history. 

A pivotal landmark on the legendary Oregon Trail, this impressive rock has witnessed countless pioneers, adventurers, and dreamers pass by its colossal facade.

As you approach Independence Rock, the sheer scale is awe-inspiring. 

Walking around its base provides a palpable sense of history, with numerous inscriptions and names carved into the stone – a testament to the many travelers who sought to immortalize their journey. 

For the adventurous at heart, parts of the rock invite climbing, offering panoramic views of the vast plains and trails that echo tales of yesteryears.

A short distance away, the Independence Rock Visitor Center provides rich insights into the Oregon Trail’s history and the significance of the landmark. 

Here, you can glean stories of bravery, dreams, and determination that the pioneers carried in their quest for a better life.

Before continuing your journey, make a pit stop at Alcova Reservoir’s Lakeside Lodge, about 20 miles away. It’s a great place to relish a hearty meal, with a scenic backdrop to complement your Oregon Trail-inspired day at Independence Rock.

Casper, WY 

Just about 50 miles northeast of Independence Rock lies Casper, a city that beautifully intertwines Wyoming’s deep-rooted history with a fresh, modern ambiance. 

Casper’s position along the North Platte River made it an essential waypoint for pioneers traveling the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails, endowing the city with a rich historical tapestry.

One of the must-visit spots is the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Overlooking the city, this center offers interactive exhibits that plunge you back in time, letting you experience the challenges and triumphs of those early pioneers. 

The panoramic views from the center’s deck give a sweeping view of the area’s trails and the river that guided so many westward.

For a bite to eat, venture to Eggington’s, a local favorite that serves hearty breakfasts and brunches. 

Their Wyoming Benedict, with buffalo sausage, is a delightful twist on a classic. If you’re in the mood for a more refined setting, try The Branding Iron for dinner, where the steaks are both succulent and locally sourced.

Before moving on, take a stroll along Casper’s charming downtown streets, dotted with boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops – a contemporary counterpoint to the history you’ve just explored.

Shoshoni, WY

A little over 100 miles southwest from the historic streets of Casper, the quaint town of Shoshoni emerges as a beckoning oasis. This modest town, though small in size, plays a grand role as the gateway to the breathtaking Boysen State Park.

At Boysen State Park, the sparkling waters of Boysen Reservoir invite you to indulge in a myriad of activities. 

Whether you’re casting a line to catch the day’s fresh fish or skimming the water’s surface on a kayak, the reservoir guarantees rejuvenation. The park is also a boater’s paradise, with several launch ramps and marinas available. 

But if you prefer dry land, the trails weaving around the park provide panoramic views of the Wind River Canyon’s rugged cliffs and the vibrant blue waters below.

Hungry after a day of adventures? Pop into the Wind River Cafe for a taste of local fare. Their classic American menu, featuring juicy burgers and crispy fries, is sure to satisfy those adventure-induced cravings.

Before you leave Shoshoni, take a moment to simply soak in the scenic majesty surrounding the town. The juxtaposition of arid landscapes with the shimmering waters of Boysen Reservoir is a sight you won’t soon forget.

Thermopolis, WY

Just about a 30-mile scenic drive northeast of Shoshoni lies Thermopolis, a hidden gem that boasts rejuvenating experiences and prehistoric wonders.

The heart of this town beats with the warm waters of Hot Springs State Park . The park is famed for housing the world’s largest mineral hot spring. 

Bathing in these therapeutic waters is not only a delightful way to relax those road-weary muscles, but it’s also an iconic Thermopolis experience. The steamy pools surrounded by the park’s natural beauty create an ambiance of sheer tranquility.

Yet, Thermopolis is not just about relaxation; it’s also a journey back in time. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center awaits those curious about the giants that once roamed our planet. With an impressive collection of fossils and interactive exhibits, it’s a place where history is tactile and ancient stories come alive.

While in town, consider grabbing a bite at the Black Bear Cafe. Their homestyle dishes provide the perfect fuel, whether you’re diving into the world of dinosaurs or planning to spend more time soaking in the springs. 

Thermopolis offers a beautiful blend of nature’s spa and prehistoric wonder, making it a can’t-miss stop on your route.

Wind River Canyon

Just 20 miles from Thermopolis, the breathtaking Wind River Canyon emerges. As the landscape changes, you’ll be treated to the awe-inspiring sight of the Wind River slicing its way through ancient rock formations.

The canyon, carved by the Wind River, offers a tapestry of geologic history. Its walls reveal layers upon layers of sediment, representing various epochs. As you drive alongside the Wind River, you’ll find the sheer cliff faces a testament to nature’s artistic prowess.

Several pullouts dot the drive, allowing travelers to take in diverse perspectives of the canyon. At each, the Wind River’s clear, rushing waters offer a tranquil backdrop. It’s a haven for photographers and those keen on soaking up scenic vistas.

One highlight: The Boysen Reservoir, located at the canyon’s southern end. Here, the Wind River broadens, and the scene shifts from narrow canyons to expansive waters.

Wind River Canyon is more than just a stretch of road; it’s a journey through geologic time, a dance of water and rock that’s been ongoing for millennia. For travelers, it’s an essential stop, a place to connect with Wyoming’s rugged, untamed spirit.

A mere 50 miles from the majestic Wind River Canyon, the quaint town of Dubois unfolds, exuding an unmistakable old-world allure. 

As you approach, the rustic charm is evident – wooden boardwalks line the streets, reminiscent of a bygone era, while log buildings add to its authenticity.

Dubois is more than just its vintage appeal. The town is a treasure trove of history, waiting to be explored. A visit to the Dubois Museum offers a deep dive into the area’s Native American and Old West heritage. 

The exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, tell the tales of pioneers, indigenous tribes, and the wildlife that shaped this part of Wyoming.

But Dubois isn’t just about its past. The surrounding natural beauty beckons. A stone’s throw away, Whiskey Mountain looms large. It plays host to the largest wintering Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep herd. 

A trip in the cooler months might just reward you with a sight of these majestic animals grazing against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Dubois is a blend of the past and the present, a perfect pit stop that promises both education and serene beauty.

Yellowstone National Park: The Last Stop on Your Epic Road Trip

After covering approximately 85 miles from the rustic charm of Dubois, you’ll reach the grand finale of your journey – Yellowstone National Park. 

Sprawling across a mammoth 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone isn’t just a national park; it’s a world unto itself.

From Dubois, you’d likely be entering from the South Entrance near Grand Teton National Park . The entrance fee is $35 for private vehicles, which is valid for seven days. 

Consider purchasing the annual park pass if you’re planning multiple visits. The town of Jackson is closest to this entrance and offers ample services, lodging, and dining options.

Geothermal Must-Sees: While the Old Faithful geyser is a quintessential stop, ensure you also visit the Midway Geyser Basin, which houses the Grand Prismatic Spring. 

Its vibrant colors and sheer size are breathtaking. The Norris Geyser Basin is another must-visit with its unique geothermal features.

Wildlife Watching: Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley is known as America’s Serengeti. Best visited at dawn or dusk, it’s a hotspot for viewing wolves, bison, and occasionally grizzlies. Always maintain a safe distance.

Marvel at the Canyons: The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers dramatic views. Stop at Artist Point to capture the picturesque Lower Yellowstone Falls and the beautiful colors of the canyon walls.

Trail Highlights: There are over a thousand miles of trails in Yellowstone. Close to the South Entrance, the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail offers a serene walk by the Yellowstone Lake. 

For a more challenging trek, the Mount Washburn Trail offers panoramic views of the park.

Accommodation Inside and Nearby:

• Grant Village: About 22 miles from the South Entrance, this is the closest campground with over 400 sites. It offers amenities like shower facilities, a general store, and a restaurant.
• Jackson : If you’re looking for more upscale accommodations or a quick bite, this town outside the South Entrance has various options from hotels to local eateries.

Nearby Towns for Supplies:

• Jackson: Besides being a hub for accommodations, Jackson has grocery stores, gas stations, and medical services.
• West Yellowstone : Located at the park’s West Entrance, it’s a great place for supplies, dining, and even offers a unique Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
• Visit during the Shoulder Seasons: Late spring and early fall see fewer crowds, making it a serene experience.
• Bear Safety: Always carry bear spray when hiking and know how to use it.
• Stay on Marked Trails: The park’s geothermal areas can be dangerous. Stick to boardwalks and marked paths.

As you venture into Yellowstone, it’s not just about checking off the main attractions but truly immersing yourself in its wild beauty. Every corner of the park has a story, waiting to be discovered by curious travelers like you.

7-Day Personal Itinerary from Denver to Yellowstone

Embarking on a 7-day journey from the bustling streets of Denver to the untouched wilderness of Yellowstone? 

This personalized itinerary promises a blend of urban charm, natural splendor, and adventurous trails. 

Crafted for those with an explorer’s spirit, this guide ensures each day unveils a new horizon, leading up to the magnificent finale in Yellowstone. 

Dive in and prepare for a week of awe-inspiring experiences that’ll etch memories for years to come.

Day 1: Denver to Casper

Kick off your adventure with a hearty breakfast at the Denver Biscuit Company before hitting the road. 

The drive to Casper allows you to witness Colorado’s beauty fade into Wyoming’s unique landscapes. Upon arrival, Casper unfolds its historical richness; the National Historic 

Trails Interpretive Center is a must-visit. By evening, savor a meal at Eggington’s, and let the local flavors envelop you.

Day 2: Casper to Yellowstone

Start the morning in Casper with anticipation for what’s to come. The drive to Yellowstone is transformative; the urban fades and the wild takes over. 

Enter Yellowstone through the East Entrance. Your first treat? The captivating sights of the Sulphur Caldron and Mud Volcano. 

As dusk approaches, set up your tent at the Fishing Bridge RV Park, your home beneath the stars for the next few nights.

Day 3: Dive into Yellowstone’s Wonders

Rise and shine amidst nature. Your first stop is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. 

Here, embark on the Uncle Tom’s Trail, a rigorous 0.7-mile trail with stairways that lead to an unparalleled view of the 308-foot high Lower Falls.

Norris Geyser Basin is next on the list. Covering the 2.25-mile loop of the Porcelain Basin and the 1.75-mile loop of the Back Basin trails, you’ll be surrounded by geothermal marvels, including the unpredictable Steamboat Geyser.

After a day full of exploration, relax at Fishing Bridge RV Park. For a delightful dining experience, the Yellowstone Lake Hotel Dining Room, a short 1-mile drive away, awaits with its sumptuous menu.

Day 4: Geysers and Springs Galore

Your first stop is Old Faithful, a 0.8-mile loop. While here, the nearby 1.3-mile Geyser Hill loop trail offers an opportunity to explore more geothermal features in proximity.

Venture to the Midway Geyser Basin. The boardwalk here covers 0.8 miles, taking you past the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring.

Later, a visit to Biscuit Basin, a concise 0.6-mile loop, introduces you to the mesmerizing Sapphire Pool and other geothermal wonders.

Return to Fishing Bridge. When hunger strikes, the Lake Lodge Cafeteria, approximately 0.5 miles away, serves a heartwarming array of dishes.

Day 5: Wildlife, Serenity, and a Scenic Shift

Begin at the expansive Hayden Valley . Drive through the 7-mile stretch, stopping at viewpoints for potential wildlife sightings.

Pack up and transition to Madison Campground, roughly a 38-mile drive. After setting up, the nearby Firehole Canyon Drive is a must, covering a scenic 2-mile one-way route featuring cascades and the inviting Firehole Swimming Area.

As dusk paints the sky, the Riverside Geyser, accessible via a 2.2-mile round trip, offers a serene spot to witness geothermal energy in action as it erupts over the Firehole River.

Day 6: Farewell Yellowstone, Hello Medicine Bow

Bidding Yellowstone adieu is hard, but Medicine Bow National Forest softens the parting. 

As you exit via Yellowstone’s South Entrance, prepare for Medicine Bow’s rugged charm. 

Spend your afternoon hiking the Lakes Trail, where alpine beauty is at its best. By night, the Sugarloaf Campground offers a different kind of solace.

Day 7: Scenic Drives and Return to Denver

Morning in Medicine Bow is serene. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is your route – a fitting final act for this journey. 

As Denver’s skyline eventually emerges, it’s a gentle reminder of where you began. Perhaps end your expedition at The Source in Denver, where tales of the past week can be shared over a hearty meal.

As your tires roll to a stop and your engine goes silent, reflecting on this Denver to Yellowstone journey reveals it’s about more than just the destination – it’s the story of the journey itself. 

From the vibrant heartbeats of cities to the serene whispers of nature, this route showcases the dynamic tapestry that the American West weaves. 

Every stop, every scenic view, every trail treaded, contributes a chapter to your personal adventure tale. 

So, as you head home with a heart full of memories and a camera full of picturesque moments, know that the landscapes you’ve traversed and the paths you’ve charted stand as a testament to the timeless allure of the open road. 

Safe travels, and may the spirit of exploration always guide you!

About The Author

Related Posts

10 Fun Facts About the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park!

12 Iconic Stops from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park (Road Trip Itinerary Included)

15 Animals in Yellowstone While Driving Here in Spring!

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10 Best Stops on a Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip

Last Updated on January 22, 2024

by Duncan McHenry

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

A two to three-day Denver to Yellowstone road trip is ideal for travelers looking to escape to the wild western parts of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana with plenty of chances to stop along the way.

Yellowstone National Park remains one of America’s most popular national parks—and with good reason, as it’s home to more than half of the world’s hot-water geysers, including the famed Old Faithful and Grand Geyser.

And while you might be in a rush to get there, it’s best to take your time and enjoy all the great things to do in between Denver and Yellowstone!

Table of Contents

Planning a Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip

When planning a drive from Denver to Yellowstone, seasonal weather conditions are probably the biggest thing that will have an impact on everything from the clothes you pack to the car you drive.

Most standard two-wheel-drive vehicles will do fine on this road trip twelve months of the year, assuming you have newer tires and are keeping mostly to the paved roads and highways.

But if you’re driving across the windblown stretches of Wyoming’s Interstate 80 between roughly October to March, you’re better off in a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle, and traveling with chains and extra supplies like warm layers isn’t a bad idea in the dead of winter.

Any trucks or vans with a high profile should be wary of conditions out here too, as this part of the western US is notorious for high winds in excess of 80 to 100 miles per hour at the worst.

Once you’ve planned for weather conditions and checked for any possible highway closures, another thing to think about is where you’re going to stay. In the summertime, Yellowstone has excellent opportunities for all kinds of camping, whether it’s easygoing car camping or backcountry adventuring.

The national park gateway of West Yellowstone also has a nice array of options when it comes to lodgings, and towns like Pinedale and Jackson can be good for an overnight stop if you’re looking to break up the drive.

If you need to rent a car for this trip, browse Rentalcars.com which aggregates results across many major car hire companies.

Alternatively, you can also rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy if combining this drive with other road trips such as from Yellowstone to Seattle or want to detour to Salt Lake City.

How Far is Denver to Yellowstone?

There are several routes that anyone making the Denver to Yellowstone drive should consider. For this article, we’ll focus on a slightly shorter (at least in terms of mileage, at some 500 to 600 miles in total) route across western Wyoming via Interstate 80 and Highway 191.

Depending on where you initially access Yellowstone, this drive can take as little as eight hours or more than ten hours. An alternate, roughly 720-mile option is to take the more directly northern route on Interstates 25 and 90 that hooks you all the way north past Bozeman, Montana .

Though the former route across western Wyoming can take something like 15 to 20 minutes longer due to slower speed limits for some of the drive and depending on weather, it’s arguably more scenic, and there are lots of attractions and stops like Jackson, Wyoming, on the way.

Another benefit to taking this route is you’ll have the opportunity to see some parts of Idaho, such as the town of Driggs and Harriman State Park, depending on your chosen route.

The wilderness areas of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, and the rest of the “Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem” that surrounds the massive Yellowstone Lake, are truly among the most beautiful parts of the country.

The drive from Denver will have you on the highway for something like nine to eleven hours in total, but it’s guaranteed to feel shorter given the constant stretches of beautiful scenery and numerous possible stops along the way.

Best Stops Between Denver and Yellowstone

Fort collins and red feather lakes, colorado.

This might be your only stop in the state of Colorado since you’ll be passing into Wyoming within the first hour or so no matter which route you choose, but the town of Fort Collins—with its nearby natural areas like the Cache la Poudre Canyon and Red Feather Lakes—is worth considering.

Some would say Fort Collins has even more of a classic “college town” feeling than its often-glitzier cousin Boulder , Colorado, and its main street is fun for shoppers and diners looking to stretch their legs and explore.

For anyone looking to get some outdoor time before the long drive to Yellowstone, Red Feather Lakes is a fun area for hiking, sightseeing, fishing, and more. Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, is actually a census-designated community of its own, but the lakes located about 45 miles west of Fort Collins are the main attraction.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Wyoming

Once you’ve crossed the border heading north into Wyoming, make a short detour past Laramie to any of the many trailhead accesses to the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is worth considering if the weather allows.

This wilderness area is full of wildflower blooms, alpine lakes, and wildlife such as moose, elk, and bighorn sheep, to name a few—all of which can be seen via relatively easy day hikes.

Some of the most popular trailheads in “the Medicine Bow,” as Wyoming residents usually call it, include the Medicine Bow Peak Trail, the Lakes Trail, the Browns Peak Loop, and the Lookout Lakes Trail.

Some of these trails in the Medicine Bow Forest and Snowy Range require a $5 fee for day use or an annual interagency pass. There’s also the Snowy Range Scenic Byway for those who prefer to stay in their cars.

Rock Springs, Wyoming

Rock Springs is a great rest stop on any itinerary thanks to its solid array of services and attractions and convenient location right at the juncture of I-80 and Highway 191. This is a good opportunity to be sure your car is in shape and full of gas before you drive the stretch of highway to Pinedale.

What’s more, Rock Springs has plenty of activities for families and travelers who are looking for an opportunity to have some fun on the road.

Like a lot of towns in Wyoming, Rock Springs thrives economically thanks to strong connections with the state’s oil and gas industry, so its downtown is full of great dining and shopping options, as well as attractions like the Rock Springs Historical Museum.

Pinedale, Wyoming

Pinedale stands as a gateway to the Wind River Mountains and the greater Jackson Hole area in Wyoming, and the town itself has a lot to offer in its scenic location near Willow, Fremont, Half Moon, and Boulder lakes.

Fremont Lake and its Skyline Scenic Drive are among the most popular local attractions, along with the Museum of the Mountain Man and White Pine Ski Resort.

For travelers looking to stretch their legs without venturing too far from the car, the Elkhart Park hiking trail is a local favorite of moderate difficulty.

Anyone who makes the effort on this hike will be rewarded with striking views of Island Lake and the Titcomb Basin.

Jackson, Wyoming

A must-visit if you’re passing through western Wyoming, Jackson—along with the greater Jackson Hole valley—might be Wyoming’s most famous city besides Cheyenne.

In the wintertime, this valley is a winter sports paradise, with ski areas like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort that are renowned for their steep, rugged terrain and excellent powder conditions.

If you’re passing through in the spring, summer, and early fall, other favorite activities include rafting, fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. There are a lot of great outfitters and shops that can help you prepare and even guide you to the best local spots.

The town of Jackson itself is also a fun place to stop and relax for a few hours during a drive. Local coffee shops and breweries like Cowboy Coffee Co and Snake River Brewing are worth considering for a road trip break.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is undoubtedly one of the most worthwhile detours for anyone looking for things to do between Denver and Yellowstone, particularly if you have enough time on your trip to ensure you don’t need to choose between visiting Grand Teton or Yellowstone.

Grand Teton is a titan among America’s national parks, though its 200-plus miles of trails don’t harbor the same unique hydrothermal features that you’ll find in Yellowstone.

What you will find, however, are some of the state’s most rugged peaks and beautiful vistas. A favorite image of photographers is to capture the sunset as the blood-red light falls on the snowy peaks of the Tetons in the background.

Some of the top trails that are best-suited to casual hikers stopping through on a road trip include the Taggart Lake Loop, the Hidden Falls Trail, and the Phelps Lake Trail.

Driggs, Idaho

Driggs is located in the Teton Valley near the Teton River’s headwaters and serves as an excellent opportunity to check a stop through Idaho off your list as you continue north toward Yellowstone.

Driggs is a significantly smaller town than others where you may have stopped, such as Jackson, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the availability of activities like skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking.

Since Driggs is just a couple of hours or less from the town of West Yellowstone (and even closer to certain access points to Yellowstone NP), this could be a last stop before you’re on the final stretch to Yellowstone, depending on how you’re structuring your trip.

For anyone interested in a horseback riding excursion, local businesses like Leigh Creek Outfitters are a good bet.

Harriman State Park, Idaho

Harriman State Park is among the state of Idaho’s proudest natural features, with roughly 16,000 acres of protected refuge land for wildlife such as moose, elk, sandhill cranes, and trumpeter swans. Wildlife-watching is probably the biggest draw here, but mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing are all very popular as well.

Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking are also commonly done here in the wintertime. One of the more unique features that sets this state park aside is the availability of overnight lodgings, such as yurts and a Ranch Manager’s House.

During the summer, tours of the historic Railroad Ranch buildings and guided nature programs, led by park rangers, are available on weekends and holidays.

