Best Routes and Scenic Stops on a Dallas to Yellowstone Road Trip
A road trip from Dallas, Texas, to Yellowstone National Park is a long fun adventure through a variety of incredible landscapes and attractions. With 1,300 miles separating these two destinations, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors, visit charming towns, and indulge in local cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for the quickest, most direct route or planning an extended road trip full of scenic stops, there’s something for everyone! In this post, we’ll outline suggested itineraries for a Dallas to Yellowstone road trip, including the most direct and efficient route and another that allows you to savor the many sights along the way.
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Larimer Street in Denver, Grand Teton Scenic Drive, & Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Dallas to Yellowstone: The Details
Dallas is approximately 1,300 miles from Yellowstone's South Entrance. It takes about 20-22 hours of driving time (without long stops), depending on traffic and road conditions.
The most direct route follows major highways, cutting through Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming before reaching Yellowstone National Park.
It’s possible to complete this drive in two full days of driving. When we drive direct from Dallas to Yellowstone, we generally stop overnight in Denver, CO.
You’ll want to book lodging for at least one night along the way—but consider more overnight stops to take advantage of other great pit stops. Denver, CO is an ideal half-way point from Dallas to Yellowstone’s South Entrance. We also highly recommend a night in Jackson, WY, or Grand Teton National Park so you’re able to explore the Tetons on your way to Yellowstone.
There are plenty of fuel stops along I-35, US 287, I-40, and I-25 in both small towns and larger cities. We recommend filling up before entering Yellowstone, although there are fuel options located at main visitor areas throughout the park.
Most of the drive is on major highways, so road quality is generally good. However, be prepared for potential slowdowns in mountain areas, especially when approaching Wyoming and during the colder months. There are also some sections with limited cell service, so either keep your gps going in more remote areas, download an offline map, or print directions ahead of time.
You’ll enter Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, which brings you to the east side of Grand Teton National Park. (We highly recommend exploring Grand Teton National Park on your way to or from Yellowstone.) Once you pass through Yellowstone’s South Entrance, you’ll be close to popular Yellowstone attractions like Old Faithful Geyser and Yellowstone Lake.
June through early October is generally the best time to drive from Dallas to Yellowstone, as weather is ideal and all roads are open in Yellowstone.
(Most Direct) 2-Day Dallas to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary
Since we spend our winters in Dallas, the road trip from Dallas to Yellowstone is one we make two to three times a year. Although we’re typically driving directly to Gardiner, where we live part-time at the foot of Yellowstone’s North Entrance, the direct route to Yellowstone’s South Entrance is similar—just shorter, woo!
Here’s a look at the most direct route from Dallas to Yellowstone’s South Entrance. This is the entrance we recommend entering Yellowstone from Dallas, so you can easily visit Grand Teton National Park on your way.
Note: The most direct route from Dallas to Yellowstone has you stopping in Denver for a night and only making stops for food, gas, and restroom breaks, but if you're looking for just one or two other stops to stretch your legs, consider the following ideas.
Stop 1: Amarillo, TX
Roadside Highlight: Cadillac Ranch: Stop by this iconic art installation featuring half-buried Cadillacs, where you can spray paint your own artwork.
Restaurant: The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, this restaurant is a great stop for a iconic Texas meal.
Stop 2: Denver, CO
Get Lodging Near: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Just outside of Denver, this world-famous outdoor concert venue is set amidst stunning red rock formations. Align your road trip with the summer concert schedule and catch a live performance during your overnight pitstop. This is also a great place to stretch your legs and hike one of the nearby scenic trails with panoramic views.
Get Lodging Near: Larimer Square: Denver’s oldest and most historic block, Larimer Square is a vibrant area known for its beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, boutique shopping, and a variety of top-tier restaurants. Consider picking a hotel nearby to enjoy Larimer Square at night, when the street is strung with lights, creating a charming atmosphere for a stroll or dining experience.
Restaurant: Steuben's: A retro-style diner that has been showcased on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Steuben's offers comfort food classics like fried chicken, lobster rolls, and mac 'n cheese.
Restaurant: Root Down: Root Down is known for its farm-to-table dishes and retro-modern vibe. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet upscale dining experience with a focus on sustainability and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their menu is diverse, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Restaurant: El Five: El Five is famous for its stunning skyline views of Denver and the mountains. It offers a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired tapas. The combination of a laid-back rooftop setting with fantastic food and ambiance makes it a popular destination for a relaxing evening.
