Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Allow the full day for travel from Ireland to Jackson Hole Airport. Flight timings and connections need confirming, and after landing budget 45–60 minutes for immigration, baggage, and rental-car pickup. The drive into Jackson takes about 20 minutes via US-191; airport rental desks are on-site, and taxis or pre-booked transfers are alternatives if you are too tired to drive. Pick up groceries and water in town if needed, then keep the evening deliberately easy—jet lag and the altitude make an early night worthwhile.
Once checked in, walk to Jackson Town Square for a gentle first look at town. The four elk-antler arches are the obvious photo stop, but take time to wander the surrounding blocks of Cache Street and Glenwood Street, where western storefronts and mountain views give you an immediate sense of place. Allow around 45 minutes; the square is open-air and free, though it can feel chilly after sunset, even in summer.
Have dinner at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on West Broadway, an atmospheric Jackson institution with saddle-style bar stools, Western memorabilia, and a relaxed menu. Allow roughly 1½ hours and about $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. It is a good first-night choice because it is central and walkable from the square; if you have a rental car, avoid driving afterward, as parking downtown is limited and the town is easiest to explore on foot. Check current kitchen hours and any live-music schedule before setting out, then return to your accommodation for an early night ahead of tomorrow’s full sightseeing day.
Start early at the National Elk Refuge, just north of Jackson, allowing around 1½ hours for the scenic refuge road and wildlife viewing. The road is best treated as a slow, flexible drive rather than a quick lookout stop: bring binoculars, keep well back from animals, and expect conditions to vary with season and weather. Access is generally free, though the refuge road can have seasonal restrictions; check the refuge’s current road status before leaving. From central Jackson, allow roughly 15 minutes by car, and use the signed pull-offs rather than stopping on the main road.
Continue north into Grand Teton National Park to Schwabacher Landing, about 35–45 minutes from the refuge depending on traffic and your stops. This is one of the easiest places to get the classic Teton reflection view, especially in calm morning conditions. Give yourself about 45 minutes, using the short riverside trail and boardwalk near the parking area. Grand Teton requires a park pass—typically around $20–35 per private vehicle depending on the pass type—and facilities are limited, so carry water and a snack.
After Schwabacher Landing, drive south and then north again toward the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Jenny Lake Overlook, allowing about 30–40 minutes between areas with normal park traffic. The drive is the point here: pull over where viewpoints appeal, but do not try to turn this into a full lake hike. Spend roughly 1½ hours around the shoreline scenery and overlook, with sturdy shoes for uneven paths. Parking can fill quickly in peak periods, so arriving earlier helps; in shoulder or winter seasons, roads and lakeside access may be restricted.
Continue north toward Signal Mountain Summit Road for the late-afternoon view across Jackson Lake and the valley. Allow approximately 45 minutes to reach the turnoff from the Jenny Lake area, then around an hour for the summit road and viewpoints. The road is narrow and winding, with limited parking at the top, and is commonly seasonal; check Grand Teton road conditions before setting out. Return to Jackson afterward, allowing 45–60 minutes rather than relying on an exact drive time, particularly around dusk when wildlife is active.
Finish with dinner at Snake River Brewing in downtown Jackson, a relaxed choice after a long day outdoors. Budget around $25–45 per person before drinks and gratuity; a short wait is possible at busy dinner times, so joining the list before walking around the Town Square is sensible. Keep the evening easy—tomorrow involves the long drive toward Yellowstone—so refuel the car, check the next day’s road conditions, and confirm that the South Entrance and the roads toward West Yellowstone are open before turning in.
Leave Jackson around 6:30–7:00 am with a full tank, allowing roughly 3–4 hours to reach West Yellowstone via US-191 and the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. That estimate includes park-entrance queues, wildlife-related slowdowns, and short roadside stops; in peak season, the approach can take longer. Keep your rental agreement, driving licence, and park pass readily accessible, and check Yellowstone National Park road conditions before setting out. Rather than driving straight to town, follow the planned route north to West Thumb Geyser Basin, with restrooms and basic supplies available at major visitor areas.
