This road trip is for the nature lovers and the thrill seekers. Taking you from Yosemite to Yellowstone, you'll be in the front seat to choose your activities, from hiking to white-water rafting, and everything in-between. Let nature dictate your entertainment. Total driving time is roughly 16-18 hours (depending on road conditions and personal travel pace).
Start: San Francisco
Finish: Yellowstone National Park
Duration: 7 Days (2010 km)
Tip: Be aware that if you're planning on visiting Yosemite in the US summer months (June - September) that it'll be peak season, so give yourself extra time to explore.
Yosemite is home to over 400 species of animals; see how many you can spot! Don't forget the camera to capture the true majesty of the park. Finish the day by watching the sun set and then the night gazing up at the glittering stars on a stargazing tour.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Day 3 will see you leaving Yosemite and heading north to Norden, a small community surrounded by forest and year-round nature fun. Try everything from relaxing nature trails to white water rafting - there are activities to suit all adventure levels. Stay the night at Clair Tappaan Lodge.
Luckily for you, Clair Tappaan Lodge has a demo centre for a free trial on a range of hiking gear. Take advantage of this by visiting the demo centre in the morning and then going for one of a number of hikes that have starting points near the lodge. Have lunch here and then journey onto to Elko via the I-80 E where you'll be spending the night.
Donner Pass near Norden
Wake up at Elko to views of mountains against the skyline and fill your belly before setting off for Pocatello. Along the way, stop at Twin Falls for lunch and to stretch your legs. We recommend making a detour to visit Shoeshone Falls Park to see cascading waterfalls at one of the lookouts. Don't blame us if you get a little bit wet! Continue on from the waterfalls to Potacello where you'll be spending the night. Whilst in Pocatello, check out Zoo Idaho which features a range of wild animals native to the intermountain west.
Wake up early, have a decent breakfast and make your way to Idaho Falls for a pit stop where you'll pick up something for lunch later. We recommend Dixie's Diner for classic Americana grub. Stretch your legs and wander around town - don't miss the river walk where you'll spot the long stretch of waterfalls. After this, drive on to Idaho's Tetan Valley and journey through the Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg on the way. Then stay the night in Jackson Hole.
Congratulations, you've travelled through 4 states to get here - California, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming. No doubt you will have seen vast amounts of wide open spaces, mountainous edges and rushing rivers, as well as countless animals and plants.
Tip: Please note that in winter, driving in Yellowstone isn't feasible and it's best to travel from Elko to Salt Lake City. You'll need to leave the car there and take a tour into the park.
If you're ready to book car hire in the USA, give us a call on 1300 656 601 or simply book online today!