Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone · United States
Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip
Jagged peaks and alpine lakes in Grand Teton, then geysers, hot springs, canyons and valleys full of bison in Yellowstone. Six days driving north from Jackson to Bozeman.
- 6 days
- $$ Mid-range
- Moderate
- Good with kids
- Families
- Couples
- Friends
- Road trip
- Wildlife
- Nature
Day by day
The plan
Times are suggestions. Opening hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Once it’s in your trip, move anything you like.
- Day 1
Jackson and the Tetons
- 11:00
Fly into Jackson Hole and pick up a car
Getting around
The airport sits inside Grand Teton National Park, with the mountains right off the runway.
- 12:30
Lunch: bison burger in Jackson
Food & drink
Eat near Town Square and walk under its elk antler arches.
- 15:00
Stay in Jackson
Stay
Your base for the first two nights, a short drive from the park.
- 17:30
Mormon Row barns
Activity
Old homestead barns with the whole Teton Range behind them; bison often graze nearby.
- 19:30
Snake River Overlook
Activity
The bend of the river below the peaks, at its best in evening light.
- 11:00
- Day 2
Jenny Lake and Oxbow Bend
- 08:00
Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Activity
Take the shuttle boat across the lake, then climb to the falls and the viewpoint above them.
- 12:30
Picnic at String Lake
Food & drink
A shallow, calm lake where kids can wade on warm days.
- 15:00
Drive north along Jackson Lake
Getting around
The road follows the lake with the peaks reflected across the water.
- 17:30
Oxbow Bend
Activity
A slow curve of the Snake River where moose, otters and pelicans are often seen at dusk.
- 19:30
Stay at Colter Bay
Stay
Cabins and campsites on Jackson Lake, close to Yellowstone’s south entrance.
- 08:00
- Day 3
Geyser country
- 08:00
Drive into Yellowstone to Old Faithful
Getting around
About two hours from Colter Bay, crossing the Continental Divide on the way.
- 10:30
Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
Activity
Check the posted eruption times, then walk the boardwalks out to Morning Glory Pool.
- 13:00
Picnic lunch near Old Faithful
Food & drink
Food options inside the park are limited and busy, so pack lunches each morning.
- 14:30
Grand Prismatic Spring
Activity
See it up close at Midway Geyser Basin, then from above on the Fairy Falls trail overlook.
- 18:00
Stay in West Yellowstone
Stay
A town just outside the west entrance with plenty of lodging and places to eat.
- 08:00
- Day 4
Canyon and Hayden Valley
- 08:30
Norris Geyser Basin
Activity
The hottest and most changeable thermal area in the park, with milky blue pools.
- 11:00
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Activity
Yellow rock walls and the Lower Falls, seen from Artist Point and the Brink of the Lower Falls.
- 13:30
Lunch at Canyon Village
Food & drink
A good place to refill water and supplies.
- 17:00
Hayden Valley at dusk
Activity
Wide grasslands along the river where bison herds gather; bring binoculars.
- 19:30
Stay at Canyon
Stay
A central spot for an early start to Lamar Valley.
- 08:30
- Day 5
Lamar Valley and Mammoth
- 06:00
Lamar Valley at sunrise
Activity
The best place in the park for wolves, bison and pronghorn; early morning is when they move.
- 10:00
Tower Fall
Activity
A short walk to a waterfall dropping between rock spires.
- 12:30
Mammoth Hot Springs
Activity
White travertine terraces you walk on boardwalks; elk often rest on the lawns nearby.
- 14:30
Late lunch in Gardiner
Food & drink
A small town at the north entrance, by the stone Roosevelt Arch.
- 17:00
Stay in Gardiner
Stay
Close to the park and on the way to Bozeman.
- 06:00
- Day 6
Paradise Valley to Bozeman
- 08:00
Breakfast in Gardiner
Food & drink
A slow start with a last look at the river.
- 09:30
Drive through Paradise Valley
Getting around
About an hour and a half north to Bozeman, following the Yellowstone River between two mountain ranges.
- 11:30
Museum of the Rockies
Activity
One of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the country, good for the whole family.
- 15:00
Fly out of Bozeman
Getting around
Return the car at the airport, a short drive from town.
- 08:00
Good to know
Tips
Book lodging early
Rooms inside both parks and in the gateway towns fill many months ahead for summer. Most park roads are open from late May to October; June to September is the reliable window.
Keep your distance from wildlife
Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) from bison and elk and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Carry bear spray on trails and know how to use it.
Stay on the boardwalks
The ground around hot springs is thin and the water can scald. Keep kids close and stay on marked paths in every thermal area.
One pass, both parks
Each park charges its own entrance fee; an annual national parks pass covers both. Fuel up when you can, and expect weak or no cell signal in much of Yellowstone.
Keep exploring
More guides
4 daysGood with kidsMexico
Four days in Mexico City
Mexico City
- Price
- $$$
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best time:
- Oct–Apr
4 daysGood with kidsUnited States
New York City long weekend
Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Price
- $$$
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best time:
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec
6 daysGood with kidsCanada
Banff and Jasper: the Icefields Parkway
Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper
- Price
- $$$
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best time:
- Jun–Sep