Yellowstone National Park and Utah Trip

How about a free trip to the Yellow Stone National Park?

How do you get there?

From the Bay Area, California, it is possible to fly to Salk Lake City, or Jackson Hole. Usually, if you pay for a ticket, you can have a direct flight to Salt Lake City where you can rent a car to visit Yellowstone, then return the car when you fly back from Salt Lake City. It may be possible to book a flight using miles.

But if you fly all the way there, it may make sense to add Moab as a destination if you like to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, too. That way, with one flight, you cover 3 national parks instead of 1. You can also consider the National Parks Annual Pass for the year instead of paying separately for each park entry. That is what we did.

So here is our trip outline, which you could modify as you see fit:

• Day 1: Visit Santa Monica as we have a connecting flight at LAX as we fly from San Jose, to LAX, to Jackson Hole
• Day 2: Jackson to Yellowstone National Park – drive to attractions in the park, Grand Tetons if you will.
• Day 3: Jackson to Yellowstone – drive to attractions in the park, cover other parts that were not covered on day 2. (Can add more days here if you like)
• Day 4: Drive from Jackson, Wyoming to Moab, Uyah, sleep in Moab.
• Day 5: Visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. (Could make this a 2 day trip if you like hiking around).
• Day 6: Drive back to Salt Lake city and fly out. Sight seeing in Salt Lake City if you have time for your flight. Evening flight back to the Bay Area is fine.

In our case, as a family of 3, we were able to book a flight using British Airways award miles on American Airlines. We booked directly to Jackson Hole, because using miles, going to Salt Lake City or directly to Jackson Hole were comparable. When booking with miles, you can book one way and pay one way with miles. So you can book one way from Bay Area to Jackson Hole and one way from Salt Lake city back to the Bay Area. It is possible to pickup car in Jackson Hole and return to Salt Lake city.

Connecting Flight – A Stop at LAX

Normally, flights to Jackson Hole are expensive when you pay for them. But sometimes award miles make it affordable, even if longer. Our cheap flight had a stop in Los Angeles. San Jose to LAX, and then spend a day in LA, visit Santa Monica pier (take Uber), eat something simple at the pier, get back to LAX. Instead of a short connecting flight, we intentionally booked to arrive to LAX early, and leave in the evening to have time to do things in LA. It ads a spice to the trip. You can do many things in LA. We chose to spend our day at the Santa Monica pier. Your checked in bags are with the airlines. You just walk around with your carry-ons.

Santa Monica Pier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide range of activities and entertainment options. Some fun things to do on or around the pier include:

• Take a ride on the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel, which dates back to 1922.
• Play games and win prizes at the Pacific Park amusement park, which features a ferris wheel and other rides.
• Watch the illusion shows on the pier, participate if you like
• Go fishing from the end of the pier, which is a popular spot for anglers.
• Check out the aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which features interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities.
• Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the views of the ocean, or sit and watch the sunset.
• Go shopping and dining at the Third Street Promenade, a popular outdoor mall located just a few blocks from the pier.
• Rent a bike or rollerblade and explore the 22-mile bike path that runs along the beach.
• Visit the beach and participate in water sports, such as swimming, surfing, or stand-up paddleboarding.

Overall, there are many fun things to do on or around the Santa Monica Pier, whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, educational experiences, or just a relaxing day by the ocean.

A Road Trip to Yellowstone, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

When you visit Yellowstone, you can stay in Jackson, Wyoming which is located approximately 600 miles northwest of Moab, Utah. The driving distance between the two locations is approximately 9 hours, depending on the route taken.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is a vast and beautiful wilderness area that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

The time it takes to drive through Yellowstone National Park depends on a number of factors, including the route you take, the speed at which you travel, and the amount of time you spend at each stop along the way. The park has several main roads that wind through the park, including the Grand Loop Road, which takes you to many of the park’s most popular attractions.

If you plan to take the Grand Loop Road and make several stops along the way to explore the park’s many attractions, it will take you at least two days to drive around the park. However, if you only want to drive through the park and don’t plan to stop at any of the attractions, you can drive through the park in a single day.

If you plan to drive through the park and make a few stops along the way, you can expect to spend about six to eight hours on the road. However, it’s important to allow for additional time if you want to spend more time exploring the park’s attractions.

It’s worth noting that the park’s roads can be quite winding and steep in places, so it’s important to drive carefully and pay attention to the road conditions. It’s also a good idea to bring along plenty of water, snacks, and other supplies, as there are long stretches of the park with no services.

