Embark on an unforgettable road trip through the American West, where a modern city surrounded by mountains alternates with the untamed wilderness of Wyoming. Discover Salt Lake City with its Olympic atmosphere, unique views of the salt flats, and the fascinating world of aviation. The iconic cowboy town of Jackson, the majestic granite peaks of Grand Teton National Park, and the bubbling geysers and wildlife in the legendary Yellowstone National Park await you. Experience a journey full of panoramas, mountains, and iconic places of the American West.
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the city of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, you will pick up your car according to instructions from Worldee, transfer to your accommodation, and depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic Temple Square or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol.
Pick up your rental car at the airport (following the instructions you'll get before your trip) and head off on your adventure. Depending on when you arrive, you can either head to your first stop or go straight to your accommodation and save the exploring for the next day.
The Temple Square complex has been undergoing renovations for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and extensive gardens. Temple Square is a designated National Historic Landmark.
You can find out how the renovation work is progressing and what is open in the complex on the official website.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You'll visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the area of the former Olympic Village in Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, which will take you to the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsleigh track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official website of the museum: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings, and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park requires an admission fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today it is part of the University of Utah, where vibrant student life thrives.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of equipment. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll past the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you're walking in the exact spot where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally housed military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic homes are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't encounter many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is planned to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
This majestic neoclassical building offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and the interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official website of the building: Capitol
You'll leave the city vibe of Salt Lake City behind and head towards the mountains and open landscapes of the American West. Along the way, you can look forward to the salt flats and bison herds on Antelope Island as well as the fascinating world of American aviation at the Hill Aerospace Museum. Gradually, the first mountain scenery of Wyoming will begin to appear before you, and in the evening you'll arrive in the quiet town of Victor, tucked beneath the majestic peaks of the Tetons.
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and one of the best places in Utah to see bison in the wild. It offers wide views of the salt flats and bison herds. If you're lucky, you'll meet them right by the road. You can also head out on one of the many trails.
The park opens very early in the morning; there is an entrance fee. More info here .
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Right at the start of Antelope Island, take a short stop at the U.S. Army Ranger and Air Force Memorial granite monument. It commemorates the tragic night of 1992 when a military helicopter carrying twelve elite special forces soldiers crashed in a storm just off this shore.
This museum is packed with aviation technology. You will find dozens of military aircraft, historical bombers, and exhibits related to the American space program, displayed in huge halls and outdoors.
Admission is free. Opening hours and the museum's official website here
Today will be dedicated to one of the most beautiful mountain sceneries in the entire United States. You will head to Grand Teton National Park, where dramatic mountain peaks rise directly above lakes, rivers, and endless forests. Iconic views, peaceful nature, and the atmosphere of the true American West await you. You will also stop at Jackson Lake Dam with magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains and end the day in the legendary western town of Jackson.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national parks, you need to factor in entrance fees. I recommend monitoring the latest information on the official website of the National Park Service before traveling. Park entrances can also be purchased online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American national parks during the year, it is worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most photogenic spots in the American West. The dramatic Teton Range rises abruptly from the Jackson Hole valley, creating the scenery that has made Wyoming world-famous. The park is part of the vast Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
During your visit, you can explore mountain lakes, the iconic Snake River, dense forests, and endless hiking trails. The area is known for sightings of bison, moose, bears, and bald eagles, and it rightly ranks among the most beautiful national parks in the United States.
If you're planning a hike, arrive as early in the morning as possible to secure a parking spot. Especially in the summer, there are a lot of tourists here.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Jackson Lake Dam is located in the north of Grand Teton National Park and offers stunning views of Jackson Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Teton Range. The dam was built in the early 20th century as part of an irrigation system for the agricultural areas of the American West and still regulates the flow of the iconic Snake River.
Jackson is an iconic western town that has preserved the atmosphere of the Wild West to this day. It is surrounded by wooden sidewalks, cowboy bars, and western shops. Famous elk antler arches can be found in the town square.
