The Ultimate Road Trip from Las Vegas to Yellowstone National Park

This Las Vegas to Yellowstone road trip takes you from neon nightlife through incredible natural wonders before ending at the country’s oldest national park.
Written by Georgina Grant
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
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This road trip will take you from the neon nightlife of Las Vegas through some of the most incredible natural wonders of the United States, before ending at the nation’s oldest national park: Yellowstone.
Experience the wonders of the American West, as you travel through stunning natural vistas on your road trip from Las Vegas to Yellowstone National Park. Explore sandstone canyons, historic lodges, and geothermal wonders.
But before you hit the road, download the free insurance comparison app
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and check out the roadside assistance program. It features jump starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, and more so that you can enjoy the scenery worry-free.

Key trip details

lv to yellowstone map
Distance: 1,107 miles
Driving time: 18 hours and 25 minutes
Suggested length of trip 2 to 4 days

Itinerary

 Las Vegas, NV
  •  Zion National Park
  •  Bryce Canyon National Park
  •  Salt Lake City, UT
  •  Twin Falls, ID
  •  Jackson Hole, WY
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Start: Las Vegas, NV

They call it Sin City for a reason! With clubs, resorts, and casinos galore, Las Vegas is an entertainment mecca in the
Nevada
portion of the Mojave Desert.

What to see in Las Vegas 

Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas, Nevada
  •  
    Las Vegas Strip
    : A trip to Las Vegas wouldn’t quite feel right without a visit to the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Home to some of the world’s most famous casinos, hotels, and event venues, you could easily get lost exploring the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, the Venetian, and more. 
  •  
    Neon Museum
    : When the nightlife gets too overwhelming, check out the Neon Museum and Neon Boneyard Park, where retired neon signs from old casinos are laid to rest.

Where to eat and drink

  •  
    Atomic Liquors
    ($$): For a little taste of history, check out Atomic Liquors ($$), the oldest free-standing bar in the city. After opening in 1952, this tavern got the very first liquor store license in Las Vegas, allowing locals to enjoy cocktails while watching nearby tests of the atomic bomb. Thankfully, the bomb testing has ended, but Atomic Liquors and The Kitchen at Atomic ($$), next door, are still very much in business.
  •  
    Soulbelly BQQ
    ($$): For something a little bit more modern, head on over to Soulbelly BBQ ($$), a newly opened barbecue joint headed by Top Chef contestant Bruce Kalman.

Las Vegas to Zion National Park

160 miles, 2 hours 40 minutes
Although it would be easy to spend your entire vacation in Las Vegas, it’s time to head out along Interstate 15.

What to do in Zion National Park

Zion National Park
  •  Explore the landscape: With breathtaking mountain vistas and red canyon cliffs carved by the Virgin River, you’ll see incredible views while hiking through Zion. Explore the waterfalls of the
    Emerald Pools
    and the steep gorge of the Zion Narrows.
  •  
    Valley of Fire State Park
    : If you’re in the mood for Aztec sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs, make a stop at Valley of Fire State Park, about 46 miles outside of Las Vegas. Otherwise, continue through the desert to your next stop—Zion National Park in southwestern
    Utah
    .

Where to eat and drink in Zion National Park

  •  
    Red Rock Grill
    ($$): Stop for lunch or dinner at Red Rock Grill at the Zion Lodge, with amazing views over the floor of the canyon.

Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park

73 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
Take in the incredible views of the mountains while driving along Route 89.

What to do from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion National Park
  •  
    Bryce Amphitheater hoodoos
    : Bryce Canyon is most notable for its hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock clustered all over the park. They make for some spectacular vistas—especially in ¥Bryce Amphitheater. Be sure to observe the hoodoos at different times of day to see their unique shadows.
  •  See Thor’s Hammer: Don’t miss Thor’s Hammer, one of the most distinctive rock formations in the park. And for the best views, hike one of the popular trails, like Navajo Loop.

Where to eat and drink in Bryce Canyon National Park

  • Lodge at Bryce Canyon
    ($$): Stop (or stay the night) at the iconic Lodge at Bryce Canyon for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Built in 1924, the Lodge has a grand stone fireplace and a storied history.

Bryce Canyon National Park to Salt Lake City, UT

268 miles, 4 hours
Once you’ve got your fill of the hoodoos (if that’s possible), get back on I-15 and wind your way up to Salt Lake City, the capital of
Utah
.

