Again once I was a child, my mother and father rented an RV, and we took a highway journey to Yellowstone. I bear in mind being in awe of the colourful geysers, the insane quantity of wildlife, and the gorgeous surroundings. I’ve now been again a number of occasions in my camper van, and every time has been no much less thrilling. As a science-nerd, I completely love exploring Yellowstone’s geological wonders.
Simply subsequent door to Yellowstone is Grand Teton Nationwide Park, the place the surroundings is totally totally different. You swap the straightforward boardwalk strolls amongst geysers for BIG mountains the place the mountaineering alternatives are simply infinite.
The excellent news is you don’t have to decide on between the 2 parks. The proximity of Yellowstone and Grand Teton makes it really easy to mix them into an unimaginable weeklong highway journey that provides a little bit of all the things.
With this 7-day Yellowstone and Teton highway journey itinerary, you’ll hit up a big quantity of the very best websites within the parks with out spending an excessive amount of time within the automobile. On this day-by-day itinerary, I share the very best highway journey stops, hikes, issues to do, locations to remain, and even some restaurant ideas that can assist you plan an epic go to.
Right here’s the final word highway journey itinerary for per week well-spent in Yellowstone and Grand Teton Nationwide Parks!
Itinerary Overview
This 7-day highway journey itinerary begins with two days in Grand Teton Nationwide Park, the place you’ll be mountaineering, having fun with Jenny Lake, and dipping on the town to discover Jackson.
After that, you’ll proceed north to Yellowstone Nationwide Park. Yellowstone is completely huge, being the second largest Nationwide Park within the decrease 48. Because of this I’m devoting three full days for exploring Yellowstone. Here’s a day-by-day overview of what you will note and do in your highway journey.
Here’s a Google map of the entire hikes, campgrounds, and different factors of curiosity I point out on this itinerary. Simply click on the arrow subsequent to my profile pic to view the names of every place. If you wish to save this map to your Google Maps account so you possibly can confer with it in your highway journey, simply click on the star subsequent to the map title. The map will seem beneath the saved tab if you’re viewing in your cellphone.
Closest Airports to Yellowstone & Grand Teton Nationwide Parks
There are a few beginning factors choices on your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, relying on the place you fly into. I’ll begin with the most important airports first since these are going to be the most cost effective to fly into to and also will have the most cost effective automobile leases. If you wish to do that highway journey in a camper van, these two cities even have numerous camper van rental firms to select from.
Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah
Salt Lake Metropolis is the closest main airport, about 5 hours from the southern finish of Grand Teton Nationwide Park and the city of Jackson the place the great things begins.
There are two totally different routes from SLC to Grand Teton Nationwide Park. The route pictured under is my steered route. It gives the very best surroundings on the best way up, and the quickest drive again to Salt Lake.
Following my suggestion, you’ll take I-80 East out of Salt Lake after which flip North at Evanston on US-89. When you hit Alpine you’ll be driving subsequent to the Snake River nearly all the best way to Jackson. This route is barely longer than the alternate route driving by means of Lava Sizzling Springs and Soda Springs (not pictured) , however it’s a lot prettier for my part. You additionally keep away from the lengthy boring stretch of I-15 that additionally, you will be driving in your means again to Salt Lake after leaving West Yellowstone.
Alternate return possibility: In the event you don’t thoughts an extended drive on the best way again to Salt Lake, you can also make a full circle in Yellowstone and backtrack down by means of Grand Teton and Jackson. From there, you possibly can take the identical actual route again to Salt Lake, or you possibly can drive over Teton Cross and thru Victor earlier than hopping on I-15.
Boise, Idaho
Boise is 5.5 hours from Jackson, which is a couple of hour longer drive than in the event you begin in Salt Lake. I’d examine the price of flights and automobile leases to Salt Lake, and if Boise is so much cheaper, than I’d contemplate flying out and in of there. Boise can also be a very cool city value exploring in the event you can tack on an additional day or two.
Aside from being shorter, I personally favor the drive from Salt Lake. I feel it’s prettier and the drive requires much less time on large highways. Nevertheless, in your route again to Boise, you do drive proper by Craters of the Moon which is an attention-grabbing cease in the event you aren’t in a rush.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is definitely the closest main airport to Yellowstone. It’s only one hour and 40 minutes from the north entrance. Nevertheless, flights into Bozeman are usually much more costly than Boise or Salt Lake Metropolis. Once more, it’s undoubtedly value pricing out your choices as a result of beginning in Bozeman will mean you can spend extra time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton because you’ll minimize out a whole lot of the driving time to get there.
