Best 7 Days Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary - Yellowstone to Grand Teton Drive

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With this Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, you can explore two of America’s most iconic national parks, featuring unique geothermal wonders, abundant wildlife, and stunning mountain landscapes. After reading this Grand Teton Yellowstone itinerary, go for scenic Yellowstone to Grand Teton drive.

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7 Days Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary – Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary

These National Parks provide an unparalleled opportunity for outdoor adventures, from hiking and wildlife watching to experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature’s raw power and serene vistas.

This Teton and Yellowstone itinerary includes must-see sights, scenic stopovers, and the best places to stay, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1: Arrival at Mammoth Hot Springs

How to Reach: Enter through the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT), which is the only entrance open year-round. It’s about 1.5 hours from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).

Mammoth Hot Springs is a surreal landscape of limestone terraces formed by geothermal activity. The vibrant colors and unique formations make it a fascinating start to your Yellowstone adventure.

Things to Do:

Explore the Terraces: Walk the boardwalks that wind through the lower and upper terraces, offering views of the hot springs and their intricate patterns.
Visit the Historic Fort Yellowstone: Learn about the park’s history and its early days as a military post.

Overnight Stay: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel—This historic hotel with modern amenities is close to the hot springs.

Day 2: Lamar Valley and Tower-Roosevelt

Lamar Valley is known as the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundant wildlife. This area is among the best places to spot wolves, bison, and bears.

Distance: Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley – 29 miles (to Tower Junction) + 16 miles (Lamar Valley)

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours total

Scenic Stopovers: Stop by the Petrified Tree and Soda Butte for interesting geological features.

Things to Do:

Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley: Early morning or late evening are the best times to spot wildlife. Bring binoculars and be patient.
Hike to Tower Fall: A short hike leads to the stunning 132-foot Tower Fall, surrounded by rugged cliffs and forest.

Overnight Stay: Roosevelt Lodge Cabins – Rustic cabins that provide a true Western experience.

Day 3: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone offers dramatic views, with its multicolored cliffs and thundering waterfalls.

Driving from Tower-Roosevelt to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is approximately 19 miles, and it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour without stopping.

Scenic Stopovers: Visit the Mud Volcano and Hayden Valley for more geothermal features and wildlife.

Things to Do:

Visit Artist Point: One of the most photographed spots in the park, offering a breathtaking view of the Lower Falls.
Hike the South Rim Trail: A moderately easy trail that provides stunning views of the canyon and the Upper Falls.

Overnight Stay: Canyon Lodge & Cabins – Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offering modern accommodations with easy access to the canyon.

Day 4: Norris Geyser Basin and Old Faithful

Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s hottest and most dynamic geothermal area, while Old Faithful is an iconic park symbol.

The distance from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to Norris Geyser Basin is 12 miles, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach.

After stopping over the Grand Canyon, drive from Norris Geyser Basin to Old Faithful, which is at 28 miles and takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Scenic Stopovers: Stop by the Midway Geyser Basin to see the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S.

Things to Do:

Explore Norris Geyser Basin: Walk through the Porcelain Basin and Back Basin to see geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.
Watch Old Faithful Erupt: The geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet in the air.
Visit the Old Faithful Inn: This historic lodge is a marvel of rustic architecture and offers a cozy, relaxing spot.

Overnight Stay: Old Faithful Inn – A historic lodge with views of Old Faithful and the surrounding geyser basin.

Day 5: West Thumb Geyser Basin and Lake Yellowstone

West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, offering unique geothermal features with a backdrop of the lake’s pristine waters.

Drive from Old Faithful to West Thumb Geyser Basin, which is 20 miles and it takes 30 to 40 minutes for this drive without stopping.

After stopping over at Thumb Geyser Basin, drive from West Thumb Geyser Basin to Lake Yellowstone, which is very close. It is only 7 miles and takes around 15 minutes.

Scenic Stopovers: Stop at the Lake Butte Overlook for panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Things to Do:

Walk the Boardwalks: Explore the geysers, hot springs, and mud pots along the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
Scenic Drive Along Yellowstone Lake: Enjoy the lake views with the Absaroka Range in the background.

Overnight Stay: Lake Yellowstone Hotel – A historic hotel with beautiful lake views and elegant accommodations.

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Day 6: Grand Teton National Park – Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain

Grand Teton National Park offers stunning mountain scenery with jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

How to Reach: Drive south from Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park, entering through the Moran Entrance.

Drive from Lake Yellowstone to Jenny Lake (Grand Teton) – 55 miles which takes Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. After stopping over at Jenny Lake drive from Jenny Lake to Signal Mountain – 10 miles which takes approximately 20 minutes.

Things to Do:

Jenny Lake: Take a boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for incredible views.
Drive to Signal Mountain: A scenic drive to the top of Signal Mountain offers panoramic views of the Teton Range and the Snake River Valley.

Overnight Stay: Signal Mountain Lodge – A rustic lodge with stunning views of the Teton Range and easy access to nearby activities.

Day 7: Jackson Hole and Snake River

Jackson Hole is a charming town with a rich history and breathtaking scenery. The Snake River offers outdoor adventures like rafting and wildlife viewing.

Distance: Signal Mountain to Jackson Hole – 27 miles

Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour

Scenic Stopovers: Drive along the Moose-Wilson Road, known for its wildlife sightings, especially moose.

Things to Do:

Explore Jackson Hole: Visit the town square with its famous elk antler arches, and browse the shops and galleries.
Raft the Snake River: Enjoy a scenic float trip or an adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting adventure on the Snake River.

Overnight Stay: The Lexington at Jackson Hole (The Rockwell Inn) – A charming hotel in the heart of Jackson, offering comfortable accommodations with mountain views.

Must-Do Tours – Grand Teton Yellowstone Itinerary

Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour: A guided tour covering the highlights of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon, and more.
Grand Teton Wildlife Safari: A guided tour on wildlife spotting and photography in Grand Teton National Park.
Snake River Rafting Tour: A scenic or white-water rafting tour on the Snake River, offering a unique perspective of the Tetons.

Useful Tips – Itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Best Time to Visit – Visit between late May and September for the best weather and accessibility.
Entrance Fees: A 7-day pass for both parks costs $50 per vehicle. If visiting multiple national parks, consider an America the Beautiful Pass.
Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Use binoculars for viewing and never approach animals.
Packing: Bring layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Also, remember sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy hiking shoes.
Reservations: Accommodations in the parks fill up quickly. Book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.

I hope you love this Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, which covers iconic landmarks with lesser-known gems for a well-rounded adventure in two of America’s most treasured national parks. Enjoy this Yellowstone to Grand Teton drive with this perfect itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Best 7 Days Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary – Yellowstone to Grand Teton Drive