Stop 3: Grand Teton National Park
Restaurant With A View: Dornan’s Restaurant: Close to Moose Wilson Road, Dornan's is a beloved restaurant offering a terrace with stunning views of the Tetons.
Highlight Photography: Schwabacher Landing & Mormon Row: Schwabacher Landing is a peaceful spot along the Snake River known for its stunning reflections of the Teton Range, especially at sunrise. It's an ideal place for photography and wildlife viewing, often with sightings of moose, beavers, and various bird species. Mormon Row, on the other hand, is a historic area famous for the iconic Moulton Barn, one of the most photographed barns in America. With the Teton Range as a backdrop, it’s a favorite spot for photographers.
Quick View: Colter Bay Marina: To explore the Tetons, we highly recommend extending your road trip with lodging for one or two nights in Jackson, WY, or Grand Teton National Park. However, if you’re just driving through and want a quick but beautiful Teton view, stop in Colter Bay Village. This is on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance and offers a gorgeous marina and mountain view.
Final Stop: Yellowstone National Park
Highlight: Everything! Enter through the South Entrance, then drive west to Old Faithful to witness an eruption of one of the park's most famous geysers—or drive east to pass by the shore of Yellowstone Lake on your way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can’t go wrong no matter which direction you head first.
(Most Balanced) 4-Day Dallas to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary
This long weekend route from Dallas to Yellowstone allows for additional overnight stops and more scenic views and fun excursions. Consider overnight stops in Amarillo, Denver or Rocky Mountain National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.
Stop 1: Amarillo, TX
Roadside Highlight: Cadillac Ranch: Stop by this iconic art installation featuring half-buried Cadillacs, where you can spray paint your own artwork.
Restaurant: The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, this restaurant is a great stop for a iconic Texas meal.
State Park Highlight: Caprock Canyon State Park: Enjoy stunning canyon views and nearby hiking, such as the scenic Haynes Ridge and Upper North Prong Trail Loop.
State Park Highlight: Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," this stunning park offers scenic views, hiking trails, and the second-largest canyon in the United States! Take Park Road for beautiful canyon views, check out the famous Lighthouse Trail, or if you’re visiting in summer, check out the Texas Outdoor Musical in the Pioneer Amphitheater.
Stop 2: Option A: Denver, CO
Concerts & Hiking: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Just outside of Denver, this world-famous outdoor concert venue is set amidst stunning red rock formations. Align your road trip with the summer concert schedule and catch a live performance during your overnight pitstop. This is also a great place to stretch your legs and hike one of the nearby scenic trails with panoramic landscape views.
Shopping & Dining: Larimer Square: Denver’s oldest and most historic block, Larimer Square is a vibrant area known for its beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, boutique shopping, and a variety of top-tier restaurants. Consider picking a hotel nearby to enjoy Larimer Square at night, when the street is strung with lights, creating a charming atmosphere for a stroll or dining experience.
Restaurant: Steuben's: A retro-style diner that has been showcased on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Steuben's offers comfort food classics like fried chicken, lobster rolls, and mac 'n cheese.
Restaurant: Root Down: Root Down is known for its farm-to-table dishes and retro-modern vibe. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet upscale dining experience with a focus on sustainability and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their menu is diverse, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Restaurant: El Five: El Five is famous for its stunning skyline views of Denver and the mountains. It offers a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired tapas. The combination of a laid-back rooftop setting with fantastic food and ambiance makes it a popular destination for a relaxing, enjoyable evening.
Stop 2: Option B: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
Get Lodging In: RMNP or Estes Park, CO: It’s always great when you get lodging inside a national park so you’re closer to top attractions. (This is especially true when you’re already driving from Dallas to Yellowstone—anytime you can reduce your driving time is a plus!) So we recommend looking for lodging first in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you can’t find anything inside the park, look in nearby Estes Park.
Highlight Scenic Drive: Trail Ridge Road: Drive this scenic byway to see incredible alpine views and spot wildlife along the way.
Highlight Hiking: Bear Lake Trail: Enter through Estes Park or drive Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake, CO, to hike Bear Lake Trail for stunning views of the lake and surrounding peaks. (Reservations are required.) From this trailhead, you can reach Bear, Emerald, Dream, and Nymph lakes.
