Curator’s statement
National parks are an excellent destination when looking for a combination of history, outdoor activities (especially hiking) and wildlife. What’s even better about Grand Teton and Yellowstone is that, not only are they just 45 minutes apart, but they also offer incredibly diverse landscapes that make you feel like you’ve traveled much farther than only 50(ish) miles to get from one to the other. Disclaimer: this itinerary is ideal for visiting during peak season (June to September) as many areas of each park are closed throughout the winter and early spring.
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Day 1: First Day in the Tetons
Inspiration Point Hike
Park at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and take the roundtrip boat shuttle from the East Boat Dock to the trail head. Shuttle runs regularly throughout the day. Visit the website for the most up to date information.
Pro tip: The trail gets really busy throughout the day, so I definitely recommend getting out there early if you’re looking to avoid crowds.
Visit the Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Before leaving Jenny Lake, take a little while to explore the visitor’s center. There’s lots of great information and you can even snag a souvenir on your way out!
Lunch
National parks are generally not known to be foodie destinations. When visiting I typically bring a combination of trail snacks and sandwiches to fuel me throughout the day. There’s nothing better than finding a good picnic spot and enjoying lunch with a view!
And with that, remember to LEAVE NO TRACE Wherever you end up eating, you should make sure to leave the space exactly as (or better than) you found it. Pick up after yourself!
Scenic Drive: Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row Historic District
Stop at Grand Teton National Park sign (get your picture!)
Evening in Jackson, WY
Finish off day one exploring the Town of Jackson. Some highlights include visiting the iconic antler arches in Jackson Town Square or shopping around for a new pair of cowboy boots.
There’s no shortage of good food here either. I recommend getting a table outside at StillWest Brewery & Grill that overlooks Snow King Mountain.
Day 2: Second Day in the Tetons
Watch the sunrise at Snake River Overlook
Fun fact: My partner and I got engaged here! It’s a serene and romantic spot, especially in the quiet of the early morning.
Cunningham Cabin Historic Site
Don’t forget to hop out of your car and walk around. There’s lots of information posted about J. P. Cunningham that really shines a light on the life of the homesteaders who settled on this land.
Scenic Drive: Oxbow Bend and Willow Flats Overlook
There are many great scenic overlooks through the park. Making frequent stops throughout is part of the appeal of visiting!
Lunch: Leeks Marina & Pizzeria.
Get a picnic table outside to enjoy the view of the mountains as you eat!
Begin the drive to Yellowstone South Entrance (don’t forget your entrance sign photo!)
Again, there are many overlooks and scenic spots to stop at throughout the drive. Stop at any that appeal to you!
Check into accommodation and rest up for tomorrow, I recommend the Lake Yellowstone Hotel.
Day 3: First Day in Yellowstone (Lower Loop)
West Thumb Geyser Basin
A boardwalk trail around the geysers with wonderful views of Lake Yellowstone
Old Faithful
Old Faithful erupts around every 35-120 minutes. Check the NPS website for most up to date schedules.
Pro tip: There’s plenty of seating right at the geyser for those wanting an up close experience. However my recommendation for a more unique experience is to hike the Observation Point Trail to view from above. It's a beautiful view and is also much less crowded!
Grand Prismatic Spring
While you can certainly drive to the boardwalk/viewing area, I would recommend the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail. You get a better view of the entire spring and it makes for a great photo.
Lunch: Find a picnic spot!
Scenic Drive: Artist Paintpots and Norris Geyser Basin
Last stop of the day: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
If you still have the energy there are plenty of hiking trails to explore this area. The Lower Falls area is a truly exceptional viewing spot!
Dinner at Lake Yellowstone Dining Room
Reservations required for dinner
Day Four: Second Day in Yellowstone (Upper Loop)
Wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley
This is one of the most remote sections of the park (seriously, don’t expect to have cell service!) and it can take some time to get there, but I would still highly recommend visiting Lamar Valley if you’re interested in seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Going in the early morning also means less crowds, which increases your likelihood of seeing animals.
Lunch: Mammoth Hot Springs
The Mammoth Dining Room is a popular spot, but don’t sleep on the food at the General Store. I tried elk sausage while I was there and it was really good!
Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District/Fort Yellowstone
Of course visiting the Hot Springs is the main attraction of this area, but don’t skip out on exploring the entire district. Fort Yellowstone offers a ton of interesting information about the history of Yellowstone and you may even see some wildlife walking around the roads!
Stargazing in Hayden Valley
Once the sun goes down, spend an hour or two looking at the stars. There’s almost zero light pollution in the park, which means you can see some pretty amazing skies on a clear night!
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Wyoming. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, Getaway on Independence of the Seas - Royal Caribbean.