Hebgen Lake, Montana

One of the stops that’s sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys watersports is making a stop at Hebgen Lake. This lake, located in Montana, is also famous as the site of a 1959 earthquake that measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and resulted in the downstream formation of Quake Lake.

Nowadays, Hebgen is known as one of Montana’s best lake fisheries, with excellent populations of trophy rainbow and brown trout. Kirkwood Marina, on the north shore of Hebgen Lake, is a great option for travelers who need to rent equipment for all types of water activities in every season.

You can rent a pontoon, ski, or fishing boat for a half or a full day here. Tubing, sailing, kayaking, sightseeing, and birdwatching are also popular activities in and around Hebgen.

West Yellowstone, Montana

West Yellowstone, Montana, is essentially the westernmost option out of Yellowstone’s five available entrances (Gardiner, Montana, is home to the park’s North Gate—the only entrance that’s open year-round).

Depending on how you’ve planned your trip, West Yellowstone might be your base camp where you choose to stay during your visit to Yellowstone NP. In town, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and the Yellowstone Historic Center are two of the main attractions for visitors looking to get excited for their upcoming visit to the park itself.

Where to Stay on a Denver to Yellowstone Drive

If you want to make even a few of these stops on your way to Yellowstone, you’re going to need to find a place to spend the night. The town of Rock Springs, Wyoming makes for a great halfway point on this road trip.

Rock Springs

Hampton Inn Rock Springs – If you’re after a consistent chain that offers a bit of predictable comfort, then this Rock Springs hotel is a good option. They have clean and comfortable rooms available, an indoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi and they even allow pets if you happen to be traveling with them.

My Place Hotel – A great, mid-range option in Rock Springs, this hotel is an excellent place to get some good rest before continuing on your road trip. They have a range of great rooms available, 24-hour reception and free parking on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rock Springs hotels!

Yellowstone

Bentwood Inn – Located in Wilson, WY, this luxury hotel is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a place to stay that is within easy reach of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton NPs. They have a range of plush rooms on offer, breakfast included each morning, and they even offer wine and cheese for guests in the evenings.

Yellowstone Park Hotel – This West Yellowstone, MT hotel is a fantastic choice for those on the hunt for a mid-range hotel located within a stone’s throw of the Park entrance. They have countless clean and comfortable rooms available, a lovely swimming pool on site and an option to include breakfast.

Private Rental – If you’re looking for your own private rental near Yellowstone, there are lots of properties to choose from close to the National Park. A place like this cabin close to the Park’s west entrance is just one of countless options available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Yellowstone hotels!

The beauty of planning this road trip is how many options you truly have in terms of both the route you take and how you spread out your stops. Heading north and west across Wyoming is a nice scenic way to do things while also including a stop in the famous town of Jackson.

Are you planning a road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park? Have any questions about this route? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

5-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

8 Best Stops on the Denver to Albuquerque Drive via Santa Fe

Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit?

About Duncan McHenry

Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains.

Hi Mr McHenry; we enjoyed your pictures of the 10 places to stop between Denver and Yellowstone. We are taking a 22 Ft camper van and would like to know places along the route where we can boondock. Thank you so much for your help. Joe and Dee

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37 Best Stops Between Denver and Yellowstone National Park

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How long is the drive from Denver to Yellowstone National Park?

The direct drive from Denver to Yellowstone National Park is 617 mi (992 km) , and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Rocky Mountain National Park , Grand Teton National Park , Boulder , Jackson , Fort Collins , Estes Park , and Cheyenne , as well as top places to visit like Colorado Model Railroad Museum and Longmont Museum, or the ever-popular Barr Lake State Park.

Top cities between Denver and Yellowstone National Park

Fort collins.

Rocky Mountain National Park

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Best stops along Denver to Yellowstone National Park drive

Barr lake state park.

Colorado Model Railroad Museum

Longmont museum, left hand brewing company, chautauqua park.

Pearl Street Mall

Boulder Creek Path

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Cheyenne Depot Museum

Wyoming state museum, cheyenne frontier days old west museum, estes park visitor center, bear lake trailhead, emerald lake, curt gowdy state park, vedauwoo climbing area, wyoming territorial prison state historic site, medicine bow-routt national forests and thunder basin national grassland.

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Snowy Range Ski Area

Grand encampment museum, saratoga hobo hot springs, wyoming frontier prison museum, top searches in yellowstone national park, other popular road trips from denver, explore nearby places.

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Yellowstone National Park throughout the year

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Yellowstone National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Yellowstone National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from denver to yellowstone national park.

Yes! You can drive from Denver to Yellowstone National Park.

How far is Yellowstone National Park from Denver by car?

The drive from Denver to Yellowstone National Park is 617 miles (992 km).

How long does it take to drive from Denver to Yellowstone National Park?

Driving from Denver to Yellowstone National Park should take you 10 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Denver to Yellowstone National Park?

Gas from Denver to Yellowstone National Park would cost around $54 to $126 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Denver to Yellowstone National Park?

You could check out Colorado Model Railroad Museum and Longmont Museum, or the always popular Barr Lake State Park!

What are the best cities to visit between Denver and Yellowstone National Park?

People love visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Boulder, among others.

What's the weather like in Denver?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Denver in January
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What are some other road trips from Denver?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Denver.

• Denver to New York City drive
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• Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park drive
• Denver to Vancouver drive
• Denver to Mexico City drive
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Road Trip From Denver To Yellowstone National Park

If you live in Denver and want to venture out to one of the most stunning nature parks in the world or if you're visiting and planning the drive, Yellowstone National Park is a great place to go from Denver.

The road trip from Denver to Yellowstone will take a whole day and take you along some beautiful roads. With over 8 hours of pure driving, you will want to set off early and make headway during the morning.

If you're travelling with young children or don't want to spend the whole day in the car, a stop along the way will help break up the long drive.

To help you with your planning, here is our complete guide for going on a road trip from Denver to Yellowstone.

How far is Yellowstone National Park from Denver?

Yellowstone National Park is 510 to 545 miles from Denver depending on the route you take and the direction from which you enter the park.

The journey takes 8 hours 30 minutes before you account for stops for gas and food. You will want to fill up before you enter the park and you really should stretch your legs at least a couple of times on the way so it is best to allow at least 10 hours to make the drive.

You could do it in one day - setting off early means you can get to Yellowstone and find your accommodation before sunset.

However, given the length of the drive, you might choose to stop over on the way. That way you can be more relaxed on your drive and not rush to make it in time to set up your tent or check into your lodge.

Driving is your only real option for getting from Denver to Yellowstone. Amtrak trains don't go anywhere near Yellowstone so will not be of help. You can only get indirect flights to Yellowstone from Denver which will not only cost quite a lot (especially for a family) but also involve making connections and still take the best part of your day.

You could fly to Jackson, the airport for the famous Jackson Hole skiing area, and drive up to Yellowstone but that still involves getting to the airport, running around with your luggage and then driving the hire car an hour and a half to get to Yellowstone from Jackson - hardly any time saving with a whole lot of extra hassle.

Best road trip route from Denver to Yellowstone

There are two main routes you can take on your way from Denver to Yellowstone. They both start off by heading north from Denver along the I-25 to Fort Collins. The split happens just after the hour mark.

The faster and more scenic route will take exit 271 for Mountain Vista Drive. After you drive across to Terry Lake you will join U.S. Route 287 which will take you all the way to the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance on US-191. You can take a shortcut along the I-80 from Laramie to Rawlins to speed up your progress.

The alternative is to carry on along the I-25 past Fort Collins and follow it all the way into Casper. From Casper, follow U.S. Route 20 all the way to the Eastern Entrance of the Yellowstone National Park. Your route will follow along U.S. Route 26 and Wyoming Highway 120 before heading into the park.

The first route is the most direct, fastest way from Denver to Yellowstone (only by 20 minutes or so) and has better scenery along the way. The second passes through a few bigger cities and has longer stretches of Interstate.

Route 1 has the advantage of driving past the Shoshone National Forest and passing between the Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest on the way to Yellowstone. Along with the drive around Jackson Lake, this has got to be one of the most stunning drives in the United States.

From a practicality perspective, the major difference between the two routes is the direction from which you enter the park. Depending on your itinerary and place you want to stay/start your trip to Yellowstone from, one might be better than the other.

Best places to stop for the night between Denver and Yellowstone

If you plan on breaking up the long drive, you'll need to find somewhere to stop for the night on the way.

Even if you're camping when you get to Yellowstone, you might not want to set up camp after a few hours on the road just to sleep one night - staying in a hotel will be a much more relaxing option.

The towns of Laramie and Cheyenne are both good options if you want to set off in the evening after work. It will take you 1 hour 45 minutes or 2 hours 30 minutes respectively to get there, shaving off a lot of the drive time for the following day.

Cheyenne is the state capital and so has a few interesting sights to see.

For those who want to split the drive into two equal days, your best bets are Rawlins and Casper depending on the route you choose. You can take a detour through Saratoga which is very pretty in the summer - head west from Denver to the Aparaho and Roosevelt National Forests and take U.S. Route 40 & Highway 125 north.

Another good idea is to do the majority of the drive from Denver on day 1 and then enter the park in the morning of the second day. That way you will get there ahead of the crowds, beat the queues and make the most of your first day in Yellowstone.

If that strategy sounds good, plan to stay in Jackson or Cody depending on your route. Jackson is a scenic town and has a lot of fantastic hotels. Cody on the east side of Yellowstone is also an amazing city to stop at and has a lot of things to do if you want to spend more time.

Best time to go on a road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park

The best time to go on a road trip from Denver to Yellowstone is from June to September. A lot of people will tell you to go in spring or fall to avoid the crowds, but the weather in Yellowstone in April and October can be chilly.

The park is huge so even during the peak season, you won't be overwhelmed by crowds of hikers everywhere you go.

Beware that if you choose to go during the winter, all the roads leading into and inside the park will be closed. You can get to the edges of the park and stay in the Grand Teton National Park or head to the west and stay in the Island Park valley (amazing to visit in its own right).

You will need to rent snowmobiles or find other ways to get into the park from there. Some cabins and hotels around Mammoth Hot Springs are open through the winter season, but not much else will be. You might see more wildlife as animals come down from the mountains to the warmer plains below, but overall summer stays are a lot better.

Remember that even if you go at the height of summer, the weather in Yellowstone can swing massively - bring warm layers with you.

Things to see on a road trip between Denver and Yellowstone

Some of the best things to see en route to Yellowstone are further along the route as you get closer to the park.

If you're taking Route 1, you will pass through some stunning scenery just before you get to the park - the Grand Teton National Park is popular with skiers in the winter - Jackson Hole is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country.

Surprisingly, the tall snow-covered peaks, valleys, lakes and a National Elk Refuge are often missed by summer visitors in favour of going to Yellowstone up the road.

Route 1 also passes through the large Wind River Reservation in central Wyoming. The Shoshone and Arapaho Native American tribes live on the reservation and U.S. Route 20 runs right across it.

The long drive from the Colorado-Wyoming border to the edge of the National Parks will pass along large plateaus and a lot of empty back country. There won't be many places to stop and see on the way other than a few mining towns in Carbon County with Rawlins the biggest in the area.

Route 2 passes through the city of Casper. There is the Platte river that meanders through the city, museums, cafes and a selection of restaurants which are perfect for a midway stop.

Best way to drive into Yellowstone from Denver

There are two clear ways to enter Yellowstone National Park on your way over from Denver - the South and the East Entrances. The other three entrances are on the north and west sides of the park.

There isn't too much difference between the two entrances - both allow you to get everywhere in the park and both lead to Yellowstone Lake.

However, if you're headed to the west side of Yellowstone - to Madison, West Yellowstone and Old Faithful, this is the better entrance to take. Also if you're stopping on the west side of Yellowstone Lake in West Thumb or Grant Village, the south entrance will take you right there.

If you're headed to the loop around the north of the park and see some of the taller peaks and Mammoth Lakes, coming in from the east might work better.

An alternative way in is to follow Route 1 to Jackson and then loop around towards Island Park and enter from West Yellowstone in Montana.

It's a longer route and definitely is less scenic, but it will get you to the west and northwest parts of the park the quickest.

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This Route From Denver To Yellowstone National Park Is A Breathtaking Road Trip

With its varied landscapes, wide-open spaces, and multiple national parks, the western section of the continental United States is a haven for outdoorsy roadtrippers. Not only are iconic destinations well connected, but the drives in between them are exciting. The scenery and activities change with the seasons as well. Of course, ski resorts in these states are popular during winter, but colder months mean fewer crowds at the region's largest points of interest when it comes to less seasonal activities.

The drive from Denver to Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming is a little over 600 miles, and the road trip between the two destinations features mountains, lakes, wildlife refuges, and some of the country's most unique geological formations. Taking this route, you can check three national parks off your list, and there are some entertaining sights to see in the cities along the way.

Explore Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park

The "Mile High City" features a central location that's surrounded by Colorado's iconic nature. However, the city itself should not be overlooked. Before embarking on your northwestern road trip to Yellowstone National Park, check out downtown Denver's happenings. Larimer Square is the oldest part of the city and preserves its 1800s architecture while serving as a hub for restaurants, bars, and unique shops. After exploring, kickstart your nature adventure at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Refuge , a massive urban sanctuary that's home to bison, deer, coyotes, eagles, and prairie dogs.

A short detour from the northern trajectory of a Denver to Yellowstone road trip brings you to  Rocky Mountain National Park . A convenient way to explore the park is via the shuttle buses from the Estes Park Visitor Center. Operating from May to October, these seasonal shuttles take visitors to park amenities and popular trails within the park, from riverside walks to mountain hikes. Although the shuttles don't operate in the winter, the park becomes a haven for cross-country skiers, and winter hikers can enjoy the area with the help of snowshoes.

Hike at Grand Teton National Park

Head north from Colorado to Laramie, Wyoming — a quaint town with an outlaw past.  Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site was first built here in 1872. Infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy once spent 18 months in this prison. He and his "Wild Bunch" accomplices robbed banks and trains all over the West, inspiring the Paul Newman film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." The prison is no more, but visitors can check out the former cells and learn how the prisoners spent their days 150 years ago.

In northern Wyoming is Grand Teton National Park . Its imposing mountains, wildlife, and lakes make this park a highlight of the state. Head to the park's visitor center for information on its advanced and beginner hiking trails . Among the leisurely seasonal hikes is Woodland Trail Loop which leads to Phelps Lake. For a much longer and steeper hike, you could try the 20-mile Cascade Canyon Loop to Paintbrush Canyon during the summer and fall months.

Tent and RV campers have plenty of locations to set up, and there are also ranches and cabins scattered throughout. Two lodges stay open throughout the winter season. No matter where you stay, however, remember that animals like elk and endangered grizzly bears call the park home, so be sure to leave no trace .

Arrive at the world's first national park

In the early years of U.S. Westward Expansion, explorers conveyed their extraordinary findings at what would become Yellowstone National Park, but news outlets did not believe that such a place existed. Given the park's geothermal activity — geysers that shoot steam high into the sky and pools of water with vibrant colors — it is easy to see why Yellowstone needs to be seen to be believed. Luckily, you can stay at the park's onsite campgrounds and lodges to take it all in.

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park  became the first official national park in the U.S. However, indigenous peoples had long been aware of Yellowstone's grandeur. As the park's management works with the tribes to better bring the region's indigenous past into the present, park visitors can learn about the tribes associated with the park at the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center. You can also stop by other visitor centers and museums throughout the park to learn how the unique natural landscapes of Yellowstone came to be.

Ultimate Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re looking for an epic road trip, look no further than this Denver to Yellowstone itinerary.

This trip covers over 1,000 miles of stunning scenery, from the Rocky Mountains to the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore, whether you’re hiking, biking, wildlife watching, or simply taking in the view from your car.

Best part, you can see not just one but two amazing USA destinations: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!

The Denver to Yellowstone road trip makes the perfect summer vacation.

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How far is Yellowstone National Park from Denver?

The drive from Denver to Jackson, which is the southern gateway to Yellowstone National Park is about 550 miles.

The drive takes about 8 hrs 30 mins with stops for essentials.

Jackson is a great place to base your stay as you have easy access to both the national parks.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is from June to September when the park is open.

However, if you are interested in seeing the parks’ wildlife then May or early June is your best bet as the animals will be more active.

September – early October can also be a good time to visit as the leaves start changing color but it can get cold at night.

November to February is the park’s off-season and many of the visitor centers, campgrounds, roads, and other services close down.

However, if you’re looking for a winter adventure then this is definitely the time to go!

Best places to stop on Denver to Yellowstone road trip

Here are the best places to stop on your road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park.

If you’re flying into the Mile High city, definitely take some time to explore its many attractions.

This vibrant city is home to great food, culture, and outdoor activities.

Popular things to do in Denver include visiting the Colorado State Capitol, touring the Coors Brewery, and hiking in nearby Red Rocks Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The first stop on this road trip route is the amazing Rocky Mountain National Park.

From Denver, it’s about a 1.5 hour scenic drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.

This beautiful park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado, including soaring peaks, mountain lakes, and rushing waterfalls.

Spend your day hiking or driving through the park, and be sure to take in the views from Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road.

The town of Estes Park is the perfect place to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, this charming town offers great restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities.

Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in Estes Park.

You can also take a scenic drive on the Peak to Peak Highway, which winds its way through Rocky Mountain National Park.

Fort Collins

After a day or two in Rocky Mountain National Park, head north to Fort Collins.

This charming college town is home to breweries, museums, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Next, head west to Laramie.

This small town is home to the University of Wyoming and some great outdoor activities.

Spend your day hiking in the Medicine Bow National Forest or exploring the campus of the University of Wyoming.

From Laramie, it’s about a 6 hour drive to Jackson.

Jackson, Wyoming is a picturesque mountain town that is the southern gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

It is located in the famous Jackson Hole Valley.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many hiking and biking trails, while those looking for a more urban experience can visit the charming main street with its unique shops and restaurants.

It is also well known for its art galleries, ski resorts, and festivals. 

In winter, Jackson Hole is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort.

Spend a day or two in Jackson before exploring the national parks.

Grand Teton National Park

With over two million acres of protected land, Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States.

Whether you’re hiking through the forests or lakeside trails, fishing in Jackson Lake, or simply taking in the view from Signal Mountain Lodge, there’s something for everyone in this majestic park.

Walking through the park, you can feel the magnitude of the mountains.

The Tetons are a sight to behold and with every step, you become more entranced by them.

Grand Teton to Yellowstone South Entrance

From Jackson Hole / Grand Teton National Park it’s about a 1 hr to 1.5-hour drive to the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

The road is along US-191 N and it is open only in the summer.

The road goes through the beautiful Bridger Teton National Forest with its evergreen trees, mountains, and wildlife.

It’s a beautiful drive and you might even see some buffalo along the way!

Once you reach the entrance, you are now in one of the most famous national parks in the world – Yellowstone National Park!

This entrance is the most popular way to enter the park, as it provides easy access to many of the park’s main attractions.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and is visited by over millions of people every year.

Fun fact: Yellowstone is America’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is famous for its wildlife and its many unique geothermal features, including Old Faithful Geyser. 

Did you know that there is a whole other world inside of Yellowstone National Park?

This world is full of natural wonders, including geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls.

Yellowstone is also home to a variety of animals, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves.

Yellowstone Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park.

The lake is the largest body of water in the park and is a great place to go fishing, boating, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

Return to Denver

After a few days exploring Yellowstone, it’s time to head back to Denver.

On the way, be sure to stop at one of the many hot springs or natural parks for a last taste of nature before returning to the city.

And there you have it!

This is the perfect road trip for anyone looking to explore the best of Colorado and Wyoming this summer.

Did you like our Denver to Yellowstone National Park Road trip itinerary?

Let us know in the comments!

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Rocky Mountain National Park to Yellowstone Road Trip

See wildlife and natural wonders on this rocky mountain to yellowstone road trip starting in denver..

See some of the West’s most incredible national parks on this road trip from Rocky Mountain National Park to Yellowstone. From microscopic, heat-loving bacteria that turns Yellowstone’s hot springs into colorful pools and tiny pikas that are warning signs of climate change to mighty elk, bison and wolves, this road trip is full of incredible wildlife that showcase just how diverse the states of Colorado and Wyoming are.

Start in Denver before heading north to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you hike a trail above treeline, you might spot a critter described as a “furry russet potato.” Plus you’ll learn how pikas are being studied using citizen science. From the park, cross over into Wyoming where the university town of Laramie awaits with a great craft beer scene and beautiful outdoor recreation. Don’t miss driving over the Snowy Range Scenic Byway to Saratoga where hot springs hint at what’s to come in Yellowstone. Lucky for you, you can actually soak in these waters.

Farther north lie Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, which make up a large portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It’s one of the biggest nearly-intact temperate ecosystems in the world and is home to abundant wildlife, from ungulates like elk, moose, bison and pronghorn to predators like wolves, grizzly bears and mountain lions.

After exploring both parks, point your wheels back south where you can spend time in the classic Western town of Cheyenne. Home to the world class Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, you can check out animals like horses and bulls. Back across the border in Colorado, get to know the state’s prairies at the serene Jackson Lake State Park near Fort Morgan. Near Keenesburg,  nd the curious sight of lions, tigers and bears roaming the Great Plains.  These rescues are part of the oldest wildlife sanctuary in the country.

