Every summer, we try to visit a national park or few. So far this summer, we’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains to see the synchronous fireflies, and we did a road trip with the grandparents through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. I’ve been sharing more of our adventures on our Instagram account, so if you’re also over there, be sure to give us a follow!
Many people have asked me about our itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so I decided to blog it out to help others with their trip planning. These parks are both quite large, so it can be challenging to figure out where to visit and where to stay. While there are many ways to explore these parks, our plan allows you to visit both in 5 days and 4 nights. I would say this is the minimum amount of time needed to see both parks, and if you can spend more time, even better! When visiting Yellowstone, many people recommend the “Upper” and “Lower” Loops (source: Trivago ). We didn’t do the entirety of both loops, but we saw almost all the highlights of the park. We also didn’t make it as far south as Jackson, WY, but were able to do the entire 42 mile scenic drive and see most of the top spots in Grand Teton NP.
The map below shows our general driving route and main stops/sights. After visiting both parks, we headed to a dude ranch in Cody, Wyoming, before returning to Bozeman for our flight home. Although there was a lot of driving on this roadtrip, we didn’t feel like we were in the car too long as we made plenty of stops along the way to break up the drive, and the scenery / wildlife was so captivating!
In summary, we flew in and out of Bozeman. We stayed one night each at the Roosevelt Inn in Gardiner, the Old Faithful Inn, Signal Mountain Lodge, and Canyon Lodge. We then stayed nights 5-7 at the Blackwater Creek Ranch. Our final night was spent in Cody, WY, at the Cody Cowboy Village. In this blog post, I’ll focus on days 1-5 of our trip. I’ll share our Dude Ranch experience in the next blog post!
DAY 1: Travel Day and Mammoth Hot Springs – Yellowstone
Since we are based in Southern California, I found the most affordable round-trip flights from LAX to Bozeman, compared to other airports including Cody in East Yellowstone and Jackson, WY, closer to Grand Teton NP. We spent the morning and afternoon traveling but were able to grab a quick and delicious dinner at Yellowstone Perk (details below) and head into the park via the North Entrance to visit Mammoth Hot Springs on our first evening. Since we traveled in June, we had plenty of daylight, which allowed us to tour and visit until around 9:30 PM each day.
The unusual formations of Mammoth Hot Springs are made of travertine, a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs. This natural wonder forms when rainwater seeps into the earth, warms up by underground magma, and then rises again. As it ascends, it mixes with carbon dioxide, creating a weak acid that dissolves limestone as it journeys back to the surface. Once on the surface, the limestone solidifies into the stunning travertine terraces that characterize Mammoth Hot Springs. Travertine formations grow quickly, giving this landscape its unique and ever-changing appearance. Walking along the boardwalks, we marveled at the vibrant colors and intricate formations, and the kids were fascinated by the steam rising from the hot springs. It was the first of many opportunities to learn about the geothermal processes that shape our planet on this trip.
LAX PARKING: we parked in LAX Economy Parking, 6100 W 94th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90045
BOZEMAN AIRPORT CAR RENTAL: using Costco Car Rentals, we rented a minivan for our family + grandparents for our MT/WY roadtrip . Tip: sign up for the rental car’s loyalty program as there is usually a shorter line for members. This saved us at least 30 minutes!
DINNER in GARDINER, MT: Yellowstone Perk , 208 Park St, Gardiner, MT 59030 (open daily 7am – 6pm) – delicious bison burgers, tacos, and huckleberry smoothies
STAY in GARDINER, MT: We booked a 2 bedroom cabin at The Roosevelt Hotel – Yellowstone that fit our multigenerational family of 6 comfortably. Continental breakfast is included. Roosevelt Hotel , 1014 Scott St. West, Gardiner, MT, 59030
GROCERIES: Gardiner Market (deli, grocery) 701 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA – we picked up some road trip snacks, soft sided cooler and reusable ice packs for our roadtrip here.
DAY 2 : Geothermal Wonders: From Gardiner to Old Faithful (the west part of the North Loop)
On our second day, we journeyed from north to south, visiting several geothermal features on our way to Old Faithful. This was probably my favorite day of all. Here’s a summary of the key geothermal spots and pullouts you’ll encounter when traveling south from Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. Along this route, you’ll pass through a spectacular array of geothermal wonders, each offering unique sights and learning opportunities about Yellowstone’s incredible geothermal activity. We didn’t stop at all of them since we only had one full day in this area. This is an area that you could spend some more time exploring!
1. Mammoth Hot Springs: (shared above – we did this on day 1)
- Features: Terraced formations made of travertine, vibrant colors, steaming hot springs.
- Highlights: Lower Terrace Boardwalk, Upper Terrace Drive, Liberty Cap, Minerva Terrace.
2. Norris Geyser Basin:
- Features: The hottest, most dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone.
- Highlights: Steamboat Geyser (world’s tallest active geyser), Porcelain Basin (colorful hot springs and geysers), Back Basin (steaming fumaroles, geysers).
3. Gibbon River and Gibbon Falls: (we saw these from our car, but didn’t stop)
- Features: Scenic waterfall and river with geothermal activity nearby.
- Highlights: Gibbon Falls overlook, Beryl Spring (steaming spring along the road).
4. Artists Paintpots:
- Features: Colorful hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles.
- Highlights: Short hike to the paintpots, vibrant geothermal features.
5. Lower, Midway, and Upper Geyser Basins:
Lower Geyser Basin:
- Features: Wide variety of geothermal activity.
- Highlights: Fountain Paint Pot (mudpots, geysers, hot springs) – photos below . If you have time, explore the Firehole Lake Drive (Firehole Lake, Great Fountain Geyser)
Midway Geyser Basin: This is an absolute MUST DO!!!
