Rocky Mountain Family Camper & Park City Escape (June 27–July 11, 2026)

Salt Lake City → Yellowstone NP (via I‑15/I‑84/I‑90) → Grand Teton NP → West Yellowstone → Orem (van return) → Park City (rental car) → Salt Flats day trip → Park City departure.

Itinerary (Camper Van: Jun 27–Jul 4; Park City stay: Jul 4–11)

• 8:00AM Jun 27: Depart Salt Lake City, UT

  Leave Salt Lake City heading north on I‑15 toward Idaho, then east to West Yellowstone — scenic drive with stops. Expect desert-into-mountains transition and picnic opportunities at Weber Canyon. (Gas & food: ~$80, Drive time: 5.5–6.5 hrs including stops.)

• 4:00PM Jun 27: Arrive West Yellowstone / Campground check-in (Night 1)

  Settle at a West Yellowstone campground (e.g., Madison or nearby private site). Use this base before entering Yellowstone—groceries, pump water, ranger info. (Camp fee: $30–$60, Time: 2–3 hrs for setup & evening).

• 7:30AM Jun 28: Enter Yellowstone National Park — Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin

  Drive into Yellowstone via West Entrance to the Upper Geyser Basin. Watch Old Faithful eruption, boardwalks, and visitor center exhibits. (Park fee: $35/vehicle or included in annual pass; Time: 3–4 hrs; Photo ops & short hikes.)

• 12:30PM Jun 28: Midday at Biscuit Basin & Morning Glory Pool

  Short drives and boardwalks to colorful thermal features north of Old Faithful. Great for family-friendly, easy walks and geothermal education. (Free with park entry, Time: 1–1.5 hrs.)

• 3:00PM Jun 28: Camp Night 2 inside/near Yellowstone (Night 2)

  Camp at a reserved Yellowstone campground (Madison, Grant Village, or Canyon area depending on route). Evenings are ideal for ranger programs and wildlife viewing at dusk. (Camp fee: $20–$35, Time: evening.)

• 8:00AM Jun 29: Yellowstone — Hayden Valley & Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

  Drive to Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing (bison, elk, possible bears), then to the Canyon area for Artist Point and Upper/Lower Falls viewpoints. (Time: 4–5 hrs including short hikes; Gas & snacks: ~$30.)

• 2:00PM Jun 29: West Thumb & Lake Yellowstone

  Explore thermal features on Yellowstone Lake’s western shore—thermal pools with lake views and easy boardwalks. Ideal picnic spot on the water. (Time: 1–2 hrs.)

• 6:00PM Jun 29: Camp Night 3 inside/near Yellowstone (Night 3)

  Return to campground for dinner and stargazing—Yellowstone’s dark skies are excellent for families. (Camp fee: $20–$35, Time: evening.)

• 8:00AM Jun 30: Depart Yellowstone → Drive south toward Grand Teton National Park

  Leave Yellowstone via the South Entrance. Scenic drive into Grand Teton with stops at John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway overlooks. (Drive time: ~1–2 hrs to reach central Teton sites; Gas: ~$30.)

• 10:30AM Jun 30: Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls hike

  Visit Jenny Lake Visitor Center, take the boat shuttle (optional) and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for classic Teton views. (Park fee covered from Yellowstone pass or $35; Time: 2–3 hrs; Boat shuttle ~$10/person roundtrip.)

• 3:00PM Jun 30: Cruise scenic Teton viewpoints — Signal Mountain & Oxbow Bend

  Drive along Moose-Wilson Road and Teton Park Road to Signal Mountain Summit and Oxbow Bend for sunset photos and wildlife. (Time: 2–3 hrs; small parking fees none beyond park entry.)

• 7:00PM Jun 30: Camp Night 4 in Grand Teton NP area (Night 4 of roadtrip)

  Camp at a Grand Teton campground (e.g., Jenny Lake, Gros Ventre, or Colter Bay). Evening ranger talks and lake shore walks are family-friendly. (Camp fee: $20–$40, Time: evening.)

• 9:00AM Jul 1: Explore Colter Bay & Moose Visitor Center

  Visit Colter Bay for visitor exhibits, short lakeside trails, and canoe/kayak options. Stop at Moose Visitor Center for natural history displays. (Rental canoe/kayak: $30–$60/hr; Time: 3–4 hrs.)