What to do in Salt Lake City

Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City, Utah
  •  
    Wasatch Mountains
    : Founded by Mormon pioneers, Salt Lake City (SLC) has evolved into a thriving city set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. It’s a home base for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages, meaning that hiking and skiing are always popular, depending on the time of year.

Where to eat and drink in Salt Lake City

  •  Try local brews: Experience SLC’s thriving craft beer scene at
    Squatters Brew Pub
    ($$) and
    Wasatch Brewery
    ($$). 
  •  
    Red Iguana
    ($$): For dinner, head over to Red Iguana, a family-owned Mexican restaurant that’s gathered a cult-like following since opening its doors in 1985. It’s so popular that the owners opened a second location only two blocks away!
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Salt Lake City to Twin Falls, ID

219 miles, 3 hours 15 minutes
Wave goodbye to Utah, as you take I-84 through the mountains and into southern
Idaho
.

What to do in Twin Falls

Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls, Idaho
  •  
    Snake River Canyon
    : Located at the gateway to Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls is best known for its exquisite waterfall. One of the largest natural waterfalls in the country, Shoshone Falls is even taller than Niagara Falls!

Where to eat in Twin Falls

  •  
    Elevation 486
    ($$): Perched atop the south rim of Snake River Canyon, Elevation 486 takes dining with a view to a whole new level.

Twin Falls to Jackson Hole, WY

283 miles, 4 hours 15 minutes
Take route 26 for a pit stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, a lava field with more than 25 volcanic cones. Walking across the volcanic landscape is an otherworldly experience that you won’t want to miss. Afterward, continue east into
Wyoming
.

What to do in Jackson Hole

Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
  •  
    Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
    : Explore the slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. With its breathtaking scenery and Wild Wild West atmosphere, what’s not to love about Jackson Hole? 
  •  
    Grand Teton National Park
    : Next, head over to Grand Teton National Park to admire the magnificent wilderness and mountain peaks. Look out for moose, bison, and grizzly bears!

Where to eat and drink in Jackson Hole

  •  
    Piste Mountain Bistro
    ($$$): Take the Bridger Gondola to enjoy drinks and a view at Piste Mountain Bistro, overlooking the mountains. 

Jackson Hole to Yellowstone National Park

48 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
You’ll pass exquisite lakes, mountains, and canyons along one of the most beautiful drives in the United States.

What to see in Yellowstone

Old Faithful geyser, Yellow Stone National Park, Wyoming
  •  
    Old Faithful
    : End your trip at the oldest national park in the U.S. Yellowstone boasts geothermal hot spots, hot springs, and geysers, like the iconic Old Faithful. 
  •  
    Yellowstone Caldera:
    You’ll want to visit the Yellowstone Caldera, a volcanic caldera and supervolcano, as well as the brilliantly colorful Grand Prismatic Spring
  • Other must-see spots: Other spots you can’t miss are The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley, and Mammoth Hot Springs. 

Where to eat in Yellowstone

  •  
    Bullwinkle’s Saloon and Eatery
    ($$): Another popular option is Bullwinkle’s Saloon and Eatery, which features an extensive food menu and a selection of local beers.

Where to stay in Yellowstone

  •  
    Old Faithful Inn
    : Try to stay at The Old Faithful Inn ($$$), which is a national historic landmark hotel built in 1904. If you can’t reserve a room, it’s still worth visiting just to see the beautiful building that’s considered the largest log structure in the world.

Why you need roadside assistance

Now that you’re prepared for this scenic road trip, it’s time to make sure that you—and your car—are ready for the long drive.
In addition to having ample
car insurance
, prepare by getting roadside assistance.
Jerry’s
roadside assistance program
can help you with any unexpected emergency services you may need during your road trip, like vehicle towing, fuel delivery, or rental vehicle roadside reimbursement—and it’s only $6.99 per month for one car!

Finding cheap car insurance

Jerry
can also help you find the lowest rates on your car insurance by compiling competitive
quotes
from insurance providers so that you don’t have to spend your time comparison shopping for the best rates.
Jerry will even handle the calls and paperwork once you decide to switch—and help you cancel your old policy, too!
The best part? The average Jerry customer saves nearly $900 per month on their car insurance.
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