Traversing the Rocky Mountains offers a unique way to inhabit the landscapes that are often only glimpsed in photographs or postcards. The journey unfolds across jagged peaks, sapphire lakes, and sweeping valleys, and traveling with your own mobile accommodations allows you to experience each moment on your own terms. Strategic choices - such as outfitting your rig with an RV slide-out awning - extend living space and provide shaded respite during mid-day stops, creating comfort that lets you focus entirely on the scenery rather than logistics.

Planning Your Route

The Rockies span multiple states, each offering distinctive scenery and experiences. In planning your route, you might prioritize iconic national parks such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, or Yellowstone for structured campgrounds and curated hiking opportunities. In contrast, state parks and national forests offer flexible, quieter camping options. Mountain passes demand careful attention due to rapid weather shifts, making early-season planning essential. A balanced itinerary incorporates both driving days and periods for hikes, photography, and explorations in towns like Moab, Aspen, and Jackson Hole.

Scroll down for my exact, day-by-day itinerary.

Hotel Stays Or Camping Among Peaks and Lakes?

Campgrounds range from fully equipped sites with water and electricity to dispersed sites offering solitude and connection with the wilderness. Lakeside sites reward early risers with misty reflections and sunrise colors, while high mountain sites offer cooler nights and fewer visitors. Established sites in national parks like Arches, Canyonlands, or Glacier allow access to iconic trails, while dispersed options in national forests provide the kind of privacy that feels rare in modern travel. The choice of campsite frames your experience - each location brings a different perspective on the Rockies’ grandeur.

With three people and all of our suitcases, camera gear, and supplies in one Jeep, we stayed in hotels throughout our trip - mostly simple, select service roadside stops like our old standard, Springhill Suites. 

Exploring the Outdoors

The Rocky Mountains are an endless playground for hikers, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Trails range from short walks around alpine lakes to multi-mile climbs with panoramic ridge views, while rivers and ponds support fly fishing mere steps from your campsite. Bicycles can be stored and deployed to explore local roads or forest trails, and wildlife sightings - elk, deer, and raptors - become part of daily life. Each stop offers a new type of encounter, whether it’s a serene lakeshore, a rugged cliffside, or a quiet mountain meadow.

Consider an RV for a Multi-State Trip

A mobile setup transforms the Rockies itinerary from a series of checkpoints into a flowing adventure. An RV allows you to linger at particularly striking vistas, skip hotel logistics, and blend comfort with spontaneity. For a trip spanning Salt Lake, Moab, Aspen, Denver, Casper, Yellowstone, and Jackson Hole, the flexibility of a well-equipped RV makes long drives and varied landscapes manageable. Items such as fold-out awnings, ample storage, and easy-access cooking facilities amplify both efficiency and enjoyment, letting the itinerary dictate the pace rather than the constraints of lodging.

Preparing for the Journey

Preparation is essential for safe and enjoyable mountain travel. Layered clothing accommodates rapidly shifting temperatures, extra water and non-perishable food supplies safeguard against remoteness, and vehicle maintenance ensures confidence on steep grades. Roads are generally well-maintained, but mountain conditions require alert driving and careful planning. Carrying basic tools and first-aid supplies adds security, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than emergencies.

Check put my complete road trip packing guide and checklist here!

Highlights Along the Route

• Salt Lake City: Morning coffee and pastries at Eva’s Bakery, Natural History Museum, Capitol Hill, and street views of the city.
• Moab: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Delicate Arch sunrise, Mesa Arch sunset, and Potash Ponds photography.
• Aspen: Maroon Bells hiking, American Lake Trail, and scenic drives across Independence Pass.
• Denver: Art museums, 16th Street Mall, Union Station, RINO Arts District, and rooftop pool photography.
• Casper & Yellowstone: Hot springs, wildlife in Lamar Valley, Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Inspiration Point.
• Jackson Hole & Teton: Taggart Lake Hike, Delta Lake, Mormon Row Historic District, and local dining at Snake River Grill and Million Dollar Bar.

Rocky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary - Salt Lake to Jackson Hole

Through my years and years of travel planning, I am amazing at making itineraries that maximize our days, minimize driving time as much as possible, balance driving days and activities, and make the most of early morning and late afternoon ideal photography times. (I would be humble about this.... but it's true, it is something I am very skilled at.) 

This was my exact 2-week itinerary, looping from Salt Lake City Airport through Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, and then back to Salt Lake, in day-by-day detail.

Day 1 - Arrival in Salt Lake City

Begin your journey in Salt Lake City, a city that blends modern architecture with the rugged backdrop of the Wasatch Range. Stock up on essentials at Costco - pick up Spindrift, cold brew coffee, fresh produce, sunscreen, and snacks for the road. Capture lifestyle shots at the Natural History Museum, stroll through Capitol Hill, and explore the Public Library’s interiors for unique city perspectives. Evening photography along the downtown streets captures the interplay of urban life and mountain scenery.

Practical Tip: Arrive early to allow time for grocery shopping and city exploration without feeling rushed.