Stop 3: Grand Teton National Park
Quick View: Colter Bay Marina: To explore the Tetons, we highly recommend extending your road trip with lodging for one or two nights in Jackson, WY, or Grand Teton National Park. However, if you’re just driving through and want a quick but beautiful Teton view, stop in Colter Bay Village. This is on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance and offers a gorgeous marina and mountain view.
Highlight Hiking: Jenny Lake: One of the park's most iconic spots, Jenny Lake offers breathtaking views, scenic boat rides, and easy access to hiking trails. The nearby Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and Cascade Canyon hikes are popular hiking trails.
Highlight Photography: Schwabacher Landing & Mormon Row: Schwabacher Landing is a peaceful spot along the Snake River known for its stunning reflections of the Teton Range, especially at sunrise. It's an ideal place for photography and wildlife viewing, often with sightings of moose, beavers, and various bird species. Mormon Row, on the other hand, is a historic area famous for the iconic Moulton Barn, one of the most photographed barns in America. With the Teton Range as a backdrop, it’s a favorite spot for photographers.
Get Lodging Near: Grand Teton National Park or Jackson, Wyoming: Jackson serves as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and a destination in its own right. While in Jackson, explore the historic Town Square with its famous antler arches, enjoy boutique shopping, or experience world-class dining. For adventure, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers activities year-round. The National Elk Refuge is another must-see, providing opportunities to see thousands of elk in their winter habitat.
Restaurant With A View: Dornan’s Restaurant: Close to Moose Wilson Road, Dornan's is a beloved restaurant offering a terrace with stunning views of the Tetons.
Final Stop: Yellowstone National Park
Highlight: Everything! Enter through the South Entrance, then drive west to Old Faithful to witness an eruption of one of the park's most famous geysers—or drive east to pass by the shore of Yellowstone Lake on your way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can’t go wrong no matter which direction you head first.
(Most Scenic) 1-Week Dallas to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary
This week-long route from Dallas to Yellowstone allows for even more overnight stops, scenic views and excursions! Consider overnight stops in Amarillo, Colorado Springs, Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.
Stop 1: Amarillo, TX
Roadside Highlight: Cadillac Ranch: Stop by this iconic art installation featuring half-buried Cadillacs, where you can spray paint your own artwork.
Restaurant: The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, this restaurant is a great stop for a iconic Texas meal.
State Park Highlight: Caprock Canyon State Park: Enjoy stunning canyon views and nearby hiking, such as the scenic Haynes Ridge and Upper North Prong Trail Loop.
State Park Highlight: Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," this stunning park offers scenic views, hiking trails, and the second-largest canyon in the United States! Take Park Road for beautiful canyon views, check out the famous Lighthouse Trail, or if you’re visiting in summer, check out the Texas Outdoor Musical in the Pioneer Amphitheater.
Stop 2: Trinidad, CO
Highlight: Trinidad Lake State Park: Take a stroll around the lake or enjoy a picnic with beautiful mountain views.
National Park Detour: Great Sand Dunes National Park: If you're aiming to visit every national park in the U.S., consider a detour from Trinidad or Walsenburg, CO, to explore Great Sand Dunes National Park. The park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, some towering over 750 feet, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Popular activities include sandboarding, sledding down the dunes, and hiking to High Dune for incredible views. The detour from Trinidad adds about two hours of driving one way, while from Walsenburg, it's only about an hour, making it an easier stop along your Dallas to Yellowstone road trip.
Restaurant: Trinidad Smokehouse: This is a popular spot for BBQ lovers, offering a range of smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage, served with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese. The restaurant also serves craft beers, adding to the experience of enjoying a hearty BBQ meal in a laid-back setting.
Stop 3: Colorado Springs, CO
Hiking Highlight: Garden of the Gods: Marvel at the stunning red rock formations and take advantage of many scenic hiking trails.
Scenic Highlight: Pikes Peak: If time allows, drive up to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views.
Unique Challenge: Manitou Incline: This popular and challenging path near Colorado Springs is famous for its steep ascent—this set of stairs rises over 2,000 feet in less than a mile, with more than 2,700 steps to climb. The rewarding panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding mountains make it a worthwhile experience for hikers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Restaurant: The Airplane Restaurant: This unique dining experience takes place inside a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker plane. Diners can even sit in the cockpit while enjoying their meal.
