Salt Lake City to Grand Teton National Park Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Distance: ~325 miles | Drive Time: 5-6 hours
This spectacular 325-mile journey from Salt Lake City to Grand Teton National Park showcases dramatic alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and the iconic Teton Range across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. The best time to visit is late May through October, when mountain passes are clear and campgrounds are fully operational. Key highlights include Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, Bear Lake's turquoise waters, and Jackson Hole's Wild West charm, making this route perfect for RV enthusiasts seeking mountain majesty and outdoor adventure. Plan 3-5 days for a leisurely exploration that includes time to enjoy Grand Teton's hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Ready to roll? Start your mountain adventure with Salt Lake City RV rentals and discover why this route ranks among America's most scenic drives.
Point of Interest
Jardine Juniper Trail
The Jardine Juniper Trail is an 11.5-mile round-trip out-and-back mountain bike trail with an elevation change of about 1850 feet. At the end of the trail is Utah's oldest tree, the Jardine Juniper, which is estimated to be about 3200 years old.
The trail is an intermediate single-track hillclimb which is considered to be one of Utah's best trails of that type. That's a bold statement considering how many great mountain biking sites there are in the state. On the trip back to the tree site, you will pass through all sorts of environments, including lush forest, open meadows, beautiful valleys, and overlooks with majestic views of the surrounding areas of Utah.
The trail is located off the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway listed below. Along the highway, there are several campgrounds available where you can set up a base camp for your ride.
Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
This 41-mile stretch along US-89 ranks among America's most spectacular mountain drives, winding through limestone cliffs and pristine forests between Logan and Garden City. The route follows the Logan River through diverse ecosystems, from cottonwood-lined valley floors to high-elevation spruce and fir forests. Each season transforms the landscape—spring wildflowers carpet meadows, summer brings lush green canopies, fall erupts in golden aspen displays, and winter creates dramatic snow-covered vistas.
The canyon offers numerous pull-offs for photography and short hikes, including the popular Wind Caves Trail (1.1 miles) and Jardine Juniper Trail for adventurous mountain bikers. Several developed campgrounds provide convenient overnight stops, though advance reservations are recommended during peak season.
Bear Lake
Known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies," Bear Lake's stunning turquoise waters create an almost surreal contrast against surrounding mountain peaks. This natural lake straddles the Utah-Idaho border and offers excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, and photography. The unique color results from limestone particles suspended in the water, creating Instagram-worthy vistas year-round.
Don't miss the famous raspberry shakes at local establishments in Garden City—they're a regional tradition that perfectly complements the scenic experience. Several state parks around the lake offer camping and day-use facilities, making them ideal for lunch stops or overnight destinations.
Star Valley, Wyoming
This picturesque valley showcases classic Western ranch landscapes and charming small towns like Afton, home to the world's largest elk antler arch spanning the main street. The 18-foot arch, constructed entirely from naturally shed elk antlers, serves as a quirky photo opportunity and symbol of the region's abundant wildlife.
Star Valley's wide-open spaces provide dramatic mountain backdrops and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Local ranches offer horseback riding experiences, while the valley's numerous streams provide excellent fishing for those with Wyoming licenses.
Jackson Hole
This legendary Wild West town serves as the perfect base for Grand Teton exploration, offering upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment in an authentic Western setting. The famous town square features four distinctive elk antler arches and hosts summer concerts and festivals. Jackson's elevated location at 6,200 feet provides cooler temperatures and serves as an excellent acclimatization stop before entering higher elevations.
Consider Jackson RV rentals if you're planning an extended stay or want to explore the area thoroughly. The town offers numerous outdoor gear shops for last-minute supplies and serves as a hub for guided wildlife tours and river rafting adventures.
For more mountain adventure inspiration, explore our comprehensive Grand Teton National Park guide and discover the wonders of nearby Yellowstone National Park.
Planning a broader Western adventure? Check out our Boise to Yellowstone National Park road trip guide for additional route options.
Summary
Grand Teton National Park is one of the crown jewels of the national park system, located just south of Yellowstone National Park in western Wyoming. While Yellowstone's famous thermal features attract more visitors, Grand Teton has superior natural beauty and is the nicer park for activities that allow you to escape the crowds and become one with nature.
Outdoor activities in a grand natural environment are the big thing here. Hiking, backcountry hiking, cycling, horseback riding, mountaineering, and paddling are all great activities to engage in. One of the most serene activities is to canoe Jackson Lake on a warm, sunny summer morning. Silently gliding across the glass-smooth crystal clear lake waters with the phenomenal mountain backdrop is amazing. A classic mountain road trip moment.
There are three concessionaires that offer horseback riding trips into the park. They are Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch, Grand Teton Lodge Company, and Triangle X Ranch. Most rides are guided group rides of a half-hour or more. Horseback riding experience is generally not necessary, but appropriate clothing and adherence to a number of other rules is. Make sure you check the requirements before booking your trip.
Another great activity is a rafting trip down the Snake River. These trips cover a 10 mile stretch of the river and can include a stop for lunch or dinner. During the trip, your boat guide will give information about the local area and wildlife.
After a long day in the wilderness, you'll probably want to head into Jackson. This is an upscale small town on the south end of the park. The central square with its elkhorn arches gives the town a welcoming western feel. A spa session at Amangani is a great way to work out the relax after a long day in the park. You can follow that up with a meal at any one of the amazing restaurants in town.
There are several campgrounds that support primitive and RV camping within the park. Due to the park's popularity, it is recommended that you make reservations for camping in advance, particularly during the peak summer months.
