I visited Yellowstone National Park as a kid and remember Old Faithful and the huckleberry ice cream … but didn’t experience the real nitty gritty of it until I went again 24 years later. Almost as exciting as the natural wonder of the park itself was getting there.
You can fly directly to Montana for an easy drive in, but what fun is that? Flying into Salt Lake City is not only less expensive, but the five-or-so hour drive north (and back) is stunning. From towering mountains and clear blue lakes to salt flats and a ton of history (and pretty great food), there’s a lot to see and do between SLC and Yellowstone. I put together my favorite stops and landmarks along the Yellowstone Loop to make the journey memorable—from a glamping experience to bird refuges and winter sports, and all the chocolate shops in between.
I was fortunate to experience this trip last year, and am planning a repeat sooner than later!
Start: SLC, Utah
Stop 1: Brigham, Utah
Stop 2: Logan, Utah
Stop 3: Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Stop 4: West Yellowstone, Montana
Stop 5: Yellowstone National Park
Stop 6: Grand Teton National Park
Stop 7: Garden City, UT & Bear Lake
End: SLC, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
The Crossroads of the West that’s nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain ranges is the perfect spot to begin your journey north. Its stunning landscape is thanks to the fact that it’s the epicenter of three geological formations. And since the city is making big moves in the coming year with the promise of a new airport, flights are more reasonable and accessible than ever.
Brigham, Utah
The small town prides itself on its history, and it has plenty of it. Being the closest town to the spot where the golden spike was hammered in 1869 to complete the Transcontinental Railroad, it truly connects the east and the west.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge: Take a ride along the 12 mile auto loop of this 74,000 acre refuge designated in 1928 and considered one of the best birding destinations in the world. Take stops along the way to observe its residents like ibis, teals, swans and more, and climb some of the observation towers to take in the vast space.
2155 W Forest Street, Brigham City, Utah | fws.gov
Idle Isle Cafe: Opened in early 1920s, this diner is a mainstay for the town. You’ll find Rotary Club meetings and regulars who have been dining there for decades. Don’t miss the candy shop across the street that’s owned by the family who opened it for a piece of their decadent almond cream toffee.
24 S Main Street, Brigham City, Utah | idleislecafe.com
Peach City: This little ice cream shop originally opened in 1937 and serves up homemade ice cream alongside burgers. This little shop has about as much history as the city!
306 N Main Street, Brigham City, Utah | thepeachcity.com
Crystal Hot Springs: Just 15 minutes outside of Brigham, these hot springs open for swimming have the highest mineral content springs in the United States. Once used by Native American tribes and then wounded WWII veterans, these springs will give you a chance to relax in either cold or hot spring pools.
8215 N Highway 38, Honeyville, Utah | crystalhotsprings.net
Logan, Utah
In Logan, you can take in the incredible scenery while taking advantage of numerous outdoor activities by day and enjoy the vibrant performing arts scene by night. This town’s founders wanted to make great entertainment accessible to Utah residents, so when they were passing through, they did their best to incentivise the talent to stay for a performance or two. Thanks to their efforts, Logan has three historic theaters (all on the same city block) still functioning today, and pieces from many of their visual artists are shown across the country. For those more intrigued by outdoor activities, you’ll find fishing (fly and regular), snowmobiling, skiing at the longest-running family-owned ski resort AND the newest ski resort US, hiking, bird watching, and more in this hilly town.
American West Heritage Center: This 65-acre historic center offers an experience not to be missed. It’s a short trip back in time to the 1820s when mountain men first explored the area; learn what their homes, diets, and family life was like thanks to costumed guides versed in the region’s history. Don’t miss the chance to get hands-on with hatchet throwing, cow milking, and log-sawing experiences offered to guests. Plan ahead and enjoy one of the many seasonal carnivals they offer to enhance your visit further.
4025 S. Hwy 89-91, Wellsville, Utah | awhc.org
Aggie Ice Cream: Utah State University has been the local ice cream of choice since 1888! The small ice cream shop tucked in a building on the Utah State University campus offers their signature flavors along with milk from their local cows on tap and grab-and-go dairy options like their famous cheeses.
