Yellowstone and Grand Teton are two of the most Popular National Parks in the USA and planning can be overwhelming! In this 5-day Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Itinerary, you’ll find the best hikes, best viewpoints in the Park, and most importantly how to plan your perfect National Park itinerary.
You can hike Glacier Lakes into the Tetons, explore Yellowstone’s geyser basins and hot springs, and spot elk, bison, and bears as you tour the parks.
In June 2023, we impulsively booked flights to Salt Lake City, Best decision ever! Road tripping to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks was one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken.
We hiked many trails, saw the beautiful Grand Teton mountains, Yellowstone valleys, wildlife, and so on! This trip was one of the fairytale places of my life! The memories are still fresh whenever I look at the photos!
In this guide, I am including all the little details from my experiences to plan your Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip depending on your travel style and the amount of time you have in hand!
Before going into more detail, let me share a few important things for your Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary.
Important Things to Know about Yellowstone and Grand Teton Trip
Overview of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the second largest US National Park outside of Alaska and the First National Park in the USA established on March 1, 1872! Its land mass tops out over 2 million acres. With five entrances and 251 miles of roads, this is a BIG Park to explore.
Yellowstone is primarily located in Wyoming(96%), and a small part of the park crosses the border into Montana(3%) and Idaho(1%). The Park is so big that there are several “villages” inside the park, each with lodging, campsites, and food services.
Geothermal wonders are one of the biggest reasons people visit Yellowstone. It’s home to over 500 geysers, including hot springs, and mud pots. That’s more than half the Earth’s total! And, popularly known as “an active volcano“.
Also, Yellowstone is said to be the only place in the world where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times and is now home to a herd of around 5,000. So be prepared for Bison Traffic Jams when you visit the Park!
Just outside of Yellowstone is Beartooth Highway. This road is one of the best scenic drives in the USA. It starts near the northeast corner of Yellowstone and ends in Red Lodge, Montana. If you like scenic drives, this is worth adding to your Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary.
Overview of Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located to the south of Yellowstone, linked by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. To get from one park to the other, it only takes an hour of driving.
Grand Teton looks vastly different from Yellowstone. This park is named for the Teton Range, a rocky mountain range that runs through the heart of the park. Numerous glacial lakes are located along this mountain range, as well as the most beautiful hiking trails in the national park system.
Grand Teton National Park is also very small compared to Yellowstone, but there are lots of things to do in the Park if you are into hiking. You can easily spend 3-4 days here. But if you’re short on time, you can explore Grand Teton in one day.
You can see many sights simply by driving through both parks and pulling over at the overlooks. The boardwalks make many areas of Yellowstone accessible.
Combining Yellowstone and Grand Teton into One Trip
Since Yellowstone and Grand Teton sit side by side, it is easy to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton together in one trip. They are joined at the south border of Yellowstone and the northern border of Grand Teton. You can visit in either order, depending on the route you are road-tripping through the states.
Usually, the major Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary can be covered in a 5-7 day trip. This can be done one-way, traveling from Bozeman to Jackson, or as a loop from one of the airports in the area. It will depend on where you’re starting your trip!
How many days do you need for Grand Teton and Yellowstone?
To enjoy most of the sightseeing attractions, you’ll need a minimum of three days to fully explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. That gives you two days in Yellowstone, and one day in Grand Teton National Park.
But if you have just two days, spend one day in each national Park, and base yourself at South Yellowstone to reduce the amount of driving time.
Grand Teton can be done in one day, although 2 days are needed to do the park and its great hiking trails justice. Even if you spend a week in Yellowstone, will barely scratch its surface! I recommend an absolute minimum of 2 days for Yellowstone National Park.
But truly experience what both the parks have to offer 5 to 7 days is the perfect amount of time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton. This gives you three days in Yellowstone, two days in Grand Teton, and travel time to and from the area.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton
The best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton is from June through October. This is the time when all of the park roads are open.
Yellowstone’s roads typically open around mid-late May, depending on the year. This is the best time to visit, as crowds will be at their lowest while still having access to nearly all of the park. During this time, there should also still be some snow on the mountain peaks, which adds to the beauty of the park.
