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30-Day Cross-Country Adventure to Yellowstone National Park

Viewed by 107 travelers

Day 1: Departure & Travel

New York City, NY, USA on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your trip with a classic New York bagel from this iconic shop known for its fresh, chewy bagels and rich cream cheese spreads.
USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from NYC to Cleveland

Begin your east-to-west road trip driving approximately 7 hours (460 miles) heading towards Cleveland, Ohio for your first stop.
USD60 (estimated gas), 7h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Slyman's Restaurant in Cleveland

Enjoy hearty, famous corned beef sandwiches at this local favorite to regain energy after a long drive.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Cleveland, OH, USA on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at TownHall

Relax with healthy, organic breakfast options like avocado toast or house-made granola in this bright, modern café.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Explore exhibits celebrating influential musicians and the history of rock music; opens at 10am and well worth the cultural experience.
USD30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mabel's BBQ

Dine on savory Kansas City-style barbecue, featuring pulled pork and unique sides in a casual atmosphere.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive from Cleveland to Chicago

Drive approximately 5.5 hours (345 miles) westward to Chicago for an urban exploration night.
USD50 (estimated gas), 5h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Giordano's

Try the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza to immerse yourself in local cuisine.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 3: Chicago Highlights

Chicago, IL, USA on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

Start with fresh pancakes and berries for a hearty meal, open daily from 7am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Millennium Park and Cloud Gate

Visit the iconic 'Bean' sculpture and enjoy the park scenery, ideal for photos and a short walk.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Art Institute of Chicago

Admire world-class art collections; the museum opens at 10:30am and is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
USD30, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Taste another famous Chicago deep-dish pizza for a different perspective on this culinary staple.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive from Chicago to Omaha

Continue westward about 7 hours (470 miles) to Omaha, Nebraska, with scenic views along the way.
USD55 (estimated gas), 7h0m

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Block 16

Enjoy creative comfort food, including gourmet sandwiches and unique entrees, perfect after a long day of travel.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 4: Nature & History

Omaha, NE, USA on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Early Bird

Savor farm-fresh breakfast in a cozy setting, featuring inventive twists on classics.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

One of the best zoos worldwide, explore vast exhibits including the desert dome and aquarium; opens at 9am.
USD25, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Grey Plume

Dine at this eco-friendly restaurant focusing on sustainable ingredients and upscale American cuisine.
USD40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive from Omaha to Denver

Travel about 8 hours (540 miles) west to Denver, Colorado, nestled by the Rocky Mountains.
USD60 (estimated gas), 8h0m

9:30pm

Dinner at Denver Biscuit Company

Indulge in giant biscuit sandwiches, a local favorite, perfect to cap the day off.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 5: Rocky Mountain Day

Denver, CO, USA on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy creative breakfast fare with a strong reputation, opens at 6:30am for early risers.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Drive about 1.5 hours to the park entrance for hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The park is open year-round from 5am to 10pm.
USD25 (vehicle entry fee), 7h0m

4:00pm

Return to Denver

Drive back to Denver to relax and enjoy the city nightlife.
Included, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rioja

Savor Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted with local ingredients in a sophisticated setting.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 6: Western Journey

Denver, CO to Salt Lake City, UT, USA on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Universal

This trendy spot offers seasonal menus and excellent coffee to start your day right.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Denver to Salt Lake City

Head 8-hour drive (520 miles) west to Salt Lake City, the gateway to many western national parks.
USD60 (estimated gas), 8h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and rest

Relax at your accommodation after a long drive.
Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Red Iguana

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, especially famous for its wide variety of mole sauces.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 7: Exploring Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT, USA on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eva's Bakery

Start with French-inspired pastries and coffee at this artisanal bakery opened from 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Temple Square Tour

Experience the beautiful center of Salt Lake City with historical buildings and gardens; free guided tours available.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Blue Lemon

Light, fresh dishes with Mediterranean and American influences make a perfect midday stop.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Natural History Museum of Utah

Learn about Utah’s natural heritage and impressive dinosaur collections; open 10am-5pm.
USD15, 2h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Antelope Island State Park

Explore this scenic island in the Great Salt Lake with hiking and wildlife viewing; park open 6am-10pm.
USD15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Return to Salt Lake City and Dinner at The Copper Onion

Enjoy upscale American cuisine featuring local seasonal ingredients to close the day.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Approaching Yellowstone

Salt Lake City, UT to West Yellowstone, MT, USA on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ruth's Diner

Enjoy a historic diner experience just east of Salt Lake City, known for their classic breakfast dishes; opens at 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to West Yellowstone

Travel about 5 hours (320 miles) north to West Yellowstone, the gateway town to Yellowstone National Park.
USD40 (estimated gas), 5h0m

2:00pm

Check in and lunch at Wild West Pizzeria

Try hearty pizzas and casual fare in this local favorite as you get settled.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

Observe rescued grizzly bears and wolves in a natural setting; open 9am-6pm.
USD15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Madison Crossing Lounge

Enjoy a relaxed meal with local Montana flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 9: Yellowstone Exploring

Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation or pack a breakfast

Prepare early for a day of sightseeing inside Yellowstone National Park.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Enter Yellowstone National Park - West Entrance

Begin your exploration with landmarks such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring; park open from 6am to 10pm.
USD35 (vehicle pass, valid 7 days), 8h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Enjoy a meal in an iconic historic lodge with views of Old Faithful geyser erupting.
USD30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Yellowstone Lake

Relax or walk along the largest high elevation lake in North America, scenic and peaceful.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Return to West Yellowstone

Drive back to town for lodging and rest after a full park day.
Included, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Buffalo Bar

Enjoy casual dining with burgers and sandwiches in a welcoming local spot.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 10: Yellowstone Highlights

Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at your lodging

Fuel up early to maximize your second day in Yellowstone.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Norris Geyser Basin

Visit the hottest and most dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone, full of colorful pools and geysers; open 6am - 10pm.
Included in park entrance, 2h0m

10:00am

Hayden Valley Wildlife Watching

Drive to and observe bison, elk, bears and other wildlife in their natural habitat; best morning viewing time.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fishing Bridge General Store

Grab sandwiches or snacks at this convenient stop in the park for a relaxed midday meal.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

View the spectacular waterfalls and dramatic canyon walls on well-maintained trails.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return to West Yellowstone

Drive back to your hotel and relax.
Included, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Madison River Brewing Company

Celebrate your Yellowstone visit with craft beer and tasty pub dishes in a lively setting.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 11: More Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your lodging

Prepare for a new day of adventure inside the park.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Lamar Valley

Known as Yellowstone’s Serengeti, great for spotting wolves, bears, and herds of bison; dawn is prime time.
Free, 4h0m

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch

Pack or pick up a picnic to enjoy amid serene Yellowstone landscapes.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mammoth Hot Springs

Walk the terraces of natural limestone formations, a unique geothermal feature open year-round.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to West Yellowstone

Wind down after a full day exploring less crowded park areas.
Included, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wild West Pizzeria

Relax with a favorite pizza to close a fulfilling Yellowstone adventure.
USD20, 1h0m
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