Pick up camper van in Salt Lake City (van rental office; allow 1.5–2 hours). Brief orientation, inspect vehicle, stock water/propane and groceries at nearby Harmons or Whole Foods. (Van rental $120–220/day; pickup time 1.5–2 hrs)
Family-friendly spot near Liberty Park with large portions and kids’ menu. Good last-city meal before heading out. (Brunch $10–$20 per person; 1–1.25 hrs)
Stop for groceries, ice, charcoal, and fill gas. Fill propane if needed. Quick hardware stop for camp needs. (Groceries $80–160; 45–60 mins)
Take US-89 N → Logan Canyon scenic byway for a relaxed first drive. Consider picnic at Beaver Mountain trailhead or Tony Grove Lake turnout. (Drive 1–1.5 hrs incl. stops; gas $20–40)
Overnight at a dispersed campsite or small family campground outside Logan to get used to the van. Quiet evening, easy dinner, stargazing. (Camp fee $15–30; 10–12 hours on site including sleep)
Quick camp breakfast, coffee, pack coolers and layers for changing Yellowstone weather. (30–45 mins)
Drive north then east toward West Yellowstone entrance (approx. 5–6 hrs drive with stops). Stop in Preston or Montpelier for fuel/food. (Drive time ~5.5 hrs; gas $80–120)
Family-friendly lunch before entering the park. Quick menu options and main street shopping. (Lunch $12–18 per person; 1 hr)
Enter through West or South depending on road conditions—plan for 1.5–2 hours to Canyon area. Scenic pullouts for geysers and wildlife. (Drive 1.5–2 hrs; park entrance fee $35/vehicle, 7 days)
Set up camp at Canyon Campground (reserved). Short hike to nearby viewpoints. Relax and cook dinner at campsite. (Campsite fee reserved; settle 1–2 hrs)
Short, iconic hike to the Brink of the Lower Falls and Lookout Point (0.5–1 hr roundtrip). Great sunset photo ops. (Free; 45–60 mins)
Cook at campsite; check bulletin for ranger programs at Canyon Visitor Center (family-friendly). (Time to sleep ≈ 10–11 hrs)
Short drive to Artist Point for sunrise over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (20–30 mins). Spectacular views; short walks to viewpoints. (Free; 45–60 mins)
Easy breakfast; pack day packs for geyser loop and hikes. (45 mins)
Drive to Old Faithful/Upper Geyser Basin (1–1.25 hrs). Watch eruption; boardwalk strolls to multiple geysers and hot springs. If time, include a picnic. (Free with park entry; 2–3 hrs)
Picnic at designated area; family time. (Lunch $10–15 each if buying supplies; 45–60 mins)
Short waterfall hike options: Uncle Tom’s Trail (steep steps to lower canyon viewpoint) or additional canyon overlooks. Not strenuous if chosen. (1–1.5 hrs)
Yellowstone doesn’t have commercial tubing runs inside the main developed areas—recommend short river-edge play at allowed pullouts (supervised). Alternatively, book a private rafting near Gardiner (outside park) if available. (If rafting: $70–120 per person, half-day)
Evening relax; s'mores, wildlife watching from a safe distance. (Camp time: overnight)
Break camp, early start toward East/West exit depending on planned stop in Cody or head south to Grand Teton corridor. (1 hr)
Drive east through scenic Lamar Valley to Cody (~3–4 hrs). Consider Cody Nite Rodeo (seasonal—begins late June, nightly in summer around 8:00PM). Visit Buffalo Bill Center of the West and local museums. (Buffalo Bill Center $18–20/adult; rodeo tickets $15–30/adult)
If skipping Cody, drive south through Yellowstone toward Grand Teton area, plan to arrive at Jackson Hole/Colter Bay area early evening. (Drive ~5–6 hrs incl. stops)
Eat in a gateway town (Cody or West Yellowstone/Idaho Falls or Jackson depending on route). (Lunch $12–20 per person; 1 hr)
Explore small-town shops, plan evening activities—if Cody day, attend the Cody rodeo (typical start ~8PM). If in Jackson Hole, walk Town Square and dinner. (Evening time varies)
Drive to Colter Bay Village on Jackson Lake (enter Grand Teton National Park). Scenic drive through Jackson Hole valley. (Drive time depends on starting point; from Cody ~2 hrs)
Set up camp at Colter Bay (site reserved). Explore the marina and visitor area. (Camp check-in and settle: 1–1.5 hrs)
Dornan’s had great views of the Tetons and casual dining; Colter Bay picnic areas offer lakeside views. (Lunch $12–25 per person; 1 hr)
Take boat shuttle across Jenny Lake (~10–15 min), then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point (1.5–2.5 hrs roundtrip). Iconic, family-friendly waterfall hike. (Boat shuttle $12–20/adult, $6–10/child; hike free; total 2.5–3 hrs)
Relax at shoreline, rent a kayak or take a swim in designated areas (water's cold). Kayak rentals at Colter Bay (approx. $20–40/hr). (1–2 hrs)
Check for ranger-led evening talks at Colter Bay; family campfire time. (Camp overnight)
