Whether you’re looking to explore as many national parks as possible or you want to revel in the majestic mountains, a Denver to Yellowstone road trip is perfect for you.
This Denver to Yellowstone road trip route has it all. You’ll pass through cities and small towns if you’re looking for a bit of urban life, but you’ll be most in awe of the nature you’ll see along the way. The route passed by three different national parks and connect to the beautiful scenery with some outdoor adventure activities. At the end of each busy day, you’ll be able to relax with a beer and a delicious meal at one of the local diners or saloons.
Stops
1. Denver, Colorado
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
3. Laramie, Wyoming
4. Jackson, Wyoming
5. Grand Teton National Park
6. Yellowstone National Park
Info at a glance
- 2 Weeks
- Type of route: Nature
- 6 stops along the way
- Distance: 680 miles of driving
Highlights
- Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and gaze in awe at the mountains.
- Learn about Native American culture and spend time with wild horses in Wind River, Wyoming.
- Explore Jackson, Wyoming, and engage in some water activities.
- See the unique landscape of Grand Teton National Park.
- Wonder at sights in the country’s first national park, Yellowstone
Starting point and how to get there
This road trip starts and ends in Denver, Colorado. If you’re coming from another part of the country, you can fly into the Denver International Airport and rent a car directly from there. With SIXT, it is easy to rent an SUV meant for your comfort. If you’re using your own car, Denver is well connected. You can drive in on Interstate 70 from the east or west or I-25 from the north or south. You can also travel to Denver by Amtrak train from at least 315 other cities in the country.
Packing, best season to visit
While this road trip is beautiful year-round, it’s best to do it during the summer so you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities your destinations will offer. Visit between the months of May and October to make sure the attractions you want to visit will be open and the weather won’t be too cold for you to enjoy your time outdoors. You’ll want to pack lots of layers in case it gets chilly at night. You’ll also want gear including swimsuits, water shoes, towels, and the like. Sturdy shoes are also a must, especially if you plan on hiking. And don’t forget the sunscreen and water bottle. Lastly, pack a rain jacket, plenty of T-shirts and shorts, and your camera.
Tolls/traffic and driving tips
Throughout Colorado, you can drive 65 miles per hour on interstates and 55 mph on other highways. However, on this road trip you may be driving on mountain roads and need to drive slower. You won’t encounter any toll roads on the route in Colorado, or in Wyoming or Utah. In Wyoming and Utah, the speed limit on interstates is 80 mph.
What to know about the route
This 1,300-mile road trip is full of natural wonders. Starting in Denver, you’ll take Highway 36 past Boulder and into Rocky Mountain National Park. Explore the park for a day or two before heading even further north on I-25 into Wyoming. You’ll pass by Cheyenne before heading west on I-80 to Laramie. From there, you’ll continue heading northwest on I-80 up to Jackson and the Grand Teton National Park. The next stop after this is the highlight: Yellowstone National Park. Since this is mainly a nature road trip, an SUV with four-wheel drive would be perfectly suited to carry all your gear and handle any road conditions. To enjoy your trip with your dream car for a long time, check out weekly rental cars from SIXT.
Denver, Colorado
The capital of Colorado has a lot to offer. Also known as the Mile-High City, Denver is home to incredible natural beauty, a unique cultural scene, and plenty of live events for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. With live music and craft beer galore, the downtown area is always bustling no matter the season. Also great for hiking and a good starting point for ski trips, Denver is beautiful all year.
Points of interest
No matter when you visit, there’s always something to do in Denver. Check the schedule at the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to see if you can catch a gig while you’re in town. Titanic fans will love visiting the Molly Brown House Museum. And don’t miss Larimer Square, the most vibrant place in the city. The square is home to historic buildings, markets, indie shops and incredible dining.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
You may not know that Denver is the birthplace of the cheeseburger. Head to Bob’s Atomic Burgers to try one. Denver is also home to a unique style of Mexican food known as Den-Mex, so order yourself a pork green chile solo. Denver is a great place for craft beer lovers, so hit up First Draft Taproom & Kitchen to indulge in a few pints. If you’re staying overnight, there are options ranging from luxury hotels to hip hostels.
Sixt Insider Tip
Visit the Denver Zine Library to discover over 15,000 zines that preserve the history and development of the do-it-yourself publishing culture of the city.
From Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park (66 miles)
Next, you’re headed northwest to the Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll take US Highway 36 W, also known as the Denver Boulder Turnpike, out of the city and up to Boulder. You can stop for a quick bite in Boulder if you’d like before heading into the mountains. You’ll enjoy watching the landscape change from urban to majestic mountains in the span of a few minutes.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park takes up 415 square miles of beautiful mountain landscapes. A great place for hiking, stargazing, biking and more, you’ll want to explore as much of this park as you possibly can during your road trip. Take Trail Ridge Road over the Continental Divide, the country’s highest continuous paved road, up 12,000 feet to discover overlooks, wildlife and more.
