Las Vegas to Yellowstone Road Trip Ideas

A road trip from Las Vegas to Yellowstone National Park is the adventure of a lifetime. From top entertainment in Vegas to a park that preserves one of America's most iconic landscapes, this road trip makes for an incredible journey. Along the way, you get to experience more than 700 miles of the most beautiful scenery in the Southwest.

Las Vegas To Yellowstone National Park Drive

As a straight shot, you can drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone in about 10.5 hours. That being said, it's best not to rush. At a minimum, you'll need to stop for gas and a meal now and then, and probably at least one night's sleep along the way. 

The Las Vegas to Yellowstone National Park drive takes around 17 to 19 hours if you include each of the stops outlined below. To get the most out of the experience, give yourself three days to make the journey, and at least another three days to experience Yellowstone. 

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is the detour that adds the most time you your itinerary, but it's hard to argue with making a pilgrimage to one of America's most iconic landmarks. 

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is about a five-hour drive from Vegas. It's less often visited than the South Rim, but the views are no less dramatic. Stretching up to 18 miles across and 6,000 feet deep, the Grand Canyon is pretty spectacular no matter which vantage point you choose. 

The classic North Rim view can be found at Bright Angel Point, just a half-mile hike from the North Rim parking area in Grand Canyon National Park. There's also a great scenic drive along the North Rim to a viewpoint at Cape Royal, which provides a panoramic vista up, down, and across the canyon. 

Zion, Utah

The entrance to Utah’s incredible Zion National Park is just over 100 miles north of the Grand Canyon. It’s Utah's oldest national park and encompasses nearly 230 square miles of rugged valleys, canyons, mesas, and mountains just outside Springdale, Utah. 

Zion is arguably every bit as stunning as the Grand Canyon and even more immersive. It invites visitors to explore its many backcountry hiking trails to reach landmarks like Angels Landing, with its soaring views from a tower of solid rock, and Emerald Pools, filled with tumbling, multi-tiered waterfalls. 

Canyoneering, horseback riding, and river trips are popular here as well. Zion National Park's labyrinth of narrow, twisting red sandstone slot canyons are appealing to experienced rock climbers, while the less-intimidating Riverside Walk Trail offers hikers of all abilities the chance to enjoy this unique landscape. 

Salt Lake City, Utah

About 300 miles north of Zion National Park, is Salt Lake City, known for being the largest population center between Las Vegas and Yellowstone. It's a great place to enjoy a meal, take in a bit of the nightlife, and perhaps most importantly, get a good night's sleep before you continue. 

Downtown Salt Lake City is a perfect place to stay. It's easy to walk or drive to all of the city's best bars and restaurants from here. Explore unique local eateries or head east to the Central City area for the more established chain restaurants. 

After a good night's rest, take a stroll through the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where you'll find some of Salt Lake City's most popular coffee shops and breakfast spots. The Salt Lake City Downtown Farmer's Market is open every Saturday year-round, and it's a great place to stock up on snacks for the road. 

Idaho Halls, Idaho

After driving about three more hours from Salt Lake City, you'll be ready for a pitstop. Idaho Falls is perfectly poised as a place to stretch your legs, fill up the gas tank, and grab a bite to eat before you head into Wyoming. 

Idaho Falls is also a charming small city with a vibrant downtown and a network of urban green spaces that might just encourage you to stay awhile. The city is centered around its namesake waterfall on the Snake River, which tumbles down a rocky cascade. Nearby, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt Trail meanders along the shoreline. 

Downtown Idaho Falls offers an assortment of locally owned cafes and restaurants, ranging from coffee shops and bakeries to brewpubs and burger joints. Attractions like the Museum of Idaho, the Idaho Falls Zoo, and the East Idaho Aquarium are all great places to see before you hit the road again. 

Jackson, Wyoming

Once you cross into Wyoming, your Las Vegas to Yellowstone road trip is almost complete. But the city of Jackson, WY is worth stopping in for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Jackson serves as the gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park and also offers some great lodging options.

At 6,800 feet in elevation, the city of Jackson is nestled in Jackson Hole Valley, encircled by the jagged peaks of the Gros Ventre and Teton mountain ranges. It's a hub for outdoor adventures that include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and wildlife viewing. 

Jackson is just about a 10-minute drive from Grand Teton National Park and less than an hour’s drive from Yellowstone's south entrance. The city is also home to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which features works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. The nearby National Elk Refuge is home to an elk herd over 7,500 strong. 

Book Your Las Vegas to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip

When you're driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, you’ll want to make sure you have places to stay along the way. Luckily, no matter where you find yourself, chances are there's a Hotel by Wyndham nearby. Book your stay through the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts app to take advantage of faster booking at 8,900+ hotels worldwide.