- You can park your car in a side street or at one of the available parking lots near Jackson Town Square
Today, a full-day trip awaits you to Yellowstone National Park, one of America's most iconic national parks. Get ready for a longer drive from Victor, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking Wyoming scenery, wildlife, geysers, thermal springs, and the chance to spot bison, moose, or bears.
From Victor, you can enter Yellowstone either via West Yellowstone or drive through Grand Teton and use the Yellowstone South Entrance
This oldest national park in the world was established back in 1872 and offers an incredible diversity of landscapes — from deep canyons and lakes to mountain scenery and vast geothermal areas. It is famous for its geysers, colorful thermal springs, wildlife, and massive volcanic regions. While driving through the park, you might come across plenty of wildlife. Encountering bears, moose, or herds of bison will be an incredible experience for you.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
On the last day of your road trip, you'll head back to Salt Lake City, but several iconic stops in the American West still await you. You'll explore the Northrop Grumman Rocket Garden, a place associated with the history of space exploration, visit Golden Spike National Historical Park, where the first transcontinental railroad in the USA was completed, and finally arrive at the mystical spiral Spiral Jetty on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. A day full of history, technology, and the unique landscape of Utah awaits you.
Rocket Garden is a smaller outdoor exhibition of rockets and technologies related to the American aerospace industry. The exhibition is freely accessible.
This is a historic site that commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States in 1869. The park is located at Promontory Summit, where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad tracks were symbolically joined by the "Golden Spike".
More info here.
Spiral Jetty is a famous land-art piece created directly on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The stone spiral rising into the pink-colored salt water is one of the most iconic art installations in the American landscape and has a unique atmosphere at sunset. Robert Smithson created the spiral in 1970.
You can spend the evening in a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, through which a real creek flows, complete with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect spot for picking up souvenirs, enjoying a great dinner, and a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website for the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Entrance map
I hope you fully enjoyed Salt Lake City and your entire trip through the American West. If you have some time left before your departure, you can take one last walk through the city surrounded by mountains and the atmosphere of Utah. I wish you a happy flight home and lots of unforgettable memories 🛫
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Do
Embark on an unforgettable road trip through the American West, where a modern city surrounded by mountains alternates with the untamed wilderness of Wyoming. Discover Salt Lake City with its Olympic atmosphere, unique views of the salt flats, and the fascinating world of aviation. The iconic cowboy town of Jackson, the majestic granite peaks of Grand Teton National Park, and the bubbling geysers and wildlife in the legendary Yellowstone National Park await you. Experience a journey full of panoramas, mountains, and iconic places of the American West.
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the city of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, you will pick up your car according to instructions from Worldee, transfer to your accommodation, and depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic Temple Square or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol.
Pick up your rental car at the airport (following the instructions you'll get before your trip) and head off on your adventure. Depending on when you arrive, you can either head to your first stop or go straight to your accommodation and save the exploring for the next day.
The Temple Square complex has been undergoing renovations for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and extensive gardens. Temple Square is a designated National Historic Landmark.
You can find out how the renovation work is progressing and what is open in the complex on the official website.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You'll visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the area of the former Olympic Village in Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, which will take you to the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsleigh track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official website of the museum: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings, and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park requires an admission fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today it is part of the University of Utah, where vibrant student life thrives.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of equipment. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll past the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you're walking in the exact spot where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally housed military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic homes are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't encounter many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is planned to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
This majestic neoclassical building offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and the interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official website of the building: Capitol
You'll leave the city vibe of Salt Lake City behind and head towards the mountains and open landscapes of the American West. Along the way, you can look forward to the salt flats and bison herds on Antelope Island as well as the fascinating world of American aviation at the Hill Aerospace Museum. Gradually, the first mountain scenery of Wyoming will begin to appear before you, and in the evening you'll arrive in the quiet town of Victor, tucked beneath the majestic peaks of the Tetons.
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and one of the best places in Utah to see bison in the wild. It offers wide views of the salt flats and bison herds. If you're lucky, you'll meet them right by the road. You can also head out on one of the many trails.
The park opens very early in the morning; there is an entrance fee. More info here .