750 N 1200 E, Logan, Utah (inside Utah State University) | aggieicecream.usu.edu
Caffe Ibis: Stop in for a cup of some of the best coffee in the west from one of the locations of Caffe Ibis. Make sure to grab a bag of their bird-friendly, organic coffee to take home. We loved the Highlander Grogg, thanks to its of Scotch whisky and hazelnut notes.
52 Federal Avenue, Logan, Utah | caffeibis.com
Bluebird Candy Co.: This candy shop that opened in 1914 offers a look at their entire candy making process on their tour, from melting to packaging. Taste a piece or two and you’ll walk out with multiple boxes from this historic candy factory. Get more of the Bluebird experience at their B&B (https://www.thebluebirdinn.com/) located on Bear Lake that offers six themed guest rooms. (We just hope they leave a chocolate on the pillow each night!)
75 W. Center Street, Logan, Utah | bluebirdcandy.com
Angie’s: You’ll want to bring your appetite to this diner that’s dubbed “where the locals eat.” They serve breakfast all day and their deep fried scones (sweet and savory fry breads) for those with a sweet tooth or not. Finish off your meal with The Kitchen Sink, a dessert worthy of multiple Insta stories served in an actual kitchen sink. If you finish the whole sink, you’re gifted a bumper sticker to proclaim your victory to the world. Light eaters need not apply.
690 North Main Street, Logan, Utah | angiesrest.com
Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway: When leaving Logan, this scenic byway is the only road to take. The 43 miles through Logan Canyon are truly awe-inspiring thanks to the vast, untouched land offering dramatic landscapes and unique terrain. Just don’t expect to post any pictures, because this is real wilderness … which means there’s no phone service.
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
The quaint town is the home of plenty of summer fun from jumping into the river for a quick tubing trip or a relaxing weekend in the hot springs.
Lava Hot Springs: These outdoor natural spring-fed pools give visitors the chance to bask in pools of various temperatures while taking in the crisp mountain air. If a relaxing soak isn’t your fancy, visit their olympic-sized pool complete with diving boards and family entertainment.
Alpaca Inn: This quaint 13-unit inn sits just off Main Street and is a cozy place to nestle in for a couple nights. The name is more than a hipster homing beacon; the couple who owns the inn actually raises alpacas! Make sure to ask the couple about their beginnings and how they got their first buck-toothed fur baby that became the namesake of their inn.
90 S 1st E, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho | lavaalpacainn.com
Lava Zipline and Ropes: Take a ride on one of their many ziplines and enjoy some thrills and sweeping views of the private canyon. One admission price allows for multiple rides
155 Main St, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho | lavazipline.com
The Royal Pizzeria: The royalty of this restaurant is their pizza and calzones. The quick service will hardly give you an excuse to order your second local beer, but go ahead and order seconds … of both.
11 Main St, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho | facebook.com/lavapizzeria
Chuck Wagon: Huddle up here for an early breakfast before beginning your Lava Hot Springs adventures. They have a vast menu, but their skillets steal the show.
211 E Main St, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Take a Hike: Get away from the hustle and bustle of the little town and make your way into the hills for a quick hike. Thanks to the diverse terrain surrounding the town, you’ll get an eyeful and perhaps even see some wildlife.
West Yellowstone, Montana
This is as far as the road goes before Yellowstone’s vast wilderness closes in. Just a mile from the west entrance to the park, this small town is the perfect jumping off point for Yellowstone visitors and those looking to fit a little more in a day. Surrounded by national forests, there are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, ATVing, fishing, and biking to occupy your days.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: Have you always wanted to meet a bear without having to play dead? See rescued grizzlies, birds of prey and wolves up close at this small but well-populated wildlife park. If you’re a fan of a nice cooler, try to catch one of their “cooler tests”, in which the bears are given cooler prototypes to test their integrity. They’re quite literally “bear tested”!
201 S Canyon Street, West Yellowstone, Montana | grizzlydiscoveryctr.org
Bullwinkle’s Saloon & Eatery: This family-friendly restaurant makes a mean Huckleberry Bread Pudding to follow their rich Elk Ravioli and salad bar. Stop by their attached liquor store on the way out that’s open 365 days a year for a bottle of local huckleberry vodka.