The roads in Grand Teton are also open through mid-May, this is a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park. Crowds will be much lower compared to summer, and you will still be able to get out on some beautiful hikes despite the high alpine snow! Snow-clapped teton ranges look more dramatic in the photos at this time!
Summer(June-August) is the best time in Grand Teton if you love hiking. Most of the snow melts in summer and it opens more opportunities for trails with beautiful wildflowers.
During the Summer months in both Parks, be prepared for enormous crowds, peaking in July and August. Expect major difficulties finding a parking space midday and be prepared to share hiking trails with many other visitors. Also, you will have more challenges with securing accommodation at decent prices! Make sure to book your accommodations in advance especially if you’re planning during the summer holidays.
To Avoid the Crowds with potentially more roads open, mid-September to mid-October is another best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It’s mesmerizing to see the fall colors at Grand Teton and lower crowds in Yellowstone during this time! It can be chilly, and it might even snow, but it is a lovely time to explore the National parks.
You can still visit both parks in the winter, but you will get around by snowmobile or on cross-country skis, which will be a much different experience than the summer months.
How to Get to Yellowstone and Grand Teton
The most convenient way to reach Yellowstone and Grand Teton is by flying into a nearby airport and renting a car. But which airport to fly into is the biggest decision you have to make, because several airports are scattered around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park to plan your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary.
During the peak summer season, car rentals can be very expensive. Also, sometimes people don’t get rental cars from the nearest airports. So, make sure you check the car rental car availability and prices before you book your flights while planning your Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary!
Jackson Hole Airport
This airport is the most convenient on this list because of its location. It is located inside of Grand Teton National Park and it takes 90 minutes to get to South Yellowstone. However, it is a small airport and both flight and rental car options will be limited.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
This is the second-largest airport on this list. For a perfect Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, Bozeman makes a great starting or ending point. With lots of daily flights and rental car options, it also is a great starting point for a round-trip itinerary. From Bozeman, it takes 90 minutes to drive to the north entrance of Yellowstone.
Salt Lake City International Airport(SLC)
This airport is the largest airport on this list and it is located 5 hours from Yellowstone and Grand Teton. I’m mentioning it because this is the airport we used for our trip. Since it is a large airport, it is generally cheaper to rent a car and take it on a point-to-point trip.
So, if you can’t find any good options with the airports closer to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, give SLC a try. It’s more time on the road but that could be worth saving the money on the cheaper rental car.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: One-Way or Loop?
Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton as a loop from one airport will most likely be the cheapest way to plan your itinerary. You will book a round-trip flight to one airport, but you also avoid rental car drop fees at another airport! You can fly to SLC, just a 5-hour drive to reach West Yellowstone entrance or Jackson Hole. The disadvantage is that you will spend more time in your car.
If money is not an issue, Planning a one-way loop is the best option. Fly into Bozeman through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, ending in Jackson can save you time since you don’t have to drive back to your starting point. This is a great option for those with limited time. But this can be as expensive as returning the car to the regional airport and flying out of it!
While you can start this itinerary in either park, I prefer beginning in Yellowstone to adjust to the elevation before tackling Grand Teton’s more strenuous hikes.
Which is Prettier Grand Teton or Yellowstone?
After visiting both National Parks, I can say both are prettier in their way! Sure, Grand Teton has that “wow” factor with stunning snow-clad mountain peaks and beautiful scenery all around, but Yellowstone also has so many stunningly beautiful valleys. The driving in both national parks is amazing and you will not have any bad photos at any location! But surely Grand Teton wins heart as the mountains are more beautiful here!
Is there a town between Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
There is No Town Between Yellowstone and Grand Teton but they share a border and 30 miles apart. The closest town to Yellowstone is West Yellowstone, MT, and the closest town to Grand Teton is Jackson Hole, WY. The two towns are almost three hours away from each other.
Where to Stay for Your 5 Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary
For this 5-day Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip itinerary, you can stay inside the park at one of the lodges. Staying at Old Faithful Inn is a special experience. Check all of Yellowstone’s lodges here.
