YELLOWSTONE and GRAND TETON PARK(s) 11 Days
Grand Teton National Park is in northwestern Wyoming. The park covers the main peaks of the 40-mile (64 km) Teton Range and the valley called Jackson Hole. It is just 12 miles (18 km) from Yellowstone’s south entrance.
Grand Teton is a popular destination for mountaineering, hiking, fishing, and other forms of recreation. There are endless drive-in campsites and over 200 miles (320 km) of hiking trails. It is also noted for world-renowned trout fishing.
<Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the Photo Gallery>
One Journey, Three Distinct Worlds
This 11-day trip runs south to north and focuses on three very different places, each with its own landscapes and wildlife.
🤠 1. Jackson, Wyoming: The Cosmopolitan Western Gateway.
Jackson is a picturesque town in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley and the gateway to both National Parks.
The Vibe: Rustic-chic, energetic, and culturally rich.
What It’s For: Your base camp for fine dining, local art galleries, souvenir shopping, and lively western bars.
Nestled between three top ski resorts, the town square—known for its huge elk antler arches—bustles after a day outdoors.
Jackson is home to three (3) ski areas:
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Snow King Mountain Resort.
Grand Targhee Resort. (furthest one, 1-hour drive from Jackson)
Learn more about the ski resorts.
🏔️ 2. Grand Teton National Park: The Alpine Majesty
The Vibe: Serene, dramatic, and sharply beautiful.
What It’s For: Steep mountain peaks that rise directly from the valley floor with no foothills. This is the top spot for outdoor fun—hikes around Jenny Lake, biking on paved paths, excellent trout fishing, and scenic float trips on the Snake River.
✈️ Getting there: Jackson Hole Airport is located 30 minutes from the Grand Teton Park south entrance.
🚗 A car rental is essential to enjoy all parts of the park fully.
Where to stay in Grand Teton Park.
Visitors can select from eight (8) locations. Reservations are required WELL IN ADVANCE.
Download the NPS app to make the most out of your National Park experience.
Best Guidebooks: Frommer’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton and Lonely Planet Yellowstone/Grand Teton.
🌋 3. Yellowstone National Park: The Volcanic Wonderland.
The Vibe: Otherworldly, vast, and untamed.
What It’s For: Steaming travertine terraces, bubbling mud pots, and famous geysers like Old Faithful. Covering 3,500 square miles
above a volcanic hot spot, it’s also known for large wild animals—grizzly bears, wolves, and bison herds in Hayden Valley.Yellowstone National Park covers 3,500 square miles on a volcanic hot spot, about the size of Hawaii's Big Island. It has deep canyons, mountain rivers, green forests, hot springs, and geysers like Old Faithful. Many animals live there, such as bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope.
✈️ Getting there: Jackson Hole Airport. Alternative airports are Cody, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana.
All three (3) airports are 2.5 hours away.
If you're going to Yellowstone's North Entrance, fly to Bozeman or Cody Airport.
If you're going to Yellowstone's South Entrance, the best airport is Jackson Hole.
You can fly into one airport and leave from a different one. Always check if one-way car rental costs are affordable.
Where to stay: Visitors may select from seven (7) locations within the park.
Reservations need to be made WELL IN ADVANCE. (one year in advance is not uncommon)
Yellowstone Trip Planner - contains helpful information.
Jackson is 30 minutes from Grand Teton Park and 2 hours from Yellowstone Park.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR VISITING BOTH PARKS.
DAY 1
Arrive at Jackson Hole airport. Transfer to your lodge at Grand Teton Park.
If time permits, go for a stroll or take some photos of the majestic Teton Range.
Overnight: Grand Teton Lodges (mentioned above), 4 nights.
Driving time: Jackson airport to Grand Teton Lodge. 45-60 minutes.
DAY 2 - 4
Explore Grand Teton National Park.
<Learn More> on the top 10 popular activities.
Best scenic drives:
Some roads are closed from November to May.
<Road map>
ACTIVITES:
If you want guided tours of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, check out Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures.
Learn more about the <best walking trails> in Grand Teton.
Horseback riding in Grand Teton. <Learn more>
About the rides: One (1) and two (2) hour rides depart from Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, and Headwaters Lodge.
Take a scenic float trip on the Snake River, entirely in Grand Teton National Park.
Grand Teton Bike Pathway - A 20-mile paved trail along the Snake River runs from Jenny Lake Visitor Center through Moose to Jackson
and is popular with cyclists, families, and walkers in spring, summer, and fall. <video>You’ll see stunning Grand Teton views and may spot elk and bison.
