Planning last minute solo road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone

[sgoczol]

Hey everyone! This is my first post on the forum and I am very excited to be part of this community!

I am a 24 year old female Chicago native. Long story short, my September vacation plans fell through.
I am now trying to plan a last minute solo road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone from September 8 to September 17 (10 days). I would like to possibly stop in Denver. I went on a 4 day solo road trip to Smoky Mountain National Park in July and I have been on a few solo weekend getaways, so this is not my first time traveling on my own.
I am totally fine with staying at hostels or airbnbs. I just really don't know where to start with the planning!

I just have a few questions about the trip:

1) Is it possible to plan a road trip that is only a week away?
2) Where should I stay the night each night? Do you recommend any hostels or motels?
3) What route would you recommend?
4) What attractions should I see along the way?

Thank you in advance!

EDIT: I am totally fine with skipping Denver. I would much rather have more time in Yellowstone!

Sylvia