Again after I was a child, my dad and mom rented an RV, and we took a highway 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 totally different. You swap the simple boardwalk strolls amongst geysers for BIG mountains the place the mountain climbing 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 unimaginable weeklong highway journey that gives a little bit of the whole lot.
With this 7-day Yellowstone and Teton highway journey itinerary, you’ll hit up a big quantity of one of the best websites within the parks with out spending an excessive amount of time within the automobile. On this day-by-day itinerary, I share one of the best highway journey stops, hikes, issues to do, locations to remain, and even some restaurant options that can assist you plan an epic go to.
Right here’s the last word highway journey itinerary for every 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 mountain climbing, 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 large, being the second largest Nationwide Park within the decrease 48. This is the reason 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.
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 quite a lot of camper van rental corporations 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 urged route. It offers one of the best surroundings on the way in which 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 way in which to Jackson. This route is barely longer than the alternate route driving by Lava Sizzling Springs and Soda Springs (not pictured) , but it surely’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 possibility: For those who don’t thoughts an extended drive on the way in which again to Salt Lake, you can also make a full circle in Yellowstone and backtrack down by Grand Teton and Jackson. From there, you’ll be able to take the identical actual route again to Salt Lake, or you’ll be able to 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 rather a lot cheaper, than I’d think about flying out and in of there. Boise can also be a very cool city value exploring if you happen to 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 huge highways. Nevertheless, in your route again to Boise, you do drive proper by Craters of the Moon which is an fascinating cease if you happen to aren’t in a rush.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is definitely the closest main airport to Yellowstone. It’s just 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 positively value pricing out your choices as a result of beginning in Bozeman will permit you to spend extra time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton because you’ll lower out lots of the driving time to get there.
For those who begin in Bozeman, you’ll be able to nonetheless do all the stops I point out within the itinerary under, however you’ll do them in a unique order. As a substitute 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 way in which down and hit the opposite facet on the way in which 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. For those who 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 suggestions for stuff you’ll wish to do earlier than you hit the highway for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Observe: This weblog accommodates 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 Audio Excursions
I first found Shaka Audio Excursions after I was driving the highway to Hana in Maui and liked having the ability to study extra concerning the space. Now after I’m planning a highway journey, I at all times verify to see if there’s a Shaka tour for my vacation spot.
Shaka 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 common.
Afternoon – Arrange Camp
For those who’re staying at a lodge, it’s greatest to remain someplace proper in Jackson or north of city slightly 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. Observe that lodges in Jackson (just like the flights) are costly, and you need 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 way in which to go (if you happen to’re new to automobile tenting, take a look at my Automobile Tenting 101 Information). Whereas the Grand Teton Nationwide Park campgrounds are a number of the most costly 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 permit you to put together your meals as you go. Listed below are the Grand Teton campgrounds that work greatest for this itinerary.
Regardless that it could end in 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, you need 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 Middle close to the South Entrance. It’s an amazing place to seize a map, and I additionally bought bear spray there, which you’ll 1000% need for this journey. You must have your bear spray simply accessible on all hikes and at your campsites.
Day 2: Hike Demise Canyon
Morning – Go Climbing
Immediately you’re going to hike from the Demise Canyon Trailhead which is situated off Moose Wilson Street by the South Entrance. There are a couple of totally different choices relying on what sort of problem you’re searching for. For those who select an extended hike, you need to pack a lunch since there aren’t any close by eating choices.
Bears frequent this space. You’ll need have your bear spray helpful and brush up in your bear security so you recognize what to do if you happen to encounter one.
Afternoon – Loosen up
Put up-hike head again to camp or your lodge and loosen up. Tomorrow you’ll be doing some of the epic hikes within the Park, so that you’ll wish to relaxation up.
For those who’re staying at Gros Ventre or a lodge on the town, you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat in Jackson. The Kitchen is my favourite place for dinner.
For those who’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 can too cruise as much as Jenny Lake. You’ll be again there tomorrow, however you actually can’t get bored with 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 without doubt one of the most beautiful (and common) trails within the Grand Teton Nationwide Park. You’ll wish to wak up early and drive to Jenny Lake. Then with the intention to save your self 2 miles every method, I recommend getting on one of many first boat shuttles throughout Jenny Lake to the trailheads on the opposite facet of the lake. This will provide 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 facet, the path to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Level, and Cascade Canyon depart proper from the boat dock. Like yesterday, you’ve got a number of choices relying on how far you wish to hike.
Yet another factor to bear in mind is that moose and bears frequent this space, so that you would possibly get to see one (or extra). For those who encounter wildlife, give them house. Don’t get all up of their enterprise attempting to take pictures.
Afternoon – Put up-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 a neighborhood favourite among the many park employees. 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 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 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 wherever 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 pictures. You additionally cross the Continental Divide.
In your method into the park, swing by the Grant Village Guests Middle to see the video concerning 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 way in which they do.
