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Big Sky Country: Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho

Circling the northern reaches of the Rocky Mountains, this road trip through Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming is one of the most stunning exhibitions of nature to be found in this world, or the next.

Make sure to check the status of the states, regions, and establishments in which you’re planning to visit prior to travel. Many regions continue to see high infection rates and deaths, while many states and counties remain under varying stay-at-home orders. Those traveling from areas with high rates of Covid-19 should consider avoiding travel for now in order to reduce spread.

At A Glance

Out here, the landscape is dense with national forests and national monuments lauded for their stunning beauty and cultural histories, not to mention three separate national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Over ten days, the itinerary careens over mountain passes, through emerald forests and along the banks of sapphire lakes and rivers. While this route will knock the socks off of just about anyone, for those willing to get out in nature to hike, kayak, and horseback ride the word “epic” doesn’t even begin to describe it. ... Read More

Explore All Road Trips

Bozeman to Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park to Missoula

Missoula to Stanley

Stanley to Sun Valley

Sun Valley to Jackson

Jackson to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park to Cody

Cody to Eatons' Ranch

Eatons' Ranch to Red Lodge

Red Lodge to Bozeman

The itinerary.

Bozeman to Glacier National Park, Montana

Town:  Helena, Montana’s Historic District, Last Chance Gulch, has a fascinating history rooted in the city’s early pioneer and mining days. Take a self-guided walking tour through the neighborhood’s 19th-century dry goods stores, hotels, and churches to get the backstory of what was once a remote outpost of the Wild West.

Eat & Drink:  Fill up with a ham gobbler sandwich, French dip, or chef salad in Choteau, Montana, at the roadside Outpost Deli .

Do: Glacier National Park has more than 700 miles of hiking trails to do solo or with a Glacier Guide . Fish at the park’s many lakes and rivers (no permit required) and take a drive down the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road , one of the country’s most spectacular National Historic Landmarks.

Eat & Drink: Get a Montana-style home-cooked meal and a sip (or a bottle) of hand-crafted booze from Josephine’s Bar & Kitchen and the Glacier Distilling Company next door in Coram.

Stay: Book a night at the historic Belton Chalet , an iconic early 20th-century lodge, for $145 in the spring/fall and $185 in the summer. There are 13 campgrounds at Glacier National Park but the one at Kintla Lake is a bastion of solitude and beauty ($15/night).

Breakfast: Get your caffeine fix and a breakfast wrap at Montana Coffee Traders in Columbia Falls, a local northwestern Montana chain.

Glacier National Park to Missoula, Montana

Town:  Whitefish considers itself Montana’s “outdoor recreation playground,” and for good reason. In winter, skiers flock to Whitefish Mountain Resort while during the warmer seasons locals and visitors alike hit the hiking trails in the Flathead National Forest or the beachfront at Flathead Lake.

Eat & Drink:  The Raven , a waterfront restaurant in Big Fork, has an eclectic menu, craft cocktails, live music and unparalleled views.

Nature:  Get out on the water at Flathead Lake, the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Rent a kayak or SUP in Woods Bay, go for a swim, or fish for trout and perch from shore.

Do: Explore the ghostly remains of Garnet , an early gold mining town, or soak up some culture at the Missoula Art Museum . If you’re visiting in winter, hit the slopes at the Montana Snowbowl . During the summer, they run zip line tours over the chair lifts.

Eat & Drink: Dig into traditional Mexican eats at the stylish restaurant and agave bar, The Camino . At Gild , a brewpub on the Hip Strip, find three separate floors of fun, each with their own bar and atmosphere.

Stay: Spend a night at the C’mon Inn , a Montana lodge with an indoor courtyard and waterfall, for around $120. At Goldsmith’s Bed and Breakfast on the banks of the Clark Fork River, rooms are homey and comfortable (~$100/night)

Breakfast: Have a seat or take your coffee and breakfast to go at Market on Front , a bustling cafe and artisan market downtown.

Missoula to Stanley, Idaho

Town:  In Salmon, Idaho, take a rigorous hike to the Goldbug Hot Springs for a soak or stop in at the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center which delves into the history of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the Agaidika Shoshone-Bannock Nation from which their indigenous guide hailed.

Eat & Drink:  Tuck into a massive burger with all the fixin’s at The Savage Grill in Salmon.

Do: Take an epic adventure on the Salmon River with one of Stanley’s many whitewater rafting outfitters or keep your feet planted firmly on the hiking trails around Redfish, Stanley, and Sawtooth Lakes.

Eat & Drink: The log cabin Sawtooth Luce’s serves quality comfort food with solid vegetarian options. At the 90-year old Rod-N-Gun Saloon , get a stiff drink and a game of shuffleboard.

Stay: The suites and private cabins of Stanley High Country Inn have a rustic aesthetic adorned with modern touches. Rates start around $100/night.

Breakfast: Have a traditional breakfast straight from the griddle at Limbert’s in the Redfish Lake Lodge.

Stanley to Sun Valley, Idaho

Eat & Drink:  Stretch your legs and grab a cold drink or a bite at the Galena Lodge  in Galena, a community-owned homebase for skiers and hikers in the Boulder Mountains.

Nature:  Hike one of the Sawtooth National Forest’s two national recreation trails—the Fishhook Creek Boardwalk at Redfish Lake or the Wood River Nature Trail at Wood River Campground—or take a scenic drive along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Hwy 21) or the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway.

Do: Sun Valley is a posh, all-season outdoor getaway. At the Resort , ski or snowboard in winter and golf, go for a horseback ride or hike the trails of Bald Mountain in summer.

Eat & Drink: Have an elegant dinner at Sun Valley’s original dining room, The Ram , or indulge in Tuscan favorites at Ketchum’s best Italian restaurant, Cristina’s . At the historic Pioneer Saloon , meat is on the menu, along with plenty of liquor to wet your whistle.

Stay: One of Ketchum’s newer properties, the Limelight Hotel downtown has spacious guest rooms and large indoor and outdoor lounges starting at around $220/night. Art and design are woven into the fabric of Hotel Ketchum , an affordably-priced stay on Main Street that starts at around $120/night.

Breakfast: Breakfast at The Kneadery in Ketchum, a rustic eatery with Rocky Mountain-inspired takes on traditional dishes like benedicts and omelets.

Sun Valley to Jackson, Wyoming

Town:  In Idaho Falls, stroll along the River Walk to see the eponymous waterfall. If you don’t intend to stop at Craters of the Moon, see similar lava formations at the bite-sized Hell’s Half Acre just south of town.

Eat & Drink:  Fuel up with “clean” comfort food at Diablas Kitchen in Idaho Falls where everything from the quiche of the day to the mac n’ cheese is made fresh from scratch.

Nature:  Explore the cinder cones and underground lava tubes of Craters of the Moon National Monument , an alien landscape formed by fire.

Detour:  A disaster at a nuclear power plant in 1961 left Atomic City a virtual ghost town. Get a look at what’s left on this quick six-mile detour (about ten minutes each way) on Hwy 26.

Do: A charming town at the base of the Tetons, Jackson is dense with art galleries and boutiques. The National Museum of Wildlife Art has an impressive collection of artistic renderings of animals from around the world. Get your own look at those that frequent this region of Wyoming at the National Elk Refuge on the edge of town.

Eat & Drink: Dig into plates piled high with mushroom pappardelle and chicken parmesan at Orsetto or order a wood-fired artisan pizza from Hand Fire Pizza . After dinner, belly up to the bar at the Million Dollar Cowboy , an iconic Western dive.

Stay: Get a room in the western-styled Hotel Jackson , once named Wyoming’s most beautiful hotel by Architectural Digest , starting at around $450/night or find a more affordable stay (around $200/night) at the Wyoming Inn , a contemporary hotel styled in leather and wood.

Breakfast: Snag a table inside Cafe Genevieve’s cozy log cabin or on the outdoor patio for a breakfast made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Jackson to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Eat & Drink:  There aren’t a whole lot of options for lunch in Grand Teton National Park but Leek’s Pizzeria in Colter Bay Village is worth a stop for tasty pies and a table with a view of Jackson Lake.

Nature:  Natural beauty surrounds you as you drive north through Grand Teton National Park . Some of the most popular sites and trails in the park include Jenny Lake, the Taggart Lake Trail, the Mormon Row Historic District and, of course, Grand Teton, itself.

Photo Op:  Grand Teton and Yellowstone are teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, moose, bear and other incredible animals. If you plan to pull over for a photo, be sure not to get any closer to them than 75-feet.

Do: Considered one of the most spectacular national parks in the U.S., Yellowstone is festooned with hot springs and geysers, including the granddaddy of them all, Old Faithful. Whether you plan to explore the backcountry on foot or to stick to the roads, you’ll spend your day immersed in an epic natural world.

Eat & Drink: Have an upscale dinner of sustainable fresh fish and wild game at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room . In the Bear Pit Lounge at the Old Faithful Inn, sit back and relax with a cocktail and apps.

Stay: For the most authentic Yellowstone experience, spend the night under the stars. The quiet Slough Creek Campground in Lamar Valley is a stone’s throw from some of the best wildlife-watching in the park ($15/night). For more luxurious accommodations, try the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel where rates start around $150/night.

Breakfast: Get in on a breakfast buffet (individual specialties are also available) at the Obsidian Room in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

Yellowstone National Park to Cody, Wyoming

Eat & Drink:  There is very little in the way of towns or restaurants between the Yellowstone boundary and Cody but if you happen to be traveling in the evening, the Lost Buffalo Grill in Wapiti is open from 5pm-9pm five days per week in the summer months.

Do: Named for showman Buffalo Bill Cody, the town Cody takes great pride in its Wild West history. Check out authentic cabins and artifacts from Wyoming’s pioneer days at Old Trail Town or stop in at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West , a complex of five museums that includes the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indians Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum.

Eat & Drink: Get an unlimited chuckwagon dinner and a show at The Cody Cattle Company . After dinner, grab a pint at the WyOld West Brewing Company , which also has a wide-ranging menu of sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and more.

Stay: A former working cattle ranch, K3 Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast offers Western-themed accommodations and an all-inclusive breakfast cooked over a campfire. Rates start around $180/night.

Breakfast: Get your morning coffee and a light breakfast at the friendly local favorite, Rawhide Coffee .

Cody to Eatons' Ranch, Wyoming

Town: Stop in Greybull, Wyoming, for a look at ancient dinosaur tracks in the painted badlands of Red Gulch and the bizarre rocks that form the geological anomaly, Devil’s Kitchen.

Eat & Drink:  Get quesadillas and burritos with a family-touch at Los Gabanes Mexican Restaurant in Greybull.

Do: This dude ranch in northeastern Wyoming is one of America’s first. On the slopes of the Bighorn Mountains, Eatons’ is one of the few ranches where more experienced riders can still take horses out without a guide (guided trail rides also happen twice a day). They also do overnight pack trips in the neighboring national forest.

Eat & Drink: All meals are communal at Eatons’ Ranch and served in their large, cheery dining room (Saturday is outdoor BBQ night). If you’re hankering for an adult beverage, stop in at The Apartment Bar or purchase wine or beer from the ranch store.

Stay: Almost all Eatons’ guests stay in individual cabins on the property, each rustic but comfortable with full bathrooms. Larger cabins have 2-3 bedrooms, fireplaces and porches. There are also three suites in the Main Ranch House. The all-inclusive rates start at $260/night for adults, $225/night for kids under 17.

Breakfast: At breakfast, you’re back at the communal dining room but if you sleep in and miss the meal, stop by the on-site Coffee Shop to fuel up.

Eatons' Ranch to Red Lodge, Montana

Town:  In the city of Billings, see the carefully maintained treasures of Moss Mansion or the Yellowstone Art Museum . Just outside town, step into the ancient past at Pictograph Cave State Park which boasts more than 100 rock paintings in three easy-to-access caves.

Eat & Drink:  At Parasol in Billings find local takes on global and Montanan cuisine, including falafel, Reuben sandwiches, and tacos.

Roadside Attraction:  Follow the battle of Little Bighorn where Custer had his last stand on a self-guided driving tour of the battlefield.

Do: In the winter, the town of Red Lodge draws thousands to its well-loved ski resort, Red Lodge Mountain . In warmer months, there are plenty of outdoor activities to be had, including hiking along the Lake Fork Trail and visiting the rehabilitated and rescued animals at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary .

Eat & Drink: Dig into the flavors and aromas of Sicilian cuisine at the upscale Ox Pasture or find a more laid-back meal on the wide-ranging menu at Prerogative Kitchen .

Stay: Cozy up in a suite, apartment or townhouse on the banks of a picturesque river at Rock Creek Resort , starting at around $130/night. In town, find a great night’s sleep within the wood-paneled rooms at the Alpine Lodge (~$150/night).

Breakfast: Wake up with traditional and international breakfast favorites from The Wild Table .

Red Lodge to Bozeman, Montana

Town:  Take a break with a history lesson in Livingston, Montana’s railroad museum, the Depot Center , or the Yellowstone Gateway Museum , which has exhibitions on the region’s natural and cultural past.

Eat & Drink:  Stop for a meal and a brew in Livingston at the charming, colorful Neptune’s which specializes in coastal cuisine and sushi.

Do: There is much to do in the university town of Bozeman. See an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils at the Museum of the Rockies or browse the shops and galleries downtown. If you’re traveling in winter, hit the slopes at Bridger Bowl Ski Area .

Eat & Drink: Grab dinner at the Blackbird Kitchen , a cute Italian spot with a wood-fired oven, or splurge on the last dinner of your road trip at Open Range , a classic Montana steakhouse. End your night on the town at the Bozeman institutions Rockin’ R Bar and The Haufbrau House .

Stay: Bed down at the stylish RSVP Hotel (around $150/night) or The Lark , a sunny downtown hotel with an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and a patio overlooking Main Street (~$260/night).

Breakfast: The Nova Cafe in downtown Bozeman has a menu packed with both savory and sweet morning treats.

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10-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Idaho, Montana & Wyoming

This was our first adventure since the world shut down for the Coronavirus pandemic and we knew it had to be epic so we create an itinerary to visit Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Teton National Park - and we hit the road for a 10-day road trip to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. It was also our first adventure since Dana’s “fun” hospital visit in Ecuador so we decided a US road trip was the way to go. Our itinerary took us through the iconic national parks with a number of must-see stops on the way to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming!

Day 1: Travel to Riggins, Idaho by way of Boise

We started our Idaho road trip from Boise to Glacier National Park in Montana with a stop in Riggins, Idaho. Boise was actually the only place we could find a rental car. I guess a lot of other people had the same idea for fun this summer. We arrived early afternoon and checked out our trusty steed for the trip, a blue 2021 Hyundai Accent which we named Huckleberry (it’s bad luck not to name your car for a road trip), and we were off! Well not quite. Alicia’s bag didn’t make the connecting flight and we had to come back and pick it up later in the afternoon. 

This gave us the perfect excuse to check out downtown Boise.  It was a nice way to kick things off with cold Idaho beers and world-famous Idaho potatoes in the form of french fries at Bittercreek Ale House . We dubbed Boise the “Orlando of the West” as the downtown areas are very similar. After our bellies were full, we swung back by the airport to pick up Alicia’s bag and started our Idaho road trip north towards Riggins. 

One thing that stood out to us on this trip, compared to other road trips we’ve taken, was the beauty of the drives. We didn’t even play any car games with so much to see! On the way north to Riggins we drove through the Payette National Forest, enjoying the tree lined roads and mountain views. We also learned quickly that the beautiful scenic views came with a lack of cell service so for anyone planning this drive, download a couple playlists and pick up a paper map in advance. 

Even though they share a border, it’s a long drive through Idaho to Montana and we love an adventure-packed pit stop so Riggins was the perfect place to stop on a road trip from Idaho to Montana. We arrived at the Big Iron Motel just before 9 (and it was still light outside!) and received our complimentary beers at check-in. It was the perfect place to stay for the night in this tiny, charming western town. Though in true Dana fashion (and much to Alicia’s dismay), the owner's dogs, who live on the property, somehow found their way into our room. 

Day 2: Riggins, Idaho to Missoula, Montana

Post white water rafting on the Salmon River in Riggins, Idaho

The next morning we explored the town of Riggins (population 401) and ate lunch at Kate’s Cattlemen’s Homestyle Cooking , where we were served by Kate herself (get the biscuits and gravy, you’ll thank us later)! Then it was time to set out on our w hitewater rafting trip down the Salmon River . You can’t visit Idaho on an adventure-packed road trip without whitewater rafting! We shared a small raft with two couples older than us who gladly gave us the front spots. The river was low, so the water was not running fast, but we still hit 3 good class III rapids on our run. Our favorite rapid was called the Time Change, which took us under a bridge where the time literally changed from Mountain to Pacific (our brains were very confused on time for the rest of that day since we went over and under that bridge multiple times). Definitely add whitewater rafting on the Salmon River to your Idaho road trip itinerary!

We left Riggins that afternoon to make our way towards Glacier National Park. On the way out of town, we stopped at Fiddle Creek Fruit Stand and sampled some Huckleberry pie (eating something huckleberry is one of the must do things in the area...and we sampled our fair share by the end of the trip). Don’t know what a huckleberry is? Neither did we but the kind owner at the fruit stand took pity on our eastern palates and let us sample huckleberry jam before we bought the pie. It’s similar to a blueberry but a bit sweeter and the fruit is smaller.

On the road, we did some quick research (when we were lucky enough to get reception between the trees and mountains in the middle of nowhere) and found the Weir Creek Hot Springs in Clearwater National Forest on our route to Montana. It was the perfect stopping point for a quick ½ mile hike and a dip in the relaxing, warm spring water. If you’ve never tried to change from a wet bathing suit into comfy driving clothes on the side of a road, well, you’re missing out. 

Back on the road, we crossed over the border to Montana and stopped for the night in Missoula. We of course went out for some dinner and beer sampling at Tamarack Brewing before calling it a night. Missoula has a plethora of hotels so we booked a Comfort Inn near downtown on our way into town. Missoula was a great place to stop on a Montana road trip because it gave us a really good sense of Montana culture while also offering the conveniences of a city (like cell service!). We recommend adding it to your Montana itinerary. With so many people road-tripping, the prices were exorbitant so it was challenging for the budget-conscious traveler. If we had booked months in advance, I’m sure we would have saved money but we would have lost out on the flexibility that makes road trips such fun adventures. 

Day 3: Missoula, Montana to Glacier National Park

Alicia went for a run this morning on the beautiful Milwaukee Path along the river (Alicia loves to run on vacation!), and it was Dana’s job to book us tickets to Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park (they were limiting the number of cars in a day due to the amount of post-Covid 19 travelers to the national parks). The tickets were open at 8:00 that morning...and were gone by 8:03. We unfortunately were not one of the lucky winners of said tickets (Dana may or may not have thrown her phone across the room in frustration). We set ourselves to brainstorming and researching what our other options for the park would be, but in the meantime, we weren’t going to let it spoil the rest of the day. Visiting Glacier National Park was top of the list on our Montana itinerary so we knew we’d find a way to make it happen!

We had brunch at a small but very crowded Farmer’s Market (who knew Missoula was such a hip and happening place?!), and then set out on the road. We took a rather long detour on our stop to Glacier National Park at the National Bison Range in Charlo, Montana. This consisted of a windy, scenic drive (poor Huckleberry was a champ struggling on the inclined, unpaved roads), LOTS of bison sightings, and two short hikes with gorgeous views. This also was the start of our educational “What’s the difference between...?” series that became a theme of the trip. 

A bison at the National Bison Range in Charlo, Montana

“What’s the difference between a bison and a buffalo?” In case you were wondering, they are completely different animals that are often mistaken for each other, but only bison can be found in North America. This revelation resulted in frequent singings of “Oh give me a home, where the Bison roam…” throughout the remainder of the trip.

We arrived at the Glacier Haven RV Park & Campground in the early evening. The cabin we stayed in was adorable. We each had our own twin bed (the most comfy beds of the whole trip!) and we had a shared campsite bathroom (which was actually quite clean and close to us). Our brainstorming and researching along the way paid off, as we learned we WOULD be able to access Going to the Sun Road IF we arrived before 6 AM or after 5 PM. We only had one day scheduled in the park so we only had one shot to make it in before they stopped letting un-ticketed cars in at 6! With that being said, it was going to be an early night with our alarms set for 4 in the morning. 

Day 4: Glacier National Park  

Our alarms jarred us awake in pitch black (which felt strange since we had woken with the sun at 5:30 on the previous mornings) with the pounding of rain on the roof of our cabin. Awesome. But nothing was going to keep up from experiencing the wonders of Glacier National Park! We readied ourselves quickly (let’s be honest, Alicia stared Dana down with as much intensity as one can muster at 4AM to make sure she was moving quickly enough for Alicia’s type-A liking) and headed out to the West entrance of the Park. We were stocked up with essential items (PB&J fixings, fruit & snacks, water, bug spray, and most importantly, bear spray). We hit the beginning of the main road when it was still dark and rainy, but we found a spot to camp out along Lake McDonald to watch the sun rise.

 We continued our way down Going to the Sun Road, enjoying the many scenic turnouts along the way. We were only able to make it about a third of the way through since a chunk of the road in the middle was closed.  Because we didn’t have the special tickets to enter the road during normal hours, we couldn’t  check out the east side of the park until after 5PM so we decided to hike up the road itself for a little bit, which was a great call. It was lightly trafficked, and we got to see more great sights in the stillness of the natural surroundings. The early morning rainy start actually ended up working out in our favor, since we got to enjoy the park without the large crowds of people. Everything’s coming up Dana & Alicia! After about 2.5 miles walking east on Going to the Sun road, we decided to turn back and go for a hike. By the time we got back to the campsite where we parked, the park had come to life with tons of rangers and visitors out and about.

The colorful and unique rocks at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park

As the day went on, the skies began to clear and we were able to experience the sheer beauty of the park. The water is the most beautiful turquoise color flowing over smooth, multicolored rocks with tree lined mountains as the backdrop. Pictures just can’t do it justice. The sheer magnitude and untouched rugged beauty make you feel small in the most wonderful way. The stresses of day to day life feel less important and slowly start to drift away.

We decided to hike the Trail of Cedars to Avalanche Lake, about a 5 mile out and back trail. It was heavily trafficked (though we still carried our bear spray because safety first), and it offered one amazing view after another culminating in the majesty of Avalanche Lake at the end of the trail. 

When we were done with our hike, it was lunch time. We stopped at the village near the park entrance for soups and sandwiches, and a little bit of shopping. Then we headed back to the campgrounds where Dana (of course) took a nap in preparation for our evening excursion into the East side of the park, and Alicia made friends with some people at our campground. 

Rest time was over at about 5 PM, and we were back out on the road heading to the East park entrance. Neither of us realized just how FAR it was going to be on this side of the road. It took us about 30 minutes to reach the turn off from the main road, and then another 90 minutes until we even reached the official park entrance (so much for the nice dinner we planned for the night...PB&J again it is!). The drive in itself did have beautiful views, even before we reached Going to the Sun Road. About halfway there, we had our first animal encounter -  a dog darted out in front of our car. Of course we had to stop and try to help said dog (whose name we learned was Hank). Another car stopped as well and the two of us and the gentleman from the other car tried to coax the dog to us so we could read his tag. Once we got ahold of him though, we weren’t sure what to do! We had no cell service, and there was no one around. The man who was helping hopped the fence to check the farm house a little ways up. While we were waiting for him, a pick up truck pulled up to us and the driver yelled “Let him go, he’ll follow!”. So we did, and the dog followed as promised, but....rude!!! How about a ‘thank you,’ Hank’s dad!? Now we were quite behind on our excursion (farther behind than we realized at the point). It was already 7:00...good thing it stays light until 10 that far north!

Jackson Glacier seen from Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park

We continued on with no further interruption and made it to the park entrance. We got to view Jackson Glacier, one of the few glaciers left at Glacier National Park and watch the sun starting to set over St. Mary Lake. We moved along quickly because we wanted to make sure we made it out to the main road before it was completely dark. The road coming in was very windy with a huge drop off over the side of a cliff (this made Alicia especially nervous since the cliff edge was just inches from the passenger side door). About halfway through our drive back we had our second animal encounter. This time it was not a dog but a Black Bear that darted out in front of our car! We were very excited to have a bear sighting...from the safety of our car, and not on a hiking trail. We enjoyed the warm hues of the setting sun as we continued our way out to the main road and back to our little cabin in the woods. We were exhausted and crashed quickly. 

Note from Alicia: I would go back to this park a thousand times. I would like to spend more time digging into some of the more challenging hiking trails and exploring the Many Glacier and Medicine Road sections of the park as well.

Day 5: Glacier National Park to Helena, Montana

Today was one of our main driving days, which can be some of the best days of a road trip! We traveled through Montana as the trees and mountains gave way to vast farmlands. And in the second installation of “what’s the difference between…” we learned:

“What’s the difference between a farm and a ranch?” . A farm is where crops are grown and a ranch is where livestock are raised. 

We drove with the intention of finding a cute town to visit and we were not disappointed in Augusta, Montana . We were drawn in by a shop called Latigo and Lace , which featured authentic and local artwork. Did we spend too much time looking at all of the amazing pieces and come home with a few prize possessions? Obviously. Across the street we went to lunch at Buckhorn Bar , where we sampled local beers, fried food, and most interestingly, the musings of the local people. We learned that it is not uncommon for people living in these small towns to drive 1 ½ hours to get to everyday events (like baseball games or getting your tractor fixed). We were very entertained by a lady sitting at the end of the bar, who was probably around the same age as us, talking about running her own farm (“Can you believe he asked me that, I’m busy, I have my own farm to run!”). We laughed as she made fun of tourists she would encounter who called her way of living “primitive”. Getting little glimpses into the real lives of the local people is one of our favorite parts of traveling the world!

We continued on our way until stopping for the night in Helena, Montana. We found a hotel a couple miles from downtown and had enough time for Alicia to squeeze in a quick run before heading out for dinner. One thing we had been noticing by this point is that things around here close early. Most restaurants are closed by 9 PM at the latest. We set out around 7 and headed first to Blackfoot River Brewing Company (which closed at 8) and sampled some very delicious IPAs. After closing that place down, we went next door to a little Italian place for dinner (which closed at 9), and then ended the evening down the street at Lewis and Clark Brewering (which closed at the very late hour of 10 PM). The Lewis and Clark Brewery had one of our favorite beers of the trip: the Halo Huckleberry Hefe. Yum! 

Day 6: Helena, Montana to Yellowstone National Park

Alicia ready to slide down the Beaver slide at the Lewis and Clark Caverns

After leaving Helena, we started our day with a stop at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park in Montana on the way to Yellowstone in Wyoming. We enjoyed the 2 hour tour through the caverns - put this on your Montana itinerary! Our favorite part was the beaver slide, an area so narrow you literally had to sit and slide down to get through. 

“What’s the difference between a cave and a cavern?” A cave is any cavity in the ground that does not receive sunlight, while a cavern is a type of cave that includes stalagmites and stalactites.

After leaving the caverns, we continued on from Montana to Yellowstone National Park to start our Wyoming road trip. Once again, Dana’s steller itinerary planning came in handy with a great path through the park for our two days in Yellowstone. We started at the north entrance and made our way to Mammoth Hot Springs. To our disappointment the Boiling River (which normally you can swim in like a hot spring) was currently closed to swimmers because of dangerously fast running water. Bummer. We continued south until we got to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We explored both the Brink of the Lower and Upper Falls, as well as Artist Point. The views of the powerful waterfalls were breathtaking and a must see in this park. 

As we headed on towards our cabin at Lake Lodge , we got to experience some of the awesome wildlife that Yellowstone has to offer. We saw many more bison, along with elk, coyotes, and even a groundhog.

As we passed through Hayden Valley (known for its wildlife sightings), we noticed a lot of people pulled over at a turn out, pointing and taking pictures. We stopped to see what the fuss was about, and as soon as we got out of the car, we heard the murmur of “wolf” throughout the crowd of people. There were several people who had walked out into the brush (not on a trail or path-stupid people) looking to get a better glimpse of the animal. Alicia and I stayed the recommended 100+ yards away and watched through our binoculars. All of a sudden, we saw her pounce up from behind a ridge, just inches away from 2 of the male tourists. It bared its teeth and pulled back on it’s paws like she was going to strike. We thought for sure we were about to watch someone get eaten by a wild animal! Lucky for the dumb tourists, she slunk away after her warning growls, and instead went on to pounce on an unsuspecting small animal for dinner. Yellowstone travel tip: keep your distance from the wildlife!

Meanwhile, Alicia and I were so excited about our wolf encounter! We told all the random people we encountered back at the lodge about our experience. There are only 100 wolves in all of Yellowstone, and some people we talked to had been working at Yellowstone for years and never saw a wolf! Well...we learned from a ranger the next day that what we saw was actually a coyote. In retrospect, I wonder if some of the people we told were thinking to themselves that we were the dumb tourists who thought a coyote was a wolf (which, let’s be honest, we were). Guess we should have had wolf vs. coyote in our “what’s the difference between…?” series! 

We ended our night with dinner at our lodge, watching the sunset over Yellowstone Lake while a herd of elk and their babies grazed on the grass in front of us. It was the perfect way to end the first day of the Wyoming portion of our road trip.

