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| Start/End Point | Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City (Round Trip) |
| Duration | 9 Days |
| Total Distance | 983 mi |
| States Crossed | Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Fall |
| Ideal For | Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers |
Embarking on a motorhome journey from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is the ultimate way to experience the transition from sophisticated cityscapes to the untamed wilderness of the American West. Because this route is a round trip, it simplifies logistics, allowing you to pick up and drop off your RV in the same major hub. Over the course of 983 mi, you will cross four states, weaving through incredible landscapes that include prehistoric fossil beds, iconic geothermal features, and sweeping valleys teeming with wildlife.
Traveling by RV on this route encourages a slow travel mindset. Instead of rushing from hotel to hotel, your rolling home allows you to wake up near trailhead parking lots, enjoy a quiet breakfast before the crowds arrive, and truly immerse yourself in the natural rhythm of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you are seeking world-class hiking, educational museums, or old-west charm, this loop offers a diverse and unforgettable adventure.
To make the most of this 9-day adventure, it is best to break the 983 mi drive into manageable stages. This ensures you spend less time behind the wheel and more time exploring. For the detailed day-by-day stopping points, be sure to check the full plan on RV PLANET.
Your journey begins with engaging indoor explorations before hitting the open highway. You will transition from Salt Lake City's premier educational attractions, including the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and the Natural History of Utah, into the rugged terrain of Wyoming. The pace here is relaxed, allowing for hands-on activities like digging for ancient fish at Fossil Safari and exploring the Fossil Butte National Monument.
As you move closer to the dramatic peaks of the Tetons and the gateway to Yellowstone, the focus shifts to outdoor recreation and cultural heritage. Renting a bike with Teton Mountain Bike Tours offers a ground-level view of the stunning scenery. Evenings on this leg are all about relaxation and nostalgia, perfectly captured by the old-west atmosphere of the Bar J Chuckwagon.
This is the core of your trip, where the miles driven decrease and the time spent on foot increases. You will explore a series of spectacular trails, including the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail, Uncle Tom’s Trail, the Fairy Falls Trail Parking Lot area, and Mystic Falls Trail. The rhythm slows down as you sit and watch wildlife in Hayden Valley, marvel at Morning Glory Pool, and dive into the educational exhibits at the Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center Yellowstone Museum.
The final leg loops back through Idaho and Montana, mixing adrenaline with quirky local history. After soaring through the trees at Yellowstone Aerial Adventures- Zipline Adventure Park, you will wind down with visits to the Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe and the Idaho Falls Zoo before completing your loop back to Salt Lake City.
This route is packed with diverse attractions. Here is a look at the themes you will encounter:
This specific itinerary is designed for 9 days. This duration provides a perfect balance, allowing you to cover the 983 mi loop without feeling rushed, giving you ample time to hike, visit museums, and safely navigate the winding mountain roads.
Absolutely. The diversity of experiences—from fine dining and traditional chuckwagons to raw wilderness and interactive museums—makes this one of the most well-rounded RV trips in the American West. The convenience of starting and ending in a major hub like Salt Lake City adds to its appeal.
This journey is ideal for families, multi-generational groups, and outdoor enthusiasts. The mix of easy boardwalk trails around geysers, engaging museums, and thrilling ziplines means there is an activity suited for every age and physical ability level.
Late spring through early fall is the optimal window. Yellowstone's higher elevations mean snow can linger into May and return by October. Summer offers full access to all park roads, trails, and visitor centers, though you should expect larger crowds. For specific seasonal campground openings, consult RV PLANET.
Because this is a round trip starting and ending in Salt Lake City, you have a distinct advantage: you avoid the one-way drop fees that can sometimes inflate travel costs. When selecting your motorhome, consider the size of your travel party and your comfort level with driving mountain roads. A Class C or a nimble campervan is often ideal for navigating national park parking lots, while larger Class A motorhomes provide maximum comfort for families but require more planning for campground sizes.
When budgeting for this 983 mi journey, remember to factor in fuel (mountain driving can lower your MPG), campground fees (booking well in advance is essential for Yellowstone), national park entry passes, and attraction tickets like the zipline park and fossil digs. For live pricing, availability, and to find the perfect vehicle for your group, use the search tools provided below.
Ready to lock in your dates and hit the road? View the full day-by-day itinerary and book your RV on RV PLANET today!
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Native Campervans-24 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), El Monte-2026-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $320–$450 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $400–$650 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$450 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $300–$450 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg at $3.60/gal, 8 nights of mixed public/private camping, and summer travel rates. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Easing out of the city into prehistoric landscapes and interactive history.
Stepping into the Old West with mountain biking and chuckwagon dining.
A multi-day deep dive into geothermal wonders, iconic hikes, and wildlife watching.
Winding down through Idaho with unique museums and family attractions before returning to Utah.
Total cost for this 9-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 983 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Salt Lake City → Salt Lake City pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Salt Lake City pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Family Sleeper (FS) El Monte-2026-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 31.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Salt Lake City → Salt Lake City route.
Picking up in Salt Lake City but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: