Here is an epic 7-Day Itinerary for campervan travelers going from SLC to Denver via Yellowstone National Park & Grand Teton NP.
Heading to Las Vegas? Check out our 6-Day SLC to Las Vegas Itinerary.
North of Salt Lake City, in the Wyoming and Idaho wilderness, lies two of the world’s most magical National Parks. Yellowstone, the first and largest National park in the US, and Grand Teton, one of the most photographed parks globally.
There is no better way to explore both of these gems than in the seat of a Promaster campervan. Sleeping on the banks of picturesque Jenny Lake with the Teton Range reflecting masterfully in the water is a jaw-dropping experience. Or navigating the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone and stopping wherever you want to throw the rear doors open and walk the elk and bison roam.
Due to challenging winter weather, the best time for this road trip is July through September when all the roads in both parks will be open. However, this is also the busiest time to visit, so avoid the massive summer crowds by traveling in the shoulder months of April or October. You’ll be blessed with beautiful spring and fall colors.
Traveling to Utah in the Winter? Read 5 Must-Hit Destinations in Utah this Winter.
This 7-Day itinerary assumes you are traveling in the summer months and all the park roads are open. For each section of the road trip we share our favorite places to stop, a few activities to consider and suggestions on where to camp.
Before you can start your awesome adventure to Yellowstone National Park pick up your campervan at our Salt Lake City, Native Campervans office. Stock up on your essentials, download your 5 Must-Have Camping Apps and then hit the road, heading north out of town on I-15. via the long way to Jackson Hole. Pull off at Willard Bay State Park, an hour north of town, and revel in Willard Peak towering over you and reflecting masterfully in the Bay Reservoir.
Switch over to State Route 89 and head towards Logan and the stunning Logan Canyon. The drive through to Bear Lake is magical, with dramatic mountains flanking on either side. You’ll arrive at the town of Garden City, right on Bear Lake, where you make a right turn to the southern tip and Rendezvous Beach. Set up camp and enjoy a beautiful afternoon swimming, grilling, and hanging out.
Where to Camp: Rendezvous Beach (Book here)
Catch the sunrise and enjoy a lazy morning making French Press coffee and a delicious camping breakfast. Head north towards the Wild West town of Montpelier and make a short pitstop at the Butch Cassidy Bank Robbery Museum. Famous for being the last bank in the world robbed by Butch Cassidy and his gang.
Continue on Highway 89 and witness the snowy peaks of the Snake River Range come into view. The Wyoming town of Alpine Junction sits at the base of these mountains and a stop at Melvin Brewing overlooking the Snake River is well worth the views and beer. Or skip this and hightail it to Jackson to spend the rest of the day exploring this cool town. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a must vist.
Make sure to stop by the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center to grab a map of both parks and a debrief on the weather, before heading north out of town to your campground. Get a hearty camping dinner in and to bed early for a big day of exploring Grand Teton tomorrow.
Where to Camp: Gros Ventre Campground [Book Here]
Get up early and to Mormon Row to catch an epic sunrise. Storied community with a number of former Mormon homesteads with the background of the Teton range – one of the park’s famed pictures (see above).
Stay on Highway 191, and drive the eastern portion of the 42-mile scenic loop around the park. Stop at Schwabacher Landing, and Snake River Overlook, and Oxbow Bend – just past Moran – for stunning morning photographs and vistas. Head back toward the Teton range via Teton Park Rd and drive (or hike) up to Signal Mountain. An isolated summit with stunning views of Jackson Lake.
Finally, check-in to your campsite at Jenny Lake Campground, and spend the day exploring picturesque Jenny Lake.
Where to Camp: Jenny Lake Campground (Book Here)
Get up early, take the boat across Jenny Lake and hike up to Inspiration Point and down Cascade Canyon. ~10 miles out & back. This hike provides stunning views of the park, and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Teton mountains.
After you get packed up, swing by Jackson Lake on the way out of town and refuel at Colter Bay Village, before continuing on the John D. Rockefeller Jr Memorial Highway to Yellowstone. The 20-minute drive is easy and stunning.
Once through the south entrance, make a left at West Thumb and spend the remainder of the day exploring the Midway Geyser Basin highlights. Swing by world-renowned Old Faithful Geyser and catch one of its 17 eruptions per day. Continue onto Morning Glory Pool and gaze into its deep aqua blue pit. And Hike to Fairy Falls around the Grand Prismatic Spring. The largest hot spring in the US with vibrant brands of bright yellow, orange and green encircling the water. There is a lot to see here, to plan to spend a few hours exploring the area.
Once you’re ready to camp, head on into Canyon Village to the beautiful, and popular Canyon Campground – a favorite of ours here at Native.
Where to Camp: Canyon Campground (Book Here)
Wake up, make some coffee and prepare to explore the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon of Yellowstone all morning. Meander along the North Rim up to Lookout and Inspiration Point, or witness the canyon via Uncle Tom’s Trail, a local favorite, on the South Rim.
After you’ve had your fill, head up to the hip village of Mammoth and take a soak in the Boiling River Hot Springs right on the Montana border. Or, if you are feeling strong, hike up iconic Mt. Washburn for stunning views of the entire park – 6.8 mile out and back trail.
Finish up your day with a drive back towards Tower Junction and onto the Slough Creek Campground – deep in the Yellowstone wilderness.
Where to Camp: Slough Creek Campground (Book Here)
Day 6 starts with one of the most scenic drives in the country, a trip through the lush Lamar Valley. This is your best chance to see wildlife in the park. Bison, elk, pronghorn deer, bear, coyote, and wolves are all known to make an appearance. Once you’ve satisfied your wildlife itch, say goodbye to Yellowstone National Park as you exit the Eastern entrance.
Continue along Beartooth Highway, crisscrossing the Montana-Wyoming border until you make a right on highway 296 towards Cody. Stop at Dead Indian Summit for one last breathtaking vista view before the final stretch to Cody. If hungry, grab a bite at The Cody Cattle Company for a delicious late lunch, before driving the final 4 hours to Casper, Wyoming for the night.
Where to Camp: Ayers Natural Bridge Park [FREE]
Enjoy a lazy final morning by the river, soaking up the tranquil surroundings before the 4-hour push to Denver. If you have time, swing by jaw-dropping Horsetooth Reservoir on the outskirts of Fort Collins and grab a beer at New Belgium Brewery before heading back to the Native Campervans Denver office.
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