Day 7: Yellowstone National Park to Grand Teton National Park

The Norris Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park

We spent the morning exploring the different geyser basins throughout Yellowstone. We started at the Mud Volcano area, where we had to tiptoe our way past a bison that was a little too close for comfort (turns out, those lazy-looking giant cows are actually really aggressive). Then we headed to the Norris Basin Geyser, where the pools ranged in color from milky sky blue to emerald green. We really enjoyed experiencing the beauty of the different thermal pools, as neither of us had really seen anything like them before. These unique and beautiful formations are a must-see on any Wyoming itinerary.

From the Norris Basin, we continued on to the famous Prismatic Spring. Although the parks had been fairly crowded this whole time (Yellowstone more so than Glacier), this is the first time it began to feel a bit too touristy. We had to wait in a long line just to get up close enough to see the spring, and then we had to keep the line moving, so we didn’t really even get to enjoy it. It literally felt like being at Disney World. This is one of those things you kind of just learn to deal with when traveling. It is going to be crowded, people are going to be annoying. Try not to let it bother you and focus your energy on appreciating the incredible natural phenomenon in front of you (easier said than done, sometimes).

Slightly disappointed, we continued on to see Old Faithful, which we were anticipating having the same tourist quality. We made it in perfect time, just 4 minutes before the geyser was set to blow. Yellowstone travel tip: Old Faithful is, well, faithful and you can check the times it is set to go off and plan your itinerary around it. It was crowded, as we expected, but we stayed a ways back and got a leg up on a log for a good view of the show. 

The majority of the drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton was actually going to be through the remainder of Yellowstone. We enjoyed the views of Yellowstone and the beautiful Wyoming scenery from the drive and arrived at our Grand Teton cabin at Signal Mountain Lodge right before dinnertime. We enjoyed our meal with a nice view of the sun setting over Jackson Lake and had our first local beer (a local beer and a local meal is our required criteria for getting to claim having “been” to a place). Combining Grand Teton and Yellowstone is perfect for a Wyoming road trip.

Day 8: Grand Teton National Park

In the morning, we joined Papa Elk (aka a male elk) for breakfast. We ate our oatmeal and eggs while he grazed on grass and leaves just 50 yards away. From there, we set out to Jenny Lake where we rented a canoe to paddle across to Inspiration Point - a great thing to do in Grand Teton.

Canoeing on Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park

It was an easy and relaxing ride. We passed a kayaker who told us to keep a lookout for a black bear he had just seen not too far from where we were going so we quietly paddled by and tried to catch a glimpse but he had disappeared back into the woods. We tied up our canoe on the bank and hiked halfway up to Inspiration Point, enjoying the views of the Hidden Waterfall on the way. By the time we got ready to canoe back, a storm was starting to roll in. It was windy and the water was choppy, which made it a much more difficult journey! At some points, we felt like we were paddling with all our might and not moving at all, but we eventually made it back to the dock. Just in time too, because about 20 minutes later the skies opened up. 

Unfortunately, the bad weather thwarted our planned 2nd hike of the day, so instead, we did a scenic drive, hitting all the “Big 4” things to do in Grand Teton National Park along the way.

First stop was Moulton Barns on Mormon Row, an old Mormon settlement before the national park was established.

Next was Schwabacher’s Landing (poor Huckleberry had to endure more rocky unpaved roads), where we walked a short way down to the river with a beautiful view of the Tetons.

We spent some time here watching the chipmunks and ground squirrels play.

The next two stops, Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend, had gorgeous views of the Tetons and Snake River. We were also able to see Teton and Middle Teton glaciers (ironically more glaciers than we saw at Glacier National Park). 

If you only have a short time in Wyoming, add this drive to your itinerary to really see the park. We headed back to our lodge where we (annoyingly) had to change rooms, since there were no rooms available 2 nights in a row. We were very happy to see our new cabin was much larger (3 beds with 2 separate rooms!) and we had a view of the lake! We spent another relaxing evening having dinner and drinks with the Tetons. 

Day 9: Grand Teton National Park to Twin Falls, Idaho

Today was another driving day from Wyoming to Idaho and our first stop was the Snake River Brewing Company in Jackson Hole. Then we crossed back over the border and found a perfect place to stop on the drive between Wyoming and Idaho: Idaho Falls for some yummy Huckleberry Ice Cream at Reed’s Dairy . They had the dairy cows right on site, along with a small petting zoo! You know Dana touched ALL the animals and then Alicia doused her in hand sanitizer before letting her back in the car. We also found another great place to see on the drive back to Boise in Arco, Idaho, the first city in the world to be lit by atomic power. We continued for a stop at must-see on any Idaho road trip, Craters of the Moon National Monument - an insanely unique landscape in the middle of nowhere. We learned there used to be 7 volcanoes in the area, the last of which erupted 2,000 years ago. The variation in topography that we have seen on this short trip has just been amazing!

Huckleberry ice cream at Reed’s Dairy in Idaho Falls

“What’s the difference between a national park and a national monument?” The primary difference is the reason for preserving the land. National parks are protected for their scenic, inspiration, recreational, and/or educational value. National monuments have objects of cultural, historical, and/or scientific interest. 

By the time we left the monument, it was around 7:00 and we decided it was a good time to start looking for a place to stay the night. So far on this trip, rooms had been expensive due to the amount of travelers in the area. We were averaging about $250 a night.

This is the first night of the itinerary when we went “true road trip fashion” and basically drove as far as we could for the day and then started looking for a place to sleep (we hadn’t booked all of our other hotels well in advance, but had a general idea of where we’d end up so we booked them earlier in the day. For the national park lodges, we booked a few weeks in advance). We figured, worst-case scenario, we would be paying double what we had been paying already...but worth it for a little bit more flexibility during the day. 

Well...we were wrong. We passed through several dying towns of boarded-up windows before driving to Twin Falls, Idaho. This was one of the biggest cities we had been to so far, so we had high hopes of finding a room. We stopped off first at the Holiday Inn. The ladies at the front desk informed us that they had no rooms available, and as far as they knew there were no rooms anywhere between Idaho Falls and Boise (3 hours away and our final destination for the trip). The ladies were very nice and gave us some numbers of local mom and pop places we could try. No luck. Alica tried looking online. The closest hotel we could find available was in Ontario, Oregon - 7 hours away from where we were and 5 hours past where we were going. 

We had a few moments of panic, but quickly realized we were going to be sleeping in our car and had to figure out the details. We headed to the Target across the street (6 minutes before it closed) for pillows and blankets (we took the extra 30 seconds to get blankets that matched our houses, obviously). We ate dinner at Applebees, where we also changed and got ready for bed in the bathroom  (it’s about 11 PM at this point and we are brushing our teeth at an Applebees in Idaho...probably the high point of the trip). Then we went back to the Holiday Inn where the front desk ladies were nice enough to sneak us a key card so we could use the bathroom in the middle of the night if needed. Not an ideal situation, but you have to be flexible on a road trip! The hiccups are part of the adventure. If nothing else, it gave us good story to tell later...but we decided to wait to tell family and friends of our predicament until we survived the night (which obviously we did and to be honest, it was better than some of the s**tholes we’ve stayed in on other trips). 

Day 10: Twin Falls, Idaho to Boise, Idaho

Our car bed was actually not too bad. It was more comfortable than tent camping anyway! We woke early and went into the Holiday Inn to get changed and ready for the day. When we got back to the car we realized...Dana had locked the keys inside. Whoops! Just another good story to tell, right? Alicia was surprisingly calm about the predicament Dana put us in. (note from Alicia: Who in 2021 locks a car from the door and not from the keys!?) 

About an hour and $50 later, we were on our way to the last stop on our Idaho itinerary before Boise. We arrived at Bruneau Dunes State Park just after 9:00. The plan was to go sand sledding and sand boarding. We knew we had to be there early because they stopped renting boards when the temperature outside reaches 80 degrees. We thought we made it on time, but when we went to the rental desk, we were told it was 81 degrees outside. No boards for us. Boo! 

We decided to drive through the park anyway just to see the dunes. When we arrived at Small Dune (where the sledding was done), there was a couple heading back to their car. They had to go take care of a parking ticket and let us borrow their board until they came back. Yes! We headed over to the dune and met another family with 2 sleds. These three were runners so Alicia got to chatting with them and it turns out, the older women actually ran the Boston Marathon! They let us borrow their sled and Alicia and I took turns sliding down a few times. It went FAST!! I didn’t even go all the way up to the top of the hill, and I still had to put my hands in the sand to slow myself down. It was fun though, and I’m glad we got to try it. It may not have happened exactly how we planned, but...it all came up Dana & Alicia in the end! 

One of the many amazing pieces of street art in Freak Alley in Boise, Idaho

On the way into Bruneau Dunes, we noticed a sign for a winery from the side of the road. Another fun place to stop on the drive between Wyoming and Idaho! We decided to backtrack a little to check it out since it was still fairly early and we were only an hour away from our final destination. Plus, who can resist a random winery stop on a road trip?!? When we arrived at the  Cold Springs Winery , the owner was out fixing the pond and opened for us even though we arrived before opening. This is why we love small, local places. We sampled some wines (he joined us because why not!?) and enjoyed chatting with the owner and his father. We each purchased a bottle and said our farewells as we headed on to our final destination. 

When we got to Boise, we ate a delicious lunch at Forks and then checked into our hotel to get ready for the evening. We tried to book a Foodie Tour, but they were sold out, so we decided to make our own! That was more budget-friendly anyway and we got to set our own itinerary. We stopped first to walk through Freak Alley, an awesome display of street art and fun thing to do in Boise, and then got appetizers and drinks at Juniper (potatoes of course) and Chandlers , a fancy steakhouse. As we were walking around, we were drawn to music and ended up catching the tail end of a free, outdoor show by the band Afrosonics . The group has a very unique sound and its members come from multiple nations who come together in one musical destination. After our musical detour, we grabbed a final meal of our road trip at Wild Root and headed back to the hotel to get some sleep before our early - and long - day of travel home. 

Day 11: Boise International Airport to Orlando/Boston

Our final itinerary: 3 states, 3 national parks, 1 national monument, 2 state parks and 2,000 miles driven in our trusty steed, Huckleberry. It was another awesome Alicia & Dana Adventure! Until next time. :)

8-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Niagara Falls to Badlands National Park & Mount Rushmore

She Makes Her Own Adventure

Adventuring through small towns, good books and coffee shops

12 Days Road Trip through Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, & Wyoming

Teddy and I took the road trip of a lifetime in the late summer of 2022. We headed to five states that were new for the two of us to visit together – Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming. I’d been to each of these before, but some were brand new to Teddy. We wanted to see National Parks and Monuments, small towns, the open range and mountains, wildlife, and beautiful scenery of more rural parts of the United States. We accomplished all of that and so much more. This was also the trip where Teddy proposed and we were able to enjoy our new engagement in some of the most beautiful areas of the United States.

Below you’ll find suggestions on what to do each day if you plan to do some portion or all of this trip. I’ve linked both blog posts to a deeper dive into some of the areas as well as posts to business or location websites to help you in your research. Teddy and I don’t mind driving and being in the car for 3-6 hours a day to get places. We call these trips our “Scouting Trips” so that then we know where we’d like to go back to and where we’d don’t necessarily need to visit again. While some places like Glacier you may know ahead of time you’d like to visit for a few days, others like the Black Hills or the Bitterroot National Forest area you may not realize until you’re there. After each trip, he and I write down what we would like to revisit in the area and for how long and what we’re okay to not do again. We also include anything we missed or just didn’t have time for along the way. So by the end of each trip, we have a few additional trips planned in our minds for the future.

I’ve also included a map at the bottom of the post to show. you where exactly we went in each state. It doesn’t include every single stop but includes most of them. We drove about 3000 miles in 12 or so days which is about 250 miles a day or 4 hours of driving on average per day. If you’d like to travel slower than that, cut out some of the stops or add more days to your trip. We are fully aware that our travel style is not everyone’s travel style.

DAY 1 – Boise & Southern Idaho

• Fly into Boise. Depending what time your plane lands, grab lunch or coffee in town before beginning your exploration of southern Idaho .
• Visit Box Canyon. Go for a hike on the Box Canyon Springs Trail . We did part of this trail but the heat was quite awful the day we were there so we opted to just get a few looks over the trail, and not finish it completely.
• Drive 30 minutes east to Twin Falls. Check out the Perrine Bridge and see if you can spot any base jumpers. We saw so many the afternoon we were there.
• Walk under a waterfall at Perrine Coulee Falls . I’ve never been able to do that at a waterfall before, so this was a stop we both have as a highlight of our trip.
• Drive over to the 900 foot wide falls at Shoshone Falls. I do think it’s worth a look, but keep in mind it is man made because of the hydroelectric plan there. It’s not a fully “natural” waterfall.
• Head to South Market in town for dinner. It’s a food hall and you have an opportunity to try an array of food and ice cream!
• Stay overnight along I-84 (We stayed in Blackfoot)

DAY 2 – Tetons National Park

• Get up early the next morning and begin making your way to Wyoming. Try to get up early enough that you’re able to see sunrise in Teton National Park .
• Drive to Mormon Row and check out the various old barns along the dirt road.
• Check out the Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend
• Take the boat across Jenny Lake and then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
• Get lunch in Jackson Hole downtown where there are quite a few options or grab coffee at Cowboy Coffee Co. in town. Stretch your legs and walk into some of the shops.
• Head back into the park and go on the hikes from String Lake to Leigh Lake . This is one of the most peaceful ares that’s easy to get to in the park. (And a special place for us since Teddy proposed here)
• Find a spot for dinner in the park at one of the Restaurants or back in Jackson. We enjoyed the sunset view at the Mural Room in Jackson Lake Lodge as an engagement celebration dinner. We probably would have eaten somewhere a little lower key if it hadn’t been for us celebrating.
• Check into your lodging for the night within the park or in Jackson. We stayed in a small cabin at Colter Bay which was perfect for us.

DAY 3 – Tetons & Yellowstone National Parks

• Get up early and go to Schwabacher Landing for sunrise. It’s one of the most magical experiences in the park. Try to get there 30 minutes before sunrise.
• Head into Jackson for Breakfast. Bonus points if it happens to be their farmer’s market day like it was when we went.
• Head back into the park and hike one of the trails like Taggart Lake or Moose Ponds . We opted to hike the other direction at String Lake which we didn’t see the day prior and because we wanted to take some photos of where got engaged.
• Drive north into Yellowstone National Park . It’s a pretty drive but not a lot along the way until you get into the park.
• Take the left at the branch to drive into the West Thumb toward Old Faithful. Since we both saw Old Faithful before, we skipped it, but if it’s your first time, it’s worth a stop.
• Head to the parking lot for the Fairy Falls / Grand Prismatic Overlook trail. Depending on how much energy you have, at least hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook . If you want, you can head a few miles further to Fairy Falls. Our intention was to go to both on our trip but we had a thunderstorm roll in when we were hiking so we headed back to the car after the Grand Prismatic.
• Drive to West Yellowstone for dinner. We loved our food at The Buffalo Bar and highly recommend the Bison Queso and the Huckleberry Margarita
• Drive toward the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area and check out some of the scenic stops along the way. We were able to see a bear along our drive!
• Stay overnight inside the park. We picked Canyon Village since it was a good location for us.

DAY 4 – Yellowstone National Park, Cody, & The Big Horns

• Get up early and try to go see some wildlife. We went to the Hayden Valley to hopefully see some wolves. Unfortunately no wolves but quite a few bison.
• The next stop was Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. While I appreciate the waterfall, I thought the view looking the other way with the red rocks into the canyon was even more spectacular.
• We grabbed breakfast at one of the lodges before heading out of the park through the east entrance. Teddy and I have both been to Yellowstone on previous trips, so we intentionally planned our time here to be just one day, especially since some portions of the park were still closed after the flooding earlier in 2022.
• Drive to Cody and stop in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West . Teddy and I are not really museum people but we went to this one for a few hours and loved it. It is 5 museums in one so I checked out the Plains Indian Museum and Teddy visited the Cody Firearms and part of the Natural History museum. To see this whole museum would probably take days, so choose 1-2 areas you’d really like to see.
• Have lunch in Downtown Cody. We ate at the Proud Cut Saloon . We loved the decor and the food was our vibe. Walk around some of the shops in town before heading further toward Ten Sleep.
• If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat in 10 Sleep before heading into Big Horn National Forest. There’s the Sleepy Coyote Cafe & Bar and 1 Cow.
• Go for a hike in the Bighorns. We loved the James T. Saban Lookout hike. It’s short but steep and had beautiful views. We were also the only ones there during our visit.
• Stay overnight in Buffalo.

DAY 5 – Devil’s Tower, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial

• Drive to Devil’s Tower National Monument. Like most other days, this is a great one to get up early to not only beat the crowds, but to see Devil’s tower in a beautiful bluish purple light in the morning.
• Hike around the base of the Tower. You can choose either the Devil’s Tower Trail at 1.7 Miles or the Red Beds Trail at 2.8 miles. Or both! It’s really hard to describe our experience here but it felt a little magical, very peaceful, while also feeling like you were part of something bigger that happened there. Again, really hard to describe, but it was one of my favorite places on our entire trip and we were only there for about 2-3 hours.
• Head toward Rapid City, South Dakota.
• Take a cave tour through Wind Cave National Park . You’ll need tickets for this one since you can only do a guided tour, but worth it. It’s very different than other caves I’ve visited like Luray , Carlsbad , and Mammoth .
• Drive north after your tour into Custer State Park . On the way, check out the fire lookout hike to a firetower on Rankin Ridge .
• Drive the scenic Wildlife Loop in Custer. This one does cost an entrance fee, but is good for 7 days and you’ll use it the next day. Hopefully you will see bison, wild burros, and other unique animals along your drive!
• Drive into Custer for dinner. Go to The Begging Burro . Teddy loved his meal so much he wanted come back the next day. He got a Mezcal Steak and it was incredible.
• Watch the Light Show at Crazy Horse Memorial . While you wait for the show, visit the museum and learn about the individuals who lived in this area initially as well as the development and meaning of the Crazy Horse structure. This was another favorite stop.
• Pick a spot in the Black Hills to stay overnight. We opted to stead in Hill City because of it’s location to what we were doing in the area.

DAY 6 – Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon

• Walk the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore . Did you know the park opens at 5 AM? If you get there at first light, again no crowds, and yes beautiful light on the faces of the rock, but also you can see an incredible sunrise over the parking deck.
• Drive to Sylvan Lake . Again, another perk of this being first thing in the morning is that the sunlight on the rocks and lake is beautiful but also it is not packed full of people. This was another really special place to use on our trip. It was peaceful, surprising, and majestic. The 1 or so mile walk around the lake is worth the stop. If you want, check out the Sunday Gulch Trail that starts at the back of the lake for a more epic hike.
• Since it’s still early, drive the Needles Highway and go through the tunnels with again, pretty much nobody else on the road. If you have time, stop at the Cathedral Spires hike. We wished we would have done the hike as it looks incredible.
• Wall Drug & Badlands National Park is the next stop. It was about lunch when we got there, so we ate at the Badlands Saloon & Grill after checking out the famous Wall Drug. We also picked up coffee at Wall Stompin Grounds Coffee House before heading into the park.
• Drive the Scenic Road from west to east in the park. Stop at the various pulloffs and if you can, download the GyPSy guide to learn about the park while you’re driving.
• Hike the Windows, Doors, or Notch Trail (or all 3) and visit the Ben T. Reiffel Visitor Center and learn about the wild and mind blowing animals that used to live in this park millions of years ago.
• Drive back toward Rapid City and check out Spearfish Canyon – both the waterfalls and the wildlife. We did a short waterfall hike and on the way saw mountain goats along the stream.
• Stay overnight in the northern part of the Black Hills.

DAY 7 – Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Stop at Blackbird Espresso for coffee and breakfast in Spearfish before your drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Make the 3 hour drive north to Theodore Roosevelt National Park . Grab a picnic lunch in Medora or sit down to eat prior to heading into the park as there aren’t options inside.
• Choose a few hikes in the park you’d like to do as you drive the scenic route. We opted for the Wind Canyon Trail which was short and ideal for a very hot day. We stopped at Buck Hill as well as the Coal Vein Trail area.
• Go to the Medora Musical. We didn’t get a chance to do this as we were tired and wanted to get more sleep rather than stay up for the musical.
• Overnight in Medora or Glendive

DAY 8 – Glacier National Park

• Pack your snacks and drinks and get ready for a long day of driving. Depending where you stay overnight, you will have about 8-9 hours of driving ahead of you to get to Glacier .
• We stopped at Milk River Mocha for coffee along the way, and then grabbed gas and snacks at a gas statoin, but other than that we just kept doing so we could get to Glacier by late afternoon.
• We stayed in Apgar Village because they had 2 nights of availability and it was within the park which meant we didn’t have to get passes for those days into the park.
• We relaxed at our cabin along the river before heading into Columbia Falls for dinner at Gunsight Saloon and to watch the Penn State Game.

DAY 9 – Glacier National Park

• Time to get up early again. To get a parking spot and beat the crowds, you will want to get to the trailhead for Avalanche Lake early. We got there before the sun even rose and were able to see that bluish purple light again on the mountains and lake. We even got to see a bear from a safe distance at the lake. This 6ish mile hike is a must do on the trip. The waterfalls in the background of the lake are beautiful as is the trail.
• Drive to Polebridge Mercantile for a Bearclaw. Be prepared as the roads to get there are more country stone/dirt roads than paved but it’s worth it. You can even grab lunch there too at the food truck or cafe.
• Relax by Lake MacDonald in the afternoon before getting dinner in Columbia Falls, Apgar, or somewhere else in the park. Then drive up to Logan Pass to watch the sunset.
• Then back down the Going to the Sun Road to your accommodations for the night.

DAY 10 – Glacier National Park

• Another early morning. Get up before sunrise so you can get to the trailhead for either the Highline Trail or Hidden Lakes Overlook Trail in the morning. They both depart from Logan Pass. While we wanted to do part of the Highline Trail, heights aren’t really our thing and neither are crowds, so we opted for the shorter and less crowded hike.
• We drove down the other side of the mountain with the attempt to go to Many Glacier. It was already full by the time we got there, but if you are able to get in, please go. So many people told us it was their favorite part of the park.
• Otherwise, grab lunch in St. Marys at the Snowgoose Grill & Gift Shop. We had a bison quesadilla which was divine.
• Go back into the park and hike the St. Mary’s, Virginia, and Baring Falls Hike. We only made it to Baring Falls because of where we parked and the heat, but would have loved to make it to all of them.
• We were tired, so we headed to our lodge in East Glacier for the night. We had intended to do another hike in the evening, but decided dinner and relaxing at the lodge sounded more appealing.

DAY 11 – Missoula & Hamilton

• Drive 3.5 toward Missoula stopping in Columbia Falls on the way for breakfast at coffee at Copper Mountain Coffee. Make a short stop at Great Gray Gifts along the drive.
• Grab lunch in downtown Missoula and walk around the city. We enjoyed our lunch at Tamarac Brewing Company and had hoped for ice cream at Sweet Peaks but it was closed the day we were there. We walked around town for a bit before heading just outside of town.
• Hike the “M” Trail. We didn’t get to as the smoke was coming in from the wild fires in the area but plan to next time we’re in the area.
• Drive to Hamilton and hike Blodgett Canyon . This was another we didn’t get to do because the smoke was awful further south and it was not a good idea to be outside for longer periods of time.
• Enjoy dinner downtown and check out some of the spots where scenes from Yellowstone were filmed.
• Stay overnight in Hamilton.

DAY 12 – Red Fish Lodge, Stanley, & Craters of the Moon National Monument

• Continue the drive south toward Red Fish Lodge in Stanley, Idaho.
• Hike the Fishhook Creek Trail. You’ll start off by taking a boat over to the trail. This is another one we didn’t get to do because of wildfire smoke. The road we planned to take to even get to this area had intermittent closures so we ended up detouring over to Craters of the Moon National Monument.
• Get your permit at the Visitor Center to go into a cave at Craters of the Moon or just enjoy a hike like the Devil’s Orchard Trail in the park. Check out the splatter cone and Inferno cone along the Scenic Loop.
• Head into Ketchum for dinner and walk around the cute shops.
• Stay overnight in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area.

DAY 13 – Homeward Bound

• Drive to Boise for your flight. If you’re from the east coast, stop at Dutch Bros. one last time before you leave. Don’t forget to dispose of your bear spray at a local recycling facility or check with your hotel if they take them.

Below is the map of about what we drove on our 3000 mile trip.

Happy travels!

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Your Guide to a Western United States Road Trip (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming & More!)

This summer, we took a 10-day road trip through the Western United States, hitting Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, and briefly passing through Utah and Nevada on the way back to San Francisco. This part of the country is famously beautiful, characterized by lush green alpine landscapes and snow-capped peaks, winding rivers, and countless small towns dripping with old western charm. We rode horses and ate beef, as one must, and went on some of the most scenic hikes anywhere.

Our itinerary included three out of the five most conservative states in America — Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho — and I now know what it feels like to experience culture shock in my own country. People live in isolated rural areas hours away from the nearest grocery store. Trump 2020 banners hang proudly in front of houses and wave in windy fields and farmland. At local businesses and restaurants, taxidermy animal mounts outnumber patrons. A waitress showed us a photo of herself at four months old next to a bear her father had just killed. Locals openly carry guns at family-friendly tourist destinations, and, I assume, elsewhere.

At a restaurant in small-town Idaho, we had a lengthy conversation with a man about his stockpile of 100 guns, the 300+ gophers he killed with his 5-year-old grandson on a recent hunt, and his belief that the standoff between liberals and conservatives will end in a bloody civil war. While his convictions differ significantly from mine (I’ve lived in liberal cities my entire life and have never handled a gun), it was eye-opening to hear an opposite perspective on familiar issues. It hits different when you are talking to a flesh-and-blood human rather than working yourself up over the contents of a Facebook comment.

We took our road trip at the height of summer, and I highly recommend anyone considering a visit to this region to travel during this time. In Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, sunsets are well after 9 pm each day. You’ll be able to do and see so much more compared to the rest of the year. In this guide, I divulge essential tips and tricks for a successful road trip, share a 10-day itinerary, and outline detailed guides to every destination we visited, including where to stay and places to eat. I hope you find it useful when planning your own road trip through the Western United States!

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Table of Contents

• Road Trip Tips & Tricks
• 10-Day Western US Road Trip Itinerary
• Destination Guide Stanley, Idaho Salmon, Idaho Missoula, Montana Big Sky, Montana Livingston, Montana Beartooth Highway Yellowstone National Park Grand Teton National Park Escalante, Utah Las Vegas, Nevada

Western United States Road Trip: Tips & Tricks

Consider your accommodation budget.

We mainly used Booking.com to book low-cost motels located on our route. However, because we road-tripped in the summer and stayed near well-known US national parks, these cost about $100 an average each night — not the cheapest option for accommodation. Alternatively, you can rent an RV or campervan and have your shelter conveniently on wheels. Outdoorsy has a diverse selection of road trip vehicles ranging from no-frills campervans to glamping-ready RVs that fit any budget. If we could redo our trip, I would have gone this route. If you are on a tighter budget, you can do a mix of motels and camping, or even camp the whole time. Find and book campsites wherever you are with ReserveAmerica or Campendium (roughly $30 a night) or use an app like Free Roam to locate Forest Service and BLM land where you can legally boondock.

Bring Snacks & Lots of Water!

We brought a cooler from home to use during our trip and bought groceries along the away. Doing this will spare you both money and time during long stretches of driving and help you eat a little healthier. For water, we purchased a few 1.5-liter bottles and refilled them at gas stations throughout our trip.

Aim for a Good Balance of Driving vs. Sightseeing

I’ve made the common road trip mistake of trying to pack too many stops into a short time period. This time around, we tried to keep driving at a minimum outside of a few necessary travel days. A good rule of thumb is to aim for under four hours of driving per day so you have time to enjoy your destination. It’s always better to see fewer destinations more completely than more destinations incompletely .

When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that the estimated driving time on Google Maps is often longer when you factor in bathroom and restaurant stops.

Get the AllTrails App

If you plan on hiking — a must on any Western US road trip — AllTrails is a great resource for locating the best trails in your area. The app provides route maps, difficulty levels, trail photos, user reviews, and more.

Buy a National Park Pass

If you plan to go to more than one national park, opt to buy an annual pass for $80 instead of individual day passes at $35 a pop. The pass also gets you free parking at all federal recreation areas.

Download Offline Maps & Media

The United States is an enormous country, and there are large swaths of sparsely populated land without cell service. Download offline maps on Google to ensure that you will never get lost and your favorite playlists and podcasts on Spotify to stay entertained.

Our 10-Day Western United States Road Trip Itinerary

Here is our exact day-to-day road trip itinerary from San Francisco:

Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Stanley, Idaho (~12 hours) Day 2: Stanley, Idaho Day 3: Salmon, Idaho & Missoula, Montana Day 4: Drive from Missoula to Big Sky, Montana Day 5: Big Sky, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Day 6 : Livingston, Montana Day 7: Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Day 8: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Day 9: Escalante, Utah Day 10: Las Vegas, Nevada Day 11: Drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco (~8 hours)

We had a rough plan in place prior to our trip but gave ourselves the leeway to make unexpected stops the way — hence why we hit Yellowstone twice! In the next section, I’ll dive deeper into what we did in each destination.

Western United States Road Trip Destination Guide

Stanley, idaho.

