road trip from tennessee to wyoming

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Half a Hundred Acre Wood

Christian homeschooling integrating Classical and Charlotte Mason principles

10-Day Western Road Trip – Tennessee to Rockies to Yellowstone

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Our family has an exciting goal of experiencing all 50 states together before the boys graduate from high school. We started this adventure (and welcomed other families to join us back in 2011 by using the tag #50statesbeforetheygraduate), and now… in 2019, we’re only one state away from achieving our goal! You can virtually visit the states   we’ve visited to see what we’ve experienced and/or to offer your own recommendations on those pages! Or… you can check out our roadtrip itineraries for how we achieved visiting 49 states.

This roadtrip was a repeat for us – a second trip through the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. The difference was… this time, we only had about 10-12 days to pull it off. (That’s what happens when you own a homeschool curriculum business and you’re traveling at a time when families are ordering books for the coming school year!) We also wanted to see things we hadn’t experienced before, so we worked in new sites and scenes as we traveled through these states.

So… here it is. A 10-day roadtrip itinerary through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming.

• Superman Statue. Metropolis, IL. (Quick pitstop. Metropolis also has a Superman Museum.)

• The Old Courthouse. St. Louis, MO
• Gateway Arch National Park. St. Louis, MO. (1/2 to 1 day)

• Mushroom Rock State Park. (1 hour, great picnic stop)
• Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark. (Up to 1 hour)
• Future site of Little Jerusalem State Park. (drive by for now. When it opens, 1/2-1 day.)
• Van Gogh Sunflowers. Goodland, KS. (quick pitstop)

• Rocky Mountain National Park. (2 to 4 days)
• Great Sand Dunes National Park. (2 to 4 days)
• Garden of the Gods. (1/2 to 1 day)
• Manitou Cliff Dwellings. (1/2 day)

• Crowheart Butte. (pass by)
• Grand Tetons National Park. (1/2 to 2 full days)
• Yellowstone National Park.(2 to 3 full days)

Our trip by days, in the order we visited.

Day 1: Drive Nashville to Metropolis, IL. Get out, stretch, and take a photo with Superman. Drive to St. Louis. Explore The Old Courthouse (site of the Dred Scott Decision). Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. Explore the Gateway Arch Visitor Center/ Museum. Drive across Missouri and stop for the night near Kansas City, MO.

Day 2: Travel through Kansas. Pitstop at Goodland, KS to stretch and take a photo with Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Drive through Denver and up Peak to Peak Highway. Stay in Longmont, CO.

Day 3: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Drive to Bear Lake. Hike around Bear Lake. Hike to Alberta Falls. Drive to Alpine Visitor Center. Drive to Holzwarth Historic Site and explore. Drive to Granby, CO and then head north towards Walden, CO. Continue north and stay overnight in Rawlins, WY.

Day 4: Head towards Grand Tetons (see Crowhead Butte) and through Grand Tetons (stop at Colter Bay Visitor Center) and head towards Yellowstone. Arrive Yellowstone Canyon Village. Set up camp.

Day 5: Explore Yellowstone – Drive up to Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Geyser Basin back to Canyon Village. Places visited/hiked: Tower Fall, Petrified Tree, Wraith Falls, Mammoth Hot Springs, Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center, Sheepeater Cliff (picnic lunch), Norris Geyer Basin (Ranger-led talk at Steamboat Geyser).

Day 6: Explore Yellowstone – Old Faithful, Old Faithful Visitor Center, Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring & Excelsior Geyser Crater). (On a previous visit to Yellowstone we visited other popular areas, including Artist Point, Paint Pots, etc.) Break down camp and head towards Rawlins, WY. Stop overnight in Rawlins, WY.

Day 7: Drive from Rawlins, WY to Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, CO via Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway and Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. (See Mt. Elbert.) Explore Great Sand Dunes and play in Medano Creek.

Day 8: Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park Visitor Center. Hike to the top of a 600-foot dune. By mid-afternoon, start heading to Woodland Park, Stay overnight in Woodland Park. (We were hoping to make it to Florissant Fossil Beds but were a bit too late to work that one in.)

Day 9: Explore Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and Manitou Cliff Dwellings. View Pikes Peak. (Weather was bad, so driving to the top of Pikes Peak is still on our bucket list.) Drive to Colby, KS to stay overnight.

Day 10: Drive to Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark (dirt roads, but well-maintained), drive by location of future Little Jerusalem State Park, and explore Mushroom Rocks State Park. Drive home to Tennessee.

Our favorite resources for roadtrips include:

• National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States
• National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas: Maps, Games, Activities, and More for Hours of Backseat Fun
• National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide USA Centennial Edition: The Most Amazing Sights, Scenes, and Cool Activities from Coast to Coast!
• Roadtrippers app and website

That wraps up the places we visited this time around and how we did it. Stay tuned for detailed overviews of each place we visited, which we’ll post on this section of our website .

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We are looking to do a 5-7 night round trip road trip from Knoxville, TN to anywhere out west. Would love to hit Colorado, Wyoming, & Montana but know that may not be possibly with only 7 days (max). What kind of routes, must see sights, and places to stay would anyone recommend.

We are kind of taking this as a way to just get out and venture so if we can only hit one "turn around" state we are okay with that. Basically looking for beautiful sites, great driving views (if possible), and fun things to do.

We will be renting a RV and traveling with out two kids (4 and 1).

The second problem- 7 days max. To get from Knoxville to the Colorado border is about 17 hours of driving in a car , wheels turning, no stops, so in reality, with kids, about 3 days of driving each way.

Have you ever travelled long distances by RV? If not, you may want to consider doing something closer to home that doesn't require long hours behind the wheel. Generally, RVs are meant for traveling to a destination and staying put for several days and not a means to do a road trip. Do some research on what's involved in RV travel. It isn't necessarily cheaper. And then, there's the mundane, some times unpleasant housekeeping chores that have to be done when traveling by RV.

I agree with thbergs. Way too much driving and way too little time. As the Colorado border is 17+ hours you still have about 3 hours before you get to Denver and the Front Range of the Rockies. Eastern Colorado is as flat as Kansas. Within your time frame you really have to pare down your distances. Have you ever gone up to Asheville, NC and up the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC/VA? Much more doable and would give you a chance to get used to RV travel. A 3000+mile road trip in 5-7 days is not the way to learn.

I agree with thbergs and Connie B...too late to edit.:-)

Great advice everyone. This might also be a 7 day drive and fly back trip. That would open up a lot more possibilities and give more time for relaxed driving.

Any thoughts on stops then?

You may not be able to do a one way rental with an RV. Do your research.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g28926-c187230/California:United-States:Rv.Rental.Is.It.Right.For.Us.html

Just head to Nashville and look for Southwest sale fares and just fly round trip to Denver then enjoy time in this beautiful and scenic state.

No time for any type of road trip and especially not RV.

Or Frontier out of Nashville. Round trip to Denver $147.

When do you plan to travel?

RV pickup is usually in the afternoon, so day 1 has little actual driving time. You need to drop off in the morning, so need to be near the return on the night before (whether it is one-way or round trip). 7 RV days is actually just 5 full days.

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Meghan Tucker

June 23, 2020

16 Day Family Road Trip: Nashville to Jackson, Wyoming

Our kids have always been good travelers – whether it’s on a plane or in a car. When COVID-19 hit, we had to cancel a few camping trips and were pretty much stuck at home for a couple of months. After month two, we were ready to get out and needed a family road trip, if for nothing else than a change of scenery. My husband has a flexible schedule and right now was a great time for him to pick up and leave. We decided on a road trip out west from our home in Nashville, TN.

We went back and forth about the vehicle we should take on our road trip. We knew we didn’t want to take my car even though it’s a good traveling car (a Toyota Sequoia). We wanted something that would allow everyone to spread out more. Back and forth we went, from renting a big RV and driving out or renting a Sprinter van. We went with renting a Sprinter from Bandago .

We ended up choosing the Sprinter Grand. 23 feet long, 11 feet high, and seats 12 – we had the perfect amount of room for everyone. Each of the Sprinter Grands come standard with Xbox, TV/DVD, 23 inch monitor, 110v power outlets, headphones, and Wi-Fi. This van is equipped with ALL the things you need and want for the journey. But, my favorite part is the massive cargo space in the back. The measurements are around 5′ X 6′ X 6′. You can fit everything you could possibly want or need for your trip + some in this space.

The people at Bandago were fantastic to deal with and answered every question we had. We have even talked about renting one of these again when we had to the beach for three weeks in October.

We decided on a Sunday to take this road trip, booked our first couple of stops at Airbnb’s and off we went — four days later. Normally we’d plan more, but everything was super cheap at the moment (because of COVID-19), so we made sure the National Parks were open -which they were- and we knew we could find places to stay along the way, so why not go now?

