From the coast to the last of the wild west, driving from San Diego to the Tetons is much easier and exciting than you might expect. Explore rustic hotels with hidden hot springs right off the freeway, to charming farm towns, to the iconic mountain city of Jackson Hole.
Road trips are easily one of the best ways to explore on a budget. There is so much to explore across America, and getting around is relatively easy and safe.
On my most recent trip to Wyoming from San Diego, we spent around $2000 for a full seven days and saw just about everything there is to see on the drive up and back.
Here’s the breakdown on all that we say, where we stayed, ate, camped, and visited:
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Day 1: SD to Monroe, Utah
On your first day, I would highly recommend leaving as early as possible. We left at around 5 am to beat all and any kind of Southern California traffic we could.
If you are also doing this trek in the summer its advantageous to leave early to beat the heavy heat that comes when driving through Arizona, Utah and Nevada.
For the first stop, check out the Seven Magic Mountains, which is just before you hit Las Vegas. These rocks were placed in the middle of the desert and then painted by an artist.
Since then, they have become a mini tourist attraction.
This is quite literally in the middle of nowhere, but it is a nice place to get out of the car and look at something. It’s free, parking is free, and it’s right on the side of the freeway.
Next, drive straight up the 15 freeway to Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park.
There is a tiny silver of the national park that extends right up to the road. This place was empty when we visited. You do need to buy an entrance ticket to the National Park to enter, but if you have the America the Beautiful pass, you can drive right in.
We took the 30-minute short drive through the canyon, which is spectacular.
You get a perfect mini taste of Zion with little to no crowds since this area is so far off the beaten path from the rest of the park. You can do a short hike around or just stop at all of the view points like we did.
Then make it up to Mystic Hot Springs, where we stayed the night in a hippie, restored war bus.
Visiting Mystic Hot Springs: Utah’s Most Unique Roadside Stop
Discover Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Utah the rustic desert oasis known for its vintage soaking tubs, mineral-rich waters, and quirky hippie vibes.
For dinner, check out the local restaurant in the town, Bullies.
Day 2: Monroe to Jackson Hole
The next day, soak in the Hot Springs on site and then made our journey up to Jackson.
This is one of the stretches where we didn’t have cell phone service, especially in some of the more remote areas.
Arrive in Jackson and check into your Hotel.
Some great options under every kind of budget are:
Low Budget $
Cache House – View Here
Medium Budget $$
Cowboy Village Resort – View Here
Antler Inn – View Here
49’er Inn & Suites – View Here
Medium to Higher Budget $$$
Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson – View Here
Rustic Inn Creekside – View Here
Anvil Hotel – View Here
Hight Budget $$$$
Mountain Modern Jackson Hole – View Here
The White Buffalo Club – View Here
The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection – View Here
Have dinner at Hand Craft Pizza and, of course, check out the Iconic Cowboy Bar.
Day 3: Explore Jackson
In the morning, get breakfast at Cafe Genevieve, which is right next to the iconic Persephone bakery. The line for Persephone was super long, and I loved the ambiance of Cafe Genevieve.
And of course the the food was great.
Cowboy Coffee is also a must in Jackson; but plan to arrive early in the morning or mobile order on their app since the line can get long due to popularity.
There are so many things to do in Jackson, for all budget types, but here are some of the most popular.
The Arial Tram:
Make the ascent up Rendezvous Mountain for scenic mountain views of the Tetons, different levels of hiking trails, and access to Corbet’s Cabin for Waffles. During the summer time, you also have access to the Sweetwater Gondola (which is included in your ticket)
Horseback Riding:
One of the most popular activities is easily experiencing the Tetons on horseback! Take in the vast mountain peaks, lush valleys, and riverbanks like a cowboy. Pick from a few hours on a beginner ride to full-day long explorations of the National Park and the surrounding forests.
Book Here
Float the Snake River:
Embark down the Snake River on a guided raft tour to see a different side of Wyoming, the riverbed and marshes. Relax and admire the different kinds of wildlife along the water while your guide steers you down the gentle river. These tours are calm enough for families and senior citizens as well.
Guided Fishing Trip:
Don’t want to pack all of your fishing gear and want to catch a big one? Try a guided fishing tour, allow a local guide to show you the best spots, and provide all you could need for your Wyoming fishing experience.
Book Here
For Winter Trips, you can also try:
Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling Combo Trip:
Looking for something a bit more unique? Suit up in your winter gear, and set out dog-sledding in view of the Grand Tetons. Then switch to a snowmobile for a high-speed excursion through the snowy valleys. (all ethicality ran)
Book Here
Day 4 Enter the National Park:
Time to enter the iconic Grand Teton National Park.
Entrance is $35 per car or included in the America the Beautiful pass
Drive up into the park and visit the iconic T.A Moulton Barn and Mormon Row.
Check out the Chapel of Transfiguration
If you are camping you can then head to Colter Bay Campground and set up camp or head to one of the few hotels on the national park grounds to check in.
Some Popular hotels include:
Colter Bay Village
Six Heart Ranch
Buffalo Valley Ranch
Jenny Lake Lodge
For sunset visit Oxbow Bend for an incredible view of the mountains over Snake river.
Day 5 Explore the National Park:
Spend the next morning on the iconic Jenny Lake.
There is plenty to do here; hike around the lake, rent kayaks, check out the visitors center, take a boat across or jump in for a quick dip.
Some Very popular hikes in this area are:
Jenny Lake Loop
String Lake Loop
Hike to Inspiration point
Hike into Cascade Canyon
Spend the rest of the day exploring the park, visiting the different lookouts and soaking in the views.
Day 6 Road Trip:
Wake up early and watch the sunrise over the Tetons.
A lot of people head to Schwabacher Landing, however this lookout is on a very uneven, unpaved one lane road. It was almost impossible for us to get out there due to the traffic.
There are so many lookouts nearby it that where completely empty. So if you are looking to skip the crowds and enjoy the sunrise without photographers breathing down your neck the check out Albright New Turnout.
If you are still up for stops you can visit:
Bear Lake – Right on the boarder of Wyoming and Utah
Check out the iconic Prairie Schooner Restaurant.
A western themed affordable steakhouse where every booth is a covered wagon. The inside is adorned with taxidermy animals, cactuses and faux campfires to fully immerse you in the old west.
Make your way down to Cedar City and Check into the Big Yellow Inn. A homey vintage bed and breakfast, ran by the sweetest couple.
For dinner we recommend visiting Centro Woodfired Pizza.
Day 7:
Drive the final stretch home.
If you have any more energy for a final stop, visit the Calico Ghost Town.
And that’s the whole trip, for video breakdowns on all of my stops follow along on Instagram or Tik Tok
I’ll See you,
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