Stanley, population ~60, is located in Central Idaho, about 130 miles from Boise. With rustic log cabins, winding rivers, and rolling green meadows — all framed by the snow-capped the Sawtooth mountains — the town looks straight out of a fairy tale. Minus the ostentatious Trump 2020 banners hanging on some of the houses, of course.

In all seriousness, I had no idea Idaho was this beautiful. The entire state is a paradise for anyone who loves hiking, swimming, or anything outdoorsy. Here’s what we did in Stanley:

• Hike! We did the Iron Creek trail to Alpine Lake , a moderate seven miles out-and-back. You can go further to Sawtooth Lake, which adds an additional three miles. The hike is lovely, with wildflowers and sweeping views of Sawtooth’s jagged peaks along the way. The AllTrails app can guide you to even more hiking options in the Stanley area.
• Swim, raft, SUP, boat, or fish. It seems like you are never far from a river, creek, or lake in Idaho. Stanley is located on the banks of the Salmon River, and Redfish Lake is right nearby in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. There are numerous shops that offer equipment rentals and guided rafting adventures in the area—just give it a quick Google search once you arrive.
• Horseback riding. Mystic Saddle Ranch offers trail ride in the Sawtooth mountains and near Redfish Lake.

Stay: The Sawtooth Hotel is a charming and relatively budget-friendly option.

Eat: Sawtooth Luce’s serves up cold local beer and a mean Idaho Kobe beef burger, and we had a delicious breakfast at Stanley Baking Company. The oatmeal pancake is a must-try!

Salmon, Idaho

Salmon, two hours north of Stanley, is another small Idaho town of 3000+ residents.

Our main activity was a visit to the Goldbug Hot Springs in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The springs, located at the top of a mountain, are reachable via a relatively short but steep hike. Once you complete the hike, you are rewarded with six warm pools, a waterfall, and sweeping views of the scenery below.

Stay : Super 8 by Wyndham Salmon.

Eat: We ate at Last Chance Pizza & Pasta in town. The artichoke spinach dip and conversation with local patrons were to die for. Ponderosa Pies is a food truck in Salmon that I wish we tried (they were sold out when we went). Their pizza is cooked in a wood fire oven installed directly in the truck.

Missoula, Montana

After Salmon, we drove to Missoula, a funky college town of 75,000 that we loved.

We arrived in the evening, so we watched the sunset at Higgins Street Bridge, took a walk downtown, and had a few drinks at The Rhino Bar , a proper dive with yummy beers on tap (this part of the country has consistently incredible beer). Though Missoula is pretty small, the nightlife is young and lively and there were a lot of people out and about. We had many “hmmm….should we move here?” moments during our visit.

On Saturday morning, we checked out the city’s weekly farmers’ market , which we read is a must during any visit to Missoula. It was cute, and we picked up some locally grown cherries and bison pepperoni for the road.

Stay: Econo Lodge Eat : The Hob Nob on South Higgins Street has good coffee and very filling, all-American brunch fare — all at a very reasonable price.

Detour to Garnet Ghost Town On our way to Big Sky from Missoula, we stopped at Garnet Ghost Town, a former mining town active from the late 1800s to the end of World War I. The town was apparently poppin’ in its heyday and had no less than thirteen saloons. I guess when you live in the middle of nowhere you’ve got to entertain yourself somehow. Because of its recent history and remote destination in the mountains, the buildings are well-preserved and worth a quick stop if you have time.

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky, like so much of Montana, is absolutely stunning, with wide-open skies, winding rivers, and purple-hued mountains in the distance. Here are the top things to do in the area:

• Horseback riding . We went horseback riding in Big Sky with Jake’s Horses . The horses are gentle and well-trained, and in an hour-long ride you’ll cross creeks and scale a hill for sweeping views of the valley below. At $50 per person, it is 100% worth it!
• Take in the scenery on Taylor Fork Road. Our horseback riding guide told us to visit Taylor Fork Road if we were interested in seeing bears, moose, and other wildlife. While we didn’t see any animals (much to Lenza’s dismay), the views and photography opportunities made the trip worth it. If you are looking for a free place to camp, there are many options, but be warned that Taylor Fork is a dirt road where an off-roading vehicle is ideal. Bear spray is also a must.
• Hike. Beehive Basin Trail No. 40 is a popular 7.1-mile hike with spectacular views, meadows, creeks, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Use the AllTrails app to find even more options in the area that fit your hiking level.
• Visit Yellowstone National Park. Big Sky is a scenic hour away from the West entrance of Yellowstone. We ended up driving through the park en route to Livingston and visited a few iconic attractions along the way.

Livingston, Montana

Livingston is a historical railroad and ranching town in Southwestern Montana, a short distance north from Yellowstone National Park. Downtown Livingston, pictured above, looks like an idyllic old western town, though vintage shops and cafes now line the street instead of saloons. Like everywhere we stopped in Montana, mountains frame the city in the distance.

The highlight of our Livingston visit was Pine Creek Lake , a 12-mile out-and-back trail to not one, not two, but three alpine lakes (AllTrails says this trail is nine miles, but don’t believe it). The scenery at Pine Creek Lake is stunning, but boy, do you have to work for it. The hike consists of six unforgiving miles straight uphill, covering 3653 feet of elevation.

I almost gave up and turned around halfway through but persisted with the encouragement of Lenza and a one-pound bag of Tillamook beef jerky. When we reached the first lake, I came close to tears because we had worked so hard for the beautiful views.

Be warned—this trail is not for the faint of heart, but you will be rewarded with some of the best views Montana has to offer. If you choose to take on the task, make sure to bring sunblock, plenty of water, and snacks to fuel you along the way.

Stay: Country Motor Inn is a budget motel in town. And it actually feels homey!

Eat: Tru North Cafe , owned by a recent Los Angeles transplant who came to Livingston on vacation and “accidentally bought a coffee shop,” serves a mindblowing Maple Mountain Cloud latte and blueberry jam breakfast sandwich. All around high-quality food in a rustic but modern wild west ambiance.

Detour to The Old Saloon in Emigrant, Montana 20 minutes away from Livingston is The Old Saloon , an old western restaurant and bar established in 1902. The menu is creative and modern, with local twists like elk meatballs and a bison burger. We really enjoyed our chicken fried steak and roasted pork tenderloin with rosemary and huckleberry demi-glace.

The venue is an experience in itself, with wild game taxidermy lining the walls, a sturdy wooden bar, and a vintage piano in the corner. There is a stage and ample seating outside where live shows are hosted in the summertime, and guests flock in from Bozeman, Livingston, and other nearby towns for the experience.

Beartooth Highway

From Livingston, we took a two-hour drive to Red Lodge to enter Yellowstone via the 68-mile Beartooth Highway. This excursion — essentially a big loop back to where we started — took almost the entire day, but I really wanted to see what is considered one of the most beautiful and treacherous roads in America.

If you choose to explore Beartooth, I would budget at least 3-5 hours so you can get out and explore. There are lots of unique views and hiking opportunities along the way.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

So much has been said about Yellowstone already, so I’ll just share a list of attractions we visited in the park:

• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Norris Geysers
• Grand Prismatic Springs
• Old Faithful
• Lamar Valley (to see all the bison!)

Detour to Ashton, Idaho It is impossible to find a campsite in Yellowstone in the summertime. Jackson, the closest town, is crowded and expensive. So, we made the hour and a half drive to Ashton for affordable lodging, which we found at the Eagle Peak Lodge . In the morning, we had a gluttonous, all-American breakfast at Trails Inn Restaurant in town, which was just amazing. I’d never seen so many taxidermy animals in one place, and near the counter, a sign read “gun safety rule #1: carry one.” Seriously, look at this place:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

We walked 7.7 miles around Jenny Lake , one of the many hiking trails in Grand Teton. It was flat and easy, with gorgeous views of the lake and the Tetons. Still, I’m not sure I would choose this trail again as it was crowded and there is a large portion that runs alongside a road.

Again, a quick search on AllTrails will present you with a list of trails within the park that you can choose from based on scenery, difficulty level, and user reviews. If I return to Teton in the future, I would try the more difficult Delta Lake vis Amphitheater Lake Trail .

Escalante, Utah

After Teton, we embarked on the 8-hour drive towards Escalante, Utah, stopping at Salt Lake City to sleep overnight. In the morning, we arrived to these views:

Utah is home to Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, and other majestic but crowded national parks. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, on the other hand, is just as impressive and a true hidden gem.

Never heard of it? Me either. But fun fact: designated in 1996, Escalante was the last part of the continental U.S. to be mapped .

We spent our afternoon hiking to the Escalante Natural Bridge , which we had all to ourselves. It is an easy walk on soft sand with multiple river crossings. The trail is so gentle on the feet that we actually did it barefoot!

Eat: Circle D Eatery has yummy BBQ ribs and a buttered trout plate. Georgie’s Outdoor Mexican Cafe has a quesadilla bursting with melted cheese and generously portioned fish tacos.

Stay: We slept at our friend’s quaint and reasonably priced Airbnb, though there are also a few motel options in town.

Detour to Capitol Reef or Bryce Canyon National Park Capitol Reef National Park is an hour and a half north of Escalante, and Bryce Canyon is about an hour South.

Bryce Canyon is obviously more famous — we’ve all seen photos of the park’s breathtaking Sunrise Point — but Capitol Reef received raving reviews from our friends and is far less crowded.

Whichever you decide, they are both great stops for your Western United States road trip!

Las Vegas, Nevada

I would write about Las Vegas, but really, what hasn’t been said about it already? The strip is obnoxious and ostentatious, crowded with symbols of American capitalism, casinos, wedding chapels, and strip clubs. Visitors range from overweight midwestern American families on their annual vacation to scantily-clad young girls ready for a night at the Marquee. People have a lot to say about Vegas, but in my opinion, you just gotta enjoy it for what it is: a tacky fabulous adult Disneyland.

Eat: Vegas is a food destination that I hope to explore more in the future. We had all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ at Ginseng BBQ on the strip and authentic, mouthwatering Shanxi beef noodle soup at Shang Artisan Noodle. I had an “I love America” moment at Shang’s because only here will you see a Hispanic person hand-pulling noodles in the Northern Chinese tradition. So good! If you are a Chinese food enthusiast and find yourself in Vegas, I highly recommend this place.

Stay: We loved our stay at Luxor, the Egyptian-themed, pyramid-shaped casino hotel located right on the strip. Obviously, there are many other options at all price ranges.

Few things are more romanticized than an all-American road trip, and I’m happy to report that they do indeed live up to the hype.

If you have any questions about this Western United States road trip guide, leave a comment below. I am always happy to help!

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Dottie is a travel blogger and YouTuber, and one part of Dots on a Map. Check out her YouTube at www.youtube.com/dotsonamap, where she tells stories about travel, food, and local cultures around the world.

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Best Road Trips in the Northern Rockies: Montana, Wyoming and Idaho

Updated : April 19, 2023

AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome

Bkamprath/iStockphoto.com

Best Montana Road Trips

The scenery in Montana is as impressive as it is varied. Thick forests, towering mountains, deep valleys and pristine lakes characterize the western part of the state, which includes the northern Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. It’s the topography of Montana’s west that inspired the name montaña, the Spanish word for “mountain” or “mountainous region.” Of all Montana road trips, this one is perhaps the most popular (and is sometimes referred to as Glacier National Park’s “Road to the Sun”). The 50-mile route cuts across Glacier National Park at an elevation of 6,646 feet and is open seasonally, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. To include the road as part of a longer trip, consider AAA’s , a 374-mile journey that starts in Kalispell, Montana, and ends in the capital city of Helena. (AAA members can take advantage of exclusive member benefits with car rentals from Hertz .)

A drive through the eastern portion of Montana will have you wondering, “Why is the sky so big in Montana?” It’s the prairie grasslands and wide-open vistas of the east that gave Montana the nickname “Big Sky Country.” To see these expansive, impossibly blue skies, consider the following road trips:

• Big Sky Country Road Trip : A scenic 425-mile journey that starts and ends in Billings, Montana, looping through southern Montana and a small section of northern Wyoming. You’ll see the cowboy town of Cody, snow-capped mountains and hairpin turns along Beartooth Scenic Highway , and important sites in Native American history like Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

• Big Sky Back Country Scenic Byway : Farther east in Montana’s Great Plains region, this 111-mile journey takes you through badlands, buttes and rolling prairies.

For Montana drives under one hour, consider these additional trips:

• Flathead Lake West Shore Scenic Highway : Follows the shore of glacially formed Flathead Lake, said to be the largest natural body of freshwater west of the Mississippi River

• Bitterroot Valley Scenic Highway : Begins in rustic Darby, a filming location for the TV series “Yellowstone”

Road Trips Around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Established in 1872, was the first national park in the U.S. and continues to be one of its most-visited, with approximately 4 million visitors each year. If you want to be among those visitors and experience one of the best places for road trips in the U.S., here are a few things to know about Yellowstone:

• The park is big — very big. Based on total land area, Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.

• The vast majority of Yellowstone’s 3,472 square miles lie in northwestern Wyoming, but its boundaries also extend into Idaho and Montana. (Three of the five park entrances are in Montana.)

• Wildlife sightings are common from park roadways, so drive with caution; you may see grizzlies, black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and bison.

• Most park roads are open May through October (weather permitting), but check the Yellowstone road status website for the most current information.

To see Yellowstone’s dramatic river canyons, geysers, geothermal pools and waterfalls in all their glory, take the road trip, a 400-mile journey from Bozeman, Montana, to Jackson, Wyoming, with plenty of national park stops along the way. You’ll enter through the park’s west entrance (in West Yellowstone, Montana) before making a scenic loop that includes the popular Yellowstone Grand Loop in the heart of the park. This Yellowstone drive includes a trip through Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, with magnificent views of Jenny Lake, the Teton Range and the valley of Jackson Hole.

What Else to See on a Wyoming Road Trip (Besides Yellowstone)

Once you’ve done the scenic drives around Yellowstone National Park, what else should you see in Wyoming?Just outside Yellowstone’s northeast entrance is , a two-lane road that’s been called one of the most scenic American road trips. It rises to an elevation of almost 11,000 feet, with plenty of overlooks where you can stop for a photo. (If you’re starting from Cody, Wyoming, take the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway to reach Beartooth Scenic Highway; it offers more views of snow-capped mountains and deep canyons.)South of Yellowstone, you can explore the ski resorts and mountains around Jackson Hole and Star Valley. The Star Valley to Yellowstone Scenic Highway will take you from Yellowstone’s south entrance into Grand Teton National Park and then through Jackson Hole and a handful of small towns near the Idaho border. This trip is a good jumping off point for visiting Snow King Mountain and the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming.North-central Wyoming near the Montana border offers many scenic drives and small towns worth exploring. From I-90 just south of the Montana–Wyoming border, you’ll have your pick of two scenic drives that start on US 14: the is a roughly 200-mile route across the Bighorn and Shoshone national forests on the way to Cody, while the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Highway heads toward Bighorn Lake on US 14A.The follows SR 120 past the vast prairies of Bighorn Basin to Thermopolis, Wyoming, a town known for its hot springs. Continue south on the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway to Shoshoni for more views of canyons, rock formations and the Bighorn River.

Best Idaho Road Trips

Breathtaking mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, raging river rapids and a ski town that rivals Aspen — it’s easy to see why the state of Idaho makes a great road trip destination.The west region of Idaho boasts the , a 90-minute drive that snakes along the Payette River, with frequent pull-offs to admire the view.Scenic drives in Idaho’s central region will acquaint you with the state’s remote wilderness and craggy granite peaks. The follows SR 75 through Sawtooth National Recreation Area, passing the popular resort towns of Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley along the way. You may see wildlife like pronghorn antelope, deer, elk and wolves in this area.Another must-do road trip in the central region of Idaho is the , which follows the Salmon River (also known as the River of No Return, due to its strong current) past waterfalls and spectacular areas for whitewater rafting. As you near the Montana border, you can put yourself in the shoes of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who traveled through these mountain passes in 1805 on their journey west.In northern Idaho’s panhandle is a portion of the only International Scenic Byway in North America: . This 88-mile section of the Selkirk Loop offers great river scenery and wildlife watching opportunities around the Selkirk Mountains. (Make the full international loop — bring your passport! — by adding on Washington’s International Selkirk Scenic Loop to the west and British Columbia’s International Scenic Loop to the north.)Nearby is the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway , a two-lane road that follows the Clark Fork of the Columbia River from the Idaho–Montana border to Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced pond-ah-RAY), one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Pacific Northwest.

Best Time of Year for a Northern Rockies Road Trip

June to September is the best time of year for a Northern Rockies road trip, with the best chances of sunny skies and mild temperatures occurring in summer. July is the hottest month on average in these states.

Given the ideal driving conditions in June, July and August, expect plenty of crowds when road-tripping through tourist-heavy areas like Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton national parks in summer months.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park in the fall or spring, keep in mind that roads may close for winter conditions as early as October and remain closed until mid-April. In Glacier National Park, roads at higher elevations (such as the alpine portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road) can close in October and remain closed until late June or early July.

Some roads in Grand Teton National Park may close from November through April or mid-May for winter recreational use.

Winters are particularly harsh in the Northern Rockies, and driving in winter months can be dangerous due to slush, frost, snow, ice and white-out conditions.

No matter the season, always be prepared for dramatic temperature changes and unpredictable weather in the Northern Rockies, especially at higher elevations.

Start Your Next Road Trip with AAA

AAA Travel provides peace of mind for travelers — from the first mile of the journey to the last. Get inspiration for your next road trip and locate AAA Diamond designated hotels and restaurants with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner , or browse pre-planned itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips . Estimating fuel costs for your trip is easy with the AAA Gas Cost Calculator , and if your car needs a quick tune-up before the trip, find a AAA Approved auto repair facility near you at AAA.com/AutoRepair . For printed maps, AAA TourBook guides and trip planning advice, contact your local AAA office .

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America's Most Scenic Road Trip

Tour seven National Parks, fourteen National Monuments and three Heritage Areas all on one road—US Route 89. From Canada to Mexico through Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Arizona you will behold the West’s most spectacular scenery. Named the #1 Drivers’ Drive in the World by National Geographic, you will also visit 150 towns, cities and reservations to learn about the history and culture of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, mountain men, Mormon pioneers, prospectors and cowboys. Recreational opportunities abound to suit every taste. Climb a mountain, raft a river or relax in a luxurious spa. Plan your next road trip here.

WYOMING + UTAH ROAD TRIP ITINERARY :: 10 DAYS

The road trip of my dreams — Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Arches, Canyonlands. Hitting 4 national parks and multiple state parks. Exploring Wyoming + Utah the best we can in 10 days. Here is our WYOMING + UTAH ROAD TRIP ITINERARY.

The positive in all of this pandemic chaos is the fact that it slowed international travel and forced my lens back on my home country. Sometimes I forget just how huge the USA is and how driving state to state everything from the scenery to the culture changes. Now I have a goal of visiting every one of the 50 states.

This specific route is heavy on driving, so if you rather only drive shorter legs, you’ll need more days! We started in Denver, Colorado since Hannah lives there but you can save some driving by flying in closer to the Grand Tetons.

DENVER,CO >>> DUBOIS, WY .

6 hours 38 minutes — 7.5 hours with stops.

The majority of campsites in//around National Parks are first come, first serve so we knew we wouldn’t make it to Grand Tetons or Yellowstone and find a spot so we stay 1 night in Dubois, Wyoming at the KOA campsite .

Make sure to stop at a Walmart before getting too deep into the mountains to stock up on reasonably prices food + gear. This is where we got our air mattresses for the tents, all groceries, and extra hiking gear. This was perfect because we packed up at 6am and caught sunrise on the way into Grand Tetons National Park…

DUBOIS, WY >>> MORAN, WY .

1 hour 14 minutes.

… AND scored the best camping spot we’d camp in this entire trip :: spot 38 @ Signal Mountain . We spent two nights at this campsite and explored Yellowstone and hiked Delta Lake over those two days. Day 1:: We drove through Yellowstone, saw Old Faithful — and to be honest it felt like Disney. It was a one & done type of attraction. Checked off the Bucketlist. BUT the next day, we headed to Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows access. One of the highlights of this trip.

Hiking up to Delta Lake is the #1 thing to do in the Grand Tetons, imo. ProTip:: buy bear spray before getting into the National Parks because it was sold over e v e r y w h e r e and we ended up with none until at the top of Delta Lake a really nice older lady gave us one of her three canisters after overhearing us saying we have none.

TETON COUNTY, WY >>> JACKSON HOLE, WY >>> SALT LAKE CITY, UT

1 hour >>> 4 hours 37 minutes. 6 hours 15 min with stops.

We left early to go grab breakfast at Cowboy Coffee Co. in Jackson Hole. First, one of the best breakfasts we had the trip ((tied with Garage Moab)). Second, I wish we had at least a full day in Jackson Hole. It is the most charming town nestled in between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. If you have more time than we did on this leg of the trip, definitely spend a full day or two there. There is so much to explore.

We ended up driving right through Salt Lake City to head to the Bonneville Salt Flats for sunset. Worth it. But was another hour and a half of driving! So get your road trip playlist ready.

+ 1 hour 31 minutes.

After watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Bonneville Salt Flats we took a break from our tent and stayed in a hotel in Salt Lake. Met up with soem friends for breakfast the next day before heading to Zion.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT >>> ZION NATIONAL PARK , UT

4 hours 24 minutes. 5 hours with stops.

Under Canvas Zion was my first experience gaming and I am in love . Don’t get me wrong, I love true camping ((with our air mattresses)) and being in nature. But Under Canvas was dreamy. Tucked away in a secluded red rock valley in Virgin, Utah — this was the best stargazing of the entire trip. ALSO, the food was incredible and there were even complementary s’mores at night. We all know good food + sugar wins me over.

We were here for two nights and would wake up before sunrise to get into Zion National Park early. Some musts:: hike the Narrows . Rent canyoneering boots + neoprene socks + trekking poles. It made all the difference. They also have a shuttle that gets you into the park earlier than the regular park shuttle so you can enjoy the Narrows before droves of people are trekking with you. It will be crowded either way, but our way back was significantly more crowded than our way up the canyon.

&& YES there is a cyanobacteria boom in the Virgin River — but we did it, and lived. Ceara and I even got some of that toxic water in our eyeballs. HOT TAKE:: Angles Landing is the most overrated hike. Pretty. But Overrated. Granted, we were there when the chain portion was closed so that may be why we felt this way.

We all know I’m a crazy foodie so… in Zion there are a few places you must eat. First, Oscar’s Cafe in Sprindale right outside of Zion Nat. Park. INSANELY good + large portions of Mexican//American. Possibly the best burrito I’ve ever had. Could’ve been shared. Easily. Next up, River Rock Roasting Company . Great views, free wi-fi and THE best cinnamon roll you’ll ever have in your life. And an honorable mention to FeelLove Coffee right near the entrance of the park. They have imaginative lattes that are worth then money.

ZION, UT >>> MOAB, UT

5 hours. 5 hours and 30 minutes with stops.

We hiked the Narrows this morning super early, grabbed lunch then drove to Moab, Utah. We stayed at another KOA campground, but there are so many accommodations in Moab so you’ll have options. Moab is situated in the middle of the triangle of beautiful parks:: Arches, Canyonlands, Mount Waas. Arches National Park was spectacular, but then again each day of this trip just got better and better so it’s really hard to play favorites. Arches is a park you drive through to explore and we didn’t even get to see all of it during our two days there.

We hiked up to Delicate Arche which is a must . A hike that is 100% worth the hype. You feel as if you’re hiking around Mars. Our start time was 5am since we ended up having the worst nights sleep due to wind and our tent overheating… Still one of the best days. Hiking up in the pitch black and having the sunrise reveal the new scenery made if one of the best hikes I’ve ever done.

Make sure to catch sunset at Dead Horse State Park which is a 40 minute drive from our campsite. Also, make sure to grab coffee + food at Moab Garage Co. I miss it already. Pasta Jay’s was also a great spot for dinner in Moab if you’re looking to carb load for your hikes. Hannah wanted to stop at the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage and I am so grateful she wanted to because that is the only reason we ended up at Red Cliffs Lodge . Right on a bend of the Colorado River, this lodge also has their own horse stable. My only regret is not horseback riding while there. But I will be back!

MOAB, UT >>> DENVER, CO

5 hours and 27 minutes. 6 hours with stops.

Our road trip was a full circle but you can save some driving by scheduling your flight home out of Moab! Let me know if you use this itinerary!! It was truly one of the best trips I’ve been on and made me realize I need to explore more of our own beautiful country before hopping back in to International trav e l .

If you use our itinerary please let me know and tag me on instagram because I would love to see/hear your thoughts on it. I loved this trip so damn much and it was so nice to take a break from being surrounded by so many people all the time and be out in nature. Shoutout to Ceara because she truly put together this entire WYOMING + UTAH ROAD TRIP ITINERARY. I also vlogged daily on this trip do if you want even more detail on one of my favorite road trips, check out my youtube channel! youtube.com/laynefable

CLICK HERE FOR MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD WYOMING + UTAH ROAD TRIP ITINERARY. ((we did not follow this to a T))

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Out west road trip film ….

You have great writing skills(the way you write it is very engaging and exciting). Great photos by the way I can’t wait to see Delta Lake on your vlog and those out of this world rock formation(you guys rocking the view with those edgy poses). Mama Tyra Banks will sure approve it. 👍👍👍

Thank you so much Bern!! : )

Wow layne you girls did so much in 10 days😃after reading it icant wait to see vlog..thats so sweet of that lady helping u on delta lake😊delta lake looks so amazing in photos. Salt lake and zion national park looks so amazing too i love all photo isaw here and delicate arc truly mars feel🤩📸

One of my favorite trips to date! : )

Wow layne you girls did so much in 10 days😃after reading it icant wait to see vlog..thats so sweet of that lady helping u on delta lake😊. Salt lake & zion national park looks amazing too every view you capture is soo beautiful 😊 delicate arc is truely a beautifull Mars feel😃📸

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Travel stories

Do you like travel and have no idea who to trust for travel advice?

Travel is Beautiful is a travel site written by real real people and not anonymous reviewers. We are road trip junkies, boat lovers and travel addicts who love to spend as much time as possible getting to know the people in different places around the world.

Road Trip -- Utah, Wyoming & Montana 1082 miles

“ We are torn between nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and strange. As often as not, we are homesick most for the places we have never known. ”

“ Map out your future - but do it in pencil. The road ahead is as long as you make it. Make it worth the trip. ”

The road to the Grand Teton National Park

Nothing compares to a road trip

A road trip, especially a long one, is an adventure into the great unknown. We headed north, the car stocked with plenty of water, snacks, tunes and AAA maps. Miles and miles, hours and hours with a dear friend, sometimes talking and talking without rushing and other times enjoying the silence together. 

Why drive when you can fly? Consider that in the age of pervasive technology, a road trip is a genuine act of human exploration. Cruising down the open road, exploring new places you've only read about or viewed on your desktop. Stop, allow yourself to get sidetracked and turn down a road for a better view. Allow the unexpected to emerge and be amazed!

A road trip allows creative scheduling, deviating from maps and plans. You are an explorer, an adventurer and spontaneous. 

Spend enough time on the road and once in a while, you hit a visual jackpot. Hit the breaks, spin around and take a shot of the old barn on the side of the road. Or, pull over to watch a flock of birds heading toward the sun. Appreciate the moment and stop to savor it.

Park City, Utah to Helena, Montana    

513 miles    7 hour drive.

Front door of teepee overlooks the lake

Flying down Interstate 15 at 80 mph (it’s legal!) with my partner in crime, we arrived at the iconic Feathered Pipe Ranch for a 1 week Yoga Retreat.  The Pipe is unique!  Around since the 70’s, it is the inspiration of world traveler and truth seeker, India Supera.  Teepees, yurts and cabins surround a bewitching lake where you can hop in a canoe or lounge at the water's edge and watch fish jump out of the water now and then.  On a clear night, the star lit sky will take your breathe away. And on a stormy night, the roaring thunder will remind you how fortunate you are to have a roof over your head at this particular moment.

Why has a new age retreat venue existed for decades in the middle of Montana? The Ranch characterizes itself as "tucked in the the heart of the Montana Rockies and surrounded by miles of forested mountains, it is a vibrant and peaceful oasis to which our guests return eagerly year after year – inevitably leaving the Ranch feeling recharged and relaxed – and counting the days until they can again return." Writer Andy Vantrease explains  “... the ranch is known for its dewy lake view, mouthwatering cuisine, world-renowned teachers, and quiet time filled with the sights and sounds of nature. Deer share the path to the bathhouse, chipmunks chase each other quicker than your eyes can follow, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the resident eagle soaring across a cloudless blue sky." 

The J Brown Wild Bunch at FPR, 2017

The "Slow" Retreat

The Slow is the New Advanced  retreat rocked! J Brown (down to earth yoga revolutionary, writer, podcaster and regular good guy) headed west from Brooklyn, NY to guide our group. J claims "Slow Yoga takes the emphasis off accomplishing something and puts it more on experiencing something. It is a deeply breath-centered, therapeutic yoga practice, geared towards well-being and lessening of pain." J will return to the Ranch in July, 2018.

For more about J Brown check out his website . If you are curious to learn more about his revolutionary approach consider signing up for J.'s live streaming yoga classes  which are available on any device for a ridiculously LOW price!