We drove from Nashville to Omaha, Nebraska the first day (10 hours of driving) with a couple stops along the way – one being the Kansas City Chiefs stadium. Our youngest son wanted to see it since he is a Chiefs fan. We had dinner in KC, checked out the stadium for an hour or so, then continued on to Omaha where we spent the day at the cutest Airbnb .

We only were in Omaha one night, but loved it so much we may make a separate trip there again sometime soon.

Our trip then took us to South Dakota. If you’ve never been to South Dakota, you MUST go sometime! I had no idea how beautiful it would be. We visited Mount Rushmore , Badlands , and Custer State Park — and let me tell you how amazing Custer State Park is. One of the most beautiful parks we have ever been to and it also has amazing campgrounds that we’d love to take our camper back to sometime.

In South Dakota, we stayed in a cute little cabin (and I’m emphasizing the word “little”) within a development. It was cute and was definitely small for 6 people. We would recommend this place if you had a family of 4, but no more than that.

After two nights in South Dakota, we headed to Wyoming – a seven or eigh hour drive. We knew we’d come back to South Dakota another time and were making notes of things we wanted to do and see again on our next trip there.

The family road trip continued.

We planned to stay in Jackson, Wyoming for seven days. We rented a place that looked amazing but a few days before our arrival, they had to cancel it because the owners of the Airbnb decided to come into town. Outpost (the agency we booked through on Airbnb) reached out to us to get us switched to a new unit. We stayed in a townhome in Teton Village . We LOVED the location, but the unit needed major updates and didn’t have air conditioning (as many don’t in the area, which we found out after we were there). We had a few hiccups, but the rental company was great to help make our stay better. There are a lot of great places to stay in Teton Village or Jackson, Wyoming.

For the week we were there, we spent our days in Grand Teton National Park as well as in Yellowstone. We saw a TON of wildlife which made the trip extra special. The other times we have been to this area, we’ve seen some animals – but this time we saw a ton every day! I think it was because the parks had been closed for two months and the animals have had the place to themselves. Not only did we time it great with the wildlife, the park was close to empty since we went 5 days after they had opened, so there weren’t any crowds at all.

We saw multiple grizzlies every day and cubs, black bears, foxes, a wolf, elk, moose, and so much more. For the animal-loving kids that we have, this was the highlight of their trip for sure. Every evening after dinner, we would drive back out to the park to check out the wildlife right before dark. The great thing about staying in Teton Village was, you were less than five minutes to the entrance of Grand Teton National Park. Very convenient!

If you’ve never used this service before, check out Gypsy Guide . We used it for every park that we visited on the trip and it was nice to “have a tour guide in our car”, but go at our own pace. Our kids even loved listening to it.

You’d think after being in Jackson, Wyoming for seven days we would be ready to leave. We weren’t and we’re ready to go back — like tomorrow. We so wish we could. The town was so cute, great little shops and restaurants and there is so much to do in the area!

Some of the restaurants we ate at and loved are:

Bubba’s

Snake River Brewing

Gun Barrel Steak & Game House

Jackson Drug

Pinky G’s Pizzeria

Virginian Restaurant (best breakfast)

From Jackson, we left and drove to Moab, Utah. Another beautiful drive! We stayed two nights in Moab and visited Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park . The 3 bedroom condo we stayed in was perfect for the amount of time we were there. We really didn’t spend much time at the condo because we were gone so much. It was really just a place to lay our heads at night and to let the kids swim for a couple of hours one day.

Of the two parks we visited during this stop, Arches was our favorite. Again, we used Gypsy Guide to guide us through the parks.

We spaced out the two national parks in one day. We visited Canyonlands in the morning, had lunch inside the park at a wonderful picnic spot, and then came back to our condo to let the kids swim for a few hours before heading out for dinner and spending the evening at Arches. We wanted to be inside Arches when it was dark too check out the stars.

My favorite thing about Arches National Park was a short hike we did around when it was getting dark. There wasn’t really anyone else on the trail but us and it was starting to get dark. The stillness of the park, the silence, and watching the moon and stars come out was absolutely breathtaking.

From Moab, we drove throuogh Colorado where we made a stop at Mesa Verde National Park for a few hours and had lunch inside the park. It was definitely worth the stop. I had been there before as a little girl and remembered what a great park it was. They were just starting to open back up when we were there, so some of the turn-offs were still closed, but it was still worth the stop.

After a stop at Mesa Verde, we drove to New Mexico where we stayed two nights in Albuquerque . We visited the cute town of Santa Fe one day and then headed out the next towards Arkansas. Why Arkansas? We went to college right outside of Little Rock and wanted to show our kids around campus since we had never done that before. It also happened to be on our 16th wedding anniversary which made it a little more special since that is where we met.

After we stayed in Arkansas for one night and walked around campus and got a milkshake at our favorite place, we drove to Jackson, Tennessee, and spent the night. The trip was coming to an end and we all were excited to sleep in our own beds at home but were missing being on the road just the same.

We set out on this adventure, drove over 5,000 miles across the country and back with our four kids – ages 14 all the way down to 4 years old. We still love each other and would do it again in a heartbeat! In fact, our kids say it’s one of their favorite trips we have ever been on. We explored six National Parks, visited with family, celebrated a birthday, earned a couple of Junior Ranger badges, and saw some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife on Earth. It was definitely a trip to remember and we can’t wait to do a similar trip next Spring.

You can check out our road trip must have’s in this list HERE and also, make sure you check out the “Out West” highlight over on Instagram where you can view more about our trip and also see a few questions we answered from followers over there.

Have you ever taken a long family road trip like this? Where did you go?

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June 23, 2020 at 1:42 pm

That sounds like an amazing trip!!!

June 23, 2020 at 1:48 pm

It was fantastic! One we’ll always remember.

June 25, 2020 at 7:16 am

This looks like an incredible trip!! Great information!

June 25, 2020 at 11:04 am

Adding to my bucket list. Beautiful pictures.

The Best Wyoming Road Trip : An 8-day Itinerary

• Post last modified: December 18, 2022
• Post category: Itineraries / North America / One Week Trips / Wyoming

Wyoming is filled with wide open spaces, towering mountain ranges, beautiful lakes, and wonderful wildlife. This state is a beautiful place to explore nature and connect with the land. The beautiful scenery combined with the wide open spaces make this state a perfect place for a road trip. This 8-day Wyoming road trip winds it’s way through the northwestern corner of the state and explores the best things to do in the state .

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When to take a wyoming road trip.

The weather is Wyoming is best between June and September. During these months the weather is warm-ish and, most importantly, the roads are open. Fall and spring are nice too but can be much cooler. Winter is not a good time to take a Wyoming road trip as the heavy snowfalls can make roads impassable.  

Getting There and Around

The only way to explore Wyoming is by car. This is because attractions are so spread out, public transportation is pretty much non-existent and airports are limited. That’s why we recommend a Wyoming road trip to anyone looking to explore the state.  

To follow this Wyoming road trip itinerary, it is easiest to fly into Jackson and rent a car at the airport. Then drive the route and end in Bozeman, Montana. Flying out of Bozeman is cheaper than many small airports in the area.

What to Budget for Your Wyoming Road Trip

We spent $1700 on our one week Wyoming road trip, not including transportation to and from Wyoming. We definitely would consider this a budget trip as we camped a lot and packed a sack lunch almost every day.

Accommodations

Accommodations in these areas range from luxury to budget and the price range spans accordingly.

Hotels in Wyoming will average around $120/night. However, keep in mind that hotels within national parks tend to be very expensive. Jackson Hole is also a very expensive place to stay. Hotels in these areas are rarely found for under $250/night.

Vacation rentals like AirBnB in Wyoming average around $150/night. These can provide a less expensive option for travelers but they are limited so booking early is a must.

The most economical way to travel in Wyoming is camping. Campsites are plentiful and average around $30/night.

If you aren’t into camping for 8 days but still want to save some money, we’d recommend camping in areas where hotels are limited and therefore more expensive. We camped when we staying in the Tetons and south Yellowstone. The rest of the time we stayed in budget hotels that were all under $100/night.

Plan to spend around $20/person for each meal. Meals in Grand Teton and Jackson are a bit more pricy averaging above $50/person.

We love the idea of stopping a grocery stores and packing sack lunches for this trip. As Wyoming is such a spread out state, you never know where you’ll be able to find a restaurant. Packing a sack lunch allows you to have fun during the day without having to follow a strict itinerary to get you to a town for lunch.

We recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful parks pass which will get you and anyone in your car into any National Park for a year. This $80 pass will also get you entrance into Yellowstone and Grand Teton. This is $10 more than purchasing each individual park pass and will give you more flexibility for future travel plans.  If you choose to purchase individual parks passes, those will cost $70.

You’ll also want to budget out any activities you plan on doing in Cody or Jackson. Prices for recommended activities in those towns are included in the itinerary.

What to Pack

You’ll definitely want to remember to grab a paper map of Wyoming for your travels. Cell service in the state is spotty, especially in the remote areas. A paper map will help you to avoid getting lost.  

If you’re going to be doing hiking in Yellowstone or Teton, you’ll want to pack bear spray or other bear repellent . Additionally, make sure to pack sturdy walking shoes as there is plenty of walking involved in this Wyoming road trip.

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Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary  

Day 1 – jackson hole.

Arrive in Jackson Hole and explore the town. You’ll likely arrive mid-day if you’re flying into Jackson. Spend the rest of your day exploring downtown Jackson and consider visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art ($15/person).

To fill up your day in Jackson, check out our list of top things to do in Jackson here.

Stay overnight in Jackson.

Day 2 & 3 – Grand Teton National Park

Next, spend your time exploring Grand Teton National Park . We’d recommend spending your first day exploring the Jenny Lake area of the park and filling your second day with hiking and an exploration of the northern portion of the park.

For more information on how to spend your time in Grand Teton National Park, check out our two-day detailed Grand Teton itinerary here.

Stay overnight on day 2 and 3 in the park. There are lots of camping sites available as well as options to stay at some of the exclusive Grand Teton lodges. For recommendations on places to stay check out our Grand Teton vacation guide here .

Day 4 – Yellowstone Geysers

Next, spend day 4 of your Wyoming road trip exploring the most popular section of Yellowstone National park – the geysers. To get there, head north out of Grand Teton National park along highway 191.  

First, stop at the West Thumb Geyser Basin and then continue north. The road from West Thumb to Madison Junction is filled with stops that will allow you to explore the geysers that Yellowstone is famous for. Make sure to check the eruption times so you can time your trip just right in order to see as many geysers as possible, including the famous Old Faithful.  

For more information on visiting Yellowstone National Park, check out our list of things to do in the park here.

This part of the park is the busiest part of this Wyoming road trip, so prepare yourself to move at a slow pace and make plenty of stops.

Stay in the south section of the park for the evening.

Day 5 – West Yellowstone

Visit the western portion of Yellowstone on day 5. This will include views of Yellowstone Lake, visits to mud geysers and hikes around Yellowstone Canyon.  

Then, leave the park in the afternoon and make your way along Buffalo Bill scenic byway to Cody, Wyoming. Stay in Cody for the evening.

Day 6 – Cody

Spend day 6 of your Wyoming road trip exploring Cody. Cody is an amazing town that celebrates the history of the wild west. There are several museums that make up the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and visiting them all will take up your morning and possibly your afternoon. I would swear we spent a full day in the Firearms museum alone. Cost for admission is $19.75/person.

However, if the museum doesn’t take all day, consider visiting Old Trail town ($10/person) in the afternoon for a visit to a real old west town. Or consider getting outside and visiting Buffalo Bill Dam and State Park ($7/vehicle).

The town offers nightly rodeos in the summer months that are a highlight of a visit to Cody. The season does end mid-September so if you’d like to visit this iconic show, plan accordingly.

Stay for the evening in Cody.

Day 7 – Beartooth pass

In the morning, leave Cody via Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Then head into Montana via Beartooth pass. This is constantly rated one of the most scenic drives in the world. This winding road will take you to Red Lodge Montana. Stop here for lunch.

In the afternoon, take Beartooth pass back into Yellowstone National Park. You’ll go through north Yellowstone in the afternoon/early evening. This just so happens to be the best time and place to view wildlife in the park. If you’re lucky you’ll even see some wolves out hunting.  

Stay the evening in North Yellowstone.

Alternatively, if driving Beartooth pass twice isn’t your idea of fun, consider rerouting through Montana on your way from Red Lodge to Yellowstone. You can loop a bit north and find yourself in Gardiner by the evening which will also put you in a good spot to start Day 8 of your Wyoming road trip.

Day 8 – North Yellowstone

Spend your last morning exploring the north loop of Yellowstone National Park. This will be where you spot a majority of those amazing Yellowstone creatures you’ve been on the lookout for. Also make sure to stop at Mammoth Hot Springs on your way out of the park.  

In the afternoon head north out of Yellowstone and you’ll find yourself in Montana. It is here that your epic 8-day Wyoming road trip comes to an end.

Want to Adjust This Wyoming Road Trip?  

If you have just a few days, consider just focusing on Yellowstone or Grand Teton. We like Yellowstone better so check out our 3-day Yellowstone itinerary here .

If you have 5 days, you can still visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Check out the full 5-day road trip here that eliminates visiting Cody and driving Beartooth Pass.

If you have more time, we’d recommend staying an extra day or two in Yellowstone. Can you tell we love Yellowstone? There is so much to see and do and 5 days in Yellowstone would be time well spent. With more time, you can also see other things in Wyoming but remember that Wyoming is incredibly spread out. For example, we love Devils Tower National Monument but that would be a 6 hour drive to get to.  

Wyoming is such an amazing natural resource. We know that this Wyoming road trip will allow you to explore some of most beautiful scenery in the country. Traveling in Wyoming is such a treasure, we know you will remember it for years to come.  

We hope this Wyoming road trip itinerary has helped you to plan your upcoming Wyoming vacation. We know that Yellowstone and Grand Teton will be the highlights of your trip but make sure to explore the other amazing things that the state has to offer. If you have any questions or comments, make sure to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be happy to help.

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National Parks, Hot Springs, and the Great American Frontier: The Ultimate Wyoming Road Trip

A journey through this vast wilderness offers iconic parks, ancient forests, wildlife, and a history tour of the wild west. one of the best ways to visit wyoming is to hit the open road..

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There is so much beauty and adventure packed into the the least populous state in the contiguous U.S.

Photo by Shutterstock

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the first national park in the United States and one of the most famous in the National Park System— Yellowstone . The nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness is situated mostly in Wyoming with parts of the park extending into Montana and Idaho. It is known for its mountains, meadows, and forest landscapes, its otherworldly natural hot springs, geysers, and lava formations, and its wildlife. But this year has also been a very challenging one for Yellowstone, which earlier this summer had its roads washed out due to the worst flooding to ever hit the national park .

As the park works to rebuild and as experts try to make sense of the long-term environmental and geological impact of the massive June rainfall, there is still much to celebrate both in Yellowstone and beyond. The park has since reopened and is welcoming visitors back to most areas (with the exception of the north and northeast entrances, as well as some sections of roads in those areas).

Beyond Yellowstone, the state offers an endless natural playground for paddling, fishing, hiking, spotting wild mustangs, studying ancient fossils, and soaking in hot springs. The best way to see and do it all—including many of Wyoming’s lesser-known treasures—is to road-trip across the state. From the railroad capital of Cheyenne to Shoshone National Forest, over to rock climbers’ paradise Vedauwoo, and on toward the Tetons , consider this adventure-packed route through the least populous state in the contiguous United States.

Stock up on rodeo-worthy gear at the historic Wrangler in Cheyenne.

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Day 1: Ropes and railroads in Cheyenne

After touching down at the Cheyenne Regional Airport, head to the Wrangler and pony up for some authentic cowboy boots, a Stetson hat, belt buckle, spurs, chaps—whatever suits you. Now that you’re rodeo ready, if you plan to be in town during the month of July, swing on over to Cheyenne Frontier Days to watch bareback, bull riding, and saddle bronco events in the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western tournament. The nearby Laramie County Fair is fun in August, with animal shows, a demolition derby, and a kids rodeo. Visitors can also check out semipro kite fliers and BYOK (kite) at the End of the Trail Kite Festival in late September or hop a trolley on the Street Railway Ghost Tours in October. During the summer months, there is also a free concert series downtown. This is also a good opportunity to visit the Cheyenne Depot Museum , housed in the original Union Pacific Depot built in 1886 and now restored as a National Historic Landmark. Indulge in hand-crafted beverages at the dog-friendly beer garden Blue Raven Brewery , situated inside a historic home. Fill up on a hand-cut steak from a family run kitchen since 1942 at nearby Albany Restaurant , or opt for contemporary casual at the Metropolitan Downtown , with innovative twists on classics and creative cocktails.

In the evening, check into the Historic Plains Hotel , built in 1911 in the heart of Cheyenne. This landmark property, once frequented by cattle barons and movie stars, will take you back to the western frontier with its cowhide and antler decor accented by original artwork by Wyomingites.

Take in the views during a scenic hike along the Snowy Range Mountains.

Day 2: Medicine Bow National Forest

Cheyenne is the gateway to the 2.9 million–acre Medicine Bow National Forest , so rise and shine and double knot your hiking boots. Start off with breakfast at local favorite Luxury Diner , which operated as a trolley car on the streets of Cheyenne until 1912. Then, head west toward Medicine Bow’s Snowy Range (a collection of 140 mountains within the national forest) for rock climbing or a light hike among the 70 million–year-old igneous rock formations of Vedauwoo . For lunch, you can fuel up in nearby Laramie—try an artichoke burger at the vegetarian Sweet Melissa Café or a beef burger along with wings or nachos at Born in a Barn before continuing onto alpine lakes for fishing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Additional hiking options include a moderate three-mile (two-hour) trek along the Medicine Bow Peak Trail and, for a challenge, tack on the Lakes Trail Loop. Afterwards, visit the 4,700-acre family owned Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary , the country’s first private land parcel for wild mustang horses that happens to be free to the public. Finish the day an hour away at the luxurious dude ranch Brush Creek Ranch .

Day 3: Hot springs in Saratoga

If you’re ready to relax a little, you’ll find plenty of wellness offerings at Brush Creek, or you can head into the picturesque resort town of Saratoga, home to some of Wyoming’s famed mineral hot springs. Native Americans consider these waters that flow over magma and hot rock to be sacred and to have medicinal healing powers. Just 20 minutes from Bush Creek Ranch is Hobo Hot Springs , where the Lobster Pot and Hobo Pool stay at a balmy 120 degrees from the heat deep from within the Earth’s crust. They’re free, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are near more natural hot pools that line the banks of the North Platte River. For dinner, consider an opulent meal at the Brush Creek Trailhead Lodge or a more casual creek-side spread outdoors, which is offered by the ranch. Then end the night at the property’s boisterous saloon. Alternatively, you can also head into Saratoga for a homey Italian meal at Bella’s Bistro .

With its soaring peaks, Grand Teton National Park is a highlight of any Wyoming itinerary.

Photo by Toan Chu/Unsplash

Days 4–5: Jackson and Grand Teton National Park

Now it’s time to head north to “the Mountains of the Imagination”— Grand Teton National Park, nicknamed for its wild and rugged landscapes that look like artwork . If you’re an experienced backpacker with the right gear—don’t forget your bear spray—head deep into the park’s 200 miles of trails (check out showstopper views at Cascade Canyon Trail), or opt for an easy 1.8-mile hike on Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail, with a big view of a thundering cascade and, of course, lakes and mountains. If you make Jackson your base for exploring the Tetons, you’ll have no shortage of appealing accommodation options, including the Cloudveil, Autograph Collection , a sleek new property with thoughtful design features that opened in 2021, as well as two motor lodges turned hip hotels— Anvil Hotel and Mountain Modern Motel . Or splurge for a scenic and restorative stay at nearby Caldera House in Teton Village.

Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the nation.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai/Unsplush

Days 6–8: Yellowstone National Park

Just 25 minutes north of Grand Teton National Park is the original U.S. national park—Yellowstone, a park that speaks in gurgles of geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. It also protects the world’s largest public herd of bison, sacred to the 27 tribes who have inhabited this land since the 1400s. This is one of the last and largest nearly intact natural ecosystems on the planet with the most active geothermal features anywhere, including half of the world’s active geysers. Check out the Yellowstone Guide for an online guided tour.

Visitors should take the park’s southern loop if they want to pay homage to Old Faithful , the most famous of the 500 geysers in Yellowstone—it shoots sizzling hot water up to 180 feet nearly 20 times each day. Next, get lost in the brilliant blue, green, and orange tendrils of the steamy Grand Prismatic Hot Spring . Yellowstone’s most photographed thermal feature is actually a supervolcano and the third largest hot spring in the world. Check in at the classic and popular Old Faithful Inn , complete with lodgepole pine and stone fireplaces. Built in 1903, it’s one of the country’s few remaining log hotels, an architectural marvel that influenced national park architecture we see throughout the country today.

While visiting the park, make sure to stop by the new Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center , which celebrates the region’s tribal communities. When Yellowstone was first established, tribal communities were initially pushed out by the government and are now being embraced. The center is near Old Faithful and hosts daily tribal presentations; it is a fine place to learn about the culture and heritage of the tribal nations.

Bull elk in Yellowstone National Park

Photo by Harrison Hargrave/Unsplash

Day 9: Yellowstone wildlife

While the north loop got the worst of the flooding, and some roads are still closed along with the north and northwest gates, park officials announced after a surge of funding the reopening of most of the park in early July. Check road closure updates , and if you’re in the clear, from the Old Faithful Inn drive 50 minutes to Yellowstone’s hottest and oldest thermal feature, Norris Geyser Basin , then hit up the remains of a 600,000-year-old volcanic explosion, Mammoth Hot Springs . Next, head east and be on the lookout for bison. In the park, you’re likely to stumble on these agile and burly beasts in the Tower-Roosevelt area (home to a 132-foot waterfall gushing down eroded volcanic rock), with expansive views of Mount Washburn, a petrified tree entombed in mud and rock, and other geologic formations that helped shape the area .

Visit the Lamar Valley to spot elk, moose, grizzly bears, badgers, bald eagles, pronghorn, osprey, deer, coyotes, wolves—and yes, thousands of bison. It was here and in the high plateaus above that the dwindling buffalo population recovered in the 20th century, when park managers purchased 21 bison and raised them here. (A second herd lives in the Hayden Valley .) Conservationists are still working this year to repopulate Yellowstone bison by moving some to 18 tribal communities across the country. Finish the day exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Canyon Village , and your choice of Artist Paint Pots (thermal features including hot pools, mud pots, and small geysers), the Mud Volcano (remains of a mud deposit after a late-1800s thermal explosion), or waterfalls (yes, right in Canyon Village). Eat and crash in the sprawling, modern, and ecofriendly Canyon Lodge and Cabins .

Summer view of Shoshone National Forest in the Brooks Falls area near Dubois

Day 10: Shoshone National Forest

If you exit Yellowstone at the East Entrance, you’ll stumble right into the country’s first national forest, which borders Yellowstone along the Wyoming–Montana border. The plains of Shoshone National Forest offer sagebrush, glaciers, and pristine lakes and rivers. Three craggy snowcapped mountain ranges create up to nearly 2.5 million acres for hiking . Here, you can also explore a mining ghost town called Kirwin , visited by gold prospectors Ernest Hemmingway and Amelia Earhart. Make the most of your final supper in Wyoming in nearby Cody with live music and slow-cooked meat at the Cody Cattle Company , finishing off the trip the way you came in—like a cowboy—in the Irma Hotel , built by Buffalo Bill (yes, Cody was named after him too). Now that your epic Wyoming road trip is over, tip your hat to this incredible state at the Yellowstone Regional Airport .

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Adventure & Storyteller

From 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 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 Yellowstone road trip 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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14 Stops that Should Be on Every Tennessee Road Trip

If you’re planning a trip to or through Tennessee via road travel, you definitely have to make several stops and explore the wonderful state. No matter how long you’ll be visiting Tennessee, here are 14 stops that you should definitely work into your itinerary.

As the second most visited home in the United States behind the White House, Graceland is a must see. Enjoy an interactive iPad tour hosted by actor John Stamos that features commentary by both Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie. Explore the mansion in full, from the living room to the famous Jungle Room, the kitchen and the Meditation Garden where Elvis was laid to rest. The only room off limits is the upstairs bathroom where Elvis was discovered on the day of his death.

Graceland, Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901 332 3322

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With acres of forest and an abundance of plant and animal life, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in America. It straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you spend a day hiking or camp out overnight, you can’t beat the views or the opportunities for adventure.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA

Outdoor Knoxville

In an effort to increase Knoxville’s outdoor amenities and create better access to recreational areas, Legacy Parks Foundation runs Outdoor Knoxville . The adventure center offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like renting paddleboards, bikes, or kayaks and fly fishing on the Tennessee River. The Billy Lush Board Shop, Neyland Greenway, and the Visit Knoxville Visitor Outpost are also located at the center.

Outdoor Knoxville, 900 Volunteer Landing Ln, Knoxville, TN, USA, +1 865 525 2585

Knoxville Sunsphere

Built in 1981, the Knoxville Sunsphere was designed as the theme structure for the 1982 World’s Fair and is one of only two remaining structures from the event. It stands 266 feet high and has a 24-karat gold, glass paneled ball that is 75 feet in diameter. On the fourth floor is an observation deck that features a gallery of Knoxville images and a 360-degree view of the city. It is free and open to the public daily.