About 20 minutes after coming into Yellowstone Nationwide Park and just some minutes up from the Customer’s Middle, your first cease goes to be the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Personally, that is considered one of my favourite geyser basins within the Park as a result of the truth that it sits on the sting of Yellowstone Lake. That backdrop is one thing you received’t see wherever 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’re going to head northeast, driving the massive loop round Yellowstone in a counter-clockwise path. Your subsequent main cease is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On the way in which, you’ll be able to 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 way in which.
Lastly, you’re most likely going to wish to cease and eat some lunch earlier than the afternoon’s actions. There are a number of fairly locations to tug 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 you need to have time to take a look at each.
First you need 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 enables you to see your entire canyon and the river flowing by 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 better 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 brief steep set of switchbacks that drops 600 toes over 3/8 of a mile that could be a little bit of a doozy on the way in which 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’ll be able to 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 if you happen to don’t like steep climbs, you need 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 all the campsites, it’s important to make reservations far prematurely. 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 must 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, Non-obligatory Hike to Osprey Falls
Morning – Lamar Valley
Early fowl catches the worm on the subject of seeing wildlife in Lamar Valley and likewise avoiding the site 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 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 site visitors was loopy. In fact a part of this that the bison stroll within the highway, and everybody has to cease their automobiles to keep away from them, however you’ve got much more skill to maneuver earlier than there are vehicles 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. For those who’re actually fortunate, you may additionally see bears and even wolves. We heard one of the best likelihood of seeing wolves was alongside Slough Creek, so we cruised up there, however didn’t have any luck.
After you’re executed hanging with the animals, you’ll make the twisty drive over to Mammoth Sizzling Springs. There may be meals out there there, in addition to some picnic tables if you happen to’re prepared for lunch.
Afternoon – Hike to Osprey Falls
For those who really feel like it’s essential 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, situated close to Mammoth Sizzling Springs. I feel we noticed lower than 6 individuals your entire hike.
It’s 7.3 miles roundtrip with 1,243 toes of elevation acquire, making it a average to difficult hike. The primary half travels by 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 regularly 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.
For those who aren’t into huge hikes or you’re brief 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 accountable 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 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. 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 Sizzling Springs Resort or head into West Yellowstone the place there are many cheap motels.
Day 6: Previous Trustworthy and Geysers Galore!
Morning – Norris Basin, Decrease Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring
By the top of in the present day, I promise you’re going to be completely geyser’ed out. There may be in fact extra you can see, however I’m going recommend what I think about to be the good geysers in Yellowstone. Most of those require just a little 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 could be 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 car parking zone.
Your closing cease earlier than lunch is Grand Prismatic Spring, some of the lovely geysers within the Park. For a good higher view, take the Grand Prismatic Overlook Path up 200 toes the place you’ll be able to 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 Previous Trustworthy
The final main cease in your highway journey is the Well-known Previous Trustworthy. The very first thing you need to do if you arrive is verify the schedule. The geyser erupts about each 65-90 minutes. There are indicators in every single place within the space informing you of the following eruption. The viewing space is huge, but it surely does get tremendous crowded. So, I recommend arriving not less than quarter-hour earlier than the eruption to safe a superb viewing spot and earlier if you wish to sit down.
When you’ve got a while to kill, you’ll be able to seize some meals from the cafeteria, the bakeshop, or the eating space. There may be additionally a picnic space close to the East lot if you happen to packed your personal lunch.
When you’ve seen Previous Trustworthy erupt, observe the boardwalk round to discover the Higher Geyser Basin, which has the most important 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 effectively.
Day 7: Drive again to your place to begin
Immediately your aim is to drive again to your place to begin. 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.
When you’ve got a pair additional days on your Grand Teton Yellowstone itinerary, listed here are some further issues to do:
Quick on Time?
For those who don’t have a full week on your Yellowstone Grand Teton itinerary, here’s what I’d lower out:
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Early summer time by mid-fall is one of the 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 method much less crowded, you’ll be able to normally snag a campsite, and the temperatures are nonetheless snug for tenting.
October can also be lovely with the autumn colours, however the night lows may be fairly chilly for tenting, and the Jenny Lake boat shuttle normally stops working on the finish of September. Meaning 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. For those who go to throughout these months, be ready for crowded trails, full parking tons, and contours to get out and in of the Parks.
Sadly, Yellowstone and Grand Teton will not be dog-friendly. In each Parks you’ll be able to have your canine on a leash within the campground, however canines will not be 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 one of the best issues to do in each Parks. Doing it in much less time than which means you’ll need to skip a number of the main highlights.
When you’ve got fewer than 4-5 days whole on your highway journey together with your drive to and from the Parks, I’d recommend selecting one Park to go to, slightly than doing each. With that little time, you’d barely be scratching the floor attempting to cram each Parks in. Decide one and are available again one other time for the opposite. When you’ve got 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 greater park than Grand Teton, and driving by 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 don’t want reservations to enter Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There may be additionally no timed entry system so you’ll be able to enter and depart the Parks as you please. You do nevertheless 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.
