If you think rocks, well… rock, and your wild soul craves mountains and canyons, you’ll be lacing your boots ready to set off on this virtual road trip through the incredible geological landscapes of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.
The “Geological Wonders” itinerary is one that’ll take your breath away. Explore the magic of the natural world and find yourself saying “wow” over and over again.
From mountain-top skylines to crystal clear lakes and powerful geysers to rugged moonscapes; this road trip will have you venturing through three vastly different states, nerding out at how cool our Earth is, discovering ancient fossils, and making friends with the native wildlife (you might even spot Yogi bear at Yellowstone National Park!).
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to channel your inner adventurer and start wandering…
Explore all of Brand USA’s 31 Amazing Self Drive Road Trip itineraries here.
Geological Wonders: Route Highlights
1. Salt Lake City, Utah
Start your adventure in Salt Lake City. First up, head to Temple Square, one of the city’s main attractions, which is dedicated to the city’s founding religion, the Mormon church.
Check out the city’s renowned architecture, or take a trolley tour for an overview of the must-visit spots and plenty of photo-ops. The free botanical gardens and arboretum at Red Butte Garden is a beautiful place to take some time out for a relaxing stroll.
If the mountains are calling, drive a little out the city to experience Utah’s famous powdery snow at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, or experience the most thrilling ride of your life on to the high-speed bobsled ride at Utah Olympic Park, where you even might see Winter Olympic athletes training.
In summer, a trip to Great Salt Lake is a must; the water there is so salty, you can float right on top. It’s the perfect remedy after a couple of days of hardcore exploring!
2. Salt Lake City, Utah > Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Next, you’ll travel north to picture-perfect Grand Teton National Park. Located in northwest Wyoming, the park is one of the state’s most stunning destinations, home to the Teton Range, Grand Teton peak, and the valley known as Jackson Hole.
Locally known as the ‘mountains of the imagination’, this beautiful area boasts pristine lakes, extraordinary wildlife, and encompasses over 322 kilometres of alpine terrain, perfect for hiking, biking or snowmobiling.
DRIVE TIME: 450kms: 4 hours 43 mins drive time
3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming > Yellowstone National Park, Montana/Wyoming/Idaho
Buckle in for a drive up John D Rockefeller Memorial Highway, which links Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park.
Covering a whopping 3,500+ square miles (9,605+ square km) and three states, Yellowstone National Park, the USA’s first national park, sits atop a volcanic hot spot that creates impressive geothermal activity.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch while waiting for the next eruption of Old Faithful, a geyser that spews hot water an impressive 17 times a day, or thereabouts.
Make sure, while you’re there, you stop in the historic Old Faithful Inn, believed to be the world’s largest log structure – built in 1904 from local materials.
While exploring the vast wonderland of Yellowstone, stay on the marked boardwalks and trails to see other natural wonders, such as hot springs, geysers, and pools.
Animal lovers will be pleased to know, you’re likely to encounter wildlife here. Make friends (from a distance) with wolves, elk, bison, bear, and moose – during hikes or mountain bike rides on one of the park’s many backcountry trails.
There is so much to see here, so make sure you plan at least a couple of days to stick around and explore.
- DRIVE TIME: 48kms: 38 mins drive time
4. Yellowstone National Park, Montana/Wyoming/Idaho > Twin Falls, Idaho
When you’re ready for a change of scenery, check out Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in the Snake River plain in Idaho.
Pack your moon boots and do the moon walk, because this volcanic landscape encompasses enormous lava flows, which is a testament to violent eruptions more than 2,000 years ago. Pretty unique, hey?
Just outside Twin Falls, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument contains the most prehistoric horse fossils in the USA as well as many other animals, including mastodon, saber-toothed cats, and bears – OH MY! Step back in time and check them out in the visitor centre.
- DRIVE TIME: 508kms: 5 hours 15 mins drive time
5. Twin Falls, Idaho > Salt Lake City, Utah
Before returning to Salt Lake City, where it all began, get your American history and culture fix at Golden Spike National Historical Park, dedicated to the historic completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad.
If you’re a rail enthusiast, plan a summer visit on a Saturday to relive the celebration during the reenactment of the ‘Driving of the Last Spike’.
Your journey comes to an end in Salt Lake City and you are free to do as you wish, now you’re more connected with the natural world than ever.
- DRIVE TIME: 352kms: 3 hours 12 mins drive time
Download the complete ‘Geological Wonders itinerary here!’
Get the Road Trip Playlist
This upbeat Geological Wonders playlist will have you rocking out and singing along to Feeder, The Beach Boys, Train, Randy Newman, and more.
A journey through the states, musically visit Idaho, the Red Hills of Utah and the Tetons of Wyoming.
Maybe you’ll come back from this epic trip so inspired you’ll be ready to write and record your own track to add to this fun playlist!
Agents: Download, Escape and Explore GoUSA TV
GoUSA TV is a free premier travel entertainment channel. Watch full episodes, documentaries and films, told from the diverse perspectives of real people across America.
Discover the beautiful Yellowstone National Park in the series America’s Treasures: National Parks, available on GoUSA TV.
This series will take you on a cinematic journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes, historic sites and untamed wilderness of America’s most legendary outdoor playgrounds.
With more than 400 authentic and short format videos featuring destinations from all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia, there’s never been a better time to get online and enjoy some incredible travel entertainment!
Available for download in the App or Play store and on Apple TV.
More info here.
Agents: Join the USA Discovery Program
The USA Discovery Program is Brand USA’s official trade training platform for the USA. The Geological Wonders itinerary features two destinations with training badges.
Get clicking and complete your Wyoming and Utah badges and skill up in a fun and interactive way.
Click here to register and get all the knowledge for the USA.
PLUS! Design your own Road Trip with the USA TRIP PLANNER
The Visit USA Trip Planner is an amazing (and free!) tool that matches your personal travel preferences and style.
With over 230 million data points including the best places & times to visit, reviews and hidden gems, this is one smart piece of travel tech.
This little travel genius optimises your itinerary to minimise travel time, checks when attractions are open and even recommends how much time to spend at each stop off. Brilliant!
Finally, it lets you share & collaborate with your fellow road trippers and is easy to add or revise points of interest as you go.
Find out more: Trip-Planner.VisitTheUSA.com
Get all the tools on Brand USA’s TRAVEL TRADE SITE
From Trip Planners to Itineraries and the USA Discovery Program and Destination information, Brand USA’s Travel Trade Site for agents has you covered.
Hero image – Yellowstone National Park
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