Helena to Grand Teton Park/Jackson, Wyoming    

301 miles     5 1/2 hour drive.

Clarification of terms and places

If you plan to visit this part of the country, knowing the following is helpful. The distance from Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming is just 20 miles. So spending time in and around town and the park is easy.  The town offers many conveniences and the park is filled with wildlife, rangers, open space and limited amenities. 

Are Jackson Hole and the town named Jackson the same?  Yes and no!  Jackson Hole is a large flat area east of the Grand Tetons surrounded by other mountains on the east. Jackson is a town on the southern end of Jackson Hole. There isn't much in Jackson Hole other than the airport, great scenery, scattered houses and ranches. 

Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. It is gigantic, massive, monumental and deserves your respect and time - it occupies more than 3,400 square miles!  Yellowstone's southern most exit is 76 miles from the Grand Tetons northern entrance. A drive through does not equate to a visit!  Zipping through a small section of Yellowstone on your way to the Tetons and claiming you visited the world's first national park is a disservice to you and the park. If you desire to put a legit checkmark on your Bucket List, plan to spend several days experiencing the land of Old Faithful . Plan ahead especially in the summer.

Grand Teton National Park

Don't be surprised if you use superlative words like "grand, imposing, spectacular and unrivaled"  to describe your experience of the park because those words are correct.

The Grand Teton National Park occupies only a paltry 485 square miles compared to big sister, Yellowstone. And, IMHO, gets a lot less attention than it deserves. The Teton mountain range is magnificent, dramatic and majestic. National Geographic describes the "Teton Range is regal and imposing as they stand nearly 7,000 feet above the valley floor and make one of the boldest geologic statements in the Rockies. Unencumbered by foothills, they rise through steep coniferous forests into alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers, past blue and white glaciers to naked granite pinnacles." 

Staying in the Grand Teton National Park

Aboard the Jenny Lake Ferry

With the retreat wrapped up, we decided to make a hasty exit and take our chances getting a place to stay. A risky move but we were ready for more road trip adventure! Fortunately, we scored a last minute reservation at the only lakefront accommodation on Jackson Lake, the Signal Mountain Lodge ! Cabins of various shapes and sizes along with a lodge overlook the Marina where you can rent a boat, fish or board a scenic float trip down the Snake River. Reservations for lodging and boating are highly recommended. $$-$$$

Tip - If you aren't familiar with the area, plan ahead so you get to your destination before dark .  We got a little too busy taking pictures of Yellowstone bison and geysers and found ourselves lost and without GPS or cell coverage as the sun was setting. We eventually connected with the lodge's front desk and they guided us the last couple miles.

The Jackson Lake Lodge with impressive 60 ft windows in the lobby provides a panoramic view of pristine Jackson Lake and the majestic snow capped Teton Range reflecting in the lake. There are several restaurants and cafes in the Lodge but the ones overlooking the mountains offer a fantastic view. $$-$$$

The most economical place to stay with a roof is the dormitory-style Climbers Ranch for a whopping $16- $25 per night. $

What to do in Teton National Park/Jackson

Painting by Robert Bateman at Museum of Wild Life Art in Jackson

For a change of pace and a chance to spend some time in the comfort of a climate controlled environment, visit the Museum of Wild Life Art  in Jackson. The complex contains over 5,000 works of wild life art and is well worth the cost of admission.  There are also interactive exhibits for children as well as a nice cafe.  The highlight is the rambling, outdoor Sculpture Trail which meanders throughout the property. 

Across from the Museum of Wild Life Art is the Elk Refuge which preserves, restores, and manages the winter habitat for the nationally significant Jackson Elk Herd as well as a habitat for endangered species, birds, fish, and other big game animals. The Refuge is a favorite for photographers and in winter, you can glide through the elk herd by sleigh ride .

Explore the park by bike and feel the wind in your hair. Throughout the park and separate from the auto road, there is an extensive network of mostly flat bicycle trails to explore. If you don't have a bike, you can rent one or join a tour.  

Hike to Hidden Falls

At Jenny Lake you can hike as well as take the ferry boat (no reservations) for an 8 minute glide to the other side of the lake. From there, the round trip 1.3 mile hike to Hidden Falls is beautiful and accessible to just about everyone who can walk. 

Tip - During the peak tourist season arrive at   Jenny Lake early so you can easily find a place to park, avoid boat lines and beat the heat.  The first ferry boat departs at 9am.  Be sure to double check the schedule before your trip. 

Another peak experience is a visit to the Rockefeller Preserve  which is an informative place to learn about the area’s nature and wildlife. A network of hiking trails leaves right from the center and spans about 8 miles. You can access Lake Creek, Phelps Lake and adjacent ridges from these trails. During the summer months, rangers welcome visitors to participate in a variety of programs like guided hikes, evening strolls and educational talks.

Jackson to Park City        268 miles        5 hours

Stock up at the pearl street market

For the final leg of our trip, we enjoyed a quick bite to eat at the Pearl Street Market which is close to the main street in Jackson. Open 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, this place has something for everyone!  With a deli, butcher and grocer, you can enjoy everything from sit down bacon and eggs to steak with herb butter fries. Don't forget to load up on provisions before you leave. Since Jackson is a tourist town expect to pay more than you would at a highway diner. $-$$-$$$

Unexpected Excitement in Afton, Wyoming!

We relished the final chapter of our road trip adventure as we weaved our way through Wyoming and Utah. It is easy to be captivated by the rolling hills, random wildlife sighting and ramshackle barns and farmhouses.  Remain alert for small town speed limit signs and slow down. We missed one! In the charming town of Afton, drivers are greeted by the world’s largest Elk Antler Arch, which is made of over 3,000 antlers. Afton is also home to fast paced Cutter and Chariot Racing as well as the Snowmobile Hill Climb Challenge in the winter. Please give our best to the sheriff if you get stopped!

Downtown Afton with the world's largest antler arch

$59 speeding ticket provided the opportunity to enjoy the Antler Arch

Some describe Wyoming in summer as the place where the high plains meet the Rocky Mountains to form some of the most staggeringly beautiful scenery in the entire country.  Others say, Wyoming is brown, brown, brown, train, brown, brown, brown.

Make your own decision about Wyoming but be sure you have your provisions, a plan, fuel, maps and a charged cell phone.  Because there are miles and miles between where you are and the next stop. 

By day's end, we arrived back in Park City and were happy to stretch out and spend some quality time on the foam roller after spending several days in the car. We are thankful for the 14 hours of precious, mostly technology free time spent on the road. This allowed for long conversations, both meaningful and irreverent as well as the shared experience of new people and places. The Grand Teton National Park deserves to be on your bucket list as well as road tripping through Utah, Montana and Wyoming!   

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Eternal Arrival

Travel in the U.S., Europe, & Beyond.

The Perfect 10 Day Montana Road Trip Itinerary (+ Optional Wyoming Stops)

With a host of mountain trails, trout streams, and downtown art scenes, a Montana road trip should be next up on your USA bucket list .

The state is home to several national parks, including Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Glacier National Park.

This road trip also offers drivable access to the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park in neighboring Wyoming should you want to extend your trip to be both a Montana and Wyoming road trip!

Are you ready for one of the best road trips in the USA ? Let’s get going: here’s all you need to know to plan the best Montana road trip.

Road trip pro tip: Purchase an  annual pass (AKA the America the Beautiful Pass)  to save money on the entrance fees for the multiple locations in this itinerary run by the NPS!

Table of Contents

How this Montana Road Trip Itinerary Works

This Montana road trip is designed for people who don’t mind a few longer days of driving, but are truly all about the sights and hikes that this beautiful state has to offer!

Personally, I don’t like staying in a new place every single night, so I try to break the itinerary up a bit so that you have a few multi-night stays — typically 2 nights, occasionally 1 night or 3 nights in the case of Glacier National Park and Whitefish at the end.

Breaking up this Montana road trip with longer overnight stays in a place helps you get to really know each destination on this trip rather than just passing through in a car as fast as possible and ticking off the “main sights”, as many other road trips have you do!

I want this road trip through Montana (and Wyoming, if you wish!) to mix as much sightseeing as possible with a leisurely pace… so you don’t end up needing a vacation from your vacation!

There are a few places on this Montana road trip where you can “choose your own adventure” so to speak. When you stay in Big Sky, I give you the option to make a side trip to Yellowstone National Park. And of course, you could also visit Grand Teton National Park while you’re in Yellowstone, and extend the stay a little there, making this more of a 2 week Montana road trip than a 10 day one.

However, since you probably got here by searching for “Montana road trip”, this post is going to focus on the best places to stop on a road trip through Montana. However, I will note when a quick side trip or detour into another state would be a good idea, in case you are hoping to visit a bit of Wyoming as well on this road trip!

The Best Time of Year for a Montana Road Trip

Let me start off by saying that while the best time to visit Montana is really any time, the best time to road trip Montana is a little different: especially if you have Glacier National Park on your Montana itinerary!

While of course, you can visit Glacier National Park in the winter (and it’s beautiful and worthwhile!), many of the roads are closed which makes the whole ‘road tripping’ part a little more complicated.

Due to the high elevation of Glacier National Park (the highest part of the park, Logan Pass, is located at 6,646 feet above sea level!) and northern location near the border of Canada, heavy snow sets in rather early in Glacier National Park.

As a result, this road trip through Montana is at its best in the middle of the summer: think July or August.

This is when you’ll enjoy the best weather with a limited impact of snow (though a few trails in Glacier National Park may still have some patches of snow — it is Glacier National Park, after all!).

Early September is also a good time to visit Montana. There is no fixed date to when the roads and lodges close, but the later you get into September, the more you risk not being able to see as much of the park as you wish.

So, for that reason, I’d say late August is perhaps the best time to start this 10 day Montana road trip: that way, you end up in Glacier National Park right at the beginning of September, with little chance of closures interrupting your road trip plan.

Flying Into Montana

Flights are typically best through Billings or Bozeman. However, Missoula and Kalispell are worth looking into. 

Booking one-way flights from different cities versus a roundtrip might make sense if you need to save some time on the road. The state is large and there is a lot of ground to cover!

Year-round flights into Billings are offered from larger hubs including Denver, Salt Lake City , Seattle, Las Vegas, Dallas and Phoenix.

Chances are you one layover away from the start of your trip. Seasonal direct flights are also available from Chicago and LAX.

We’ll assume you are flying into Billings for this Montana road trip itinerary as it is the most common arrival hub, but you may need to reorganize this itinerary if that is not the case.

Luckily, this Montana road trip goes in a circle once you leave Billings, so it’s pretty easy to adapt to your needs if your flight booking means you need to rejig the itinerary.

If you’re not flying into Billings, you may decide to skip it, as it’s a bit out of the way compared to the rest of the itinerary, and spend more time along the loop we detail in days 3-8 of these 10 days in Montana itinerary.

Renting a Car

If you’re flying into Montana for a road trip, you’re definitely going to need a car!

The best prices can be found by picking up and dropping off at the same pickup point, which will likely be Billings.

Keep in mind, though, that this means a 6-hour straight drive from the last point on this 10 day Montana road trip itinerary, Glacier National Park, back to Billings.

If that sounds tiring to you, you may want to look into one-way rentals between Billings and Kalispell, the nearest airport to Glacier National Park. It will almost certainly cost more, but it may be a whole lot more convenient.

Not sure where to get the best deal on your rental? I’ve rented cars dozens of times through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best site to rent with in the USA – it searches dozens of rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental!  Compare car rentals for your trip here !

Montana Road Trip Map

Day 1-2 of Your Montana Road Trip: Billings

Welcome to Billings!

Since you’ll be driving a lot on this Montana road trip itinerary, we’ll get you out onto the hiking trails to stretch your legs as much as possible between each Montana road trip stop.

Take a Hike

From Billings, several day hikes are within a quick drive from downtown. Moderate hikes include Phipps Park and Skyline Trails — pick one or the other to start your Montana itinerary.

The Skyline Trail

If you want to hit the trails pretty much as soon as you hit the road, about a 5-7 minute drive west from Billings Logan airport is the Skyline Trail . It is an easy 1.7-mile loop around the ridge of Zimmerman Park.

With sweeping views of the city below (and Bighorn, Pryor, and Beartooth Mountains in the distance) it’s a quick way to get your directional bearings before further exploring Billings. The trail is rated as easy, but take good hiking shoes and be prepared for a slight scramble.

City partnerships are currently in the fundraising process to build out a paved multi-use Skyline Trail extending for 7 miles between Zimmerman and Swords Parks.

Check in on the trail status before your trip, as you might be able to tack on a longer bike ride as trail sections are completed!

The Phipps Park Trail

Clocking in at a slightly longer 2.5-mile loop, Phipps Park Trail is located farther west from town and offers similar views of Billings. The trailhead parking is just past the Yellowstone Country Club off Rimrock Road and about 20 minutes or 10 miles from downtown.

Most of the trail’s 450 foot elevation gain is tackled in the first mile, and the shared trail is also good for running and mountain biking. If walking, plan for about 1.5 hours.

Bighorn Canyon

For longer, more difficult hikes head to Bighorn Canyon for the day. Located 1.5 hours from Billings, the national recreation area is a great spot for hiking around, or watersports on, Bighorn Lake .

The lake extends nearly 60 miles from Montana into Wyoming with the majority of the area in the Bighorn Canyon. The area is vast, over 70,000 acres, so checking in at the Fort Smith Visitor Center will give you the best information for the day.

One of the best ways to explore Bighorn Canyon without the hike is by taking a two-hour scenic boat tour of the canyon, learning about America’s third-largest canyon and its importance to the Native American people who have lived in this area for centuries, narrated by an expert guide.

Book your Bighorn Canyon cruise here!

You can also try your hand at fly fishing below the Yellowtail Dam or hit trail sections like Sullivan’s Knob Trail (easy at 0.8 miles), Upper Layout Creek (moderate at 1.8 mile), or Medicine Creek and South Pasture Loop (hard at 11.6 miles).

Check Into Your Hotel

Since this Montana road trip itinerary places you in Billings overnight, we recommend you check into the Northern Hotel .

Dubbed as “unpretentious historic luxury”, the Northern’s renovated guest rooms feature warm, contemporary interiors, and a central location to the best drink and fare downtown.

Though the hotel’s restaurants serve up good food, plan to branch out and explore for dinner instead — the dining scene in Billings is too good to miss!

>>> Book a room at the Northern <<<

Enjoy the Brews

A benefit of staying downtown is walking from your hotel straight onto the Billings Brew Trail , Montana’s only walkable brewery trail.

The 1.5-mile self-guided tour covers the heart of historic downtown while mixing your choice of six breweries, two distilleries, and one cider house.

Favorites include Uberbrew and Montana Brewing Company, the state’s first brew pub.

Day 3-4 of your Montana Road Trip: Bozeman

Bozeman will be your next stop from Billings.

At 2 hours due west on I-90, Bozeman has a college town vibe with growing art, music, and food scenes. It also serves as a launching point to the Gallatin River and Big Sky.

Whether passing through or staying the night, the best restaurants are centrally located downtown near the Montana State University campus.

I also have a full guide to visiting Bozeman in case you need more inspiration!

Check Into Your Digs

There are several chain hotel options to choose from, but your best lodging choice is the Kimpton Armory.

The Kimpton Armory Hotel has been renovated from its National Guard roots to restore its Art Deco design and new, comfy communal spaces set it apart from bland chain hotels in Bozeman.

It’s a lovely chic and central place to stay the night in Bozeman!

>> Book a room at the Kimpton Armory on Booking.com | Book it on Hotels.com <<

If you’re on a budget, Airbnb is your best bet.

Look for a location a few blocks north or south of W. Main Street. The neighborhoods here have a quaint, just-off-campus feel, with a short walk to the center of all Bozeman action.

Stroll the Downtown

In fact, just strolling through the downtown and near campus neighborhoods is well worth it, especially with a cup of coffee.

Go-to coffee shops are Wild Joe’s Coffee or Treeline Roasting Room . Lean towards Wild Joe’s if you need some food alongside your latte.

Hit the Trails with a Picnic Lunch

There are several hiking options near town, primarily to the north in the foothills of the Gallatin National Forest or south towards Big Sky.

Whichever direction you head, grab a lunch to go from the Bozeman Co-op . The local co-op grocer is near the above coffee stops on W. Main.

The Storm Castle Peak Trail

Storm Castle Peak Trail is located 25 miles south of Bozeman, with access from the Gallatin Road. This is the road tha t eventually leads into Big Sky so the peak hike is an easy stop on the way out of town.

Storm Castle is 4.6-mile out-and-back trail that rewards hikers with worthy views. Be prepared for an elevation gain of just under 2,000 feet, but with several accommodating and manageable switchbacks.

Bozeman Creek Trail

Also due south of Bozeman (but not on the way to Big Sky) is Bozeman Creek Trail . The 16-mile out-and-back trail is moderately rated with a turnaround point at Mystic Lake in the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Elevation gain totals nearly 1,800 feet, and it is a popular dog-friendly trail. Despite the noted elevation gain, most visitors report the hike feels a bit steeper. Time your trip during wildflower season for the best experience!

Drinking Horse Mountain Trail & M Trail

If wide open mountain meadow trails are more your cup of tea, plan to hike north of town off Highway 86.

There are two trailheads on U.S. Forest Service land near Drinking Horse Mountain. The first, Drinking Horse Mountain Trail , is a short, but steep, 2.1-mile loop best tackled from May through September. Most hikers suggest going counterclockwise.

The second trailhead, located just across Highway 86, is for M Trail , a slightly shorter moderate climb with less elevation gain and views of the valley, city, and mountains to the south.

Enjoy the Culture

Circle back to Bozeman post-hike for music, arts, and dinner. Once again, downtown on W. Main Street is where you should start and stick around.

Several galleries are located on W. Main or one block off, between S. Rouse and N. 3 rd Avenue including Visions West Contemporary, Altitude Gallery, and Thomas Nygard Gallery .

Keep an eye out for dinner spots while you gallery hop. South 9th Bistro and Dave’s Sushi are two of the author’s favorites.

Listen to Live Music

There will likely be a live-music option following dinner if you continue your exploration of W. Main Street. Try Haufbrau House, Rialto, and Live from the Divide (Northeast of Main on Peach Street) for current shows.

One great benefit of a college town is there is likely a good music option regardless of the night of the week!

Day 4-6 of Your Montana Road Trip: Big Sky & Yellowstone

Your next Montana road trip stop, Big Sky, is an hour south of Bozeman along the stunning Gallatin River.

The wide-open views surrounding Bozeman quickly narrow to continuous steep-sided gorge which winds for about 30 miles along Gallatin Road.

There are several U.S. Forest Service designated camping sites, as well as turnoffs for perfect fly fishing spots, if you wish to extend your trip up Gallatin Road awhile longer.

Get Oriented

Big Sky, MT comprises of a base village called Town Center and an upper mountain village connected by a steep 8 mile stretch of road.

In-town transportation is easy as the community boasts a reliable public bus route, complete with bike racks. Be sure to check the current schedule as route times change between seasons.

Relying on bus transportation makes it easy to get into town or up to the resort village and puts less pressure on deciding beforehand which part of town to stay.

The majority of restaurants and shops, including flyfishing and mountain biking outfitters, are located in Town Center. Particularly during summer months, not much will be open at the upper mountain village.

Go for a Mountain Bike Ride

Big Sky is the best spot on this Montana road trip for mountain biking at any experience level!

For beginners to intermediate bikers, check out the Mountain to Meadows Trail . The entrance begins at the resort base (upper mountain) near the Ramcharger Chairlift.

A short 10-minute uphill climb is rewarded with a downhill trail for the remainder of the 5-mile ride.  The trail averages 7% grade with a max 35% grade.

The trail ends right behind Gallatin Alpine Sports in Town Center which happens to offer very reasonable daily and weekly bike rentals!

Soothe Your Muscles

New mountain bikers will soon realize a host of ignored muscle groups are used during a ride.

If a yoga session or massage is in order stop, by Santosha Wellness Center in Town Center.

The studio offers a host of vinyasa and ashtanga classes as well as massage methods ranging from Swedish to Cranio-Sacral to Reflexology.

Grab a Bite to Eat

By now you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite — luckily, several delicious eateries can also be found in Town Center.

Favorites include Lotus Pad (Thai) , Pinky G’s (Pizzeria) , Hungry Moose (Market and Deli) , and Blue Moon Bakery.

Hit the Hiking Trails

Apart from a range of mountain biking trails, Big Sky is also host to several fabulous hiking trails. Two popular outings are Beehive Basin and Cinnamon Mountain.

Beehive Basin

Beehive Basin clocks in at 7.1 miles out-and-back and has great views of Lone Mountain (which towers over Big Sky resort).

It includes stops at alpine lakes before the return trek to a convenient parking lot.

Cinnamon Mountain

Cinnamon Mountain is a moderate 8-mile out-and-back trail through a denser pine forest.

Both trails can be muddy after heavy rains and also hold snow in shadier spots, so plan around the weather.

Both hikes entail a consistent, steady climb and easy descent, so they’re great for less experienced hikers.

Take a Day Trip to Yellowstone

If time for a detour is allotted, a good Montana road trip addition is a drive to Yellowstone National Park .

It’s a one-hour drive from Big Sky to West Yellowstone, which you can use as a jumping-off point for all Yellowstone adventures.

Important Note : If you are visiting Yellowstone in winter, road access is seriously restricted, so you will have to plan for snowcoach transport. Learn more on my guide to visiting Yellowstone in winter .

Day 7 of Your Montana Road Trip: Missoula

From Big Sky, continue your road trip in Montana towards Missoula .

On this particular Montana road trip itinerary, the city is the ideal afternoon stopping point before heading north to Whitefish and Glacier National Park.

You can stop just for lunch if you’re short on time, but we recommend staying the night.

Missoula is home to the University of Montana and, because of the connection, has a vibrant near-campus Main Street similar to that in Bozeman.

Grab a Lunch or a Hike

Take in a long lunch downtown or pack a to-go snack for a quick hike before continuing on to Whitefish.

If you choose the quick hike option, check out Hellgate Ridgeline on Mount Sentinel. The brief 3-mile out-and-back trail features views of the city, valley, and river.

With a trailhead conveniently located near the campus and downtown, the hike can be easily paired with a quick lunch.

The hike is steep and strenuous but not long. Make it up to the “M” , a student-built Missoula landmark since 1908, or continue on for even better views.

Enjoy the Downtown

Missoula’s downtown district follows the Clark Fork River and is teaming with unique restaurant options.

Many include outdoor seating with views of the riverfront. Hob Nob, Bernice’s Bakery, Tamarack Brewing, Scotty’s Table, Catalyst Café, and Biga Pizza should spark your interest. 

While downtown, stretch your legs at Caras Park before getting back on I-90.

The park overlooks Brenan’s Wave , Missoula’s manmade wave installation in the Clark Fork River. It is an entertaining spot to watch surfers and kayakers take on a brief rapid.

Consider an Overnight Stay

If staying the night in Missoula makes sense on your personal itinerary, grab a room at the Blossom’s Bed & Breakfast .

Blossom’s B&B is in the Lower Rattlesnake Historic District near downtown. The comfortable rooms give you the sense you are staying at a friend’s or family member’s home.

“Wine down” on the porch with views of Mt. Jumbo. Amenities also include backyard games and guest bikes.

>>> Check out other Missoula hotels here <<<

Day 8-10 of Your Montana Road Trip: Whitefish & Glacier National Park

From Missoula, Whitefish and Glacier National Park are next up on this Montana itinerary, located within a 2.5-3 hour drive through the Flathead National Forest . Much of the drive is uneventful until reaching the shores of Flathead Lake.

The lake spans 27 miles and Highway 35, which follows the lake’s eastern shore, passes several privately-owned cherry orchards.

Many of the orchards operate roadside cherry stands during high season which lasts from June through August.

Check Into Your Whitefish Digs

Whitefish is just 30 minutes north of Flathead Lake and your home base for all activities in and around Glacier National Park .

Whitefish is similar to Big Sky in that, while it may be more widely known for its ski resort and winter activities, the area doesn’t lack for summer fun. The town itself is about a 15-minute drive from the resort by way of Whitefish Lake.

The best places to stay in downtown Whitefish include The Firebrand Hotel and The FarmHouse Inn and Kitchen .  

On Lupfer Avenue, The FarmHouse Inn is a quaint B&B comprised of two guest rooms. One sleeps four and the other sleeps two.

It is centrally located and the onsite bakery and café churn out local farm to table meals and Czech pastries. This is your spot for gluten-free options and fresh-pressed juices. Hotel guests can also enjoy the backyard fire pit on cooler evenings.

>>> Book your stay at the FarmHouse Inn here <<<

The Firebrand Hotel sits right in the mix of downtown nightlife on the corner of E. Second Street and Spokane Avenue. The hotel’s vibe mixes urban sophistication with a node to Montana’s rugged Northwest.

Amenities include a rooftop patio and spa along with bicycle rentals in the summer months. The hotel also includes shuttle transportation to Amtrak and their sister property, the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

>>> Book your stay at the Fireband Hotel here <<<

You may opt for the Lodge at Whitefish Lake if you prefer a quieter setting closer to the water.

The Lodge amenities include a lakeside pool, onsite yoga classes, and quick access to watersports and boat rentals from a private beach.

>>> Book your stay at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake here <<<

Grab a Bite

There are several great breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in Whitefish.

Local favorites include Wasabi Sushi Bar, Jersey Boys Pizzeria, Tupelo Grille, and Amazing Crepes.

Head to Glacier National Park

Whether staying lakeside or in town, access to Glacier National Park is an easy 35 minute drive to the Apgar Visitor Center.

Visitors are encouraged to avoid traffic and minimize impact to our collective natural resources by utilizing the park’s free shuttle service.

Shuttles leave every 15 to 30 minutes from the Apgar Visitor Center and take visitors to all of the best park sites.

Shuttle stops from the Apgar side include Apgar Village, Center, and Campground, Sprague Creek Campground, Lake McDonald Lodge, Avalanche Creek, The Loop, and Logan Pass which serves as the transfer to the east side of the park.

Want more information on Glacier National Park? Read my two-day Glacier National Park itinerary which will lay out exactly how to have the perfect time there.

Go for an Adventurous – or Leisurely! – Rafting Trip

One of the most popular things to do in Glacier National Park in summer is to take a rafting trip on the scenic Middle Fork Flathead, which has fun whitewater rafting that’s perfect for rafters looking for an easy to moderate level (class II and III) experience.

Book your whitewater rafting experience!

Of course, whitewater rafting isn’t for everyone, and if you’re in the mood for more sightseeing and relaxing rather than adrenaline-pumping, a lovely float trip on a calmer stretch of the Flathead River is a perfect option for you!

This is better suited for families of all ages, as whitewater rafting can be a little scary for younger kids.

Book your river floating experience here

Glacier National Park has 734 miles of hiking trails and something for all hiking levels, including day and overnight hikes.

Note that overnight hikes require reservations and park permits. Popular day hikes include the Highline Trail (11.4 miles), Avalanche Lake (4.6 miles) and Pitamakan Pass (15.4 miles).

The Highline Trail

The Highline Trail features views of Logan Pass and includes some technical areas of hiking, some which come with the safety of a cable railing.

Highline is one of the best hikes for catching a variety of scenery as you will see alpine meadows, creeks, avalanche ridges, and portions of the Livingston Range. The hike can be made shorter by stopping at Haystack Butte .

However, hikers should press on for views of the Grinnell Glacier . The overlook area for the glacier sits on the Continental Divide. If you chose to bypass the park shuttle, you can still access the trailhead from the Logan Pass Visitor Center parking lot.

The Avalanche Lake Trail

Avalanche Lake Trail is a shorter hike with equally breathtaking views. The trail follows Avalanche Creek until meeting with the alpine lake.

Views of waterfalls at the lake’s far end can be seen from the trail. The total elevation gain is an easy 600 feet.

The Pitamaken Pass Trail

If you want to take on a longer hike, shoot for Pitamaken Pass Trai l. The hike swaps between forested and meadow trails while passing by Oldman Lake, Sky Lake Waterfall, and finally Cut Bank Basin ’s alpine lakes.

You might even come upon bighorn sheep at higher elevations, especially nearing Bighorn Basin. The total elevation gain is a stout 3,300ft.

Trailhead access begins at the campground at Two Medicine by Pray Lake and is preferred as a counterclockwise route.

Grab A Set of Wheels

Another popular way to explore Glacier National Park is by bicycle.

Parking is available at Glacier Guides in West Glacier, MT where bike rentals are available.

From there, a 1.5 mile downhill trail takes you to the Apagar Visitor Center where trails continue within the park’s boundary. Access to the park via bicycle is also half the cost of standard admission, so it’s good for cost-conscious travelers!

Feeling a little intimidated to try biking in Glacier National Park all by yourself? This 6-hour guided cycling tour is a great way to see the park by bike without the stress of self-guiding.

Book your cycling tour of Glacier National Park here!

Optional: Tackle Other Hiking Trails

There are several hiking options outside the park boundary and closer to Whitefish.

Many of the best can be accessed in Whitefish Lake State Park near the Whitefish Mountain Resort base.

If you visit during the summer season, you might be able to jump on the gondola for a one-way trip.

From the resort base, try Journey Mountain (2.8 miles), Big Mountain via Summit Trail (16.1 miles), Danny on National Recreation Trail (7.2 miles), or Gray Wolf Ski Trail (17.9 miles).

