Beautiful mountain side hikes, popular hot springs, stunning hidden waterfront views and some cute local spots? This is just a glimpse of what you can expect when you take a road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole. And as someone who loves a good pit stop or two, especially when they are hidden gems, i’ve totally got you! This scenic drive is jam packed with some GOOD stuff!
And here is the thing, we have been making this drive for the last 7 years because we spend every summer with family in Jackson Hole so i’ve scoped out some of the best spots to truly make your road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole truly top tier! And for those who like to bring their dogs along, most of these spots are dog-friendly!
This guide shares the best road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole Itinerary! I have included everything from the ultimate pit stops to best tips along the way.
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Explore the best pit stops on a road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole! From the stunning mountains to the hidden gems, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore and experience. So whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, this road trip guide has something for everyone!
@herjoliejourney BEST DETOUR WORTHY HIDDEN GEMS ON THE WAY TO JACKSON HOLE! This is just a glimpse of what you can expect when you take a road trip to Jackson Hole. And as someone who loves a good pit stop or two, this scenic drive is jam packed with some GOOD stuff! So make sure to SAVE for your next road trip to Jackson Hole! . #jacksonhole #jacksonholewyoming #wyoming #beautifuldestinations ♬ Please Please Please x Super Trouper - ALTÉGO
Drive Time from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole: The drive time from Salt Lake City, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming is approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The distance is around 280 miles (450 kilometers). The most common route is via I-15 North and US-89 North, which takes you through scenic areas and small towns along the way.
Start by heading north on I-15 N from Salt Lake City. Continue for approximately 140 miles. Take exit 167 for US-30 E toward Montpelier. Follow US-30 E for about 70 miles. Turn right onto US-89 S and drive for about 10 miles to reach Cottonwood Lake.
Continue south on US-89 S for about 25 miles to Afton. Visit the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch and nearby Intermittent Springs. From Afton, head south on US-89 S for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto Murphy Lane and drive for about 2 miles to reach Murphy Lake.
Return to US-89 S and continue for another 8 miles to Jacz Drive-in and Mini Golf. Continue south on US-89 S for about 30 miles to Palisades. Proceed another 35 miles south to Lunch Counter. Drive 15 miles south to Astoria Hot Springs. Finally, continue on US-89 S for 10 miles to arrive in Jackson Hole.
This guide starts in Salt Lake City, Utah and the spots are outlined in chronological order, because I like to keep things organized here. I have included details on driving distance, duration and any other insider info you need to know. Keep in mind that some spots outlined on this list are harder to reach than others and may not be possible to hit all in one day. But don’t worry, if it’s summertime, the sun won’t leave you until 9 pm! You’ll want to start early.
I am going to let you in on a secret, this has got to be my all time favorite local spot in Wyoming!!! This mountainside lake is SO picturesque, but Mother Nature really makes you work for this view. It’s not an easy route to reach the lake, but it is absolutely worth it. And rest assured, you can get here without 4WD but you will need to drive slow because the road is not well maintained. But this is the real highlight of your road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole.
Want to know how to get here? If you’re looking for Cottonwood Lake, you’ll want to make a right turn onto Cottonwood Creek Road/County Road 153 from United States Highway 89. Once you enter the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the road turns into Forest Service Road 10208 (FS-10208). Follow that for about 6 miles and you’ll see signs pointing you in the right direction. Just a friendly heads up, the road conditions are pretty rough so it might take around 30 minutes to reach your destination. But trust me, it’s definitely worth the trip!
Welcome to the lovely town of Afton, Wyoming! Here, you cannot miss the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch, which is simply incredible. The arch stretches across all four lanes of U.S. Route 89 and stands tall at 18-feet while it spans 75-feet wide.
You will be awestruck by its grand size and beauty. But, what is truly amazing is that the arch is made with naturally discarded antlers, collected under permit from the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to ensure the safety of elks. To make the arch even more special, local artist Jonathan “The Bear Man” LaBenne sculpted two life-size bull elks with their antlers locked in combat, giving back to his hometown. This spot is hard to miss on your road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole.