In the event you begin in Bozeman, you possibly can nonetheless do the entire stops I point out within the itinerary under, however you’ll do them in a unique order. As an alternative of beginning in Grand Teton like I did, you’ll be coming from the north, beginning in Yellowstone. You are able to do one half of Yellowstone on the best way down and hit the opposite aspect on the best way again up.
Jackson, Wyoming
It’s value checking costs in Jackson since it’s the most handy airport to fly into for this Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary. The Jackson Airport is definitely inside Grand Teton Nationwide Park which is fairly cool. In the event you select this selection, be ready to pay a premium. Flights and automobile leases in Jackson are $$$$!
Issues to Do Earlier than you Go
Listed below are a couple of particular ideas for stuff you’ll need to do earlier than you hit the highway for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Be aware: This weblog accommodates affiliate hyperlinks and references to my sponsors. As all the time all phrases and opinions are my very own.
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Shaka Information Audio Excursions
I first found Shaka Information Audio Excursions once I was driving the highway to Hana in Maui and liked with the ability to be taught extra concerning the space. Now once I’m planning a highway journey, I all the time examine to see if there’s a Shaka Information tour for my vacation spot.
Shaka Information has over 50+ audio excursions for Nationwide Parks, state parks, and different scenic drives, together with Yellowstone/Grand Teton, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Lake Tahoe and extra.
Detailed Yellowstone Grand Teton Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Jackson, Discover City
Morning – Arrive, Eat Lunch
Within the morning on Day 1, get an early begin and journey to Jackson, Wyoming. When you arrive, seize some lunch and poke round city. It’s a vacationer city however has a singular tempo to it and plenty of particular person mom-and-pop shops. Some yummy spots on the town are Figs (Lebanese), Hand-Fired Pizza, and Wholesome Being Cafe and Juicery. Additionally, Persephone Bakery (not vegan-friendly) is insanely fashionable.
Afternoon – Arrange Camp
In the event you’re staying at a resort, it’s finest to remain someplace proper in Jackson or north of city reasonably than out close to Jackson Gap (the ski space). Staying on the town and even north of city will put you nearer to the issues you’re going to do in Grand Teton Nationwide Park. Be aware that resorts in Jackson (just like the flights) are costly, and you ought to be ready to spend at the very least $200 an evening for a 3-star resort.
Personally, in the event you get pleasure from automobile tenting, I feel that’s the best way to go (in the event you’re new to automobile tenting, take a look at my Automobile Tenting 101 Information). Whereas the Grand Teton Nationwide Park campgrounds are among the most costly I’ve ever seen (greater than $55+/night time), you’ll nonetheless save a ton of cash, and the places of the campgrounds are much more handy for exploring the Nationwide Park. As well as, there aren’t many eating places alongside this itinerary, so having your camp cooking gear will mean you can put together your meals as you go. Listed below are the Grand Teton campgrounds that work finest for this itinerary.
Although it could lead to a bit extra driving, I’d keep on the identical campground for all three nights that you simply’re in Grand Teton so that you don’t need to arrange and take down your tenting gear greater than as soon as. Nevertheless if you wish to transfer websites to reduce driving, it’s best to keep at Gros Ventre or Jenny Lake on night time 1 and Jenny Lake or Sign Mountain on night time 2 and three.
Earlier than you drive to the campsite, cease on the Grand Teton Customer Heart close to the South Entrance. It’s an important place to seize a map, and I additionally bought bear spray there, which you’ll 1000% need for this journey. You need to have your bear spray simply accessible on all hikes and at your campsites.
Day 2: Hike Demise Canyon
Morning – Go Mountain climbing
Right this moment you’re going to hike from the Demise Canyon Trailhead which is positioned off Moose Wilson Highway by the South Entrance. There are a couple of totally different choices relying on what sort of problem you’re in search of. In the event you select an extended hike, it’s best to pack a lunch since there aren’t any close by eating choices.
Bears frequent this space. You’ll need have your bear spray useful and brush up in your bear security so you recognize what to do in the event you encounter one.
Afternoon – Loosen up
Submit-hike head again to camp or your resort and calm down. Tomorrow you’ll be doing one of the vital epic hikes within the Park, so that you’ll need to relaxation up.
