Again after I was a child, my dad and mom rented an RV, and we took a street journey to Yellowstone. I keep in mind being in awe of the colourful geysers, the insane quantity of wildlife, and the attractive 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 completely different. You swap the straightforward boardwalk strolls amongst geysers for BIG mountains the place the mountaineering alternatives are simply limitless.
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 unbelievable weeklong street journey that provides a little bit of every part.
With this 7-day Yellowstone and Teton street 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 street journey stops, hikes, issues to do, locations to remain, and even some restaurant recommendations that can assist you plan an epic go to.
Right here’s the final word street journey itinerary for every week well-spent in Yellowstone and Grand Teton Nationwide Parks!
Itinerary Overview
This 7-day street 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 totally huge, being the second largest Nationwide Park within the decrease 48. That is why I’m devoting three full days for exploring Yellowstone. Here’s a day-by-day overview of what you will notice and do in your street journey.
Here’s a Google map of all the 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 may check with it in your street journey, simply click on the star subsequent to the map title. The map will seem below the saved tab in case you are viewing in your cellphone.
Closest Airports to Yellowstone & Grand Teton Nationwide Parks
There are a few beginning factors choices in your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, relying on the place you fly into. I’ll begin with the main 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 street journey in a camper van, these two cities even have various 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 good things begins.
There are two completely different routes from SLC to Grand Teton Nationwide Park. The route pictured beneath is my urged 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 virtually all the best way to Jackson. This route is barely longer than the alternate route driving by way of Lava Scorching Springs and Soda Springs (not pictured) , nevertheless 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 method again to Salt Lake after leaving West Yellowstone.
Alternate return choice: If you happen to 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 way of Grand Teton and Jackson. From there, you may take the identical precise route again to Salt Lake, or you may 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 if you happen to begin in Salt Lake. I’d examine the price of flights and automobile leases to Salt Lake, and if Boise is loads cheaper, than I’d contemplate flying out and in of there. Boise can be a extremely cool city value exploring if you happen to can tack on an additional day or two.
Other than being shorter, I personally choose the drive from Salt Lake. I feel it’s prettier and the drive requires much less time on massive highways. Nevertheless, in your route again to Boise, you do drive proper by Craters of the Moon which is an attention-grabbing cease if you happen to 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 will let you spend extra time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton because you’ll minimize out a whole lot of the driving time to get there.
If you happen to begin in Bozeman, you may nonetheless do all the stops I point out within the itinerary beneath, however you’ll do them in a distinct 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. If you happen to select this feature, be ready to pay a premium. Flights and automobile leases in Jackson are $$$$!
Issues to Do Earlier than you Go
Listed below are just a few particular ideas for belongings you’ll need to do earlier than you hit the street for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Word: This weblog comprises affiliate hyperlinks and references to my sponsors. As at all times all phrases and opinions are my very own.
Your personal private tour information
Shaka Information Audio Excursions
I first found Shaka Information Audio Excursions after I was driving the street to Hana in Maui and cherished having the ability to be taught extra in regards to the space. Now after I’m planning a street journey, I at all times 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 novel 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 common.
Afternoon – Arrange Camp
If you happen to’re staying at a lodge, it’s finest to remain someplace proper in Jackson or north of city fairly 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’ll do in Grand Teton Nationwide Park. Word that inns in Jackson (just like the flights) are costly, and you ought to be ready to spend not less than $200 an evening for a 3-star lodge.
Personally, if you happen to get pleasure from automobile tenting, I feel that’s the best way to go (if you happen to’re new to automobile tenting, try my Automotive Tenting 101 Information). Whereas the Grand Teton Nationwide Park campgrounds are a number of the costliest I’ve ever seen (greater than $55+/night time), you’ll nonetheless save a ton of cash, and the areas 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 will let you put together your meals as you go. Listed below are the Grand Teton campgrounds that work finest for this itinerary.
Regardless that it might end in a bit extra driving, I’d keep on the similar campground for all three nights that you just’re in Grand Teton so that you don’t must arrange and take down your tenting gear greater than as soon as. Nevertheless if you wish to transfer websites to attenuate 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 excellent place to seize a map, and I additionally bought bear spray there, which you’ll 1000% need for this journey. It is best to have your bear spray simply accessible on all hikes and at your campsites.