For the most budget-friendly option, you can choose to stay in campgrounds, either within the parks or just outside. When traveling in a large group or as a family, you may want to consider nearby vacation rentals.
The next best option is to stay in West Yellowstone, MT, which is only one mile from the west entrance of Yellowstone. There are a lot of different hotels in West Yellowstone for every budget. We stayed in West Yellowstone, Montana for 3 days while exploring Yellowstone National Park.
Recommended Hotels in West Yellowstone, MT
Where we stayed: We Stayed at Terra Nova Cabins. The cabins are spacious and located on the shore of Hebgen Lake in West Yellowstone. They are equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, and coffee machine. I really loved my stay here for two nights.
If you’re looking for a more centralized location, I recommend staying in Canyon Village, inside the Park. The other best areas to stay are Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs, or Yellowstone Lake.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: I suggest not switching many accommodations during the trip otherwise, every day you are going to check in and check out. This is so much hassle! The driving is manageable and the sun stays longer during the summer (till 10 PM), so you can make the most of your time in the Park!
For Grand Teton National Park, you can stay in Jackson Hole or Colter Bay Village inside the Park or outside the Park in Teton Village or Moran, WY.
As we planned our trip last minute, most of the accomodations were either expensive or sold out. So we booked our stay at Heart Six Ranch, Moran without much expectations. But turned out one of the most amazing stay in the trip. The location is amazing with views of the Teton ranges. They also has different suites and cabins. Since the Park is small, it will not add more driving time!
Recommendations for stay in Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary Overview
There are several different ways to plan your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary. The first one I list is my 5-day Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary which I did as a one-way point-to-point itinerary from Salt Lake City. I also visited a few places in Idaho for a spare day. I will write about it later in this blog.
The second itinerary I will include starts in Grand Teton and ends with Yellowstone. It is the reverse of the Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary. I will also include more things to do if you have 7-8 days in Hand.
Here’s how I recommend spending your 5 days in Yellowstone & Grand Teton assuming you’re arriving at your hotel/lodge before night and you’ve a full 5 days in the Park.
Days 1-3: Yellowstone National Park
- Day 1: Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Day 2: Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lamar Valley.
- Day 3: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, and travel to Grand Teton.
Days 4-5: Grand Teton National Park
- Day 4: Sunrise at Mormon Row, hike Taggart Lake, and drive the 42-mile Scenic Loop.
- Day 5: Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing, Jenny Lake area with options for hiking or boating.
Day 1-4: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Day 1: Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley
Morning: Norris Geyser Basin
Start Your Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary with your first-sight Norris Geyser Basin, home to Yellowstone’s hottest geothermal features and one of the Park’s most popular geyser basins. Explore the two main areas: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin.
Don’t miss walking by Steamboat Geyser in Back Basin, the tallest active geyser in the world, although its eruptions are unpredictable. I suggest arriving before 9 AM to avoid parking issues and beat the crowds. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to visit all of Norris Geyser Basin.
Midday: Mammoth Hot Springs
After exploring Norris, drive north to Mammoth Hot Springs, known for its unique travertine terraces. It is a large complex of hot springs in north Yellowstone. Hot, steaming water spills out over travertine terraces, making this one of the most unique geothermal areas in the park.
Walk the short trail through the Lower Terraces for the best views, and if time allows, drive the Upper Terraces Loop, too. There are Parking lots at different viewpoints, so don’t walk a lot in the area, else you will need a lot of time to get back to your car! You can spend 1-2 hours walking the boardwalk trails at each of the viewpoints.
Mammoth Village is a good spot for lunch, or eat at one of the picnic areas near Fort Yellowstone. You can grab lunch at the Mammoth General Store or Mammoth Terrace Grill. But If you want to have more lunch options, drive to Gardiner, Montana.
We drove to the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, just outside the Park’s north entrance. This historic arch was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and is an excellent spot for a quick photo.
After this drive towards Lamar Valley. On the way Stop at Tower Fall, where a short walk from the parking lot gives you a stunning view of the waterfall. If you’re up for a short but steep hike, continue down the switchbacks to the Yellowstone River Overlook.