Restaurant: Front Range Barbeque: Known for its Southern-style BBQ, this local favorite has been featured on shows like Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Don’t miss the ribs or their award-winning green chili mac and cheese.
Stop 4: Denver, CO
Get Lodging Near: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Just outside of Denver, this world-famous outdoor concert venue is set amidst stunning red rock formations. Align your road trip with the summer concert schedule and catch a live performance during your overnight pitstop. This is also a great place to stretch your legs and hike one of the nearby scenic trails with panoramic landscape views.
Get Lodging Near: Larimer Square: Denver’s oldest and most historic block, Larimer Square is a vibrant area known for its beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, boutique shopping, and a variety of top-tier restaurants. Consider picking a hotel nearby to enjoy Larimer Square at night, when the street is strung with lights, creating a charming atmosphere for a stroll or dining experience.
Restaurant: Steuben's: A retro-style diner that has been showcased on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Steuben's offers comfort food classics like fried chicken, lobster rolls, and mac 'n cheese.
Restaurant: Root Down: Root Down is known for its farm-to-table dishes and retro-modern vibe. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet upscale dining experience with a focus on sustainability and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their menu is diverse, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Restaurant: El Five: El Five is famous for its stunning skyline views of Denver and the mountains. It offers a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired tapas. The combination of a laid-back rooftop setting with fantastic food and ambiance makes it a popular destination for a relaxing, enjoyable evening.
Stop 5: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
Get Lodging In: RMNP or Estes Park, CO: It’s always great when you get lodging inside a national park so you’re closer to top attractions. (This is especially true when you’re already driving from Dallas to Yellowstone—anytime you can reduce your driving time is a plus!) So we recommend looking for lodging first in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you can’t find anything inside the park, look in nearby Estes Park.
Highlight Scenic Drive: Trail Ridge Road: Drive this scenic byway to see incredible alpine views and spot wildlife along the way.
Highlight Hiking: Bear Lake Trail: Enter through Estes Park or drive Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake, CO, to hike Bear Lake Trail for stunning views of the lake and surrounding peaks. (Reservations are required.) From this trailhead, you can reach Bear, Emerald, Dream, and Nymph lakes.
Stop 6: Grand Teton National Park
Quick View: Colter Bay Marina: To explore the Tetons, we highly recommend extending your road trip with lodging for one or two nights in Jackson, WY, or Grand Teton National Park. However, if you’re just driving through and want a quick but beautiful Teton view, stop in Colter Bay Village. This is on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance and offers a gorgeous marina and mountain view.
Highlight Hiking: Jenny Lake: One of the park's most iconic spots, Jenny Lake offers breathtaking views, scenic boat rides, and easy access to hiking trails. The nearby Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and Cascade Canyon hikes are popular hiking trails.
Highlight Photography: Schwabacher Landing & Mormon Row: Schwabacher Landing is a peaceful spot along the Snake River known for its stunning reflections of the Teton Range, especially at sunrise. It's an ideal place for photography and wildlife viewing, often with sightings of moose, beavers, and various bird species. Mormon Row, on the other hand, is a historic area famous for the iconic Moulton Barn, one of the most photographed barns in America. With the Teton Range as a backdrop, it’s a favorite spot for photographers.
Get Lodging Near: Grand Teton National Park or Jackson, Wyoming: Jackson serves as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and a destination in its own right. While in Jackson, explore the historic Town Square with its famous antler arches, enjoy boutique shopping, or experience world-class dining. For adventure, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers activities year-round. The National Elk Refuge is another must-see, providing opportunities to see thousands of elk in their winter habitat.
Restaurant With A View: Dornan’s Restaurant: Close to Moose Wilson Road, Dornan's is a beloved restaurant offering a terrace with stunning views of the Tetons.
Final Stop: Yellowstone National Park
Highlight: Everything! Enter through the South Entrance, then drive west to Old Faithful to witness an eruption of one of the park's most famous geysers—or drive east to pass by the shore of Yellowstone Lake on your way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can’t go wrong no matter which direction you head first.
What to do when you get to Yellowstone?
Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide! With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you don’t miss out on the best things to do and see in Yellowstone year-round. Crafted from personal experience over 9 years (& counting), our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the overwhelm out of planning a vacation to one of America’s largest national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.
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Happy Travels!