115 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, Montana | yellowstonebullwinkles.com
Yellowstone National Park
With four ingress points, this 3,500-square mile patch of the United States spans across portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Towering volcanic mountains, colorful hydrothermal pools, rolling alpine-lined rivers, waterfalls, and numerous other natural awe-inducing formations give visitors endless experiences. If you plan to stay in the park itself, there are nine lodges within the park, but make sure to reserve around a year in advance. (Look into the chance for a Full Moon Old Faithful viewing if you stay locally!)
Attractions that are not to be missed (beyond our favorite, Old Faithful):
- Grand Prismatic Hot Spring – the largest hot spring in the country with an extraordinary spectrum of colors rings in at 132º F
- Mud Volcano Thermal Area – contains various features including the Sulphur Cauldron that rings in at the same pH level as battery acid
- Steamboat Geyser (Norris Geyser Basin) – the tallest active geyser in the world
- Silex Spring & Fountain Paint Pots (Lower Geyser Basin) – a boardwalk area with a complete collection of formations in one walking tour
- Excelsior Geyser Crater (Midway Geyser Basin) – a large open hot spring that throws off extreme steam from a colorful spring
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Some tips:
- Take your time. Don’t try to fit too much in a day because speed limits are all under 45mph … and that’s without bison jams!
- Go early or at dusk to avoid crowds and potentially see more wildlife.
- Be respectful of the animals; keep your distance.
- There isn’t any phone service in the park, so plan ahead!
- Don’t miss the huckleberry ice cream while you watch Old Faithful!
Grand Teton National Park
This 310,000-acre park featuring 200 miles of trails and the Snake River made famous by Ansel Adams could, like Yellowstone, be a trip in itself. With sweeping views of the mountains from miles away at the Snake River Overlook off of Highway 89.
The route will take you through Jackson, Wyoming after the Tetons. Stop in town and grab a bite. We didn’t stay long here, so I don’t have a ton of recommendations, but it’s a beautiful drive leaving Jackson! (In the winter, you can obviously ski here, too!)
Garden City, Utah & Bear Lake
Heading back south after a visit to Yellowstone you’ll find breathtaking scenery on the drive between Jackson Hole and Salt Lake City. A stop in the Bear Lake region offers activities to entertain and the mystery of the Bear Lake Monster. The various annual festivals like Raspberry Days and the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest wherein attendees dip their fishing poles in hopes of catching the native Cisco Fish bring droves of visitors to the region. For those more adventurous, take a chilly dip during their annual polar plunge that benefits Common Grounds.
MUST VISITS
Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort: By far one of the most unique lodging options in the area, this “glamping” village hosts guests in anything from covered wagons to family-friendly tents with views of the bright blue waters of Bear Lake. Bring your tribe together for a late-night bonfire with a make-your-own s’mores kit from the gift shop before you get cozy in their supremely comfortable beds. Rest up for the day’s activities like yoga, hiking, horseback riding, and nearby cave tours.
427 N Paradise Parkway, Garden City, Utah | conestogaranch.com
Bear Lake: Stop at this 109 square mile freshwater lake that straddles the Utah/Idaho border known as the Caribbean of the Rockies for an afternoon on this crystal blue lake and enjoy water sports like off-roading, SUP, boating and kayaking during the warmer months and winter sports like snowmobiling when the chill takes over.
Garden City, Utah
Campfire Grill: Set on the grounds of Conestoga Ranch, this rustic restaurant’s fare is an absolute delight for the palate. When weather permits, the large scale tent’s sides are rolled back for diners to enjoy the sweeping views from the dinner table. The food and the views will encourage a relaxed meal that will cause you to lose track of time, just make sure to leave time for dessert.
427 N Paradise Parkway, Garden City, Utah (on Conestoga Ranch Resort) | campfiregrillrestaurant.com
Cody’s Gastro Garage: This diner’s menu is as large as the portions. With all menu items made in-house, you’ll taste the quality in every delicious bite. With cinnamon rolls as large as your head, this is a great spot for a hearty breakfast to start your full day of adventures around Bear Lake.
88 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, Utah | codysgastrogarage.com
PRO TIPS:
- If you’re able to, visit in the Spring or Fall (known as the shoulder season); there’s more drama because the land and animals are in flux. You’ll see baby animals in the spring and fiery leaves in the fall.
- Take your time. If possible, plan at least a week for this trip. Life is best lived at a leisurely pace.
- Make a plan. There’s so much to see between Yellowstone and Salt Lake City that there’s no reason to double back!