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Right at the start of Antelope Island, take a short stop at the U.S. Army Ranger and Air Force Memorial granite monument. It commemorates the tragic night of 1992 when a military helicopter carrying twelve elite special forces soldiers crashed in a storm just off this shore.
This museum is packed with aviation technology. You will find dozens of military aircraft, historical bombers, and exhibits related to the American space program, displayed in huge halls and outdoors.
Admission is free. Opening hours and the museum's official website here
Today will be dedicated to one of the most beautiful mountain sceneries in the entire United States. You will head to Grand Teton National Park, where dramatic mountain peaks rise directly above lakes, rivers, and endless forests. Iconic views, peaceful nature, and the atmosphere of the true American West await you. You will also stop at Jackson Lake Dam with magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains and end the day in the legendary western town of Jackson.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national parks, you need to factor in entrance fees. I recommend monitoring the latest information on the official website of the National Park Service before traveling. Park entrances can also be purchased online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American national parks during the year, it is worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most photogenic spots in the American West. The dramatic Teton Range rises abruptly from the Jackson Hole valley, creating the scenery that has made Wyoming world-famous. The park is part of the vast Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
During your visit, you can explore mountain lakes, the iconic Snake River, dense forests, and endless hiking trails. The area is known for sightings of bison, moose, bears, and bald eagles, and it rightly ranks among the most beautiful national parks in the United States.
If you're planning a hike, arrive as early in the morning as possible to secure a parking spot. Especially in the summer, there are a lot of tourists here.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Jackson Lake Dam is located in the north of Grand Teton National Park and offers stunning views of Jackson Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Teton Range. The dam was built in the early 20th century as part of an irrigation system for the agricultural areas of the American West and still regulates the flow of the iconic Snake River.
Jackson is an iconic western town that has preserved the atmosphere of the Wild West to this day. It is surrounded by wooden sidewalks, cowboy bars, and western shops. Famous elk antler arches can be found in the town square.
- You can park your car in a side street or at one of the available parking lots near Jackson Town Square
Today, a full-day trip awaits you to Yellowstone National Park, one of America's most iconic national parks. Get ready for a longer drive from Victor, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking Wyoming scenery, wildlife, geysers, thermal springs, and the chance to spot bison, moose, or bears.
From Victor, you can enter Yellowstone either via West Yellowstone or drive through Grand Teton and use the Yellowstone South Entrance
This oldest national park in the world was established back in 1872 and offers an incredible diversity of landscapes — from deep canyons and lakes to mountain scenery and vast geothermal areas. It is famous for its geysers, colorful thermal springs, wildlife, and massive volcanic regions. While driving through the park, you might come across plenty of wildlife. Encountering bears, moose, or herds of bison will be an incredible experience for you.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
On the last day of your road trip, you'll head back to Salt Lake City, but several iconic stops in the American West still await you. You'll explore the Northrop Grumman Rocket Garden, a place associated with the history of space exploration, visit Golden Spike National Historical Park, where the first transcontinental railroad in the USA was completed, and finally arrive at the mystical spiral Spiral Jetty on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. A day full of history, technology, and the unique landscape of Utah awaits you.
Rocket Garden is a smaller outdoor exhibition of rockets and technologies related to the American aerospace industry. The exhibition is freely accessible.
This is a historic site that commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States in 1869. The park is located at Promontory Summit, where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad tracks were symbolically joined by the "Golden Spike".
More info here.
Spiral Jetty is a famous land-art piece created directly on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The stone spiral rising into the pink-colored salt water is one of the most iconic art installations in the American landscape and has a unique atmosphere at sunset. Robert Smithson created the spiral in 1970.