This is one road trip you won’t want to forget your camera on.

Road Trip Map

Start: Denver

A Denver Local’s Perfect Day in the Mile High As more and more people discover how great Colorado is, my childhood friends and I joke that we’re unicorns, having been born and raised in the Denver area. There’s nowhere I can make  recommendations  on with quite as much authority as Denver.

Rocky Mountain National Park

48 Hours in Rocky Mountain National Park Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park .

When the Fridge Gets Warm I joined a citizen science project to count pikas in Rocky Mountain National Park and it gave me hope for the future.

2-Day Eco-Friendly Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary We’ve put together ideas for a two-day vacation to help you become a more sustainable traveler .

GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour Download the Rocky Mountain National Park tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GuideAlong automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go. guidealong.com/tour/rocky-mountain-national-park/

Southern Wyoming Outposts

Laramie’s Top 6 Located on the edge of the Snowy Mountain Range, Laramie has a ton of outdoor and cultural attractions for travelers from great microbrews to uncrowded alpine hikes. Here are the top things to do.

Nature’s Medicine in Carbon County Drive the 29-mile Snowy Range Scenic Byway to two different hot springs experiences, rustic towns and classic cuisine .

Grand Teton National Park

It took more than 30 years for Grand Teton National Park to transform from an idea to one of the country’s most stunning parks. When Congress created the park in 1929, it only included the Teton Range and six glacial lakes. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., played a key role in acquiring an additional 35,000 acres for the park under the name “Snake River Land Co.” Amid controversy the “new” Grand Teton National Park was established Sept. 14, 1950, by President Harry Truman.

With Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake at 6,320 feet and the summit of the Grand Teton at 13,770 feet, the park’s elevation ranges create one of the nation’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Experience this majestic park by hiking, boating, wildlife-watching, rock climbing and fishing. The park’s southern end stretches a few miles short of Jackson, Wyo., a vibrant mountain town full of high-end boutiques, great restaurants and hotels for a range of budgets.

Read more about Grand Teton National Park on our website www.yellowstonepark.com/tag/grand-teton-national-park .

Yellowstone National Park

Just a few miles along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway is Yellowstone National Park’s south entrance.

If it weren’t for an artist and a photographer, Yellowstone National Park might never have become the world’s first national park in 1872. For years rugged explorers returned from the Yellowstone region with stories of a strange landscape dotted with steaming pools. In 1871 artist Thomas Moran and photographer William Henry Jackson joined a 40-day geological survey in the area. Their paintings and photos helped inspire Congress and President Grant to create the park.

Yellowstone is a large park; it’s hard to even skim its attractions in one day. We recommend two days to a week.

Read more on our Yellowstone website www.yellowstonepark.com .

The New West

Capitol Cowboy Adventures in Cheyenne, Wyoming In Cheyenne, Wyoming , two worlds collide. Experience the Old West on a train ride through a bison farm and at a famous rodeo. But the new West holds its own with exploding music and culinary scenes.

Colorado Grasslands

On the Plains in Morgan County Take a break from the road to stretch your legs at these 3 spots in Morgan County . Discover tasty food, intriguing history and a picturesque lakeside escape in this oasis on the plains.

Pat Craig’s Wild Idea of an Animal Sanctuary near Denver Thirty-seven years ago, Pat Craig had an audacious idea to rescue exotic animals living in inhumane conditions in the United States. Today, you can visit more than 750 rescued tigers, wolves, bears and lions at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado.

End: Denver, Colorado

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Everything You Need to Know About a Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip

Posted by Sarah Lamagna September 27, 2023 Updated January 08, 2024

Iconic national forests, unique scenery, and quaint mountain towns await those who adventure from the Mile High City into the heart of Yellowstone National Park.

The most direct route from Denver to Yellowstone National Park travels just over 500 miles which takes roughly 8-9 hours to drive. However, it also brings you through some of the most boring parts of the Rocky Mountain West. There are a few good places to stop if you take the most direct route like Fort Collins and Cheyenne, but there is a better road trip to take.

Trust me: After living in Colorado for a handful of years, I’ve learned this the hard way!

Although it might take longer, heading west from Denver first brings road trippers on some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. The route suggested below will take you over four hours longer than the most direct one but it’s well worth the trouble. Let me show you why.

Denver to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip Section by Section

You won’t regret taking the more scenic route when you leave behind the Denver trails and skyline and head west for mountains, national forest, and more. 

This grand adventure to one of the country’s most beautiful national park includes:

• Over 700 miles
• Almost 13 hours of driving
• Two national parks
• One national monument
• One national recreation area
• Endless unique landscapes

Your journey will begin at Denver International Airport (or DIA as the locals call it). You can see the complete route on Google Maps and follow along as you read our guide below. If you do the entirety of the trip (not including the side trips), it will take around four days to complete. However, if you don’t want to miss a thing and are ready for all the main and side adventures, it’ll take you upwards of eight to nine days to finish. There is no wrong answer to what you choose and don’t choose to do – just relax and enjoy the incredible beauty.

Segment 1: Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Distance : 180 miles Drive time without stops : 2 hours and 50 minutes

This first leg of the journey to Yellowstone takes you only a few hours from Denver. The reason Glenwood Springs is a good place to stop is because there is so much to do on this little leg of the trip that you’ll need to take it all in.

Segment 1 Highlight: Grab a beverage in Georgetown, Colorado

It might only be about an hour from Denver, but Georgetown is one of the cutest towns in the state so it would be wrong not to stop. It’s just off I-70 as you make your way west and provides a quick detour to get out any last-minute wiggles before your road trip.

If you’ve left early in the morning from Denver, grab a coffee at Georgetown Coffee and Tea . Their atrium is a perfect place to sit down and enjoy a cup of joe before getting back in the car. After coffee, walk along 6 th Street to window shop or pop in to grab some souvenirs to remember your trip. If you left Denver after work and make it to Georgetown mid-afternoon, feel free to pop into Guanella Pass Brewery for a quick pint before walking around downtown.

Segment 1 Highlight: Hike to Hanging Lake

Once you’re back in the car, you’ll head west on I-70 for another hour and forty-five minutes of driving. This is one of the most scenic drives along I-70 as you snake your way through Glenwood Canyon. Steep cliffs tower over both sides of the highway which runs along the Colorado River. This area can get quite backed up with traffic depending on the time of day you go because speed limits are reduced due to the curving nature of the road. It’s also an area that has frequent rock and mud slides so there is a chance the road can be closed during your trip.

Before you head into Glenwood Springs, though, hike the famous trail up to Hanging Lake. Reservations are required and parking is only available going east on I-70. This means you’ll have to go past the parking lot traveling on I-70 west and backtrack to get to the trailhead parking lot by getting onto I-70 east. Once there, the trail to Hanging Lake is short and steep. Take heed especially during inclement weather and turn around if you need to. Once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a magical teal pool clear as day with trickles of water coming off the cliff.

Segment 1 Side Trip: Ride a 4×4 or hike to Crystal Mill

About an hour south of Glenwood Springs lies the small town of Marble . Named after the bedrock that was mined there, Marble is a quiet and sleep community with banging barbecue and epic outdoor experiences.

Crystal Mill sits along a rugged, dirt and rock-ridden road about six miles from the town center. Some choose to hike it, but it’s a long slog on a forest road with vehicles smoking by you. There are also Jeep tours available. I suggest renting an ATV from RPS rentals (the only one in town) and take a leisurely ride out to the mill. It’s especially beautiful in the fall with the golden aspens and snow-topped mountains in the background.

Segment 1 Where to Stay: Glenwood Springs, Colorado

There are several different places you could rest your head before the longer leg of your journey the following day. If you want to have easy access to the hot springs that the town is named after, look no further than Glenwood Hot Springs Resort . The hotel boasts the largest hot springs swimming pool in the world and you’ll get unlimited access to it if you stay there.

Segment 2: Glenwood Springs, CO to Vernal, Utah

Distance : 170 miles Drive time without stops : 3 hours and 10 minutes

This next segment gets you off I-70 and on some less-traveled paths. The road travels through the heart of White River National Forest and spits you out onto the dusty desert roads of western Colorado and eastern Utah.

Segment 2 Highlight: Walk the path of dinosaurs

You’re only on I-70 for about 25 miles before you get off the exit at Rifle and head north on Route 13. These backcountry roads traverse through sagebrush hills and past dozens of working ranches. You’ll eventually cross over into Utah where your first stop will be Dinosaur National Monument . If you explore the Monument on the Colorado side, it’s mostly deep canyons and ravines that are far from most roads. The Utah side holds all the dinosaur tracks and is where you should set your sights on.

The best part of the Monument (and easiest part to access) is Dinosaur Quarry. This also happens to be where the Visitor Center resides. Make sure to have directions readily available since if you type the Monument into your GPS system, it’ll put you in the middle of the park far away from your intended destination. The Quarry has approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones that visitors can easily view along the Exhibit Hall. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can head out on a hike to several spots including Hog and Box Canyon, Fossil Discovery Trail, and the Sound of Silence Trail. Or take a scenic drive to Gates of Lodore or Tilted Rocks.

Segment 2 Highlight: Get your creative juices flowing at Fantasy Canyon

Have you ever dreamed of being plucked out of reality and into a fantastical story that you’ve just read? No? Just me? In case life is getting the best of you and you need to escape from your real life, consider stopping at Fantasy Canyon . Although it’s 40 miles south of Vernal, don’t let the mileage steer you away from this gem.

It has one of the most unique landscapes that seems to change the more you walk around this loop . Some of the otherworldly geography looks like mini badlands complete with multi-colored hills. Other parts give a more medieval castle vibe with naturally weathered sandstone monoliths that look as if the rock is melting. It’s truly something you have never seen before.

Segment 2 Side Trip: Taste the famous Palisade peaches

Before getting off I-70 to make your way north, consider staying on the highway to reach Palisade. This lush valley is known for its rich soil that allows farmers to grow grapes and peaches the region is famous for. Peach season usually occurs in August with a large, annual festival every late August. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tasted one of these exquisite fruits.

Segment 2 Where to Stay: Vernal, Utah

Vernal is full of unique places to stay no matter your budget. Stay at the adorable and low-cost Dinosaur Inn (complete with a brontosaurus statue). For more luxury, opt for the beautiful Ledgestone Hotel where rooms are spacious and contemporary. If you’re looking for something even more private, grab a reservation at this cozy cottage or this very unique converted silo .

Segment 3: Vernal, Utah to Pinedale, Wyoming

Distance : 210 miles Drive time without stops : 3 hours and 30 minutes

The next leg of your journey passes through more desert and sagebrush-coated landscapes. It’s also when you finally reach your final state: Wyoming. During this segment, you’ll get a taste for the west with dozens of ranches and cowboys riding horses along the roads you travel. Stop by the dozens of farm stands along the way and enjoy the views.

Segment 3 Highlight: Take a boat out on Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Named after the vibrant red canyon walls that flank the reservoir, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area should not be missed. The road you take to head north towards Wyoming skirts you just east of the area. You should definitely stop and, at the very least, take some photos. But there are tons of activities to take part in while you’re there.

You can choose from fishing (both on the shore and on a boat), boating (bring your own or rent), kayaking, and so much more. You can extend your road trip if you want to recreate more in this area. Campgrounds are dispersed along the 360 miles of shoreline as well as a few tons offering places to rest your head.

Segment 3 Side Trip: Hike to the Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range

Listen, this is a big ask for this road trip but one that I don’t suggest lightly. The backpacking in the Wind River Range is incredible, and the trek to the Cirque of the Towers is one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the country. It’s very well-known through the rock-climbing community, but you don’t have to love that sport to experience the beauty of this hike. Most don’t know that you can day hike to the Cirque of the Towers which requires way less gear and an easier time on the trail. You don’t need permits or reservations to day hike or camp overnight within this section of the Wind River Mountain Range.

Segment 3 Where to Stay: Pinedale, Wyoming

Pinedale is one of the smaller towns along your journey to Yellowstone but still chock full of quaint and beautiful inns and hotels. Pick from the Best Western Pinedale Inn or Hampton Inn and Suites where you’ll get typical hotel amenities and comforts. Or opt to stay in a converted barn like this one for a cozier vibe.

Segment 4: Pinedale to Yellowstone National Park

Distance : 135 miles Drive time without stops : 2 hours and 40 minutes

The last day of your journey brings you straight into the western part of Wyoming and into the state’s signature national park. You’ll drive through Grand Teton National Park and the glitzy, vacation town of Jackson Hole.

Segment 4 Highlight: Get yourself a cowboy hat in Jackson, Wyoming

There is no shortage of cowboy shops within the city of Jackson’s borders. A good choice is the Jackson Hole Hat Company where I proudly bought a hat 13 years ago and still wear today. For the most elegant hats, head to Encounter Hat Co . If I was to buy another hat in the area, I’d pick JW Bennett . This female-owned and operated company prides itself on crafting high-quality hats for any type of personality. The hats have a whimsy and magic to them that I have yet to see with any other company.

Segment 4 Highlight: Take in the views of Grand Teton National Park

You can’t really go wrong with any of the places you stop along the road as you leave Jackson and head up to Yellowstone National Park. But I’d argue each one of the pull-offs within Grand Teton National Park gives a different view of the aforementioned mountains. So give yourself plenty of time to drive (and stop) along this section of the road before you end your journey in Yellowstone.

There are a few scenic drives within the park other than the main road that brings you to its northern national park neighbor. You can also choose to stop for a long while and hike to some incredible places like Taggart Lake, Aspen Ridge to Boulder Ridge, and Death Canyon.

Segment 4 Highlight: Take a hike in Yellowstone National Park

You’ll want to stay a few days in this area so you can soak in all the views of Yellowstone National Park . There are several areas to the Park and always allow extra time to travel from section to section. The speed limits at Yellowstone on average are lower due to the massive number of tourists as well as the myriad of wildlife seen throughout the Park.

The park is comprised of two loops – the Lower and Upper Loop – which make up the Grand Loop. The Upper (and northern) Loop includes Mammoth Hot Springs, Roosevelt Lodge, and Obsidian Cliff. The Lower Loop is much more popular and includes the majority of the geysers are including Old Faithful, Lone Star Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, Artist Paintpots, and Yellowstone Upper/Lower Falls.

Segment 4 Where to Stay:

Glamorous hotels, unique cabins, and beautiful bed and breakfasts are dispersed all throughout this region. The closer you get to Jackson Hole, the more likely the price of a hotel stay will go through the roof. Same goes for those wanting to stay within Yellowstone. But if you stay at any of the places within the Park you have the best (and earliest) access to the beauty that surrounds you. Old Faithful Inn provides some incredible views of its most famous geyser. While Roosevelt Lodge brings tourists away from the main attractions for some beloved peace and quiet.

If you want to rough it, there are several campgrounds you can choose from including Grant Village, Madison, Canyon, and Bridge Bay. Or opt to stay at a private residence outside the Park or one of the many glamping spots in the region.

Seen in: Colorado , Denver , Grand Teton , National Parks , Road Trips , West , Yellowstone

Posted by Sarah Lamagna

Sarah is an ecologist-turned-freelance writer specializing in the ecotourism and slow/sustainable travel industry. Her bylines include The Denver Post, 5280 magazine, VeryWellFamily, Matador Network, and was an expert on NPR’s The Takeaway for her work on the wildfires in Colorado.

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Denver to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip: Top Sights to Check Out along the Way

Whether you’re looking to explore as many national parks as possible or you want to revel in the majestic mountains, a Denver to Yellowstone road trip is perfect for you. 

This Denver to Yellowstone road trip route has it all. You’ll pass through cities and small towns if you’re looking for a bit of urban life, but you’ll be most in awe of the nature you’ll see along the way. The route passed by three different national parks and connect to the beautiful scenery with some outdoor adventure activities. At the end of each busy day, you’ll be able to relax with a beer and a delicious meal at one of the local diners or saloons. 

1. Denver, Colorado 2. Rocky Mountain National Park 3. Laramie, Wyoming 4. Jackson, Wyoming 5. Grand Teton National Park 6. Yellowstone National Park

Info at a glance

• Type of route: Nature
• 6 stops along the way
• Distance: 680 miles of driving
• Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and gaze in awe at the mountains. 
• Learn about Native American culture and spend time with wild horses in Wind River, Wyoming.  
• Explore Jackson, Wyoming, and engage in some water activities.  
• See the unique landscape of Grand Teton National Park. 
• Wonder at sights in the country’s first national park, Yellowstone  

Starting point and how to get there

This road trip starts and ends in Denver, Colorado. If you’re coming from another part of the country, you can fly into the Denver International Airport and rent a car directly from there. With SIXT, it is easy to rent an SUV  meant for your comfort. If you’re using your own car, Denver is well connected. You can drive in on Interstate 70 from the east or west or I-25 from the north or south. You can also travel to Denver by Amtrak train from at least 315 other cities in the country. 

CAR RENTAL IN DENVER

Packing, best season to visit

While this road trip is beautiful year-round, it’s best to do it during the summer so you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities your destinations will offer. Visit between the months of May and October to make sure the attractions you want to visit will be open and the weather won’t be too cold for you to enjoy your time outdoors. You’ll want to pack lots of layers in case it gets chilly at night. You’ll also want gear including swimsuits, water shoes, towels, and the like. Sturdy shoes are also a must, especially if you plan on hiking. And don’t forget the sunscreen and water bottle. Lastly, pack a rain jacket, plenty of T-shirts and shorts, and your camera.  

Tolls/traffic and driving tips

Throughout Colorado, you can drive 65 miles per hour on interstates and 55 mph on other highways. However, on this road trip you may be driving on mountain roads and need to drive slower. You won’t encounter any toll roads on the route in Colorado, or in Wyoming or Utah. In Wyoming and Utah, the speed limit on interstates is 80 mph. 

What to know about the route

This 1,300-mile road trip is full of natural wonders. Starting in Denver, you’ll take Highway 36 past Boulder and into Rocky Mountain National Park. Explore the park for a day or two before heading even further north on I-25 into Wyoming. You’ll pass by Cheyenne before heading west on I-80 to Laramie. From there, you’ll continue heading northwest on I-80 up to Jackson and the Grand Teton National Park. The next stop after this is the highlight: Yellowstone National Park. Since this is mainly a nature road trip, an SUV with four-wheel drive would be perfectly suited to carry all your gear and handle any road conditions. To enjoy your trip with your dream car for a long time, check out weekly rental cars from SIXT.

Denver, Colorado

The capital of Colorado has a lot to offer. Also known as the Mile-High City, Denver is home to incredible natural beauty , a unique cultural scene, and plenty of live events for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. With live music and craft beer galore, the downtown area is always bustling no matter the season. Also great for hiking and a good starting point for ski trips, Denver is beautiful all year.  

Points of interest

No matter when you visit, there’s always something to do in Denver. Check the schedule at the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to see if you can catch a gig while you’re in town. Titanic fans will love visiting the Molly Brown House Museum. And don’t miss Larimer Square, the most vibrant place in the city. The square is home to historic buildings, markets, indie shops and incredible dining.  

Where to eat, drink and sleep

You may not know that Denver is the birthplace of the cheeseburger. Head to Bob’s Atomic Burgers to try one. Denver is also home to a unique style of Mexican food known as Den-Mex, so order yourself a pork green chile solo. Denver is a great place for craft beer lovers, so hit up First Draft Taproom & Kitchen to indulge in a few pints. If you’re staying overnight, there are options ranging from luxury hotels to hip hostels. 

Sixt Insider Tip

Visit the Denver Zine Library to discover over 15,000 zines that preserve the history and development of the do-it-yourself publishing culture of the city. 

From Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park (66 miles)

Next, you’re headed northwest to the Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll take US Highway 36 W, also known as the Denver Boulder Turnpike, out of the city and up to Boulder. You can stop for a quick bite in Boulder if you’d like before heading into the mountains. You’ll enjoy watching the landscape change from urban to majestic mountains in the span of a few minutes.  

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park takes up 415 square miles of beautiful mountain landscapes. A great place for hiking, stargazing, biking and more, you’ll want to explore as much of this park as you possibly can during your road trip. Take Trail Ridge Road over the Continental Divide, the country’s highest continuous paved road, up 12,000 feet to discover overlooks, wildlife and more.  

Trail Ridge Road will lead you to many of the attractions within the park that should be at the top of your priority list. The Forest Canyon Overlook will give you a panoramic view of Longs Peak, Stones Peak, Hayden Gorge, and Gorge Lakes. Hike to Bear Lake, the national park’s shortest and most popular hiking trail. The majestic Alberta Falls are also worth a visit. 

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure activities to get your adrenaline pumping, try your hand at mountaineering, or if you’re visiting in the winter, ice climbing. This is suitable for all levels and there are tour companies to guide you. 

From Rocky Mountain National Park to Laramie (140 miles)

As you leave Rocky Mountain National Park via US Highway 34 W to I-25, you’ll drive north through some smaller Colorado towns and cross the state border into Wyoming. You’ll be driving through Cheyenne in case you want to stop and grab something to eat. Then you’ll be taking I-80 West towards Laramie, Wyoming. 