Afternoon: Lamar Valley
Next up, drive roughly an hour east towards the Lamar Valley. Spend the afternoon wildlife watching in Lamar Valley, known as one of the best spots in Yellowstone to spot wildlife. Bison, wolves, and bears are often spotted here. When you drive towards the valley, keep an eye on the roads. You may spot wildlife on all of the roads in Yellowstone.
The afternoon and early evening are prime times to see the wildlife in Lamar Valley.
After Lamar Valley, drive towards your Hotel via Dunraven Pass (8859 ft). The drive is very scenic with snow-clad peaks of Mount Washburn.
Evening: Sunset by the River
by the time, you’re heading to your stay, it will be late! But in Summer, sunsets are around 9:30 PM. Stop by the Madison River to enjoy the Pretty sunset views.
OPTIONAL DETOUR: If you want to drive the famous Beartooth Highway, skip Norris Geyser Basin. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs early in the morning and then drive east to Lamar Valley and continue to the Northeast Entrance. Beartooth Highway starts just outside of the park and runs to Red Lodge, Montana. You can go the full distance or turn around at Rock Creek Vista.
Day 2: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring & Upper Geyser Basin
Morning: Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Start your day two with a visit to one of Yellowstone’s most iconic sights – Old Faithful. No trip to Yellowstone is complete without a stop at this popular area of the park. I recommend arriving early, as this area gets crowded by mid-morning.
Old Faithful gets its name because of its reliable eruption schedule. Old Faithful erupts every 60 to 90 minutes, which is about 16 to 17 times per day, and shoots up to 180 feet in the air which is always pretty incredible to witness!
Upon arrival here, make sure to check the eruption schedules at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Also, you can speak to rangers about Park history at the Visitor Center.
Also, Make sure to walk through the historic Old Faithful Inn, a historic lodge with amazing wooden architecture.
There are three places to watch the Old Faithful Eruption:
- From the Boardwalk: Grab a seat on the boardwalk and watch the show. This is the most popular place to watch an eruption, so plan to get here 20 to 30 minutes early if you want a seat. The Park Rangers will give you amazing explanations.
- From Observation Point: It’s a 1.1-mile out-and-back hike to this viewpoint over Old Faithful. This is our favorite place to watch an eruption.
- From the Old Faithful Inn: The Old Faithful Inn has a viewing deck with a view of Old Faithful.
After watching the eruption, take your time exploring the Upper Geyser Basin(3-mile RT walk). Old Faithful is part of the Upper Geyser Basin, where 150 geothermal features are packed into 1 square mile (the Park’s highest concentration of geothermal features here). This is where you will see Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, Riverside Geyser, Daisy Geyser, Grotto Geyser, and Morning Glory Pool. This area is truly a wonderland of geothermal activity!
TRAVEL TIP: It takes about two hours to walk the boardwalk trails in the Upper Geyser Basin and hike to Geyser Hill. You will easily spend 2-3 hours here along with watching Old Faithful eruptions.
After exploring the area, grab lunch in Old Faithful Village. You can usually grab a quick bite to eat at the Old Faithful General Store or Old Faithful Inn.
As you drive up Grand Loop Road towards Grand Prismatic Spring, it’s worth stopping at Black Sand Basin. It features small and colorful hot spring pools. Check out the Emerald Pool, Rainbow Pool, and Cliff Geyser.
Early Afternoon: Biscuit Basin & Grand Prismatic Spring
Next, head to Grand Prismatic Spring, making a quick stop at Biscuit Basin to see Sapphire Pool and Black Opal Pool, known for their deep blue color.
There are two ways to view Grand Prismatic Spring:
- Grand Prismatic Overlook: This short 1.6-mile round-trip hike from the Fairy Falls Trailhead gives you a stunning view of the spring from above. You can Park at the Fairy Falls trailhead parking lot. The colors are best seen in the afternoon in direct sunlight when the morning fog has lifted. Make sure you reserve this activity on a clear sunny day!
- Midway Geyser Basin Boardwalk: If hiking isn’t your thing, you can see the spring up close on the accessible boardwalks.