Knoxville Sunsphere, Knoxville, TN, USA

Stonehaus Winery

The first licensed winery in Tennessee, Stonehaus Winery opened in 1991. It is the only winery in Tennessee with statewide distribution and offers complimentary wine tastings. When the winery first started, it offered five wines that were all sold on site. All of the wines were bottled by hand. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463

Burgess Falls State Park

With four waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet, Burgess Fall State Park is known for its natural beauty and family-friendly activities. Visitors can take a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that leads to the edge of the waterfalls and into the gorge. Fishing is allowed below the dam and along the bank of the main waterfall. The Native Butterfly Garden offers native wildflower displays and is where the annual Butterfly Garden Celebration takes place, offering programs, hikes and creek studies. There is also a week-long Junior Ranger Camp available to youth during the summer.

Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN, USA, +1 931 432 5312

Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Established in 1866, Jack Daniel’s Distillery was the first registered distillery in the United States . Known for its signature Old. No. 7 whiskey, the brand has expanded its production and flavors over the years while still maintaining the not-so-secret to its success: the use of limestone spring water, which was Jack Daniel’s ingredient discovery. The distillery offers a variety of tours, some that include tastings and one that includes a meal at local Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House & Restaurant.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery, 133 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg, TN, USA , +1 931 759 6357

National Civil Rights Museum

Featuring information that spans five centuries, the National Civil Rights Museum offers artifacts, films, interactive media, and listening posts that cover the history of civil rights in the United States. Located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the museum also explores the 1968 event in the Legacy Building, which begins with the American Civil Rights Movement Timeline. Exhibits feature information on the investigation of the assassination, as well as the American Civil Rights Movement’s impact on human rights across the globe.

National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901 521 9699

Wildhorse Saloon

Each year, the 66,000 square foot Wildhorse Saloon welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors. The event space has three floors for guests to enjoy, acting as a restaurant, bar, dance floor, and concert venue. Bands large and small grace the stage to play live music, and the venue offers free line dancing lessons that are given by its trained staff. Enjoy hot chicken and fried pickles while dancing in your boots and listening to the sounds of rock and country music classics.

Wildhorse Saloon, 120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN, USA, +1 615 902 8200

2. Ryman Auditorium

Concert Hall, Music Venue

Tennessee Aquarium

Visitors to the Tennessee Aquarium have two different buildings to explore — River Journey and Ocean Journey. Both buildings feature exhibits that provide information about many types of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife as well as exotic plants. One exhibit, Stingray Bay, allows guest to touch different shark and stingray species. Alligator Bayou is where 13 American Alligators can be found. The aquarium is also home to the nation’s largest salamander, the hellbender, which breathes through its skin as tree frogs chirp around it.

Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN, USA

One of Chattanooga’s most popular attractions is Ruby Falls , the largest and deepest waterfall open to the public in the United States. It’s located over 1,120 feet beneath the surface, inside Ruby Falls Cave, where hundreds of gallons of water rush over by the minute. Ruby Falls was formed sometime after Ruby Falls Cave, when a sinkhole developed and allowed large amounts of water to enter. This water hollowed out the dome area, and, by way of erosion, the waterfall was carved out. Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN, USA

Cherohala Skyway

Designated a National Scenic Byway, Cherohala Skyway was dedicated and opened in 1996. It crosses through Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. At more than 40 miles long, the two-lane road has 15 scenic overlooks with elevations that range from 900 feet above sea level to over 5,400 feet above sea level. A trip across the entire skyway takes about two hours, and along the way you’ll find picnic sites and trail heads for enjoying short travel breaks.

Cherohala Skyway, USA

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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12 Unique Stops Along Your Wyoming Road Trip

Home » 12 Unique Stops Along Your Wyoming Road Trip

As you road trip through Wyoming, there is an abundance of places that lend the perfect opportunity for taking a little stretch while you learn more about the state.

Looking for a unique road-trip stop away from the crowds? These 12 places to stop off Wyoming’s highways are often overlooked by travelers but are worth planning your miles around. They aren’t always easy to get to, so we suggest researching the locations as you plan your route.

1. Ayres Natural Bridge – Between Glenrock and Douglas

An original reprieve stop for Oregon Trail pioneers, Ayres Natural bridge is a great summer stop, especially in hot weather. Plan on packing a picnic lunch, dipping your toes in the water and taking some photos of the impressive feature.

2. Wild Horses – Between Green River and Rock Springs

Take a little detour off I-80 and drive the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop to view the wild horses and other Wyoming wildlife. The 24 miles of gravel road takes about 1.5 hours to drive and is best hit in the morning or evening for wildlife viewing.

3. Union Pass Monument – Dubois

Out of Dubois , a drive to the top of Union Pass is a worthwhile drive for beautiful views and unique Wyoming history. Get out of your car and take a short walk to the monument at the top (about 15 miles beyond the cattle guard) to learn about the natural peaks and features, the explorers, mountain men and even Aboriginal use.

4. National Museum of Military Vehicles – Dubois

This brand new, 140,000 square foot museum showcases a huge array of military vehicles including tanks, trucks, motorcycles, armament, amphibious vehicles, firearms and more.

5. Trappers Point Overlook/Overpass – Pinedale

Stop at the Trappers point overlook/overpass headed into Pinedale for a great place to burn off some energy. It has a migration corridor for pronghorn with a webcam (so you can call family and wave hello!) and a cool interpretive overlook that looks down on the historical site of rendezvous gatherings and tells about mountain man history. The area was also a historical hunting ground for ancient people starting as far back as 10,000 years ago.

6. Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite – Outside of Worland

Wyoming’s dinosaur history is amazing and seeing actual dinosaur tracks is a perfect road trip stop for kids. Visit the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite outside of Worland for a chance to see hundreds of tracks from a boardwalk view.

7. Bighorn Medicine Wheel – Lovell

Visit the Bighorn Medicine Wheel for a peek into Plains Indian history dating back 300-800 years. The area is fully free from snow for only about two months of the year and is one of the best preserved medicine wheels of the hundreds found around North America. The wheel is thought to have been used to predict the positions of the sun and other bright stars in the sky around the summer solstice.

8. Heart Mountain Relocation Center – Powell

During WWII, Heart Mountain Japanese relocation camp housed more than 14,000 prisoners in the 1,187 days the camp was open. Living conditions were far from ideal and families suffered the loss of their former homes, jobs and lives as they were brought from all over the United States. The interpretive center is worth the stop to learn about this unique and dark part of Wyoming’s history.

9. Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site – 45 Miles East of Riverton

Named for its unique rock formations that look like castle towers, this location is a bit out of the way down a rough road (four-wheel-drive recommended). However, if you have the time and an adventurous spirit,  it is worth the effort to see not only the rocks themselves but an array of petroglyphs left by visitors thousands of years ago.

10. Chris LeDoux Memorial Park – Kaycee

Celebrate music in the cowboy state as you take a break from the car at the Chris LeDoux memorial park — a tribute to a Wyoming legend. This Kaycee , Wyoming native released over 36 albums in his lifetime, sold millions of copies AND was a Hall of Fame Rodeo Champion. The park is small, but also includes a gift shop with more information. A must-see if you are a Chris LeDoux fan.

11. Dry Creek Petrified Tree Education Area – 12 Miles East of Buffalo

A 0.8 mile loop interpretive trail lets visitors get a taste of what Wyoming was like 60 million years ago when it was a jungle instead of sagebrush country. Along the loop there are petrified remnants of the towering Metasequoia trees that stood so long ago. A covered picnic area and vault toilets are available.

12. Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility – 30 Miles North of Cheyenne

The Quebec Missile Alert Facility is the only accessible Peacekeeping Missile Alert Facility left in the world. Visitors can visit the site to learn more about the Cold War and what personnel did in the 20+ years it was in service. When you visit, plan on going 50 feet down into the Capsule on a guided tour.

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Southern Charm to Western Wonders: An Epic Road Trip from Alabama to Wyoming

Embarking on a cross-country road trip from Alabama to Wyoming is an enchanting adventure. This unforgettable journey takes us from the warm and welcoming heart of Alabama to the rugged and untamed wilderness of Wyoming .

From the lush, rolling hills of the South to the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains . This road trip offers a diverse array of experiences that celebrate the essence of America.

In this article, we will cover each aspect of this trip.