Day 2: Hike Dying Canyon
Morning – Go Mountaineering
At the moment you’re going to hike from the Dying Canyon Trailhead which is positioned off Moose Wilson Street by the South Entrance. There are just a few completely different choices relying on what sort of problem you might be in search of. If you happen to 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 already know what to do if you happen to encounter one.
Afternoon – Calm down
Submit-hike head again to camp or your lodge and chill out. Tomorrow you’ll be doing some of the epic hikes within the Park, so that you’ll need to relaxation up.
If you happen to’re staying at Gros Ventre or a lodge on the town, you may seize a chew to eat in Jackson. The Kitchen is my favourite place for dinner.
If you happen to’re tenting farther from city, arrange your camp chair, learn a guide, cook dinner dinner, or wander round to take a look at your environment. You may also 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 street journey, you’ll hike up Cascade Canyon. This is without doubt one of the most gorgeous (and common) trails within the Grand Teton Nationwide Park. You’ll need to wak up early and drive to Jenny Lake. Then to be able to save your self 2 miles every method, I counsel getting on one of many first boat shuttles throughout Jenny Lake to the trailheads on the opposite aspect of the lake. This provides you with an opportunity to benefit from the path in peace earlier than all the 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.
Yet another factor to remember is that moose and bears frequent this space, so that you would possibly get to see one (or extra). If you happen to encounter wildlife, give them house. Don’t get all up of their enterprise making an attempt to take pictures.
Afternoon – Submit-hike treats at Sign Mountain Lodge
Once 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 an area favourite among the many park workers. Afterwards, drive up the Sign Mountain Street for a formidable aerial view.
After that, head again to your campsite. Attempt to get your whole gear organized as a result of tomorrow you’re packing up and heading as much as Yellowstone for the subsequent 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 street journey as much as Yellowstone. Be ready to see a complete new world in a really brief 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 may take you anyplace from half-hour to 1.5 hours to achieve 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 pictures. You additionally cross the Continental Divide.
In your method into the park, swing by the Grant Village Guests Heart to see the video in regards to the well-known 1988 Yellowstone hearth 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 just some minutes up from the Customer’s Heart, your first cease goes to be the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Personally, that is considered one of 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 a number of the different geyser basins. It takes about 45 minutes to stroll round right here.
From West Thumb, you’ll head northeast, driving the large loop round Yellowstone in a counter-clockwise course. Your subsequent main cease is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On the best way, you may 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 sizzling springs and are value a fast cease alongside the best way.
Lastly, you’re most likely 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 ft 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 may try the Higher Falls Viewpoints earlier than going to Artist Level. That is the furthest viewpoint of the Decrease Falls, however being zoomed out helps you to see all the canyon and the river flowing by way of it beneath.
Subsequent get again in your automobile, drive to the North Rim and park. Take the Rim Path out to Lookout level the place you will 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. It is a brief steep set of switchbacks that drops 600 ft 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 top level of this path places you proper on the prime of the Decrease Falls the place you may expertise how highly effective the falls actually are. It’s misty and moist, and you’ll see proper over the sting the place the Falls go tumbling down. I believed it was definitely worth the effort, however if you happen to 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 street journey itinerary is Canyon Campground. Similar to all the 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). It is best 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 Scorching Springs, Non-compulsory Hike to Osprey Falls
Morning – Lamar Valley
Early hen catches the worm in terms of seeing wildlife in Lamar Valley and in addition avoiding the visitors that builds up on the street. Whereas this implies you’ll must pack up your campsite early (like 5am or 6am early), I promise you’ll have a method higher expertise than if you happen to 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 street, and everybody has to cease their autos to keep away from them, however you might have much more capability to maneuver earlier than there are automobiles in every single place.
Lamar Valley is THE place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. We actually noticed tons of (perhaps 1000’s) of bison. We additionally noticed elk and pronghorn. If you happen to’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 carried out hanging with the animals, you’ll make the twisty drive over to Mammoth Scorching Springs. There’s meals obtainable there, in addition to some picnic tables if you happen to’re prepared for lunch.
