Again once I was a child, my dad and mom rented an RV, and we took a street 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 completely different. You swap the straightforward boardwalk strolls amongst geysers for BIG mountains the place the 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 unbelievable weeklong street journey that provides a little bit of all the pieces.
With this 7-day Yellowstone and Teton street 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 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 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 completely large, 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 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 possibly can consult with it in your street 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 telephone.
Closest Airports to Yellowstone & Grand Teton Nationwide Parks
There are a few beginning factors choices to your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, relying on the place you fly into. I’ll begin with the foremost 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 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 completely different routes from SLC to Grand Teton Nationwide Park. The route pictured beneath is my prompt route. It gives 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 way of Lava Sizzling Springs and Soda Springs (not pictured) , however it’s a lot prettier in my view. You additionally keep away from the lengthy boring stretch of I-15 that additionally, you will be driving in your approach again to Salt Lake after leaving West Yellowstone.
Alternate return possibility: When you 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 way of Grand Teton and Jackson. From there, you possibly can take the identical precise route again to Salt Lake, or you possibly can drive over Teton Move and thru Victor earlier than hopping on I-15.
Boise, Idaho
Boise is 5.5 hours from Jackson, which is a few hour longer drive than if you happen to begin in Salt Lake. I’d evaluate the price of flights and automobile leases to Salt Lake, and if Boise is lots cheaper, than I’d think about flying out and in of there. Boise can also be a very cool city price exploring if you happen to can tack on an additional day or two.
Other than being shorter, I personally desire the drive from Salt Lake. I believe it’s prettier and the drive requires much less time on massive highways. Nonetheless, 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 only one hour and 40 minutes from the north entrance. Nonetheless, flights into Bozeman are usually much more costly than Boise or Salt Lake Metropolis. Once more, it’s positively price pricing out your choices as a result of beginning in Bozeman will assist you to spend extra time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton because you’ll minimize out lots of the driving time to get there.
When you begin in Bozeman, you possibly can nonetheless do all the stops I point out within the itinerary beneath, however you’ll do them in a special 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 way in which down and hit the opposite facet on the way in which again up.
Jackson, Wyoming
It’s price 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. When 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 suggestions for belongings you’ll wish to do earlier than you hit the street for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Be aware: This weblog incorporates affiliate hyperlinks and references to my sponsors. As all the time all phrases and opinions are my very own.
Your personal private tour information
Shaka Information Audio Excursions
I first found Shaka Information Audio Excursions once I was driving the street to Hana in Maui and beloved with the ability to study extra concerning the space. Now once I’m planning a street journey, I all the time test 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 well-liked.
Afternoon – Arrange Camp
When you’re staying at a resort, it’s finest to remain someplace proper in Jackson or north of city moderately 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 lodges in Jackson (just like the flights) are costly, and try to be ready to spend a minimum of $200 an evening for a 3-star resort.
Personally, if you happen to get pleasure from automobile tenting, I believe that’s the way in which to go (if you happen to’re new to automobile tenting, take a look at my Automotive 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 assist you to put together your meals as you go. Listed below are the Grand Teton campgrounds that work finest for this itinerary.
Regardless that it could lead to 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. Nonetheless 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 Heart close to the South Entrance. It’s a fantastic place to seize a map, and I additionally bought bear spray there, which you’ll 1000% need for this journey. It’s best to have your bear spray simply accessible on all hikes and at your campsites.
Day 2: Hike Dying Canyon
Morning – Go Climbing
Immediately you’re going to hike from the Dying Canyon Trailhead which is situated off Moose Wilson Highway by the South Entrance. There are a couple of completely different choices relying on what sort of problem you’re searching for. When you 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 useful and brush up in your bear security so you already know what to do if you happen to encounter one.
Afternoon – Chill out
Put up-hike head again to camp or your resort and chill out. Tomorrow you’ll be doing one of the epic hikes within the Park, so that you’ll wish to relaxation up.
When you’re staying at Gros Ventre or a resort on the town, you possibly can seize a chunk to eat in Jackson. The Kitchen is my favourite place for dinner.
When you’re tenting farther from city, arrange your camp chair, learn a e book, prepare dinner dinner, or wander round to take a look at your environment. It’s also possible to 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’re going to hike up Cascade Canyon. This is among the most beautiful (and well-liked) trails within the Grand Teton Nationwide Park. You’ll wish to wak up early and drive to Jenny Lake. Then to be able to save your self 2 miles every approach, I counsel getting on one of many first boat shuttles throughout Jenny Lake to the trailheads on the opposite facet 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 facet, the path to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Level, and Cascade Canyon go away proper from the boat dock. Like yesterday, you’ve got a number of choices relying on how far you wish to hike.