Ending Your Montana Road Trip Itinerary: Kalispell or Back to Billings

While some of the more frequent and better-priced flights are found out of Billings and Bozeman, it’s worth checking options in and out of Kalispell .

The city and airport are just 22 minutes south of Whitefish, and you can often find cheap connections to Salt Lake City.

Do a bit of research on one-way rental prices, consider the time (it’s a 6-hour drive back to Billings!), and check the best ways to get to and from Montana.

While we have covered some of the best places the state has to offer, Montana offers still offers so much to explore!

How to Extend This Montana Road Trip

Of course, there are several ways to extend this Montana road trip in order to see even more of this gorgeous part of the United States!

The most natural addition to this Montana road trip is spending a few days exploring Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

From Big Sky, you can easily head down south to Yellowstone and spend some time in the park. I have a two day Yellowstone itinerary which you can simply insert into this Montana road trip itinerary between days 6 & 7!

If you want to extend your Wyoming explorations even further, overnight (or stay a couple days) in the Jackson Hole area, which is one of the prettiest parts of Wyoming and a perfect midway point between Yellowstone and your next stop, Grand Teton National Park.

I also have a two day Grand Teton National Park itinerary , which you can add after Yellowstone, before heading back up to Missoula. Just note that you may want to stop in Big Sky again on the way up, or you’ll be in for a long driving day (6 hours point-to-point without stopping, traveling via Idaho).

10 Day Montana Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Fly into Billings
• Day 2: Billings
• Day 3: Bozeman
• Day 4: Bozeman
• Day 5: Big Sky
• Day 6: Big Sky (optional Yellowstone Day trip)
• Day 7: Missoula
• Day 8: Whitefish & Glacier NP
• Day 9: Glacier NP
• Day 10: Fly out of Kalispell or drive back to Billings

2 Week Montana and Wyoming Road Trip at a Glance

• Day 6: Yellowstone NP
• Day 7: Yellowstone NP
• Day 8: Grand Teton NP
• Day 9: Grand Teton NP
• Day 10: Missoula
• Day 11: Whitefish & Glacier NP
• Day 12: Glacier NP
• Day 13: Glacier NP
• Day 14: Fly from Kalispell or return your car in Billings

What to Pack for a Montana Road Trip

I have a full road trip packing list here , but here at the top things you shouldn’t forget!

Road Trip Essentials

Roadside emergency kit.

You should already have an emergency kit in your car with things like a reflective triangle, rain poncho, emergency blanket, safety vest, safety whistle, etc. in case of an emergency.

But if you are renting a car and aren’t sure it’ll have the full emergency kit, now is a good time to invest in a  roadside emergency kit  that also includes a first aid kit.

Car charger & hands-free phone holder

You will zap your phone battery FAST while on a road trip, so it’s essential to have a car charger.

I like this  dual purpose phone mount and charger!

Of course, it’s pretty hard to connect your phone and charge it and do all sorts of other necessary 21st-century things without USB cords.

Bring 1 or 2 more than you need, it’s always a good idea!

External batteries

The Anker external battery pack  is a travel must. While you can charge your phone while driving, you may want to charge other devices — a camera, a drone, portable speakers, an e-reader — as well.

Or if you notice your battery is running low while you’re out hiking or sightseeing, you can just start charging right away without having to return to your car. It holds several charges on a single battery pack and will last days at a time.

Face mask, alcohol wipes & sanitizing gel

When in places where distancing is not possible, you will need to wear a face mask to keep yourself and fellow humans safe.

Bring multiple  cloth face masks  and circulate them, allowing face masks ample time in the sun when possible (such as leaving them on your dashboard) or washing them in between uses in order to sanitize the masks.

You should also bring alcohol wipes or sanitizing gel in case you aren’t close to a place where you can wash your hands.

Rehydration packets

Long hikes, lack of schedule, random meal times, salty snacks, sunny days, hangovers from wine nights after driving duty is done: there are many reasons it’s easy to get dehydrated while road tripping.

I always pack some rehydration packets with me on my travels as I’m prone to getting dehydrated and getting headaches, and they’re a lifesaver.  I recommend these ones.

Camera & extra batteries

For all my years of running this travel blog, I’ve relied on my  Sony A6000  to take nearly-professional quality images. I don’t sell my photography, but I do love having wonderfully preserved memories, and this camera is the perfect middle-ground above a smartphone yet below the 5-figure kits that most photographers give.

Whatever camera you choose, be sure to have plenty of extra batteries and the battery charger as well — plus extra memory cards! I rely exclusively on  64GB Sandisk memory cards .

Clothing & Hiking Essentials

Comfortable clothing

When road tripping, think loose clothing that’s easily breathable which transition from car to outside easily.

For women, I suggest the following at a minimum for car/outdoor comfort:

• yoga pants or leggings
• hiking shorts
• sports bras
• hiking boots
• warm sweaters

You’ll also want to bring layers like a jacket for any needed warmth, depending on the temperatures you expect on your Montana road trip.

Rain jacket

I included this separately from the comfortable clothes section because I wanted to highlight and underline how important a good rain jacket is. Rain is inevitable at times, so might as well dress for it!

I love the Marmot PreCip rain jacket (there’s a  women’s version  and a  men’s version ). I used mine for years biking in all sorts of rainy NYC weather and it always kept me dry without making me too hot and uncomfortable like some other rain jackets can, due to the zippered armpits which provide ventilation. This is key if you plan to do anything active on your Montana itinerary like hiking while it’s raining.

Proper Hiking Boots & Trekking Poles

This Montana road trip includes a ton of hiking opportunities, and you’ll definitely be happy with yourself for bringing along a pair of hiking boots!

I recommend these  Ahnu boots for women  and these  Keen boots for men . Both are waterproof, comfortable, and provide lots of ankle support for harder hikes.

If you’re doing some harder hikes, you may also want to bring a pair of collapsible  trekking poles  with you!

Water Bottle with Filter

You always end up needing lots of water when you hike!

You can either carry liters upon liters of water, which can be heavy, or you can pack a backup water bottle and use your water bottle with a filter to refill anywhere along the trail — streams, rivers, springs, anywhere!

I use the  Grayl  for its ease of use and to reduce my plastic footprint: I love mine and highly recommend it!

Day packs are essential when hiking or leaving the car for a bit to do some sightseeing and needing to bring essentials like bug spray, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen with you.

This  Osprey day pack  is the perfect size and it’s designed by a company that specializes in ergonomic solutions for backpackers, so you know it’ll be comfortable.

Pin This Montana Road Trip Guide!

Originally from the Southern U.S., Katelyn Page currently launches adventures from Ketchum, Idaho and Revelstoke, BC. She spends most of the time when outside skiing, hiking, or cycling. As an Urban Planner by training, she understands the connection between cities and outdoor resources and the importance of getting out and exploring.

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Road trip for Idaho, wyoming, Montana and utah for 12 days - Wyoming Forum

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Road trip for Idaho, wyoming, Montana and utah for 12 days

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Planning a 12 day vacation and hoping to see Bryce, idaho falls grand teton, glacier and Yosemite. Not sure where to start, SLC or Idaho.

We've been to Zion so we can skip Zion.

No way to do this in 12 days imo flying in and out of one airport. This would be a drive by no seeing sights type trip.

Way too much driving.

This is an idea of time it takes.

1 to 2 days Bryce

1 long full 10 plus hour drive to Tetons

Tetons 2 days

Yellowstone 4 days

1 full 8 plus hour drive to Glacier

Glacier 3 to 4 days

Fly out of Kalispell

Would have one way car rental .

I have about 15 or 16 days on this route.

Idaho Falls is not really a tourist destination. The falls are very underwhelming.

You need to do some mapping with a paper atlas to realistically see distances involved. Needs a total revamp.

When using mapping program like google just note time given is wheels turning with no stops so for best and accurate drive times add about 30% and should be right.

And, yes, the "falls" in the small city of Idaho Falls are more or less a non event. The only thing Idaho Falls is good for is an overnight between SLC and Yellowstone if you have a late afternoon flight in to SLC.

When are you planning on traveling?

Agree with the above comments. Spend some time mapping it out to help you decide. Idaho Falls would not be on my list, either.

Oh yes I agree just skip Idaho Falls.

Well it is still winter in Glacier so won't be able to see much. Going to Sun Road which park is famous far doesn't fully open until late June.

So skip that.

Cannot drive from Yellowstone to Tetons and Jackson Hole thru park until May 14.

It is still winter in Yellowstone and Tetons. Some roads open in both parks but could close due to weather.

Read info on both parks on their websites. Look on roads, what is open and closed, lodging choices, etc.

Have you mapped out your trip? That will help you decide.

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The Ultimate 2 Week National Park Road Trip: Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah 

So you’re looking for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime road trip? One filled with the perfect mix…

So you’re looking for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime road trip? One filled with the perfect mix of awe-inspiring mountain peaks, vast desert landscapes, and crystal clear lakes? You’ve come to the right place. This route kicks off in Denver, Colorado and takes you through some of the country’s most photo-worthy scenery and diverse terrain. Explore five National Parks, ranging from Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, before closing the loop via Lake Powell and Arches National Park, and returning to the Mile High City.

The ideal length for this route would be two to three weeks to really soak up everything it has to offer (which is a lot).

Day 1: Denver, Colorado → Yellowstone National Park

Denver is the ideal spot to kick start this adventure. You’ll fly into Denver International Airport and take the quick 20-minute uber ride (approx. $20) to the  Denver VanCraft depot . The office opens at 9am making it easy to get a morning flight in and pick up your VanCraft van just in time for a late breakfast in Denver (check out Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen in Five Points near I-25) before hitting the wide open road due north.

With eyes on the prize, it’s time to crank out some miles to get up to Yellowstone National Park. A quick disclaimer: Doing this trip in 10 days is not for the faint of heart. We’d recommend baking in a few extra days on the front end to explore the 9-hour stretch up to the northern entrance to Yellowstone. If you are cranking out the drive though, don’t forget to slow down for a commemorative shot with the Wyoming state sign to mark the official start of the multi-state road trip. And if you’re itching to get the tires a little dusty, be sure to check out Chugwater Basin Road to quench your thirst for dirt and get you amped for what’s to come on this route.

Want to ease into vacation mode and experience the greater Denver area before hitting the road?

● Book an extra day in Denver to take in the plethora of breweries, local hikes, and unparalleled bites before starting your journey North ● Looking for a thrill to kickstart the trip? Give rafting a go ● See who’s playing at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre ● Head to Coors Field for a baseball game ● Explore Rocky Mountain National Park.  See here  for more information on Colorado’s National Parks

Day 2: Yellowstone National Park

Start your day at camp (campsite options below!), coffee in hand, overlooking the mountains of Yellowstone National Park. After whipping up a hearty breakfast on the VanCraft two-burner stove, hit the happy trails and head out for your first taste of what Yellowstone has to offer.

First up is Mammoth Hot Springs, a martian-like terrain boasting terraces of steaming travertine pools. This boardwalk trail is just the warm-up you’ll need for today’s adventure.

Once you’ve taken in every last drop of the springs, start the journey to Canyon Village, stopping to stretch your legs for the quick 100-yard walk to the Tower Fall Overlook to take in one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, cascading down 132 feet.

Next stop was a hike down to the top of Lower Falls. A few must-see vantage points to fully appreciate the scale of these falls are:

● The Brink of Lower Falls ● Red Rock Point Yellowstone ● Inspiration Point

Pro Tip:  While you’re in Canyon Village, near Lower Falls, stop by the village store and grab yourself a mix of local beers for camp later.

Round off the day with a drive through Hayden Valley, one of the most popular spots for spotting Yellowstone’s famous bison, elk and deer, and a scenic snack spot at Yellowstone Lake, before heading back to camp.

Wind down with tacos (a camp favorite), a well-deserved ice cold beer, and a shower off the back of the van before curling up for the night.

Yellowstone Campsites:

● Epic wild-camp spot just outside of Gardiner, MT. (GPS Coordinates 45.07225, 110.67154) ● Eagle Creek Campground: First come, first serve. ● Rocky Mountain RV & Campground. Great showers! (Gardiner, Montana) ● For the latest information on Campgrounds inside Yellowstone check out  this page

Pro Tip:  Want to stay inside Yellowstone National Park but don’t have a reservation? Check out Indian Creek Campground first thing in the morning to nab a first come, first serve spot if there’s any available, or pop by other reservation-only campgrounds in the early morning to see if there’s been any day-of cancellations.

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park → Grand Teton National Park

Today you’re officially starting to make your way south, winding and trekking your way through the remaining must-sees of Yellowstone, on your way to Grand Teton National Park.

As you head South, take in these noteworthy hikes and iconic Yellowstone sights:

● Norris Geyser Basin ● Artists Paintpots ● Grand Prismatic Spring ● Fairy Falls hike to see it from above ● And last, but certainly not least, Old Faithful (be sure to look into the  time predictions )

After catching the show at Old Faithful, take in the sunset next to Jackson Lake with the Grand Tetons towering in the background, before heading to camp for the night.

Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds:

● Colter Bay Campground ● Jenny Lake Campground ● Gros Ventre Campground (our team stayed here and loved it!) ● Kudar Log Cabins and RV in Jackson, Wyoming

For more camping information,  click here .

Heads Up:  Keep an eye out for bison, elk, and deer! If you’re lucky, you may even see an entire herd traveling up the road like the VanCraft team did.

Day 4: Grand Teton National Park

Wake up and take in the view of the Grand Tetons peeking through the trees of the campground. You’ve been pounding pavement and cranking out the miles on foot and deserve a relaxing morning among the trees. Today’s going to be low-key, with scenic drives and short overlook strolls at the heart of it. Here’s what’s on the to-do:

● Roadside breakfast/lunch at Glacier View Turnout ● The Moulton Barn on Mormon Row: An infamous spot for photographers ● Jenny Lake Scenic Drive: A favorite for it’s close proximity to the Tetons and expansive lake with jumping rocks for those who fancy a dip. ● Signal Mountain drive with panoramic views at the top ● National Museum of Wildlife Art on the way into Jackson Hole ● Shopping, a bite and brews in Jackson Hole ● Set alarm for sunrise in the Tetons

Interested in staying in town instead of in the park? Check out Kudar Log Cabins and RV in Jackson to be in walking distance from the shops and restaurants.

Day 5: Grand Teton National Park → Zion National Park

Sunrise in the Grand Tetons is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. If you’re not an early riser, fear not! The beautiful thing about having a van is you can quite literally roll out of bed and drive to your viewpoint of choice in your pjs, before coffee and breakfast even enter your mind.

Here’s some of the best places to watch the sunrise in the Grand Tetons:

● The Moulton Barn: If you’re into photography, you’ll probably recognize the barns of Mormon Row, known as one of the best places to take in the sunrise of the Tetons. ● Snake River Overlook ● Schwabacher’s Landing ● Turnouts along Teton Park Road

After taking in the sunrise, sipping on freshly-brewed coffee, and enjoying a home cooked breakfast in the fresh morning air, it’s time to start the journey south to Zion National Park.

Optional Detours (If you have time):

● Park City is worth a detour. Grab a bite on Main Street, spend a day on the mountain (Lake Catherine Via Brighton Lakes Trail is a great 4 mile hike and worth the drive), and stay on any of the surrounding BLM land (queue iOverlander). ● Bryce Canyon: You’ll thank us later!

When you make it into Springdale (the town at the entrance to Zion), treat yourself to a meal at King’s Landing. A classy-yet-casual, spot with come-as-you-are vibes, mountain views, and outdoor seating. A perfect place to take in the sunset with Zion’s signature red peaks in the background.

● BLM land: There’s no shortage of free camp options around Zion, with miles and miles of BLM land surrounding the park. Check out iOverlander, and take your pick. A favorite of mine was at the top of the Smithsonian Butte pass. It’s one of those spots that makes you truly thankful for public land. ● Watchman Campground (in Zion) ● South Campground (in Zion)

Need a night to refresh after the drive or a place to escape the heat if it’s the heart of summer? There’s plenty of hotel options in Springdale and surrounding areas that hit every price point and taste (the Driftwood Lodge definitely lived up to the hype).

Day 6: Zion National Park

Today’s the day to see what Zion is all about! It’s time to stretch the ol’ legs and hit the happy trails again, but this time with a twist. You’ll be hiking through water. The Narrows is one of those must-do bucket-list hikes. Pack a lunch and get ready for a one-of-a-kind, out-and-back, trail!

Other hikes that are worth the effort:

● Angel’s Landing: If you’re feeling adventurous and up for the challenge ● Canyon Overlook Trail (see Day 7)

Post hike head over to Zion Canyon Brew Pub for some locally brewed craft beers and classic pub food.

Pro Tip:  In the warmer months most people arrive at the park around 8am attempting to beat the crowds and the heat…if you want to feel a little more “out there” and a little less like you’re in Disneyland, you’ll either need to be at the Zion Shuttle 30 minutes before the first shuttle heads out, or hold off on heading out until early afternoon when everyone else is calling it quits for the day.

Day 7: Zion National Park → Grand Canyon National Park

Today you’re headed to the Grand Canyon! Whip yourself up another homemade feast or start the morning with a to-go breakfast from Oscar’s in Springdale as you make your way out of town. Your morning drive will take you through Zion, giving you a whole new appreciation for the park as you climb in elevation to the trailhead of the Canyon Overlook Trail. This quick 1-mile out and back trail is the perfect way to end your time in Zion as you charge on towards Grand Canyon National Park.

Along the way consider stopping off at some of these:

● Moqui Cave. A quick 1-mile round trip hike up to the caves is a great pitstop. ● The Wave: 6.7 mile out and back trail to sandstone feature known as “The Wave” ● Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch Trail: 5.6 mile trail to Slot Canyons ● Cameron Trading Post – a Grand Canyon classic for souvenirs

You’re camping at Desert View Campground tonight, mere steps away from the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. On your drive down, stop at Walmart in Page, AZ to restock and treat yourself to something sweet for a sunset picnic. Once you’ve settled into camp and cooked up a feast, head on over to the Watch Tower parking lot with a bottle of wine and dessert. Follow the rim all the way to the left until the crowds disperse, and pick your favorite secluded spot to take in the sunset and enjoy your treat.

Enjoy a campfire back at Desert View Campground before hitting the hay for the night.

Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park → Lake Powell

Much like the Grand Tetons, a sunrise over the Grand Canyon is also a must-see at least once in your life. There’s a .25-mile trail from the campground that leads straight to the edge, close enough to bring your coffee with you for the trek. Soak it up and take it all in before heading back to camp for an early breakfast.

If you have an extra day it’s definitely worth heading to the Grand Canyon Village to hike down into the canyon, but if you’re strapped for time pack up and head to Lake Powell. Today you’re going kayaking. This ain’t your average summer-camp paddle. This 7-mile round trip paddle will take you from Antelope Point Marina to Antelope Canyon, one of the area’s most impressive slot canyons, where you’ll be able to explore on foot before returning to the water.

For kayak rentals checkout :  https://lakepowellxperience.com/  and/or  https://lakepowellpaddleboards.com/

If you have time, check out Horseshoe bend while you’re in the area as well!

• Beehive Campsites, 6 established sites for $14/night, overlooking Lake Powell. First come, first serve. (GPS Coordinates: 36.936710, -111.497730)
• Wahweap RV & Campground
• Plenty of off-grid spots as well around the lake (see iOverlander)

Day 9: Lake Powell → Arches National Park

Day nine is all about detours and deserts. As you head north, take some time to take it all in:

● Grey Mesa: Fun network of dirt trails to break up the drive. ● Monument Valley: A must! ● Valley of the Gods: Great network of dirt trails for lunch.

In Arches National Park there’s countless must-sees, but if time is limited pick a few of these to take in:

● North Window, South Window and Turret Arch – 1.0 round trip ● Double Arch – 0.5 miles roundtrip ● Delicate Arch – 3.0 miles roundtrip ● Park Avenue Overlook – 20 yards from parking lot

More time? Check out Moab and Canyonlands while you’re in the area.

There are plenty of options around Moab and Arches, but if you’re interested in starting the journey back to Denver today, head to “A Trail Through Time” for an awesome mountaintop campsite, with mesa and mountain views, to ring in your last night on the road.

Day 10: Arches National Park → Denver

It’s nearing the end of the trip, but the adventure isn’t quite over. As you wind your way back to Denver, take in the mountainscapes and rushing rivers as your cruise down I-70 through Vail, Breckenridge, and Idaho Springs, before pulling into the Denver VanCraft depot.

Have a little time to kill before your flight? Check out Station 26, just around the corner from the VanCraft depot, for some local beers to cap off this trip of a lifetime!

We said it, and we’ll say it again. This route is one for the books. And there’s nothing quite like having the comforts of home and the peace of mind that a VanCraft provides, as you hit the road for this 2,500-mile, jam-packed, adventure.

Happy adventuring and don’t forget to tag #vancraft on your own epic adventure. We can’t wait to see where it’ll take you!

Montana Idaho Road Trip

Montana holds the Lower 48 record for the most dramatic temperature change to occur over a 24-hour period. On January 15, 1972, in Loma, the temperature rose from -54˚F to 49˚F. Remarkably, the -54 F is not the all-time record low. But remember: first, Montana is north, and second, much of western Montana is in the Rocky Mountains. The state has a dozen mountains reaching over 11,000 feet (3353 meters). However, this post is about more than Montana weather and mountain peaks! I’m talkin’ here! It’s about 10 days of road tripping in the northwestern part of the US. All things considered, I hope you enjoy this Montana Idaho Road Trip. (See the table of contents below the picture.)

Interesting Facts

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Do you need travel clothes or travel supplies? Check out L.L. Bean for some of what you need! No pressure, but if you do buy something, I will get a commission at no additional charge to you. See my  Disclaimer.

Western Montana

Famous people.

• Dana Garvey – Comedian – Missoula
• Gary Cooper – Actor – Helena
• Evel Knieval – Daredevil motorcyclist – Butte
• David Lynch – Filmmaker – Missoula
• Jeannette Rankin – First woman elected to US Congress – Missoula
• Brad Bird – Actor – Kalispell
• Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Actor – Missoula

Other facts

• Out of 56 counties in Montana, 46 are considered frontier counties meaning there are less than 10 people per square mile
• Montana has more bookstores per capita than any other state
• Montana is home to the largest grizzly bear population in the Lower 48
• There are more cattle in Montana than people
• No state has as many different species of mammals as Montana.
• Montana is the 4th largest state by land area and 44th largest by population. Montana has the third lowest population density with 7 people per square mile, just ahead of Wyoming with 6 and way ahead of Alaska with 1 person per square mile!

By the way, if you are planning to go to Montana, especially Glacier National Park, you really need to stay hydrated for all that hiking! (Full disclosure: I do earn a commission if you purchase something from here, at not additional cost to you.)

Western Montana Weather

• The coldest temperature recorded in the Lower 48 is -70 F (-57 C) in Rogers Pass on January 20th, 1954 near Missoula, (For those from other countries, the Lower 48 means the states on the North American continent south of Alaska. Hawaii is the 50th state and is officially the Hawaiian Islands about 2500 miles [4000 Kilometers] from the continental US west coast. Those two states do not physically touch any other state.)
• The warmest temperature recorded in Montana is in Glendive but that is in the east. That temperature is 117 F (47 C). Temperatures in western Montana reach over 100 F (38 C) but are of short duration. For example average summer highs in Kalispell (near Glacier National Park) are 82 F (28 C)
• Humidity in western Montana is lower than eastern Montana
• Here is a link to climate information in Kalispell . Click on the link if you really want to know about the year around weather including temperature, rainfall, snowfall, sunrise and sunset.

Terrain and other geographical facts

Western Montana is dominated by the Rocky Mountains. “The Rockies” as they are known in the vernacular, stretch from northern British Columbia in the north to northern New Mexico in the south. The mountain range includes the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. US states include Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Here is a link to information about the the Rockies .

The Rockies make up much of western Montana and Northern Idaho. At the end of the last Ice Age, known as the Pleistocene Epoch, erosion occurred as the glaciers melted, which in turn created many U-shaped valleys. Lakes like Flathead Lake in western Montana are also the result of this Ice Age. At the beginning of the Ice Age, the earth’s plates came together to push up the land into rocky peaks and valleys. When the French fur traders came to this area in the 1700s, one of the native tribes called the mountains “the Rockies” in their native language and that became the name of this huge mountain range.

More Montana Mountains Background

Further background, the Rocky Mountains include approximately 100 separate ranges, which are generally considered in four groupings: The Canadian Rockies and Northern Rockies of Montana and northeastern Idaho. The Rockies of Wyoming, Utah, and southeastern Idaho. and the Colorado Rockies, although they extend in northern New Mexico. Lastly, the Four Corners Plateau is in the region where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico join. By the way, that’s the only place in the US where 4 states join. (Wondering if there is a place in the world where 4 countries come together? I asked this question on Facebook. My first cousin answered it! Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in sub-Saharan Africa have the only International Quadripoint.)

These four subdivisions differ from one another in terms of geology (origin, ages, and kinds of rocks) and geography (land-forms, drainage, and soils). Nonetheless, they share the physical attributes of high elevations (many peaks higher than 13,000 feet [4,000 meters]), great local relief (typically 5,000 to 7,000 feet [1525 meters to 2135 meters]) in the vertical difference between the base and summit of ranges). They also share shallow soils, great mineral wealth, spectacular scenery from past glaciation and volcanic activity, as well as similar trends in climate, economy, and early exploration.

Western Montana Definitions

The definition of Western Montana varies by source. Initially, the definition included only the area west of the continental divide. Here is the link to a Western Montana map with that definition. Over time, the definition has broadened (in some official documents and in the vernacular) to include about six counties in the mountainous area on the east side of the divide. In any case, all of the Montana information in the individual posts (below) is in the original definition of western Montana.

Native Americans

Of course, Native American tribes were the first recorded inhabitants of Montana. Originally there were nine tribes in the area that is now Montana. Originally, the tribes were: Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Cheyenne, Crow, Gros Ventre, Kootenai, Salish, Sioux, Shoshoni. Over time, some tribes consolidated and others moved or were driven out by the Federal government. (That’s another story and I won’t get into it until I feel like being controversial!)

Seven Tribes in Montana Today

Today, there are seven tribes in Montana. These tribes base themselves on seven reservations which are: 1. Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Reservation, Browning Montana 2. Chippewa (Ojibwa) Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation, Box Elder Montana 3. Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, Pablo Montana 4. Crow Tribe of the Crow Reservation, Big Horn County Montana 5. Fort Belknap Tribes of the Fort Belknap Reservation, Harlem Montana 6. Fort Peck Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation, Poplar Montana 7. Northern Cheyenne Tribe of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Lame Deer Montana The state of Montana also recognizes the Little Shell Chippewa (Ojibwa)Tribe but they don’t have a defined reservation. See map of Montana reservations below.

European Influence and Settlement

In spite of folklore, the French fur traders were not the first Europeans to venture into the area. Although the Lewis and Clark expedition is the most well-known, others came before them. In 1793 Alexander Mackenzie became the first Euro-American to reach the Pacific coast by the overland route via the Rocky Mountains. In 1798, another explorer, David Thompson, created a detailed map of the Missouri River. His trip took him to the Continental Divide. (By the way, he’s no relation to the basketball player of the same name in the 1970s and 1980s!)

Louisiana Purchase

David Thompson’s book enamored President Thomas Jefferson and his assistant Meriwether Lewis. Jefferson wanted to know more about the territory he purchased from France. (For those in other countries, the US purchased much of the center of the US from France in 1803.) Actually, the purchase only included New Orleans and much of the state of Louisiana and the “rights to acquire” the remainder through treaties and conquests. (By the way, if you are from the UK, you can’t “put us down” for colonization!) Below is a map of the area acquired by the purchase. By the way, France and Spain also owned parts of what is now the United States. European ownership ended in the mid 1800s when a treaty between the UK and the US defined the border between the US and Canada.

After the purchase and Jefferson’s need to know more about just what he did purchase, he created a plan to explore and document the new territory. His assistant, Meriwether Lewis, an Army Captain, recruited Lieutenant William Clark. Their trip is widely known as the Lewis and Clark expedition. Their assignment; explore and map the area around the Missouri River, make diplomatic contacts with many of the Indian tribes, expand the American fur trade throughout the area, and locate the hypothetical Northwest Passage (by water). Other than not finding the Northwest Passage, their trip was very successful. Here is a link to a more complete account of their journey.

Off Topic Montana Idaho Road Trip!

I’m going way off base here regarding western Montana but wanted to add an interesting sideline. A Shoshoni woman, Sakakawea, from North Dakota, accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition. She joined them at Fort Mandan, North Dakota for the remainder of the trip. The expedition had spent the winter at Fort Mandan. (By the way, here is a link to a post from The Driveby Tourist touching on the Lewis and Clark expedition while traveling the Great River Road in 2017.)

Interestingly, her name more commonly is Sacagawea, but North Dakota officially named her Sakakawea in its history and recognition of her accomplishments. She and her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, a French fur trader acted as guides and interpreters along the way. She became well known in American history. Her likeness is on a silver dollar initially produced in 2000. This silver dollar, along with others, lacked popular acceptance and was not circulated regularly. Why can’t we be like Canada and have “loonies and twonies”!

