5 Days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton: The Ultimate Itinerary
The Ultimate Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary
If you’re planning to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, you might be struggling to narrow down what to do there. But, luckily you’ve come to the right place!
My Fellow travel writers, Robyn and Jarrod from Dirtbags with Furbags are currently road tripping through the USA and have just spent 5 days exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone. They did plenty of research and packed in as much as possible, to ensure they saw all the parks’ key sights, as well as some hidden gems not everyone knows about.
And, to help you with your Yellowstone and Grand Teton planning, Robyn and Jarrod have put together their complete 5-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary, with all their tips and tricks for an unforgettable experience.
So, read on to start planning your ultimate Grand Teton and Yellowstone adventure!
The Ultimate Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary
Picture a place where jagged mountain peaks touch the sky, and vast meadows stretch as far as the eye can see. Teeming with wildlife, elk bugles echo throughout the valleys, while wolves pad the forests like ghosts – heard but never seen.
This is the magical world of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, where nature’s wonders unfold at every turn. From the glistening reflections of the Tetons on crystal-clear lakes to Yellowstone’s bubbling geysers and colourful hot springs, these parks are an adventure seeker’s dream.
Although planning a trip to explore these iconic places can feel overwhelming, especially if you only have five days to spare. But don’t worry; we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you experience the best of both parks. The below Yellowstone itinerary and Grand Teton itinerary will walk you through all the must-visit sites, including famous landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring you make the most of your five days!
Grand Teton National Park (Days 1 & 2)
Established in 1929, Grand Teton National Park is home to the Teton Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The most prominent peak — the Grand Teton — towers over the park at an impressive 13,775 feet.
With around 310,000 acres, it’s easy to spend two full days in the Tetons, exploring the best this park has to offer. So, let’s dive into your ultimate 2-day Grand Teton itinerary.
Day 1: Majestic Peaks, Hidden Waterfalls, and Colorful Sunsets
Morning: Sunrise Hike at Schwabacher Landing
To kick off your Grand Teton adventure, head to Schwabacher Landing for a breathtaking sunrise hike. The sun rises opposite the Tetons, bathing the mountain peaks in a fiery red glow, which creates stunning photo opportunities.
To get to the trailhead, take Schwabacher Landing Road off US Highway 191, about 5 miles northeast of Moose. From there, drive 1 mile to the parking lot to begin your hike.
The hike is an easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail along a pebble and gravel path. It’s mostly flat and brings you to the shores of the huge Snake River. Along the way, you’ll pass a large beaver dam, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a beaver hard at work!
The dam has created a somewhat calm section of the river, offering beautiful reflections of the central Teton Range.
Once you’ve spent some time enjoying your surroundings, head back to your vehicle to continue with your Grand Teton itinerary.
Afternoon: Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, and Inspiration Point
Returning to Moose, take Teton Park Road, which runs along the base of the Teton Range. The scenic drive has several overlooks along the way, where you can stop to take in the breathtaking views.
About 8 miles north of Moose, you’ll see signs for Jenny Lake, which will be on the left-hand side of the road. Turn into Jenny Lake and catch one of the shuttle service boats to reach the lake’s western side. The shuttle boat runs every 10-15 minutes, and you’ll need to purchase a ticket.
Once you reach the western shore, get ready for an epic 1.8-mile out-and-back hike to see Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. This hike is more challenging than Schwabacher Landing, not only in distance but also in elevation gain. Check out our day hiking gear list to ensure you have everything necessary for this adventure!
- Hidden Falls: Hidden Falls is a 100-foot cascading waterfall fed by the area’s snowmelt. You’ll hike approximately half a mile from the western boat dock to the falls, gaining around 200 feet in elevation.
- Inspiration Point: From Hidden Falls, continue up the trail another half mile to Inspiration Point, where you’ll get stunning views of Jenny Lake and the Jackson Hole Valley.
After spending some time at both viewpoints, head back down to the western dock where you can take a return shuttle back to the eastern side of the lake.