You can spend the evening in a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, through which a real creek flows, complete with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect spot for picking up souvenirs, enjoying a great dinner, and a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website for the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Entrance map
I hope you fully enjoyed Salt Lake City and your entire trip through the American West. If you have some time left before your departure, you can take one last walk through the city surrounded by mountains and the atmosphere of Utah. I wish you a happy flight home and lots of unforgettable memories 🛫
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Do
itinerary by Patty
Embark on an unforgettable road trip through the American West, where a modern city surrounded by mountains alternates with the untamed wilderness of Wyoming. Discover Salt Lake City with its Olympic atmosphere, unique views of the salt flats, and the fascinating world of aviation. The iconic cowboy town of Jackson, the majestic granite peaks of Grand Teton National Park, and the bubbling geysers and wildlife in the legendary Yellowstone National Park await you. Experience a journey full of panoramas, mountains, and iconic places of the American West.
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the city of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, you will pick up your car according to instructions from Worldee, transfer to your accommodation, and depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic Temple Square or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol.
Pick up your rental car at the airport (following the instructions you'll get before your trip) and head off on your adventure. Depending on when you arrive, you can either head to your first stop or go straight to your accommodation and save the exploring for the next day.
The Temple Square complex has been undergoing renovations for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and extensive gardens. Temple Square is a designated National Historic Landmark.
You can find out how the renovation work is progressing and what is open in the complex on the official website.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You'll visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the area of the former Olympic Village in Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, which will take you to the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsleigh track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official website of the museum: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings, and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park requires an admission fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today it is part of the University of Utah, where vibrant student life thrives.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of equipment. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll past the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you're walking in the exact spot where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally housed military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic homes are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't encounter many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is planned to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
This majestic neoclassical building offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and the interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official website of the building: Capitol
You'll leave the city vibe of Salt Lake City behind and head towards the mountains and open landscapes of the American West. Along the way, you can look forward to the salt flats and bison herds on Antelope Island as well as the fascinating world of American aviation at the Hill Aerospace Museum. Gradually, the first mountain scenery of Wyoming will begin to appear before you, and in the evening you'll arrive in the quiet town of Victor, tucked beneath the majestic peaks of the Tetons.
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and one of the best places in Utah to see bison in the wild. It offers wide views of the salt flats and bison herds. If you're lucky, you'll meet them right by the road. You can also head out on one of the many trails.
The park opens very early in the morning; there is an entrance fee. More info here .
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Right at the start of Antelope Island, take a short stop at the U.S. Army Ranger and Air Force Memorial granite monument. It commemorates the tragic night of 1992 when a military helicopter carrying twelve elite special forces soldiers crashed in a storm just off this shore.
This museum is packed with aviation technology. You will find dozens of military aircraft, historical bombers, and exhibits related to the American space program, displayed in huge halls and outdoors.
Admission is free. Opening hours and the museum's official website here
Today will be dedicated to one of the most beautiful mountain sceneries in the entire United States. You will head to Grand Teton National Park, where dramatic mountain peaks rise directly above lakes, rivers, and endless forests. Iconic views, peaceful nature, and the atmosphere of the true American West await you. You will also stop at Jackson Lake Dam with magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains and end the day in the legendary western town of Jackson.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national parks, you need to factor in entrance fees. I recommend monitoring the latest information on the official website of the National Park Service before traveling. Park entrances can also be purchased online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American national parks during the year, it is worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most photogenic spots in the American West. The dramatic Teton Range rises abruptly from the Jackson Hole valley, creating the scenery that has made Wyoming world-famous. The park is part of the vast Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
During your visit, you can explore mountain lakes, the iconic Snake River, dense forests, and endless hiking trails. The area is known for sightings of bison, moose, bears, and bald eagles, and it rightly ranks among the most beautiful national parks in the United States.
If you're planning a hike, arrive as early in the morning as possible to secure a parking spot. Especially in the summer, there are a lot of tourists here.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Jackson Lake Dam is located in the north of Grand Teton National Park and offers stunning views of Jackson Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Teton Range. The dam was built in the early 20th century as part of an irrigation system for the agricultural areas of the American West and still regulates the flow of the iconic Snake River.
Jackson is an iconic western town that has preserved the atmosphere of the Wild West to this day. It is surrounded by wooden sidewalks, cowboy bars, and western shops. Famous elk antler arches can be found in the town square.