Laramie, Wyoming

Situated at the edge of the Snowy Mountain Range, Laramie and the surrounding area is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. Downtown Laramie is the perfect place to enjoy a microbrew from one (or several) of the microbreweries located just steps from each other. There are also plenty of outdoor adventure activities to explore and friendly locals to guide you along the way.  

Downtown Laramie is home to several historic sites, including the Wyoming Territorial Prison and the Wyoming House for Historic Women. You may also want to drive along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway on Highway 130 for incredible views of glacial lakes and snowcapped mountain peaks.  

Laramie is a great place to enjoy local food and microbrews in the downtown area. Try Accomplice Mycro-Pub and The Library Sports Grille & Brewery. Laramie is also home to plenty of hotel chains or boutique options.  

Check out Vee Bar Guest Ranch for evening campfires, delicious local food, and horseback riding. They also offer a small bed & breakfast accommodation option.  

From Laramie to Jackson (383 miles)

There are tons of small Wyoming towns with hot springs once you leave Laramie and head north via I-80 W. Break up the long drive by stopping to take a dip in one of these. You’ll also pass the Wind River Indian Reservation and the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, Wyoming.  

Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson might be a small town, but it packs a big punch when it comes to outdoor adventure activities. This Old West town is perfect for adrenaline junkies and families with small kids alike. Located just 15 minutes from the Grand Teton National Park, you’ll want to spend a few nights here to explore the town. Enjoy beautiful scenery, live events, and a taste of cowboy culture.

You’ll want to explore the downtown area of Jackson itself. Home to the Jackson Town Square, the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, and the Jackson Hole Rodeo, exploring this town on foot is an experience like you’ve never had before. 

There are plenty of homey local options for eating and drinking in Jackson. Check out the Snake River Grill and Local Restaurant & Bar for delicious local eats and brews. There are also plenty of lodging options in Jackson, whether you’re looking for a simple chain hotel or a mountain resort.  

Get out on the water at Snake River by going whitewater rafting or kayaking if you’re road tripping during the summer months. There are also other water sports activities available if rafting or kayaking aren’t your thing. 

From Jackson to Grand Teton National Park (5 miles)

Watch the scenery become even more intense during your short drive from town into the national park itself.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a true treasure. Home to massive mountains, serene lakes and beautiful alpine forests, you may never want to leave. Be sure to give yourself at least a couple days to explore everything this park has to offer. 

Drive the 42-mile loop to explore the entire park, but be sure not to miss the drive up to Signal Mountain. The Jackson Lake Overlook is arguably one of the best views you’ll have during this entire road trip. Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls are other must-sees.  

The national park is also home to tons of wildlife. The best way to encounter the animals in a safe way is to take an open-air wildlife safari tour through the park with a guide that will tell you all about what you’re seeing. 

From Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park (57 miles)

Watch the scenery change and get even more beautiful as you take US-191 N up to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park.  

Yellowstone National Park

You’ve finally reached Yellowstone! Spanning almost 3,500 square miles, this park is a volcanic hotspot. Famous for its geysers, thermal springs, impressive canyons and diverse wildlife, there’s so much to explore here. You’ll want to dedicate several days to exploring all Yellowstone has to offer. This is one of the most visited national parks in the country, though, so it can get crowded. Figure out what attractions you want to see and try to hit those in the early mornings to beat the crowds.  

You’ve probably already heard of many of Yellowstone’s major attractions. Old Faithful is undoubtedly the most famous in the park. This geyser erupts on schedule and there’s even an app for you to track it so you don’t miss it. You’ll also want to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake and the Norris Geyser Basin. You can drive between all these different attractions or you can opt to hike for a while, taking your time to explore the park and encounter unique wildlife along the way.  

Yellowstone offers very few opportunities to swim or soak in the natural hot springs, but swimming is allowed at both the Boiling River Swim Area and the Firehole River Swim Area.

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Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip

• Post last modified: March 10, 2024

Prepare for a Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip taking you from the modern capital of Colorado to the heart of the Wild West and Wyoming’s enchanting nature. White mountains, vast grasslands, deep lakes, gurgling rivers and roaming wildlife — Yellowstone’s and Grand Teton’s unique nature make for unforgettable moments. But don’t miss out on the array of charismatic Wild West towns along the way, complementing the big scenery with captivating human stories.

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Route from Denver to Yellowstone

• Start: Denver
• Yellowstone NP
• Jackson/Grand Teton NP
• Finish: Denver
• Total distance:  1183 mi / 1903 km
• Total driving time:  21.5 h

Route info: This itinerary is perfected for a summer drive, when all park roads are open. Typically from early November to late April, only Yellowstone’s North Entrance is open for cars. You can check the  current Yellowstone road status  before traveling.

Key guide: Check out our ultimate guide on where to stay in and around Yellowstone National Park .

1. Denver, CO

Denver, aptly nicknamed the Mile-High City, has an elevation ranging between 5,130 and 5,690 feet (1,560 to 1,730 m). If you’re not a Denver local who want to take off right away, make the most of your visit — this is a fun city!

Amid breathtaking surroundings, Red Rocks Amphitheater claims to be the world’s only naturally occurring amphitheater that’s acoustically perfect. Attend a live concert at Red Rocks to be blown away ahead of the Denver to Yellowstone road trip.

Any beer lovers out there? Colorado is one of the US states with most breweries per capita, with Denver called the “Napa of Beer”. Join a guided brewery tour and learn all there’s to know about the art of brewing; Coors Brewery is the city’s largest beer producer, but there’re lots of smaller ones too if you prefer not to go mainstream.

A fun and free thing to do before you start the Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip is to check out Denver Capitol Building , modeled after the US Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

On the building’s east side, climb to the 13th step of the stairs, set precisely one mile above the sea level. Although both the 15th and 18th steps previously have been regarded as the benchmark level, a 2003 investigation once and for all concluded that the 13th step is the one.

Where to stay

Stay in Denver’s vibrating downtown area for effortless city sightseeing. However, your hard-earned dollars last significantly longer within an easy drive.

• The Oxford Hotel – Central old-world luxury.
• Drury Inn – Comfy highway value.

Additional stop: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular addition to the Denver to Yellowstone road trip, adding less than 2 hours to the itinerary total. For this detour, you find convenient places to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park in the gateway town of Estes Park.

2. Casper, WY

• Driving distance:  277 mi / 446 km
• Driving time:  4.5 h

It’s easy to motivate a stop in Casper, Wyoming. The convenient location, halfway between Denver and Yellowstone, and majestic backdrop create an opportunity too good to pass on.

Sitting at the base of Casper Mountain, Casper offers quintessential Central Wyoming scenery. The untroubled North Platte River cuts Casper in two, and mountains are visible from wherever in town you are.

If you run into a traffic jam in the Casper area, it’s most likely because of wildlife crossing the road. This peaceful western setting feels a world away from the often hectic American lifestyle.

To increase your knowledge about Casper, Wyoming and the historic exploration of the West, spend an hour or two at Casper’s National Historic Trails Interpretive Center .

In fact, just like you’re going into the Wild West through Casper on your way from Denver to Yellowstone, the historic American westward expansion once passed through right here. The center’s permanent exhibits — the Oregon Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail, California Trail and Pony Express Trail — teach all about it.

Thanks to interactive displays, visiting the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is rewarding both for adults and younger travelers on a Denver to Yellowstone family road trip.

The predictable big-chain hotels rule in Casper. But don’t worry: This ultimate Denver to Yellowstone itinerary offers more than enough excitement.

• Residence Inn by Marriott – Top amenities.
• Best Western – Road trip value.

3. Cody, WY

• Driving distance:  214 mi / 344 km
• Driving time:  3.5 h

The definition of a Wild West town, Cody is situated only 1 hour from the beginning of Yellowstone National Park. Welcome to the final frontier, a place where locals wear cowboy boots and hats.

Cody is named after its famous founder William F. Cody — you may know him as Buffalo Bill — who passed through Wyoming in the 1870s and fell in love with the beautiful setting.

Embrace the Wild West at the town’s proud Buffalo Bill Center of the West , consisting of five museums under one roof. Indulge in all there’s to know about the founder of Cody and fascinating insights about the Wild West.

This is an outstanding complex; allow several hours (maybe a whole day if you’re a history buff).

With the history covered, what about some rodeo on your Denver to Yellowstone road trip? There’s no better place for it than Cody.

Called the rodeo capital of the world, Cody presents nightly summer rodeo . The rodeo venue sits with a beautiful mountain backdrop, so get there well in time to fully soak up the Wild West atmosphere.

Buffalo Bill himself would have been proud of the lodging options in Cody. This is a town with everything from luxury hotels to cozy inns — offering Wild West ambience, of course.

• The Cody – Rustic luxury.
• Chamberlin Inn – A home away from home.

Can Cody be your Yellowstone base? When you arrive at Yellowstone East Entrance (1 hour from Cody), 45 minutes of driving remains until you actually reach the park’s southern loop. Therefore, it’s best to treat Cody and Yellowstone as entirely separate destinations. With Cody as your Yellowstone base, the drives in and out of the park easily get exhausting.

Route info: This road trip (if you don’t opt for the Beartooth Highway extension below) now continues from Cody directly into Yellowstone National Park via the (closest) East Entrance. It’s 80 miles (129 km) and two hours from Cody to Yellowstone Lake, where you find some of the best in-park lodging available.

Additional stop: Uniquely situated at the start of the legendary Beartooth Highway, the picturesque-like-few Red Lodge is a highly rewarding additional stop. Spend a night at the lovely Alpine Lodge ; then drive the entire Beartooth Highway (with lots of breaks for photos) and enter Yellowstone via the Northeast Entrance. This detour adds 115 miles (185 km) and 2.5 hours to the itinerary total, compared to if you take the more direct East Entrance route from Cody to Yellowstone Lake.

4. Yellowstone National Park, WY

• Driving distance:  80 mi / 129 km
• Driving time:  2 h

Yellowstone National Park became the first national park in the US the 1st of March in 1872. Visitors come from near and far for its dense forests, vast valleys, gurgling rivers, captivating thermal activities and exciting wildlife.

Luckily, Yellowstone National Park is so big that there’s room for everyone to enjoy the park. By size, Yellowstone is so huge — 3,500 square miles — that it’s even larger than some small states (Rhode Island and Delaware).

So even though the main roads of the park tend to become crowded every summer, it’s still possible to find your very own Yellowstone slice if you don’t mind a hike.

A highlight in the park and one of the reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park is the hot springs and geysers. Around 60% of the world’s hot springs and geysers are inside Yellowstone — that’s mind boggling.

Of all these hot springs, the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, in particular, is a must for the Denver to Yellowstone road trip itinerary. It’s the most photographed spring in the park, and its huge size and bright colors are breathtaking.

Another mandatory thermal spot is the Old Faithful geyser, faithfully erupting once every one or two hours. If you just missed a performance, you don’t need to wait long for the next spectacular show.

Expect to encounter a lot of wildlife during your Yellowstone National Park visit. This is the home to 67 mammal species, including the black bear, grizzly bear, gray wolf, red fox and bison.

Bison jams happen all the time in Yellowstone, so make sure to add extra driving time for that. In Lamar Valley, the bison love to roam freely, and they don’t mind crossing the road at all.

Considering Yellowstone’s enormous size, it’s advantageous to stay within Yellowstone National Park . There are nine lodges inside Yellowstone National Park, but keep in mind that they frequently sell out in advance.

• Lake Yellowstone Hotel – A landmark by the lake.
• Old Faithful Inn – Ideal for the number one show.

Route info: Distances are long when you travel Wyoming, and it’s 99 miles (159 km) from lodging at Yellowstone Lake down to Jackson. But it’s only 10 miles (16 km) from Yellowstone’s southern end to Grand Teton’s northern end. These are sister parks, and we highly recommend visiting both of them while you’re in the area.

5. Grand Teton National Park, WY

• Driving distance:  99 mi / 159 km
• Driving time:  2.5 h

In Grand Teton National Park , the Grand Teton mountains rise up from lush grasslands like granite towers, reaching a staggering 13,775 feet (4,198 m). This park may be Yellowstone’s little sister, but the scenery is nothing but big.

Offering gorgeous photo opportunities, the rivers and lakes of Grand Teton National Park beautifully reflect the enormous heights of the mountains.

Get on that water for unobstructed views and unmatched peacefulness. Jackson Lake, 15 miles (24 km) long, and Jenny Lake, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long, are excellent spots for canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Prefer something less demanding? You can also take a scenic ride with the Jenny Lake shuttle boat .

To enjoy more scenic views and some history, make your way over to the Mormon Row Historic District. Here, settlers from Idaho established a small community called Grovont in the 1890s.

Today, especially two of the since long abandoned Mormon Row buildings stand out: The Andy Chambers Homestead and the Moulton Barns. Life may have been tough here — especially during winter — but that amazing backdrop of the Teton Range is one of a kind.

You have two main options for where to stay when visiting Grand Teton : Book one of the seven lodges inside the park, or opt for one of the nearby communities. To the south, the atmospheric Jackson is an excellent pick for those who prefer a complete town with an array of options for sleeping, dining and shopping.

• Jackson Lake Lodge – Unreal views.
• Cowboy Village Resort – Happy log cabins in Jackson.

Is it Jackson or Jackson Hole? Both are correct: Jackson Hole refers to the entire 55-mile (89 km) long valley, while Jackson simply is the cute town at the valley’s southern end.

Additional stop:  The tiny town Dubois is conveniently located on the way from the parks back to Denver. Dubois is less than 2 hours from Jackson and only around 1 hour from Grand Teton’s eastern Moran Entrance Station; that the authentic cowboy town is positioned so close to the park allows for more time in Grand Teton National Park.

6. Lander, WY

• Driving distance:  160 mi / 257 km
• Driving time:  3 h

After driving through a few tiny towns, including Dubois, the more sizable Lander welcomes you back to civilization. While Lander by most standards still is a small city, it has those amenities that you may have missed.

Lander’s Main Street is framed by appealing restaurants. A popular choice, the Gannett Grill provides yummy American fare accompanied by a friendly Wild West atmosphere as perfect for a casual meal as for a cold beer (or two).

Haven’t had enough of nature quite yet?

Lander, called the town where the rails end and the trails begin, is an outdoor playground. A natural treasure just a few miles south of Lander, Sinks Canyon State Park sets a gorgeous scene for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing.

There are several appreciated places to stay on or near Lander’s Main Street, the area’s commercial hub.

• Lander Millhouse – Unique Main Street lodging.
• Holiday Inn – Non-adventurous but comfy.

7. Laramie, WY

• Driving distance:  224 mi / 360 km

Laramie, founded in 1868, brims with western history. Stroll Laramie’s historic downtown area, dotted with buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, to best soak it up.

This is a unique setting — on the National Register of Historic Places — to grab a bite, sit down for coffee, explore independent stores (possibly for a Wild West trinket) or just enjoy a walk.

Keep an eye out for Laramie’s Historic Carnegie Library, erected in 1906 and funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Today, the elegant red-brick building houses city offices; when the library moved out in 1981, residents passed the books one by one to its new location.

When you, sipping on a coffee, uncover Laramie, it’s easy to forget, but not all about the Wild West is happy.

The 1872 Laramie’s Territorial Prison used to accommodate feared and desperate Wild West villains. Most notably, the outlaw Butch Cassidy was held here. Tour the grounds of the former prison site to learn more about the darker side of Wyoming’s history and the Wild West — an eye-opening final stop on the Denver to Yellowstone road trip.

University of Wyoming calls Laramie home; many of the towns’s top hotel are located adjacent to the proud institution.

• Hilton Garden Inn – Amenity-rich at the university.
• BW Laramie Inn – Top road trip deal.

8. Denver, CO

• Driving distance:  129 mi / 208 km

After a spectacular Wyoming adventure, it’s time to round off the Yellowstone National Park road trip. The final 129 miles (208 km) takes you back to where it all started, Denver.

Yellowstone road trip itineraries with days

For the ultimate Yellowstone National Park road trip, we recommend allowing 2 weeks or more. If you have less time, you can take a pacier journey with longer days on the road.

Ultimate itinerary (2 weeks)

• Day 1-2: Denver
• Day 2-3: Casper
• Day 3-4: Cody
• Day 4-9: Yellowstone NP
• Day 9-12: Grand Teton NP
• Day 12-13: Lander
• Day 13-14: Laramie

Pacy itinerary (1 week)

• Day 1: Denver
• Day 1-2: Casper
• Day 2: Cody
• Day 2-5 Yellowstone NP
• Day 5-6: Grand Teton NP
• Day 6-7: Lander
• Day 7: Laramie

Denver to Yellowstone road trip FAQ

This ultimate road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park and back again through Grand Teton National Park is 1,183 miles (1,903 km) long. Driving the entire loop takes 21.5 hours, not including any stops along the way.

The suggested route from Denver to Yellowstone National Park is 571 miles (919 km) long with a driving time of 10 hours. The route for the way back to Denver through Grand Teton National Park is slightly shorter.

The main stops included on the Denver to Yellowstone itinerary are Denver, Casper, Cody, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, Lander and Laramie. You also find several appreciated additional stops along the way.

Casper, Wyoming, is conveniently located halfway between Denver and Yellowstone National Park.

From Denver to Jackson Hole, it’s 502 miles (808 km) by car, which consumes 8.5 hours.

For the ultimate Yellowstone National Park, we recommend allowing 2 weeks or more. Remember that Yellowstone on its own is bigger than some small states. But if you have less time, you can, of course, take a pacier road trip with less time in the great parks.

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Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip: 6 Amazing Stops Along the Way

From wild horse sanctuaries to distilleries, there’s no lack of intriguing places to make a quick (or extended) pit stop on your Denver to Yellowstone road trip

Gateway Natural Area

5216 West Highway 14, Bellvue, CO

Sweet Melissa’s Cafe

213 S 1st St., Laramie, WY

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Steamboat Springs, CO

Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop

Wild Horse Canyon Rd., Green River, WY

Crux Coffee

300 Main St., Lander, WY

Snake River Brewing Company

265 S Millward St., Jackson, WY

There’s a lot more between Denver and Yellowstone National Park than just 500 miles of roadway. Alongside all the national parks and cowboy boots, there are unrivaled mountain vistas and unexpected eats to discover in northern Colorado and Wyoming.

Here are a few places worth including on your Denver to Yellowstone road trip.

Stretch Your Legs at the Gateway Natural Area Near Fort Collins

Northern Colorado rarely gets mentioned in conversations of must-see terrain in the Rocky Mountains, but it stands alone as one of the more stunning regions this side of the Mississippi. The Gateway Natural Area northwest of Fort Collins is just one of the many scenic hidden gems in NoCo’s crown. At a little over three miles, the trek around the nearby Seaman Reservoir provides an apt appetizer for the views offered in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. If nothing else, this spot located just 10 minutes off of U.S. 287 is a worthy place to stretch your legs while enjoying your Denver to Yellowstone road trip.

Choice Hotels near Fort Collins: 11

Savor Unexpected Eats at Sweet Melissa Cafe in Laramie

There’s vegetarian food in Wyoming? Yes, there is vegetarian food in Wyoming—and it’s sensational! The cowboy state may have a reputation for slinging hearty plates of well-grazed beef, but Sweet Melissa’s Cafe is the delicious exception to that meaty standard. This homey spot offers modestly priced vegetarian delicacies ranging from seitan gyros to cauliflower chickpea tikka masala. Located just a mile off the highway, Sweet Melissa’s offers an ideal respite from the endless galaxy of gas station burritos and burnt coffee you would normally experience on a Yellowstone road trip.

Choice Hotels in Laramie: 3

Meander through Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Named after the gatherings once held by Native Americans in the area, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests should be a required stop for any Denver to Yellowstone road trip. At nearly 3 million acres, this swath of land is littered with lodgepole pine and Sherman granite outcroppings, resulting in one of the more under-appreciated areas in the national forest system. Options for quick visits or days-long stops are many, with ample opportunities for day hikes scattered across the region. If you have a little extra time to stretch out your Denver to Yellowstone road trip, also check out Vedauwoo (pronounced vee-duh-voo) to meander through that zone’s moderately rated hiking trails and watch rock climbers squirm up seemingly impossible granite cracks.

Choice Hotels near Laramie: 3

Choice Hotels in Rawlins: 4

Discover Wild Horses on the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop in Rock Springs

For every six people in the tiny Wyoming town of Green River, there’s one wild horse roaming the prairie. And on the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop , travelers have a chance to catch a glimpse of around 1,500 wild horses that roam this corner of the countryside. A worthwhile detour for your Yellowstone road trip itinerary, it takes about 90 minutes to traverse all 24 miles of this rugged, four-wheel-drive-required road. But, even if you don’t have four-wheel drive, nearly 800 horses can be seen almost from the parking lot at the Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility .

Choice Hotels in Rock Springs: 4

Caffeinate at Crux Coffee in Lander

It’s not every day you can grab a cup of java, a grapefruit-sized cinnamon bun and rock climb at the same time. But you can find all that and more on your Yellowstone road trip at Crux Coffee . Staffed entirely by students from nearby Wyoming Catholic College , the shop serves up bright mugs of CommonWealth Coffee , roasted just down the interstate in Denver. More adventurous joe sippers can even chalk up and test their strength on the on-site bouldering wall in the back of the shop.