Spend about an hour walking the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk beside Yellowstone Lake. This is one of the most atmospheric thermal areas in the park, with vividly coloured pools, bubbling springs, and steaming cones set against the broad lake. Stay strictly on the boardwalk—thin ground and hot water make shortcuts dangerous—and allow extra time for parking and photography. The area is usually busiest from late morning onward, so an early arrival makes the walk considerably more pleasant.
Continue north and west to Old Faithful, allowing roughly an hour for the drive, depending on traffic and animal sightings. Check the eruption prediction at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center or on the National Park Service app, then allow around two hours for the eruption, the viewing area, and the surrounding Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks. Predictions are useful rather than guaranteed, so do not cut the timing too tightly. Afterward, drive a few minutes to Biscuit Basin for its quieter, approximately one-hour thermal walk. Confirm that the basin and its trail are open before going; thermal-area closures and bear-related restrictions can change seasonally.
From Biscuit Basin, allow about 45 minutes to reach West Yellowstone, though evening wildlife traffic can make it longer. Check into your accommodation before dinner, then walk or drive locally to Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon for a relaxed meal—budget approximately $20–35 per person. It is a good end to a long sightseeing day, but expect a wait at peak dinner time; arriving before the main evening rush is sensible. Refuel in town and pick up breakfast supplies for tomorrow, since services inside the park are limited and opening hours vary by season.
Continue a short distance to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook at the Fairy Falls trailhead. Allow 1½–2 hours for the return walk and viewpoint, plus time to find parking. The path climbs steadily through lodgepole forest, so sturdy shoes and water are worthwhile. This elevated view is usually clearer than the boardwalk perspective, though steam and wind can still obscure the spring. With the long transfer to Cody ahead, keep lunch simple—pack food or use a designated picnic area rather than relying on a full sit-down meal inside the park.
Drive north to Norris Geyser Basin, allowing roughly 1½ hours depending on traffic and roadside wildlife. Spend about two hours on the basin’s boardwalks, choosing the shorter loop if the day is running late. Porcelain Basin is the most immediately dramatic, while Steamboat Geyser is famous for being the world’s tallest active geyser but erupts unpredictably—treat any eruption as a lucky bonus, not something to schedule around. Check the National Park Service road and facility updates before committing to the next leg; roads in this part of Yellowstone can close seasonally or temporarily because of weather.
The planned Lamar Valley scenic drive is only realistic if the relevant roads are open and you can leave Norris with plenty of daylight. It is a substantial detour toward the park’s northeast, so do not attempt it if snow, poor visibility, or a late start makes the route unsafe. If conditions cooperate, use pullouts rather than stopping in the traffic lane, carry food and water, and watch for bison, elk, and wolves from a safe distance. Otherwise, continue toward the east entrance and Cody, allowing the full 5–7 hours for this day’s Yellowstone-to-Cody transfer, including stops, entrance delays, and mountain-road conditions.
Arrive in Cody and go straight to The Irma Hotel for dinner, aiming for an early evening seating if possible. The historic dining room is associated with Buffalo Bill Cody and has a wonderfully old-western atmosphere; allow roughly three hours for the meal and a relaxed look around the lobby. Expect approximately $25–50 per person before drinks and gratuity. Because this is a demanding touring day, avoid adding another attraction afterward—check in, refuel the car, and keep the evening easy. Verify the hotel restaurant’s current hours and reservation policy before setting out, particularly outside the main summer season.
Begin at Buffalo Bill Center of the West, allowing about three hours for its substantial collection of Western art, firearms, natural history, and Plains Indian culture. It is an easy drive from central Cody, with on-site parking, but check the seasonal opening hours before setting out; some galleries may operate on reduced schedules outside the main summer season. The museum is large enough that it is better to choose a few sections rather than rush through everything. Allow roughly $20–25 per adult, with admission details and opening times worth confirming directly before visiting.
After lunch in Cody, continue to Old Trail Town, a short drive west along US-14/US-16/US-20. Set aside about 1½ hours to wander among the preserved frontier buildings, cabins, wagons, and historic artifacts. It is an outdoor attraction, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a layer even in warmer weather; wind can make the site feel exposed. Its operating calendar is seasonal, and it may close outside the main visitor period, so verify access before relying on it. If it is closed, do not try to force the schedule—use the time for a slower walk around downtown Cody instead.