Now, let’s get back on the subject. Montana became Montana Territory in 1864. From the Louisiana Purchase, Montana fell under 7 different governing structures. I won’t go into all the details , but you can read about them here at this link if you want that much detail. Montana became the 41st state admitted to the US on November 8th, 1889.

Continuing on with Montana, there are many interesting facts about the state. The links above will give you much of that history. However, Glacier National Park is the only National Park fully in the state. Yellowstone is also partially in Montana and Idaho but most of it is in Wyoming. Yellowstone became the first National Park in 1872. It was the only National Park until Sequoia (in California) became a park in 1890. Glacier National Park “came to life” in 1910 and was the 8th National Park. (There are now 61 US National Parks.)

Northern Idaho

• Lillian Disney – wife of Walt Disney – Spalding
• Sarah Palin – Former Governor of Alaska and former Vice Presidential Candidate – Sandpoint
• George Kennedy – Academy Award winning actor – Boise
• Picabo Street – Olympic Champion skier – Triump (No, the name is NOT Trump!)
• Mark Fuhrman – Los Angeles detective known for his role in the O J Simpson trial – Sandpoint
• Jerry Kramer – Green Bay Packers right guard – Sandpoint
• Ben Stein – lawyer, writer, political commentator and actor – Sandpoint
• Brock Osweiler – NFL quarterback – Coeur d’Alene
• Gregory “Pappy” Boyington – World War II flying ace – Coeur d’Alene

Other Facts

• Idaho grows nearly one/third of America’s potatoes
• It is referred to as the Gem State. Seventy two types of precious stones are found here
• The Idaho State Capital in Boise is the only state capital warmed by a renewable energy source – geothermal water form 3,000 feet (914 meters) underground
• It might sound a little strange, but it is against the law for a man to give his beloved a box of sweets that weighs more than 50 pounds.
• The Idaho Panhandle approximate population is 331,000 while the state population is 1.74 million . The Panhandle comprises over one quarter of the state land and less than 20% of the population.
• Idaho has 44 counties, 16 of which are considered frontier counties with less than 10 people per square mile.

Northern Idaho Weather

Let’s talk about Coeur d’Alene weather. I know I said Northern Idaho, but since we were in Coeur d’Alene, I’ll stick with that.

• The lowest temperature ever recorded was in January – 30 F (-34 C)
• The highest recorded temperature was in August – 109 F (43 C)
• Average high and low in Coeur d’Alene in January – 35 F (1.5 C) – 25.2 F (-4 C)
• Average high and low in Coeur d’Alene in August – 82.5 F (28.1 C) – 55.5 F (13.1 C)
• Annual precipitation – 27 Inches (69 Centimeters)
• Annual Snowfall – 42 inches (107 Centimeters)
• Here is a link to more climate information

Much of Northern Idaho is very similar to western Montana. As you go toward Washington state to the west, the elevation lowers and becomes less mountainous. The elevation of Coeur d’Alene is 2,188 feet (660 meters). By comparison, Spokane Washington is 1,843 feet (562 meters). That’s 34 miles west (55 Kilometers). Again, very similar to western Montana. I’ll just say it’s the Rocky Mountains and elevation declines toward the west. It’s just smaller mountains or large hills! By the way, the highest peak in Idaho is Mt. Borah in east-central Idaho near Montana at 12,662 feet (3,859 meters).

Native American tribes were the first recorded inhabitants of Idaho. Originally there were seven tribes in the area that is now Idaho. The tribes in the Panhandle include Kootenai, Kalispell and Salish, Coeur d’Alene, Palouse, and Nez Perce. While the Nez Perce cross the line between the Panhandle and the rest of Idaho, the Paiute and the Shoshone/Bannock are in the southern part of the state. Two of the tribes continue from Montana. The Kootenai, and the Kalispel and Salish, continue across the state boundary. Of course, state boundaries didn’t exist in past history!

Four Tribes in Idaho today

Today there are four tribes in Idaho, two of which are in the Panhandle. They are: 1. Coeur d’Alene Tribe – Plummer Idaho (Panhandle) 2. Kootenai Tribe of Idaho – Bonners Ferry Idaho (Panhandle) 3. Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho – Lapwai ID 4. Shoshone-Bannonck Tribe – Fort Hall ID

Pre-statehood

Northern Idaho history is very much like western Montana. Given the information above, differences will be covered here. Of course, Lewis and Clark also crossed Idaho. Fur trading also played a role in the early development. Due to the distance away from transportation to the eastern US and to Europe, fur trading didn’t develop as it did further east.

From the 1840s through the 1860s, many settlers traveled through here on the Oregon Trail and the California Gold Rush travel route but very few people settled in Idaho. However, missionaries, both Catholic and Protestant, entered Idaho as early as 1809. Cataldo Mission, the oldest standing building in Idaho was built in 1850-53. The building is in the town of Cataldo along I-90 east of Coeur d’Alene.)

Gold was discovered at Pierce in 1860 which led to the first of several gold rushes.

Governing units and statehood

Prior to 1853, much of Idaho was part of Oregon Country, the border of which was long disputed and finally settled in 1846 by treaty with the UK. The northern boundary of the US became the 49th parallel from the Pacific Ocean to the state of Minnesota. In 1853, US Congress assigned northern Idaho to the new Washington Territory and southern Idaho to Oregon Territory.

When Oregon was admitted as a state in 1859, southern Idaho became part of Washington Territory as well. In 1863 Idaho Territory was established including the areas that today include Montana and most of Wyoming. Montana and Wyoming had been part of Dakota Territory. The following year, Montana was removed from Idaho Territory. Following additional minor changes, Idaho became a state in 1890 with the boundaries established as they remain today. In 1868, Wyoming became a Territory as well, removing it from Idaho territory.

Parks to visit on Montana Idaho Road Trip

Montana has 55 state parks. Many of them are in the west. I’m highlighting a few in the Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake area. Lone Pine State Park features dramatic views of the Flathead Valley on overlooks and along its trails. Some activities here include hiking, mountain biking, nature viewing and photography, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. Here’s a link to the park website .

Flathead Lake Parks – Montana

West Shore State Park – Glacially carved rock outcrops rise from Flathead Lake to provide spectacular views of the Swan and Mission Mountains. Activities here include wildlife viewing, bird watching, camping, and water skiing. Here’s a link to the park website .

Wild Horse Island State Park is a landmark rich with history since the Salish-Kootenai Indians used the island to pasture horses. The island is one of the largest islands in the northwestern United States. The park is only accessible by boat and still has some wild horses from the days when the Indians kept horses there. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles and falcons. Here’s a link to the park website . Finley Point / Flathead Lake State Park is located on the southern end of Flathead Lake. Activities here include many family activities such as swimming, camping, picnicking, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and RV Camping. Here’s a link to the park website .

Idaho’s Panhandle is home to three beautiful state parks. As stated below, Idaho has 21 state parks. I’ve highlighted three that are great examples of scenic Northern Idaho.

Heyburn State Park

Heyburn State Park is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest. Within the park, towering Ponderosa pine give way to flower-filled meadows and placid waters. The park contains serene cottages, cabins, and campsites. The park came into being in 1908. Many buildings owe their existence to the Civilian Conservation Corps who built them in the 1930s. Here’s a link to the park web site .

Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park is located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille. The park began life as a US Navy training center during World War II. Now, it provides camping opportunities with over 200 individual campsites and 7 group campsites. Interestingly, the Museum at the Brig highlights this park. (A brig is a jail in Navy terms. It was used to house “unruly” seaman during training.) Beginning in 1945, German POW’s were housed here.

However, it’s now a state park with all the activities one would expect on a park located on a lake. There are over 40 miles of trail for hiking and biking. Farragut has five 18 hole disc golf courses. Picnicking sites are available in a Day Use area. Swimming in the lake on a beach that warms enough to swim in the summer. And there are over 20 miles of horse trails on the north side of the park. The south end of the park has a boat launch for Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho. (And based on my comments, you probably thought Coeur d’Alene Lake was the largest!) Here is a link to the park web site .

Round Lake State Park

Round Lake State Park is a smaller park. There are 16 serviced campsites and a total of 35. Some of the sites are RV-ready with trailers limited to 24 feet (7.3 meters). Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and wildlife, and wildflower viewing. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, and ice skating. By the way, those of you from warm climates need to know that “ice fishing” is not fishing for ice! Here is a link to the park web site .

More on Idaho State Parks

Idaho has 21 state parks (link here) . In addition to the state parks, there are National Forests, National Historic Parks and National Wildlife Refuges. Using the link above will give you information on all of them, plus let you narrow your search by area of the state. (Yellowstone National Park’s great expanse overlaps briefly into eastern Idaho, although most of the park is in Wyoming.)

• David Creek Trail – The trail is a “get away from it all” experience. It’s a great place to camp for a couple of nights in the East Pioneers Recommended Wilderness Area. Torrey Lake lies at the end of trail and is just shy of 9,000 feet (2740 meters) with Torrey Peak towering above it at over 11,000 feet (3350 meters). Excellent camping with great views and time to explore around the lake.
• Palisades Trail – This hike into the Stony Mountain Roadless Area provides great views of the “other side” of the Bitterroot Mountains (across the valley) from a more “typical” route. It’s a great hike for those who want less strenuous hiking. Not too long or steep but very scenic. Also, not too crowded.
• Nelson Lake Trail – This very rugged trail is just the thing for those wanting a good workout complemented by great scenery and more solitude than other hikes. Nelson Lake is particularly intriguing due to the immense rock slide that created a natural dam.
• Canyon Creek Trail – Challenging trail with great scenic rewards. Great views of streams, a lake, and a steep, rocky climb. This hike can be a day hike but also has suitable camping at Canyon Lake.
• Upper Miner Lake Trail – The trail is also suitable as a day hike. However, several camp sites at Miner Lake are well worth the time. The added bonus of great star-gazing on clear fall nights suggest a night of camping.

While Idaho has hiking trails (and Montana has biking trails), Idaho seems to be more focused on biking. That’s likely due to the lower elevations on the western edge of the Rockies.

• Independence Creek Tour – Difficult – 21.1 Miles (33.9 Kilometers) – Point to Point – 3,032 Feet (924 Meters) Ascent – Pinehurst – Link to details .
• Beauty Bay Loop – Intermediate/Difficult – 19.8 miles (31.9 Kilometers) – Loop – 3498 Feet (1066 Meters) Ascent – Coeur d’Alene – Link to details .
• Upper Caribou Loop – Intermediate – 12.4 miles (19.9 Kilometers) – Loop – 2,418 Feet (737 Meters) Ascent – Coeur d’Alene – Link to details .
• Bernard Peak Loop – Intermediate – 18.3 Miles (29.5 Kilometers) – Loop – 2,711 Feet (826 Meters) Ascent – Spirit Lake – Link to details .
• 4th of July Pass-Killarney – Easy/Intermediate – 12.8 Miles (20.6 Kilometers) – Loop – 1,680 Feet (512 Meters) Ascent – Coeur d’Alene – Link to details .
• Gravity Hill in Grangeville Idaho. At Gravity Hill; stop, put your car in neutral and watch your car roll uphill! Actually, it’s an optical illusion but your eyes will play tricks on you. Maybe not worth going miles out of your way to see.
• Oasis Bordello Museum in Wallace Idaho. It’s a brothel turned museum! It’s probably not a place for the kids but it was an operating brothel in the 1800’s. The museum does try to keep things tasteful and even throw in some humor (how could they not!) .
• The Bar stool Ski Races, Martin City Montana – The races are actually on bar stools equipped with skis. The races are part of the Cabin Fever Days festival in Martin City near the west gate to Glacier National Park.
• The Montana Vortex and House of Mystery, Columbia Falls – Also near the west gate to Glacier National Park. It’s a gravitational anomaly. Pass through the Portal, feel the energy of the vortex. A sign says “Management is not responsible for world view changes”.

Individual posts about the Montana Idaho Road Trip

Following the information provided above, here are additional posts about the Montana Idaho Road Trip. Each one focuses on a highlight of the trip. A picture from and a link to the posts follow. A very brief commentary on each post shows you a bit of an overview and links each part of the trip to other parts.

The first day of this trip included the drive to Coeur d’Alene and time spent around the lake. It’s really a beautiful lake. Much of this post is about the lake and the resorts and sights around the lake. Coeur d’Alene is also the fastest-growing city in Idaho. With the national parks, the mountains, and more well-known lakes, Coeur d’Alene is almost a “well-kept secret”. Click on the link in the caption above to get more information.

Above is a general store on the road to Harrison. Great place to stop to browse or have a snack. The drive is beautiful with great views of the private homes along the way. Harrison is a historic town with a few eating places, a museum, and a couple of bike rental shops. More information is provided above in the paragraph above on bike routes.

How about some information on the drive from Coeur d’Alene to Kalispell? The first part is a stop at the famous 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar. Following the stop, is a viewing of the mountains and Flathead Lake. Another highlight among highlights!

RV Camping Glacier National Park

There are 13 campgrounds in Glacier National Park. However, only seven of them are suitable (and allow for) RV camping . RV campers, especially with large rigs, will need to do considerable advance planning to find a campsite that works for them. Also, keep in mind that crossing the full length of Going to the Sun road has a size limit of 21 feet (6.4 meters).

Tent Camping in Glacier National Park

There are 13 campgrounds in Glacier National Park. Six of them are strictly for tent camping. Glacier Park campgrounds cater to tent camping as many of the 7 campgrounds that do allow RV’s have a limited number of them for RV campsites. For example, Rising Sun Campground has 83 campsites and only 10 will accommodate RVs . These 13 campgrounds have over 1000 campsites. In addition to these campgrounds, there are 65 backpack campsites along the trails. These small campgrounds have a total of 208 campsites. A permit is needed for all backpack sites. The cost in 2019 is/was $7 per person, per night. Here is a link to a website that gives full details. There is a Glacier National Park backpack map included on the website.

Due to the closing of the Going to the Sun road middle section, we spent the first day and a half on the west side. We enjoyed our time in the park and dinner in Kalispell. Making use of hotel reward points saved some money as well! (Hotel and airline reward points are also a subject for another post!) As the day ended, we were fired up about a visit to the east side of Glacier National Park. By the way, below is a Glacier National Park map. Still another part of the Montana Idaho Road Trip.

Our Montana Idaho Road Trip took us to the east side of Glacier National Park. I believe the eastern side is more scenic than the west side. Apparently, many agree with me as it is more crowded. There are more open vistas to seeing the beauty of the mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams. The elevation is higher, so be prepared for more effort resulting from “thinner” air. Elevations are near and far over 5,000 feet (1525 meters). The above photo shows Glacier National Park weather on the day we were there. This suddenly descended on us as we got to the Logan Pass parking lot. Please see the post, clicking on the above link.

Garnet Ghost town is 45 minutes outside of Missoula. A fascinating place to visit. The foundation that operates Garnet calls it “arrested decay”, meaning it’s not restored but the gradual decay has been stopped by keeping it in the same condition as when they took over. Garnet was not like many of the boom-towns “back in the day”. Many of the miners brought their families and settled down in the town. There are a couple of the old homes that have been restored on the inside and are for rent during certain times of the year. Another unexpected highlight of the Montana Idaho Road Trip.

This is the last stop on our Montana Idaho Road Trip. The post includes some sights around Missoula as well as some history and terrain. The University of Montana is located here. It’s also the second-largest city in Montana.

Our Montana Idaho Road Trip was a “fun” trip for us. Both of us wanted to visit Glacier National park and Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. Coeur d’Alene has some great resorts and, of course, Coeur d’Alene Lake. Western Montana is beautiful. Much different from the eastern part which is at lower elevations and much flatter. The Driveby Tourist has now visited 14 of the 61 US National Parks. Long ways to go! So, add it to your bucket list! Take the kids! Take the grandkids! Go by yourself! (As we said back in the 60s and 70s, “whatever turns you on”.)

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Classic Rock Recollection

“The Long and Winding Road: by The Beatles The long and winding road That leads to your door Will never disappear I’ve seen that road before It always leads me here Lead me to you door The wild and windy night That the rain washed away Has left a pool of tears Crying for the day Why leave me standing here? Let me know the way Written by: John Lennon & Paul McCartney (Not sure if it’s a match but we drove a lot of winding roads!)

#glaciernationalpark #Montanaroadtrip #Idahoroadtrip

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Ultimate Itinerary: The Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Posted by Arthur McMahon August 31, 2020 Updated September 01, 2023

The Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip is an epic journey that showcases the PNW’s most iconic scenery as well as a number of hidden gems.

This trip has it all. Get ready to embark on a grand tour of the region encompassing all that makes the Pacific Northwest a special place beloved by adventurous people. The coast, the Cascades, the desert, the rainforest, and every town along the way all add to the magic of the PNW. It’s time to see it all for yourself.

Related Read: The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Oregon

The Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Traversing the most epic territories within Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, this road trip leaves plenty of room for customization. This is an excellent route broken down into several sections. For each section, you’ll find highlights, interesting side trips, places to stay, plus some place where you can save some time if you’re on a tight schedule.

This epic PNW road trip includes:

• 54 Hours of driving
• 14 National Forests
• 4 National Monuments
• 4 National Parks

The journey as we put it together starts and ends in Seattle, but the road also passes through other urban areas including Portland, Boise, Bend, and Spokane. You can start this loop from wherever you’d like.

Take a look at the complete route on Google Maps  to follow along as you read the guide below. At a comfortable pace, the entire journey will take about two weeks. Make it your own, though, and enjoy the ride.

Related Read: The Ultimate Portland to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary

PNW Road Trip Section by Section

Seattle to Spokane

This first stretch of the Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip starts off in the skyscraper canyons of downtown Seattle. Our chosen route travels northward along the eastern edge of the Puget Sound and then turns east as it winds through the magnificent Northern Cascades.

Once you’re done exploring the evergreen mountains, you’ll drop down to the Columbia Plateau and cross over an early stage of the grand Columbia River at Chief Joseph Dam before arriving at The Lilac City of Spokane.

Related Read: 14 Vanlife Hacks: How to Make Van Living Easier

North Cascade National Park

The rugged mountain landscape and heavy snowfalls of North Cascades National Park severely limit winter exploration of the area, but the roadside views are spectacular throughout the year. The entire park is mostly protected as wilderness. There are wondrous hikes and backpacking trails aplenty for the most intrepid of explorers.

Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Ross Lake is a popular recreation destination in the Northern Cascades. It’s a 23-mile long reservoir that extends beyond the national border into Canada. There are camping and hiking opportunities galore, and the lake is renowned for its stellar fishing. You can also opt to spend some time at the unforgettable floating Ross Lake Resort.

Lake Chelan

Certainly worthy of its own mention, Lake Chelan is the largest lake in the state of Washington and is the 26th deepest lake in the world with a maximum depth of 1486 feet. Visitors can stay at the remote tourist town of Stehekin which can only be accessed by long-distance hikers, such as those that arrive via the Pacific Crest Trail or by boat. The Lady of the Lake passenger ferry is a relaxing and romantic trip that carries travelers across the lake.

Where to Stay

• 6 Romantic Seattle Houseboat Vacation Rentals
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Spokane to Boise

Incredibly scenic and remote, this section of the Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip starts with a short drive to the beautiful lakeside town of Couer d’Alene. Leaving the city behind, the road turns south and hugs the Salmon River as it threads its way between three different national forests.

Our route loops out to eastern Idaho to include the Sawtooth Mountains and the Craters of the Moon National Monument . Though these are stupendous places worthy of a visit, this part can be easily cut out to save a full day or more of driving by rerouting directly to Boise.

Related Read:   10 Scenic Drives in Washington State That’ll Blow Your Mind

Coeur d’Alene

The waterfront district of Coeur d’Alene is a delightful place to grab a meal or stay the night. The marina, golf course, restaurants, and parks allow for hours or even days of entertainment. Tubbs Hill is a fantastic urban hiking area along the waterfront with easy trails and excellent views of both downtown and the lake.

Take a Hike: Guide to the Best Hikes Near Spokane

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon is an awe-inspiring destination. It is literally a vast ocean of lava rock. Here you can explore 410,000 acres of basalt floodplain filled with lava caves, gigantic cinder crags, and, of course, plenty of extraordinary volcanic craters.

Wallowa Whitman National Forest

Full of hiking and backpacking trails, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest stands out because of its sky-high granite peaks and the lush diversity of its flora and fauna. It’s an expansive forest that includes the Eagle Cap Wilderness within its borders, a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest reminiscent of California’s Sierra Nevada.

Wallowa Lake

Taking a detour a Lewiston, Idaho will lead you toward Joseph, Oregon and Wallowa Lake, as well as the primary entrance into the grand Eagle Cap Wilderness. The town of Joseph is named after Chief Joseph, of the Nez Perce Tribe . The area is rich in indigenous history. The lake is gorgeous, and there is a spectacular tramway that can take you straight to the mountain tops.

Save Time: Stay the course due south on Highway 55 and head straight to Boise.

Boise to Bend

This is an arid trek through Eastern Oregon with many geological oddities to see and plenty of pioneering history to explore. The route we chose travels north to Baker City and cuts through John Day. The southern Highway 20 is a quicker route, but the northern passage is much more interesting.

You’re on the historic Oregon Trail now, and there are plenty of points of interest in the early stages of this section for history buffs to discover. Most of the towns on this road have the look and feel of the Old West, and that’s because some of these places haven’t changed much in the last 100 years.

Baker Historic District

Located smack dab in the middle of downtown Baker City, this district is rife with artifacts and properties that date back to the 1800s. The Baker Heritage Museum is a treasure trove of interesting stories to absorb, and the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center lies just 5 miles down the road.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is actually divided into three sections, two of which are on this route. The Sheep Rock Unit features a mesmerizing canyon drive and an awesome fossil museum filled with animals that no longer exist which were discovered in the nearby John Day Fossil Beds. The Painted Hills Unit is another spectacle deserving of a pit stop.

Lake Owyhee State Park

If you’re interested in a remote, lightly-visited state park to spend some time exploring, Lake Owyhee is a gorgeous place to stay. It’s a long lake that fills a deep canyon, the walls of which are vibrant with colorful volcanic rock. Bighorn sheep frequent the area, and there are several varieties of fish to catch in the reservoir.

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock is known as the birthplace of rock climbing, but you don’t have to scale the cliff faces here to enjoy their beauty. This is a relatively small park with a 4-mile loop trail that covers most of what there is to see, but it is absolutely stunning. There are often dozens of climbers at a go which can be just as interesting to observe as the lovely scenery.

• Oregon’s 17 Best Lake Camping Destinations
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Bend to Crescent City

Outdoor lovers could easily spend a week or more in Bend without running out of fun things to do and places to explore. From backpacking around the Three Sisters to skiing to slopes of Mount Bachelor and kayaking the white water of the Deschutes River, the recreation opportunities are truly endless.

Yet there is so much else out there between Bend and the coast that you’ll have to whittle down your options to make the most of your time. Your mind will be blown the first time you see Crater Lake in person, Cave Junction has awesome spelunking tours, and a walk through the Northern California redwood forests can be a life-changing experience.

Crater Lake National Park

Oregon’s crown jewel, Crater Lake ‘s sapphire waters are breathtaking to behold. This is the only national park in all of Oregon. It is a natural wonder that one could see from every possible angle without growing tired of its presence. There are trails and roads all the way around its rim to explore.

Take a Hike:  Guide to the Best Hikes in Crater Lake National Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

For as much time as you spend looking down at Crater Lake, you’ll be spending an equal amount of time looking up at the mighty redwoods at Jedediah Smith . These behemoths are a world apart from any other type of tree on this road trip, and they are a marvel that can only be truly experienced in person with your own eyes. This park contains 70% of all the old-growth redwood trees remaining in the entire world.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

If you chose to skip over Craters of the Moon, you still have miles upon miles of lava to explore just outside of Bend. This monument features the Newberry Caldera, a large walk-thru lava cave, two lakes, the Deschutes River, and many hiking trails. Here you’ll also find the High Desert Museum which succinctly encapsulates the area’s geological and biological diversity.

Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

Near the Oregon town of Cave Junction lies the Marble Halls of Oregon. There is a massive marble cave to check out, parts of which are family-friendly, ADA-accessible, well lit, and offer interpretive signage. Cave tours are given by rangers. Within the cave lies the River Styx, the only designated subterranean Wild and Scenic River, which was named after the underground river from Greek mythology.

Save Time: Head northwest from Crater Lake toward Eugene and cut over to the coast at Florence, or head straight up to Portland.

Take a Hike:  Guide to the Best Hikes Near Eugene, Oregon

• The 10 Best & Most Unique Airbnbs in Eugene, Oregon
• 9 Beautiful Free Camping Spots in Oregon
• 11 Best Campgrounds Near Eugene, Oregon

Crescent City to Portland

The Oregon Coast is special not only for its pacific beauty, but also because all 362-miles of coastline are designated as public land. From the sea up to the existing line of vegetation, all ocean beaches in Oregon are open to the public. This scenic coastal drive is made all the better by the fact that you can pull over at any of the countless waysides to dip your toes in the sand and surf.

And each town along the coast offers its own unique experience to travelers. Coastal towns are welcoming to tourists because tourism is a large part of the coastal economy. There are dunes for off-roading all up and down the coast, lighthouses and state parks aplenty to visit, and numerous charming seaside shops and restaurants to try with excellent seafood fare and cute beach town gifts.

At a glance, most people who see Astoria on a map would assume it’s just another coastal town, but it’s not actually on the pacific coastline. Astoria is a historic port town set on the southern bank of the Columbia River Delta. Nearby Fort Stevens State Park is a popular beachside park and campground, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park is another historic park worth a visit.

The big city has its appeal too, and it’s a nice change of pace after a long trip up the laid back coast. Portland has its own vibe, and it’s generally a pretty friendly city to explore on foot. If you’ve still got the itch to get outside and hike, though, you’ll want to take a look at our article on the best hikes in and around Portland .

The Beach, Everywhere

No two stretches of beach are the same in Oregon. Some are riddled with dazzling agates to collect, others are home to mini-ecosystems like tidepools and sea caves, while others are loaded with piles of driftwood, broken apart by freshwater streams, or adjacent to lively boardwalks. You’re sure to find something special about each beach you visit along this route.

Shore Acres State Park

Once a lavish estate of a wealthy timber baron, Shore Acres State Park is a beautiful combination of both natural and human-made wonders. Much of the park rests atop tall sandstone cliffs above the raging ocean where waves crash against upturned strata. A large, manicured botanical garden is maintained on the property, and there are multiple magical beach coves to discover.

Take a Mailboat up the Rogue River

This is less of a side trip and more of a thing to do, but you can turn this into an overnight or multi-day excursion. The Wild and Scenic Rogue River is mostly accessible only to hikers, rafters, and these mailboats. You can take a ride over 100 miles long and stay at a remote lodge far upriver from civilization and deep within the Wild Rogue Wilderness.

• 10 Spectacular Yurt Rentals in Oregon
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Portland to Seattle

It’s all about those snow-capped Cascade peaks, baby! This final stretch of the Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip winds through the region’s tallest mountains. Starting with a scenic drive up the Columbia River Gorge, the road skirts past awe-inspiring Mount Hood and then crosses the river to weave between Washington’s regal giants.

Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier are the climax of this grand tour. But the final leg of the journey sweeps back over to the coast for one last glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and a tranquil ride through the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park before arriving back at the Seattle Metropolitan Area.

Columbia River Gorge

A scenic drive unlike any other, the Historic Columbia River Highway follows the gorge upriver as the scenery transitions from temperate rainforest to arid grassland. Attractions along this road include dozens of plummeting waterfalls , volcanic geological oddities, and the ever-present looming peaks of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

Mount Adams and Goat Rocks Wilderness

Driving by Mount Adams, you may not be able to help yourself from finding a trail to hike. There are several popular paths up to sky-high trails on Mount Adams and within the neighboring Goat Rocks Wilderness . Here, on a clear day, you’ll find alpine lakes, wildflowers, goats, marmots, and epic views of the surrounding mountains.

Olympic National Park

Return once again to the coastal beauty and dark rainforests of the Pacific Northwest’s coastline, but crank all of it up to 11 here at the national park. Olympic National Park is a verdant wonderland set just outside of Seattle. It’s wet, wild, and everything is covered in green. Moss and lichen abound, as do the terrific ocean views.

Take a Hike:  Guide to the Best Easy Hikes at Olympic National Park

Mount Hood and the Timberline Lodge

You’ll miss much of the majesty of Mount Hood by bypassing it along the Columbia River Gorge. If you have a spare day, we suggest heading up to the mountain from the town of Hood River. The lodge is quite an interesting place, and it provides access to year-round ski slopes as well as the Timberline Trail which circumnavigates Mount Hood.

Take a Hike: Guide to Best Hikes at Mount Hood

Mount Rainier National Park

The pinnacle of the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range, Mount Rainier reigns above the region and can be seen from all across Washington and Oregon on a clear day. The national park provides a closer view of this iconic monolith. The mountain is what you make of it. There are miles of trails, suburban tourist attractions, scenic gondola rides, and so much more to discover on this mountain’s slopes.

Take a Hike: Guide to the Best Hikes at Mount Rainier

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Known for its destructive eruption from a few decades past, Mount St. Helens offers a unique experience for adventurous folks who seek to climb or hike around the active volcano. You can experience first hand the remnants of the recent lava flow, the newly formed glacier, and numerous lava caves.

Save Time: Cut out either the mountains or the coast, or both, by heading up I-5 directly to Seattle.