Points of interest
Trail Ridge Road will lead you to many of the attractions within the park that should be at the top of your priority list. The Forest Canyon Overlook will give you a panoramic view of Longs Peak, Stones Peak, Hayden Gorge, and Gorge Lakes. Hike to Bear Lake, the national park’s shortest and most popular hiking trail. The majestic Alberta Falls are also worth a visit.
Sixt Insider Tip
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure activities to get your adrenaline pumping, try your hand at mountaineering, or if you’re visiting in the winter, ice climbing. This is suitable for all levels and there are tour companies to guide you.
From Rocky Mountain National Park to Laramie (140 miles)
As you leave Rocky Mountain National Park via US Highway 34 W to I-25, you’ll drive north through some smaller Colorado towns and cross the state border into Wyoming. You’ll be driving through Cheyenne in case you want to stop and grab something to eat. Then you’ll be taking I-80 West towards Laramie, Wyoming.
Laramie, Wyoming
Situated at the edge of the Snowy Mountain Range, Laramie and the surrounding area is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. Downtown Laramie is the perfect place to enjoy a microbrew from one (or several) of the microbreweries located just steps from each other. There are also plenty of outdoor adventure activities to explore and friendly locals to guide you along the way.
Points of interest
Downtown Laramie is home to several historic sites, including the Wyoming Territorial Prison and the Wyoming House for Historic Women. You may also want to drive along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway on Highway 130 for incredible views of glacial lakes and snowcapped mountain peaks.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Laramie is a great place to enjoy local food and microbrews in the downtown area. Try Accomplice Mycro-Pub and The Library Sports Grille & Brewery. Laramie is also home to plenty of hotel chains or boutique options.
Sixt Insider Tip
Check out Vee Bar Guest Ranch for evening campfires, delicious local food, and horseback riding. They also offer a small bed & breakfast accommodation option.
From Laramie to Jackson (383 miles)
There are tons of small Wyoming towns with hot springs once you leave Laramie and head north via I-80 W. Break up the long drive by stopping to take a dip in one of these. You’ll also pass the Wind River Indian Reservation and the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, Wyoming.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson might be a small town, but it packs a big punch when it comes to outdoor adventure activities. This Old West town is perfect for adrenaline junkies and families with small kids alike. Located just 15 minutes from the Grand Teton National Park, you’ll want to spend a few nights here to explore the town. Enjoy beautiful scenery, live events, and a taste of cowboy culture.
Points of interest
You’ll want to explore the downtown area of Jackson itself. Home to the Jackson Town Square, the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, and the Jackson Hole Rodeo, exploring this town on foot is an experience like you’ve never had before.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
There are plenty of homey local options for eating and drinking in Jackson. Check out the Snake River Grill and Local Restaurant & Bar for delicious local eats and brews. There are also plenty of lodging options in Jackson, whether you’re looking for a simple chain hotel or a mountain resort.
Sixt Insider Tip
Get out on the water at Snake River by going whitewater rafting or kayaking if you’re road tripping during the summer months. There are also other water sports activities available if rafting or kayaking aren’t your thing.
From Jackson to Grand Teton National Park (5 miles)
Watch the scenery become even more intense during your short drive from town into the national park itself.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a true treasure. Home to massive mountains, serene lakes and beautiful alpine forests, you may never want to leave. Be sure to give yourself at least a couple days to explore everything this park has to offer.
Points of interest
Drive the 42-mile loop to explore the entire park, but be sure not to miss the drive up to Signal Mountain. The Jackson Lake Overlook is arguably one of the best views you’ll have during this entire road trip. Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls are other must-sees.
Sixt Insider Tip
The national park is also home to tons of wildlife. The best way to encounter the animals in a safe way is to take an open-air wildlife safari tour through the park with a guide that will tell you all about what you’re seeing.
From Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park (57 miles)
Watch the scenery change and get even more beautiful as you take US-191 N up to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park
You’ve finally reached Yellowstone! Spanning almost 3,500 square miles, this park is a volcanic hotspot. Famous for its geysers, thermal springs, impressive canyons and diverse wildlife, there’s so much to explore here. You’ll want to dedicate several days to exploring all Yellowstone has to offer. This is one of the most visited national parks in the country, though, so it can get crowded. Figure out what attractions you want to see and try to hit those in the early mornings to beat the crowds.
Points of interest
You’ve probably already heard of many of Yellowstone’s major attractions. Old Faithful is undoubtedly the most famous in the park. This geyser erupts on schedule and there’s even an app for you to track it so you don’t miss it. You’ll also want to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake and the Norris Geyser Basin. You can drive between all these different attractions or you can opt to hike for a while, taking your time to explore the park and encounter unique wildlife along the way.
Sixt Insider Tip
Yellowstone offers very few opportunities to swim or soak in the natural hot springs, but swimming is allowed at both the Boiling River Swim Area and the Firehole River Swim Area.
