skippingbrooksSo you are wanting to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park? Great! In this article, I’ll lay out my Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary to help make your trip awesome one!
The Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary plus 4-day guide includes popular family hikes, must-see geysers, best lookout points, and much more.
Plus with the parks only 44 miles apart, visiting both in one trip is totally doable. I will break both parks into 2 days, focusing on the most awesome places to visit at each park to get the most out of your vacation. Starting in west Yellowstone working south to Grand Tetons.
So what are you waiting for, read on for the Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary!
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Grand Teton and Yellowstone Planning
Keep in mind when planning your Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary that part of your planning needs to include food as there are very limited places to get food within both parks so be sure to pack a cooler. We have found that hard-sided coolers keep our drinks and food cool the longest, especially when in a hot car.
Also take note that most bathrooms are vault toilets, aka outhouses. Most are clean however there is typically no running water, just hand sanitizer. We travel with biodegradable wipes if we find ourselves in a situation where we do not have modern facilities but we always pack out what we use. Be a responsible visitor, don’t leave a trace that you were ever there (in other words, don’t leave your trash lying around).
With that in mind, there is also a lot of car time. Planning ahead to keep kids involved in sightseeing with activities in the car or frequent stops. We are constantly on the lookout for wildlife, so be sure to pack binoculars.
Day 1- Yellowstone National Park
The first park on your Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary is Yellowstone National Park. This park is 2.2 million acres with over 500 geysers, to put it lightly, it’s huge! However, with that in mind, do not underestimate how large Yellowstone is and heavy the traffic is in the summer. It may take more time to travel from one location to the next so bring your patience and courtesy along. With so many things to do let’s get started on day 1!
West Yellowstone Park Entrance
Start your day by entering Yellowstone from the west, 50 miles south of Big Sky Montana. Entrance fees apply when visiting National Parks. Fees vary by a 7-day pass or annual pass however the best bang for your buck if you plan to visit more than one national park within 12 months is to buy an American the Beautiful Pass.
- 7 Day pass- $35 for a private vehicle
- Annual pass to one National Park- $70
- America The Beautiful Annual Pass- $80
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
In the middle of Yellowstone, you will find The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. A pretty incredible sight to be seen in fact. Not to be confused with the Grand Canyon in Arizona however it has some magnificent views of its own. For example, I can remember the first time I saw it, it almost didn’t seem real, like I was looking at a fresh painting.
Tip: Want to see some of the best views of the Grand Canyon? Then, you need to plan to hike.
Brink of the Lower Falls (North Rim Drive)
The best view of the waterfall and of the Grand Canyon below can be seen from the Brink of the Lower Falls. This trail is quite steep and should be taken only by those who are physically capable. With multiple switchbacks and steep grades, this trail is intense. However, there are a few places to stop and sit on this trail, hiking should be seriously considered.
The views at the bottom are worth every twist and turn to get there and the ascent back up. And also, to feel and hear the power of the falls is intense. This is one of my favorite hikes and I have done it twice because it’s that incredible!
Hint: My parents and in-laws braved this trail ranging from the ages of 65-73 with many stops along the way. They took their time but it took a toll on them. So brave the trail at your own risk.
Brink of the Upper Falls
Of course, this view isn’t as grand as from the lower falls however it is a much easier hike for those who cannot tackle the lower falls. This trail is only 0.25 miles long with few steps thus great for everyone.
Lookout Point
Within a few short steps away from the parking lot, you can experience Lookout Point. Enjoy panoramic views of the Lower Falls.
Red Rock Point
Feeling like tackling another steep hike? From Lookout Point take the trail to Red Rock Point. Head down to the canyon to the lookout platform to experience yet another incredible view.
Dunraven Pass
Drive through Dunraven Pass to experience overlooks in addition to turnouts, viewing the beauty of the park. From wildflowers as well as wildlife, the opportunities are endless.
Mount Washburn
One of the most popular day hikes within the park to the peak of Mount Washburn due to its sweeping views of the park and the abundance of wildflowers. In fact, Mount Washburn may be hiked from 2 different trails. The trail off Chittendon Road is more scenic and is about 6 miles round trip while the trail that starts at Grand Loop Road is less scenic yet shorter about 4.5 miles.
Lodging
West Yellowstone
So it’s time to call it a night. Head west back to the west entrance to the town of West Yellowstone. Whoa, that was a lot of “west” and “Yellowstone” words, ha!
West Yellowstone is a town of a little over 1200 people offering lodging and giftshops to visitors. In fact, there is a wide variety of hotels, RV parks, and campgrounds to be sure you’ll find a place that fits your needs.
Day 2-Yellow Stone National Park
Midway Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring
On your first stop of the morning, you will find the Grand Prismatic Spring within the Midway Geyser Basin which is one of the most incredible sites my eyes have ever seen. Because of its stunning rainbow colors which are so surreal, it makes this stop extremely popular to visit.
