What would be a scenic return trip back to Salt Lake City from Cody after a week in the TNP and YNP. Is it an interesting or desolate drive down 120 thru Thermopolis, Riverton,Lander, back to US 80. Or would it be a better drive back through YNP and down through Idaho? We want to see as many interesting and beautiful sites as possible.
I have five or six days to get back after leaving Cody.

We took the same trip last August, ending up in Cody. Are you going to be up north of Cody, seeing the Beartooth Highway? I strongly recommend it. We loved the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, but then we too were faced with the decision of how to get back to SLC. We took the route you mention, and the drive to Thermopolis was pretty interesting (I can't remember just when it was we drove along the Wind River), AND Thermopolis itself was interesting, but in general the trip was disappointing. Even desolate landscapes have a stark beauty, but in general the drive seemed to go from bad to worse (until we got to the canyon which opens up at Park City, Utah). If you have time, I'd say go back to Idaho.

I agree with Diane about Beartooth Highway. You have plenty of time and it is a MUST SEE. Drive from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone to Red Lodge, Mt then retrace your steps (you won't mind seeing the view again , at all) to the Chief Joseph Highway (another great road) to Cody.

How many days are you spending in Grand Tetons and Yellowstone? It seems like you have way too much time left over that could be used better in the parks.

The drive you are talking about isn't very scenic but has great historical value. If you have any interest in the Oregon Trail, some of the best views of the old trail are east of Farson at South Pass. If you don't know anything about that time in history, read up and you will enjoy what you see more.

Since you have so much time, another option is to go north from West Yellowstone to Bozeman through the Gallatin Canyon--a beautiful drive. Bozeman is a nice town to walk around in. Have a sandwich at the Pickle Barrell. Then go on up to Glacier N.P. by way of Helena. Drive back down along Flathead Lake, Missoula, Butte and down to SLC.
Which way did you drive from SLC to Yellowstone? Definitely take a different route back.

Thanks Dianne and Connie. Your comments confirm what I thought about the drive through Thermopolis. I am driving up 89/26 into the GTNP/YNP(5days in the parks) and then the Beartooth Hwy drive and back to Cody. I am considering heading down 191 to Dinosaur National Monument(Wife is a teacher) and on to Arches NP. Is this doable leaving Cody on a Thur. and Flying out of SLC on the following Thur. and would this be a good trip?

That is very doable. You would still go by the Oregon Trail tracks and by Flaming Gorge which is very scenic.

Once back in the SLC area, if you have time, Bear Lake north east of there on the Utah, Idaho border is a nice area to see--but only if you are just killing time.

It still seems like you need more days in the parks and less time getting back to SLC.