Download Trail Link on your phone. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy app helps you find walking and biking trails nationwide.
Best Places to Photograph in Grand Teton National Park.
A popular photo spot is Mormon Row. <directions>
Overnight: Grand Teton Lodge.
DAY 5
Head north from Grand Teton to Yellowstone Park. 2.5 hrs, 110 miles.
History (video) of Yellowstone Park.
Yellowstone is very large, about 63 miles long and 54 miles wide. It’s bigger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island.
👉 One of the most popular ways to explore the park is a clockwise driving route.
Approaching Yellowstone Park from Grand Teton:
Start the route at West Thumb Basin and continue to Old Faithful and Norris Basin. Continue to Mammoth Hot Springs, ———> Canyon Village, ———> Hayden Valley, and ending at Lake Yellowstone.
The park's upper (north) loop is much quieter than the lower (south) loop.
🤔 TIP: To appreciate the beauty and wildlife, consider staying overnight in different areas of the park. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and attractions without feeling rushed. Staying in one spot can mean a lot of driving, especially during busy times.
Bring binoculars to spot distant animals.
DAYS 6-9 Highlights:
Discover Old Faithful Geyser/and Lower Geyser Basin.
A trip to Yellowstone isn't complete without seeing Old Faithful erupt. Eruptions last from 90 seconds to 5 min. with an average gap of about 90 minutes between them.<video>
Lower Geyser Basin has geysers that erupt often, hot springs, and an interesting mud pool that feels otherworldly to visitors.
Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of the thermal areas.
At Mammoth Springs, walk on boardwalks above the steaming hydrothermal features <trail map> or take a drive around the vibrant travertine terraces.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Hayden Valley.
Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon may not be as big as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it is nonetheless breathtaking.
The Lower Falls in the canyon is 308 feet high and one of the most photographed features in all of Yellowstone. <Learn more>
Artist Point - is an overlook point on the edge of a cliff on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Hayden Valley, located in the center of the park, is the best spot to see wildlife. As you drive through the wide valley, you may spot herds of bison, some elk, and perhaps a grizzly bear.
When is the best time to watch wildlife? Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. Aim to be in the valleys before sunrise.
Best Season: Hayden Valley is best from spring to fall, when the park roads are open.
Horseback guided tours are offered at Canyon Village and Tower Roosevelt on well-mannered horses.
Stop and explore West Thumb Geyser Basin and Yellowstone Lake.
The West Thumb Basin is a unique shoreline thermal area. <trail map> Visitors can see hot springs flowing into the lake.
The 0.7-mile loop around Geyser Basin is flat and has lookout points for views of various geothermal features.
Yellowstone Lake - this is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, stunning in size. As you walk along the shore, you can see snow-capped mountains around the lake.
Take a scenic lake cruise or a guided fishing trip. Rent a rowboat and explore the shoreline. Boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis at the Bridge Bay Marina.
<Learn more> about the best spots for photography in Yellowstone Park.
Overnight in Yellowstone (4 nights): There are several places to visit. For this plan, it's best to go to a few of them.
Your choices are listed above.
🚗🕒 Driving times to various points in Yellowstone Park:
Lake Yellowstone—> Old Faithful Lodge. 1 hour.
Grant Village —> Old Faithful Lodge. 45 minutes.
Old Faithful Lodge —> Norris Geyser Basin. 1 hour.
Norris Geyser Basin —> Mammoth Hot Springs. 1 hr.
Mammoth Hot Springs —> Canyon Village. 1.5 hours
Canyon Village —> Grand Teton Park. 2.5 hours
DAY 10
Your last day visiting Yellowstone’s scenic wonders.
Return to Jackson, WY, later in the day.
Alternatively, choose between Cody, WY, or Bozeman, MT for departure. (You can arrive at one airport and leave from another if flights and one-waycar rental fees are reasonable.
Overnight: Jackson.
Driving time: Yellowstone —> Jackson, 2.5 hours.
DAY 11
Return home from Jackson Hole Airport or other nearby airports (Cody, WY, or Bozeman, MT).
Diversion: Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is the ultimate Montana mountain town, balancing rugged cowboy heritage with a vibrant, modern culture. Nestled in a stunning valley, it serves as a premier basecamp for outdoor recreation, world-class fly fishing, historic downtown boutiques, and the renowned Museum of the Rockies.