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Enjoy the Pacific Northwest

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Seen in: Idaho , Oregon , Road Trips , Washington , West

Posted by Arthur McMahon

Arthur loves to walk. It’s as simple as that. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets — he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. Arthur and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike.

Coastal History: A Guide to the Oregon Coast’s Lighthouses and Historic Sites

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How to do the great American road trip: Idaho and Utah

N othing prepared us for the mountain vistas of Utah ; not Yellowstone, not Glacier National Park, nor any of the magnificent scenic areas we had visited on the first four months of our grand US RV tour.

Utah took the sum of all that we had witnessed on the initial 4,635 miles from Florida to America’s Great West and turned it into an elegant equation of ultimate grandeur, a mountainous melting pot for the ages.

Our usual WPMs (Wows per Minute) were replaced by OMGs as we encountered a spectacular mix of 12 national parks and monuments that simply demanded we recalibrate our vocabulary and turn it all the way up to 11.

• Read part one of Diaries from the Road here
• Read part two of Diaries from the Road here
• Read part three of Diaries from the Road here
• Read part four of Diaries from the Road here

We’d had a pretty good tune-up, mind you. After leaving the wilds of beautiful, immense Wyoming behind, we had reached southern Idaho – via motorways I-80 and I-84 – and two unique geological marvels that immediately set our pulses racing as they filled our windscreen, twin exemplars of what was to come.

City of Rocks National Reserve presented an outlandish terrain of granite monoliths several hundred feet high and spread across 22 square miles, a rocky labyrinth of bewildering proportions but ideal for rock climbers and hikers alike. For once, our luck with the weather went awry, though – a sudden, huge thunderstorm sent us scrambling for cover.

Happily, we discovered the pizza perfection of Rock City Mercantile in the adjacent town of Almo, and devoured a magnificent 12-inch pizza, washed down by two excellent craft ales from the local Highlander Beer brewery, as we sat in our car and let the lightning rage around us.

Read more on USA travel :

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The next day took us to another planet. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve burst out of the ground like the lunar landscape that inspired its name. Here, amid 15,000-year-old cinder cones, lava tubes and volcanic discharge, we goggled at the dark, alien shapes that proliferated across the 53-mile Great Rift, a lurking subterranean fissure that remains dormant but not extinct.

The tumultuous Snake River, a historic waterway that has sliced a startling 80-mile canyon through the basaltic substrate, also cut right across our route. The city of Twin Falls, where Evel Knievel famously failed to leap its 1,600ft width in 1974, straddles the canyon at one point.

Here, amid 15,000-year-old cinder cones, lava tubes and volcanic discharge, we goggled at the dark, alien shapes that proliferated across the 53-mile Great Rift

Today, Twin Falls offers the massive Perrine Bridge , with its steel span 485ft above the river. It’s loved by base-jumpers as a place to test their parachuting mettle by attempting to hit a prepared target on the south bank rather than the oily green waters of the river itself. For several hours we watched, amazed, as jumpers leapt off a minuscule platform halfway across the bridge and pulled their ripcords just in time to land gracefully on terra firma. We were even more impressed that many then opted to mountaineer their way back up the canyon, with ’chutes carefully packed, ready for another jump.

From Idaho, we headed down I-15 to Utah. Knowing the state’s mountain profile, we were wary of journeying too far off the highway in our RV, Indefatigable (or Fati for short), with the Rockies forming a major challenge for heavyweight traffic down the spine of the state.

Instead, we identified three bases from which we could explore further in our car, Nippy . The first of these was Layton, just north of Salt Lake City. With access to the Great Salt Lake, the birding Mecca of Antelope Island State Park and great hiking into the Rockies, Valley View RV Resort provided the perfect launch point.

Here, we enjoyed pickleball, swimming in the resort pool, and dining from visiting food trucks, while also learning the bizarre history of Antelope Island, where prehistoric peoples first appeared 6,000 years ago before it became a Mormon ranch and then a bison-hunting preserve. The bison still roam, but the only hunting is done by photographers keen to snap the 250 species of bird that make their homes by the thousand, including ring-necked pheasants, burrowing owls, California quails and peregrine falcons.

A 19th-century counterpoint was provided by Golden Spike National Historic Park , an unexpected outdoor homage to the pivotal moment in US history when the country was united by the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. The story is beautifully presented and celebrated daily with a reconstruction of that momentous occasion, complete with reconditioned steam trains.

Thick ponderosa pine forest guarded the entrance, and then, Bam! Blockbuster view after blockbuster view filled our sights in a non-stop cavalcade of canyon-esque wonders

Our second stop along I-15 was a golf course, and an exceedingly smart one, too. With a section of redundant car park reconfigured with 37 RV sites, Gladstan Golf Course in Payson opened the way to Utah’s hinterland via US Highway 6, a key route through the Rockies.

We had long decided this was a mountain road too far for Fati , but we were confident in Nippy and set our sights on the desert town of Green River for a three-day stopover that would put us on the doorstep of four national and state parks.

The charming River Terrace Inn provided a boutique bolthole at the end of each day as we chalked up 739 miles of epic exploring, starting with the astounding Goblin Valley State Park – a kaleidoscopic collection of hoodoos, or eroded rock spires – and finishing with the magnificent Arches National Park , a stupendous realm of weather-sculpted sandstone that defied the imagination. It felt more like a landscape created by Gaudi, Da Vinci or Van Gogh rather than Mother Nature.

In between, we toured Canyonlands National Park, with its stunning plateau views that appeared to stretch to the horizon, and the more modest but still compelling Potash Road , rife with 1,000-year-old petroglyphs, prehistoric dinosaur tracks, and awesome windows into the seemingly endless canyons. For hiking, Little Wild Horse Canyon provided close-ups of the more human-scale slot-canyon formations.

Heading back to Payson along Highway 6 via Soldier Summit – the 7,493ft-high pass through the Rockies – the return journey seemed even more dramatic as the landscape transitioned from the stark high desert of the Colorado Plateau to the river canyon of Castle Gate, then the red sandstone cliffs of the towering Wasatch Mountains, complete with pine and cottonwood forests.

After reuniting with Fati we headed south to Cedar City, hoping for more national park splendour. We weren’t disappointed.

From Cedar City RV Resort , we were able to cruise along Highway 12, designated an All-American Road, which started with the impressive cliffs of the Red Canyon and blossomed into the steepling immensity of Bryce Canyon National Park , where every turn revealed a majestic new vista. Thick ponderosa pine forest guarded the entrance, and then, Bam! Blockbuster view after blockbuster view filled our sights in a non-stop cavalcade of canyon-esque wonders.

At the 9,115ft finale of Rainbow Point, we simply stood staring in awe at this multicoloured colossus, a panorama of staggering dimensions that tailed off into the far distance, testament to a “wind, water and time” scenario that defied any human scale.

Equally captivating was Cedar Breaks National Monument , which took us over 10,000ft and delivered its own symphony of weathered wonders, while Parowan Gap took the opposite tack and laced its river-hewn cliffs with mysterious petroglyphs, mute signs of the art and symbolism of the Fremont peoples, who date back almost 5,000 years.

Like Yellowstone and Wyoming, Utah captured our hearts in ways both expected and unforeseen – with inspiring scenery, pristine wilderness and age-old wildlife, but also with cute towns and a level of genuine friendliness that seemed to stem from its Mormon foundations.

There were also the freight trains. Very long freight trains. We measured one at more than a mile as it chugged stoically through the emptiness of the Great Basin, part of the high desert plain that shape-shifted in subtle ways as we headed south through a beguiling mix of quixotic terrains.

After the relaxed affability of Utah, we wondered how the gambling mindset of Sin City would compare...

Next stops: Nevada and Southern California ...

How to do it

• Learn the measurements of your RV by heart, especially the height and width, to avoid low bridges and narrow lanes. Our Winnebago Sightseer is 36ft long, 12.5ft high and 8.5ft wide.
• Use a specialist RV GPS for mapping journeys, not the one on your phone (which might direct you on a route unsuitable for long or high vehicles). We have the Garmin 890.

RV fact file

• El Monte RV Rentals has a rental base in Salt Lake City, Utah , which is ideal for touring this part of the world.
• When things go wrong, consult myrvresource.com .

Read more on the best USA hotel reviews

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Take the ultimate summer road trip across the Rocky Mountain region

The Rocky Mountain region of the United States has rightfully carved a niche for itself as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting warm weather, superb geological formations and creations, and the historical significance of westward exploration throughout American history, exploring the Rockies is a must for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path summer road trip through the longest mountain range in North America.

With mineral-rich lands featuring dwindling forests and deserts, a blend of indigenous and new-world pioneers, humble towns on the outskirts of the nation's best wildlife destinations, and numerous national and state parks, this guide highlights the must-sees of the great Rocky Mountain region in the states of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada for your next road trip. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey through the heart of America this summer!

Cowboys, dude ranches, and, most notably, Yellowstone National Park, the least populated state in the country, is also one of the most unspoiled. Wyoming's diverse geography, rich resources, and charming towns make for idyllic drives and outdoor grazing.

• Yellowstone National Park: As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a bucket-list destination for witnessing a spectacular blend of forests, springs, and numerous mammal, bird, and reptile species, which in turn offer tourists a variety of outdoor activities, from swimming in the Grand Prismatic Spring to photographing herds of bison and elk.
• Grand Teton National Park: Grand Teton National Park is the precious jewel of Wyoming. With the captivating Teton range, pristine lakes, and majestic eagles flying over high mountains home to moose and coyotes, boating around Jenny Lake, rafting down Snake River, and catching the sunrise at Oxbow Bend are just a few memories to make at this park.
• Flaming Gorge Recreation Area: The largest reservoir in Wyoming, situated on the Green River, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers several recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and boating.
• Hot Springs State Park: Located in the small town of Thermopolis, don't miss the opportunity to visit Hot Springs State Park and enjoy the state’s natural and soothing mineral-rich waters.
• Bridger-Teton National Forest: The largest national forest in Wyoming, Bridger-Teton makes for an excellent summer camping trip, with chances of spotting moose, elk, antelope, and grizzly bears.
• Devil’s Tower Monument: A sacred site to the Native American populations of the region, this rock formation has numerous surrounding trails that offer excellent insight into the area's rich history.
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Perfect for trout fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is excellent for both families and adventurers to spend an afternoon.
• Cody: An hour east of Yellowstone is the historic town of Cody, famous for William Cody, a.k.a. Buffalo Bill, who is credited with establishing the town that is now the Rodeo Capital of the World.

Referred to as "The Treasure State" for its mining history, Montana's landscapes, from the Great Plains to Missoula's fly fishing spots, cater to Native American heritage, hot springs, and wildlife that offers much-needed moments of adventure and seclusion on any Rocky Mountains road trip.

• Glacier National Park: Start your Montana getaway at the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park—a meadowy paradise of endless forests, over 700 lakes, waterfalls, and rich wildlife.
• Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest: Swim, fish, and camp amidst mountain goats, cougars, and elk in Montana's largest forest.
• Lewis and Clark Cavern State Park: One of the most prominent limestone caverns in the region, the caves at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park transport you into the early expedition trails of 19th-century explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Breathe in the fresh air of Bighorn Canyon, view wild horses grazing, marvel at the Yellowtail Dam, and go animal spotting.
• Flathead Lake: Enjoy the pristine waters of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: This monument standing inside the Crow Indian Reservation celebrates the victory of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native American tribes against the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry Regiment in a fight to protect their lands.

The Gem State is certainly a gem of the Northwest, known for its abundant gemstones, trout fishing, agricultural production, and vast untouched lands. Featuring many ghost towns from the Gold Rush era, Idaho has carved out its importance for early explorers seeking opportunity and a new life.

• Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: Sagebrush, lave flows, and cinder cones are just a few of the of the unique characteristics that form Craters of the Moon National Monument Preserve.
• Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Wildlife, including bobcats, falcons, and mountain goats, can be found here, but its main highlight is the gorgeous Redfish Lake.
• Thousand Springs State Park: One of Idaho’s many state parks, Thousand Springs stands out for its enchanting waterfalls, springs, and lush flora.
• Bruneau Dunes State Park: Explore Bruneau Dunes State Park, one of Idaho's most unique creations, featuring the tallest dunes in the United States and a collection of small lakes and prairie valleys.
• Boise: Don’t let its size fool you; Idaho’s capital, with 235,000 people, is a lively city of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that makes a wonderful stop along the Rockies.
• Shoshone Falls: Taller than Niagara Falls at 212 feet high, Shoshone Falls is a must-see and the largest waterfall in Idaho.
• Coeur d’Alene: The largest city in Northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene is a postcard-worthy destination. With an alluring Glacier Lake Coeur d’Alene, a waterfront city park, theme parks, and adventure activities like ziplining, this lively city has plenty to offer solo travelers, couples, and families.
• Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area: Carved by the Snake River, this canyon is known for its rich wildlife and human habitation by the Nez Perce tribe. Today, it serves as a recreation center for rafting, boating, and other activities.

As a prime Rocky Mountain destination, Colorado is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, several state and national parks, and the thrilling outdoor activities they offer. Unwind in nature amidst Colorado’s extensive mountains, prairies, and deserts.

• Great Sand Dunes National Park: Colorado is renowned for its world-class skiing, but in the summer, locals and visitors trade snow sleds for sand sleds at the Great Sand Dunes National Park: After gaining the confidence to slide down these golden dunes, take a refreshing swim in the park’s Medano Creek or enjoy an exciting hiking trail.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Drawing millions of visitors each year, Colorado's most famous park, as indicated by its name, encapsulates the magic of the Rocky Mountain region. Explore the park's numerous lake trails and embark on a camping experience of a lifetime amidst awe-inspiring mountains, cliffs, and forests.
• Mesa Verde National Park: A national park and World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde tells the story of the Ancestral Pueblo People and their creation of a home and culture within the land's loyal rock.
• Denver: A visit to Colorado is incomplete without spending time in Denver, one of the United States’ most unique cities, offering a blend of nature, art, and culture in a calming outdoor-oriented setting.
• Dinosaur National Monument: Located in both Colorado and Utah, explore the remnants of the dinosaurs that once roamed the Rockies.
• Garden of the Gods: Discover hidden waterfalls amidst steep canyons and vibrant greenery at Garden of the Gods, which boasts some of Colorado's most unique rock formations.
• Grand Lake: Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, is one of the state’s best locations for swimming during the sweltering summer days while enjoying breathtaking mountain views.

With the largest combination of state and national parks in the United States, Utah continues to dazzle visitors daily. Home to Mormonism and transformed into an outdoor activity mecca year-round, Utah’s diverse terrain makes it a must-visit state on any Rocky Mountain road tour.

• Zion National Park: As Utah's most visited park and the third most visited in the United States, every Utah journey begins at Zion National Park. Here, you'll find dramatic painted cliffs, bighorn sheep, caves, and beautiful rivers and springs, making wandering this park a dream.
• Arches National Park: Towering red sandstone arches showcase the beauty of eastern Utah and provide one of the region’s most enthralling hikes.
• Canyonlands National Park: Escape the crowds of the nearby Grand Canyon and discover Canyonlands, Utah's prominent national park, with equally mesmerizing canyons showcasing the region's geological wonders.
• Bryce Canyon National Park: This park stands out for its blend of towering hoodoos, sun-kissed canyons, and high elevations, showcasing the brilliance of the southwest.
• Salt Lake City: When traveling through Utah, be sure to stop in the family-friendly capital, Salt Lake City, for a few days of exploring the state's religious heritage.
• Bonneville Salt Flats: One of Utah's most unique attractions, the Bonneville Salt Flats resemble another planet with its pearly white surface. Several events, including car racing and marathons, are held here during the summer.
• Lake Powell: Float in blue waters against a backdrop of red cliffs at Lake Powell, a human-made reservoir shared by Utah and Arizona.

Known as the Silver State for the land's promise of silver in the mid-1800s, Nevada offers more than just casinos. Explore diverse desert landscapes, sparse springs, and imposing mountains that epitomize the unique allure of this desolate state.

• Las Vegas: The City of Sin requires little introduction. As Nevada's largest city and primary tourism hub, no Rocky Mountain road trip is complete without a visit to this nightlife mecca, characterized by extravagant casinos, flashing lights, and endless entertainment options.
• Hoover Dam: Completed in 1935, the Hoover Dam symbolizes the beginning of Western perseverance. Employing over 21,000 men, this project was designed to maintain the flow of the Colorado River and provide water and power to the newly established Southwest.
• Valley of Fire State Park: Nevada's largest state park, the Valley of Fire, fascinates with its red rock formation of Aztec firestone, providing a Mars-like view for hiking.
• Extraterrestrial Highway: Driving down Route 375, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, will get you closer to learning the truth about the enigmatic Area 51. Whether the desert is home to aliens, nuclear power plants, or a hideout for missing celebrities, the mysteries of Area 51 remain unexplained. This desert area outside of Las Vegas offers unique day tours and several alien-themed cafes and motels.
• Lake Tahoe: Straddling the border of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is the state’s ultimate summer getaway. This northern freshwater lake invites visitors to a day of kayaking, swimming, and canoeing and is located near charming villages and shopping areas.
• Lake Mead Recreation Area: As the largest desert state in the United States, Nevada lacks natural water sources. With the creation of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, a large, artificial lake, was established as a recreational area for kayaking, swimming, and relaxation away from the business of Las Vegas.
• Cathedral Gorge State Park: Featuring a valley of clay-eroded rock formations, Cathedral Gorge State Park is another remarkable desert attraction. Overlook Nevada at Miller Point, gaze upon dramatic canyons and caves, and stroll along seemingly endless trails.

No matter the length of your summer road trip across the Rockies, these bucket list items promise a season filled with thrills, serenity, and unforgettable memories of American’s western frontier.

No matter where the road takes you, make sure you and everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt. Buckling up saves lives!

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Travel Reviews, Guides, Tips & Travel Hacking

Utah Road Trip Itinerary: 7-Day Ultimate Tour Of Utah (With Map)

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: June 15, 2022 | Updated: March 9, 2024

Utah is easily one of the most underrated travel destinations in the entire world. From massive mountains to epic national parks to otherworldly rock formations, there is something in store for everyone in this state. This ultimate 7-day Utah road trip itinerary will take you to places you never knew exists.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s start by covering the basics.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Is Utah Worth Visiting?

Yes, Utah is absolutely worth visiting because of its major national parks, otherworldly landscapes, and hiking and skiing opportunities.

I have no doubt in my mind that Utah will leave you with your jaw dropped on the floor, especially if you follow this Utah road trip itinerary .

How Many Days Do You Need For Utah National Parks?

You need at least three to four days to see the Utah national parks. But, if you plan to do any longer hikes or would like to see Utah’s amazing landscapes outside the national parks, such as Monument Valley, Bonneville Salt Flats , Pink Lake or the Bentonite Hills , at least seven days would be ideal.

Also, take note that this one-week Utah road trip itinerary is jam-packed with activities. If you would prefer your Utah road trip to be more relaxed, add two or three days for more time flexibility.

Is It Difficult Driving In Utah?

It is not difficult driving in Utah in the bigger cities like Salt Lake City or Moab . Regular USA driving regulations are instated, and other people drive safely. However, there are many unpaved roads in the more rural parts of Utah that are difficult for campers and compact cars to drive on.

That being said, my husband and I car camped throughout all of the following Utah destinations in my tiny compact car without any serious issues. Many of the roads were indeed bumpy, but we (and my car) survived just fine.

For a family, a larger vehicle with four-wheel drive is advisable in Utah. For budget-friendly adventurers, I recommend researching your specific destinations and campsites to see if a 4×4 is necessary .

Now, let’s get into the itinerary , shall we?

7-Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Utah road trip itinerary map.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 1

Morning: arrive in salt lake city & pink lake.

On your first morning in Utah, do everything you need to do to prepare for a week of exploring outside the main cities. Pick up your car rental , buy groceries for the week and get a full tank of gas . You’ll likely be flying into Salt Lake City , which has more than enough access to everything you’ll need.

[ Gas and groceries (at least snacks and sandwich supplies, if not all meals) are particularly important. Don’t undermine the remote nature of Utah.]

Then, start your drive to Pink Lake . Yes, Pink Lake . This is just one of the many places you’ll see this week that seems completely out of this world.

Read everything you need to know about visiting Pink Lake here .

Afternoon: Bonneville Salt Flats

After a picnic lunch at Pink Lake (or in the car), head two hours west to the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats .

The Bonneville Salt Flats are free to visit and offer an endless view of how Salt Lake City received its name. I have a complete guide to visiting Bonneville Salt Flats as well as an inside look at how the flats’ extreme weather may affect your visit .

Evening: boyd Station

Most of the evenings on this road trip itinerary are left open to relax at your hotel, set up your campsite, find a free campsite and get a full night’s sleep. This evening is no exception.

Head south toward Boyd Station (on the Pony Express Trail) to either find a free campsite or stay in a nearby hotel. This area will act as a half-way point to your first destination tomorrow.

Also, note that this drive will be extremely remote, so be sure to fill up your gas tank in Wendover, Nevada , (five minutes from Bonneville Salt Flats) before embarking. There are no other gas stations from the Bonneville Salt Flats to this region.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 2

Morning: dugway geode beds.

Wake up bright and early (ideally by 6:00 a.m. at the latest) and head to one of Utah’s best hidden gems , the Dugway Geode Beds .

The Dugway Geode Beds are also free to visit. Here, you can hunt for your own natural geodes to keep as souvenirs. Although the road to this destination is completely unpaved, the rocky drive is so worth this fun family-friendly activity .

This is just one cool and cheap way to take home a memory of Utah. For more tips and tricks on how you can save $$ on souvenirs, check out my free download – How To Save On Souvenirs

You can read all about visiting the Dugway Geode Beds here .

Then, after an hour or two of remote geode hunting, continue your journey south to your first Utah national park , Capitol Reef.

Afternoon: Capitol Reef National Park

Once you arrive at Capitol Reef National Park , purchase an America The Beautiful Park Pass . This will grant you entry into all of the Utah national parks for a year and save you a ton of money on park entrance fees throughout the week.

Then, pick a few hikes and/or walks in Capitol Reef to venture. I personally highly recommend the Chimney Rock Loop Trail (3.3 miles), Hickman Bridge Trail (1.8 miles) and Cassidy Arch Trail (3.1 miles), but how you spend your time here is up to you. For more specifics, see my Capitol Reef National Park half-day itinerary .

To end your afternoon, drive to Goosenecks Overlook to watch an epic sunset over Capitol Reef.

Evening: Escalante

Ideally, on night two, find a campsite or hotel near the city of Escalante , which is located between Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Because, tomorrow, you’ll be starting your day at Bryce.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 3

Morning: bryce canyon national park.

Are you excited for Bryce Canyon National Park ? Because you absolutely should be. Start your day early again (6:00 a.m. at the latest; earlier if you want to beat the crowds) because you have a big day ahead of you.

This unique U.S. wonder is known for its abstract rock formations called hoodoos . When you enter the main area of the park, you’re immediately met with endless views of these hoodoos, as well as several hiking and walking trailheads.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail (3.5 miles). This trail is busy and hot during the day, so the earlier you start this hike, the better. Afterward, walk to Sunset Point where you’ll get another panoramic view of Bryce Canyon.

Afternoon: Zion National Park

When you feel like you’ve seen enough of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, grab lunch outside of Bryce. There are several restaurants to choose from. Then, head on over to Zion National Park .

Upon arrival, drive through the park on the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive toward the opposite park entrance. The views of this drive are comparable to none. Plus, you’ll get to pass through the iconic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel .

Next, you have a few options. You could either hike Angels Landing , The Narrows , Watchman Trail or see Zion National Park without any hiking at all .

There is a ton to explore in this Utah national park , so don’t be afraid to spend an extra day here if your personal road trip schedule allows.

Evening: Zion National Park & Kanab

To end your day at Zion National Park , hike the Zion Overlook Trail to watch the sunset over Zion Canyon . The hike is short and doable for all levels but still gives you an authentic Zion hiking experience. If you aren’t keen on hiking Angel’s Landing, this hike is a perfect alternative.

Start your hike at least 45 minutes before sunset. And, be sure to check the sunset time for Zion National Park, not the surrounding cities, as the mountains in Zion create an earlier sunset.

After the sun sets past the mountains, head back to your car and drive to Kanab . Find a campsite or hotel here for the night.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 4

Morning: coffee, belly of the dragons & moqui sand caves.

Can you believe you’re already more than half way through this Utah road trip ? Celebrate by sleeping in and indulging in coffee and baked goods from a local Kanab coffee shop!

By around 10:30 a.m., make your way to the Belly of the Dragon , a long belly-like cave that is free to visit in Kanab . Spend about 30 minutes here exploring the cave and nearby landscapes.

Next, head to the Moqui Sand Caves , a nearby roadside collection of otherworldly sand-filled caves. Don’t underestimate the walk to the caves, though. Bring gripped shoes, such as hiking boots, tennis shoes, or my favorite Teva sandals , so that you can easily hike up the steep five-minute climb to the caves.

BUY ON AMAZON

Afternoon: Toadstools or Antelope canyon

After lunch, you have a couple of options. You can either go to Toadstools Trail (1.8 miles) to walk on Mars and witness hoodoos like the ones you’ll see later in the week at Goblin Valley State Park . Or, you can drive straight to Page, Arizona , to visit Antelope Canyon .

Although Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (which we’ll discuss next) are technically in Arizona, these landmarks are still very close to Utah . Their innate beauty and bucket-list draw make the relatively short drive across the boarder very worthwhile.

Ultimately, though, the choice is up to you on whether you go to Toadstools, Antelope Canyon or just relax during this time.

Evening: Horseshoe Bend

Afterward, get ready for another epic canyon sunset; this time, over the legendary Horseshoe Bend . Plan to arrive at Horseshoe Bend at least 45 minutes before sunset , as there is about a mile walk from the parking lot to the canyon.

Also, bring bug spray ! There will likely be swarms of gnats at the canyon in the evening. Even though the gnats are basically harmless, they are really annoying.

Shortly after sunset, head back to your car and drive toward Monument Valley . Find a place to stay the night (campsite or hotel) as close to Monument Valley as possible. You’ll begin day five here bright and early.

(Note, there are not many free campsites near Monument Valley , so it may be in your best interest to find a hotel or paid campsite for the night.)

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 5

Morning: monument valley.

Another early morning awaits on day five, but, trust me, it’s worth it.

Drive into Monument Valley , specifically to Forest Gump Point (GPS coordinates 37°06’09.5″N 109°59’21.1″W), early and plan to arrive about 10 minutes before sunrise .

When the sun rises over this region of Monument Valley, famously known as the road from the movie Forest Gump , the massive red rock formations glow bright orange. This is what makes sunrise the best time of day to visit Monument Valley .

Plus, you’ll beat the crowds and get to take some incredible travel photos .

Afternoon: Moab Arches National Park

Because you started your day pre-sunrise, you’ll likely be able to make it Moab midmorning. Head straight to Arches National Park to begin exploring the last city of this Utah road trip itinerary .

Once you enter the park, head straight to the Delicate Arch trailhead to (hopefully) beat the midday crowds. Delicate Arch is one of the most heavily trafficked trails in Arches National Park , but, even with crowds, the views are so rewarding.

On your way to Delicate Arch, you’ll also pass Twisted Doughnut Arch toward the end of the trail, so keep a look out for it.

Then, treat yourself to a picnic lunch inside the park. Or, leave the park to grab a quick lunch in Moab city.

Afternoon: Arches National Park

One of the best parts of Arches National Park is that it is non-hiker-friendly . There are numerous insanely easy hikes in Arches National Park , so indulge yourself in them this afternoon.

First, head to Double Arch and Cove Arch . Take a brief two minute walk from the parking lot to the arches, and take 20 minutes or so to explore.

Then, drive to the Landscape Arch trailhead to begin your journey to the longest arch in the Arches National Park . This hike is longer than the walk to Double Arch and Cove Arch, but the trail is flat and mostly paved, which makes it easy.

Lastly, if time allows, head to the Instagram-worthy Sand Dune Arch . Here, you’ll find a hidden gem of an arch tucked inside, you guessed it, a sand dune.

Evening: Moab Dinosaur Tracks & Petroglyphs

Sometime in the late afternoon, leave Arches for one of the many free Moab adventures : hunting for roadside dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs .

To find Moab’s free dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs , drive down Potash Road until you get to Poison Spider BLM site and parking lot (past the rock climbers). Follow the BLM sign directions to the short hike that will take you up to both the dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs.

(Hint: the dinosaur tracks are on a massive boulder about 3/4 up the trail, and the petroglyphs are on the red rock wall near on top of the trail.)

Afterward, find a campsite or hotel in Moab . As opposed to Monument Valley, there are a ton of free campsites in Moab, so you shouldn’t have any issues finding a site.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 6

Morning: canyonlands national park.

To continue exploring Moab, you’re starting off your day in Canyonlands National Park .

The best, most popular place to watch sunrise in Canyonlands National Park is at Mesa Arch , so if you have enough energy to make the short 0.7-mile hike before the sun rises, definitely take the hike.

If not, still start your day at Mesa Arch to try to beat the crowds. Afterward, drive to Shafer Canyon Overlook , Buck Canyon Overlook and Candlestick Tower Overlook . For details about each of these stops (and more), see my half day in Canyonlands National Park itinerary .

