The Ultimate Highway 89 Road Trip

The Ultimate Highway 89 Road Trip

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate Western adventure, pack your bags and point your steering wheel toward U.S. Highway 89. Often dubbed the "National Parks Highway," this iconic route cuts through some of the most breathtaking, rugged, and jaw-dropping landscapes in the United States. Our favorite stretch is the majestic Wyoming corridor that takes you through the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, the towering peaks of Grand Teton, the cowboy charm of Jackson Hole, and right down the scenic Snake River Canyon to the perfect basecamp in Alpine. Grab your road trip snacks, curate your favorite playlist, and let’s hit the road!

Kicking off the journey in Yellowstone National Park is nothing short of magical. Yellowstone is a massive, wild wonderland where the earth quite literally bubbles, steams, and erupts right in front of you. You can't visit without seeing Old Faithful do its thing, but make sure to also wander the boardwalks around the vibrant, rainbow-colored waters of the Grand Prismatic Spring. Keep your eyes peeled and maintain a safe distance from the wildlife, watching for bison traffic jams, elk grazing in the meadows, and grizzly bears foraging in the Lamar or Hayden Valleys. When you are ready to continue, head south toward the park's exit, where the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway seamlessly transitions you from one masterpiece of nature to another.

As you continue south on Highway 89 into Grand Teton National Park, the landscape changes dramatically. Suddenly, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Teton Range dominate the skyline, rising abruptly from the valley floor with no foothills to soften their striking vertical drop. For picture-perfect views, pull over at the Snake River Overlook, made famous by Ansel Adams, or take a detour to Mormon Row to photograph the historic Moulton Barns with the Tetons towering in the background. If you want to get active, take a boat ride across Jenny Lake or hike up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for a closer look at the alpine beauty.

Just a short drive south of the Tetons lies Jackson Hole, situated in a breathtaking valley that perfectly balances rugged cowboy history with modern mountain luxury. Start your visit by grabbing a photo under one of the four massive elk antler arches marking the corners of the town square. Afterward, you can stroll the wooden boardwalks to pop into local art galleries, outdoor gear shops, and western boutiques. For a classic meal, saddle up on a barstool made of an actual horse saddle at the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, and grab a huckleberry milkshake or a hearty bison burger at a local grill.

After a long day of exploring geysers, hiking alpine lakes, and soaking up the Wild West, you’ll want a comfortable place to kick off your hiking boots and relax. Keep cruising south on Highway 89, winding through the spectacular white-water rapids of the Snake River Canyon, until you hit the charming town of Alpine, Wyoming. Nestled in the breathtaking Star Valley is the Alpine/Bridger-Teton KOA Holiday, an absolute hidden gem and the ultimate destination basecamp. Forget feeling cramped, as the RV sites here are massive—averaging 0.15 to 0.20 acres—giving you plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the pristine mountain air. You are also perfectly positioned with easy access to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, world-class trout fishing on the Snake River, and boating on the stunning Palisades Reservoir.

After a full day on the road, there is nothing better than gathering around your site's fire pit, roasting marshmallows under a blanket of Wyoming stars, and planning the next day's adventure. A road trip down Highway 89 isn't just a drive; it's a front-row ticket to the best natural beauty the American West has to offer, guaranteeing memories to last a lifetime. Just remember that Wyoming's weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer. Always pack layers, keep your bear spray handy on the trails, and be sure to book your spot at the Alpine/Bridger-Teton KOA well in advance, because sites with views this good fill up fast.

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