Complete 7 Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary

Geothermal pools, bison, plummeting waterfalls, grizzly bears, volcanic features, and granite peaks — what other place on earth holds all these natural wonders? Yellowstone and Grand Teton are two of the most impressive national parks located in the United States.

With abundant large mammal wildlife, geothermal features unlike any other place globally, and towering mountain ranges housing vast rocky mountain ecosystems, it is understandable that they rank among the most frequented national parks—Yellowstone named the second highest visited national park in 2020 and Grand Teton coming in fifth.

In the itinerary below for exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks over seven days, you`ll find a guide detailing the most efficient route for seeing the premier attractions of both areas, including:

• guided treks to renowned outlooks
• dawn and dusk drives to view wildlife
• insider knowledge on the best lodging options each evening
• and local tips for extra activities like renting bicycles, booking fishing excursions, exploring by horse.

This excursion to Yellowstone and Grand Teton is sure to satisfy expectations and furnish a taste of each park. Be certain to bring a camera and journal! You’re going to need them to keep track of all the magnificence you’ll witness on this week-long ride.

We spent over a week in Grand Teton and Yellowstone, but thought it would be more beneficial for your trip planning to work with Scout Invie, a local writer born in Jackson, Wyoming, to assist you in creating an amazing itinerary.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Start & End Your Trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park

The initial thing is, where should you begin and end your trip to these two parks?

We think the best way to do it is to start at the northern end of Yellowstone (Gardiner, MT), and spend your time making your way south through Yellowstone, then into Teton, and end in Jackson.

You could also do it the opposite direction, starting from Jackson and ending in Gardiner. Or, if coming from the west through Idaho, one could start at the western entrance of Yellowstone and pick up the itinerary from there, which has its benefits.

The point is, we consider doing it in one approach is the path to go, and there are multiple ways to do it.

Completing it one-way will save you time by making it so you don’t have to retrace your steps, but you should also consider costs. Specifically, flight expenses to fly in and out of separate airports, and one-way rental car costs if you’re flying in and renting a car to perform this road trip.

There’s a decision here – whether you think the extra cost of those two things is worth saving several hours (probably between 4-6 hours minimum, all told) of driving. We think it is, which is why this itinerary is designed to go one-way.

How Many Days for this Itinerary?

We think spending seven days is the perfect amount of time to explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton without feeling too rushed. That is what you will find below.

This 7 day excursion to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks combines elements from our 4 day Yellowstone itinerary, and our 3 day Grand Teton itinerary. You’ll witness the finest aspects of both parks – from hikes, to wildlife observations, to scenic overlooks – but your days will be fully scheduled.

The absolute minimum amount of time we’d recommend for this trip is five days. Split between three days in Yellowstone and two days in Grand Teton. You’ll miss some of the highlights, but it’s still achievable. Anything less than that and you should choose one or the other.

Got more time? Lucky you! We have some suggestions on how to spend your extra time below the main itinerary.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Overview

Before discussing the precise proposed seven day itinerary below, let’s pause to address the two national parks themselves.

Yellowstone National Park

Contrary to what is commonly believed, Yellowstone isn’t the largest national park in the US. However, it’s vast in size. Covering 3,500 square miles, it has the largest glacial lake in North America and is also home to a variety of ecosystems, geothermal features, and wildlife found nowhere else in the world. You definitely need to visit Yellowstone!

Highlights:

• Rise early to witness wolves, grizzlies, and bison in the Lamar Valley — don’t forget your binoculars!
• Hike the demanding trail to the peak of Mount Washburn, where firefighters remain on duty all summer to carefully monitor over fifty miles of panoramic views.
• Take in the majesty of the misting cascades at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
• Walk the boardwalks around the colorful hotspots known as Grand Prismatic Spring, then climb a route to gain an aerial perspective of the springs and Old Faithful erupting skyward.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton is a charming, smaller park just south of Yellowstone, unique for dramatic views of the Teton Mountain Range, strenuous hikes to high-altitude glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights

• Take in the sunset at the Oxbow Bend, a scenic vista of the Snake River and Mt. Moran.
• Bring binoculars and search for bison in the plains behind Mormon Row.
• View the Cathedral Group of Tetons up close through Cascade Canyon.
• Hike the Phelps Lake Loop and relax at the jumping rock, a 30 foot drop into glacial water runoff.

Where to Stay in Grand Teton

Grand Teton is a considerably smaller park than Yellowstone. For Grand Teton, it would likely be best to pick one location to stay for your entire trip rather than selecting multiple camp or lodge spots as you travel through Yellowstone.