Afternoon: Rainbow Mountains

Around 11:00 a.m., depart from Canyonlands to see what is, in my opinion, the most epic part of this entire Utah road trip itinerary : Utah’s rainbow mountains .

Yes, you read that right. Rainbow mountains.

Believe it or not, there are rolling hills — also known as the Bentonite Hills — tucked in the middle of the Utah desert that boast bright red, pink, blue and purple rings.

I know this road trip stop sounds too good to be true, but, believe me, the two-hour drive is so worth it. You can read everything you need to know about where to find these otherworldly mounds in my free rainbow mountains, Utah, guide .

Evening: Moab

After journeying through metaphorical Mars, stop by Goblin Valley State Park on your way back to Moab if you have time.

You can fully experience Goblin Valley in an hour or two , which makes it a perfect stop to end the day. Then, when you’re finished exploring this unique valley of hoodoos , head back to Moab for the night.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 7

Morning: corona arch, bowtie arch & arches national park.

It’s your final day on this Utah road trip , and we’re ending with a bang. For starters, head to the Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch trailhead located just outside of Arches National Park .

Corona Arch in particular is one of the best arches to see in Moab . And, it’s free to visit.

However, note that there is a moderate hike to the arch that is often very busy, so it’s best to start the hike as early as possible. We began the hike around 6:30 a.m., and we had the entire hike and arch to ourselves for at least an hour. Plus, we got to witness sunrise from a massive arch in solitude.

Afternoon & Evening: Free Time In MOAB

For your very last afternoon in Moab, I’ve left this itinerary space open for free time . Often times, road trip stops and driving times take more time than planned . And, even though I’ve purposefully overestimated drive and stop times, it is likely that something will come up and put you “behind” schedule.

That being said, use your last afternoon and evening to visit any destinations you missed or would still like to visit .

Or, if you’ve managed to stay on schedule (kudos, by the way), take this afternoon to relax and shop for souvenirs in and around Moab.

Which part of this Utah road trip itinerary are you most excited for? Let me know by leaving a reply below or sending me a message on Instagram . My DMs are always open!

More Utah Destinations

18 Moab Instagram Spots For Epic Photos (With Map) 10 Day Trips From Salt Lake City That Are Out Of This World How To See The Rainbow Mountains In Utah Pink Lake Utah: Directions, Address & What To Know

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About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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Western US Road Trip: A California to Montana Itinerary

Are you planning a Western US road trip? We did a 20+ days epic California to Montana road trip with our kids and I’m sharing with you our exact itinerary.

This road trip will bring you through Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah, with a quick stop through Nevada and Arizona. It will show you the marvelous landscapes of Western USA: Red rocks, natural hot springs, waterfalls, volcanos, waterfalls, and wildlife.

In this article, I’m giving you our day-by-day detailed California to Montana road trip itinerary to help you plan your trip. It’s filled with fun stops along the way.

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links . If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost . Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you .

Overview map of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana road trip

You’ll see that our route wasn’t optimal for this road trip. There are a few reasons for that, but mostly because:

• We had some commitments first in Idaho, so we had to start in Idaho . We then drove down to Utah and back up.
• We wanted to be flexible for this trip. We didn’t book campgrounds or hotels in advance , but that meant we had to change plans a few times.
• We had to be in Alberta, Canada, on a specific date, so we sadly had to skip some places and rush through some. This road trip could easily be done twice/triple the time.

If you’re planning this Western USA road trip from California to Montana, I recommend starting in Utah, then Idaho, Wyoming, and finishing in Montana .

💡 INSIDER TIPS to make the most of your Western US road trip 🚗 If you’re renting a car or campervan , most car and RV companies charge a one-way fee if the drop-off location differs from the pick-up location. Keep that in mind when planning your trip . 📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your road trip! The  GoWhee app  is perfect for finding fun, kid-friendly activities along the way.  AllTrails  is our app for looking at trail reports and seeing if the trail is kid-friendly. Harvest Hosts for lodging. Also, don’t forget to download GuideAlong  audio tours to learn about the areas you’re road-tripping to while driving.

Detailed itinerary for a Western US road trip from California to Montana

Day 1: sacramento to winnemucca sand dunes:.

🚗 The drive from Sacramento to Winnemucca is 285 miles (459 km).

We left Sacramento in the afternoon and slowly went to Winnemucca Sand Dunes following I-80. We stopped in Lovelock for the boys to play in the playground.

🏨 Sleep at: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Winnemucca

👉 If it’s your first time in California, I recommend stopping in Lake Tahoe . It’s a beautiful lake and a great way to cool off on a warm summer day. You may also want to stop in Reno, NV. There is also the Lovelock Cave in Lovelock , which is worth a stop. They were sadly closed when we arrived. Also, for a California west coast road trip itinerary, check this 10-day itinerary along the Pacific Coast Highway .

Day 2: Winnemucca to Givens Hot Springs

🚗 The drive from Winnemucca to Givens Hot Springs is 219 miles (352 km)

We started our day at the Winnemucca Sand Dunes . This is the largest dune field in Nevada. The dunes do not reach more than 100 feet but span almost 40 miles. The kids had so much fun.

👉 On the way to Givens Hot Springs, you might want to stop at the Pillars of Rome . They are imposing formations of fossil-bearing clay that look like Roman ruins. The 100-foot-high rock formations measure about five miles long and two miles wide.

When we arrived at Givens Hot Springs , we relaxed at the campground. The kids played in the playground and swam in the hot springs.

📝 Note that the “hot springs” is an indoor pool heated by natural hot springs. It was great for the kids, but nothing special if you are not sleeping at the campground.

🏨 Sleep at Givens Hot Springs Campground

Day 3: Givens Hot Springs to Boise

From Givens Hot Springs, we were only an hour away from downtown Boise. In Boise, we started the day at Esther Simplot Park .

We walked around the park, did some paddleboarding on the lake, and the kids played in the playground. Then, we walked downtown, stopped at THE STIL for ice cream , and played at JUMP .

🏨 Sleep at KOA Meridian Campground

Day 4: Boise to Three Island Crossing State Park

🚗 The drive from Boise to Three Island Crossing State Park is 73 miles (117 km).

We started the morning at the Old Idaho Penitentiary . Plan at least 2 hours to visit. Then, we did the short Old Oregon Trail hike before going to Three Island Crossing State Park . It’s only about an hour from Boise.

There is a local winery, the Y Knot Winery , a few minutes before the state park. We stopped by, visited the winery, and grabbed a bottle of wine.

At the Three Island Crossing State Park is the Oregon Trail Interpretive Site to learn more about the Oregon Trail and the emigrants who traveled that trail.

We spent the end of the day enjoying the beautiful campground and park.

🏨 Stay at Three Island Crossing State Park Campground

Day 5: Three Island Crossing State Park to Twin Falls

🚗 The drive from Three Island Crossing State Park to Twin Falls is 60 miles (97 km)

On our way to Twin Falls , we stopped at the Malad Gorge Unit of the Thousand Springs State Park . There is a nice short trail to do, the Devil’s Washbowl Overlook.

We then stopped at Shoshone Falls Park to admire the falls. There is a nice park with picnic tables.

After the falls, we went to Dierkes Lake, where the kids played in the playground. There is also. A lovely small beach and swim area

🏨 Stay at TownePlace Suites Twin Falls

Day 6: Twin Falls

We started the day visiting downtown Twin Falls (and a good breakfast at Twin Beans). We then made our way to Centennial Waterfront . We stopped at Perrine Coulee Falls on the way down.

At Centennial Waterfront , we inflated the paddleboard and spent a few hours on the Snake River . We ended our day at First Federal Playground . Check out this detailed article for more information on things to do in Twin Falls .

👉 AWOL Adventure Sports is a great place to rent paddleboards and/or kayaks. In the summer, they have a booth at Centennial Park where we can rent paddleboards and kayaks directly. Otherwise, they have an office downtown in Twin Falls.

Day 7: Twin Falls to Buhl/ Hagerman

We started the morning at the Banbury Hot Springs . It’s a pool-style hot spring facility, but it was so much for the boys.

👉 Miracle Hot Springs is also a pool-style hot spring and close by. If time allows, you may want to add this to your list if you’d like while in the area.

Then, we visited the three units of the Thousand Springs State Park: Box Canyon, Niagara/Crystal Springs, and Ritter Island . They are all unique and beautiful. Worth exploring. We even paddled a little around Ritter Island (but be careful; the water current is strong).

We ended the day relaxing at the beautiful Billingsley Creek Lodge.

🏨 Stay at   Billingsley Creek Lodge

Day 8: Hagerman/Shoshone to Twin Falls

Today was all about volcanos and lava tube caves. We started our day at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave , where we walked in the lava cave. It’s a quarter-mile in and a quarter-mile out. The temperature in the cave is 41 degrees all year round.

Then, we drove to Shoshone Ice Cave . Sadly, we didn’t get to visit the ice cave due to an unexpected cave closure. But the owner told the time to talk to us and gave the boys each a gem kit so they could try gem panning. It ended up being a lot of fun.

We then slowly drove back near Twin Falls for our last night there.

🏨 Stay at KOA Twin Falls/Jerome Campground

Day 9: Twin Falls to Lava Hot Spring 

The drive from Twin Falls to Lava Hot Spring is 149 miles (240 km).

👉 We drove from Twin Falls to Lava Hot Spring without really stopping, but Lake Walcott State Park and Rupert would be two good stops.

In Lava Hot Springs, we spent a few hours soaking in the five different hot spring pools and then walked in the garden.

We ended our day with a wagon tour on the bison farm, where we were staying overnight with Harvest Hosts .

🏨 Sleep at : Diamond P Grassroots Bison (with Harvest Hosts membership )

Day 10: Lava Hot Springs to Salt Lake City

🚗 The drive from the bison farm to Salt Lake City is 144 miles (232 km).

Today, we are changing states as we head south from Southern Idaho to Utah. We made a quick stop at Crystal Hot Spring and arrived early in Salt Lake City.

👉 If time allows, you may want to do a detour to Antelope Island State Park to see the bison’s herd.

We first visited the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City and walked around Memory Grove Park . We then headed to downtown Salt Lake City and spent a few hours at the Clark Planetarium. The boys loved it.

We ended the day with an evening stroll at the City Creek Center . They have nice water fountains and outdoor stores and restaurants.

🏨 Stay at: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel

Day 11: Salt Lake City

We first drove to the Great Salt Lake State Park for our full day in Salt Lake City. It’s a short 25-minute drive outside the city. We spent a few hours there, having a picnic lunch. Note that there is a minimal parking fee.

We had much fun playing in the water and on the beach. The boys went on a brine shrimp hunt. They could easily have spent the entire day.

Back downtown, we did a guided tour of Temple Square to learn about the Mormons.

Day 12: Salt Lake City to Torrey

🚗 The drive from Salt Lake City to Torrey is 213 miles (343 km)

On our way to Torrey, we stopped at Hidden Falls , a super quick 0.3-mile (0-5 km) out-and-back hike just outside Salt Lake City.

When we arrived in Torrey, we headed straight to Capitol Reef National Park , one of the five national parks in Utah , where we did the following:

• A quick stop at the visitor center to grab the Ranger Program booklets
• Drive a section of the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, a sixteen-mile round-trip stunning drive
• Hike the Sulphur Creek Waterfall Trail (1.8-mile round trip easy hike with a natural swimming pool hole

🏨 Stay at :  Wonderland RV Park Campground

👉 If you have extra time and energy, you may want to hike the Hickman Bridge Trail (a 1.8-mile round trip hike in full sun) and do some fruit picking in Frutas. Also, make sure to download the self-guided tour of Capitol Reef National Park offered by GuideAlong .

Day 13: Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park

The drive from Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park is 116 miles (287 km) and is STUNNING. We drove on the scenic Byway-12. There are so many things to see that we had to choose from. We ended up stopping at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Calf Creek Recreation Area .

For a detailed Utah National Park road trip itinerary, check this 10-day itinerary through Utah’s Mighty 5.

We made many stops and took most of the day to drive the 116 miles between Torrey and Bryce Canyon.

Arriving near Bryce Canyon, we stopped at Mossy Cave, a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail leading to a waterfall, where we cooled off. We ended the day at Bryce Canyon City, a small town where we stayed overnight.

🏨 Stay at : Bryce View Lodge

👉 Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Bryce & Zion National Parks offered by GuideAlong .

Day 14: Bryce Canyon National Park

We woke up early and headed to the main section of Bryce Canyon National Park . We took the park shuttle from Bryce Canyon City to the furthest stop: Bryce Point .

We then returned to the visitor center, stopping at Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Lodge, and Sunrise Point . Each stop offered breathtaking viewpoints and nice little hikes.

Day 15: Bryce Canyon National Park to Page

The drive from Bryce Canyon NP to Page is 151 miles (243 km)

A few minutes outside Bryce Canyon City, we stopped at Red Canyon and took pictures of the beautiful arch. We then did a playground stop in Kanab before arriving at our campground at Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreational Area .

We spent the rest of the day in the water of Lake Powell, swimming, playing, and paddleboarding.

The lake was super low, so access to water was hard. We ended up neat at the marina boat launch. There is a small beach.

🏨 Stay at :   Page Lake Powell Campground

Day 16: Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)

We first drove into town from Lake Powell, stopping for a quick view of the Glen Canyon Dam. Then, we drove to Antelope Canyon X for our hiking tour in the Slot Canyon. It was amazing, and not crowded at all (I highly recommend it as an alternative to busy Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon) .

After the slot canyon, we went to Horseshoe Bend, where we had lunch and walked to the viewpoint, a short 0.75-mile walk (a really hot and sunny walk…bring LOTS of water).

We ended the day back at the marina beach to enjoy the water and cool off.

🏨 Stay at : Page Lake Powell Campground

Day 17: Page to Zion National Park

🚗 The drive from Page to Zion National Park is 104 miles (167 km)

From Page, we stopped at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes for a few hours. We played in the sand but didn’t do the sandboarding.

👉 If you have extra time, you may want to stop at Moqui Cave and /or at Best Friend Animal Sanctuary . Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Bryce & Zion National Parks offered by GuideAlong .

We then slowly crossed Zion National Park , admiring the view (it was raining a lot, so we sadly didn’t stop much). Arriving in Springdale, we enjoyed the campground facilities for the rest of the day once the rain stopped.

🏨 Stay at : Zion Canyon Campground

Day 18: Zion National Park

From our campground, we had to walk almost to the park entrance since all shuttles were full when they passed our stop. We then took the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop, where we walked the Riverside trail .

After, we hopped back on the shuttle to The Grotto stop, where we had a picnic and walked on the trail to Zion Lodge. The boys played in the grass area while enjoying an ice cream cone. We ended the day on the Lower Emerald Pool trail , a 1.4-mile out-and-back.

Day 19: Zion National Park to Park City

🚗 The drive from Zion National Park to Park City is 310 miles (499 km).

I think this is one of the longest driving days we did on the trip. But we stopped for a long and amazing time at Meadows Hot Springs , where we got to soak in 3 different natural hot spring pools. It was perfect and gave us the energy to drive the second half of the day.

When we arrived in Park City, we enjoyed the pool and hot tub at the hotel and got some delicious oven-baked pizza from the hotel restaurant.

🏨 Stay at :  Park City Peaks Hotel

Day 20: Park City to Bear Lake

🚗 The drive from Park City to Bear Lake is 119 miles (192 km)

We spent the morning walking around Park City and exploring this Olympic town before traveling from Utah to Idaho

But we did one last stop in Utah before Idaho at Rendez-Vous Beach around Bear Lake . Bear Lake is a lake at the border of Utah and Idaho, often called “The Caribbean of the Rockies.” We spent the rest of the day at the beach.

🏨 Stay at : Rendez Vous Beach – Bear Lake State Park

Day 21: Bear Lake to West Yellowstone

The drive from Bear Lake to West Yellowstone is 281 miles (452 km)

On that day, we drove from Utah to Idaho, then from Idaho to Montana.

We first stopped in Soda Spring , where we saw the Soda Spring captive geyser erupt. We also tasted some naturally carbonated water at the Soda Springs Historic Site .

Then, we drove a little more to Idaho Falls , where we walked in the Idaho Falls River Park and admired the falls.

We arrived late afternoon in West Yellowstone and enjoyed our campground.

🏨 Stay at : Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

👉🏻 If you’re looking for the best Things to do in Idaho with kids? Add this item to your list!

Day 22: West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole

🚗 The drive from West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole is 130 miles (209 km)

Today, we are exploring a section of Yellowstone National Park one of the best National Parks in the U.S . To help you plan your trip to Yellowstone, read this article , where you’ll find lots of tips.

• Fountain Paint Pot
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Old Faithful 
• and a few other lookouts

We then stopped at Oxbow Bend for an outdoor dinner. We stayed there for a few hours to enjoy the sunset before heading to Jackson Hole , where you spent the night.

👉 Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Grand Teton National Parks offered by Gypsy Guide .

🏨 Stay at: The Hostel at Teton Village

Day 23: Jackson Hole / Grand Teton National Park

We drove across Grand Teton National Park . We did the loop in the clockwise direction. It was a recommendation from the visitor center. We have a better view of the Teton mountain range in that direction.

• Mormon Row Historic District (the famous barn)
• Cunningham Cabin trail
• Jackson Lake Dam

Day 24: Jackson Hole / Grand Teton National Park to Gardiner

🚗 The drive from Jackson Hole to Gardiner is 150 miles (241 km).

We woke up early to enjoy our second day in Yellowstone National Park. We did:

• Yellowstone Lake
• Fort Yellowstone
• Hayden Valley 
• Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone
• Mammoth Hot Springs

We were really fortunate to have seen many bison (one of them crossing the river). Also, we went to Yellowstone National Park during elk rutting season, so we had quite a few at Mammoth Hot Springs.

We ended the evening at our campground.

🏨 Stay at Yellowstone RV Park in Gardiner

👉 Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Yellowstone National Parks offered by GuideAlong.

👉 Then, if you still have some time, you could continue this road trip to Montana up to Glacier National Park .

👉🏻  For families planning to camp in or around the park, make sure to  download some camping apps  such as  The Dyrt  to find all the camping options around.

How Far is Montana from California

If you’re planning a road trip to Montana from California, the total driving distance between California and Montana is 20 hours and 50 minutes (1,306 miles) to make the journey. Starting in California, you’ll drive north through Nevada and Idaho before reaching Montana.

Once you arrive in Montana, explore Montana’s incredible natural resources, forests, lakes, mountains, and more!

Final Thoughts

We had an amazing 25-day road trip from California to Montana. This road trip was way too quick, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We saw so many amazing landscapes, from red rock formations to geysers and natural hot springs. We saw so many wild animals. Each state of the western United States is unique and worth exploring.

We did a lot in only 25 days because we couldn’t decide where to cut 😉

I hope this itinerary will help you plan a memorable Western US Road Trip through Wyoming , Montana, Idaho, and Utah.

Related Articles

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:

• Canada & USA Road Trips for Families: Our Best Itineraries
• 21 of the Best National Parks for Kids ? (USA Edition)
• 10 Day California Road Trip with Kids: San Diego to San Francisco

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

Always Up For An Adventure

Travel & Adventure Blog

Pacific Northwest Road Trip in 10 Days

Last summer, we spent 10 days seeing the Pacific Northwest on a road trip. I was able to visit Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and a little bit of California in 10 days! The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful area that you MUST visit! If you are short on time, I’ve detailed my trip so you can get ideas on what is possible. My philosophy for travel is fit in as much as I can, because I never know if I’ll get back to the area. I can always sleep when I get home, lol.  I know that doesn’t work for most, but my husband tolerates me.

Day 1: Montana

I flew to Spokane solo, rented a car and then headed towards Whitefish, Montana. One of my good friends moved there a year ago and this was my first opportunity to come visit. Technically Montana is not part of the pacific northwest, but I couldn’t be this close and not visit her!

I stopped for a quick breakfast at Frank’s Diner in Spokane, super cute! It’s in a train car!

I took the scenic route by accident, but it was gorgeous! Of course, I’m from Dallas, so any kind of elevation makes me happy.

Stopped in Libby at Kootenai Falls and Swinging bridge.  Very easy to get to, right off the highway. Short walk to a beautiful waterfall in one direction and a swinging bridge in the other. It was perfect. Just what I needed after being in a car and plane for hours.

Finally made it to my friend’s house. So jealous of her, she wakes up to mountains every day now!

Day 2: Montana

First full day of fun! We explored the cute downtown area of Whitefish in the morning.

For the afternoon, we went to Glacier National Park. We rented a small boat and went out on Lake McDonald. Gorgeous!! Unfortunately, it down poured after that, so we headed back to her house.

We had Kobe Steak & Sushi for dinner, Hibachi style, very good!

Sweet Peaks ice cream for dessert. Huckleberry ice cream was hands down the best!!!

Day 3: Montana

My last day in the area, and it happened to be the first day the Going to the Sun road opened in Glacier National Park!!! I had been watching that website daily for the past couple weeks hoping the road would open.  It was so awesome, it has its own post .

After the park, I packed up the car and started back towards Spokane.

I stopped at Lake Coeur d’ Alene in Idaho to view the scenery and get out of the car.

Quick note, we decided on a Pacific Northwest road trip so we could visit my son who was playing for a drum corp in the Seattle area. He called while I was in route to Spokane and told me he had a few free hours the next morning to hang out. My plan was NOT to drive all night to be in La Conner, Washington the next morning, so I don’t recommend it!

The original plan included hanging out by Lake Coeur d’Alene longer. If the timing was right I would have loved to kayak around this beautiful lake. Dinner at Capone’s Pub, because I try and hit all the Triple D places I can while I travel (Diners, Drive Ins and Dives). Relaxing in a hotel in Spokane, getting up early and seeing a bit of this city and then driving towards La Conner going through the North Cascades National Park via the east entrance.

A few things to note about Montana:

*Try huckleberry everything!!! I had pie, ice cream and huckleberry lemonade! Seriously, you can’t go wrong!

*Cell reception sucks!!! Have a map, know where you’re going.

*Slow down and look for wildlife. On my way to Spokane, I saw a bear running in a field!! So cool!!

Day 4: Washington

I stopped at Snoqualmie Falls as soon as the sun was coming up….it was an ungodly hour. I don’t even remember the time. Unfortunately, it was very foggy, so I could not see the waterfall at all. I heard it, but the clouds would not lift. It’s supposed to be beautiful, maybe next time.

I arrived in La Conner with some time to kill, so I drove around the area. It’s super cute!! And very small! Nothing was open, because it was still freaking early, so I just headed to wait in the parking lot for my son to come out. I may or may not have fallen asleep….

Anyways, my son had a few free hours and we were going to make the most of it. We drove to Deception Pass and hiked down to the coast. Beautiful area!!! It was still kinda foggy, but it made for some cool pictures with the bridge.

North Cascades National Park was my main goal today after I dropped him back off.  It was AMAZING!! Enough to have its own post as well. This is a must do on a Pacific Northwest road trip!

As if the day couldn’t be longer, my hubby had a late flight coming to meet me. So, I drove to Seattle around midnight to pick him up and then drove back to the La Conner area. Needless to say, when my head hit that pillow, I was out!!

Day 5: Washington

Started the day early with breakfast at Frank’s Place on Whidbey Island. Good food and a patriotic theme, you could tell he was a veteran.

Watched Austin play for a bit before heading to the Anacortes ferry.

Took the ferry to Friday Harbor, very cool experience! I’ve been on a ferry before, but not with this kind of scenery. It took about an hour to get there. FYI, very cold and windy! Bring a warm jacket.

We met up with some friends and they took us on a tour of San Juan Island . Post is here . This is another must do in the Pacific Northwest!

Day 6: Washington

Left San Juan island and stopped at a roadside stand that sold huckleberry ice cream! YUM!

Mount Rainier was our top destination today.

After a few hours, we finally spotted the mountain. GORGEOUS!!! I think I stopped at almost every turnoff and took a million photos.

We went to the Paradise visitor center to get my passport stamped and a better look up the mountain. Hiking a couple easy trails was on our agenda, but Patrick’s ankle was hurting so we weren’t able. I’m honestly not sure we would have had the time anyways. It took a lot longer to get there and around the mountain than I thought. This is definitely a day trip in and of itself if you plan on doing any hiking. Mount Rainier must be added to every Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary!

We tried to make it to Mount St. Helens before the sunset, but we were about 30 minutes to late ☹ Not gonna lie, I was disappointed. I also knew that it would have been a miracle to fit everything in as well, so I got over it quickly. One more reason to go back to the area. We did see it from a distance and that was pretty cool.

Portland was our next stop. Powell’s Books and VooDoo Donuts were the must dos here. Powell’s claims to be the largest independent bookstore in America. It was HUGE! I love bookstores, so I just had to check it out and of course buy a couple books!

VOODOO Doughnuts had the weird theme going on. Definitely fit the whole Portland vibe! The donuts we got were huge and delish! I will be back. FYI, cash only!

We drove for a couple more hours to get a head start on our destination for tomorrow.

Day 7: Oregon & California

Crater Lake National Park!!!

I feel like I’ve said this all week, but this place was GORGEOUS!!! It had the bluest water I’ve ever seen. It took about an hour to drive around the lake. We learned so much about volcanos at the visitor center. This volcano explosion was like a 100x bigger than Mount St. Helens! Crazy!!

Apparently, you can drink the water out of this lake, because the lake is enclosed. The water is all from rain and snowmelt. This is also the deepest lake in America. Another must do that should be on every Pacific Northwest road trip!

When we were done, we made our way towards Cali! We stopped for lunch at the cutest quirkiest place in Shady Grove called Mac’s Diner. It’s in an older home by a river.

Redwood National Park was up next! I’ve wanted to come here forever!!! There’s a ton of different Redwood areas and we only saw a little bit, but it was INCREDIBLE!!! We did a couple small hikes, because how could we NOT!!

We headed back towards Oregon and tried to watch the sunset from the coast. Our pizza ended up taking to long and we missed it.

Day 8: Oregon

Most of the day was spent on the Oregon Coast . Click here for all the details. The Oregon coast is beautiful! I could have spent many more days here. It is a must do for every Pacific Northwest road trip!

In the evening we finally made it to Washington. Stopped at the Quinault Rain Forest for a quick hike.

We made our way to Ruby Beach for the sunset. Again the weather was not cooperating and it was very cloudy. However, the area was still beautiful. It was a small hike down to the beach and I was worried we’d be tripping over everything after it got dark, but we were fine. There was a good amount of light to see going back and we stayed down there at least 30 minutes after the sunset.

Day 9: Washington

Forks Washington- Home of the Twilight series! Yes, I was a Twilight fan and you can click here for more details on Forks.

Olympic National Park is huge! There are many different areas of the park with a lot of diversity. I only hit a tiny portion, but I plan on coming back to see the rest. This park should be on your Pacific Northwest road trip agenda!

I got up early to take a hike solo in Hoh Rain Forest. The hubby’s ankle was still bothering him. This place was amazing!

We drove through Olympic National park towards Port Angeles. There was a beautiful lake.

We were going to try and drive to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center, but it was raining, and we didn’t have much time. Port Angeles was such a cute town! I wanted to eat at Bella Italia, but they were only open for dinner and we decided to rush through everything to try and see Austin this evening.

Purple Haze was a must do! Even though I already went to a lavender farm on San Juan Island, I had to see another one!

This one was bigger and sold white chocolate lavender ice cream! Ugh, yes, please! It was good, not as good as the huckleberry but still good. I spent way too much money in that lavender gift shop.

Made it to Port Townsend for the ferry. We walked around town until the ferry was ready to leave.

The rest of the day was spent watching Austin and then driving to our hotel in downtown Seattle.

Day 10: Seattle

Seattle Day! A must see city in Pacific Northwest!

First stop, Biscuit Bi$%#! for breakfast. Yummy! I got there 15 minutes before it opened for the day. By the time it did open, the line was already 20 people long!

Hopped on the monorail and headed to the Seattle Center. Seriously people, Seattle has a monorail! I almost said the Disney phrase when I got on “ Please stand clear of the doors…” Finally got to see the iconic Space Needle. It was under construction, so people recommended not going until it was complete. Plus, it was of course, cloudy.

Chihuly Garden and Glass has been on my bucket list for a while, so I was thrilled to finally be here. Crazy beautiful and amazing. I probably stayed here less than an hour.

Next stop, Museum of Pop Culture . I stayed a little over an hour here, but I did rush to meet back up with Patrick. Favorite exhibits: Marvel, Nirvana and the Fantasy area. You can read more about it here .

Pike Place is overwhelmingly amazing!!! So much to see and eat! And it’s super crowded!! We ended up staying here a couple hours longer than planned since it was cold and rainy.

The rest of the day was spent looking for a Walmart or Target. I bought way too many souvenirs, so we had to buy another suitcase to get everything back home….whoops.

Looking back over the whole trip, it was a LOT of driving! Like between 40-50 hours…the Pacific Northwest is huge! But I’m so glad I got to see all that I did!  Obviously, this itinerary isn’t for everyone, but hopefully it’ll help some who are on a time budget or some who have a couple weeks and can spend their time enjoying the different areas. The Pacific Northwest is such a beautiful area with so much to do! There’s something for everyone!

Bonus that I got some girl time and hubby time. We haven’t had a vacay with out kids in over 10 years, so this was much needed!

You might also enjoy:

Best Stops Along the Oregon Coast

New England Winter Road Trip

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