Have you ever wondered what makes the perfect national park trip? The answer is simple: Yellowstone and Grand Teton together.
These two parks sit right next to each other in Wyoming. You can see hot springs, geysers, and mountains all in one trip. Yellowstone has the famous Old Faithful geyser and colorful hot springs. Grand Teton offers tall mountains and clear lakes.
This guide gives you a complete day-by-day plan for both parks. You’ll get practical tips for where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time. Get ready for an amazing trip to two of America’s best national parks.
5 to 7 Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: Day-by-Day Plan
This schedule works well for most visitors and covers the main highlights in both parks without rushing.
Day 1: Arrival and Mammoth Hot Springs
Start your trip by flying into Bozeman, Montana, or Jackson, Wyoming. Both airports are close to the parks and have rental cars available. Bozeman is great for entering through Yellowstone’s north gate.
Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs for your first park experience. These white stone terraces look like frozen waterfalls. The hot water creates these shapes over many years.
Spend the evening walking the boardwalks around the springs. The area stays open all year and is perfect for getting used to the park. Stay in Mammoth or nearby Gardiner for the night.
Day 2: Geothermal Wonders and Old Faithful
Head to Norris Geyser Basin early in the morning. This area has some of the hottest springs in the park. The colors and steam make for great photos before crowds arrive.
Drive to Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the US. The bright colors come from bacteria that live in the hot water. Then visit Old Faithful, which erupts about every 90 minutes.
Book a room at Old Faithful Inn if possible. This historic lodge sits right next to the famous geyser. You can watch eruptions from the hotel windows while eating dinner.
Day 3: Yellowstone South Loop & Entering Grand Teton
Start with Lewis Falls, a pretty waterfall that’s easy to reach from the road. Then drive to Snake River Overlook for your first view of the Teton mountains. This spot offers classic mountain views.
Continue to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Take the boat across the lake to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The hike is short but gives great views of the lake and mountains.
Stay at Signal Mountain Lodge right on Jackson Lake. The lodge has cabins and a restaurant with mountain views. You’re now perfectly placed for more Grand Teton activities.
Day 4: Grand Teton Scenic Loop & Wildlife Viewing
Visit Mormon Row early in the morning. The old barns here make perfect photos with the mountains behind them. The morning light makes the mountains glow pink and orange.
Drive to Schwabacher Landing and Oxbow Bend for wildlife watching. These spots along the Snake River are great for seeing moose, eagles, and other animals. Bring binoculars for the best experience.
Stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery Center to learn about the park. Then head back north toward Yellowstone. The drive between parks takes about an hour and offers great mountain views.
Day 5: Grand Canyon Of the Yellowstone & Lamar Valley
Visit Artist Point early for the best light on the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The yellow and orange canyon walls gave the park its name. Walk to the Brink of Lower Falls for a close-up view of the waterfall.
Spend the afternoon in Lamar Valley, known as America’s Serengeti. This wide valley is the best place in the park to see wolves, bison, and bears. Bring a spotting scope or binoculars.
Stay in Canyon Village near the Grand Canyon area. This puts you close to more hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The area has a lodge, cabins, and camping options.
Optional For 7 Days
Day 6 can be spent doing a full-day hike at Jenny Lake. The Cascade Canyon trail goes deep into the mountains and offers incredible views. This hike takes most of the day but is worth the effort.
Day 7 starts with sunrise at Schwabacher Landing. The mountains reflect in the calm water, creating perfect mirror images. After sunrise, drive to the airport for your flight home.
Where To Stay In Yellowstone And Grand Teton?
Staying inside the parks puts you close to all the main sights, but rooms fill up fast and cost more. Park lodges like Old Faithful Inn and Signal Mountain Lodge offer the best locations but need booking months ahead.
Towns outside the parks, like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Jackson, have more hotel choices and restaurants. These areas cost less but add driving time to reach park attractions each day.
Book park lodges as early as possible, up to a year ahead for summer visits. Check for cancellations regularly since people often change their plans. Hotels outside the parks are easier to book but still fill up during peak season.
Dining and Food Stops Along The Route
Yellowstone has several dining options, with Old Faithful Dining Room and Lake Yellowstone Hotel offering the most upscale meals. Most park restaurants serve American food like burgers, steaks, and salads at higher prices than outside the parks.
Grand Teton’s food scene includes Leeks Marina Pizzeria for casual meals and Trapper Grill for hearty dinners. Jackson has the most restaurant choices, from quick sandwiches to fine dining with mountain views.
Stock up on snacks and drinks in gateway towns like Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Jackson. These towns have full grocery stores where you can buy lunch supplies, water, and trail snacks at normal prices.
Practical Travel Tips For Yellowstone And Grand Teton
The best times to visit attractions are early morning and late evening when crowds are smaller and wildlife is more active.
- Visit popular spots like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic before 9 AM or after 5 PM
- Early morning offers the best wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley and along the Snake River
- Evening light makes for better photos of mountains and geysers
- Most park roads close in winter, except the route from the North Entrance to Cooke City
- Yellowstone has five entrances: North (open year-round), Northeast, East, South, and West
- Grand Teton connects directly to Yellowstone’s South Entrance with no fee stations between parks
- The Beartooth Highway (Northeast Entrance) closes in winter but offers amazing mountain views in summer
- Download offline maps since cell service is spotty in both parks
Families should ask about the Junior Ranger program at visitor centers. Kids complete activities to earn badges and learn about the parks.
What To Pack For Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
Mountain weather changes quickly, so pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day.
- Base layers: moisture-wicking shirts and pants
- Warm layer: fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Rain gear: waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat and gloves, even in summer
- Sun hat and sunglasses for bright mountain sun
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with a good grip
- Daypack for carrying water and snacks
- Water bottles (bring extra – mountain air is dry)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- First aid kit with bandages and pain medicine
- Bear spray (required for backcountry, good for frontcountry)
- Mosquito repellent (bugs are bad in summer)
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
- Camera with extra batteries
- Portable phone charger
Having the right gear makes your trip more comfortable and safe in these wild places.
Conclusion
This 5:7-day itinerary covers the best of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. You’ll see famous geysers, colorful hot springs, tall mountains, and amazing wildlife all in one trip.
Feel free to change this plan based on your interests and time. If you love hiking, spend extra days on trails. If wildlife watching is your thing, plan more time in Lamar Valley and along the Snake River.
With good planning, visiting both parks in one trip is totally doable. Book your lodging early, pack the right gear, and get ready for one of the best vacations of your life. These two parks show off the very best of America’s natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Yellowstone And Grand Teton?
Summer (June: August) has the best weather but the biggest crowds. Spring and fall offer fewer people and great wildlife viewing. Winter requires planning since most roads close.
Are There Guided Tours Available Inside The Parks?
Both parks offer free ranger programs. Private tour companies in nearby towns provide full-day tours. Yellowstone Forever Institute has educational programs for deeper learning experiences.
Can You See Wildlife Without Hiking Long Distances?
Yes, most wildlife viewing happens from roads. The Lamar Valley and Snake River areas offer easy access to animals. Bring binoculars for the best viewing experience.
Do You Need A Rental Car, Or Can You Rely On Park Shuttles?
A rental car is essential for visiting both parks. Neither has a full shuttle system. Your car lets you move at your own pace.
How Far In Advance Should You Book Lodging In The Parks?
Book park lodges 12:13 months ahead for summer. Popular spots fill quickly. Check for cancellations often. Outside hotels need booking 3:6 months ahead.
