Yellowstone National Park
The ride to this iconic destination takes you past majestic mountain ranges, deep blue lakes, and pristine valleys. With entrances located at the West, South, and East of the park boundaries, you have direct access to an excellent variety of routes, accommodations, camping, and other recreational opportunities.
At a Glance
Distance: 6 hours, 350 miles from Salt Lake City
Time Budget: 2 days to ride both park loop roads & stop to sightsee
Best Riding: May and September
Fees - US Residents: $30 for up to two motorcycles riding together (or an $80 Annual Park Pass)
Non-US Resident Fees: An additional $100 per person at the gate (or a $250 Annual Park Pass)
The Ride
With nearly 5 million of visitors touring the park every year, advance preparation is key to making the most of your limited time.
Most direct routes to Yellowstone:
West entrance: From Salt Lake City, follow I-15 North to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Take Route 20 until you reach West Yellowstone. Google Maps link
South entrance: From Salt Lake City, follow I-15 North to McCammon, Idaho. You'll go east to Soda Springs, head north then east into Thayne, then continue north on WY-89 then WY-191 through Jackson. Google Maps link
North and East entrances: Use these as exits to access Cody or Montana (including the Beartooth Hwy).
Most enjoyable route to Yellowstone:
We recommend riding to the South Entrance using the route linked below to eliminate a lot of time on I-15.
From Salt Lake City, follow I-15 North to Brigham City, Utah. Head northeast on US-89 (State Street) into Logan. Passing Bear Lake, continue on US-89 over the Wyoming border and through Star Valley before turning east in Alpine, WY. Follow US-89/191 through Jackson to Yellowstone. Grand Teton National Park will be on your left! Google Maps link
With no advance reservation system, you can encounter lines at the entry gates up to an hour long. Avoid lines by starting your day early and entering the park before 7am, or after 11am, when entry lines aren't as long.
Traffic through Yellowstone is notoriously slow in the summer, due to high amounts of visitors pulling over to take pictures of wildlife. Ride cautiously as you manuever around them.
Early and late season (April and October) snowstorms are not unusual - check your weather app in advance of your trip, and daily before you head out on your ride.
Be bear aware! If camping in or near the park boundaries where grizzlies roam, bring & know how to use a bear-resistant food canisters, use the food lockers provided at some campgrounds, or learn how to properly hang your pannier(s) from a tree to prevent bear encounters. \
Non US residents are subject to additional fees at Yellowstone National Park, learn more here
Read our Yellowstone blog post for more details about accommodations, food, and things to do.
Tips
Itinerary
The primary park infrastructure consists of a 142-mile road shaped like a giant figure-eight called The Grand Loop Road. It is entirely paved, well-maintained, and split into two primary circuits, an Upper Loop and a Lower Loop.
To ride the entire Grand Loop and see the best of Yellowstone's sights without rushing, we recommend budgeting two full days. Because of traffic, wildlife stoppages, and all the pictures you'll want to take, riding the 142-mile Grand Loop Road can take 10-12 hours to complete. If you don't plan on lodging within the park boundaries, budget extra time to travel to and from the boundary towns.
We suggest breaking the figure-8 loop into two day-long rides with time set aside to explore off the bike. You will need to adjust the order of the sites below based on whether you start at the North, West, East, or South Entrances.
The Upper Loop Highlights:
Norris Geyser Basin - the park's hottest, oldest, most volatile thermal area
Mammoth Hot Springs - A unique terraced hot springs
Tower Fall - 132 foot waterfall easily visible from the side of the road
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Like an oil painting come to life, incredible canyon and waterfall views
The Lower Loop Highlights:
Lower Geyser Basin - Walk the boardwalks to view geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mudpots, or take Firehole Lake Drive for a one-way loop past more geysers
Grand Prismatic Spring - A multicolored geyser basin, take a short 40-minute hike on the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail for a view from above
Old Faithful - This iconic geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes
West Thumb Geyser Basin & Yellowstone Lake - Colorful bubbling pools situated right next to the blue waters of the Lake
Hayden Valley - Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in this grassy valley
Images
Amenities
Fuel: Yellowstone has seven service stations located throughout the park.
Eat: Yellowstone has twelve general stores throughout the park where you can find food, amenities, and other goods. Places to go. There is also a variety of quick-serve restaurants, bakeries, and fine dining options within the park boundaries. Places to eat
Restrooms: Toilets available through the park.
Stay: There are 9 lodges within the park available in a range of tiers to satisfy many budgets. This is the best way to search options.
Camping: There are 11 campgrounds with over 2,000 established campsites within park boundaries, but advanced reservations are required! Dispersed camping is not allowed within Yellowstone except for hike-in backcountry camping, permits required.