Inside the Park

All campsites in Grand Teton require advance booking, with the exception of 20 dispersed first-come, first-serve campsites on the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway between Yellowstone and Grand Teton. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend aiming for one of those spots because of how much competition there is for them, and because they are out of the way of the main park areas.

Instead, we would recommend advance booking accommodations or a campsite at Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, or Colter Bay.

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake Lodge:Luxury lodge situated on the shores of Jenny Lake, with excellent access to Cascade Canyon or other hikes via ferry.

Jenny Lake Campground: Small camp a few hundred yards off the east shore of Jenny Lake. It has 61 spots, tents only, and has pay-showers nearby.

Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain Lodge: A rustic, semi-luxury lodge near Jackson Lake, providing rooms and bungalows, as well as dining and additional activities.

Signal Mountain Campsite: An 81-site campground situated by Signal Mountain Lodge. Accepts tents and smaller RVs. Right on the lake!

Colter Bay

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Day 1: Mammoth Hot Springs, Bunsen Peak, Norris Geyser Basin at Sunset

We’re starting off the first day of this trip with a sizzling itinerary: you’ll pass through the impressive North Entrance arch, visit the flowing limestone pools and mounds of Mammoth Hot Springs, hike through meadows and pine forests to Bunsen Peak, and see Norris Geyser Basin by sunset.

Arriving to Yellowstone’s North Entrance

If you arrive in Bozeman on an afternoon or evening flight, we advise finding a place to stay in the evening and then starting your journey the next morning. It will take most of the morning to get to the North Entrance of Yellowstone located in Gardiner — it`s approximately a 1.5 hour drive, but could potentially be longer depending on traffic volume. Grab a coffee and get on the road!

When you drive through Gardiner and pay for entry to the park, you will pass through the Roosevelt Arch, an symbolic construction built in 1903 to label visitor’s access into Yellowstone. Recently, the park financed new pull-outs and walkways by the arch, so make certain to stop and take a picture — the initial of many on this grand adventure!

Mammoth Hot Springs

We highly recommend seeing Mammoth Hot Springs as the initial thing you do upon entering Yellowstone. It’s a geothermal hotspot accessible by vehicle at all times of the year, and it is iconically Yellowstone.

What can be seen by stopping here: over fifty tiered hot springs, Palette Springs Terraces, and Orange Spring Mound. This otherworldly chalky-limestone landscape is a Yellowstone must-see — and all of the features can be viewed easily by accessing two short boardwalks from the parking area.

Nothing is more peculiar than walking on wooden paths above steaming ground, viewing countless terraced pools and bubbling mud pits by giant orange mound geysers that resemble Wild Thing monsters. Mammoth Hot Springs makes us feel like kids again, in a constant state of curiosity and discovery.

Hike to Bunsen Peak

• Distance: 4.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Starting Location

Bunsen Peak is a moderately long hike that we think would be perfect right after a morning spent driving to the park and viewing Mammoth Hot Springs.

As the saying goes – as the crow flies? This nature trail is sure to make you feel immersed in the Yellowstone ecosystem, allowing you to see Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin from above.

And the route to reach the peak is just as inspiring as the breathtaking views above: fields blanketed with wildflowers in July, sweet-smelling pine forests, and plenty of wildlife on display ranging from marmots to bears. Be sure to bring bear spray for this hike.

Norris Geyser Basin at Sunset

The most dynamic and frequently changing area in Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin contains continuously evolving thermal features. A network of trails totaling around 1.4 miles provides access to the world`s tallest active geyser, multicolored pools, and sulfur-scented air.

There are two trail loops here worth exploring. Both are rather short and flat.

Porcelain Basin Trail

• Length: 0.75 miles
• What you’ll see: A steaming, barren landscape and milky pools accessed by boardwalk.

Back Basin Trail

• Length: 1.5 miles
• What you’ll see: A wooded area full of geysers and hot springs, accessed by a dirt trail and boardwalks.

We recommend coming here at sunset for a few reasons, the first being that there will generally be way less people here during sunset, so you’ll be able to enjoy all the features for as much time as you want.

We also recommend visiting around dusk to see how the setting sun transforms reflections in the pools. Summer evenings bring especially vibrant skies, with hues like emerald, cerulean and rust enhancing the already dramatic landscape. By staying to see the sky and hot springs glow with equally luminous colors, visitors can experience a light show that illuminates both above and below.

Where to Stay for the Night

To prevent further fatigue from impacting your experience on this busy initial day exploring North Yellowstone, we advise against trying to travel any farther South. Instead, reserve lodging near Mammoth Hot Springs or backtrack the short distance (five miles) to Gardiner, MT for nicer hotels and cabin stays.