Afternoon – Hike to Osprey Falls
If you happen to really feel like it is advisable 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 identified trails in Yellowstone, positioned close to Mammoth Scorching Springs. I feel we noticed lower than 6 folks all the hike.
It’s 7.3 miles roundtrip with 1,243 ft of elevation acquire, making it a average to difficult hike. The primary half travels by way of a flat grassy space. I’ll say I used to be a bit nervous right here, as I learn grizzly bears are frequent on this space. I had my bear spray on my hip able to deploy if wanted.
After 1.5 miles, the path begins to regularly climb, gaining about 1,000 ft 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 truly fairly spectacular, and we had all of it to ourselves.
If you happen to aren’t into massive hikes or you might be brief on time, that is one thing you possibly can skip.
Night – Mammoth Scorching Springs and Camp
After you wrap up your hike, the final journey of the day is exploring Mammoth Scorching 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 answerable for all the 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 all the folks 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. In case you are actually feeling like you possibly can use a bathe and a mattress, you possibly can additionally guide a room on the Mammoth Scorching Springs Resort 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 tip of at the moment, I promise you’ll be completely geyser’ed out. There’s after all extra you can see, however I’m going counsel what I contemplate to be the good geysers in Yellowstone. Most of those require a bit of little bit of strolling on a boardwalk, however none of it’s too intense. Be affected person when parking. These spots are common and the parking tons is usually a bit hectic.
First cease is Norris Basin, house to the most popular, 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 sizzling spring right here was Silex Spring. The colour was an unbelievable shade of turquoise, and it was lower than 100 yards from the car parking zone.
Your remaining cease earlier than lunch is Grand Prismatic Spring, some of the stunning geysers within the Park. For an excellent higher view, take the Grand Prismatic Overlook Path up 200 ft the place you may 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 car parking zone.
Afternoon – Higher Geyser Basin and Outdated Trustworthy
The final main cease in your street 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 every single place within the space informing you of the subsequent eruption. The viewing space is massive, nevertheless it does get tremendous crowded. So, I counsel arriving not less than quarter-hour earlier than the eruption to safe a superb viewing spot and earlier if you wish to sit down.
You probably have a while to kill, you may seize some meals from the cafeteria, the bakeshop, or the eating space. There’s additionally a picnic space close to the East lot if you happen to packed your individual 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 sizzling swimming pools on this planet.
Because the solar units, for the ultimate night time of your Yellowstone Grand Teton street journey, head on over to the small city of West Yellowstone for an evening at an area motel. There are many eating places to select from as nicely.
Day 7: Drive again to your start line
At the moment your aim is to drive again to your start line. I like to recommend reserving a late flight so that you don’t must rise up on the daybreak and have loads of time to drive to the airport with out feeling careworn.
You probably have a pair additional days in your Grand Teton Yellowstone itinerary, listed below are some extra issues to do:
Quick on Time?
If you happen to don’t have a full week in your Yellowstone Grand Teton itinerary, here’s what I might minimize out:
Continuously Requested Questions
Early summer season by way 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 street 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 method much less crowded, you may normally snag a campsite, and the temperatures are nonetheless snug for tenting.
October can be stunning with the autumn colours, however the night lows might 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 must stroll round Jenny Lake including 4 miles to your hike.
The most well-liked time to go to Yellowstone and Grand Teton is July and August. If you happen to go to throughout these months, be ready for crowded trails, full parking tons, and features to get out and in of the Parks.
Sadly, Yellowstone and Grand Teton should not dog-friendly. In each Parks you may have your canine on a leash within the campground, however canine should 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 street 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 which means you’ll must skip a number of the main highlights.
You probably have fewer than 4-5 days whole in your street journey together with your drive to and from the Parks, I’d counsel selecting one Park to go to, fairly than doing each. With that little time, you’d barely be scratching the floor making an attempt to cram each Parks in. Choose one and are available again one other time for the opposite. You probably have greater than 7 days, you’ll nonetheless have lots to do, permitting you to hike and discover a number of the lesser identified areas of the Parks.
Yellowstone is a a lot larger park than Grand Teton, and driving by way of the Park takes considerably extra time. My urged 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 may 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 street journey or have you ever been? Share your feedback, questions, and experiences beneath.