OPTIONAL: Hike to Fairy Falls. If you like hiking, you can combine the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trail with Fairy Falls. It is an easy 5.4-mile out-and-back hike with a viewpoint of the waterfall.
Mid-Afternoon: Midway Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring is located in the Midway Geyser Basin. From the Fairy Falls parking lot, drive up the road to the Midway Geyser Basin parking lot.
Walk the 0.8-mile boardwalk trail to get up close to the Grand Prismatic Spring. Along the way, you will also get to see a few smaller hot springs, such as Turquoise Pool, Excelsior Geyser Crater, Opal Pool, and Grand Prismatic Spring. The boardwalk trail is one-way only. A visit here lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. This is your chance to see Grand Prismatic up close!
Evening: Lower Geyser Basin & Fountain paint Pot Trail
End your day at Lower Geyser Basin contains about 100 geothermal features located across five square miles. End your day with a stop at the Fountain Paint Pot Trail in the Lower Geyser Basin, where you can see bubbling brownish-gray mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles.
Also don’t forget Firehole Lake Drive, a 3.3-mile one-way scenic drive through the active thermal area of the Park(Firehole Lake and Great Fountain Geyser).
As you head towards your accommodation for the night, take the scenic 3-mile one-way, Firehole Canyon Drive, where you can pull over to see the roadside Firehole Falls.
Day 3: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Drive to Grand Teton
Early Morning: Artist Paintpots
Start your day today early and drive towards the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. But before that stop at Artist Paintpots on the way. This small area contains several hot springs and mud pots. It is about a half-mile walk one way for the upper boardwalk trail. But the views from the top are worth stopping here.
Morning: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Next head to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, where you can explore both the North Rim and South Rim. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, carved by the Yellowstone River, spans 24 miles and reaches depths of 1,200 feet.
It features two major waterfalls: Upper Falls, standing at 109 feet, and Lower Falls, a spectacular 308-foot cascade(the tallest waterfall in the Park).
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is in the morning before it gets crowded. Here are a few essential tips and things to do.
- Get here by 8 am (or earlier) to beat the crowds.
- Start on the North Rim. You can drive to each viewpoint, which saves a lot of time and energy. The advantage of getting here early is that you can get a parking space at each overlook. Later in the day, you might not be so lucky.
- North Rim Drive is a one-way loop to the viewpoints.
Here is an overview of the North Rim viewpoints:
- Brink of the Lower Falls: This short, strenuous hike (0.6 miles out-and-back with a 600-foot hike back UP to the rim) takes you to the edge of the powerful waterfall.
- Lookout Point: Easy walk to one of the best viewpoints of Lower Falls.
- Red Rock Point: Like the Brink of the Lower Falls, you will hike and walk down several long staircases for another view of Lower Falls (0.6 miles out-and-back and 260 feet of elevation gain).
- Grand View : Best Canyon views
- Inspiration Point: From here, you are very far away from Lower Falls but gives beautiful views of the canyon.
South Rim Road is two-way so you can visit the viewpoints in any order you like:
- Canyon Rim Overlook: Short walk to a view of Upper Falls.
- Sunset Point: Easy, 0.6-mile round trip walk to another view of Upper Falls.
- Uncle Tom’s Trail: Massive staircase down to a great view of Lower Falls (0.6 miles one-way with 500 feet of stairs to get back up to the rim). It’s worth it if it’s open (it has been closed for over 4 years with no sign of it reopening).
- Artist Point: It’s a short, easy walk to this iconic view of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
The brink of the Upper Falls is a separate section of the Grand Canyon. If you have time, it takes 30 to 40 minutes to visit it.
Midday: Lunch
A visit to the Grand Canyon Yellowstone will take most of the morning. For lunch, you can have a picnic lunch or go to one of the restaurants/general stores in Canyon Village.
Early Afternoon: Hayden Valley
Drive through Hayden Valley to spot bison and other wildlife. Bison are frequently seen in Hayden Valley, sometimes halting vehicle traffic, and other times they are specks off in the distance. Even though we drove through the afternoon, it was easy to spot elk, deer, and Bisons easily. Even there was a traffic jam due to bison roaming on the road.