Inside the Park

• Offering an assortment of rooms, suites, and cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs is the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. As well as walk-in camping spots inside the park borders at Mammoth Campground with restrooms and places to enjoy meals outdoors.

Outside the Park

• Yellowstone Gateway Inn: Modest accommodation situated in Gardiner, MT. Provides suites and vacation rentals with river perspectives—convenient access to grocery stores, eateries, and other amenities in the town of Gardiner.
• Yellowstone Riverside Cottages: Highly-rated cottages overlooking the Yellowstone River. Conveniently located near sustenance and other amenities in Gardiner, MT.

Day 2: Wildlife, Mt. Washburn, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

On the second day of this suggested itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton, visitors will have opportunities in the early morning to observe wolf packs, a mid-morning hike taking in views from Mt. Washburn, admiring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and scenic waterfalls during the golden hours of afternoon, and watching over herds of bison and the developing landscape of Hayden Valley as dusk approaches.

Wolf-spotting at Dawn in Lamar Valley

Begin your day early and motor to Lamar Valley before daybreak. Lamar is Yellowstone’s most expansive basin readily accessible by park roads, and wildlife — particularly herds of elk, bison, and wolves — tend to flourish and roam freely here. You’ll find that dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife in the parks as these are the parts of the day when wildlife, especially large mammal wildlife, are most lively.

If you’re wondering how to spot wildlife in Lamar Valley and beyond, here are some of our suggestions.

• Bring highly capable binoculars! And be patiently scanning with them. That’s the most helpful suggestion we have.
• Look for gatherings of people or vehicles. If you notice a bunch of cars pulled over or individuals with wide camera lenses on the edge of the road, there’s sure to be some wildlife spotted in the distance. Please be cautious and choose a responsibly located place to pull over. When your car is pulled over, crack or open the windows and turn off the engine. You might be able to hear wolves howling or elk bugling.
• Spotting wolves: Wolves are quite a bit more elusive than bison or moose. If you notice a herd of elk or bison all facing the same direction, that’s a fairly good sign that wolves could be near. Winter is the best time to see gray wolves because they stand out more against the white snow. The northern part of the park is open to visitors during the winter season, and that’s the best time to come to the park specifically to see wolves.

Hike to Mt. Washburn

• Distance: 6.2 miles from the Dunraven Pass trailhead or 5 miles from the Chittenden Rd parking area trailhead
• Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft.
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Location of the Trailhead

This hike rewards with panoramic 50-mile views from a 10,243 foot peak, frequent wildlife watchings, and colorful wildflower carpets in July.

Mt. Washburn is one of three fire lookout stations in Yellowstone, so along with wildlife sightings, you may even see some firefighters situated on this peak for the summer. This is the busiest trail in Yellowstone, so be prepared for crowds. However, it also presents you with the longest scenic views across Yellowstone, making it worthwhile to see.

Be sure to check the roads report. This trail may be closed due to ongoing construction on Dunraven Pass.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must-see, and it’s a great stop to spend your afternoon after hiking Mt. Washburn. The two areas couldn’t be more dissimilar, really. Where Mt. Washburn is a towering peak notable for its rich history of fire-watching and lookouts across vast space, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone draws you in with dramatic waterfalls and clouds of mist.

Ever heard of Thomas Moran or Ansel Addams? The two famous artists were quite drawn to documenting the magnificent canyon of the Yellowstone River. Multiple overlooks provide views of the upper and lower cascades (which so many photographers and painters like Moran and Addams were deeply inspired by) of the Yellowstone River flowing through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

There are also a number of trails that let you partway into the canyon for a superior perspective of the river and the yellow stone this park is named for. We recommend the hike to Point Sublime, a 2.7 mile round-trip hike with 340 feet of elevation gain that takes you past Artist Point and several other majestic perspectives of the canyon.

Hayden Valley at Sunset / Dusk

Hayden Valley is another prime location worthwhile stopping at for potential wildlife sightings. Bison herds can generally be seen in Hayden Valley at most times of the day. However, if you arrive at dusk you may have luck spotting some wolves or a grizzly bear roaming amongst the streams amongst the bison herds.

Also worth mentioning here is that large mammal wildlife are not the only wildlife to prioritize in the parks! Hayden Valley is home to many waterfowl species like herons, ducks, Canadian geese, and pelicans. They are also very energetic at dusk.

Where to Stay for the Night

• Canyon Campground: Situated within the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this 273-site camping place is found close by to Canyon Village stores and restaurants.
• Canyon Lodge & Cabins: Known as “the largest sustainable lodging in the national parks,” Canyon Lodge has over 500 rooms and cabins, and is nearby to restaurants, gift shops, and other facilities

Day 3: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and Firehole Lake Drive

A classic Yellowstone experience wouldn`t be complete without a trip to see Old Faithful, arguably the most famous feature of the park. This itinerary for Day 3 gets you to Old Faithful first thing in the morning, leaving the rest of the day for more hot spring, waterfall, and wildlife spotting.

