Salt Lake to Jackson - best route?
 

We are flying into Salt Lake City next week, and after a day or so there are driving to the vicinity of Grand Teton Park, where we'll spend two days, and then on to Yellowstone for several days. There seem to be several possible routes from SLC to Jackson, all approximately the same length (270-300 miles). Which one is most scenic, without being unbearably slow? I suspect the fastest (even though a few miles farther) is I15 to Idaho Falls, then route 26. But it's probably not that scenic. What about going through Logan and Montpelier? Or going east on I80 and then north, on 89 or 189? Any of you done these drives? Thanks

We did the Logan route. <BR>Logan is an interesting small city. <BR>We spent the night there at the Baugh Motel, which is first rate. <BR>The restaurant on the grounds is only so so. <BR>The road up through Logan Canyon is winding, but scenic. On the downhill side, once you reach the crest, you get a high level view of Bear Lake. <BR>Approaching Jackson, you travel along the Snake, which is also scenic. <BR>I think the Logan route it is a good route for scenery. <BR>If you want to go faster, but get in some scenery, take the route on I 80 and then cut north as you indicated, but you miss Logan canyon. <BR> <BR>So I 15 for the quickest way, probably, given what you find crossing the Teton Pass. The Logan route for the most scenery. The I 80 is more of a compromise. So it depends on what kind of trip you want.

I have driven from SLC to Jackson many times. There are several route to take. There is not a bif time difference regardless of the route. It has been my experience that the combination of best time and best scenery is to take the following: <BR>I-15 North to the state line. Prior to Malad take the turn off that goes to Lava Hots Springs...Soda Springs..and over the Tincup Pass..and into Thanyne Wyoming. Actually I think it comes out a Freedom, Wyoming. but you will be in Star Valley which is very nice. From there hang a left on until Alpine, Wyoming and follow the road up the Grand Canyon of the Snake to Holback Junction and into Jackson. I would not do this drive in the winter, but in the summer it is not only the shortest distance..it also has the least traffic..and the roads are good..The drive via Logan and Bear Lake is also nice but a bit longer or slower..As mentioned it does not matter as there is not a 20-30 minute difference between the shortest and longest and slowest and fastest. If you need anymore information feel free to contact me a this address.

Thanks, Guy. I'm looking at a not-too-good map here. Is the road from Soda Springs to Freedom state rt. 34, through Henry and Wayan? Looks like about 50 miles. Is that all pretty good road? I really appreciate the input. Thanks

I have driven to Jackson and the Tetons many times. Most often I-80 to Evanston, WY, then 89 through Randolph, to Cokeville, Afton, Alpine, and up to Jackson. The scenic parts are through star valley and up the canyon from Alpine to Jackson. I think this is as scenic as any route. When you get to Evanston from Salt Lake it's only 199 miles to Grand Teton Park. <BR>Tony

There is only one road that goes from Soda Springs to Freedom/Etna. I quessing but 50 miles seems about right. I assume it is St Rd 34..it goes also past the Greys Lake Bird refuge which is a nesting ground for the whooping crane. I will find me a decent map today and get back to you..Also the route that Tony suggest is always a good one, via I-80 Evanston, Randolph, Afton..and if you were leaving from Park City I would take this one. But if you are leaving from SLC it is farther (albeit not a lot.guessing 30-40 miles)..than the route I am suggesting thru Soda Springs. <BR>I will try to find a map and confirm your question regarding Route 34.