For the evening, attend the Cody Nite Rodeo only if it is running on the confirmed calendar and tickets are available in advance. The rodeo is seasonal rather than a year-round certainty, and performances typically occupy around two hours; arrive early enough to park and find your seats without rushing. If it is not operating, take a relaxed downtown walk before dinner, browsing the shops and historic streets around Sheridan Avenue. Finish at Wyoming Rib & Chop House for a hearty meal of steaks, ribs, and substantial sides; budget approximately $30–55 per person before drinks and tip. A car is useful today, but all Cody stops are straightforward to reach, with the museum and Old Trail Town generally offering convenient parking.
Leave Cody early with a full tank and warm layers. The planned route combines the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway with the Bighorn Scenic Byway, but this is a weather-dependent mountain day: check WYDOT road conditions and closure notices before setting out, as sections of WY-296 and US-14 can close or become unsuitable in winter. Allow at least 2–3 hours for the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway itself, plus frequent stops at the pullouts for broad views across the Absaroka foothills. Keep the driving flexible rather than trying to reach every viewpoint; snow, ice, and wildlife can make the roads much slower than the map suggests.
Continue toward the accessible viewpoints on the Beartooth Highway only if current conditions permit. Use the open lower section rather than attempting to cross the high pass—seasonal closures are common, and there is no benefit in pushing beyond the ploughed or officially open road. Allow roughly 1½ hours for this out-and-back look at the northern Wyoming and Montana mountain scenery, with no expectation that the entire highway will be passable.
Rejoin the route toward Sheridan via the Bighorn Scenic Byway on US-14. Allow another 2–3 hours for the mountain drive, stopping at safe overlooks and forest clearings as conditions allow. In poor weather, take the lower-elevation alternative route rather than committing to the summit road; this scenic day is only worthwhile if you can drive comfortably and return to Sheridan before dark. Once in town, park downtown and stretch your legs around Main Street before visiting King’s Saddlery and Museum, where an hour is enough for the western tack displays, historic equipment, and shop. Check its seasonal opening hours before relying on a late-afternoon visit, as local businesses may close earlier outside the peak season.
Have dinner at The Open Range Bar & Grill, a casual choice for burgers, steaks, and hearty Western-style plates, budgeting approximately $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. It is best to arrive a little early if you have not booked, especially at weekends. If the mountain roads forced a slower day, skip extra wandering and head straight to dinner—Sheridan is a much better base for tomorrow’s sightseeing than a rushed final drive through the dark.
Leave Sheridan around 8:00 am after breakfast, allowing about three hours’ driving via I-90 east and US-85 south, plus a fuel stop and arrival time. The route is straightforward, but keep an eye on wind, snow, and road conditions across northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota. Arriving in the Custer area around midday gives you time for lunch before the afternoon’s sights; if your accommodation allows, drop bags first, otherwise keep luggage out of sight in the locked trunk.
Head first to Crazy Horse Memorial, where the scale of the mountain carving is best appreciated from the viewing area rather than only in photographs. Allow roughly 1½ hours for the monument, Indian Museum of North America, and cultural displays. Admission is generally around $15–35 per adult depending on the current ticket structure, and the site is seasonal, so check opening hours before setting out. The on-site Laughing Water Restaurant is convenient, though a lighter snack may be wiser if you want time for the park roads afterward.
From Crazy Horse Memorial, drive into Custer State Park for the Needles Highway, allowing about two hours with photo stops. This scenic route is narrow and includes tight turns, low-clearance tunnels, and granite spires; take it slowly and avoid attempting it with a large vehicle. Seasonal closures are common, particularly outside summer, so confirm access with South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks before relying on this plan. Continue to Sylvan Lake for an easy 45-minute pause among the granite formations—walk the shoreline, take photographs, and enjoy the calmer pace after the drive. A Custer State Park entrance pass is required, with current fees best checked online.