Old Faithful

This cone-like feature is appropriately named due to its predictable pattern of eruptions – which happen every 45 minutes to two hours. Whenever it erupts, it propels steaming liquid 130 feet into the air. It`s as reliable as can be, and we wouldn`t suggest visiting unless it was transformative.

This noteworthy attraction at the park should be experienced during a carefully planned schedule. An earlier timeframe is preferable here because large crowds are usually drawn to witness this phenomenon. Details surrounding eruption forecasts for Old Faithful and neighboring geysers can be found by exploring the National Park Service site linked here pertaining specifically to Old Faithful.

We recommend checking out these predictions the evening before venturing to Old Faithful. If you miss the eruption of interest, no problem, another will usually occur within 45 minutes.

You can watch from wooden walkways that encircle the geyser, or from an observation location above. We watched from the Yellowstone Observation Point during the early morning with our cowboy coffee, and we thought it was the perfect spot to watch the eruption from.

To arrive at the Observation Point, park at Old Faithful Village. You’ll hike 1.5 miles round trip and gain 260 feet of elevation to see the geyser from above, with views of the historic Old Faithful Inn in the background.

Upper Geyser Basin

Situated nearby, the hot springs and geysers within Upper Geyser Basin constitute truly iconic sights. The trail from the Visitor Center traverses a roughly 4.9 mile loop with 350 feet of elevation gain showcasing the sites. Hikers follow a blend of dirt paths and boardwalks, with opportunities to view not only the geothermal phenomena but also numerous birds nesting amongst the lodgepole pines within this basin.

We’ll itemize the classics here, and the attractions we were most impressed by:

• Chromatic Pool: A hot spring containing all the colors of the rainbow.
• Grotto Geyser: A fountain-like geyser resembling contemporary art.
• Riverside Geyser: This geyser projects water around 70 feet into the air in an arc across the nearby river, forming actual rainbows.
• Castle Geyser: Another cone-shaped geyser akin to Old Faithful and Grotto Geyser.
• Morning Glory Pool: A stunning green-yellow hot spring appearing very deep and mysterious to any observer.

Grand Prismatic Overlook

This brief 1.2 mile out-and-back trail can hardly be classified as a proper hike though the viewpoint at its end showcases scenery more befitting of a lengthy hike. This overlook presents a stunning vista of Grand Prismatic Spring, a very large multicolored spring and iconic feature of Yellowstone.

Yellowstone has so many iconic characteristics that it’s difficult to pick only one. If seeing Old Faithful and the other geysers and pools in the Upper Basin joyously overwhelmed you, Grand Prismatic Overlook will impress you beyond belief. You can also drive to the Midway Geyser Basin trail to visit Grand Prismatic and walk along boardwalks around the feature if you want to examine the otherworldly textures and hues up close.

Hike to Fairy Falls

• Length: 5.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 170 ft.
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Starting point

If continuing on the trail after visiting Grand Prismatic Overlook, you’ll have the opportunity to see Fairy Falls, a renowned 200-foot waterfall. It`s undoubtedly a favorite hike of ours, gentle the whole way and winding through multiple meadows with frequent wildlife sightings.

This trail accommodates all skill levels but completing it may consume three to five hours. Plan your time appropriately!

Firehole Lake Drive

If you haven’t gotten your fill of geothermal springs in for the day, you can always detour to Firehole Lake Drive on your way to a campsite or lodge. You don’t even have to leave your car to see these springs, so they are the perfect final adventure for this packed geothermal-themed day.

Firehole Spring is another of the multicolored springs we couldn`t stop admiring, but Surprise Pool is really unusual—it’s deeply, deeply blue and appears intimidatingly profound. There are about four additional geysers present on this drive as well, and two brightly-colored hot lakes.

Where to Stay for the Night

Now that you’re firmly in the south end of the park, it makes sense to stay in a new place to minimize driving.

Matt has Celiac Disease, which means he must consume a strictly gluten free diet or he’ll become EXTREMELY ill and ruin his vacation. If you’re eating gluten free and heading to Budapest, make sure to review our guide to gluten free options in Budapest.

Inside the Park

• Old Faithful Inn: Situated within the park close to Old Faithful, this lodge was designed by Robert C. Reamer and constructed in the winter of 1903–1904. It’s one of the few remaining log accommodations in the United States. Think “The Shining”, but with geysers.
• Madison Campground: This campsite is found 16 miles North of Old Faithful, but would be your best choice for camping in the region, and closer than any other campgrounds within or outside the park. There are bison that sometimes roam through the meadows adjacent to this campground.