- You can park your car in a side street or at one of the available parking lots near Jackson Town Square
Today, a full-day trip awaits you to Yellowstone National Park, one of America's most iconic national parks. Get ready for a longer drive from Victor, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking Wyoming scenery, wildlife, geysers, thermal springs, and the chance to spot bison, moose, or bears.
From Victor, you can enter Yellowstone either via West Yellowstone or drive through Grand Teton and use the Yellowstone South Entrance
This oldest national park in the world was established back in 1872 and offers an incredible diversity of landscapes — from deep canyons and lakes to mountain scenery and vast geothermal areas. It is famous for its geysers, colorful thermal springs, wildlife, and massive volcanic regions. While driving through the park, you might come across plenty of wildlife. Encountering bears, moose, or herds of bison will be an incredible experience for you.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
On the last day of your road trip, you'll head back to Salt Lake City, but several iconic stops in the American West still await you. You'll explore the Northrop Grumman Rocket Garden, a place associated with the history of space exploration, visit Golden Spike National Historical Park, where the first transcontinental railroad in the USA was completed, and finally arrive at the mystical spiral Spiral Jetty on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. A day full of history, technology, and the unique landscape of Utah awaits you.
Rocket Garden is a smaller outdoor exhibition of rockets and technologies related to the American aerospace industry. The exhibition is freely accessible.
This is a historic site that commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States in 1869. The park is located at Promontory Summit, where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad tracks were symbolically joined by the "Golden Spike".
More info here.
Spiral Jetty is a famous land-art piece created directly on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The stone spiral rising into the pink-colored salt water is one of the most iconic art installations in the American landscape and has a unique atmosphere at sunset. Robert Smithson created the spiral in 1970.
You can spend the evening in a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, through which a real creek flows, complete with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect spot for picking up souvenirs, enjoying a great dinner, and a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website for the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Entrance map
I hope you fully enjoyed Salt Lake City and your entire trip through the American West. If you have some time left before your departure, you can take one last walk through the city surrounded by mountains and the atmosphere of Utah. I wish you a happy flight home and lots of unforgettable memories 🛫
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Do
Embark on an unforgettable road trip through the American West, where a modern city surrounded by mountains alternates with the untamed wilderness of Wyoming. Discover Salt Lake City with its Olympic atmosphere, unique views of the salt flats, and the fascinating world of aviation. The iconic cowboy town of Jackson, the majestic granite peaks of Grand Teton National Park, and the bubbling geysers and wildlife in the legendary Yellowstone National Park await you. Experience a journey full of panoramas, mountains, and iconic places of the American West.
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the city of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, you will pick up your car according to instructions from Worldee, transfer to your accommodation, and depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic Temple Square or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol.
Pick up your rental car at the airport (following the instructions you'll get before your trip) and head off on your adventure. Depending on when you arrive, you can either head to your first stop or go straight to your accommodation and save the exploring for the next day.
The Temple Square complex has been undergoing renovations for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and extensive gardens. Temple Square is a designated National Historic Landmark.
You can find out how the renovation work is progressing and what is open in the complex on the official website.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You'll visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the area of the former Olympic Village in Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, which will take you to the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsleigh track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official website of the museum: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings, and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park requires an admission fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today it is part of the University of Utah, where vibrant student life thrives.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of equipment. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll past the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you're walking in the exact spot where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally housed military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic homes are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't encounter many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is planned to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
This majestic neoclassical building offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and the interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official website of the building: Capitol
You'll leave the city vibe of Salt Lake City behind and head towards the mountains and open landscapes of the American West. Along the way, you can look forward to the salt flats and bison herds on Antelope Island as well as the fascinating world of American aviation at the Hill Aerospace Museum. Gradually, the first mountain scenery of Wyoming will begin to appear before you, and in the evening you'll arrive in the quiet town of Victor, tucked beneath the majestic peaks of the Tetons.
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and one of the best places in Utah to see bison in the wild. It offers wide views of the salt flats and bison herds. If you're lucky, you'll meet them right by the road. You can also head out on one of the many trails.
The park opens very early in the morning; there is an entrance fee. More info here .