Return to Custer for dinner at Black Hills Burger and Bun Co., a popular casual spot known for burgers, house-made buns, and local-style comfort food. Expect approximately $15–30 per person before drinks and possible waits at peak dinner time; arrive early or call ahead if they accept reservations. Keep the evening relaxed—tomorrow’s route is another full sightseeing day, and the Black Hills roads are more enjoyable when you are not rushing.
Leave Custer around 7:30–8:00 am with breakfast, water, and a full tank. The most enjoyable approach is via US-16A and SD-44, joining the open prairie east of the Black Hills; allow roughly two hours to the park, plus time for viewpoints and slower wildlife traffic. Enter through the Pinnacles Entrance if conditions allow, then begin the Badlands Loop Road from the western end. Keep your National Park pass or card ready at the entrance, and expect about $15–35 for fuel and entry depending on your pass status.
Spend late morning and early afternoon following Badlands Loop Road, stopping at Big Badlands Overlook, Yellow Mounds Overlook, and whichever pull-offs catch your eye. The colours change dramatically with the light, and the exposed ridges can be far windier than they look from the car, so bring a warm layer and sturdy shoes. Allow around three hours without trying to walk every trail; short walks at the overlooks are enough for a first visit. Then spend about 45 minutes at Ben Reifel Visitor Center, where exhibits explain the park’s geology, fossils, bighorn sheep, and prairie wildlife. Check the National Park Service seasonal hours before setting out, as visitor-centre opening times vary and some facilities may be limited outside peak season.
Continue east and north towards Wall, roughly 35–45 minutes from the visitor centre depending on your final overlook stop. Give Wall Drug Store about an hour: it is part shop, part roadside museum, and part deliberately kitschy South Dakota institution, with snacks, souvenirs, Western-themed displays, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. A coffee or ice cream here makes a useful break before the final drive. From Wall, allow about an hour to Rapid City via I-90, with the airport-side and downtown approaches sometimes slower than the mileage suggests. Check into your accommodation before dinner rather than trying to carry luggage around the city.
For dinner, head to Tally’s Silver Spoon in downtown Rapid City, a short drive or rideshare from most central hotels. It is a good choice after a long landscape day: polished but relaxed, with creative seasonal cooking and a more intimate feel than a typical highway-town restaurant. Budget approximately $35–65 per person before drinks and tip, and reserve ahead if possible because the dining room is small. Afterward, take an easy stroll around the downtown blocks near Main Street if you still have energy; otherwise, keep the evening quiet, as tomorrow’s route is another full driving day.
Leave Rapid City early, ideally around 7:30 am, for the 35-minute drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial via US-16. Allow extra time for parking and the entrance area; the memorial parking fee is typically around $10 per private vehicle and is separate from any annual national-park pass. Spend about 1½ hours walking the Avenue of Flags, viewing the carvings from the Grand View Terrace, and visiting the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and museum. Opening hours and ranger programming vary seasonally, so check the official National Park Service schedule before leaving. Afterwards, continue west towards Spearfish Canyon rather than returning through Rapid City.
Drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway along US-14A, allowing roughly two hours with short viewpoints and photo stops. The road winds between limestone walls and dense forest, with Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls among the worthwhile pull-offs; stay flexible in cooler weather, when ice or snow can make trails slippery. Have a packed lunch or a simple takeaway before entering the canyon, as food choices along the byway are limited. From the northern end, allow about 1½ hours to Devils Tower National Monument via I-90 and WY-24. Walk the approximately 1.3-mile Tower Trail around the base if conditions are comfortable, and check the monument’s seasonal opening arrangements and current road notices before setting out. A standard vehicle entrance fee is generally around $25–30.
After Devils Tower, continue about 50 minutes to Sundance. Use the town as a quiet reset after a full day rather than trying to add another attraction: stretch your legs around the small downtown area, browse local shops if they are still open, and pick up any breakfast supplies for tomorrow. Finish with dinner at Bear Lodge Resort in the Sundance area, budgeting approximately $25–45 per person. Reserve or phone ahead if possible, particularly outside the main summer season, and allow a little extra time for the rural drive back to your accommodation after dark.