Bozeman’s historic downtown blends 19th-century Western architecture with a vibrant modern energy. Walkable Main Street features a bustling mix of local boutiques, fine art galleries, independent coffee shops, and acclaimed craft breweries, offering classic cowboy charm alongside premier Montana hospitality.
Where to eat: Western Café — A rustic Montana diner serving classic cowboy-style breakfasts. A longtime local favorite.
Signature Eats: Highly recommended for its classic chicken fried steak, home-cooked biscuits and gravy, and the "Bobcat Special" (cinnamon roll slices cooked French-toast style).
Vibe: Cozy, welcoming atmosphere lined with knotty pine paneling and local memorabilia.
Museum of the Rockies - Spend your midday exploring the premier cultural attraction in Bozeman, which offers an incredible look at the history of the greater Yellowstone area.
Key Highlights: Houses one of the most renowned fossil collections in the world, including the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever discovered.
Extra Features: Includes the Taylor Planetarium for celestial shows and an outdoor Living History Farm operating during the summer months.
Montana Ale Works - Cap off your first evening at this energetic, long-standing neighborhood gathering spot located on the east end of historic Main Street.
On Tap: Offers an expansive selection of over 40 craft beers on tap alongside artisan-distilled regional spirits.
The Menu: Serves up creative, upscale pub fare, including highly rated French onion soup and locally sourced burgers in a converted historic railway freight house.
Mountain Waterfalls & The Journey Through Paradise Valley - Drive south from the city through Paradise Valley for stunning mountain views.
Paradise Falls Trail: A paved 1.2-mile round-trip walk suitable for all skill levels to wake up your legs before the drive.
The Reward: Leads directly to the base of an impressive 80-foot waterfall cascading down a sheer, vertical basalt rock face.
Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa: About an hour into your drive south toward the park, turn off into the heart of Paradise Valley to visit this historic, turn-of-the-century resort nestled against the mountains.
The Experience: Soak in two open-air, chemical-free mineral pools fed by natural thermal springs that have been operating since 1900.
Bonus Perks: Grab lunch at the historic property, which features a casual saloon alongside an upscale dining room known for its exceptional farm-to-table cuisine.
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) People
Budget: $3500
Moderate: $4400
Luxury: $5500+
Average cost:
🌤️ Climate - What to expect each weather season:
Spring Weather
Spring (April to early June) in Yellowstone/Grand Tetons can be amazing. You might see snow, rain, or warm, nice days all in one week. Visitors should be ready for changing weather.
Average temperatures range from highs of 40s–50s (5–15 °C) to 60s–70s (15–25 °C). Overnight lows often are in the 25-40-degree range.
Summer Weather
Summer (mid-June through early September) provides the warmest temperatures. Summer weather tends to be drier and more pleasant. Highs are in the 70s- 80s (25- 30 °C). Lows can drop to the 30’s and 40’s (0-10°C.) Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Yellowstone’s elevation ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. This high elevation makes the sun more intense. Apply sunscreen.
Autumn Weather
Autumn begins the transition from summer to winter, resulting in warm, dry days and cool, crisp nights.
Snow might start falling in late September, but it usually happens rarely and only enough to briefly close some higher roads in the park.
In autumn, visitors should plan for summer and winter, with highs from the 40’s-50’s (5-15°C) in late fall to the 60s and
low 70’s (20-25°C) in early fall. ‘Lows’ will typically dip below freezing.
Winter Weather
Winter in Yellowstone is like another world. The “fire and ice” effect of the snow and colder temperatures mixed with the steamy, boiling hot springs and geysers makes for amazing snowscapes and natural beauty.
Most park roads are closed to regular wheeled vehicles, allowing access only to “over-snow” vehicles like snowmobiles. The road from Gardiner, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana, via Mammoth Hot Springs is the only in-park road accessible to cars, buses, and trucks. However, the road dead-ends at Cooke City, as travel beyond that town is limited to over-snow vehicles again.
Winter temperatures in Yellowstone change with elevation. Most visitor spots stay between 0 and 25°F (-20 to -5°C). Higher areas often fall below freezing. The park gets about 150 inches of snow each year, with higher places getting 200 to 400 inches.
Winter weather can occasionally cause the temporary closure of park roads. We suggest you check with the National Park Service at 307-344-7381 or visit the National Park Service website for current road reports.
Both parks are prime Grizzly territory. Visitors should carry bear spray when hiking any trail (and it cannot be packed in checked luggage on flights home, though it can be rented locally or bought.
Yellowstone - Grand Teton Gallery
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