In the event you’re staying at Gros Ventre or a resort on the town, you possibly can seize a chew to eat in Jackson. The Kitchen is my favourite place for dinner.
In the event you’re tenting farther from city, arrange your camp chair, learn a e-book, cook dinner dinner, or wander round to take a look at your environment. You can even cruise as much as Jenny Lake. You’ll be again there tomorrow, however you actually can’t get uninterested in these views.
Day 3: Hike to Inspiration Level and Cascade Canyon and Cease at Sign Mountain Lodge
Morning – Hike Cascade Canyon
On Day 3 of your highway journey, you’re going to hike up Cascade Canyon. This is likely one of the most beautiful (and fashionable) trails within the Grand Teton Nationwide Park. You’ll need to wak up early and drive to Jenny Lake. Then as a way to save your self 2 miles every means, I counsel getting on one of many first boat shuttles throughout Jenny Lake to the trailheads on the opposite aspect of the lake. This offers you an opportunity to benefit from the path in peace earlier than the entire crowds present up. Shuttles run continuous all through the day, and also you don’t want a reservation.
When you’re on the opposite aspect, the path to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Level, and Cascade Canyon depart proper from the boat dock. Like yesterday, you might have a number of choices relying on how far you need to hike.
Another factor to bear in mind is that moose and bears frequent this space, so that you may get to see one (or extra). In the event you encounter wildlife, give them house. Don’t get all up of their enterprise attempting to take images.
Afternoon – Submit-hike treats at Sign Mountain Lodge
If you return out of your hike, head as much as Sign Mountain Lodge for a post-hike deal with. Whereas I don’t drink anymore, and I’m plant-based, I hear the huckleberry margaritas (for passengers) and nachos are a neighborhood favourite among the many park employees. Afterwards, drive up the Sign Mountain Highway for a powerful aerial view.
After that, head again to your campsite. Attempt to get your entire gear organized as a result of tomorrow you’re packing up and heading as much as Yellowstone for the following leg of this itinerary.
Day 4: Arrive in Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Morning – Drive to Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin
It’s Yellowstone or bust! The Grand Teton portion of this itinerary is wrapping up as you pack up your automobile and highway journey as much as Yellowstone. Be ready to see an entire new world in a really quick distance in your Yellowstone journey. Ryan referred to Yellowstone as “extraterrestrial” or “one thing from one other planet.” And, it’s true, it actually has that really feel.
Relying on the place you camped it might take you anyplace from half-hour to 1.5 hours to succeed in the Yellowstone south entrance. The drive is gorgeous, hugging Jackson Lake with views of Mt. Moran. I made Ryan cease a number of occasions for images. You additionally cross the Continental Divide.
In your means into the park, swing by the Grant Village Guests Heart to see the video concerning the well-known 1988 Yellowstone fireplace that burned a 3rd of Yellowstone— it helps you grasp the extent of devastation Yellowstone confronted, and why some areas look the best way they do.
About 20 minutes after coming into Yellowstone Nationwide Park and only a few minutes up from the Customer’s Heart, your first cease goes to be the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Personally, that is one among my favourite geyser basins within the Park resulting from the truth that it sits on the sting of Yellowstone Lake. That backdrop is one thing you gained’t see anyplace else in Yellowstone. It’s additionally much less crowded than among the different geyser basins. It takes about 45 minutes to stroll round right here.
From West Thumb, you’re going to head northeast, driving the massive loop round Yellowstone in a counter-clockwise course. Your subsequent main cease is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On the best way, you possibly can cease at Gull Level for an additional perspective of Yellowstone Lake, in addition to Sulphur Cauldron and Mud Volcano. These are the park’s most acidic scorching springs and are value a fast cease alongside the best way.
Lastly, you’re in all probability going to need to cease and eat some lunch earlier than the afternoon’s actions. There are a number of fairly locations to drag off alongside the Yellowstone River.
Afternoon – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone is carved by the Yellowstone River and is the place you’ll discover Yellowstone’s Higher and Decrease Falls. At 308 toes tall, I discovered the Decrease Falls to be extra spectacular, however it’s best to have time to take a look at each.
First it’s best to drive down the South Rim. You’ll be able to take a look at the Higher Falls Viewpoints earlier than going to Artist Level. That is the furthest viewpoint of the Decrease Falls, however being zoomed out allows you to see the whole canyon and the river flowing by means of it under.
Subsequent get again in your automobile, drive to the North Rim and park. Take the Rim Path out to Lookout level the place you may get a more in-depth view of the Decrease Falls and actually see it’s magnitude.