Jump to a Specific Section

• 1.1 1. Memphis
• 1.2 2. Branson
• 1.3 3. Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue & Catering
• 1.4 4. Lincoln City
• 1.5 5. North Platte
• 1.6 6. Scottsbluff
• 1.7 7. Wyoming
• 2.1 1. The Peabody Memphis
• 2.2 2. Hampton Inn, North Platte
• 3 Attractions along the way
• 4.1 1. Summer
• 4.2 2. Fall
• 4.3 3. Winter
• 4.4 4. Spring
• 5 Recommended time
• 6 Conclusion

Best route for Road Trip from Alabama to Wyoming

This trip is a long one. The route we have stated below is not absolute. But, it is the easiest to follow , while also being enjoyable and memorable . The route is detailed below:

We will travel along the I-80 W highway until we reach our first stop, Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is a vibrant city.

Graceland , the former home of Elvis Presley , is one of the most famous attractions in Memphis.

This mansion-turned-museum allows visitors to step into the life of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll star and explore his personal belongings and awards.

The National Civil Rights Museum , located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated , is another significant landmark.

Memphis is renowned for its distinctive cuisine , particularly its barbecue. In recent years, Memphis has seen a revitalization of its downtown area and a growing arts and cultural scene. The city continues to celebrate its musical heritage through various festivals and events .

Whether you’re interested in history or music, or simply looking for an authentic Southern experience, Memphis has something unique and special to offer.

We continue from Memphis towards our next destination, Branson, Missouri. Branson is an attractive city nestled in the Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri.

Branson’s fame lies in its vibrant live music scene, with an abundance of theaters and venues showcasing a wide array of performances.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment scene, Branson boasts breathtaking natural beauty.

The Ozark Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.

One of the city’s premier attractions is Silver Dollar City , an 1880s-themed amusement park that offers a blend of thrilling rides, artisan demonstrations, and live entertainment.

Branson is home to several shopping centers and outlet malls, making it a paradise for shoppers looking for great deals. The city’s dining scene is equally appealing , offering a mix of comfort food and gourmet cuisine.

With its live shows, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality, Branson continues to capture the hearts of those seeking an exciting and wholesome vacation destination.

3. Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue & Catering

After leaving from Branson, we will make a stop at Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue & Catering. Here we will be resting for the day, while also enjoying the delicacies of this place.

4. Lincoln City

Continuing from Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue & Catering , we continue to our next stop, the capital of Nebraska, Lincoln City.

Lincoln is in the southeastern part of Nebraska. Lincoln is Nebraska’s political center, home to the State Capitol with guided tours. Here you’ll find the beautiful Sunken Gardens with intricate flowerbeds and fountains. It provides a tranquil space for visitors to relax and enjoy the landscaped gardens.

The Sheldon Museum of Art , on the UNL campus, houses a collection of art featuring works by famous artists. The museum offers rotating exhibits and educational programs.

Pioneers Park Nature Center is a vast nature reserve for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation. It also offers miles of trails, forests, and wetlands to explore.

Lincoln hosts events, including Nebraska State Fair and Star City Parade . These events celebrate the local culture, music, and agricultural heritage. Lincoln combines its role as the state capital, a vibrant university town, and a hub of cultural and recreational offerings.

The city’s blend of history, natural beauty, and events makes it an appealing destination for visitors.

5. North Platte

We carry our adventure from Kearney toward our next stop, North Platte, Nebraska. North Platte is a city in western Nebraska along the Platte River.

North Platte has a rich history tied to the development of the American West.

The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is a popular destinations. It offers views of the Union Pacific Railroad’s Bailey Yard , one of the largest railroad yards. Visitors can see the busy works of this transportation hub and learn about the railroad industry.

The Prairie Arts Center in North Platte promotes and showcases the arts in the community. It includes a gallery for artists and serves as a venue for events and performances.North Platte surrounds the natural beauty of western Nebraska.

Visitors can enjoy nearby areas like Lake Maloney State Recreation Area and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area. These places provide opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and various outdoor activities. North Platte makes for an amazing experience.

6. Scottsbluff

Leaving North Platte, we reach our last stop before reaching our destination, Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Scottsbluff is named after the prominent landmark in the area, Scotts Bluff National Monument. The iconic rock formation served as a crucial landmark for pioneers during the 19th century. Today, it is a popular destination for hiking and wildlife viewing.

The Scotts Bluff area offers a range of outdoor activities. Scotts Bluff National Monument offers hiking, camping, and fishing for visitors. The region also offers opportunities for birdwatching, hunting, and wildlife photography.

The Riverside Discovery Center is a zoological park and conservation center in Scottsbluff. It houses several animal species, including big cats, bears, reptiles, and birds. The center’s main goals are conservation, and creating an enjoyable environment for visitors.

Scotts bluff hosts several annual events and festivals. The Oregon Trail Days celebration features parades, rodeo events, and live music. The Legacy of the Plains Museum also hosts special events and exhibits through the year.

Scottsbluff combines natural beauty, Western history, and a sense of community. Outdoor activities and events make it a good destination for those interested in experiencing Nebraska.

After leaving from Scottsbluff, you can reach Wyoming after a drive of about 5 hours. Wyoming, known for its stunning natural landscapes.

It is home to Yellowstone National Park . The park features the Old Faithful geyser , colorful hot springs , and diverse wildlife. Grand Teton National Park showcases the Teton Range and lakes, attracting nature lovers.

Wyoming embraces outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The state also celebrates its cowboy culture with rodeos, ranches, and a proud history of the Old West.

Wyoming attracts visitors with its breathtaking natural wonders , offering a sense of adventure.

Overnight stay along the way

The distance between Alabama and Wyoming is a massive 1,612.7 mi.

The complete drive takes about 25 hours, and with so many cities and beautiful towns along the way, it is necessary to make a few overnight stays. We tell you to take at least a few days to a week to finish this trip.

We recommend that everyone do their research to find the best accommodation, at their preferred price. But, we have listed some places, which give the most bang for the buck.

1. The Peabody Memphis

Located just half a mile from the iconic Beale Street , The Peabody Memphis is renowned for its majestic marble-columned lobby and a unique tradition dating back to 1933 – the daily parade of resident ducks to the hall’s fountain.

The hotel offers elegant rooms with vibrant contemporary decor, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, spa, and ample event space , as well as dine at the refined French restaurant, Italian steakhouse, and renowned lobby bar. Don’t miss out on the delightful afternoon tea and Sunday brunch options!

2. Hampton Inn, North Platte

Hampton Inn is 3.7 miles from Interstate 80 and local attractions surround it.

This hotel is located near Interstate 80 and Highway 84, 12 minutes from the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center. It is also situated a mile from downtown North Platte.

The hotel has cozy rooms with free Wi-Fi, custom-designed beds, desks, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Suites are available for convenience and space, with separate living areas, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Some suites even feature whirlpool tubs for a luxurious stay.

Guests can enjoy a range of complimentary perks, which include parking, a hot breakfast, and weekday breakfast bags to go.

The hotel also offers extra amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, and hot tub for relaxation and exercise. For those traveling on business, there is a meeting room and a business center available.

Also read: From the Rockies to the Sunshine State: A Road Trip from Wyoming to Florida

Attractions along the way

Below we’ve listed some great places to visit on your road trip, which are either on your route or a short detour away. Visiting any, or all these places is sure to make your trip a memorable one.

Best time for Road Trip from Alabama to Wyoming

It is best to consider at which time of the year you decide to take this road trip. It goes without saying that during winter, heavy snowing can result in closed highways and slippery roads. Many of the attractions can also be forced into closure for the same reasons.

Wyoming’s summer is warm and pleasant , with June being the hottest month. It’s the most popular time for visitors since most facilities are open to accommodate tourists.

Summer is a great time to visit Wyoming if you are looking to make the most out of your trip. While the weather is dry, it’s best to keep an eye on the forecast.

Fall is also a pleasant time to visit Wyoming. The temperature during fall is warm during the day and pretty cold during the night.

Some places see early snowfall during mid-September. It is another good time to visit Wyoming as it attracts fewer tourists while keeping most attractions open. Accommodation prices are also low during this time.

Winter in Wyoming is cold and snowy, with some routes and attractions closed.

But it’s a great time for skiing and snowboarding. Some areas, particularly the mountains, may experience extreme cold and harsh winter conditions. But, many attractions, such as national parks can remain completely or partially closed due to the snowfall.

Spring in Wyoming can be unpredictable with varying temperatures and weather conditions. As the snow begins to melt, the state begins to come back to life. Rivers swell, great for rafting and fishing.

The landscape starts to come alive with colorful wildflowers, and wildlife becomes more active.

Recommended time

Fall is our most recommended time to visit. With fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations , this time is sure to be light on mind, body, and pockets.