Evening: Sunset Over the Tetons
Watching the sun slowly set over the Tetons is a must-do when visiting Grand Teton National Park. There are plenty of beautiful areas to watch this colourful display throughout the park.
- Teton Point Turnout: This is a paved turnout near the Moose entrance along Teton Park Road. It’s a good choice if you’re staying the night in Jackson.
- Colter Bay: Colter Bay is situated along Jackson Lake, offering picturesque sunset views of the Teton Range over a beautiful lake.
- Jackson Point Overlook (Signal Mountain): At the hairpin turn along Signal Mountain Road, an Overlook offers views of the Tetons from a high-elevation vantage point.
- Blacktail Ponds Overlook: 1.5 miles northeast of Moose you’ll find Blacktail Butte Road off US Highway 191. This road leads to Blacktail Ponds Overlook, which has stunning views of the Tetons, perfect for an epic sunset.
Whether staying in a cozy hotel in Jackson or roughing it on BLM land near Shadow Mountain, you’ll want to get a good night’s sleep to prepare for day 2 of your Grand Teton itinerary!
Day 2: Scenic Drives, Lake Views, and Wildlife at the Tetons
Morning: Scenic Loop Drive
Once you’ve had your morning coffee, it’s time to start day 2 of your Grand Teton itinerary.
Today starts with a 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive. This breathtaking drive starts and ends at the junction of US Highway 191 and Teton Park Road.
Drive along Teton Park Road for approximately 21 miles to the next junction with US Highway 191 after the Jackson Lake Dam. Head right on Highway 191 and follow it for another 21 miles to return to the intersection with Teton Park Road near Moose.
On this drive, you’ll pass a variety of landscapes, from the jagged mountains and snowy glaciers of the Tetons to wide-open prairies and picturesque ponds. It’s a great opportunity to spot wildlife such as bison, elk, moose, pronghorn, deer, bears, owls, and bald eagles, so be sure to keep an eye out!
Afternoon: Hiking at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
If you need a break from the busy congestion of Grand Teton National Park, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is a fantastic afternoon stop. The road to the Preserve does not allow buses or RVs over 23.3 feet in length, so this area sees a lot less traffic.
The Preserve is a haven for wildlife; moose, bears, and elk are commonly seen in the area, especially along the many trails surrounding the Preserve.
One of the top hikes at the Preserve is the Phelps Lake Trail. This 4.5-mile out-and-back hike follows the Valley Trail to the shores of Phelps Lake. Here, you’ll see crystal clear water and a view of the Teton Range featuring Prospectors Mountain and Albright Peak.
Tip: Remember to pack some snacks for your hike! We have a fantastic guide on the best hiking snacks to boost your energy naturally.
If you’re up for a more significant hiking challenge, check out some of these other trails at the Preserve:
- Aspen Ridge – Boulder Ridge Loop (6.2 miles)
- Buck Mountain (8.5 miles)
- Phelps Lake Loop (7.8 miles)
Evening: Sunset Wildlife Tour
If you have yet to see much wildlife in your two days at Grand Teton National Park, a sunset wildlife tour is the best way to round out your final day here. Sunset is one of the best times to view wildlife because this is when they are most active.
You can book your Grand Teton wildlife sunset tour here. The tour takes you around the back roads of Jackson Hole to see the park’s wildlife without the crowds. You’ll be in a 4X4 vehicle with only six other passengers, which makes it a much more personalized adventure.
Everyone on the tour gets a window seat, and the roof is open for better wildlife viewing. Every tour has a knowledgeable guide to teach you about the wildlife you see. Imagine all that with a grand view of the Teton Range in the background!
Alternatively, there are also sunrise, afternoon and private tours available, if the sunset tour doesn’t suit your itinerary.
Yellowstone National Park (Days 3 to 5)
March 1, 1872, will always be remembered as the historical day Yellowstone was named the first National Park. With 2.2 million acres to explore, this park is gigantic – in fact, it’s the second-largest National Park in the continental United States!
