If you’re looking for an epic road trip, look no further than this Denver to Yellowstone itinerary.
This trip covers over 1,000 miles of stunning scenery, from the Rocky Mountains to the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore, whether you’re hiking, biking, wildlife watching, or simply taking in the view from your car.
Best part, you can see not just one but two amazing USA destinations: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!
The Denver to Yellowstone road trip makes the perfect summer vacation.
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How far is Yellowstone National Park from Denver?
The drive from Denver to Jackson, which is the southern gateway to Yellowstone National Park is about 550 miles.
The drive takes about 8 hrs 30 mins with stops for essentials.
Jackson is a great place to base your stay as you have easy access to both the national parks.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is from June to September when the park is open.
However, if you are interested in seeing the parks’ wildlife then May or early June is your best bet as the animals will be more active.
September – early October can also be a good time to visit as the leaves start changing color but it can get cold at night.
November to February is the park’s off-season and many of the visitor centers, campgrounds, roads, and other services close down.
However, if you’re looking for a winter adventure then this is definitely the time to go!
Best places to stop on Denver to Yellowstone road trip
Here are the best places to stop on your road trip from Denver to Yellowstone National Park.
Denver
If you’re flying into the Mile High city, definitely take some time to explore its many attractions.
This vibrant city is home to great food, culture, and outdoor activities.
Popular things to do in Denver include visiting the Colorado State Capitol, touring the Coors Brewery, and hiking in nearby Red Rocks Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The first stop on this road trip route is the amazing Rocky Mountain National Park.
From Denver, it’s about a 1.5 hour scenic drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.
This beautiful park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado, including soaring peaks, mountain lakes, and rushing waterfalls.
Spend your day hiking or driving through the park, and be sure to take in the views from Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road.
Estes Park
The town of Estes Park is the perfect place to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, this charming town offers great restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities.
Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in Estes Park.
You can also take a scenic drive on the Peak to Peak Highway, which winds its way through Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fort Collins
After a day or two in Rocky Mountain National Park, head north to Fort Collins.
This charming college town is home to breweries, museums, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Laramie
Next, head west to Laramie.
This small town is home to the University of Wyoming and some great outdoor activities.
Spend your day hiking in the Medicine Bow National Forest or exploring the campus of the University of Wyoming.
Jackson
From Laramie, it’s about a 6 hour drive to Jackson.
Jackson, Wyoming is a picturesque mountain town that is the southern gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
It is located in the famous Jackson Hole Valley.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many hiking and biking trails, while those looking for a more urban experience can visit the charming main street with its unique shops and restaurants.
It is also well known for its art galleries, ski resorts, and festivals.
In winter, Jackson Hole is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort.
Spend a day or two in Jackson before exploring the national parks.
Grand Teton National Park
With over two million acres of protected land, Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States.
Whether you’re hiking through the forests or lakeside trails, fishing in Jackson Lake, or simply taking in the view from Signal Mountain Lodge, there’s something for everyone in this majestic park.
Walking through the park, you can feel the magnitude of the mountains.
The Tetons are a sight to behold and with every step, you become more entranced by them.
Grand Teton to Yellowstone South Entrance
From Jackson Hole / Grand Teton National Park it’s about a 1 hr to 1.5-hour drive to the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
The road is along US-191 N and it is open only in the summer.
The road goes through the beautiful Bridger Teton National Forest with its evergreen trees, mountains, and wildlife.
It’s a beautiful drive and you might even see some buffalo along the way!
Once you reach the entrance, you are now in one of the most famous national parks in the world – Yellowstone National Park!
This entrance is the most popular way to enter the park, as it provides easy access to many of the park’s main attractions.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and is visited by over millions of people every year.
Fun fact: Yellowstone is America’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is famous for its wildlife and its many unique geothermal features, including Old Faithful Geyser.
Did you know that there is a whole other world inside of Yellowstone National Park?
This world is full of natural wonders, including geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls.
Yellowstone is also home to a variety of animals, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves.
Yellowstone Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park.
The lake is the largest body of water in the park and is a great place to go fishing, boating, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Return to Denver
After a few days exploring Yellowstone, it’s time to head back to Denver.
On the way, be sure to stop at one of the many hot springs or natural parks for a last taste of nature before returning to the city.
And there you have it!
This is the perfect road trip for anyone looking to explore the best of Colorado and Wyoming this summer.
Did you like our Denver to Yellowstone National Park Road trip itinerary?
Let us know in the comments!