Afternoon: Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Geyser Basin
Continue south on Grand Loop Road. This road runs along beautiful Yellowstone Lake before arriving at West Thumb Geyser Basin. This is a very small area and make sure to stop on your way to Grand Teton to see the colorful geothermal features alongside Yellowstone Lake.
The highlight is Abyss Pool, a brilliantly blue hot spring, but it is also very cool to see geothermal activity right along the edge of the lake.
Also, stop at Fishing Bridge to get the stunning views of Yellowstone Lake.
Evening:
Continue south along Grand Loop Road, to reach Grand Teton National Park, making sure to stop at Lewis Falls. As you approach the Grand Teton, take in the view from Jackson Lake Overlook and make a pit stop in Colter Bay Village.
The Lakeshore Trail is a short, easy walk with great views across Jackson Lake to the Teton Range. Lastly, stop at Grand Teton Sign, before you cross into Grand Teton National Park.
End the day with dinner or a drink at Jackson Lake Lodge. The views of the Tetons from the back deck are some of the best in the park—perfect for watching the sunset.
Days 4-5: Grand Teton National Park
Day 4: Sunrise at Mormon Row, String Lake/Taggart Lake Hike, and 42-Mile Scenic Loop
Early Morning: Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing
Mormon Row is one of the most photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park. The best time to be here is at sunrise when the sunlight illuminates the historic barns and the Teton Range in the background. The early morning light is perfect for photos, and you’ll beat the crowds, making it a peaceful start to your first day in the Tetons.
There are two barns to visit, and photograph, if you are interested. There is the historic barn on Mormon Row and the T. A. Moulton Barn located on Gros Ventre Road, across Antelope Flats Road.
From Mormon Row, it is a short drive to one of my favorite places in Grand Teton: Schwabacher Landing. This is another top spot to visit for spectacular views of the Teton Range.
Morning: String Lake OR Taggart Lake Hike
Afterward, head over to the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Here take your pick between two hikes.
String Lake
Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back | Time: 1 to 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
This lovely little hike takes you out and back along String Lake and has a viewpoint of Leigh Lake. It’s flat, it’s easy, and it’s great for all ages and ability levels. If you want to go farther, you can walk the loop around String Lake or continue along Leigh Lake.
Taggart & Bradley Lakes
Distance: 5.5 miles | Time: 2 to 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Taggart and Bradley Lakes are two beautiful lakes with spectacular views of the Teton Range. Because of the stunning views, this is an extremely popular hike in Grand Teton National Park.
From the trailhead, it is an easy, uphill walk through a forest of evergreen trees. But I suggest hiking to Bradley Lake first and enjoying the view of Grand Teton, and Middle Teton across the lake. On the hike back to the parking lot, take the trail to Taggart Lake, where similar views await.
PRO TIP: The parking lot at Taggart Lake fills up fast, especially during peak summer months. Plan to arrive by 8 AM or 9 AM to secure a parking spot and enjoy without crowds.
Once are done with the hike, stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery Center to learn more about the park, or stamp your national park passport.
Afternoon: Drive 42-Mile Scenic Loop
In the afternoon, drive the 42-mile Scenic Loop, which includes must-see viewpoints like the Chapel of Transfiguration, Menors Ferry Historic District, Snake River Overlook, and J.P.Cunningham Cabin lookout. Take your time and stop at different viewpoints.
You can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic pullouts or grab lunch with a view at Signal Mountain Lodge. You can even drive Signal Mountain Summit Road to Jackson Lake Overlook.
Day 5: Jenny Lake & Cascade Canyon, Aerial Tram in Teton Village
Sunrise: Oxbow Bend
Start your day with Sunrise at Oxbow Bend today. Oxbow Bend is one of the best places to see wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. The best time to be here is dawn or dusk to see moose or elk if you are here. but apart from wildlife, the views are worth waking up for here!
Later drive down to the most iconic and heart of Grand Teton National Park – Jenny Lake area.