Early morning photography and wildlife viewing at Oxbow Bend; great chance for moose/elk/wolf sightings. (Free; 45–60 mins)
Simple breakfast at camp. (45 mins)
Drive to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and ride the Bridger Gondola/Aerial Tram (rides depart frequently; 30–60 min experience). Spectacular alpine views, easy summit walks. (Roundtrip tram $25–40/adult, kids discounted; total including drive ~3 hrs)
Family-friendly lunch with great sandwiches and pastry options; stroll Town Square and antler arches. (Lunch $12–25 per person; 1–1.5 hrs)
Book a family-friendly ATV tour or guided horseback ride outside Jackson; many outfitters offer kid-friendly options. (ATV $120–200 per vehicle/hr; guided horseback $50–120 per person for 1–2 hrs)
Camp dinner, pack for next day. (Camp overnight)
Pack and depart early to maximize travel time toward Utah. (1 hr)
Long driving day: Grand Teton → Idaho Falls → Pocatello → Orem area (approx. 6–7 hrs driving). Stop for lunch in Idaho Falls (Snake River views). (Gas $60–100; 6–7 hrs)
Stay near Orem/Mountain View area for easy morning van return. Consider a restful evening pizza or family diner. (Hotel $120–200; campsite $20–40)
Return camper van to rental location in Orem (allow 1–2 hours for inspection and paperwork). (Van drop-off completed by mid-morning; no cost beyond rental fees)
Pickup a compact or SUV rental for Park City portion. Confirm GPS/child seat if needed. (Rental car $50–100/day; pickup 30–60 mins)
Scenic drive up to Park City. Check into Park City accommodation. (Drive time ~1–1.25 hrs)
Historic Main Street calories and early afternoon exploring. (Lunch $12–30 per person; 1–1.5 hrs)
Fun family attractions: Alpine Slide, Woodward Park City, or mountain coaster (seasonal). Great first-day activity to unwind. (Rides $10–30 per person; 1–2 hrs)
Choose family-friendly with mountain views; Riverhorse offers river view dining on Main Street. (Dinner $20–60 per person; 1.5–2 hrs)
Grab breakfast before morning activities. (30–45 mins)
Family-friendly trails and scenic overlooks; Swaner EcoCenter has interactive exhibits. (Free or small fee; 2–3 hrs)
Casual lunch; kids’ options available. (1 hr)
Interactive museum, summer bobsled rides (family-friendly, age/weight limits), ropes course, and alpine slide. (Admission $15–30; activities additional $20–60; 2–3 hrs)
Relaxed evening near lodging. (1.5 hrs)
Drive west on I-80 to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Walk on the salt, family photos, and games. (Drive ~1.5–2 hrs each way; gas $30–60)
Walk and play on vast salt surface; bring sun protection and water. Avoid vehicles off marked access points if wet. (Free; 1–1.5 hrs)
Family-friendly diners and local cafes. (1 hr)
Light dinner and free time. (Evening free)
Swim, float, or rent SUPs/kayaks; family beach time and picnic. (Rental kayak $20–50/hr; day use fee small; 3–4 hrs)
Relaxed mid-day meal and rest. (1 hr)
Short museum visit explaining mining history; fun for older kids. (Admission $8–12/adult; 1–1.5 hrs)
Evening free; early bedtime for next day. (1.5 hrs)
Morning guided horseback ride or family ATV tour into the Wasatch backcountry. Book in advance. (Horseback $50–120 pp; ATV pricing varies, 2–3 hrs)
Return to Park City for lunch and downtime. (1–1.5 hrs)
Cool off, pool games, rest. (1.5–2 hrs)
Family-friendly evening options on Main Street. (1.5–2 hrs)
Take scenic chairlift to mid-mountain, hike easy alpine trails or join guided interpretive walk. (Chairlift $20–35 per person; 2–3 hrs)
Mountain cafes or back into town. (1–1.5 hrs)
Family-friendly tubing on the Provo River (commercial launches near Orem/Provo). Book commercial tubing for safety. (Commercial tubing $20–50 per person; 2–3 hrs)
Fuel up for the Utah Royals game next day. (1.5–2 hrs)
Stroll Main Street, souvenirs, and rest. (2 hrs)
Head to stadium for Utah Royals match (confirm stadium location/time). Pre-game meal near stadium. (Game tickets vary $15–60; arrive 60–90 mins early)
Attend Utah Royals match — enjoy family soccer atmosphere. (Game length ~2–2.5 hrs; concessions available; cost variable)
Celebrate game night with dessert or hearty meal. (1–1.5 hrs)
Pack, check out, and head home or to airport depending on your plans. (1.5 hrs)
Take a short family hike with final scenic views before departure. (1–2 hrs)
Drive home or to airport—end of itinerary. (Travel time varies)
Explore Soda Springs in Idaho (geyser and family park), the seldom-crowded Lewis Falls in Yellowstone off South Loop pullouts, the minute but spectacular Menan Buttes viewpoint near Idaho Falls, and Park City’s Prospector Square for low-key cafes. Locals love the weekly farmers’ market on lower Main Street and the secret swim holes along the Provo River near Heber—ask ranger/outfitters for safe spots and conditions.