Blanding to West Yellowstone Road Trip Guide

This 700-mile route from Blanding, UT (elevation 6,100 ft) to West Yellowstone, MT climbs over 5,000 feet in elevation, crossing three distinct biomes: the Colorado Plateau's slickrock, the Great Basin's sagebrush flats, and the Rocky Mountains' volcanic caldera. The drive takes roughly 11–12 hours without stops, but expect to add two to three days for exploration.

A little-known fact: near Blanding, the 13,000-year-old archaeological site of Cedar Mesa preserves some of the highest density of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the Southwest. The route parallels the ancient migratory path of bison and later the Oregon Trail, now traced by US-191, I-70, US-189, and US-20.

Road quality is generally excellent: US-191 and I-15 are fully paved, with consistent signage. However, the stretch from Blanding to Moab has sharp curves and occasional livestock. On I-70, strong crosswinds near the San Rafael Swell can challenge high-profile vehicles.

• Fatigue zones: Long straightaways on I-15. Use rest areas every 2 hours; stops in Price (mile 241) and Tremonton (mile 380) are well-maintained.
• Wildlife caution: Deer and elk are most active at dusk/dawn on US-20 between Idaho Falls and West Yellowstone.

Family and Child Suitability: This route scores high for kids who love rocks and animals. Arches has easy paved paths (e.g., Balanced Rock loop). Great Basin National Park (near the route, off US-6) offers the Lehman Caves tour. Yellowstone's boardwalks are stroller-friendly. For older children, rafting the Colorado River in Moab is a hit.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most national parks allow leashed pets only in developed areas, not on trails. In Moab, the Moab KOA offers pet-friendly cabins and a dog park. On I-15, Flying J travel centers have pet relief areas. In West Yellowstone, many lodges accept dogs, but verify before booking.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Goblin Valley State Park (off I-70 near Green River) features hundreds of mushroom-shaped hoodoos. The Spiral Jetty earthwork on Great Salt Lake's north shore (off I-15 near Corinne) is a surreal minimalist sculpture. For a quiet hot spring, visit Meadow Hot Springs near Hinckley, UT (unimproved, no facilities).

Blanding sits at the edge of the Colorado Plateau, where Jurassic sandstone creates vertical cliffs and slickrock domes. Farther north, the San Rafael Swell (I-70) reveals a 1,000-foot-thick monocline of multicolored strata. As you approach Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Front's snow-capped peaks rise abruptly.

• Arches National Park: Over 2,000 arches; balanced rocks and fins. Entry is $30 per vehicle.
• Grand Teton National Park: Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Only 30 miles from the route if you detour via US-26/89.
• Yellowstone National Park: West Entrance leads to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Winter closures apply.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along this route include Mesa Verde National Park (near Cortez, CO, a 1-hour detour from Blanding) and Yellowstone National Park. Mesa Verde protects Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings like Cliff Palace. Yellowstone's geothermal features and biodiversity earned it the UNESCO designation in 1978.

Culinary Infrastructure: Blanding has a few diners (think fry bread and Navajo tacos). Moab offers breweries (Moab Brewery), pizza joints, and upscale Southwestern cuisine. In Salt Lake City, try the Red Iguana for mole. Idaho Falls has chain restaurants; West Yellowstone leans toward hearty American fare with bison burgers and huckleberry shakes.

• Best stops Blanding, UT to West Yellowstone, MT include Moab's Slickrock Café and Salt Lake City's The Copper Onion.
• Things to do between Blanding, UT and West Yellowstone, MT: hike Delicate Arch, float the Colorado River, tour Temple Square, and watch geyser eruptions.

Fuel stations cluster every 50–70 miles along US-191 and I-15, but the stretch from Blanding to Moab has few options—fill up in Blanding. In Utah, gasoline is typically $0.10–0.20 cheaper than in Montana. Diesel and electric charging are available in Moab, Price, Salt Lake City, and Idaho Falls.

• Cell service: AT&T and Verizon work in towns; dead zones on US-191 between Blanding and Moab, and on US-20 approaching West Yellowstone.
• Weather windows: Best from May to October. Winter requires 4x4 or chains in mountain passes.
• Toll roads: None.

For hidden gems, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Currency: USD. English primary. All national parks require entrance fees ($30–35 per vehicle) or an America the Beautiful Pass. Lodging prices peak in July and August; book 2–3 months ahead for West Yellowstone.