Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are two of America’s most spectacular natural destinations. Located just a short drive from each other in Wyoming, these parks can easily be explored together in one unforgettable trip. This Yellowstone Grand Teton itinerary will show you how to plan your route, what to see, and how much time you need for an efficient and rewarding visit.
Whether you want geysers and wildlife or dramatic mountains and alpine lakes, this guide covers the best highlights of both parks.
Table of Contents
Why Combine Yellowstone and Grand Teton in One Trip?
These two parks complement each other perfectly. Yellowstone is known for geothermal features, waterfalls, and wildlife, while Grand Teton offers rugged mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and top-tier hiking.
Benefits of Visiting Both Parks Together
- Short driving distance between parks
- A mix of landscapes and unique ecosystems
- Ideal for photography, wildlife observation, and hiking
- Easy to plan a loop itinerary starting in Jackson or West Yellowstone
How Many Days Do You Need?
To fully enjoy both parks, plan at least 5 to 7 days.
- Yellowstone: 3 to 4 days
- Grand Teton: 2 to 3 days
Overview: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Jackson to Grand Teton NP | Teton Range, Jenny Lake |
| Day 2 | Grand Teton NP | Mormon Row, Signal Mountain |
| Day 3 | Yellowstone (Lower Loop) | Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic |
| Day 4 | Yellowstone (Lower Loop) | Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley |
| Day 5 | Yellowstone (Upper Loop) | Mammoth, Lamar Valley |
| Day 6 | Optional | Extra hikes or wildlife tours |
| Day 7 | Return to Jackson or Bozeman | Scenic drive out of the parks |
Day-By-Day Yellowstone Grand Teton Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Jackson and Explore Grand Teton National Park
Start your trip in Jackson, Wyoming, and head into Grand Teton National Park.
Must-See Stops
- Glacier View Turnout
- Snake River Overlook
- Jenny Lake Overlook
Suggested Activities
- Hike the Jenny Lake Loop
- Take the shuttle boat to Hidden Falls
Day 2: Full Day in Grand Teton National Park
Spend your second day exploring iconic viewpoints, historic sites, and scenic drives.
Top Highlights
- Mormon Row Historic District
- Schwabacher Landing
- Oxbow Bend
- Signal Mountain Summit Road
Recommended Hike
- Taggart Lake Trail
Day 3: Enter Yellowstone and Explore the Lower Loop (Day 1)
Drive north into Yellowstone through the South Entrance.
Lower Loop Highlights
- Old Faithful Geyser
- Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalks
- Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
- Firehole Canyon Drive
Day 4: Yellowstone Lower Loop (Day 2)
Continue exploring geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Key Stops
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Yellowstone Lake
- Sulphur Cauldron
- Mud Volcano
- Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing
Don’t Miss
- Artist Point and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Day 5: Yellowstone Upper Loop
The Upper Loop offers fewer crowds and some of the park’s best wildlife areas.
Must-Visit Stops
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
- Tower Fall
- Blacktail Plateau Drive
- Lamar Valley for bison, wolves, and elk
Optional Day 6: Extra Time in Either Park
Use this day for additional hikes, tours, or slower exploring.
Recommended Options
- Full-day wildlife tour
- Fairy Falls Trail (Yellowstone)
- Cascade Canyon (Grand Teton)
Best Time to Visit Both Parks
The ideal time is June through September for warm weather and full road access.
Seasonal Details
- Spring: Wildlife activity but some roads closed
- Summer: Warmest weather and longest days
- Fall: Fall colors and fewer crowds
- Winter: Limited access, requires snow tours
Where to Stay
Grand Teton National Park
- Jackson, WY
- Teton Village
- Colter Bay Cabins
Yellowstone National Park
- West Yellowstone
- Canyon Village
- Old Faithful Inn
- Gardiner, MT
Essential Tips for Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton
What to Pack
- Layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Binoculars for wildlife
- Reusable water bottle
- Bear spray (required for hiking)
Driving Tips
- Expect slow traffic and animal crossings
- Start early to avoid crowds
- Check road conditions daily
- Book lodging months in advance
Final Thoughts
A Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary offers one of the most rewarding national park trips in the United States. With geothermal wonders, dramatic mountains, abundant wildlife, and endless hiking opportunities, exploring both parks in one trip is an experience you’ll never forget. This guide provides everything you need to plan the perfect journey through Wyoming’s most iconic landscapes.