Choice Hotels near Lander: 3

Nosh and Sip in Jackson Hole

Whatever Wyoming may lack in refinement in some of the more far-flung corners of the state, it more than makes up for in Jackson Hole, which rounds up our Yellowstone road trip itinerary. Joints like Cafe Genevieve , which has quickly become a local favorite for high-end bites like duck confit, ensure this ski town’s residents and vacationers alike get a taste of the finer things. Nearby watering holes like Snake River Brewing Company and the recently opened Jackson Hole Still Works also provide spaces to unwind before (or after) days of adventuring in Yellowstone National Park.

Choice Hotels in nearby Idaho Falls: 5

Choice Hotels in nearby Cody: 2

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Pawsome adventures.

This daring Fort Collins dog will surely bring a smile to your face.

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Things to Do in Yellowstone

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Denver To Yellowstone Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Denver to Yellowstone National Park is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 508 miles of the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park takes around 8 hours and 18 mins of driving without stops.

In this article, we share the 15 top tips that turn your Yellowstone National Park trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park, keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Way From Denver To Yellowstone National Park

On the way from Denver to Yellowstone National Park, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top five hotels on the Denver – Yellowstone National Park route!

• The Armstrong Hotel: The Armstrong Hotel is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. Driving from Denver to The Armstrong Hotel might take around 1 hour and 11 mins . Located in Fort Collins, a short 20-minute walk from Odell Brewing Company, The Armstrong Hotel provides accommodations with a restaurant, private parking, free bikes, and a bar. Each room at the 3-star hotel has city views and is equipped with free WiFi. In addition, the property has evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. Check The Armstrong Hotel, one of the best hotels in Fort Collins, Colorado, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Hilton Garden Inn Laramie: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Yellowstone National Park from Denver is Hilton Garden Inn Laramie. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, the hotel is 130 miles away from Denver, and it would take 2 hours and 17 mins to drive. In addition, the Laramie Hilton Garden hotel offers guests a pool and fitness center. The hotel also offers baggage storage and a coin-operated laundromat on-site. To learn more about the Hilton Garden Inn Laramie, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com  for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rawlins: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rawlins. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rawlins is located in Sinclair, Wyoming, and it’s 226 miles away from Denver, and you can arrive there with 3 hours 38 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel offers a great location and well-designed accommodations that are designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers. In addition, the hotel features a restaurant, a swimming pool and fitness center, and a free weekday breakfast. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rawlins for more information.
• The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort: If you are taking the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park, Dubois, Wyoming, it is must have a place you should visit. The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort is one of the best hotels in town. It is The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort, 423 miles from Denver, and it would take 6 hours and 36 mins to drive. The lodge section of The Longhorn Ranch Resort is brand new, with various choices to suit everyone’s needs. There is a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as room service. If you need more info about the price and availability of The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• Togwotee Mountain Lodge: Our next hotel is Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Moran, Wyoming. It will take 7 hours 22 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Denver. Togwotee Mountain Lodge is located in the countryside down the road from Jackson, Wyoming. It offers year-round western adventure, including premier snowmobiling in the winter. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge and a children’s playground. In addition, the property provides free parking. Check the Togwotee Mountain Lodge on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Togwotee Mountain Lodge for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the same Denver to Yellowstone National Park route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Way To Yellowstone National Park From Denver

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Lucile’s Restaurant, Colorado: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park with Lucile’s Restaurant, Colorado. Lucile’s Restaurant, Colorado, is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and 64.5 miles from Denver. It would take 1 hour and 9 mins of driving. In 1980, Lucile’s Restaurant was founded by myself and my mother, Lucile Richards. We developed a Creole menu shortly after that and shifted the restaurant’s goals to becoming the nation’s premier brunch restaurant. This was an ambitious goal for a Colorado breakfast and lunch restaurant at the time, but we persevered and succeeded. For more information about Lucile’s Restaurant, Colorado, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Lucile’s Restaurant, Colorado.
• Altitude Chophouse and Brewery: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Yellowstone National Park from Denver is Altitude Chophouse and Brewery. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery is 128 miles from Denver and would take 2 hours and 13 mins of driving. The decor is impressive, with clean lines and modern touches. The service was impeccable, and the food was both delicious and well-seasoned. Altitude Chophouse and Brewery is a restaurant you won’t want to miss while on your road trip to Yellowstone National Park. If you want to learn more about Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Buck’s Sports Grill: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Buck’s Sports Grill. It will take 3 hours 41 mins of car drive to take 228 miles from Denver to Buck’s Sports Grill, Sinclair, Wyoming. The menu was extensive, taking up almost half of the table. It’s one of those bars where you can find everything from local clothing to souvenirs. It’s pretty funny looking around and seeing all the different items on display. You can check Buck’s Sports Grill on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information .
• Cowboy Cafe, Wyoming: Cowboy Cafe, Wyoming deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Dubois, Wyoming. The food was excellent and plentiful, which made it easy to get a table each time. Cowboy Cafe, Wyoming, is 425 miles away from Denver, and it would take 6 hours and 40 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Cowboy Cafe, Wyoming, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• The Mural Room: If you enjoy dining, The Mural Room would be an excellent choice in Moran, Wyoming. It’s 486 miles from Denver and would take 7 hours and 52 mins of car driving. Our Rocky Mountain cuisine and award-winning wine list will tantalize your taste buds. In addition, the panoramic views of the Teton Range from our Mural Dining Room are said to be some of the finest in any National Park. At the same time, magnificent murals painted by Carl Rogers in the late 20th century are sure to impress. If you want to learn more about The Mural Room, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations to eat on your road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 508 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Yellowstone National Park road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Way From Denver To Yellowstone National Park

A unique experience awaits you in Yellowstone National Park. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations like Fort Collins, Colorado. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Yellowstone National Park route.

• New Belgium Brewing, Colorado: New Belgium Brewing, Colorado will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, New Belgium Brewing, Colorado is 68.1 miles away from Denver, and it would take 1 hour and 40 mins to drive. New Belgium is a certified B Corp, which means the brewery takes corporate responsibility seriously. They’ve donated over $26 million to charitable causes since 1991, making them one of the most philanthropic breweries in the country. Some of their popular beers include Fat Tire Amber Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, Sour IPA, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale. They also have an award-winning wood-aged sour program and innovative limited-release beers. If you’re looking for some delicious food to go with your beer sampling experience, be sure to check out their food truck! If you want to learn more about New Belgium Brewing, Colorado, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, Laramie, Wyoming, is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Denver to Yellowstone National Park route. It’s 130 miles from Denver, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 15 mins to drive. The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site has a long and complex history. It served as a federal (territorial) and stated prison from 1872 to 1903 before becoming the Agricultural Experiment Station for the University of Wyoming. If you want to learn more about Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park is Sinclair, Wyoming. And if you’ll visit Sinclair, Wyoming, we suggest you visit Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site. You can arrive at Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site after 3 hours and 30 mins of driving. If you’re traveling along the North Platte River in Nebraska, be sure to stop by the ruins of a fort built by the Army to protect the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The trains passing overhead on their way to and from California can easily be seen from here, and it’s an interesting stop for anyone looking for a break in their drive. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site for more information.
• Giant Jackalope Exxon Country Store, Dubois, Wyoming: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Giant Jackalope Exxon Country Store, Dubois Wyoming, Dubois, Wyoming, on the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. Giant Jackalope Exxon Country Store, Dubois, Wyoming, is 426 miles from Denver, and you can arrive there after the 6 hours 40 mins of drive. You can learn about the history of this infamous creature in our picture gallery. See hundreds of jackalope items collected over 15 years. Take your picture on our furry, horse-sized jackalope for a great souvenir! The exhibit is free. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Giant Jackalope Exxon Country Store, Dubois, Wyoming, before going there.
• Jenny Lake: Located in Moran, Wyoming, Jenny Lake ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Yellowstone National Park road trip. You must take 8 hours and 7 mins of driving to arrive at Jenny Lake. Located in the Grand Tetons National Park, Lake Yellowstone is best known for its crystal-clear water. There are many ways to experience this place, including hiking and biking trails, boat trips, and camping reservations. If you want to learn more about Jenny Lake, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Denver to Yellowstone National Park

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Denver to Yellowstone National Park drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Denver To Yellowstone National Park?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 8 hours and 18 mins to drive. The distance between Denver to Yellowstone National Park is 508 miles.
• If you want to make the Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be one day, 19 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Denver-Yellowstone National Park route, you will have to walk for six days and 23 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Denver To Yellowstone National Park?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Yellowstone National Park. Here we list five of them . For more information about the best places on the Denver to Yellowstone National Park journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Denver To Yellowstone National Park part.

• New Belgium Brewing, Colorado: 68.1 miles / 1 hour 40 mins to drive from Denver | 517 miles / 9 hours 25 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: 130 miles / 2 hours 15 mins to drive from Denver | 379 miles / 6 hours 7 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site: 215 miles / 3 hours 30 mins to drive from Denver | 297 miles / 4 hours 59 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Giant Jackalope Exxon Country Store, Dubois Wyoming: 426 miles / 6 hours 40 mins to drive from Denver | 82.2 miles / 1 hour 37 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Jenny Lake: 498 miles / 8 hours 7 mins to drive from Denver | 36.6 miles / 53 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Denver To Yellowstone National Park?

There are many excellent hotels during your Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Way To Yellowstone National Park From Denver section.

• The Armstrong Hotel: 64.5 miles / 1 hour 11 mins to drive from Denver | 444 miles / 7 hours 13 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Hilton Garden Inn Laramie: 130 miles / 2 hours 17 mins to drive from Denver | 381 miles / 6 hours 14 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rawlins: 226 miles / 3 hours 38 mins to drive from Denver | 282 miles / 4 hours 43 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort: 423 miles / 6 hours 36 mins to drive from Denver | 85.1 miles / 1 hour 41 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Togwotee Mountain Lodge: 464 miles / 7 hours 22 mins to drive from Denver | 43.6 miles / 56 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.

Where To Eat Between Denver to Yellowstone National Park?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Denver to Yellowstone National Park journey, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Way From Denver To Yellowstone National Park .

• Lucile’s Restaurant, Colorado: 64.5 miles / 1 hour 9 mins to drive from Denver | 444 miles / 7 hours 13 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Altitude Chophouse and Brewery: 128 miles / 2 hours 13 mins to drive from Denver | 379 miles / 6 hours 11 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Buck’s Sports Grill: 228 miles / 3 hours 41 mins to drive from Denver | 282 miles / 4 hours 42 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• Cowboy Cafe, Wyoming: 425 miles / 6 hours 40 mins to drive from Denver | 82.5 miles / 1 hour 38 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.
• The Mural Room: 486 miles / 7 hours 52 mins to drive from Denver | 22.8 miles / 34 mins of driving to Yellowstone National Park.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide

In this video you can find the detailed information about Yellowstone National Park.

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• Denver to Yellowstone

5-Day Road Trip from Denver to Yellowstone

Driving from Denver to the awe-inspiring Yellowstone National Park is one of America's most scenic drives. Before you arrive in the land of geysers and colorful tidal basin in about 10-11 hours drive, a few stunning sites along the route like Medicine Bow National Forest and the Grand Tetons also entice the adventurers to take a short weekend trip or a five day vacation. Make sure to rent a car at VroomVroomVroom and check out our suggested itineraries so you can start exploring at your own pace.

Day One - Sightseeing in Denver

Start your exciting Colorado road trip adventure by renting a car in Denver. From seeing the Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Art Museum, watching a Rockies baseball game, looking at rare and endangered animals at the Denver Zoo, or driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway - there are plenty of must-see attractions and things to do in Denver that just waiting for you to discover. You could also go shopping at the famous 16th Street Mall and eat at some of the city's finest restaurants.

Day Two - Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park

Only a two-hour drive from Denver and just minutes away from Estes Park, see for yourself why three million tourists come to the Rocky Mountain National Park every year to take pleasure in its stunning scenery, wildlife, and of course, hiking. There is certainly no limit to the levels of adventures you can enjoy here. You can go for a scenic drive via Trail Ridge Road (US 34), have a picnic at Coyote Valley Trailhead, hike to lakes and waterfalls on the East Inlet Trail, or you can just stay in a cozy cabin in Grand Lake after a day of exploring.

Day Three - Admire the Art of Loveland

Loveland, which is only an hour away from Estes Park via US-34 E, is another must-stop in Colorado especially for anyone who loves art and sculpture. From the Loveland Museum and Gallery to beautiful Benson Sculpture Garden down to the classic Rialto Theater, there are many other  ways to explore this city. Want to celebrate and sample locally brewed craft beers? Then the Crow Hop Brewing Company is the place to go. In the event you find yourself in Loveland around Halloween, you may want to join  the Halloween Family Fun Festival and dress up to win a prize.

Day Four - Enjoy the outdoors in Jackson

Home to three ski areas, the town of Jackson is approximately a seven hour drive from the edge of Colorado into Wyoming proper. From Loveland, it is about eight hour drive via US-287 N. There are endless outdoor recreation opportunities to experience in the Jackson Hole valley of Teton Country. These include climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife-watching, horseback riding, trail running and white water rafting. The town also serves as a perfect base for dining, shopping and exploring. The Grand Teton National Park, which is only a seven-minute drive from Jackson Hole via US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N, is the ideal place to be if you want to enjoy the majestic mountain peaks and awe-inspiring vistas of the park.

Day Five - See hot springs and geysers in Yellowstone

Built in 1872, there are plenty of things to see and do at the world's first national park. If you are anticipating to see colorful hot springs and watch geysers erupt, the Yellowstone is the perfect place to visit. Deemed as a park for all seasons, Yellowstone National Park consists of five entrances: north, northeast, east, south and west. The north is from Montana, the easy is Cody, the south is Jackson, and the west is Idaho. Please note that Jackson and Cody are at least a nine-hour drive from Denver , including pit stops. From sightseeing to camping, you can also go hiking, bicycling, fishing, swimming, rafting, paddling and boating during summer. In winter, you can go skiing and snowshoeing. Now if you are planning to visit this park with your kids, spring time is the ideal place to visit.

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Yellowstone Road Trip from Denver

Table of Contents

Yellowstone Road Trip

Itinerary for a 3 week round trip from denver.

Our three week circular Yellowstone Road Trip began and ended in Denver and covered a grand total of 3131 miles by road and 100 miles on foot.  Three weeks was just about the right amount of time to explore some of the Wild West USA’s greatest national parks – Grand Teton , Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone – at a fairly leisurely pace.   We crossed six State borders on our journey: Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota.

Best time to visit Yellowstone

We visited in late August/early September.  The weather was glorious and the parks were not too crowded.  Visiting Yellowstone in the Summer is definitely best avoided – it is way too hot.  

All the National Parks quieten down significantly after Labour Day at the end of August, so then is a good time to go, as long as you don’t leave it so long that the snow arrives – it is a small window, RMNP is definitely the busiest park (people per square mile), so I would leave that as late into the season as possible.

The parks close up later in September in preparation for deep snowfall that engulfs the area for the whole of the long Winter in Yellowstone .  There are a couple of lodges that open in Winter though and if you are brave enough to cope with the snowfall and cold, it could be a wonderful trip.  You would still see much of the wildlife that makes the national parks exciting places to visit and the thermal springs would look all the more spectacular emerging through the snow I imagine.  There probably wouldn’t be anything like so many people around either, so if “do different” is your style of holiday, then it is worth thinking about visiting in the Winter time.

Top Ten "Must-Dos"

• Watch Old Faithful do her thing
• Tick Mount Rushmore off your bucket list
• Drive the jaw dropping Beartooth Highway
• Take your best shot at Artist’s Point, Grand Canyon
• Visit the Battle of the Little Bighorn  battlefield site.
• Have your photo taken under the Jackson Elk Antler Arch
• Sing “ Rocky Mountain High, Colorado ” as you enter the RNMP
• Soak up the atmosphere at Devil’s Monument
• Explore the Badlands and marvel at how people actually lived there
• Stroll around the beautiful Botanic Gardens at Denver

Where I Stayed

Links to Accommodation Reviews for all the hotels where we stayed on our trip are listed below:

• Hilton DoubleTree Denver Colorado
• Cambria Suites Rapid City
• Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Billings
• Chico Hot Springs Hotel
• Lakeside Lodge Yellowstone National Park
• Signal Mountain Lodge Grand Teton NP
• Homewood Suites Hilton – Rock Springs
• Hilton Double Tree Grand Junction Co.
• Wildwood Inn RMNP

National Parks

• Badlands – Rapid City
• Yellowstone
• Grand Teton
• Rocky Mountain 

Useful Website to help you plan your perfect trip to Yellowstone:

National Monuments

• Wind Cave  – Denver to Rapid City
• Jewel Cave – Rapid City
• Devil’s Tower  – Wyoming
• Dinosaur National Monument – Utah
• Colorado National Monument   – Grand Junction

Flora and Fauna

This is just a checklist of what I actually saw – to inspire you to go – but there is potentially so much more to see here!  

Posts about flora and fauna – one of my special areas of interest – are highlighted with the Tag “Flora and Fauna” which you can search for using the tag cloud on the sidebar.

• Rattle Snake – Badlands
• Prairie Dog Town – Devil’s Tower National Monument
• Elk – Yellowstone NP
• Bear – Yellowstone NP
• Blue Jay – Bear Lake
• Mountain Bluebird
• Desert Cottontails – Colorado National Monument
• Bighorn Sheep
• Desert Rockcress
• Prickly Pears
• Pinyon Pines
• Utah Juniper

Foodie Firsts

Tasting new things is part of the real thrill of travel for me.  I use the tag “Foodie Firsts” to highlight these and make it easy for you to search for them and try them out for yourself.”Foodie Firsts” to discover more about the Wild West’s Foodie scene.

• White Lady Cocktail – Oxford Hotel , Denver
• Shrimp Kisses – Grand Union Station , Denver
• Key Lime Martini – Like cheesecake in a glass?! – Mackenzie’s Pizza Restaurant, Billings
• Make your own Waffles  – Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, Billings
• Berry Margarita
• Beer with names as creative as the delicious brew itself:   Rusty Nail and Moose Droo l
• Elk & Beef Chilli
• Artisan Cheeses – Bin 707 – Grand Junction
• Enstrom’s Candy Store – Grand Junction
• The Cheesecake Factory – Denver

Yellowstone - What I'm Packing

Don't leave home without:.

ETSA Visa waiver

Hat/scarf/gloves – early mornings and late evening can be cold here, even in Summer

Sun hat/sunscreen

Pepper spray – you might not be able to take it on the aircraft, so it might be something you need to buy – or rent – when you are there.

Mosquito repellent – I got badly bitten in Grand Teton NP.

A more complete list of what I packed is on this post:  

I also bought a couple of head torches, because I read in the Lonely Planet guidebook that a must do thing was a canoe trip at sunrise to the middle of a lake in Grand Teton where you should see moose around the lake as the sun comes up.   It sounds magical – and I didn’t want to be prevented from doing it by  lack of a head torch!

Yellowstone - What I'm Reading

Lonely Planet Guidebook Yellowstone & Grand Teton

Yellowstone has Teeth – A Memoir of living in Yellowstone by Marjane Ambler

Death in Yellowstone:  Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park by Lee H. Whittesley

The Spirit of Indian Women – edited by Judith Fitzgerald and Michael Oren Fitzgerald

Letters from Yellowstone

Wilderness and the American Mind

Read reviews on my post “Yellowstone – What I’m Reading”

Tips for Future Travellers

Hindsight is always a wonderful thing.  These are my top tips to help you plan your own perfect trip to the Wild West.

• The National Park annual pass is great value at $80. Buy one as soon as you arrive to get the best value from it.
• Time your visit to Mount Rushmore at sunset if you want to see the lighting ceremony and experience the full patriotic fervour of this site.

Flagg Ranch might have made a good stop – pitched between South Yellowstone and North Grand Teton , you could go either way, depending on your mood.   Gardiner is a good place for the north end of Yellowstone and Red Rocks is potentially a good alternative to Billings en route.

Read my full Yellowstone Road Trip from Denver:

Yellowstone 3 Week Road Trip Itinerary from Denver

Yellowstone – A 3 Week Road Trip Itinerary from Denver through 3 of the Wild West’s greatest National Parks and crossing 5 state borders. Yea Hah Yellowstone!

Yee Hah Yellowstone What I’m Packing

Yellowstone What I’m Packing for a 3 week road trip.

Yee Hah Yellowstone What I’m Reading

Safe arrival in Denver – another adventure begins

Denver airport covers an area of 53 miles. It is the largest airport in the States apparently – massive! The free shuttle bus took us to the Hilton Double Tree in half an hour, driving through wide open prairie country – This was a surprise – I had expected it to be all built up? The hotel is 5 miles from Downtown Denver, so we haven’t actually had a glimpse of the Mile High City yet.

Accommodation Review:  Hilton Double Tree Denver Colorado

The Hilton Double Tree Denver is a very comfortable hotel.  The location isn’t great though – it is a distance from Denver centre, so we had to hire a car to get around easily, although there is a free shuttle to the airport.

