THe Sawtooths and the Salt Lake
Salt flats at sunrise, yoga by alpine creeks, and drone shots over jagged peaks—Stanley might be the most underrated destination within driving distance of Colorado. This birthday loop through Utah and Idaho has become one of our all-time favorite van adventures.
Start: Golden, CO
Route: Glenwood Springs → Salt Lake City → Bonneville Salt Flats → Sun Valley → Stanley → Tetons → Wyoming → Return to Golden
Key Stops:
- Glenwood Hideout Campsite
- Antelope Island, Red Iguana
- Bonneville Salt Flats (sunrise)
- Pioneer Creek Trailhead campsite
- Redfish Lake Lodge
- Nip Tuck Road dispersed camping
- Grand Teton National Park, Colter Bay Campground, Jenny Lake
- Glendo State Park (WY)
Day 1: Golden to Glenwood Springs
We logged off Friday around 4:30 and packed up the van as fast as we could. It took a while to get on the road but we made it to Glenwood Canyon (one of the best stretches of highway in the state) with some daylight which was beautiful as always. We rolled into our spot at the Hideout (link) just after sunset and settled in for the night. This was the perfect first stop to break up the drive and ease into the trip.
Day 2: Glenwood Springs to Antelope Canyon
After breakfast in Glenwood Springs, a long day of driving took us through Utah to Antelope Island. We stopped in Salt Lake to quickly hike up (what was it called?) and got some awesome Mexican food at the Red Iguana. We set up at Bridger Bay Campground and caught sunset over the Great Salt Lake. Bison roamed nearby and the landscape felt otherworldly. Worth every mile.
Day 3: Antelope Island to SLC
We slept in and made breakfast at our camp spot. After that we drove into downtown Salt Lake City. We grabbed breakfast, explored Temple Square, and hiked a short trail with views of the city. Red Iguana was our must-hit dinner spot before checking into the Holiday Inn.
Day 4: SLC to Bonneville SAlt Flats to SUn Valley, ID
We woke up before sunrise and drove out to the Bonneville Salt Flats—totally surreal and glowing in the early light. Afterward, we pushed north through Shoshone and into Sun Valley. We stopped at a ranger station for some tips on finding a spot and ended up camping creekside near the Pioneer Cabin trailhead just north of the city.
Day 5: Sun Valley to Redfish Lake Lodge
We had a laid-back morning—sleeping in, coffee, breakfast, a quick dip in the lake—and then hit the road. One of the lodge employees recommended we head down through Lower Stanley and turnonto Nip & Tuck Road, a forest road lined with epic dispersed campsites and huge views of the Sawtooths. One of the most beautiful spots we’ve found for sure.
Day 6: Redfish Lake Lodge to Nip & Tuck Forest Road
After a late start enjoying breakfast and morning views, we drove east through Challis and dropped down into the Snake River Valley. We re-entered Wyoming and grabbed DQ just outside Grand Teton National Park. Colter Bay Campground was busy, but the lake views at sunset were unforgettable.
Day 7: Stanley to Grand Teton NP
We logged off Friday around 4:30 and packed up the van as fast as we could. It took a while to get on the road but we made it to Glenwood Canyon (one of the best stretches of highway in the state) with some daylight which was beautiful as always. We rolled into our spot at the Hideout (link) just after sunset and settled in for the night. This was the perfect first stop to break up the drive and ease into the trip.
Day 8: Grand Teton to Glendo State Park
We logged off Friday around 4:30 and packed up the van as fast as we could. It took a while to get on the road but we made it to Glenwood Canyon (one of the best stretches of highway in the state) with some daylight which was beautiful as always. We rolled into our spot at the Hideout (link) just after sunset and settled in for the night. This was the perfect first stop to break up the drive and ease into the trip.