Leave Sundance early, ideally around 7:00 am, for the westbound drive via I-90, US-14, and US-20. Allow 4½–5½ hours door to door with a fuel, coffee, and comfort break; the route passes through Buffalo, across the Bighorn Basin, and onward via Worland. Fill the tank before leaving, keep food and water in the car, and check WYDOT conditions before setting out, particularly around mountain sections. Arriving in Thermopolis around lunchtime or early afternoon gives you enough time for the planned riverside sights without turning the day into a rush.
After checking in and having a light lunch in central Thermopolis, head to Hot Springs State Park, where paved paths lead past the steaming mineral terraces above the Bighorn River. Allow about 1½ hours for the terraces, springs, and river viewpoints; the free park is easy to explore by car, with parking near the main areas. The vivid white, orange, and tan formations are most atmospheric in cooler weather, when the steam is more visible. Keep to the marked paths, as the water is dangerously hot, and bring a jacket even in warmer months.
Continue to Star Plunge, a short drive from the state-park terraces, for an approximately 1½-hour soak in its historic mineral pools. Confirm the current seasonal opening hours and admission arrangements before leaving Sundance, as pool schedules can change and evening access may be limited; expect roughly $15–25 per adult. Bring your own towel and swimsuit if possible, and allow time to shower and change afterward rather than trying to fit dinner immediately around the pool session.
Finish at One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company in downtown Thermopolis, a convenient short drive from Star Plunge. It is a relaxed choice for burgers, sandwiches, and local beer, with dinner typically costing about $20–40 per person before drinks and gratuity. This is best treated as an easy final stop after the long transfer: check the kitchen hours, especially outside peak season, and plan to walk around the compact downtown afterward if you still have energy.
Drive from Thermopolis to Lander via US-20, allowing about 2½ hours door to door, including a fuel or coffee stop and time to settle in at your Lander accommodation. Leave after breakfast so you can reach Sinks Canyon State Park comfortably in the afternoon. The road through the Wind River Canyon is the scenic centrepiece of the transfer: follow US-20 south through the steep, folded rock walls, with pull-offs where safe. Keep an eye on WYDOT conditions, particularly in colder weather, and fuel in Thermopolis or Riverton rather than relying on small roadside services.
Spend roughly 1½ hours at Sinks Canyon State Park, just south of Lander. At The Sinks, the Popo Agie River vanishes into a limestone cavern and reappears at The Rise a short distance away; follow the signed paths and allow time to look for wildlife along the canyon slopes. The park is usually accessible during daylight, though facilities and fees can be seasonal, and winter conditions may limit road access. Bring water and a warm layer—the canyon can feel noticeably cooler than Lander. If you arrive early, take the short drives between the viewpoints rather than attempting a longer hike late in the day.
Return to downtown Lander for dinner at Lander Bar & Grill, a relaxed choice after the drive and canyon walk. Expect around $20–40 per person before drinks; opening hours can vary seasonally, so check the same day, particularly outside summer. Park on or near Main Street and walk the final few minutes, leaving the car behind for an easy evening. Lander’s compact centre is pleasant for a brief wander after dinner, with local shops and historic storefronts around Main Street and Lincoln Street.
Leave Lander after breakfast, ideally around 8:00 am, for the drive south on US-191 to Rock Springs. Allow 2½–3 hours door to door, including a fuel and coffee stop; fill up before leaving, as services become sparse around the desert tracks. The main route is straightforward, but the final approaches to the dunes and petroglyphs can involve rough, unpaved roads. Check the weather and local access conditions before setting out, and do not attempt the remote tracks in a standard rental car if rain or snow is forecast.
After a quick lunch in Rock Springs, continue to Killpecker Sand Dunes, northeast of town, for roughly two hours among Wyoming’s striking white dunes and open sagebrush country. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and a jacket—the wind can be surprisingly strong, and there is virtually no shade or reliable mobile reception. A high-clearance vehicle is preferable for the access roads; if conditions are poor, treat the dunes as a viewpoint stop rather than driving deeply into the area.