Outside the Park: West Yellowstone

• Explorer Cabins: Highly desirable lodgings with small kitchens situated a mere five minutes from the western entrance of the park. .
• Faithful Street Inn: Rustic cabins containing kitchen areas and ample space suitable for groups.
• The Evergreen: A pleasing, affordable hotel possessing historic charm.

Day 4: West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, and Elephant Back Mountain

Day 4 aims to offer some respite following Day 3`s activities in Yellowstone. Additional highlights include West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, and Elephant Back Mountain.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

This is the largest geyser basin located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. There are several geysers visible above the shoreline that can be seen through more boardwalks and trail systems (such as Upper Geyser Basin), however it may not be known that geyser eruptions also take place daily beneath the water. Does one dare dip a toe in Yellowstone Lake?

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is a substantial lake — the largest mountain lake in North America. And though the water is bitterly cold and glacial in some parts, in others it is very warm and even boiling. Individuals are welcome to swim or recreate in some parts of the lake, though other areas are off limits. For more information on which beaches have tourist access, see the NPS site.

Hike Elephant Back Mountain

• Length of the trail: 3.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 800 feet.
• Type of trail: Out-and-back trail forming a lollipop shape.
• Difficulty level: Moderate exertion required.
• Location of trailhead

Elephant Back Mountain Trail is another hike rewarding stunning panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake from above.

This hike passes through some meadows containing wildflowers, though mainly you’ll be trekking through pine forests. We recommend considering most or all hikers, as it’s shorter and involves less elevation gain than some of the other routes on this list.

Where to Stay for the Night

The most convenient location for overnight accommodation is likely to be around Lake Yellowstone. Staying there will help visitors avoid backtracking and prepare well for the following day`s drive to Grand Teton.

However, securing lodging there is highly competitive, so you could alternatively remain at Old Faithful again, or in West Yellowstone. Just be prepared for some additional travel time in the mornings.

• Grant Village Lodge: A medium-sized lodging area within the park, constructed in the 1980s and named after Ulysses S. Grant.
• Grant Village Campground: Camping area with amenities related to Grant Village lodge.
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel:Extensive and traditional lodging located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Straight out of a film by Wes Anderson.

Day 5: Rockefeller Highway to Grand Teton, Mormon Row, and Oxbow Bend

On Day 5 of your journey, bid farewell to the geothermal phenomena of Yellowstone. You’ll travel on Rockefeller Highway down to Grand Teton National Park to hike the casual String Lake loop, view the historic Mormon Row settlement, and catch the sunset at Oxbow Bend.

Driving from Yellowstone to Grand Teton via Rockefeller Highway

Rockefeller Highway is a scenic roadway connecting Yellowstone and Grand Teton. On the thirty miles of road between the parks, sightings of animals roaming the plains like antelope, deer, and other mammals are quite probable in addition to scenic views of the approaching Tetons. Feel free to stop for a breakfast picnic at any of the pull outs along the route. Our favorite is Jackson Lake overlook, on the last leg of the highway prior to arriving at Jenny Lake and String Lake.

Hike String Lake

• Duration: 3.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 291 ft.
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starting Point Location

String Lake is a moderately brief, simple walking loop that we would recommend to hikers of any skill level.

Given its relatively shallow depth compared to most lakes in Grand Teton National Park, numerous moose sightings have occurred on hikes around this picturesque body of water. These large ungulates enjoy soaking their long, stilt-like legs in the shallows while feasting on aquatic flora. Furthermore, keen-eyed visitors with polarized lenses have often spotted lake trout inhabiting the shallow areas as well, demonstrating the lush biodiversity supported here.

Mormon Row

These remain the homesteads of the Mormon settlers who came to live at the base of the Tetons in the 1890s. Visitors will have the chance to walk around some truly historic barns, irrigation systems, and the Chambers Homestead complex.

This is another excellent spot to bring binoculars and search for herds of bison in the distant plains beyond Mormon Row. This proves a nice place for late afternoon when temperatures start reducing during summer months.

Shade is limited, but breezes do flow occasionally. Additionally, several landscape painters elect to work alfresco, possibly providing artistry to view mid-creation.

Sunset at Oxbow Bend

Returning to more iconic views at your regular appointment: Oxbow Bend is one of the premier places in the park to observe Mt. Moran and the Tetons, and plenty of wildlife. Especially at sunset, you’ll have opportunities to see and hear birds, waterfowl, moose, bears, and elk. It’s one of the most serene spots on this itinerary, and it will truly refresh you for your final two days.