Denver In 1 Day

Denver in 1 Day – How best to tackle it?!  We started by renting a car. This wasn’t our original plan, but the heat was high as early as 7am this morning, so the amount of ground we wanted to cover would have been exhausting without some wheels. Taxis downtown are about $20 anyway, so the car hire covers its costs quite quickly. It was easy as there was an Avis desk in the hotel lobby.

On the road again … Mount Rushmore

We have a long drive ahead of us today from Denver to Rapid City where we will be able to tick the Must Do Mount Rushmore off our bucket list.

I would have liked to spend another day in Denver. There is a lot to see here. the Money Museum would have been interesting, but it was shut on a Sunday. There is a big Arts Museum and lots of History Museums too.

Accommodation Review:  Cambria Suites Rapid City

Cambria Suites Rapid City A reasonable place to stay in Rapid City – not far from Mount Rushmore.

Rapid City South Dakota – Spelunking, Bison and Patriotic Fervour

Staying in Rapid City South Dakota gives you the chance to explore two National Parks and Mount Rushmore.  We set off early this morning headed for Wind Cave for a spot of spelunking. It was a long and winding road through the prairie to get there. The cave is situated where plains meet mountain, so we had lovely views of the Black Hills of South Dakota covered in ponderosa pine and also the vast sweeping expanse of prairie. The landscape is soft and undulating – all colours of pale green and gold – like a rich tapestry you could reach out and touch – only you couldn’t because there is just so much of it!

Buckle up for the Badlands …

We headed off on the Interstate 90 towards the Badlands National Park with Lucinda Williams (“too rock to be country, too country to be rock!) belting out Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. The road took us through Wall, on the edge of the Park. from a long way away, roadsigns for Wall Drug started popping up every c5 miles or so. We were driving too fast to photograph them – “Frosted Mug Beer”, “Badlands Maps”, “Homemade Pie”, “Breakfast Roll, Donuts, Fudge and Pie” – all available at Wall Drug. It seems like you can get just about everything at Wall Drug, I was beginning to wonder if there was anything you couldn’t get?  “Be Yourself” at Wall Drug – you can even get therapy?! OK – the temptation was just too much – we just HAD to pull off at Wall Drug.

Battle of the Little Bighorn – a Clash of Cultures

Today, we leave Rapid City and continue our journey to Yellowstone.  We chose to include the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn on our trip and were glad we did.  The road there also passes through Devil’s Monument, sop it turned out to be a very full day, which is always a good thing I my book!

Accommodation Review:  Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, Billings

The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson was easy to find in Billings and the room was massive and comfortable. You can see from the photos that there was a rather oddly placed hot tub right in the middle of the bedroom. It had full length mirrors and a plant in the corner of it and a basket of folded towels at the side – I am searching for an adjective here – and a few (pejorative) come to mind – but I am going to plump for ….. AWESOME! the power shower was excellent too.

Bye Bye Billings – A 1 Night Stand

Billings was our choice for a “one night stand” – only because it was about as far as we could drive towards Yellowstone without stopping really.  We walked up the top end of Main Street to buy a few bits and pieces we needed. The hotel was located right next to a liquor store with a friendly notice “No Soliciting” – and there was an all pervading smell of frying. We reached the CVS Driv Thru Pharmacy and asked the shop assistant if we should walk down the rest of MaIin Street to downtown Billngs? People drive, they don’t walk. go if you like – but “I’ve lived here all my life – it’s not real fun”. thanks – We’ll take a rain check on that!

Beartooth Highway – Jaw Dropping!

We left Billings behind us and continued to head West towards the Beartooth Highway. This 68 mile stretch of road runs right into Yellowstone Park. We passed through Red Rocks on the way, which is a lovely little place. This would have been a better overnight stop than Billings I think, although we had travelled about as far as we could go yesterday, so another hour would have maybe been too much.

Accommodation Review:  Chico Hot Springs Hotel

We finally arrived at Chico Hot Springs hotel just in time for dinner. This is an old historic lodge our room is tiny and three floors up with no lift – a bit exhausting hauling the bags up all those creaky stairs. Dinner was fabulous. The food on the trip so far hasn’t been anything to write home about really – standard American menus. Last night was different though – Beef Wellington for two carved at the table. We washed it down with a bottle of The Crusher Merlot – a Californian Merlot which tasted.absolutely wonderful despite it’s less than romantic name! No room for dessert, sadly. Overall, this was a great place to stay and I would definitely recommend it.

Mammoth Hot Springs and Steam

We drove into Yellowstone today and stopped at a cool saddle shop in Gardiner on the way to buy a belt for my camera. This was a shop for REAL men … Saddles, gun holsters, cowboy hats, after shave and razors. You could buy an off the left saddle for $2,500 – or have one custom made at the back of the shop for $3,500. We visited Mammoth Hot Springs first off.  

Bear Encounter – Grand Canyon of Yellowstone River

This morning, we headed out for Canyon Village. It took 2 and a quarter hours to get there from our hotel – our concept of distance has completely changed. We have to do that trip back the other way at the end of the day too, of course – but there is no alternative of you want to see all this place has to offer.

We decided to do an 8 mile trail along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone River . It took us about 3 hours to complete this – and it was absolutely spectacular. I will let the pictures do the talking here, but this was without doubt the highlight of the trip so far. Artist’s Point is definitely a “must do”.

Norris Geyser Basin – Let’s go for a Hike – Across a Boiling Cauldron?

Today, we visited the Norris Geyser Basin. We stopped off at the Museum of the Park Ranger first. We learned that most of the Bears in the Park are in the higher territory where there is an abundance of worms – that made me feel a bit safer. We also learned that bison can run at 50 miles per hour – so now, I am scared again as there are far more bison here than bears! The bus one like to come to the Norris area in the Winter apparently, because the hot water melts the snow and they can forage more easily – although they can forage though up to 15 inches of snow, apparently. The museum is worth a trip. it tells you all about how the Park Ranger service grew from what was originally a military unit based at the park. Their mission is to interpret (help visitors to appreciate) and protect. In my second life, I think I might come back as a Park Ranger, though they say the most difficult bit of the job is to keep cheerful and smiling doing the same job day after day. They are without exception always friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable – I wish we had them in National Parks back home.

West Thumb Basin – Thumbs Up and Jingle Bells

This morning, we visited West Thumb Geyser Basin. This was a quieter area than Norris and there some interesting things to see there.  

There were a number of interesting sights here, but the best were:

​Abyss Pool – one of the deeper hot springs descending to 53 feet and varies from turquoise blue to emerald green and various shades of brown …

Bear Lake – Let’s Take a Walk

Today, we took our longest hike of the trip – a 10 mile loop from Bear Lake past Alberta Falls to the Loch Valley, past Lake Haiwaya and back down to Bear Lake at the end. Bear Lake is at 9,475 feet elevation and the Loch adds another 990 feet – it was rough walking in places – a lot of up and not much down until the last couple of miles.

Old Faithful – “O Come All Ye Faithful”

Old Faithful erupts pretty reliably every hour to hour and a half – hence the name – so we decided to take a pew and just wait it out – in case we missed it later on. We got a front row pew – they were all empty because OF had obviously only just done it’s thing. We waited for 45 minutes – chatting happily to a couple from Florida and a Dutch couple – always interesting to talk to other people and share travel experiences etc, It really helped to pass the time. The suspense mounted – the crowd grew and was soon three people deep all around OF … Eventually, OF began to hiss a bit and bubble and steam and then – yes – reliably enough (a bit later than predicted – but – hey, this is a natural phenomena. – so who’s counting? she blew … and yes, the sheer power and height of it was amazing.

Accommodation Review:  Lakeside Lodge Yellowstone National Park

Lakeside Lodge Yellowstone National Park is reasonably comfortable – but the restaurant was a disappointing cafeteria style affair.  The best thing you can say about it is that it is inside the park itself, which is a real bonus given the high driving distances here.

On the Trail to Grand Teton National Park

We arrived at Signal Mountain Lodge much sooner than we had expected – I think we must got the distances a bit wrong somewhere in the planning. It only took a couple of hours from Yellowstone Lake. This meant we had plenty of time to call in at Colter Visitor Centre and plan the rest of our trip.

The scenery on the drive into the Grand Teton National Park was absolutely stunning a provided a welcome change in colour from Yellowstone. Mount Moran dominates the landscape on the drive in – the turnout at Willow Flats gave us a beautful view of it nestled into the lake and tucked in with sagebrush and fall leaf colour. Absolutely stunning.

Accommodation Review: Signal Mountain Lodge Grand Teton NP

Signal Mountain Lodge is a very comfortable place to stay close to all Grand Teton National Park has to offer.  Several excursions can be arranged at Reception, which makes planning your trip here a bit easier.  The restaurant is good too.

Snake River and Taggart Lake – All I Need is the Air that I Breathe …

We made an early start on our fist full day in Grand Teton National Park to join a float trip down the Snake River organised through Signal Mountain Lodge. Mountain and lake scenery does it for me every time. I would very much like to come here in Spring (I.e. last week June/1st week July) to see the alpine flowers in bloom. Now though, we have the beautiful fall colours of the cottonwood and aspen trees. It is such a short season here – soon (2 weeks max,) – the trees will be reduced to twigs again and the snow will come – up to 300 inches in Jackson usually and 700 inches in the mountains.

Cascade Canyon – Autumn Gold

We took a long day hike into Cascade Canyon today. Even with the boat ride across Jenny Lake, it is still a 10 mile hike. We were rewarded with fine views of the changing Autumn foliage. 

Personally, I didn’t find the view from Inspiration Point particularly inspirational – after the very strenuous hike through thin air, I was really hoping for something more – but I did have a sense of achievement for accomplishing the hike this far and enthusiasm to press on to the Forks – the majority of people get no further than Inspiration Point, but the trails flattens out after this, so why not press on?

Rock Springs via Jackson – Aiming for the Armpit

We got talking to a couple of local guys in the Deadman’s Bar last night – well actually, they’d started the conversation by asking us how we were enjoying our visit to the colonies. We laughed at this and the conversation went on for an hour or more by which time we had sorted out American politics, English politics, beer, whisky, resource management and – well we ran out of time for world peace. They asked us where we were headed next and when we said Rock Springs , they told us this was the armpit of Wyoming, in their opinion. Great – so we are aiming for the armpit then!

We headed off towards Jackson and stopped off at the National Museum of Wildlife Art on the way. This was a fantastic museum – really worth the stop, I would go so far as to say that if you have time to visit only one museum in this area, this should be your choice.

Accommodation Review:  Homewood Suites Hilton Rock Springs

The Homewood Suites Hilton Rock Springs is a reasonable base  for this portion of the trip.  The hotel was comfortable and the room was spacious – but without much character.  There is a Chinese restaurant nearby which is OK.  Jackson would maybe have been a better place to stay – but it is really difficult to balance reasonable driving distances with the best place to stay on a long road trip like this.  The compromise was reasonable here, overall.

Dinosaur Log Jam – Dinosaur National Monument – Utah

We turned off at Vernal and visited the Dinosaur National Monument. We walked the fossil trail which is a short hike through desert country. There were fossils to see all along the trail, but it is hard to identify them if you are not exavtly sure what you are looking for. We walked the trail with a family whose son was convinced he could see bones everywhere. His Dad was less convinced – “your’e asking the guy who can’t even find the ketchup in the fridge to find a fossil?!” The indicative white arrows had been largely rubbed off, so that made things significantly more challenging. We definitely found one exhibit though – see photo! 

Accommodation Review:  Hilton Double Tree Grand Junction Colorado

The Hilton Double Tree Grand Junction is a good choice of hotel in Grand Junction with everything you would expect from this chain.  The signature complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies were waiting for us when we arrived, of course.  We really must stop meeting like this?!

A Walk down Main Street Grand Junction

Grand Junction is such an interesting town to visit – I am really glad we stopped here and we could easily have spent another day. It has lots of individual shops selling all manner of things from antiques to art and everything in between. There is a big foodie bias – lots of breweries and wineries and shops selling artisan cheeses – one stocked 54 varieties of extra virgin olive oil.

Main Street is lined with sculptures – public art – but with a quirky, fun bias rather than anything high brow.

Hiking in the Heart of The World – Colorado National Monument

We visited Colorado National Monument this morning. We had planned to spend just a couple of hours there, but ended up spending the whole day it was so interesting. John Otto was the man who fell in love with the place when he visited it in 1907 and dedicated the best part of his life to building trails there and getting it designated as a National,Park, which he achieved in 1911. He worked as the park’s caretaker then for $1 a day, so dedicated was he to the site.

John Ottos’s Dream:  “I came here last year and found these canyons, and they felt like the heart of the world to me. I’m going to stay … – and promote this place, because it should be a National Park.”

On Top of the World “Rocky Mountain High Colorado” – Rocky Mountain National Park

We drove back towards Denver, heading for the Rocky Mountain National Park this morning. It was a long but beautiful road with dramatic scenery all the way along. We arrived at the Park Entrance in the early afternoon and drove the Trail Ridge Road up into the Park and across to Estes Park our next – and last – stop.

Accommodation Review: Wildwood Inn RMNP

Self catering at the Wildwood Inn RMNP made a pleasant change at this late stage of our trip.  Shopping in the supermarket was interesting too.  The accommodation is a drive away from the nearest shop though.  It was too cold to use the outside jacuzzi and it didn’t look too inviting anyway.  Bears raided the bins at night – which could have been better managed.  The accommodation was very spacious and comfortable though.  The Wi-Fi signal was very weak/slow.

Cub Lake/Fern Falls – RMNP – All Fired Up!

With a full day to spend in RMNP, we hiked to Cub Lake today and decided to go beyond to Fern Falls – an 8 mile round trip in all. The foliage is a more fiery orange/red here, although it is a late fall this year. 

Our hike was accompanied by the loud bugling of elk all along the trail. This is rut season and you can hear it going on all around you. I thought it would be confined to sunrise/sunset – but the cries rang out around the tranquil vallies all day. During the fall, bull elk become aggressive as this is the breeding rut. They gather harems of up to 60 females around them and fiercely defend them using their antlers as weapons as they lock in combat with other bulls for breeding rights to the cow elk. I failed miserably to capture the sound of a bugling elk all day.  

Last Chance Saloon – Hitting the Sweet Spot in Denver

We had a couple of hours drive to reach Denver again after checking out of our Estes Park lodgings. I was left wanting more from Denver on our first visit, so it was easy plan the few hours we had left to us today.

I had three objectives in mind: See Grand Union Station, visit the enticing looking Cheesecake Factory and take a photo of the mile high city skyline… Grand Union Station – tick! Art deco style – never fails to please.

Yellowstone Road Trip – Final Reflections/Tips for Future Travellers

We travelled a total of 3,131 miles on our Yellowstone road trip by road and about 100 miles on foot. That is a lot of ground. We could have cut the trip short by missing out the Wild West bit around Rapid City/Mount Rushmore, but we would have missed out on quite a bit of the flavour of the place then and I wouldn’t want to have done that. The National Park annual pass turned out to be great value at $80. All the National Parks quieten down significantly after Labour Day at the end of August, so then is a good time to go, as long as you don’t leave it so long that the snow arrives – it is a small window, RMNP is definitely the busiest park (people per square mile), so I would leave that as late into the season as possible.

• National Parks

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Road Trip from Denver

A road trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is an iconic American adventure. From Denver to Cody, WY, a gateway town to both parks via Yellowstone’s East Entrance, it’s a roughly 9-hour drive. Sure, you could really push it and do the entire drive in one day, but that won’t make it a very fun road trip. Instead, plan to spend a couple of days checking out some of the must-visit towns and cool attractions along the way. Read on for some recommendations on how to make the most of a Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip from Denver.

The Route: Denver, CO to Cody, WY

Leaving from Denver, follow I-25N to Casper, before taking US-26W/Hwy 20W to Thermopolis. From there, you’ll take WY-120W to Cody, and then US-14W into Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Total drive time: 8-9 hours

Stop 1: Chill out in Casper

A manageable 4-hour drive from Denver will land you in Casper, WY, which is nestled along the North Platte River at the foot of Casper Mountain. Head to Alcova Resort and rent a kayak or boat from their full-service marina to explore Fremont Canyon. This unique geological treasure in between Lake Alcova and Pathfinder Reservoir will wow you with its burnt orange and red canyon walls as you float through two billion years of history.

After paddling through time, check out the tasting room at Backwards Distilling Company , a quirky, family-run operation offering small batch spirits. Cap off the evening in Casper’s up-and-coming Old Yellowstone District and grab a table at Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana .

Stop 2: Get your soak on in Thermopolis

Break up the drive with a relaxing stop at Hot Springs State Park along the Bighorn River in Thermopolis, WY. Yes, it’s touristy, but who can resist a hot mineral bath? There’s a free bath house in the park where the water stays a constant 104 degrees, or you can opt to pay a small fee for a more resort-like experience within the park at the Star Plunge Pool and Hellie’s Teepee, which offer amenities like water slides, saunas and pools of varying temperatures.

Stop 3: Experience the Wild West

Spend the night in Cody, WY—named after William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody—and you’ll be well-positioned to get an early start along the spectacular Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, which takes you right into Yellowstone. But first, tap into your inner-Cowboy (or gal) and snag a table at The Cody Cattle Company , before heading over to the Cody Nite Rodeo , which holds nightly rodeo action June – August. For a night cap, step back in time at the historic Irma Hotel.

From Cody, it’s an incredibly scenic 50-mile drive to Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance where your national park adventure awaits.

Not sure how to make the most of your time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton? Check out this recommended itinerary:  The Best of Yellowstone and Grand Teton if You Only Have a Week .

Explore National Park Adventures

Photos: Yellowstone National Park Geysers – James Kaiser; Old Yellowstone District in Casper, WY – Visit Casper; Hot Springs State Park – Acroterion/WikiCommons; Cody Nite Rodeo – Park County Travel Council

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Yellowstone Road Trip: Denver to Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone

Start / End

Denver, Colorado

States Covered

National parks.

Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Wind Cave

Total Distance

2,000 Miles (3,219 KM)

Suggested Days

At least 14

Suggested Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall

#ThisIsMyRoute

Getting started.

This Yellowstone road trip route is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the open road and some of America’s most untamed areas. Embark on a journey that is so much more than just national parks! Experience an epic American road trip complete with old western towns, historic monuments, intriguing culture, and unbelievable scenery. Arrive at Denver International Airport where you can spend some time exploring the Mile High City or immediately get started on your road trip journey. From Denver, head north for a quick stop in the “Craft Beer Capital of Colorado,” in Fort Collins. It’s a fun, happening town that will get you excited to explore everything else to come. Later, head further north to Wyoming. Stop in Cheyenne, one of the most well-known western towns in the world. Afterwards, head towards South Dakota to see the Black Hills. Return to Wyoming and visit Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, Devils Tower, and more! After all the excitement of Jackson and the parks, slow down and enjoy the small towns of southern Wyoming.

While this is the route we recommend, you can always skip or add days as you see fit. If you don’t have enough time to see it all you may just have to plan another road trip in the future! 

Arrive in denver and head to fort collins, 1.5 hours/72 miles.

We suggest arriving early into Denver and renting your car from the airport. Head north on I-25 towards Fort Collins, Colorado. It is the perfect town to get prepared and excited to start your road trip! Don’t worry, you will have a chance to explore the mile high city at the end of your trip if you choose!

Travel Tip: drink tons of water! The elevation in the Rocky Mountain West is real, and if you’re heading from lower elevation, increased hydration will help you stave off altitude sickness.

Fort Collins, Colorado This vibrant town is full of activities, but offers the tranquility of nature just a few miles away. If you want to walk on cobblestone streets next to historical buildings, you will love Old Town Fort Collins! Boutiques, pubs, galleries, events, local eateries abound in this downtown area.

Best short hike:

KIMMONS TRAIL

Best place for breakfast:

SILVER GRILL CAFE

Best place to watch the sunset:

CATHEDRAL TREE TRAIL

Best place to stay:

OLD TOWN FT. COLLINS

Best swimming hole:

CACHE LA POUDRE

Best place for local brew:

NEW BELGIUM BREWERY

Fort collins to cheyenne, 50 minutes/47 miles.

Grab breakfast and get an early start towards your first stop in Wyoming. Cheyenne, Wyoming is the perfect town to get a real feel for the American west. It is famous for its cowboy culture, rodeos, and trains. After you take in all the entertaining events, historic museums, steam engines, and western-themed attractions, take a day trip east on I-80 to nearby outdoor recreation areas like Vedauwoo and Curt Gowdy State Park. Here you will discover beautiful views, world class climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. Cheyenne is also known for its art and the beautiful botanic gardens.

Read more here .

Best experience for the whole family:

TERRY BISON RANCH

Can’t miss it:

CHEYENNE DEPOT AND MUSEUM

Must see it:

BIG BOY STEAM ENGINE

Best place for a hike:

CURT GOWDY STATE PARK

Best burger in town:

2 DOORS DOWN

Best morning grab and go:

MORT’S BAGEL

Cheyenne to hot springs, south dakota, 3 hours/240 miles.