At the base of a mountain near Afton, Wyoming lies the amazing natural wonder of Intermittent Spring (also known as Periodic Spring). With only a few springs like it found in the world, this phenomenon is truly one-of-a-kind! Every few minutes, the spring starts and stops in a mesmerizing rhythm that even scientists can’t explain.
Since its discovery by a logger, this spring has become a popular attraction. Flowing continuously for 18 minutes before stopping for another 18, give or take a few minutes, it’s thought that Afton spring may be the largest of three with a similar pattern.
Just a heads up – the Intermittent Spring is usually most active in late summer, so if you’re planning a visit, that might be a great time to go check it out. There is nothing else like this on your road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole.
This hike is a popular spot among locals, and it’s easy to see why! I hike this trail every summer, and it never gets old. You are rewarded with beautiful views as soon as you start the trail. The pathway cuts through a beautiful mountain range with a lovely little creek that follows alongside much of the trail. And if you visit in the summer, you may be rewarded with wildflowers that fill this valley.
The entirety of the trail is 7.5 miles round trip and ranges from moderate to difficult. We turn around as soon as we hit the grove of trees about 2 miles in but if you’re limited on time you can pick your stopping point. Please be advised there have been bear and mountain lion sightings on this trail, so exercise caution.
You’ll probably want to stop for some food on your road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole and this place this good just hits differently! Jacz has been a favorite local Wyoming staple since 2016 and trust me when I say it will be your new obsession. Most of the ingredients here are locally sourced, which explains why the food is just so good here. And the menu is HUGE, so you will have plenty to choose from.
As of 2024, you’ll find a fun 19-hole miniature golf course right next door to Jacz. All 19 holes are sponsored and designed by local businesses.
The Palisades Reservoir is an absolutely beautiful spot that straddles the Idaho-Wyoming border. The Palisades Dam on the upper Snake River holds back this lovely reservoir, which is known for its hot spot for trout, especially cutthroat. This amazing place is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and offers so many fun activities to do. You can take a dip in the water or maybe bring a paddleboard or kayak. If you’re in a hurry and need a quick stop on your road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole, this place is perfect for you!
You can never have too many waterfront stops on your road trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole, especially a stop like Murphy Lake. Just a couple miles west up Murphy Creek Road, you’ll find a lovely little lake with a hidden gem of a boat launch waiting for you. There are some great spots to relax and have a picnic on either side of the lake outlet, and you’ll find a convenient restroom at the parking area.
Just head east from Alpine on Greys River Road / Forest Service Road 10138 (FS-10138), it’s only about 8 miles away. Keep right at the junction to stay on FS-10138 and follow it southeast for 6.6 miles. Finally, take a right turn onto Murphy Creek Road / FS-10002 and go 2.2 miles until you reach your destination on the left. It does take some time to reach this lake, so you will want to build in some time to get here. You do not need 4WD, but the road is not paved so you will need to take your time.
Looking for a quick and easy hike with stunning views? Check out this 0.4-mile trek to the Lunch Counter overlook! From there, you can take in the breathtaking sight of the Big Kahuna rapids and maybe even spot some adorable otters. You may even see some brave folks kayaking and boating down the rapids! It’s no surprise that this spot is famous for its incredible views of the Snake River rapids. So why not head over for some amazing scenery in Wyoming?
The spot is called ‘Pullout for Big Kahuna on Snake River’ just off of Highway 89. Once you get there, you will find three trails starting from the parking area. We recommend taking the trail that leads down to the overlook, where you can enjoy the stunning views. If you want to explore the other two trails, don’t forget to check out the National Forest Website here
Astoria Hot Springs is only 15 miles south of Jackson in Wyoming’s Snake River Canyon. You can enjoy multiple natural hot springs pools with different temperatures and all the amenities you need like changing rooms, restrooms, and picnic areas. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters while admiring the breathtaking views. You might even get a chance to catch some wildlife on camera while you’re at it!
Just remember to make a reservation, especially during peak season, and there is a small admission fee, but it’s totally worth it. Plus, it’s good to know that the hot springs are sustainably managed and maintained with environmental conservation in mind.
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