Yellowstone Loop

• Temple Square
• Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City
• Salt Lake City

Salt Lake continues to be the gateway for travelers venturing northward to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Its compact downtown makes for easy walking among the many restaurants, bars, and other attractions that bring life to the city center. Visit historic Temple Square, shop at City Creek Center, or curl up with a book in the soaring glass atrium of the Moshe Safdie and Associates-designed City Library. Overnight in Salt Lake City

• Antelope Island State Park
• Ogden's Historic 25th Street
• American West Heritage Center

Get an early start for a side trip to Antelope Island State Park. Lunch on Ogden’s historic 25th Street. Once upon a time, saloons stood side by side with businesses, which thrived on Ogden's status as a railroad hub. Next, discover what life in the West was like in the 1800s at the American West Heritage Center where you’ll join costumed interpreters to enjoy hands-on learning as you visit the mountain men encampment, pioneer cabins, and a turn-of-the-century farm. Finish your day in Logan exploring great dining and world-class performing arts like the Utah Festival Opera. Overnight in Logan.

• Logan Canyon Hiking
• Bear Lake
• Beaver Creek Lodge

Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway boasts 43 miles of uncrowded scenery with dramatic limestone cliffs, wildflowers and the Logan River en route to Jackson, Wyoming. Hike the trails or stop at Beaver Creek Lodge for horseback or all-terrain vehicle rides. It's all on the way to Bear Lake, a must-see for lunch and afternoon water activities. Bear Lake is a deep natural lake that changes color with the sky. On the southwest shore of Bear Lake, the town of Garden City is perhaps best known for its legendary raspberry shakes. Overnight here or continue north and overnight in Jackson.

• Jackson, Wyoming
• Jenny Lake Grand Teton
• Hiking Grand Teton

A small town with lots to see and do during any season, Jackson is the southern gateway to Grand Teton National Park. With some of the most beautiful mountain vistas in the world, some say Grand Teton National Park is the more scenic of the two parks. Photograph the iconic barns of Mormon Row, canoe Jenny Lake, follow in the footsteps of Ansel Adams at the Snake River Overlook, hike, climb, and breathe the mountain air. This park is a treasure. Overnight in Jackson.

• Old Faithful
• Yellowstone Wild Life
• West Yellowstone

Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park. This rugged landscape is home to extensive wildlife, beautiful scenic drives, and unforgettably iconic destinations like Old Faithful. The town of West Yellowstone, located just outside the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is a year-round, family-friendly destination. Nestled among majestic mountain peaks, and surrounded by natural scenic wonders, the town is rich in history and activities. Overnight in West Yellowstone or continue on to Pocatello, Idaho.

• Pocatello & Lava Hot Springs
• Golden Spike
• Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

After a morning of history (and hot springs soaking) in Idaho, venture on to the Golden Spike National Historic Site, a tribute to the perseverance and talents of all who worked to complete the transcontinental railroad. Two beautiful, fully-functional replicas of the original locomotives are on display from May 1 through Labor Day, with reenactments on Saturdays during summer. Continue on to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. This refuge offers some of the most phenomenal waterbird watching in the western U.S. Overnight in Brigham City.

• Deer Valley In Summer
• Park City
• Jordanelle Reservoir

Park City, Utah, could certainly stake a rightful claim to being the “perfect mountain town.” Combining its silver mining heritage, a modern vibe, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Park City strikes a balance between luxury and comfort. Whatever your daily activity may be (say, biking Deer Valley or stand-up paddleboarding at Jordanelle), you’ll work up an appetite for the diversity of fine restaurants that line Historic Main Street and beyond and want to wind down with a local craft beer or whiskey. Overnight in Park City.

• Utah Field House
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Flaming Gorge

Step back in time 159 million years to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Experience the Wall of Bones and beyond. The Vernal area is also home to three distinct state parks, hiking, rafting and Old West and Native American history. Continue to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where trophy trout fishing awaits on the reservoir and below the dam on the Green River. Take a paddling trail on emerald waters surrounded by deep red rock canyons. There are also uncrowded trails through untamed forests and lots of opportunities to see wildlife. Plan two or three days, if possible.