But Yellowstone’s size is barely on the list of things that make this park remarkable:
- Geysers: Yellowstone has more than 500 active geysers. That’s more than half of the active geysers on Earth!
- Waterfalls: There are around 290 waterfalls in the park.
- Wildlife: Yellowstone is home to some 67 species of mammals, including the threatened Canada lynx and grizzly bears.
- Earthquakes: Yellowstone has anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 earthquakes annually.
- Volcano: Yellowstone is situated on an active volcano. (Don’t worry—it’s monitored closely and is not predicted to erupt anytime soon!)
Intrigued yet? Starting with some of the most iconic sites, let’s dive into our Yellowstone itinerary.
Day 3: Iconic Yellowstone Sites
Yellowstone National Park has some of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the United States, from the Old Faithful Geyser to the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Morning: Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring
Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring get extremely busy from around 10 a.m. onward. To experience these natural wonders with fewer crowds, you should aim to visit them early in the day. We would recommend seeing Grand Prismatic Spring first and then Old Faithful.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: This is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone, measuring 200-330 feet wide and 121 feet deep. It’s known for its brilliant coloration, caused by microscopic organisms that thrive in the extreme heat and pH of the springs.
- Old Faithful: This natural geyser erupts about every 98 minutes, give or take ten minutes. You can check in at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center to see when the next eruption is predicted. While you wait, consider grabbing a bite to eat or a coffee at the nearby Old Faithful Lodge Cafe.
At Grand Prismatic Springs, a boardwalk takes you around other lesser-known springs and geothermal vents that are steaming and bubbling. As for Old Faithful, it might not always remain faithful! Changes in volcanic activity below the surface may one day make this geyser stop erupting, so see it while you can!
Afternoon: Explore the Upper Geyser Basin
After you see Old Faithful, hike around the rest of the Upper Geyser Basin. Beyond Old Faithful, there are around 5 miles of boardwalk and paved trails to explore a multitude of active geysers.
The Upper Basin holds the largest concentration of geysers in the world – approximately 150 of them in one square mile! While Old Faithful is the most famous of the predicted geysers, there are four other large geysers here that also erupt at somewhat predictable intervals in this area: Daisy, Castle, Grand, and Riverside.
The visitor education center also lists approximate predicted times for these geysers. The Morning Glory Pool is another site worth seeing at the Upper Geyser Basin, featuring unique colours and crystal clear water.
Evening: Walk The West Thumb Geyser Basin
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is another popular area in the park. And, heading this way in the evening gives you the best opportunity to see these spectacular hydrothermal features without bumping elbows with hundreds of other people.
Additionally, the vivid colors of the sunset add to the beauty of this active hydrothermal area. At the West Thumb, you’ll see various features, including paint pots, geysers, hot springs, and pools.
Two of the most famous features in this area are the Abyss Pool, located on the north side of the boardwalk, and Fish Cone, situated on the east side near the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
The trail around West Thumb Geyser Basin is an easy 1-mile walk on a boardwalk with minimal elevation gain. If you have the time, it’s worth walking the entire loop to see each stunning feature at your own pace.
Day 4: Hot Springs, Terraces, and Canyons
Morning: Mammoth Hot Springs
Near the north entrance of Yellowstone, you’ll find Mammoth Hot Springs, a visually stunning area known for its travertine deposits. These deposits form large natural terraces, created by hydrothermal activity interacting with limestone, resulting in a landscape that feels completely otherworldly.
The walkable overlooks and boardwalks allow visitors to observe layer upon layer of travertine. Plus you can take a 1.5-mile scenic drive around the area, featuring both terraces and hot springs.
And to fuel up for the day, you can grab breakfast, coffee or lunch at the quaint town of Gardiner, just outside the north Yellowstone entrance.