Your final viewpoint I checked out was the Brink of the Decrease Falls. This can be a quick steep set of switchbacks that drops 600 toes over 3/8 of a mile that may be a little bit of a doozy on the best way again up. I introduced my trekking poles to make the hike up a bit simpler. The tip level of this path places you proper on the prime of the Decrease Falls the place you possibly can expertise how highly effective the falls actually are. It’s misty and moist, and you may see proper over the sting the place the Falls go tumbling down. I assumed it was definitely worth the effort, however in the event you don’t like steep climbs, it’s best to skip this.
Night – Camp at Canyon Village
Your first campground for the Yellowstone portion of this highway journey itinerary is Canyon Campground. Identical to the entire campsites, you must make reservations far upfront. In the event that they don’t have any availability, you possibly can additionally keep at Tower Fall (closed in 2024) or Slough Creek (a quieter expertise). You need to plan to remain at no matter campsite you get for 1 night time because you’ll be transferring once more tomorrow.
Day 5: Lamar Valley, Mammoth Sizzling Springs, Elective Hike to Osprey Falls
Morning – Lamar Valley
Early chook catches the worm on the subject of seeing wildlife in Lamar Valley and likewise avoiding the visitors that builds up on the highway. Whereas this implies you’ll need to pack up your campsite early (like 5am or 6am early), I promise you’ll have a means higher expertise than in the event you roll in Lamar Valley at 10.
I as soon as visited Lamar Valley within the afternoon, and visitors was loopy. After all a part of this that the bison stroll within the highway, and everybody has to cease their autos to keep away from them, however you might have much more skill to maneuver earlier than there are vehicles in all places.
Lamar Valley is THE place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. We actually noticed lots of (perhaps 1000’s) of bison. We additionally noticed elk and pronghorn. In the event you’re actually fortunate, you may additionally see bears and even wolves. We heard the very best likelihood of seeing wolves was alongside Slough Creek, so we cruised up there, however didn’t have any luck.
After you’re completed hanging with the animals, you’ll make the twisty drive over to Mammoth Sizzling Springs. There’s meals accessible there, in addition to some picnic tables in the event you’re prepared for lunch.
Afternoon – Hike to Osprey Falls
In the event you really feel like you’ll want to stretch your legs after spending all morning within the automobile, I actually loved the hike to Osprey Falls. It’s one of many lesser recognized trails in Yellowstone, positioned close to Mammoth Sizzling Springs. I feel we noticed lower than 6 individuals the whole hike.
It’s 7.3 miles roundtrip with 1,243 toes of elevation achieve, making it a reasonable to difficult hike. The primary half travels by means of a flat grassy space. I’ll say I used to be a bit nervous right here, as I learn grizzly bears are widespread on this space. I had my bear spray on my hip able to deploy if wanted.
After 1.5 miles, the path begins to step by step climb, gaining about 1,000 toes over 2 miles till you attain the bottom of the falls. At one part you hug the rim of a canyon, leading to some fairly huge views. Plus, the waterfall was really fairly spectacular, and we had all of it to ourselves.
In the event you aren’t into large hikes or you’re quick on time, that is one thing you possibly can skip.
Night – Mammoth Sizzling Springs and Camp
After you wrap up your hike, the final journey of the day is exploring Mammoth Sizzling Springs, one of many extra distinctive geysers in Yellowstone. The water that pours over the recent springs has been within the floor for over 1,000 years and is chargeable for the entire formations within the space because it cascades down. We went proper earlier than the solar went down and located the lighting to be very good, and the entire individuals had been gone for the day. It solely takes about 30-45 minutes stroll round right here.
Essentially the most handy place to camp tonight goes to be the Mammoth Campground or Indian Creek, which is the place we stayed. If you’re actually feeling like you possibly can use a bathe and a mattress, you possibly can additionally e-book a room on the Mammoth Sizzling Springs Lodge or head into West Yellowstone the place there are many cheap motels.
Day 6: Outdated Trustworthy and Geysers Galore!
Morning – Norris Basin, Decrease Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring
By the top of right now, I promise you’re going to be completely geyser’ed out. There’s after all extra you could see, however I’m going counsel what I contemplate to be the good geysers in Yellowstone. Most of those require a little bit little bit of strolling on a boardwalk, however none of it’s too intense. Be affected person when parking. These spots are fashionable and the parking heaps generally is a bit hectic.