Day 2 - Salt Lake City & The Salt Flats

Start with breakfast at Eva’s Bakery, known for pastries and locally roasted coffee. Afterward, head out to the Great Salt Lake and Salt Flats for wide-open views perfect for landscape photography and drone shots (check for local permits). Afternoon city explorations can include nearby neighborhoods, with golden-hour shots of the mountains framing the skyline.

Practical Tip: Bring layers - mornings and evenings near the Salt Flats can be surprisingly cool.

Day 3 - Salt Lake City to Moab

Drive east toward Moab, with a possible stop at Monroe Hot Springs for a mid-morning soak. Explore Mars Desert Rock and Goblin Valley State Park (drone permits available for $5). The drive offers photo opportunities with dramatic desert landscapes contrasting the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Practical Tip: Schedule early starts to avoid the midday heat in the desert.

Day 4 - Canyonlands & Green River Overlook

Spend the day in Canyonlands National Park. Hike Green River Overlook Trail for panoramic canyon views and visit Mesa Arch at sunset for unforgettable golden-hour photography. Stop for lunch in Moab town and consider scenic detours along the Colorado River.

Practical Tip: Bring plenty of water and sun protection; trails are exposed and dry.

Day 5 - Arches National Park & Moab Area

Wake early for sunrise at Delicate Arch, timing your hike to capture the first light over La Sal Mountains. Continue to Upheaval Dome for dramatic geological formations. Afternoon options include Moab Brewery, Potash Ponds, and Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset shots.

Practical Tip: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry a camera with a tripod for sunrise shots.

Day 6 - Moab to Aspen via Colorado National Monument

Travel north, stopping at Colorado National Monument and Rifle Falls State Park. Consider a hot spring detour for mid-day relaxation. Continue to Aspen, where alpine scenery and elegant town charm welcome you.

Practical Tip: Monitor weather conditions on mountain passes; snow can linger into early summer at higher elevations.

Day 7 - Explore Aspen And Hike Maroon Bells

Spend the day exploring Maroon Bells via the shuttle or hiking the American Lake Trail. The area offers breathtaking alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and iconic peaks. Evening can include Aspen town explorations, boutique dining, and local art galleries.

Practical Tip: Shuttle reservations for Maroon Bells are recommended; parking is extremely limited.

Day 8 - Aspen to Denver via Independence Pass

Drive Independence Pass, stopping for short hikes such as Lilypad Lake (3.3 miles) or Saint Mary’s Glacier (2.4 miles). Arrive in Denver and enjoy rooftop photography, capturing skyline views against the mountains. Evening nightlife includes Death and Co or RINO Arts District breweries.

Practical Tip: Start early - Independence Pass is one of the most photographed routes and traffic can build mid-morning.

Day 9 - Spend the Day in Denver

Spend a full day capturing Denver’s urban highlights: Art Museum, Larimer Square, Union Station, 16th Street Mall, and RINO Arts District. Lifestyle shots of guests enjoying local dining, rooftop pools, and communal spaces provide authentic travel content. If you're not interested in a day in the city and want to keep the nature adventures going, there are so many area hikes and bike paths to explore.

Practical Tip: Carry comfortable walking shoes; Denver streets are ideal for photography on foot.

Day 10 - Denver to Casper, Wyoming and Riding the Bison Train

Drive north with a stop in Cheyenne to stop at Terry's Bison Ranch and take a ride on the Bison Train, where bison will eat directly out of your hand!  The route has expansive plains scenery and is starkly different than the mountains thus far. Continue to Casper for an overnight stay before heading into Yellowstone.

Practical Tip: Gas up and check supplies; services can be sparse on long stretches through Wyoming.

Day 11 - Casper to Yellowstone

Arrive in Yellowstone and explore Mammoth Hot Springs and Boiling River at sunrise. Afternoon wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley is ideal for spotting elk, bison, and possibly wolves. Sunset at Artists Point or Inspiration Point offers panoramic shots of Yellowstone’s iconic landscapes.

Practical Tip: Carry bear spray and maintain safe distances from wildlife.

Day 12 - Yellowstone to Jackson Hole

Visit Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool, and Grand Prismatic Spring. After a mid-day drive, arrive in Jackson Hole, checking into your hotel and photographing Mormon Row Historic District. Dinner at Snake River Grill and cocktails at Million Dollar Bar round out the day.

Practical Tip: Early arrivals to popular geyser spots ensure the best light and smaller crowds.

Day 13 - Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park

Begin with an early morning hike at Delta Lake, then explore Taggart Lake and the surrounding trails. Capture lifestyle shots in Jackson Hole town and enjoy dinner at Snake River Grill or other local favorites.

Practical Tip: National Park shuttle passes may be required; check seasonal regulations for trail access.

Day 14 - Jackson Hole to Salt Lake

On your return, stop for breakfast at Persephone Bakery, then detour to Bear Lake for scenic lake photography. Drive to Salt Lake City for flights home, reflecting on a journey through peaks, valleys, and open roads.