Where to Stay for the Night

We`ll reiterate here and recommend staying at the same campsite or lodge for your whole visit in Grand Teton. It’s only two nights, and Grand Teton is significantly smaller than Yellowstone, so having a central base of operations will be convenient. You can find a complete list of our suggested lodging areas at the top of this itinerary.

Inside the Park

• Campsites at the national park`s Signal Mountain or Jenny Lake areas.
• The Signal Mountain Lodge offers rooms, cabins and dining amongst other activities in a rustic yet luxurious setting.
• The luxurious Jenny Lake Lodge situated on Jenny Lake, with great access to Cascade Canyon hiking through use of their ferry service.

Outside the Park

• The Wort: An historic boutique hotel located in the very heart of Jackson.
• Flat Creek Inn & Mart: A motel situated directly above the Elk Refuge, grounds designated for elk herds between Jackson and Grand Teton.
• Dornan’s: Positioned immediately outside the Moose entrance of Grand Teton, this lodge provides spacious rental cabins that are ideal for groups.

Day 6: Sunrise Wildlife Drive, Hike Cascade Canyon, and Sunset Wildlife Loop

Today, bookend one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park with a sunrise and sunset wildlife drive. 

Sunrise Wildlife Drive on Moose Wilson Road

Waking at sun-up to do a wildlife safari within the park guarantees spotting majestic bears, elk, wolves, and moose that are especially active at dawn and dusk.

We recommend driving the Moose road towards Phelps Lake for your early morning wildlife observation expedition.

Beware that the road is unpaved and somewhat lacking in maintenance. Because it’s a less-frequented route, we think wildlife are more prone to hang around it.

On one of the initial stopping points ( this one), we saw multiple moose, a baby moose, and a bear and three cubs. All before breakfast!

Hike Cascade Canyon

• Length: 9.1 miles from ferry dock
• Elevation Gain: 1,102 ft.
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
• Trailhead Location

Grand Teton is renowned for its hikes, and Cascade Canyon is one of the finest in the park.

The Cascade Canyon Trail starts at the west dock of Jenny Lake, accessible via a 10 minute, $10 each way ferry ride. The trail takes you past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point as it heads towards the Cathedral Group of Teton Mountains (the Grand Teton, Mt. Owen, and Teewinot).

On this hike, you’ll walk along a grand river the whole route, see a few waterfalls, huckleberry fields, and possibly some moose too. We spotted five moose here on our last trip to the park.

If you choose to skip the ferry ride, this hike will be 14.6 miles round trip from Jenny Lake Visitor’s Center, with approximately 1,300 feet of elevation gain.

Sunset Wildlife Loop

About two hours before sundown, travel up Hwy 191 from Teton Park Road. You can pull over at any of the designated stops, but we suggest stopping at Blacktail Ponds, Schwabacher’s Landing (for beavers and otters!), Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, and Willow Flats Overlook.

Again, be sure to bring binoculars and turn off your engine so you can listen for bugling, howling, or waterfowl calls. You could also bring a blanket and have a sunset picnic at any of these stops, waiting for the stars to emerge on your final night in this splendid park.

Day 7: Phelps Lake, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, and Catch Flight Home

All good things must come to an end, but this final day will really leave you with conflicting feelings. You`ll get in one last hike in Grand Teton, have the chance to explore the exhibits at Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, and then you`ll be on your way!

Phelps Lake Loop

• Length: 7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 475 ft.
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead Location

From the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, the path enters a wooded area and eventually (roughly 0.25 miles from the parking area) comes to a junction where hikers can opt for either the Woodland Trail or Lake Creek Trail. The scenic Woodland trail, heading counterclockwise around Phelps Lake, is the most direct route to the lake loop.

Located on the northeastern shore of Phelps Lake is an iconic and popular ledge with superb views of Death Canyon. Stepping off the edge entails an thrilling thirty-foot descent into cold mountain water. If you choose to participate in the jump, ensure someone captures you midair on camera.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center

The Phelps Lake Loop trail begins and ends at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, originally a dude ranch called JY Ranch. Visitors can learn about Rockefeller’s environmental philanthropy, the historical cattle ranch, and wildlife/plant exhibits.

We recommend stopping here before leaving the park, as it’s a great educational way to conclude a weeklong trip experiencing all this natural wildlife and foliage.