To begin a longer travel day, head north on I-25 for a little over an hour until you reach Wheatland. This small Wyoming town is a good rest stop filled with quaint shops and murals. Then head northeast on Highway 26 towards Guernsey. Another very interesting part of American history lies just half a mile south of the town, where some of the best examples of the Oregon Trail ruts are still visible. After a bit of American history and a relaxing picnic in Guernsey State Park, head northeast for about two hours toward Hot Springs, South Dakota . If you make it before nightfall, end your day with a swim at Evans Plunge, the oldest attraction in the Black Hills.

Best place for a picnic:

GUERNSEY STATE PARK

Best place to stay: 

HISTORIC LOG CABINS IN HOT SPRINGS

Oregon trail ruts.

Where to soak:

EVANS PLUNGE MINERAL SPRINGS

Jh keith park and whitney preserve, hot springs to rapid city, 2.5 hours/100 miles.

Next, have an action packed day exploring the gems that surround the Black Hills ! If you have time, visit the Mammoth Site, which boasts the largest concentration of mammoth fossils in the world and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Afterwards, drive up north toward Wind Cave National Park. After the visiting this unique national park, head up the quintessential old west town of Custer. Grab a bite to eat and then head to Custer State Park to explore granite peaks and rolling hills. After some time in the park, come face to face with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln at Mount Rushmore . This national monument teaches the story of America’s birth, growth, and development. Venture northeast for a night in Rapid City. Here you will find a vibrant town with great places to eat, drink and stay.

WIND CAVE CANYON TRAIL

Best photo op:

JEWEL CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Great place to go:

FORT HAYS OLD WEST TOWN SQUARE

Rapid city to gillette wyoming, 3.5 hours/220 miles.

Rapid City is a fun bustling town, so wake up to enjoy a walk through downtown with a coffee in hand. Then head up Highway 90 towards Spearfish. It doesn’t matter when you visit, this region has year-round adventure. There is an abundance of hiking, fishing , camping, hunting, climbing, and biking . The art and history surrounding the area is an attraction in and of itself. If you want some final Black Hills views, drive through Spearfish Canyon to Interstate 90 towards Gillette, Wyoming . When you hit Highway 14, go north towards Devil’s Tower National Monument. This landmass is America’s first national monument for a reason: it is one of the most striking, naturally-formed landscapes in the country. After seeing Devil’s Tower, make your way to Gillette. This town will get your taste buds buzzing with all their delicious culinary options.

Best history:

CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL

Best place to get dinner:

PIZZA CORRELLO

Arbuckle lodge, gillette to cody, 4.5 hours/250 miles.

As you leave South Dakota and make your way across eastern Wyoming there are a few stops to choose from before reaching the eastern gateway of Yellowstone National Park.

Your first stop is Buffalo, an adorable town nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains . A dozen historical buildings, ice cream shops, art galleries, and restaurants line Main Street. Head towards Ten Sleep, a unique, small western town that hippies, hunters, cowboys, and climbers alike call home. Next, stop in Worland, home of the Washakie Museum.

We highly recommend making a short detour to Greybull before your final destination. The dinosaur tracks site and the Dinosaur and Geoscience Museum will put your travels in a whole new perspective. The folks who live in this community nestled into by public lands like to say, “We are around so few and surrounded by so much,” so ask for a recommendation for hike and a lunch before leaving town.

Now it’s time to head for the lively western adventure town of Cody, Wyoming . The best way to get a taste of the Wild West is by watching bucking broncos and fearless cowboys at one of the nightly rodeos. For more country western culture, walk around Sheridan Avenue and follow the noise of live music and two-steppinb boots. Before you leave for your official Yellowstone road trip in the morning, don’t forget to learn about the man that the town is named after, Buffalo Bill Cody, at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West .

Best place for a local brew:

TEN SLEEP BREWING COMPANY

Gooseberry badlands.

Best place to take the kids:

RED GULCH DINOSAUR TRACKS

Best scenic byway:

CLOUD PEAK SKYWAY

Best night out:

CODY STAMPEDE RODEO

Yellowstone road trip.

Wake up early and hop on the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway that connects Cody to Yellowstone National Park. Called one of the most beautiful drives in America, the rushing Shoshone River, amazing rock formations, and the mountains views are bountiful. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, there are multiple scenic vista stops along the highway. Once you reach the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, don’t forget to grab a park map! Remember, Yellowstone covers a huge tract of land. If you want to get the best experience without a lot of driving, we suggest staying one night within Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Road Trip Attractions:

• Lake Butte Overlook
• Fishing Bridge Visitors Center
• Yellowstone Lake
• Mud Volcano
• Sulphur Caldron
• Virginia Cascade
• Beryl Spring

Best place for wildlife:

THE LAMAR VALLEY

Storm point nature trail.

Best place to ride a horse:

LODGES OF EAST YELLOWSTONE

Best point of interest:

LAKE YELLOWSTONE HOTEL

Best iconic American landmark:

OLD FAITHFUL

Grand canyon of the yellowstone  and  emerald pool, grand teton national park and jackson.

The next stop on your Yellowstone road trip is the gorgeous natural wonder of Teton National Park. Explore crystal clear lakes, flowing rivers, and incredible photography spots along the rugged Grand Tetons. If you really want to enjoy Grand Teton National Park you can avoid the crowds and bike some of the many trails. (Map attached below!) After experiencing Grand Teton grandeur, head towards Jackson Hole. As you approach the famous Wyoming tourist town, look for the National Elk Refuge, which offers tons of activities. Once you get to Jackson it’s time to enjoy the culture, cowboy bars, and delicious restaurants! If you want to see it all from above we suggest taking a ride up the Aerial Tram. 

Best road for photo ops:

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ROAD

Colter bay lakeshore.

Best museum:

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WILDLIFE ART

Carriage ride through the national elk refuge.

Best local brew:

SNAKE RIVER BREWING

Jackson to lander, 3 hours/160 miles.

Leaving Jackson Hole, as you begin to see the Grand Tetons disappear in your rearview mirror, you will reach the town of Dubois . This charming hidden gem is one of the last real Old West towns. This small town is packed with outdoor adventures like mountain biking, hiking, ATV riding, kayaking, and much more. If you are here in the winter, don’t miss out on snowmobiling! Additionally, get to know the Wind River Mountain Range. Drive along the mountains toward Riverton, one of the most underrated towns in Wyoming. This small mountain town is worth an overnight stay, so you can learn all about the local Native American culture . If you are lucky, you may just be here for one of the many events that take place over summer. For an outdoor adventure, head to the next town over, Lander . Discover the beauty of the untamed Wind River Mountains, starting with the fascinating Sinks Canyon State Park.

Try your luck:

WIND RIVER HOTEL AND CASINO-RIVERTON

Popo agie falls trail.

Best scenic drive:

THE LOOP ROAD

The lander bar, lander to denver, colorado, 5.5 hours/350 miles.

Continuing on your Yellowstone road trip, get ready to explore some of America’s best kept secrets in Southern Wyoming. Your first stop is the town of Rawlins. History buffs rejoice, as Rawlins is home to the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum . After you have stretched your legs, it’s time to hit Saratoga. Your drive will feature vast open spaces and the towering peaks of the Snowy Range. Saratoga will be a good stop for lunch before you head west on Highway 130 for Medicine Bow National Forest. This area is full of lakes and peaks with many spots to sit by the water and relax. After you have enjoyed one of the best outdoor areas in Southern Wyoming, head for Laramie . Laramie is an idyllic American town with rich history, fun local happenings, and tons of outdoor recreation. If you didn’t get a chance to visit Vedauwoo the first time, this is your second chance. Take some time to walk around downtown Laramie where you will find great restaurants, art shops, souvenirs and more. For some, this may be the last stop of your trip before heading back to the airport. For others, head to Denver, Colorado, for a taste of the city life.

Great Coffee:

DEB B’S FAMILY ESPRESSO & ICE CREAM-RAWLINS

Hobo hot springs -saratoga.

Great Museum:

SARATOGA MUSEUM

Lake trails, wyoming territorial prison-laramie.

Best outdoor recreation:

VEDAUWOO RECREATION AREA

Denver, colorado.

Exchange your country boots for your city shoes because you are now in the Mile High City. Denver is known for its foodie paradise, vibrant neighborhoods, music scene, thriving beer culture, amazing art, and sporting life. During your visit you may hear many expressions such as “LoDo,” “SoDo,” “RiNo” and many more. These are references to Denver’s is ten diverse neighborhoods. Whatever you are looking for during your vacation, you will find it within one of these eclectic neighborhoods.

Historic neighborhood:

LARIMER SQUARE

Denver art museum.

Haven for Art Lovers:

THE ART DISTRICT ON SANTA FE

Shopper’s Paradise:

CHERRY CREEK

Union station.

Best hotspot for food and culture :

SOUTH PEARL STREET  AND  OLD SOUTH GAYLORD

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Epic Guide to Yellowstone National Park

C omplete guide to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Everything you need to know to plan an epic trip to this amazing national park including lodging, camping, things to do, history, wildlife, and information on the local area. 

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was created by the United States Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is located in the United States, mainly in the state of Wyoming, although it extends through Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone, the first national park in the United States,  is also widely considered the oldest national park in the world.

About Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is located above the caldera of the largest volcano in America, very alive but without an eruption since 640 000 years ago. Because of that, it has numerous geothermal phenomena, especially the Old Faithful geyser , one of its most popular attractions. It is famous for its diversity in fauna, due to the fact that hunting of any kind has been prohibited for over  150 years.

The main road in the park is the 142-mile Grand Loop Drive, with upper and lower loops, forming a rough figure eight in the center of the park. On the undulating Yellowstone Plateau, you cross the Continental Divide twice, both with signs showing the elevation at the Continental Divide 8391 feet and 8262 feet.

On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses Grant signed into existence Yellowstone as the world’s first national park. This 2.2 million acres of wilderness covers three states including Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, and was set aside“For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

Today, you can see these famous words as they are written on the Roosevelt Arch, the rock arch entrance as you enter from the north in Garnier, Montana. 

There is just a special feeling driving through the arch as you read these words. You know that you have entered a special place, a place of unspoiled beauty, iconic western scenery, and the birthplace of something truly special, the U.S. National Park System. Perhaps America's best idea yet.

Is Yellowstone National Park worth visiting?

Yes! Yes! Yes! How many times can I say yes? 

At nearly 12,000 square miles, it has an amazing variety of sights to offer, whatever your interests.

Where else in the world can you find geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and other signs of hot geothermal activity, with snow-capped mountain peaks close by, huge meadows dotted with bison, elk, and mule deer, rivers steaming as hot springs empty into them, waterfalls and a canyon, all in one park?

History of Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field resulted from three volcanic eruptions that spanned two million years.

The first cycle occurred over two million years ago and it created the Island Park Caldera. The second cycle happened approximately one million years later and it formed the Henry’s Ford caldera situated west of the first caldera.

The third cycle, which occurred 640,000 years ago, shifted to the Yellowstone Plateau and formed the caldera which is present today.

In Yellowstone, traces of human presence have been found, dating back at least 11,000 years. In the 1950s, construction work on the Gardiner Post Office uncovered a projectile from the Clovis culture.

In 1806, John Colter, who was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, left his fellow travelers to join with a group of trappers led by Manuel Lisa. Under his orders, Colter was sent to explore the upper reaches of the Yellowstone River.

He was probably the first European to have visited this region and come into contact with the Amerindian tribes.

In 1869, the Folsom expedition ascended the Yellowstone River to Yellowstone Lake. It was the first to provide a detailed description of the Yellowstone region.

In 1870,  Montana  residents also organized an expedition (the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition ), led by surveyor Henry Washburn and involving Nathaniel P. Langford and an army detachment, commanded by Lieutenant Gustavus Doane.

For a month, they studied the region, collected numerous specimens, and christened several places. Cornelius Hedges, a writer, and lawyer from Montana participated in the Washburn expedition. Between 1870 and 1871, the newspaper Helena Herald published several articles that detailed his observations.

He was one of the first, with the governor of Montana, Thomas Francis Meagher, to propose making the Yellowstone a protected national park.

In a letter of 1871, addressed to Ferdinand Hayden by Jay Cooke, the latter claimed that his friend, Senator William D. Kelley had suggested creating a law that would make Yellowstone a public park.

Hayden led a second and more important expedition, financed this time by the Government. He wrote a full report on Yellowstone, illustrated with photographs by William Henry Jackson, 33, and illustrations by Thomas Morgan, which made the US Congress protect this region.

On March 1, 1872, US President Ulysses Grant signed the decree creating the "Yellowstone National Park" in order to create a place "free of commercial exploitation, dedicated to the satisfaction of the people." The Hayden Valley takes its name from this geologist.

In order to mitigate the insufficiency of means to protect the national park, between 1886 and 1918 its administration was entrusted to the Army but On October 31, 1918, the Army ceded control of Yellowstone to the National Park Service.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a 146 miles road with an "8" shape was built connecting the most interesting points of the park.

Between 1933 and 1941, the Civil Conservation Corps built the tourist information centers, the campsites, and most of the current roads.

In 1959, a powerful earthquake struck west of Yellowstone on Hebgen Lake and damaged the roads and facilities of the national park.

On October 26, 1976, Yellowstone Park was declared an international biosphere reserve alter on September 8, 1978, it was integrated into the  UNESCO world heritage .

But in 1995, this Committee placed it on the list of endangered world heritage areas. The poor quality of the water, the tourist crowds, and the use of snowmobiles were other reasons for concern.

Following the efforts of the federal government, the situation has improved and in July 2003 the park was removed from the list of endangered areas.

During the dry summer of 1988, some fires caused by lightning devastated 36% of the surface of the park, 783,880 acres, and the most affected part was North Fork.

Today, the National Park Service intentionally causes fires, circumscribed to certain areas already studied in advance, to prevent a catastrophe like the one of 1988.

Things to know before your visit to Yellowstone National Park

The park is open year-round but many features are closed in the winter. 

Entrance fee  

A fee is charged for entry to the park, with a 7-day permit available. The permit provides access to all areas of Yellowstone National Park, as well as nearby Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone Entrance Fee - Private Vehicle - $35

Yellowstone Entrance Fee - Motorcycle - $30

Yellowstone Entrance Fee - Hiker/Biker - $20

Yellowstone Annual Pass - $70

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Free Entrance Days - Check out the 5 days during the year that entrance fees are waived. 

Learn more about  National Parks Passes !

Time Zone  

MST- Mountain Standard Time

Pets  

Pets are allowed in Yellowstone NP but they must be on a leash at all time.

Please remember that there is a ton of wildlife in Yellowstone and they may be attracted to your pet.

Keeping your pet on a leash helps to keep them safe during your visit.

Leashes cannot be longer than 6 feet in length. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.

Pets are not allowed on any park trails or in the park backcountry. Pets are not considered pack animals.

Cell Service

We have had fairly good service in the park especially on the main roads. There are definitely parts of the park where cell phone service is not available or there may be a intermittent cell signal. 

The park remains open year-round, with the operating hours for the visitor centers depending on the time of the year.

Wi-Fi may be available at the park visitor centers. 

Insect Repellent

It is always a good idea to bring insect repellent with you. We use permethrin bug spray that can be applied to your clothes before you leave for your trip.  

Water Bottle  

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

There are large parking lots available near Old Faithful. 

Other attractions in the park have smaller parking lots and can be difficult to find parking.

If you are planning to visit Midway Geyser Basin to explore Grand Prismatic Spring you can almost guarantee having to wait for a parking spot.

Food/Restaurants

There are multiple restaurants and fast service counters within Yellowstone.

Canyon Lodge -  Eatery, Falls Café, Ice Creamery, M66 Grill 

Canyon General Store - 60s-style burger counter and ice cream counter

Washburn Lodge - Washburn Lookout (snacks and drinks)

 Grant Village Lodge - Dining Room, Lake House at Grant 

Grant Village General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Lake Hotel and Cabins - Lake Hotel Dining Room, Lake Hotel Deli, and alcohol bar

Lake Lodge and Cabins - Cafeteria

Lake General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Fishing Bridge General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Bridge Bay Marina Store - Snack bar

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins -  Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, Terrace Grill,  Map Room Bar

Mammoth General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Old Faithful Inn - Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, Bear Paw Deli, Bear Pit Lounge

Old Faithful Snow Lodge - Obsidian Dining Room, Geyser Grill, Coffee counter, 

Old Faithful Lodge -  Cafeteria, Bake Shop, Lobby Snack Shops, Ice cream counter

General Stores (Upper and Lower) - Store Soda Fountain

Roosevelt Lodge - Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, Old West Dinner cookout

Tower Fall General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

There are gas stations located near Old Faithful, Grand Village, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, Tower/Roosevelt Junction, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

National Park Passport Stamps

National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.

Make sure to bring your  National Park Passport Book  with you or we like to pack these  circle stickers  so we don't have to bring our entire book with us. 

Yellowstone NP is part of the 2022 Passport Stamp Set , was the national stamp in the 1989 Passport Stamp Set , and in the 1988 Passport Stamp Set as part of a collage of parks. 

Large Vehicles

There are several large parking lots at the main attractions but will prove difficult on many other roads and smaller parking lots. 

Electric Vehicle Charging

Public EV charging stations are now available in a number of park locations.

The stations are Level 2, and provide 208/240 volt electric service. Charging takes about 4 hours from empty to full. 

Yellowstone Forever , the park’s official nonprofit partner, installed one of the public charging stations at their headquarters and retail store at 308 E Park St. Gardiner, Montana 59030.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the authorized concessioner operating the park’s hotels, has installed public charging stations near several of the park hotels:

Mammoth Hot Springs : In front of the Haynes PhotoShop; and behind the Northwest corner of the Mammoth Hotel.

Old Faithful: At the Old Faithful Lodge Cabins (Lower Loop), outside of Shower house 1.

Canyon Village:  In front of both Rhyolite and Washburn lodges.

Lake Village:  In front of Teal employee dorm.

West Entrance/ West Yellowstone MT:  The Gray Wolf Inn and Suites, 250 S Canyon St., and the Holiday Inn, 315 W Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758. Tesla stations are also located in West Yellowstone.

Details about Yellowstone National Park

Size - 2,219,790 Acres

Yellowstone NP is currently ranked at 8 out of 63 National Parks by Size . 

The Yellowstone National Park covers an area of 2,219,790 acres that includes lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges, Yellowstone Lake being the largest mountain lake in North America.

Date Established  

Yellowstone National Park was created by the United States Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872.

Visitation  

In 2020, Yellowstone NP had 3,806,306 park visitors.

In 2019, Yellowstone NP had 4,020,288 park visitors. 

Yellowstone is one of the top ten most visited National Parks in the United States. 

Yellowstone National Park Address

2 Officers Row

Yellowstone National Park Headquarters

Yellowstone National Park, WY.82190

Yellowstone National Park Map

If you want to check out a detailed map of the park you can purchase a trails illustrated map which highlights 1,000 miles of mapped trails and the main attractions within the park. 

They also sell a Yellowstone map pack that includes:

• Map 302 :: Old Faithful: Yellowstone National Park SW
• Map 303 :: Mammoth Hot Springs: Yellowstone National Park NW
• Map 304 :: Tower, Canyon: Yellowstone National Park NE
• Map 305 :: Yellowstone Lake: Yellowstone National Park SE

Every Trails Illustrated map is printed on "Backcountry Tough" waterproof, tear-resistant paper. 

Where is Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is about a seven-hour drive north of Salt Lake City, three hours from Jackson, and very close to the town of West Yellowstone.

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Gardiner, MT - Borders the north entrance of Yellowstone

West Yellowstone - Borders the west entrance of Yellowstone

Idaho Falls, ID - 108 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes

Bozeman, MT - 78 miles, 1 hour and 25 minutes

Casper, WY - 267 miles, 4 hours and 40 minutes

Salt Lake City, UT - 320 miles, 4 hours, and 50 minutes

Boise, ID -  340 miles, 5 hours and 10 minutes

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

The road through Yellowstone is closed for the winter. 

Grand Teton National Park - 65 miles

Glacier National Park - 366 miles

Arches National Park - 557 miles

Canyonlands National Park - 563 miles

Bryce Canyon National Park - 587 miles

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - 541 miles 

Where are the Yellowstone National Park Visitor Centers?

Albright visitor center.

Location - Located in the northern part of the park near Mammoth Hot Springs

Canyon Visitor Education Center

Location - Location near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. 

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum

Location - The Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center is located one mile off the Grand Loop Road on the East Entrance Road. 

Flagg Ranch Information Station

Location - The Flagg Ranch Information Station is located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway

Grant Visitor Center

Location - The Grant Visitor Center is located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, a short distance south of the West Thumb Geyser Basin. 

Madison Information Center and Trailside Museum

Location - halfway between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone

Museum of the National Park Ranger

Location -  The Museum of the National Park Ranger is located off the Grand Loop Road at the entrance to the Norris Campground.

Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Information Center

Location - On the trail within Norris Geyser Basin. 

Old Faithful Visitor Education Center

Location - Near Old Faithful Geyser

This large visitor education center has a great windowed view of the geyser. There is a nice park store, natural wonders of Yellowstone exhibit hall, restrooms, and rangers available to answer questions. 

West Thumb Information Center

Location - West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center

Location - Located in West Yellowstone near the entrance to the park.

This visitor center includes NPS Park Rangers who can answer questions specific to the park. There are also staff members for the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce who can answer questions about lodging and information on West Yellowstone.