Yet one more factor to remember is that moose and bears frequent this space, so that you may get to see one (or extra). When you encounter wildlife, give them area. Don’t get all up of their enterprise making an attempt to take pictures.
Afternoon – Put up-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 workers. Afterwards, drive up the Sign Mountain Highway 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 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 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 pictures. You additionally cross the Continental Divide.
In your approach into the park, swing by the Grant Village Guests Heart 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 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’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 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 price 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 ft 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 helps you to see the whole 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 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. 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 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 possibly can 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 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 street journey itinerary is Canyon Campground. Similar to all the campsites, you must make reservations far prematurely. In the event that they don’t have any availability, you may additionally keep at Tower Fall (closed in 2024) or Slough Creek (a quieter expertise). It’s best to plan to remain at no matter campsite you get for 1 night time because you’ll be shifting once more tomorrow.
Day 5: Lamar Valley, Mammoth Sizzling Springs, Optionally available Hike to Osprey Falls
Morning – Lamar Valley
Early chook catches the worm relating to seeing wildlife in Lamar Valley and in addition avoiding the site 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 approach 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. 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’ve got much more skill to maneuver earlier than there are vehicles all over the place.
Lamar Valley is THE place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. We actually noticed a whole lot (possibly hundreds) of bison. We additionally noticed elk and pronghorn. When you’re actually fortunate, you may additionally see bears and even wolves. We heard one of the best probability of seeing wolves was alongside Slough Creek, so we cruised up there, however didn’t have any luck.
After you’re performed hanging with the animals, you’ll make the twisty drive over to Mammoth Sizzling Springs. There’s meals out there there, in addition to some picnic tables if you happen to’re prepared for lunch.
Afternoon – Hike to Osprey Falls
When you 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, situated close to Mammoth Sizzling Springs. I believe we noticed lower than 6 folks the whole hike.
It’s 7.3 miles roundtrip with 1,243 ft of elevation achieve, 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 steadily 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.
When you aren’t into massive hikes or you’re brief on time, that is one thing you may 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 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. If you’re actually feeling like you may use a bathe and a mattress, you may additionally e book 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 tip of immediately, I promise you’re going to be completely geyser’ed out. There’s in fact extra you could see, however I’m going counsel what I think about to be the best 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 well-liked and the parking tons is usually 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 remaining cease earlier than lunch is Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the lovely geysers within the Park. For a good higher view, take the Grand Prismatic Overlook Path up 200 ft 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 Previous Trustworthy
The final main cease in your street journey is the Well-known Previous Trustworthy. The very first thing you need to do whenever you arrive is test the schedule. The geyser erupts about each 65-90 minutes. There are indicators all over the place within the space informing you of the following eruption. The viewing space is massive, however it does get tremendous crowded. So, I counsel arriving a minimum of quarter-hour earlier than the eruption to safe a superb viewing spot and earlier if you wish to sit down.
If 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 if you happen to packed your individual 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 street 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 must stand up on the daybreak and have loads of time to drive to the airport with out feeling careworn.
If in case you have a pair additional days to your Grand Teton Yellowstone itinerary, listed here are some extra issues to do:
Quick on Time?
When you don’t have a full week to your Yellowstone Grand Teton itinerary, here’s what I might minimize out:
Steadily Requested Questions
Early summer season by way of 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 street between Grand Teton and Yellowstone additionally closes and doesn’t often open till mid-Could. September is my favourite month to go to. The Parks are approach much less crowded, you possibly can often snag a campsite, and the temperatures are nonetheless snug for tenting.
October can also be lovely with the autumn colours, however the night lows might be fairly chilly for tenting, and the Jenny Lake boat shuttle often 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. When you 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 aren’t dog-friendly. In each Parks you possibly can have your canine on a leash within the campground, however canines aren’t 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 believe 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 must skip a number of the main highlights.
If in case you have fewer than 4-5 days complete to your street journey together with your drive to and from the Parks, I’d counsel selecting one Park to go to, moderately than doing each. With that little time, you’d barely be scratching the floor making an attempt to cram each Parks in. Decide one and are available again one other time for the opposite. If in case you 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 prompt 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’s additionally no timed entry system so you possibly can enter and go away 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 street journey or have you ever been? Share your feedback, questions, and experiences beneath.
