We've done this drive a couple of times and have stayed in Twin Falls, Idaho. Day 1 is a full day of driving (8 hours) and day 2 is just 4 hours or so getting you to Yellowstone in time for afternoon activities.

It's not a very scenic route across Nevada. So, we just drive it as quickly as possible.

I think your route is pretty obvious, I-80 into Salt Lake City and I-15 north from there. We have never done that although we have thought about flying into SLC from the Bay Area. We like to RV and our thought was to rent an RV in SLC and go from there. The mountains above SLC are amazing and within easy reach of the city. They would be well worth any time you might have to spend there.

If you are interested to consider RV'ing, you might look into it. Our daily routine in an RV is to wake-up at whatever time we wish, usually start heading in whatever direction we are going that day, and stop along the way for a leisurely breakfast by finding the most beautiful and private spot we can find. Combine that with a short hike or sight-seeing and then continue the trip to arrive in time for checking out our destination. Non-travel days have the luxuries of home except the home goes wherever you wish.

Any interesting ghost towns to visit in Nevada?

If you use google maps, you will see the recommended route through Twin Falls. If you use the alternate suggestion of going through Salt Lake City, it will add at least an hour to your trip.

There is a neat ghost town in Northern Nevada. It's called Jarbridge but it's a significant detour and takes you off the main highways for quite a spell. Tuscarora is another option, but it too is a ways off the highway. Here's some links to them - http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nv/jarbidge.html, http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nv/tuscarora.html

There's also a couple near West Yellowstone in Montana that I've visited which are well worth visiting. Bannack and Virginia City.

Thank you. We have lots of options for our drive now. Looking forward to the actual trip.