In conclusion, embarking on a road trip from Alabama to Wyoming is a journey filled with adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

From the vibrant cities and charming towns of the South to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the West, this cross-country voyage offers a diverse tapestry of sights and cultures. Whether you seek the tranquility of the open road, the majesty of national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton , or the warmth of small-town hospitality, this road trip has it all.

It’s a reminder that the true essence of travel lies not only in the destinations we reach but also in the stories we gather along the way. So, fuel up, map out your route , and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime on this remarkable road trip from Alabama to Wyoming.

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From Lobsters to Rockies: An Adventurous Road Trip from Maine to Wyoming

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Road Trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Yellowstone National Park

Discover the best of the southern and midwestern US on this awesome road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Yellowstone National Park. Starting in the Deep South and ending at one of the country's greatest national parks, you will journey through contrasting landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and interesting cities.

The 1,990-mile road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Yellowstone National Park takes around 30 hours to drive. Highlights are Mount Rushmore, Nashville, St Louis, Memphis, Kansas City, Denver, Badlands National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Read on to find out the best routes, times to travel, and things to see along the way on this epic road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Yellowstone National Park.

How far is Yellowstone National Park from Birmingham, Alabama, and how long will the road trip take?

Both of the routes we have devised for this trip are of similar length and each features vibrant cities, great scenery, and some awesome national parks and forests.

The Mount Rushmore Route is the slightly longer of the two, at 1,990 miles and with a direct driving time of 31 hours. This route extends through rural Tennessee and Missouri. You will also get to spend some time exploring South Dakota and Wyoming.

Meanwhile, the Denver Route is 1,830 miles and takes around 29 hours to drive, non-stop. This route runs south of the Mount Rushmore Route, taking you into Mississippi and through Arkansas before crossing Kansas and on into Colorado and Wyoming.

For both routes, we would suggest planning a 6 or 7-day road trip to enjoy all the highlights. However, the shortest amount of time needed for this trip would be about 4 or 5 days, as there is quite a lot of interstate driving on these routes.

Best road trip route from Birmingham, Alabama to Yellowstone National Park

The Mount Rushmore Route offers the chance to visit this iconic landmark, as well as to experience the lively cities of Nashville and St. Louis. This is also the best choice if you would like to enjoy a lengthy stretch in South Dakota, including the Black Hills.

However, if Mount Rushmore is not on your must-see list, the Denver Route offers the opportunity to explore the music-infused cities of Memphis and Kansas City. You also get to enjoy time in the “Mile High City,” Denver, which is the gateway to the Rockies.

The Mount Rushmore Route

Leave Birmingham via Interstate-65 (I-65) North. Cross the Tennessee River and, shortly after, enter the state of Tennessee. Continue on I-65 North to Nashville.

Follow I-24 West out of Nashville and enjoy the drive through rural Tennessee and into Kentucky. Cross the Ohio River and enter Illinois. Pass through Shawnee National Forest as you continue north.

Pick up I-57 North and continue on, past Rend Lake. Just beyond Mount Vernon, take I-64 West all the way to St Louis, where you'll cross the Mississippi River and enter Missouri.

Leave St Louis via I-64 West and cross the Missouri River. Just past Lake St Louis, drive north on US-16, passing Cuivre River State Park. Pick up US-36 and continue west. Bypass Kansas City and instead head north, crossing the Nebraska state line as you continue on to Omaha.

From here, drive north once more, for Sioux City and Sioux Falls, entering South Dakota along the way.

Leave Sioux Falls via I-90 West for Rapid City, maybe stopping along the way to visit Badlands National Park. From Rapid City, it's a short drive to Mount Rushmore and Black Hills National Forest.

From here, drive west, crossing into Wyoming and passing through Thunder Basin National Grassland.

At the town of Casper, pick up US-26 West. Pass by Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest on your way to your destination, Yellowstone National Park.

The Denver Route

For this route, leave Birmingham on I-22 West. Cross the Mississippi state line and pass through Holly Springs National Forest. Continue on to Memphis, crossing into Tennessee along the way.

Leave Memphis and cross the Mississippi River as you enter Arkansas. Continue north through the state. At Mammoth Spring, cross into Missouri. Pick up US-63 North and pass by Mark Twain National Forest as you drive towards Springfield. Head north from Springfield for Kansas City.

Leave Kansas City, driving west into Kansas on I-70. Cross the state, enjoying the rural scenery, before entering Colorado. Stay on I-70 West all the way to Denver.

Drive north from Denver, passing Boulder and Fort Collins. You may wish to spend time in this area exploring Rocky Mountain National Park or Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

Cross the Wyoming state line and, at Laramie, pick up I-80 West. Pass by Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, then take US-287 North.

As with our other route, pass by Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest before reaching Yellowstone National Park.

Best places to stop between Birmingham, Alabama and Yellowstone National Park

There are plenty of worthy overnight stops on each of our routes. We've picked out overnight stops that offer the perfect excuse to take a lengthy break from the road. Continue reading to find out our top recommendations for where to stay.

A stylishly artistic stay in St Louis

Our suggestion for an overnight stop on the Mount Rushmore Route is St Louis, which comes about a third of the way into the trip. St Louis has a vibrant blues scene and is a great city for sports fans, with lots of professional teams, including the St Louis Cardinals.

While you're here, be sure to visit the 630-foot-high Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the US, which is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson and the expansion of the West.

Other key attractions include the Basilica of Saint Louis, with its beautiful interior, and Laclede's Landing, which features historic buildings, restaurants, bars, and cobblestoned streets.

For a stylish and art-inspired stay in the city, we highly recommend the striking, boutique Angad Arts Hotel . Look forward to a restful night in one of the unique and well-equipped guestrooms, each decorated in one of four bold colors, meant to inspire a specific mood.

You can also browse the on-site galleries, featuring art collections by local artists. Amenities include a fitness center and a restaurant and bar, with evening entertainment.

The hotel is well-located for the St Louis Aquarium, City Museum, and the St Louis Science Center. For green space, you can head to peaceful Strauss Park and Ellen Clark Sculpture Park. Meanwhile, there are several theaters and art galleries on the doorstep.

Luxury in the heart of Denver

Our choice on the Denver Route is the “Mile High City” itself, which you will reach about two-thirds of the way into your road trip. Known as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is surrounded by natural beauty and is close to some great ski resorts.

The city also offers great shopping, dining, and cultural highlights. Be sure to visit Larimer Square, a historic shopping district, or enjoy a show at the renowned Denver Performing Arts Complex. Baseball fans can watch the Colorado Rockies in action at Coors Field.

Also worth a visit are the Denver Art Museum, which features seven floors of exhibits, and the 23-acre Denver Botanic Gardens, with its sunken amphitheater.

For a luxurious break from driving, the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Denver offers rooms with stunning mountain or city views , unbeatable amenities such as a fabulous rooftop swimming pool and a full-service spa as well as boasting a stellar location.

Larimer Square and Denver Performing Arts Complex are a short walk away, with the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park about an hour's drive.

When you are done exploring the city, head back to the hotel to enjoy delicious tapas, cocktails, and live music (on selected days), visit the chic EDGE Lounge, or dine at EDGE Restaurant & Bar to enjoy locally sourced ingredients in an upscale setting.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Where to stay when you reach Yellowstone National Park

Accommodation options are limited inside the park. However, there are some convenient hotels close by. Our recommendation is the cozy and rustic Bentwood Inn .

Located about an hour from the park's entrance, this charming hotel is also a great base for exploring Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The hotel offers spacious and luxurious cabin-style guestrooms, each with a private patio and fireplace or a balcony. Enjoy free parking and a complimentary breakfast each morning, with additional eating and drinking options available in the nearby town of Wilson.

Things to see on a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Yellowstone National Park

There is so much to see and do on both our routes. Here is just a selection of highlights that you can look forward to on this epic road trip.

Both routes

• South Pass City State Historic Site, Wyoming - At this restored Old West mining town, you can take a tour or enjoy various activities. Open seasonally.
• Granite Hot Springs, Wyoming - Enjoy a stop at these hot springs, which remain at a toasty 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and admire the views of rock formations and tall pines.
• Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming - Adjacent to Yellowstone, this 3.4-million-acre forest is certainly worth a visit, offering great hiking and wildlife spotting.
• Jackson Lake Dam, Wyoming - Built in 1916, this dam offers superb views across Jackson Lake and the Grand Teton mountains.

• Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee - Take an hour's detour off the route to Chattanooga to explore this interesting aquarium. Located along the Tennessee River, it houses a variety of marine life, as well as birds and butterflies.
• Sam Davis Home, Tennessee - Just outside of Nashville, this former plantation home of a Confederate Civil War soldier was built in 1810 and now features historic exhibits.
• Superman Statue, Illinois - Stop off to snap a picture at this quirky roadside exhibit in Metropolis, featuring a two-ton bronze statue of Superman.
• Kaskaskia Dragon, Illinois - More roadside quirkiness with this impressive dragon statue that's located about 45 minutes off-route in Vandalia.
• Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo & Educational Park, Missouri - This zoo and educational park just outside of St Louis features a variety of animals including bison, camels, and zebras.
• Butterfly House & Aquarium, South Dakota - Located near Sioux Falls, this popular attraction is home to tropical butterflies, an aquarium, and interactive Pacific tide pools with sea urchins and other invertebrates.
• The World's Only Corn Palace, South Dakota - Devoted to all things corn-related, this interesting attraction offers tours and features Moorish Revival-style corn murals.
• Akta Lakota Museum & Culture Center, South Dakota - Dedicated to the Lakota People, this center offers the opportunity to learn more about Native American heritage.
• Skeleton Man Walking Skeleton Dinosaur, South Dakota - Another photo opp awaits at this roadside attraction; a sculpture featuring a skeleton taking its dinosaur skeleton pet for a walk.
• Badlands National Park, South Dakota - Take a break from the road to marvel at the stunning geological formations throughout this national park, which extends across 200,000+ acres.

• Village Creek State Park, Arkansas - Just outside Memphis, this 7,000-acre state park boasts green forests, a golf course, and two lakes, which are perfect for swimming and canoeing.
• Bull Shoals Caverns, Arkansas - Located in the Ozark Mountain range, the caverns contain stalactites, stalagmites, graptolites, columns and more. Take a tour and be sure to drop by the gift shop for some unique souvenirs.
• Springfield, Missouri - Spend some time in this charming small town, which features a Discovery Centre and a collection of unique caverns.
• Route 66 Museum, Missouri - One of many museums dedicated to the famous highway, this one is about an hour's detour from the route but well worth the trip to view the artifacts.
• Spinney Mountain State Park, Colorado - Also worth the detour, in this case about 30 minutes, the park features a geyser that majestically erupts 70 feet into the air, once an hour.

Best time to go on a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is stunning year-round, with each season offering visitors a unique experience. It is good to note that this park stays open throughout the year, so you can visit any time of your choosing.

Summer is the park's busiest season. However, at 3,500 square miles, you are still likely to find a quiet spot or two in the park! Expect temperatures of up to 76 degrees Fahrenheit with mostly clear skies.

Winter sees fewer visitors and a beautiful snowy landscape. However, parts of the park may close, with possible temperatures of -15 degrees.

The winter months might also affect road conditions along parts of both our routes, such as in South Dakota, Wyoming and the Denver area. We suggest checking the travel advisories before setting off.

Spring and fall are great seasons to visit Yellowstone. During spring, enjoy the baby animals and witness the park coming back to life after the winter freeze. Meanwhile, fall offers the chance to see the colorful foliage.

Visitor numbers are lower in these seasons than during the summer, with temperatures between 11 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, you might wish to plan your trip to take advantage of one of the five designated days each year when entry to all U.S. national parks is free. Yellowstone also waives its fees a couple of times a year to encourage more people to visit. Check the website for the forthcoming dates.

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40 Best Stops Between Louisville and Yellowstone National Park

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

The direct drive from Louisville to Yellowstone National Park is 1,661 mi (2,673 km) , and should have a drive time of 1 day 1 hr in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Louisville to Yellowstone National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Saint Louis , Kansas City , Omaha , Springfield , Rocky Mountain National Park , Cody , Grand Teton National Park , Boulder , Jackson , and Steamboat Springs , as well as top places to visit like Lost River Cave and Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark, or the ever-popular National Corvette Museum.

Top cities between Louisville and Yellowstone National Park

Springfield.

Kansas City

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Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Steamboat Springs

• Grand Teton National Park

Best stops along Louisville to Yellowstone National Park drive

National corvette museum.

Lost River Cave

Marengo cave u.s. national landmark, brown county state park, french lick casino, indiana university bloomington, holiday world & splashin' safari.

Smothers Park

Dream car museum, paducah wall to wall, the national quilt museum, lincoln home national historic site.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Lincoln monument association, the gateway arch.

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Busch Stadium

City museum, saint louis zoo, st. charles historic district, six flags st. louis, meramec caverns, stone hill winery, the mark twain boyhood home & museum, horseshoe council bluffs casino, omaha's henry doorly zoo and aquarium.

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The Old Market

Strategic air command & aerospace museum, nebraska state capitol, great platte river road archway monument, golden spike tower, top searches in yellowstone national park, other popular road trips from louisville, explore nearby places.

• Yellowstone National Park
• West Yellowstone
• Silver Gate
• the Island Park
• Teton Village
• Saint Anthony

All related maps of Yellowstone National Park

• Map of Yellowstone National Park
• Map of West Yellowstone
• Map of Gardiner
• Map of Moran
• Map of Silver Gate
• Map of the Island Park
• Map of Cooke City
• Map of Grand Teton National Park
• Map of Wapiti
• Map of Ashton
• Map of Tetonia
• Map of Alta
• Map of Moose
• Map of Kelly
• Map of Chico
• Map of Driggs
• Map of Emigrant
• Map of Teton Village
• Map of Pray
• Map of Victor
• Map of Big Sky
• Map of Newdale
• Map of Saint Anthony
• Map of Jackson
• Map of Cody
• Map of Wilson
• Map of Dubois
• Map of Cameron
• Map of Roscoe
• Map of Red Lodge
• Map of Rexburg

Yellowstone National Park throughout the year

• Yellowstone National Park in January
• Yellowstone National Park in February
• Yellowstone National Park in March
• Yellowstone National Park in April
• Yellowstone National Park in May
• Yellowstone National Park in June
• Yellowstone National Park in July
• Yellowstone National Park in August
• Yellowstone National Park in September
• Yellowstone National Park in October
• Yellowstone National Park in November
• Yellowstone National Park in December

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
• 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• 3-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• 4-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• 5-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from louisville to yellowstone national park.

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

How far is Yellowstone National Park from Louisville by car?

The drive from Louisville to Yellowstone National Park is 1,661 miles (2,673 km).

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

Driving from Louisville to Yellowstone National Park should take you 1 day 1 hr in normal traffic.

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

Gas from Louisville to Yellowstone National Park would cost around $146 to $340 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

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

You could check out Lost River Cave and Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark, or the always popular National Corvette Museum!

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

People love visiting Saint Louis, Kansas City, and Omaha, among others.

What's the weather like in Louisville?

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 Louisville in January
• Weather in Louisville in February
• Weather in Louisville in March
• Weather in Louisville in April
• Weather in Louisville in May
• Weather in Louisville in June
• Weather in Louisville in July
• Weather in Louisville in August
• Weather in Louisville in September
• Weather in Louisville in October
• Weather in Louisville in November
• Weather in Louisville in December

What are some other road trips from Louisville?

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

• Louisville to New York City drive
• Louisville to Chicago drive
• Louisville to Nashville drive
• Louisville to Orlando drive
• Louisville to Washington DC drive
• Louisville to Toronto drive
• Louisville to Gatlinburg drive
• Louisville to New Orleans drive
• Louisville to Saint Louis drive
• Louisville to Cincinnati drive
• Louisville to Las Vegas drive
• Louisville to Atlanta drive
• Louisville to Indianapolis drive
• Louisville to Niagara Falls drive
• Louisville to Memphis drive
• Louisville to Boston drive
• Louisville to Branson drive
• Louisville to Cleveland drive
• Louisville to Philadelphia drive
• Louisville to Montreal drive
• Louisville to Chattanooga drive
• Louisville to Savannah drive
• Louisville to Pittsburgh drive
• Louisville to Baltimore drive
• Louisville to Charleston drive
• Louisville to Lexington drive
• Louisville to St. Augustine drive
• Louisville to Columbus drive
• Louisville to San Antonio drive
• Louisville to Miami Beach drive

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12 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Tennessee Before You Die

Meghan Kraft

Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.

More by this Author

Here at OnlyInYourState, we love a good road trip – which is why we’ve sent so many of YOU on them over the past couple of years. Since it’s about to be 2017 and all, we’ve pulled together 12 of our most popular for you to take a look at before your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for some decadent places to eat or a spot to scare your socks off, we’ve got the best place for you. Ready to find a new favorite?

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A Drive Down Tennessee's Loneliest Road Will Take You Miles And Miles Away From It All

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Take A Road Trip To This Quaint Shopping Village In The Hills Of East Tennessee

Pretty neat, hey? There are so many opportunities for fun and adventure right here in Tennessee. If you’re still looking to adventure and explore, checkout these 11 Unknown and Fascinating Spots – they’re memory makers, for sure.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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