Return toward town for the White Mountain Petroglyphs, allowing about 1½ hours to see the ancient rock art and wide-open basin scenery. Stay on established tracks, avoid touching or chalking the carvings, and allow extra time for the slow approach and photography. This is a remote, unstaffed site, so download directions beforehand and carry water, food, and a spare layer.
Finish at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in downtown Rock Springs, allowing about an hour for its exhibits on railroad workers, immigration, mining, and local settlement. Check its seasonal hours before relying on a late-afternoon visit; if it has closed, use the time to walk around the historic downtown blocks instead. Then have dinner at Bitter Creek Brewing, a relaxed local brewpub with burgers, pizzas, salads, and house beers—budget roughly $20–40 per person. Parking is generally easy downtown, and the restaurant makes a convenient, unhurried end to a day that is otherwise quite exposed and driving-heavy.
Leave Rock Springs after breakfast, ideally around 7:30–8:00 am, for the westbound I-80 drive to Salt Lake City. Allow 3½–4 hours door to door, including fuel and a comfort stop; winter weather, wind, and traffic near Park City can add time. Before reaching the city, return the one-way rental at Salt Lake City International Airport—confirm the agency’s return procedure and allow at least 30–45 minutes for the shuttle or transfer into downtown. From the airport, the TRAX Green Line takes roughly 20–25 minutes to Temple Square, while a taxi or rideshare is usually quicker with luggage.
Make your first city stop at the Utah State Capitol, reached by a short rideshare journey or the TRAX Red Line toward University Medical Center followed by a walk uphill. Allow about an hour to see the neoclassical interior and enjoy the panorama over downtown and the Wasatch Mountains. Building access and tour hours vary, so check the official schedule that morning; security screening is required, and the surrounding Capitol Hill grounds are worthwhile even if the interior is closed. Afterward, head downhill toward downtown—walking takes about 20 minutes, but a rideshare is more comfortable if you have bags.
Spend roughly 1½ hours around Temple Square, where the historic grounds, landscaped paths, and surrounding architecture provide an easy introduction to the city. Construction and restoration work can affect access, and interior entry is not guaranteed, so check current visitor information rather than relying on older guidebooks. From there, walk a few minutes to City Creek Center for a coffee, air-conditioning, or relaxed browsing; it is also a practical place to use restrooms and take a break before dinner. Most shops generally operate into the evening, though individual hours vary.
Have dinner at Red Iguana, a local institution near downtown known for rich moles and generous Mexican plates. It is a short rideshare from City Creek Center, or about a 20-minute walk depending on the exact entrance. Expect approximately $20–35 per person before drinks and a possible wait at peak dinner time; arriving earlier, around 5:00–5:30 pm, gives you the best chance of being seated promptly. Keep the evening unhurried after the long transfer, and check your airport departure arrangements tonight if you are flying home tomorrow.
Keep the final morning deliberately easy with a relaxed walk through Liberty Park, Salt Lake City’s oldest public urban park. Allow about an hour to follow the paths around the lawns and pond; it is a pleasant place to stretch your legs after the road trip, particularly before a long flight. The park is open from early morning, with free entry and free parking generally available around the perimeter, though leave a little extra time to find a space. For coffee or a light breakfast beforehand, The Park Café on 21st South is nearby, but check its opening hours if your departure is early.
From Liberty Park, allow roughly 20–30 minutes by car to Salt Lake City International Airport, with longer possible during weekday traffic. Return the rental car at the airport’s designated rental-car center, then use the airport shuttle or walkway connection to reach the terminal; budget 30–45 minutes for the return, luggage unloading, and transfer. For an international journey, arrive about three hours before the confirmed departure time, especially if checking bags or connecting onward in the United States. After security, keep your passport and connection details accessible, and check the airline’s app for gate changes.
Your return flight from Salt Lake City to Ireland will depend on the confirmed booking and may involve a connection, so treat the flight duration and total journey time as booking-dependent rather than fixed. Keep the final day free of additional sightseeing: airport traffic, rental-car formalities, security queues, and any connection requirements are the priorities.
No packing list attached yet.