• 2:00PM Jul 1: Scenic drive to Jackson Hole — optional shopping & dinner

  Drive to Jackson for family dining, town square photos, and optional grocery/restock before heading north. (Meals & shopping: ~$80–$150; Time: 2–3 hrs roundtrip.)

• 8:00AM Jul 2: Morning wildlife drive & short hikes

  Early morning is prime for moose, elk, and birdwatching along Moose-Wilson Road and flats. Short family hikes like String Lake Loop (~1–2 hrs) are ideal. (Time: 3–4 hrs; Free with park entry.)

• 2:00PM Jul 2: Return toward West Yellowstone area / prepare for van return

  Begin driving back toward Orem area; overnight near West Yellowstone or convenient stop en route to Orem to break the long drive. (Gas & lodging/campsite: ~$100, Drive time: 4–5 hrs.)

• 6:00PM Jul 3: Overnight near Idaho/Utah border (flex night)

  Stop at a family-friendly campground or motel en route to Orem; rest before the final return. (Lodging/camp: $50–$120, Time: evening.)

• 9:00AM Jul 4: Drive to Orem, UT — Camper van return by noon

  Complete final leg to Orem; refuel, clean out camper, and return rental van at arranged drop-off. (Van cleaning/refuel: $50–$150; Return time target: by 12:00PM.)

• 1:00PM Jul 4: Pickup rental car in Orem, drive to Park City and check in (Jul 4–11)

  Short scenic drive up to Park City (approx. 35–45 mins). Check into lodging and relax. Use link to check hotel/flight prices: Check hotels & flights. (Rental car & lodging: ~$60–$120/day + lodging $150–$350/night.)

• 3:00PM Jul 5: Park City Main Street & Alpine Coaster

  Stroll historic Main Street boutiques and galleries, then ride the Park City Mountain Alpine Coaster for family thrills. Great restaurants and ice cream for kids. (Coaster: $15–$25/person, Time: 2–3 hrs.)

• 9:00AM Jul 6: Day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats

  Drive ~1.5 hrs west from Park City to the Salt Flats (I‑80 west). Explore the surreal salt crust, take photos, and have a picnic—ideal in morning/late afternoon light. (Drive time: 3–4 hrs roundtrip; Gas: ~$40; Time on flats: 1–2 hrs.)

• 3:00PM Jul 7: Utah Olympic Park & mountain activities

  Visit Utah Olympic Park for museum exhibits, ropes course, zipline, and family-friendly adventure activities. Great for active kids and sports fans. (Admission/activities: $20–$120 per activity; Time: 3–4 hrs.)

• 9:00AM Jul 8: Hiking — Round Valley or Armstrong Trail family hikes

  Choose easy to moderate family trails with scenic vistas and wildflowers. Pack snacks and water; great for bikes or stroller‑friendly sections. (Free, Time: 2–4 hrs.)

• 10:00AM Jul 9: Park City Mining Museum & Main Street exploration

  Educational visit to the Park City Museum to learn silver‑mining history, followed by more shopping and an early dinner on Main Street. (Museum admission: $10–$15/adult, Time: 2–3 hrs.)

• 9:00AM Jul 10: Free day — choose mountain biking, scenic lift, or pool time

  Flexible family day: take the scenic chairlift, try beginner mountain biking, or relax at hotel/resort pool. Reserve activities in advance for summer weekends. (Activity costs: $20–$80/person; Time: variable.)

• Check-out Jul 11: Depart Park City

  Return rental car and depart as planned. Use Kayak link for last-minute flights or stays: Check hotels & flights. (Travel/return costs vary.)

Estimated Costs Summary

• Camper van (rental & insurance estimate for 7 days): $1,200–$2,200
• Campground fees (5 nights): $100–$200
• Park fees (Yellowstone/Grand Teton entry if separate): $35–$70
• Fuel (roadtrip + Park City driving): $250–$450
• Rental car (Jul 4–11): $300–$700
• Lodging Park City (7 nights): $1,050–$2,450
• Food, activities, misc: $600–$1,200
• Estimated total (family of 3–5): $3,635–$7,270

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore the less-crowded north shore of Yellowstone Lake, the Elk Ranch Flats for sunrise wildlife, and the small Museum of the Rockies exhibits near West Yellowstone. In Park City, locals love the Rail Trail for easy biking, and the nearby Guardsman Pass (seasonal) for wildflower meadows and quiet alpine views.