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Right at the start of Antelope Island, take a short stop at the U.S. Army Ranger and Air Force Memorial granite monument. It commemorates the tragic night of 1992 when a military helicopter carrying twelve elite special forces soldiers crashed in a storm just off this shore.
This museum is packed with aviation technology. You will find dozens of military aircraft, historical bombers, and exhibits related to the American space program, displayed in huge halls and outdoors.
Admission is free. Opening hours and the museum's official website here
Today will be dedicated to one of the most beautiful mountain sceneries in the entire United States. You will head to Grand Teton National Park, where dramatic mountain peaks rise directly above lakes, rivers, and endless forests. Iconic views, peaceful nature, and the atmosphere of the true American West await you. You will also stop at Jackson Lake Dam with magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains and end the day in the legendary western town of Jackson.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national parks, you need to factor in entrance fees. I recommend monitoring the latest information on the official website of the National Park Service before traveling. Park entrances can also be purchased online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American national parks during the year, it is worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most photogenic spots in the American West. The dramatic Teton Range rises abruptly from the Jackson Hole valley, creating the scenery that has made Wyoming world-famous. The park is part of the vast Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
During your visit, you can explore mountain lakes, the iconic Snake River, dense forests, and endless hiking trails. The area is known for sightings of bison, moose, bears, and bald eagles, and it rightly ranks among the most beautiful national parks in the United States.
If you're planning a hike, arrive as early in the morning as possible to secure a parking spot. Especially in the summer, there are a lot of tourists here.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
Jackson Lake Dam is located in the north of Grand Teton National Park and offers stunning views of Jackson Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Teton Range. The dam was built in the early 20th century as part of an irrigation system for the agricultural areas of the American West and still regulates the flow of the iconic Snake River.
Jackson is an iconic western town that has preserved the atmosphere of the Wild West to this day. It is surrounded by wooden sidewalks, cowboy bars, and western shops. Famous elk antler arches can be found in the town square.
- You can park your car in a side street or at one of the available parking lots near Jackson Town Square
Today, a full-day trip awaits you to Yellowstone National Park, one of America's most iconic national parks. Get ready for a longer drive from Victor, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking Wyoming scenery, wildlife, geysers, thermal springs, and the chance to spot bison, moose, or bears.
From Victor, you can enter Yellowstone either via West Yellowstone or drive through Grand Teton and use the Yellowstone South Entrance
This oldest national park in the world was established back in 1872 and offers an incredible diversity of landscapes — from deep canyons and lakes to mountain scenery and vast geothermal areas. It is famous for its geysers, colorful thermal springs, wildlife, and massive volcanic regions. While driving through the park, you might come across plenty of wildlife. Encountering bears, moose, or herds of bison will be an incredible experience for you.
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
On the last day of your road trip, you'll head back to Salt Lake City, but several iconic stops in the American West still await you. You'll explore the Northrop Grumman Rocket Garden, a place associated with the history of space exploration, visit Golden Spike National Historical Park, where the first transcontinental railroad in the USA was completed, and finally arrive at the mystical spiral Spiral Jetty on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. A day full of history, technology, and the unique landscape of Utah awaits you.
Rocket Garden is a smaller outdoor exhibition of rockets and technologies related to the American aerospace industry. The exhibition is freely accessible.
This is a historic site that commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States in 1869. The park is located at Promontory Summit, where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad tracks were symbolically joined by the "Golden Spike".
More info here.
Spiral Jetty is a famous land-art piece created directly on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The stone spiral rising into the pink-colored salt water is one of the most iconic art installations in the American landscape and has a unique atmosphere at sunset. Robert Smithson created the spiral in 1970.
You can spend the evening in a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, through which a real creek flows, complete with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect spot for picking up souvenirs, enjoying a great dinner, and a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website for the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Entrance map
I hope you fully enjoyed Salt Lake City and your entire trip through the American West. If you have some time left before your departure, you can take one last walk through the city surrounded by mountains and the atmosphere of Utah. I wish you a happy flight home and lots of unforgettable memories 🛫
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
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