Itinerary Summary
An SUV loop of about 2,800 km opens with Salt Lake City, Jackson and Grand Teton, then Yellowstone's South Entrance for the Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Canyon and Mammoth Hot Springs. T…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Salt Lake City arrival and SUV pickup
10:00
2h
Rental SUV pickup at Salt Lake City airport
Clear immigration and take the rental shuttle to the consolidated car centre. Book an SUV with all-wheel drive and add a second driver if you plan long days, then photograph the bodywork before you leave the lot.
📍 Salt Lake City International Airport
13:00
1.5h
Supermarket stock-up for the parks
Fill a cooler with water, ice, fruit and sandwich supplies, since park stores are expensive and limited. Buy a refillable bottle and download offline maps for Wyoming, Utah and Arizona before leaving town.
📍 Salt Lake City
18:00
1.5h
Dinner at a downtown Salt Lake restaurant
Eat near Temple Square, where the grid is easy to walk and parking is simple. Liquor laws are strict here, so expect beer on tap at a lower strength and a limited wine list in some restaurants.
📍 Downtown Salt Lake City
💡 Pro Tip: Collect the car at Salt Lake City airport and stock up on water, a cooler and a parks pass before leaving town. The America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself at three or more national parks. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the United States visa section. Mountain Time is UTC-7, or UTC-6 in summer, and phone signal disappears for long stretches in the parks.
Days 2-12 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$1,73035%
Park lodges and roadside motels, 11 nights
Food & DiningUS$99020%
BBQ brisket, Navajo tacos and fry bread on the road
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book lodging inside Yellowstone and Grand Teton?+
Park lodges and campgrounds open bookings months ahead, and in-park rooms at Yellowstone and Grand Teton sell out fastest for June to August. Reserve as soon as your dates are fixed, often six months out, then build the driving route around what you can secure rather than the reverse.
Is a one-way SUV rental from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas expensive?+
One-way rentals between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas usually carry a drop-off fee, which varies by company and season. Compare total prices including the fee rather than the daily rate alone. Book an SUV with enough luggage space early, and check whether unlimited mileage and a second driver are included.
When can I drive all the roads in Yellowstone, Zion and Bryce Canyon?+
Most park roads are fully open from late May to September, which is why this loop is best in that window. Snow closes some Yellowstone and Bryce sections from October into spring. Zion's shuttle is mandatory in peak season, and Angels Landing needs a separate permit obtained by lottery.
Do I need a park pass for Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Zion?+
Yes. Each park charges an entrance fee, and the America the Beautiful annual pass usually works out cheaper than paying separately for four or more parks on this route. Buy it at the first staffed entrance station or online. Keep the pass visible and check each park's site for current fees.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 12 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $4,190–5,680 (≈ €3,640–4,940), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: hard
- Best for: Nature & Outdoors
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