Head to the Airport

Venture to the airport to catch your flight departing in the afternoon. We’ve flown into and from Jackson countless times, and each time feels a bit more magical. It’s a bittersweet conclusion to this jam-packed trip experiencing Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

What to Do with More Time: 8-10 day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Road Trip

If you have additional time available, we wouldn`t necessarily recommend doing or driving more than the amounts outlined in this list. Instead, aim for a quality over quantity mindset and spread the activities in this list across a few extra days. We also suggest trying some local activities you normally wouldn`t get the opportunity to participate in. Here are a few of those activities we can recommend:

Additional Hikes in Grand Teton

Yellowstone has many rest stops and a few truly good hikes, but the trails in Grand Teton are really abundant and quite strenuous — and they always have a magnificent payoff worth the journey.

We`ve traversed most routes – from Delta, Surprise, and Amphitheater Lakes to Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls, and the Jenny Lake loop.

Visit our guide on the 9 Most Popular Hikes in Grand Teton National Parkto plan out another day hike or two if you have extra time to spend.

Bike Rentals

Leasing bikes and seeing either recreation area by bicycle for a day is an awesome way to not just decelerate and have the opportunity to detect more wildlife, but give yourself a respite from the constant traffic and groups you might run up against in parking areas during peak summertime months.

Bicycle path infrastructure exists throughout both parks, and both parks present cyclists with inspiring vistas of mountains, rivers, and valleys.

• Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Those renting bikes from Yellowstone`s bike rental facility can gain insight into nearby trails from staff. Hybrid and road bikes as well as safety gear like helmets are available.

• Teton Mountain Bike Tours: Not only can you rent bicycles and gear from this store located in Jackson Hole, but you can also book guided day and multi-day excursions in the park. We’ve heard very positive reviews about this company, but there are countless other bike rental shops in Jackson to choose from, so finding bikes for a day or two shouldn’t pose any difficulty!

Horseback Riding

We noticed that, similar to many major cities, numerous grocery stores in Central London are closer to what we think of as a convenience store than a full grocery store.

Five to seven days is ideal for exploring Vancouver. The city is small but with many attractions. Wander the distinctive neighborhoods, take in the sights, and check out surrounding areas like those on one of the numerous great day trips from Vancouver.

• Grand Teton Lodge Companyprovides trail rides from the paddocks at Colter Bay Village, Jackson Lake Lodge, and Headwaters Lodge and Cabins within the park. They are also one to two hour long rides through wildflowers and views of the Tetons. The wranglers also give guides on history and wildflowers.

Fishing Guides

Yellowstone and Grand Teton have some of the finest fly-fishing culture worldwide, and the rivers have an abundance of trout.

• To see a list of authorized fishing guides available for hire in Yellowstone, check out the Yellowstone National Park fishing site here.
• To see a list of authorized fishing guides available for hire in Grand Teton, visit the Grand Teton National Park fishing site here.

Rent Paddle Boards, Kayaks, or Canoes

Yellowstone and Grand Teton both house tremendous glacial lakes and bountiful water sources. What better way to spend an extra day than renting water sports gear or booking a tour to get out on Jackson or Yellowstone lake?

• Yellowstone Hiking Guides offers a 4 hour sea kayaking excursion on Yellowstone Lake allowing five miles of kayaking to see geysers and wildlife along the shores.

• The well-known Rendezvous River Sports has long served as the go-to supplier for water activities rentals in Jackson. They offer kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, rafts, surfboards, and additional items for rental, plus guided excursions in BOTH Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

What to Do with Less Time: 5 day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary

If making this trip shorter is necessary, we propose bypassing Day 2 (Lamar Valley, Mt. Washburn, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley) and Day 6 (Sunrise Wildlife Drive, String Lake, Mormon Row, and Sunset Wildlife Loop) of this itinerary.

You could conveniently add a sunrise or sunset drive onto your initial and last days in Grand Teton. And, it isn’t too far to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, so if you really need to view the falls and the canyon, that could warrant a brief visit in place of an activity on the 3rd day of this itinerary.

Tips for Your Trip

When planning your Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary, the following few pointers may prove worthwhile retaining in mind.

National Park Pass vs. Pay-per-Day

You will need to pay for entry into these parks. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass (which allows entry into any national park and also covers parking fees at most national monuments or national forest trailheads) is $80, and a single day pass into any national park, per vehicle, is $30. We think it’s definitely worth obtaining an annual pass for this trip, particularly if your lodging is located outside the parks.

Parking and Crowds

As Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are two of the most visited in the US and there is limited parking, we recommend guests wanting the best access to the parks arrive early in the morning (9:00am at the latest).

Arriving at these parks midday during peak summer months can mean hassle, waiting in queues for parking slots to open up.

We have compiled some excellent guides for sunrise drives on this itinerary to get you in the park as early as possible — they will not just help you avoid large crowds and the heat of the day, but will present you with the best chances to see wildlife like wolves, moose, and bears.