Morning to Afternoon: Jenny Lake & Cascade Canyon
Drive to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Make sure to arrive early, because parking lots get full during the summer. There are several options for you depending on how much hiking you want to do.
- No Hike Option: Drive Jenny Lake Road and take a scenic boat tour across the lake. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of Jenny Lake with minimal walking.
- Easy Hike: Take the Shuttle Boat across Jenny Lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. This is the most popular hike in Grand Teton National Park. It is 2 miles out-and-back, has 420 feet of elevation gain, and leads up to a wonderful view over Jenny Lake.
- Moderate Hike: Take the Shuttle boat and hike further to the Teton ranges. Hike to Inspiration Point and then continue towards Cascade Canyon. The entire hike is 10 miles out and back and takes 5-7 hours, with moderate elevation gain and jaw-dropping scenery. It’s well worth the effort if you’re up for it! You can also choose to return at any point as the trail is out and back.
- Advanced Hike: If you’re an experienced hiker, go for the Lake Solitude Trail. This challenging 16-mile trek takes you through Cascade Canyon and up to a pristine alpine lake.
PRO TIP: I recommend taking the boat shuttle to cut off two miles of hiking each way, which gives you more time to explore without adding extra mileage. Get to Jenny Lake before 9 AM to avoid the Parking rush and lines for the boat.
Late-Afternoon: Aerial Tram in Teton Village
If you aren’t hiking the Cascade Canyon, you still have a lot of time for the day. A great way to spend this time and get one of the best views on this entire Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary is to ride the Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Peak.
The Aerial Tram is in Teton Village. It takes you up to Rendezvous Peak and at an altitude of 10,450 feet, it’s one of the highest viewpoints in the area.
From here, you can ride the tram back down to Jackson Hole or hike to one of the other chairlifts or gondolas on the mountains. I highly recommend stopping in the beautiful town of Jackson Hole if you aren’t staying here.
Finally, end your last day of Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary in Jackson Hole Town. Spend the rest of your time in Jackson. Go shopping and have dinner.
More things to do during your Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Road Trip
- Mount Washburn is one of the most popular hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This hike is 5 to 6.2 miles round-trip, depending on the route you choose, and takes you to the top of Mount Washburn for views over the park. The hiking trailheads are located on Grand Loop Road just north of Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park.
- Togwatee Pass: Take a short detour from the northern parts of Grand Teton, with beautiful mountain views.
- If you have one more day in Grand Teton National Park, drive along the Moose-Wilson Road to spot the moose and other wildlife watching in the Park. Later, you can hike Phelps Lake by taking the Woodland Trail(7 miles RT). The trail starts from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve(Visitor Center).
- If you want to see one of the most gorgeous places in Grand Teton National Park, hike the Delta Lake trail. With the Blue colored water of Delta Lake with a backdrop of Tetons, this trail is one of the hardest. The 7.5-mile out-and-back trail involves steep climbs over boulders in a few sections. The Trail starts from Lupin Meadows trailhead. You can also explore the Amphitheatre and Surprise Lakes along with the Delta Lake trail.
- Go white water rafting near Jackson.
- Beartooth Pass: One of the highest elevation highways in the country with more stunning mountain views.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: With More Time
If you have 7 days, follow this itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Yellowstone
- Day 2: Yellowstone
- Day 3: Yellowstone
- Day 4: Yellowstone
- Day 5: Drive to Grand Teton National Park
- Day 6: Hiking in Grand Teton
- Day 7: Fly Back Home
TRAVEL TIP: If you’re short on time, focus on Yellowstone’s Lower Loop. It can be seen in 1-2 days and includes highlights like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Then, spend a day exploring Jenny Lake and the scenic 42-mile loop in Grand Teton. You can complete this circuit in 3 days.
Getting Around: Will You Need a Car?
Yes, you will need a Rental Car to get around Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. There are also no public shuttle buses in either park, at least none provided by the NPS.
Some private tour companies offer tours of Yellowstone and/or Grand Teton, which can be a good alternative if you’re not comfortable driving around the national parks.