Getting to Yellowstone National Park

Cody and Jackson, WY; Bozeman and Billings, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID are close airports that are open year-round. The West Yellowstone, MT airport is serviced from June to early September from Salt Lake City, UT.

The Jackson, Wyoming airport is great! You can rent a car on-site and be in the park pretty quickly. On your way back home you can enjoy comfy leather couches, fireplaces, and a relaxing airport before flying out.

Commercial airlines serve the following airports near Yellowstone National Park all year: Cody and Jackson, WY; Bozeman and Billings, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID.

Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

Located in West Yellowstone just outside of the park. This airport is open from early May to mid-October from Salt Lake City, UT.

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)

Located in Cody, Wyoming. Delta and United offer year-round flights to this airport. One thing to know is the east entrance to the park closes in the winter. 

When making a reservation make sure to confirm if you are flying into Yellowstone Airport or Yellowstone Regional Airport. 

Jackson Hole Airport - JAC

Jackson Hole Airport is located within Grand Teton National Park just south of Yellowstone.

Alaska, American, Delta, and United Airlines all offer year-round flights to and from Jackson Hole. 

Allegiant, Frontier, and Sun Country Airlines offer direct flights between Jackson Hole and Denver in the summer months only.

International Airports

Salt Lake City International Airport - SLC

Regional Airports

Idaho Falls Regional Airport - IDA

Cody, Wyoming

Bozeman, Montana

Billings, Montana

There are five main entrances to the park. These are open depending on weather conditions.

Be prepared that your GPS may not work correctly within the park. Bring a paper map and pick up current maps from the visitor center when you arrive at the park.

For current road conditions call (307) 344-2117

Entrances to Yellowstone National Park

West entrance .

The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is open during the summer only from Mid-April to early November. 

Winter access is only open by a commercially guided snow coach or snowmobile.

Closest City - West Yellowstone 

Closest Airport - West Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

The West Yellowstone Airport is located one mile north of West Yellowstone. It is open from Mid-May to early October and served by SkyWest Airlines (Delta Connection).

Bozeman Airport is 90 miles north of the west entrance.

Idaho Falls Airport is 110 miles south of the west entrance. 

North Entrance

Closest City - Gardiner, Montana

Closest Airport - Bozeman (BZN)

Northeast Entrance

Closest City - Cooke City, Montana

Closest airport - Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL)

The northeast entrance is not only the gateway to Yellowstone but also on the most scenic drive in America the Beartooth Highway.

Traveling the Beartooth Highway takes you through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains

Closest Bus Station to Yellowstone

Bus service from Bozeman, MT to West Yellowstone, MT via Highway 191 is available all year.

Bus service directly from Idaho to West Yellowstone is limited to the summer months.

Commercial transportation from Bozeman, MT to Gardiner, MT is available during the winter and summer seasons.

Commercial transportation to the park from Cody and Jackson, WY is available during the summer season. 

Closest Train Station to Yellowstone

Train service is not available to Yellowstone National Park.

The nearest train depots are in southeast Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah, and northern Montana.

Best time to visit Yellowstone National Park

The best time to visit Yellowstone is any time you can make it to the park. Every season in the park brings the opportunity to see something amazing.

Yellowstone National Park Weather and Seasons

During spring the roads start to open to visitors starting the third Friday of April.

Spring visitors to Yellowstone can enjoy wildlife viewing including bison calves, black bears emerging from their dens, spring birds, and wildflowers breaking through any remaining snow.

Visitation increases as the days move closer to Memorial Day. All roads within the park are open most years by Memorial Day weekend.

Summer is by far the busiest visitation within Yellowstone NP. More than half of the annual visitors visit the park between June, July, and August.

Starting from Memorial Day weekend visitation increases for the remainder of the summer.

The highlight of visiting during the summer is all of the roads are open and services are available including all of the lodges and campgrounds.

Early in the summer bears are visible as they are enjoying roadside meadows and emerging from dens. Later in the summer, they will start to move to higher elevations.

Bison Rut starts in July and can be seen in Lamar and Hayden Valleys. 

One thing to know about late summer is there is a chance of wildfire smoke obscuring views and making it hard to see anything. 

Visiting Yellowstone during the summer takes planning and a lot of patience! You want to plan to arrive to the park entrances as early as you can! 

By 9 am you could be in a long line just trying to get into the park. 

One benefit of visiting in the summer is the longer days. Plan to stay late to avoid crowds. A lot of visitors will head out to West Yellowstone and surrounding areas for dinner leaving the park easier to explore.

From 10 am to 3 pm the main park attractions of Old Faithful , Grand Prismatic Springs , Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Norris Geyser Basin are crowded and then some!

Plan to visit other attractions like Black Sand Basin , Biscuit Basin , Mud Volcano , and Firehole Lake Drive during the busiest parts of the day. This is also a great time to enjoy a picnic in the park.

Autumn/Fall

Starting in September campgrounds will start to close and some roads may experience temporary weather closures.

Elk are in rut during the Fall which is amazing to see. Listening to an elk bugle is a true National Park bucket list moment.

By October many park roads will begin closing for the winter season. This date can change based on the weather.

Both Dunraven Pass and Beartooth Highway normally close by mid-October. 

By November the park has started winter travel restrictions for all areas except Mammoth. 

During the winter most of the roads within Yellowstone are closed to automobiles.

The roads are open to limited snowmobile and snow coach travel from mid-December through mid-March.

The only road that is open for visitors to drive their own vehicles is between the North and Northeast entrance through Lamar Valley.

Most park facilities are closed in the winter. The only lodging open is Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge and Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

The only campground in the park open year-round is in Mammoth Hot Springs, located 5 miles south of the park's North Entrance.

Visitors in the winter can enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow coach tours, wildlife watching, and a winter wonderland.

Visitation is low during the winter making it feel like you have the park to yourself. 

Best Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

It is physically impossible to see all of Yellowstone in a day! In fact, a week will go by fast in this amazing park with so many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Remember the size of the park, throw in over 200 miles of roads, 900 miles of trails, and fight to get to attractions as Yellowstone has more annual visitors than the population of 24 of the 50 states in America. 

The most visited areas of the park include Old Faithful Geyser, Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin , Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,  West Thumb Geyser Basin, the standing trunk of a petrified redwood tree, about 50 million years old, Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pots , and Morning Glory Pool.

Millions of park visitors come to Yellowstone each year, the number one thing on their bucket list to do is go to the Upper Geyser Basin and see Old Faithful erupt in a predictable fashion.

Of course, Yellowstone is filled with geysers and people explore all through the Upper Geyser Basin plus Biscuit Basin, Black  Sand Basin, midway geyser basin, Norris Geyser Basin, and West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone is America's Serengeti. It is here that you will see one of America's healthiest ecosystems with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the best places to view wildlife include Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley . With that being said we always suggest keeping your camera in your lap because you never know what wildlife you will see as you drive through the park. 

Bring your patience when visiting Yellowstone. What draws visitors to the park-like yourself, is the outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities which include Elk, Bison, wolves, Grizzly, and Black Bears. With wildlife this abundant, it is guaranteed to create traffic jams going from one location to another. Remember that for most park visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event and they are just as excited as you are. 

Yellowstone is the core of one of the last, nearly intact, natural ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone.

Picturesque Mammoth Hot Springs is located just south of the north entrance of the park. Make sure to take time and walk through the boardwalks and get close to this amazing feature! Wildlife is often seen hanging out in the lawn areas including elk and bison.

Just remember to enjoy these animals from a distance as they are still wild animals.

Take advantage of the park's 900 miles of trails! Besides nothing is better than stretching your legs after a long road trip.

Make sure to stay on designated footpaths as these geysers, pools, mud pots, and vents are heated water and can cause severe injuries and even death.

Remember that Yellowstone is an active volcano, some call it a supervolcano! The 1000-3000 earthquakes a year, active ground deformation, and the 10,000+ thermal features are all evidence of its activity.

There are many beautiful waterfalls within Yellowstone but nothing more famous than Yellowstone Falls. Not only are the falls huge but so is this canyon!  I found myself just staring in amazement.

What are you waiting for, start planning that trip to Yellowstone! It is the one you and your family will always remember.

There is so much to see and do and a week is not enough to see it all. You also have the Grand Teton National Park just South of Yellowstone which is just as spectacular and has just as many recreational opportunities! 

Junior Ranger Program 

The Junior Ranger Program can be picked up at the park visitor centers. This program is a fantastic way for visitors of all ages to learn more about the park. 

There is a special snowflake patch for completing the winter Junior Ranger program. 

Yellowstone allows bicycles and e-bikes on established public roads, parking areas, and designated bike routes. 

All bikes are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. Bikes are prohibited on backcountry trails, boardwalks, and over snow routes in Yellowstone.

If you don't want to haul your bike with you to the park you can rent them at Old Faithful. 

During the spring visitors can ride 49 miles between the West Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs. The park plows the road but it is not open to motorized vehicles for a limited time. 

Check the  Spring and Fall Bicycling  page for road segment status.

There are designated bike trails within the park including the Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike trail, Bunsen Peak Loop Bike Trail, The Old Gardiner Road Bike Trail, Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail, Lone Star Geyser Bike Trail, and Natural Bridge Bike trail.

Bike trails range from 1-6 hours in duration. 

Guided Tours

From West Yellowstone - Park Tour with a local guide

Discover the stunning natural beauty the flora and fauna in Yellowstone National Park with this tour from West Yellowstone. See sights like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon waterfalls, and Artist Point.

From West Yellowstone - Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour by Van

See the wildlife of the Lamar Valley with a naturalist guide. Watch wildlife with high-powered spotting scopes and binoculars from the comfort of a van.

From West Yellowstone - Lower Loop Active Van Tour

See Yellowstone's hot spots by van with a naturalist guide. Visit Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Lake half day guided kayak tour - Enjoy a relaxed morning with a guided kayaking tour along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Look for local wildlife as you make your way over sparkling waters towards the West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Guided sunset lake kayaking tour - Paddle the glassy waters of Yellowstone Lake and see the awash in sunset tones on this guided kayak tour.

From Jackson - Day tour with entrance fee included

Join a local guide for an amazing day in the world's first national park, home of grizzly bears, elk, bison, wolves, eagles, foxes, and 60% of the world's geothermal features. Stop at Old Faithful, Grand Canyon waterfalls, and other geyser areas.

From Jackson - Park and Wildlife Viewing Tour

Explore Yellowstone National Park on a guided day tour. Visit Old Faithful, the Lower Falls of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and enjoy opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the day.

From Jackson - Full Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

Spend a day exploring Yellowstone's Lower Loop, departing and returning from Jackson. Visit the Old Faithful Area, Midway Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots, the Canyon Area, Hayden Valley, and more.

From Gardner - Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Feel the rush as you raft through rapids, crash over waves and conquer the Yellowstone River. Travel in a raft with a certified safety guide.

From Cody - Full day park tour

Experience the beauty of Yellowstone on this tour from Cody. Visit top sights like the historic Fishing Bridge, the bubbling Mud Volcano, Hayden Valley, Artist’s Point, and Old Faithful.

Hiking at Yellowstone National Park

There are more than 900 miles of hiking trails within Yellowstone National Park. 

Heading out on a day hike does not require a permit. You do want to make sure you have the ten essentials and someone knows where you are headed.

One thing to always remember when planning to hike in Yellowstone is the park is 7,000 feet above sea level. 

Many areas of the park will still have snow until late May and into early June. 

Make sure to check with a visitor center for current trail conditions and closures. Many areas of the park can be closed for bear management.

Hiking in Yellowstone is hiking in bear country! Bringing bear spray with you is always a good idea. 

Wildlife in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is home to numerous species of mammals including the gray wolf (reintroduced species), and the grizzly (threatened species). Other mammals include bison, black bear, mountain lion, elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain goat, and Bighorn Sheep.

The park has well over 1000 native plants in Yellowstone including wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and plants. 

How to beat the crowds in Yellowstone National Park?

The majority of visitors come to Yellowstone from June through August. Holidays and weekends in the Spring and fall are offer very full as well. Winter has far fewer visitors. Try going on weekdays in the spring and fall and if possible, visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer tour buses.

On peak days, in July and August, as many as 25,000 people wait for the famous geyser, Old Faithful, to erupt.

Where to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park

When planning where to stay while vacationing in Yellowstone you will want to determine which area of the park you are planning to visit.

We suggest if possible staying at a few different lodging options to provide easy access to different portions of the park. 

Yellowstone National Park Lodging

There are nine National Park Lodges located within the park offering over 2,000 rooms. 

Only two lodges are open during the winter - Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

From late spring through fall all of the lodges are open. 

• Canyon Lodge and Cabins : 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges. Available to book on Expedia
• Lake Hotel and Cabins : Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Lake Lodge Cabins :  186 cabins.
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins :  Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
• Old Faithful Inn : Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Old Faithful Lodge :  Cabin accommodations.
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge : Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Roosevelt Lodge:  Cabin accommodations.

Lodging near Yellowstone NP

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites in West Yellowstone - 3-star hotel. Gray Wolf Inn & Suites is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides a firepit, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. Adventurous travelers may like the snowmobiling at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.

Stage Coach Inn in West Yellowstone - Yellowstone Park West Entrance is located near Stage Coach Inn, which provides free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a 24-hour business center.

Yellowstone Westgate Hotel in West Yellowstone - At Yellowstone Westgate Hotel, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.

Brandin' Iron Inn in West Yellowstone - Brandin' Iron Inn is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides free full breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. Skiers and snowboarders can spend time on the slopes at this motel offering ski-in/ski-out access and cross-country skiing. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - Close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, Kelly Inn West Yellowstone provides free continental breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a firepit. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WIFI is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a business center.

Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel near Gardiner, MT- Along with self parking, this campground has coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, concierge services, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite. All 17 accommodations boast heated floor (bathroom) and offer Wi-Fi and 8 bathrooms. Other amenities available to guests include memory foam beds, premium bedding, and rainfall showerheads. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.

Absaroka Lodge near Gardiner, MT- Absaroka Lodge provides amenities like a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Yellowstone Big Rock Inn near Gardiner, MT- Yellowstone Big Rock Inn provides a garden and more. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner near Gardiner, MT- Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner/Yellowstone Park Area provides dry cleaning/laundry services and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Yellowstone Gateway Inn near Gardiner, MT- 3-star hotel near Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Gateway Inn provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Yellowstone National Park Camping

There are over 2,000 campsites within Yellowstone spread among 12 campgrounds. 

The only campground that is open year-round is Mammoth Campground. 

The majority of campgrounds within the park open in May and close in late fall. 

Five of these campgrounds are managed by the concessionaire who manages the Yellowstone Lodges. Reservations are handled through the concessionaire. 

• Bridge Bay Campground
• Canyon Campground
• Fishing Bridge RV Park
• Grant Village Campground
• Madison Campground

The National Park Service managed seven of the campgrounds. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov

• Mammoth Campground (Reservable)
• Norris Campground
• Slough Creek Campground (Reservable)
• Pebble Creek Campground (Sites 1-16 Reservable)
• Tower Fall Campground
• Indian Creek Campground
• Lewis Lake Campground

Backcountry Camping

The process for reserving backcountry campsites and obtaining backcountry permits has changed for 2022.

Early Access Lottery - Reservation applications will be accepted beginning in March 1 to the 20th, 2022 on Recreation.gov

Advanced Reservations - On April 26, remaining permits for open campsites will be available on Recreation.gov . Reservations must be made at least 3-days prior to the start date of a trip.

Walk-Up Permits - Walk-up backcountry permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis in person at a Yellowstone Backcountry Office. Hikers can obtain these permits up to 2-days prior to the start date of your trip.

Walk-up Permits cannot be issued over the phone or online through Recreation.gov.

Back Country Permit Fees

Early Access Lottery Application Fee:  $10 non-refundable. The application fee is charged for all applications to the Early Access Lottery regardless of success.

Recreation Fee:  $5 per person, per night plus a $10 reservation fee. The recreation fee is charged year-round for permits secured through Recreation.gov or in-person at a backcountry office.

The $10 reservation fee is charged for all permits except those acquired during the Early Access Lottery.

Permits are required year-round for all overnight stays in Yellowstone's backcountry. A backcountry permit allows the permit holder and group members to camp in a designated location.

Yellowstone maintains 293 designated backcountry campsites. 

Each designated campsite has a maximum limit for the number of people and stock allowed per night.

The maximum stay per campsite varies from 1 to 3 nights per trip.

A list and map of campsites can be found in the  Backcountry Trip Planner  and the online  Backcountry Trails and Campsites map .

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans . These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Travel Tips

Be prepared for CROWDS!!!

Have a hit list and plan of attack for what you want to see in the park. There is a lot of driving and construction in Yellowstone

Know your game plan and have a backup plan for weather, construction, too many people

Download the Geyser App for Yellowstone so you know Old Faithfu l times and don't miss it by a few minutes and have to wait an hour

Pack snacks and water

Dress in layers

If you want to stay at a Yellowstone lodge make your reservations as far in advance as you can. Many dates sell out a year in advance.

Know you will see more Bison than you can imagine. Don't worry about getting the perfect shot when you see the first one.

Be careful! Be aware of your surroundings.

Be bear aware, practice bear safety

Ask people what they are looking at when you see them pulled over or standing staring in one direction. It will make it a lot easier to see great wildlife.

Use the bathroom when you see it. The park is huge and it can take time to get to the next bathroom.

Go early in the morning and stay late in the evening to decrease the crowds you have to deal with.

Have a full tank of gas when you enter the park.

The park is a high elevation park. Be prepared for weather changes

Check weather and road conditions before you head into the park. Check for updates on Facebook and Twitter from the park and also on the website.

Be prepared to wait in road construction. I know we said it already but really be prepared! You could spend 20-40 minutes staring at the back of an RV or looking at the same trees.

Give yourself as much time as possible to explore the park! While you can drive the entire park in a day it will be a long day and you may not see as much as you want too.

Research the times for Old Faithful during your visit. This will help prevent having to wait for an hour or more to see Old Faithful

If you plan on visiting Yellowstone Falls try and get there early in the day. During the afternoon, the sun is directly behind the falls making it really hard to photograph.

Keep your camera ready during your drive through the park. You never know when a bear or other wildlife will appear.

If you are vegetarian the black bean burger at the grills inside the park is great.

Pack extra camera batteries and smart cards. You will take more pictures than you plan on

Be careful pulling off on the side of the road. In some areas, the dips are a lot bigger than you expect them to be. In the Lamar Valley , there can be quite a drop on the side of the road. If you have a low clearance vehicle be very careful.

Be prepared for road construction while driving through the park. You can be delayed for a few minutes to a lot longer.

Check your gas tank while near the few gas stations in the park. The gas stations are pretty spread out so make sure you have enough gas to get from one area of the park to the next.

Bug spray is your friend! Make sure you have some with you.

Yellowstone National Park information

How did yellowstone get its name.

Yellowstone National Park is named after the Yellowstone River which runs through the park. 

The river was named by the Minnetaree Indians who called it Mi tse a-da-zi, or Yellow Rock River. 

This name was passed on to French trappers who called it Roche Jaune and then later changed by American trappers to Yellow Stone. 

For those who enjoy spirits, the gift stores in Yellowstone carry a Bourbon that is only sold in their stores. It is Roche Jaune Whiskey. This is a very good bourbon, in fact, I get emails from visitors every year asking how they can get another bottle. Make sure to check out my article  Spirits inspired by the National Parks . 

How big is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined!

The park covers 3, 472 miles including 1,000 miles of trails, 52 picnic areas, 900 historic buildings, and 290 waterfalls. 

Is Yellowstone the largest National Park?

No! Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska is the largest park unit with over 13 million acres. 

What is the highest peak in Yellowstone?

The highest peak in the park is Eagle Peak in the southeastern part of the park at 11,358 feet.

Can you swim in Yellowstone rivers, lakes, or hydrothermal?

Swimming is not really recommended in the lakes or streams because they are COLD!

Firehole Canyon near Madison Junction has a popular swimming area in the summer.

Soaking in any thermal features is illegal and really dangerous!

The only exception to this is the Boiling River north of Mammoth Hot Springs where a large hot spring enters the Gardner River. This area has a mixing of hot and cool waters that make it comfortable to soak in.

How many Geysers are in Yellowstone?

There are more than 10,000 hydrothermal features in the park. Of these hydrothermal, there are 500 geysers with 300 active geysers. 

Over half of all the world's geysers are found in Yellowstone.

When does Old Faithful erupt?

Each eruption prediction is based on the last eruption so times vary by the day.

The average eruption is every 92 minutes. 

Yellowstone National Park Facts

Size - 3,472 square miles

Trails - over 1,000 miles of trails

Picnic areas - 52

Historic buildings - 900

Waterfalls - 290

Hydrothermal Features - 10,000

Geysers - 500, 300 of them are active 

National Parks near Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Craters of the Moon National Monument 

Timpanogos Cave National Monument  

Fossil Butte National Monument

Golden Spikes National Historic Site  

City of Rocks National Reserve

Check out all of the great  National Parks in Wyoming  along with neighboring  Colorado National Parks ,  Idaho National Parks ,  National Parks in Utah ,  Nevada National Parks ,  Arizona National Parks , and  New Mexico National Parks .