First cease is Norris Basin, residence to the most well liked, oldest geysers in Yellowstone. There have been some actually fairly milky blue and emerald coloured swimming pools right here. We spent about 1.5 hours strolling across the two loops.
Subsequent you’ll cease on the Decrease Geyser Basin. My favourite scorching spring right here was Silex Spring. The colour was an unbelievable shade of turquoise, and it was lower than 100 yards from the parking zone.
Your closing cease earlier than lunch is Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the vital lovely geysers within the Park. For a good higher view, take the Grand Prismatic Overlook Path up 200 toes the place you possibly can peer down and actually see the distinction within the colours. Parking for the Overlook Path is a pair minutes drive away on the Fairy Falls parking zone.
Afternoon – Higher Geyser Basin and Outdated Trustworthy
The final main cease in your highway journey is the Well-known Outdated Trustworthy. The very first thing it’s best to do once you arrive is examine the schedule. The geyser erupts about each 65-90 minutes. There are indicators in all places within the space informing you of the following eruption. The viewing space is large, however it does get tremendous crowded. So, I counsel arriving at the very least quarter-hour earlier than the eruption to safe a very good viewing spot and earlier if you wish to sit down.
In case you have a while to kill, you possibly can seize some meals from the cafeteria, the bakeshop, or the eating space. There’s additionally a picnic space close to the East lot in the event you packed your personal lunch.
When you’ve seen Outdated Trustworthy erupt, comply with the boardwalk round to discover the Higher Geyser Basin, which has the biggest focus of colourful scorching swimming pools on this planet.
Because the solar units, for the ultimate night time of your Yellowstone Grand Teton highway journey, head on over to the small city of West Yellowstone for an evening at a neighborhood motel. There are many eating places to select from as nicely.
Day 7: Drive again to your start line
Right this moment your aim is to drive again to your start line. I like to recommend reserving a late flight so that you don’t need to stand up on the morning time and have loads of time to drive to the airport with out feeling burdened.
In case you have a pair additional days on your Grand Teton Yellowstone itinerary, listed below are some further issues to do:
Quick on Time?
In the event you don’t have a full week on your Yellowstone Grand Teton itinerary, here’s what I’d minimize out:
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Early summer season by means of mid-fall is the very best time to go to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Lots of the roads shut in winter making the websites inaccessible. The highway between Grand Teton and Yellowstone additionally closes and doesn’t normally open till mid-Could. September is my favourite month to go to. The Parks are means much less crowded, you possibly can normally snag a campsite, and the temperatures are nonetheless comfy for tenting.
October can also be lovely with the autumn colours, however the night lows could be fairly chilly for tenting, and the Jenny Lake boat shuttle normally stops working on the finish of September. Which means if you wish to hike Cascade Canyon, you’ll need to stroll round Jenny Lake including 4 miles to your hike.
The preferred time to go to Yellowstone and Grand Teton is July and August. In the event you go to throughout these months, be ready for crowded trails, full parking heaps, and contours to get out and in of the Parks.
Sadly, Yellowstone and Grand Teton are usually not dog-friendly. In each Parks you possibly can have your canine on a leash within the campground, however canine are usually not allowed on any trails, boardwalks or seashores. Bringing your canine means you’re going to overlook out on 98% of the actions on this highway journey itinerary.
I created this 7-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary as a result of I feel that’s the period of time that’s wanted to expertise the very best issues to do in each Parks. Doing it in much less time than meaning you’ll need to skip among the main highlights.
In case you have fewer than 4-5 days complete on your highway journey together with your drive to and from the Parks, I’d counsel selecting one Park to go to, reasonably than doing each. With that little time, you’d barely be scratching the floor attempting to cram each Parks in. Choose one and are available again one other time for the opposite. In case you have greater than 7 days, you’ll nonetheless have loads to do, permitting you to hike and discover among the lesser recognized areas of the Parks.
Yellowstone is a a lot greater park than Grand Teton, and driving by means of the Park takes considerably extra time. My steered week-long itinerary that mixes the 2 Parks has you spending two full days in Grand Teton and three full days in Yellowstone.
No, you do not want reservations to enter Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There’s additionally no timed entry system so you possibly can enter and depart the Parks as you please. You do nonetheless want a reservation for the campgrounds or backcountry tenting.
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Are you planning a Yellowstone and Grand Teton Nationwide Park highway journey or have you ever been? Share your feedback, questions, and experiences under.