General Travel Tips for Your Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary
- Never Leave the Trail Boardwalks in Yellowstone. Yellowstone’s geothermal activity spreads throughout the park, and falling into a boiling hot spring is not a nice way to go. Many people have died or become disfigured as a result of this, so for the safety of yourself and the protection of these areas, stick to the trail.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell phone service is very bad and limited in both the Parks. Download the Park maps from the National Park Service app in advance or get the Offline Map. When you enter the Park, the person checking your pass will offer you a paper map. Also, you can get so many information and Paper maps at visitor centers too.
- Pack a Picnic: Dining options in the parks are overpriced and often crowded, especially in Yellowstone. Packing snacks and picnic lunches is cheaper and more convenient when sightseeing and hiking in the parks. We always preferred Picnic Lunch to save time!
- Weather Preparation: Prepare and pack for all sorts of weather. You can wear T-shirts, and shorts during the day and down jackets and pants in the evening. Evenings will be very cold, so carry your down jacket. It will rain anytime, so don’t forget to carry an umbrella!
- Check the National Park Service Website: Always check the NPS website for current road and weather conditions before setting off to Grand Teton and/or Yellowstone National Park. The National Park Service website has the latest updates on road and trail closures.
- Buy America The Beautiful Pass. It’s $80 for an entire year, rather than paying individual park fees (usually $35 per vehicle). Also, this will give you a separate entry at Yellowstone National Park.
- Allow Extra Time for Wildlife Jams: Traffic delays from bison or other animals on the road are common. Allow extra time for your drive, and remember to be patient when stuck in traffic.
- Do not approach wild animals. They may look cute, but if you get too close and they feel threatened, they may threaten your life. This can ruin your trip. Give them space! If you stop to watch wildlife, pull completely off the road so you don’t block traffic.
- Buy bear spray! This is a must!! It is important to note that Yellowstone and Teton are home to some large predators, including grizzly bears. If you’re going to do lots of hiking at Grand Teton, must buy it from any visitor center store. Your life is worth more than $55-$60 cost!
- Start Early to Beat the Crowds: The best times to visit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Jenny Lake, etc are before 10 AM and after 5 PM when there are fewer visitors. During the summer, this is easier with early sunrises and sunsets around 9 PM. Since we traveled in June, we had plenty of daylight, which allowed us to tour and visit until around 9:30 PM each day.
- Book Lodging Early: If you want to stay inside the park, make reservations a year in advance. For camping, book your spot 6 to 12 months ahead. If staying outside the park, plan to book 3 to 6 months out, especially during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton
What is the Best Base City for Yellowstone National Park?
West Yellowstone, Montana is the best base city to explore Yellowstone National Park. it is located near the west entrance, with various accommodations, dining options, and proximity to major attractions. Gardiner, MT near the north entrance, and Cody, WY near the east entrance, are also excellent base cities if you are planning to stay at different locations during your road trip.
Is it Better to fly into Salt lake city oR Jackson Hole for Yellowstone?
Salt Lake City usually has more flight options and is cheaper, but Jackson Hole gets you closer to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, saving you a few hours of driving.
Can I stay in one location to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
Even though these parks are located close together, they are both quite large, and there is not one good location to stay in to visit both parks. For the best experience, plan on staying in at least two locations: one in Yellowstone and one in Grand Teton.
Is It Better to Stay in Jackson OR Teton Village?
Teton Village is located at the base of Teton ranges, While Jackson is home to Jackson-Hole Ski Mountain resort. But Teton Village has the best views. Both Jackson and Teton Village have a wide range of fine-dining restaurants, shops, and adventure options to choose from. The main difference between Teton Village and Jackson is the crowds. The summer months tend to draw a larger crowd of people to the town of Jackson, while Teton Village offers fewer crowds.
Is It Better to Stay Inside or Outside Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone itself has so many villages inside the Park that offer a wide range of options from hotels, and lodges to motels to stay inside the Park but you’ll need to book it far in advance. But if you can’t secure early reservations or expensive during the peak season, staying outside the Park makes perfect sense!
I hope this blog post helped you to plan an epic Yellowstone to Grand Teton Itinerary for your next adventure! Pin this Post for your Future Planning!