You can make Salt Lake City to Grand Teton National Park in about 5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 280 miles on US-89, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the park gates.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Salt Lake City
Aim to clear Salt Lake City before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 90 miles to Logan.
The headline stop on this route is Bear Lake raspberry shakes. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Logan
Logan sits about 90 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Star Valley is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Afton, the last stretch
Afton sits about 200 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Rolling into Grand Teton National Park
The final 80 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Jenny Lake and Mormon Row; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Bear Lake raspberry shakes, Star Valley and Jenny Lake and Mormon Row, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Jackson, WY is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along US-89 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