Afternoon: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
From Mammoth Hot Springs, head east and then south on Grand Loop Road towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On the way, we recommend stopping at the Petrified Tree, Tower Fall Overlook, and Washburn Hot Springs Overlook.
Once you reach Canyon Junction, your afternoon adventure begins. From Grand Loop Road, turn onto the one-way North Rim Drive. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the ⅜-mile hike (600-foot drop) down to the Brink of the Lower Falls for gorgeous canyon views.
For a shorter hike, check out Lookout Point, Grand View, or Inspiration Point. These overlooks offer quick stops and stunning photo ops.
To round out your canyon views, hike the South Rim Trail for different perspectives of the Upper and Lower Falls. You can also drive down South Rim Road for several overlooks and short trails that bring you to the brink of the canyon with full views of the falls. The Upper Falls View is one you will want to take advantage of!
Evening: Sunset over Yellowstone Lake
As the sun lowers on your second day in Yellowstone National Park, continue heading south to catch the sunset over Yellowstone Lake. The best spot to watch this is Lake Butte Overlook.
While the parking lot may not provide impressive views, a short trail will take you to the edge of a Butte, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the lake.
The sun lowers on the opposite side of the lake, creating stunning colours and reflections on the water for epic photos. Although a forest fire has left the trees barren in the area, this gives you an unobstructed view of the water.
After taking in the sunset, get a good night’s rest to prepare for the third and final day of your Yellowstone itinerary!
Day 5: Mud Volcanoes and Wildlife
Morning: Wildlife Spotting
To kick off the final day of your Yellowstone itinerary, head to Lamar Valley on US Highway 212. This area is known as the Northern Range and is called the ‘American Serengeti.’ Lamar Valley is the best place to spot bison, elk, pronghorn, wolves, and grizzly bears!
Morning and evening are the most opportunistic times to visit Lamar Valley, when wildlife like bison, deer, wolves, cougars, and foxes are most active. It gives you the best chance to spot these wild animals, and you’re virtually guaranteed to see a bison!
Remember to stay safe around wildlife in Yellowstone. Stay at least 100 yards from large predators like bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals. Bison may look slow and lazy, but they can run up to 35 miles an hour! So keep the wildlife wild by keeping your distance.
If you’re wondering how to handle a grizzly bear encounter, check out our article on what to do if you see a grizzly bear on a hike. It’s packed with information about how to stay safe in bear country and what to do if you see one.
Afternoon: Mud Volcanoes and Dragons
The next stop on your Yellowstone itinerary is the Mud Volcano area. You can find this off the Grand Loop Road north of Yellowstone Lake.
A short 0.8-mile loop trail takes you around prime examples of the hydrothermal features of Yellowstone, including a mud volcano, fumarole, an acidic lake, and churning cauldrons.
A few hydrothermal features, especially the dragon’s mouth spring, resemble a sleeping dragon in a cave. The rumbling water could easily be imagined as the snoring of a great sleeping dragon!
Evening: Farewells and Final Views
With three days in Yellowstone under your belt, it’s time to say farewell to this otherworldly National Park. From the Mud Volcanoes, take a scenic drive along Grand Loop Road, passing by Yellowstone Lake, the West Thumb Geyser area, and turning north toward Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
This is a great time to take in the views of the smoking springs and bubbling cauldrons one last time from the road, before exiting the park.
Wrap Up – Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary
Spending five days in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States is nothing short of amazing. From the rugged peaks of the Tetons to the bubbling cauldrons and erupting geysers of Yellowstone, this 5-day itinerary will show you sights you won’t believe exist right here in the U.S.!
Take your time exploring the parks, so you can soak in as much of their beauty as possible. In just five days, you’ll be able to visit most of the main attractions in each park, along with some hidden gems that few visitors get to see.
We hope that this combined Teton and Yellowstone itinerary has given you a good idea of what to see in these extraordinary national parks, so you can get started with planning your Grand Teton and Yellowstone adventure.
If you want to follow our adventures, check out the dirtbagswithfurbags blog!
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