Elevation Acclimation and Altitude Sickness

There are significant changes in elevation within the park (6,800 feet at the valley floor of Grand Teton, and Yellowstone is even higher), so many of the hikes listed require notable gains in altitude, and visitors should be cautioned against attempting strenuous high-altitude treks without first adjusting to the elevation.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include feeling nauseous, headaches, and shortness of breath. A general good guideline is to do some less strenuous hikes in the area before trying to ascend or reach peaks to prevent issues.

Gentle lake loops or points of interest requiring minimal activity or additional elevation, like those on this plan, would be perfect!

Wildlife Safety

Having bear repellent readily available is essential for trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. You should familiarize yourself with proper bear spray usage and storage, keeping it within easy reach on the outside or front of your pack or belt.

If this is a one-time journey or you’re flying into the parks, we advise renting protection against bears.

• Teton Backcountry Rentals in Jackson, Wyoming leases bear spray for $8 per day.
• Explore Rentals in Bozeman is conveniently found near the airport and offers bear spray rental and free tutorials.

Additionally, making noise or carrying a bear bell, especially while traversing through huckleberry patches, is an effective way to alert nearby wildlife to your passing through. Wildlife are much less likely to startle, charge, or attack if they are conscious of nearby hikers.

Bears are not the only dangerous creatures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There have been many tragedies for both humans and animals within both parks — especially in recent years.

Please respect wildlife and do not approach moose, elk, bears, wolves, or bison at all. A general rule is to not interact with any wildlife — including feeding small critters like chipmunks. Feel free to take photographs and observe (that’s half the experience of visiting the parks!) but do so from a very safe distance.

Leave No Trace

Lastly, it’s always important to practice Leave No Trace principles. Conservation is a massive issue of philanthropy and federal protection in and around these parks, though folks sometimes forget that the smallest actions also add up and can affect local ecosystems. Especially with wildlife living on and around the same trail systems that hikers use, we urge you to please make sure to pack in what you pack out.

Road Conditions

We recently returned from visiting the western region and made a day trip to Grand Teton National Park. The Moose Wilson road leading to Phelps Lake was problematic. It took us longer than expected because of the numerous deep holes present, and we were traveling by truck. Always be sure to check for road closures or hazards before navigating an area ( here).

Getting to the Parks

To reach these two national parks, you have a couple options. If you live nearby – Salt Lake City, Denver, or Idaho, for example – you can drive to the starting point in Bozeman. Otherwise, flying is the way to go.

Driving In

Yellowstone and Grand Teton are both surrounded by large expanses of open spaces. The two closest major cities containing travel hubs and amenities are Salt Lake City and Denver.

From Salt Lake City

Distance: 281 miles to Grand Teton

Time: 4 hrs 45 mins

Route: The quickest route takes you up the western border of Wyoming, through Evanston, Afton, and Alpine on Interstate 80 and route 89.

From Denver

Distance: 480 miles to Grand Teton

Time: 7 hrs 45 mins

Route: The quickest route passes through Fort Collins, CO, and into Wyoming through the western towns of Laramie, Lander, and Dubois.

Flying In

Since driving from more distant cities requires extra travel days each way, we think the best approach is flying into Bozeman and out of Jackson (or vice versa). Bozeman and Jackson have bracketing airports near these national parks.

Alternatively, you can plan a roundtrip journey from one airport (for example, fly into Bozeman, spend two days in Yellowstone, three days in Teton, two days again in Yellowstone, return to Bozeman airport). However, that will likely contribute significantly more travel time to this already jam-packed road trip.

If you do plan to only fly into one of the airports, we would propose Jackson Hole Airport. It’s almost a ninety-minute driving distance from Bozeman’s airport to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park, possibly more relying on traffic flow. From Jackson airport there is no commute — it’s the sole commercial airport situated within a national park.

West Yellowstone, situated at the western entrance of the park, has a smaller airport that voyagers could also inspect for flights. However, the flight selections are restricted.

One alternate option that we don’t necessarily advocate would be to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport and drive to the parks from there, though that adds an extra five hours each way onto this already exhaustive adventure. If you have the time and are seeking a longer road journey, that could be a great choice for you! If not, fly straight to the source.

When to Visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Generally, the best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton is between May and October.

These parks are both consistently occupiedbetween Memorial Day and Labor Day, so if you want to experience them with less people, traffic, and commotion, it’s generally a good idea to travel before June or after September.

Early autumn and late spring are undoubtedly our favorite times to explore these parks, with foliage in full autumn grandeur or budding spring bloom, and wildlife actively taking advantage of the beginning or end of the summer season.

That said, roads start closing and trails can become impassable late October through April. You can still visit these parks during winter, though there will be much less to do, especially for activities on this itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

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That’s all folks — thanks for tuning in!