There are two ways to see this magnificent colorful spring however I recommend the viewing platform via hiking the trail to the overlook for some incredible views of the spring.
To reach the trail, park in the Fairy Falls Parking lot because this is a larger lot just south of the mainspring parking lot. Cross the Firehole River bridge to the fairly easy 1.2-mile trail, which does include some inclines and slick gravel. Don’t forget to wear good hiking shoes and pack water on hot days. Follow the crowds as this is a heavily traveled trail. At the fork, go left to the overlook. The right will take you to Fairy Falls.
Fairy Falls
After visiting the overlook, hike back to Fairy Falls which is one of Yellowstone’s tallest waterfalls as well as an easy hike.
Upper Geyser Basin
Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful, the most famous geyser, it’s located in the upper geyser basin and is the most accessible and visitor-friendly site within Yellowstone. In fact, viewing can be seen approximately 20 times a day, eruption prediction times can be found in the visitor center.
How high does it erupt? Well in fact, it can vary in height from 100-180 feet with an average near 130-140 feet. Whoa! And hot, too! It can reach temperatures of 204 degrees Fahrenheit.
Got time to kill while waiting for Old Faithful Geyser to erupt? Take the boardwalk trail to visit some of the many other geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin, such as Castle, Grotto, Riverside, and Daisy.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
One of the largest geyser basin within Yellowstone, this is a unquie thermal basin that is partially submerged on the shores of Yellowstone Lake as it also features many pools and geysers. Some of the pools are so clear also inviting, like you want to jump right in! Enjoy all the pools and geysers as you walk the boardwalk loop trail approximately one mile passing through the basin and along the lake shore.
Sightseeing
Make your way from Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park. Be on the lookout for wildlife as there are many places for sightings.
Lodging
Lodging will be limited to mostly camping within Grand Teton National Park and outside the park. There is some availability within the park for cabin rentals and rooms. Also, check out the town of Jackson for accommodations. There are many options for hotels including 5-star resorts. Check out my blog The Best Jackson Hole Family Vacation for hotel suggestions.
Day 3- Tetons
Jenny Lake
The first stop on the Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary within Grand Teton National Park, head to Jenny Lake. Hop aboard the boat tour to cross Jenny lake to Cascade Canyon trail. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. $18.00 adult Round-trip (12 yrs to 61 yrs) and $10.00 child round-trip (2 yrs to 11 yrs).
Cascade Canyon is one of the most popular hiking spots within Grand Teton National Park. A moderate hike that climbs up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, which looks out over Jenny Lake and the east side of Grand Teton.
Kayak Jenny Lake
After hiking Cascade Canyon, rent a kayak from the same dock as the Jenny Lake boat. Rentals are done on a first-come, first-served basis. In fact, if all boats are rented when you arrive, you can be placed on a waiting list and notified when a boat becomes available. $20/hr or $80 a day.
Willow Flats Overlook
After kayaking, head to Moran Entrance Station, just north on Highway 91. Be sure to park in the parking lot and proceed to the south end of the lot. In the meadow, Elk typically can be seen grazing on grass.
Elk Ranch Flats Turnout
South of Moran on Highway 191. Guaranteed to see bison every time you drive through at dusk or dawn. Elk and Pronghorn are typically seen. In fact, we even had to wait for a bison to cross the road!
Mormon Row Historic District
Located north of Jackson, the Morman Row Historic District has many backdrops and photo opportunities, and don’t forget to read about the history of the barn while on site.
Day 4- Tetons
Taggart Lake Loop
Start your day off with a beautiful hike to Taggart Lake. From a waterfall to footbridges this trail is one of our favorites! Mostly flat terrain making it easy for everyone topping out at 3.7 miles round trip. This is a high-traffic trail so plan to head out early. Pack a suit if you dare (cold glacier water) and a fishing pole. The views are amazing! This hike will take you a few hours, especially if you sit and enjoy the lake.
Phelps Lake Trail
On the south end of the park, located in the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve off Moose-Wilson Road, is Phelps Lake Trail. Phelps Lake Trail is popular for its “jumping rock”. With a 20 foot drop into the water, this is a popular place to plunge into the ice-cold water on a hot summer day. Easy hike for families with little ones and those with limited abilities, leaving is the hard part. Plan about 3.5 hours for this hike.
Sightseeing
After Taggart Lake see all the sights in Grand Teton National Park which can easily be seen in one day. Hop onto Scenic Loop Drive and take in all the park has to offer. In fact, the loop is 42 miles which typically takes 1-2 hours depending on stops.
Jackson
Finish the day in the town of Jackson. Because of the many dining options and shopping, it’s sure to be a great way to end your trip.
I hope you enjoyed my Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary and you found some things helpful. These are both truly amazing parks!
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Safe adventures,
Brooke
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