 

Some of the things you can do in Yellowstone include:

1. Hiking: There are more than 900 miles of trails in Yellowstone, ranging from easy, paved paths to challenging backcountry routes. Some popular trails include the Lower Falls Trail, which takes you to the base of the park’s iconic Lower Falls, and the Mammoth Hot Springs Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s geothermal features.
2. Wildlife viewing: Yellowstone is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, bears, and more. You can see these animals in their natural habitat by taking a guided wildlife tour or simply driving through the park and keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
3. Geothermal features: Yellowstone is known for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. Some popular geothermal attractions include Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, a colorful hot spring with an otherworldly appearance.
4. Fishing: The park is home to a number of rivers and streams, which offer excellent opportunities for fly fishing and other types of angling. A valid fishing license is required to fish in the park.
5. Ranger-led programs: Yellowstone offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, talks, and junior ranger activities, which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.

Jackson Hole is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is known for its ski resorts, national parks, and picturesque mountain scenery. The town of Jackson Hole is located in the Jackson Hole valley, which is surrounded by the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains.

If you’re planning a trip to Moab and want to visit Jackson Hole as well, it’s important to plan your trip carefully and allow enough time to see both destinations. It’s also a good idea to consider flying or taking a bus or train to one of the locations, rather than driving, to save time and reduce the strain of a long road trip.

Free Hotel Stay in Jackson, Wyoming

Spring Hill Suites Marriott is an option to use your Marriot points. If you have the Marriott Credit card you can consider using your Free night hotel stay awards. You could also chose to pay for the hotel if you think the points can be used elsewhere better, depending on the price you get. In any way, the credit card fee of $95 seems to be worth the exchange. You can have two cards, one for yourself and another for your spouse (don’t forget to collect referral bonus when you refer your spouse). That way you can have more free night stays at your destinations.

Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park – Staying in Moab

Moab, Utah is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a fun and adventure-filled vacation. Located in eastern Utah, Moab is known for its stunning red rock landscape, which offers a variety of activities for people of all ages and skill levels.

• There are several national parks and state parks in the area, including Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which offer a wide range of hiking and biking trails, as well as rock climbing and rappelling opportunities.
• In addition to the national and state parks, Moab is also home to a number of other outdoor activities, such as rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River, ATV and Jeep tours, and hot air balloon rides.
• There are also plenty of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment in Moab, including shopping, dining, and visiting local museums and galleries.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a popular destination for people looking to experience the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Located in eastern Utah, the park is known for its unique geological features, including more than 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as a variety of other rock formations, canyons, and cliffs.

There are several activities available for visitors to Arches National Park, including:

• Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy, paved trails to more challenging backcountry routes. Some popular trails include the Delicate Arch Trail, which leads to the park’s iconic Delicate Arch, and the Devil’s Garden Trail, which takes you through a series of sandstone fins and arches.
• Rock climbing and rappelling: Arches National Park is a popular destination for rock climbers and rappellers, who come to experience the park’s unique geology and challenging routes.
• Biking: The park has several trails that are open to mountain bikers, including the Klondike Bluffs and the Salt Valley Road.
• Photography: The park’s stunning rock formations and natural beauty make it a popular destination for photographers.
• Ranger-led programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and talks, which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.

Canyonlands National Park

In a single day, it is possible to visit both Arches and Canyonland parks. But if you like you can have separate days, too.

Free Hotel Stay in Moab, Utah

Hyatt Place in Moab is a beautiful hotel we do recommend. You can book it via points. For example April 2023 is 12,000 points. But you can also use your FREE night stay if you have the Hyatt Credit Card. The credit card costs $95 a year for the annual fee. But the hotel is $401 a night. It is a good way to use your free stay nights.

If you travel often, you can have 2 cards, one for yourself, and another for your wife. Then you can book back to back 2 nights, one for your wife, and another for yourself. When you arrive to the hotel, you would like to merge your stays. They will tell you to stop by to check in next morning. Otherwise you do not need to move rooms. You just stay 2 nights straight.

The hotel has free breakfast and various other amenities that are helpful:

If you have the IHG Credit Card, that also gives FREE night stay and you could for example stay in Holiday Inn, again making it a good deal since $95 credit card annual fee is cheaper than hotel stay:

If you prefer the Marriott Credit Card, then there are plenty of Marriott owned properties as well:

 

What was FREE or Discounted?

• Flight to Jackson Hole and return from Salt Lake City booked with miles at American Airlines. Keep in mind you could perhaps use partner miles like Alaska Airlines or even British Airlines, too. So keep an open mind when you apply for credit cards from the various airlines.
• Spring Hill SUites Hotel (Marriot) via points – Marriott Credit Card is a way to accumulate these points. Initial bonus is good
• We paid for rental car, pickup in Jackson Hole, drop in Salt Lake city was OK. Make sure it is unlimited miles to drive. It is a long road trip.
• Hyatt Place in Moab is a great place to stay. We paid via FREE night of the Hyatt Credit Card. You could also pay with points. Free breakfast. They have a pool if you have kids, they will like it early evening after a long day.
• Check out Groupon to discover dining locations in Jackson Hole, Moab, Salt Lake City, or even Santa Monica on your way.