- Features: Home to some of Yellowstone’s most famous geothermal features.
- Highlights: Grand Prismatic Spring (largest hot spring in the U.S., brilliant colors), Excelsior Geyser Crater.
You can discover the Grand Prismatic Spring in two amazing ways. You can stroll along the boardwalk (above) to get up close and personal with its vibrant colors, or hike to the hilltop via the Fairy Falls trail for a breathtaking panoramic view. Both experiences showcase nature’s stunning masterpiece in unique ways. Note: These are two different parking areas. To access the Fairy Falls trail, you’ll need to continue about 5 minutes south of the main Middle Geyser Basin parking to reach the trailhead parking lot.
Heres a short video that shows the view from both spots :
Upper Geyser Basin:
- Features: Highest concentration of geothermal features in the park.
- Highlights: Old Faithful (world-renowned predictable geyser), Morning Glory Pool, Castle Geyser, Geyser Hill (numerous smaller geysers and hot springs), Observation Point Trail (panoramic views of the basin).
The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the iconic Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes on average. This area boasts the largest concentration of geysers in the world, with over 150 geothermal features! Strolling along the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk, you can see an array of geysers, including Castle, Grand, Riverside, and Daisy. We saw Castle and Grand erupt during the evening and Old Faithful erupt several times in the morning by staying at the Old Faithful Inn. Staying in this area within the park gives you easy and close access to Old Faithful, the visitor center, and the start of the boardwalk. It’s a true wonderland of geothermal activity! Tip: Check nps.gov and geysertimes.org for eruption prediction times!
Old Faithful Area:
- Old Faithful Geyser: Make sure to see the famous geyser erupt.
- Upper Geyser Basin: Explore trails leading to geysers like Castle, Grand, and Riverside.
- Old Faithful Inn: Historic lodge worth a visit, even if just to admire the architecture.
6. Biscuit Basin: (we didn’t have time to explore)
- Features: Hot springs and geysers, just north of the Upper Geyser Basin.
- Highlights: Sapphire Pool, Jewel Geyser, Black Opal Spring.
7. Black Sand Basin: (we didn’t have time to explore)
- Features: Small, colorful hot springs and geysers.
- Highlights: Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, Cliff Geyser.
BREAKFAST: Continental Breakfast from our lodging : Roosevelt Lodge in Gardiner, MT
LUNCH: Sandwiches we picked up from the Gardiner Market in the morning.
DINNER : Old FaithFul Dining Room. We were fortunate to make advanced reservations at the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room since we were staying there. Tip: If you have a reservation at one of the Old Faithful lodgings, you get first dibs on dining reservations. Otherwise, put your name on the list when you arrive and head up to the deck to enjoy the view until your table is ready.
STAY (Old Faithful Inn): I booked two rooms—one for my family and one for my parents. My family stayed in the Old Faithful Inn. The room was ordinary and small, but the location was key—you can see the geysers, including Old Faithful, from the viewing decks, and the lobby and dining room are beautiful. Tip: Order breakfast to go in the morning and sit on the deck to watch the geysers! My parents stayed in the Snow Lodge, which was more affordable but about a 10-minute walk from the geysers and visitor center. Connectivity: Limited Verizon cellular service and no WiFi.
Day 3: Yellowstone South Loop (westside) from Old Faithful to Grand Teton National Park
On our third day, we began by watching Old Faithful erupt in the morning and picking up Junior Ranger books at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. We were fortunate to witness its eruption two times that morning!
Afterward, we headed south towards Grand Teton, making several stops along the way and exploring Jenny Lake. We returned to Signal Mountain Lodge for the night, saving the remainder of Grand Teton National Park for the following day.
We passed by West Thumb Geyser Basin but decided to visit it the next day when returning to Yellowstone NP. Continuing south, we enjoyed views of Lewis Falls – a picturesque waterfall conveniently located off the road, and Lewis Lake – which offers serene opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the view. We drove past the South Entrance of Yellowstone and stopped briefly at Snake River Overlook for scenic views before entering Grand Teton National Park. We made a quick stop at the Grand Teton National Park Entrance to take a photo.
It was lunchtime when we entered Grand Teton National Park, so we decided to stop at Leeks Marina, a few miles north of Colter Bay. Established in the late 1800s by Stephen Leek, a cattle rancher, conservationist, and entrepreneur, the marina offers amenities such as a boat launch, private boat services, and a lakefront pizzeria. While boat rentals aren’t available, visitors can enjoy a variety of offerings at the pizzeria, including pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream. Everything we ordered was delicious! Dining options include indoor seating, deck seating with views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range, or picnic tables closer to the water. Since we stopped here, we skipped Colter Bay.
We drove by Signal Mountain on our way to explore the Jenny Lake Area. We would return here later in the evening, to spend the night.
Jenny Lake Area:
- Jenny Lake: One of the most iconic spots in Grand Teton National Park. Offers boat rentals, shuttle services across the lake, and access to hiking trails.
- Jenny Lake Scenic Drive: A picturesque drive with multiple pullouts for breathtaking views.
- Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point: Take a boat shuttle across Jenny Lake and hike to these stunning spots.
Jenny Lake is one of the most visited gems in Grand Teton National Park, nestled at the base of the Teton Range. From the east shore, enjoy stunning views of Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and Cascade Canyon. On the west shore, admire views across the lake towards the valley of Jackson Hole. Visitors can explore Jenny Lake in various ways:
- Visit the Jenny Lake Visitor Center
- Take the Jenny Lake Ferry ($20 round trip, $12 one-way, operates mid-May to late-September, daily 7 AM – 7 PM)
- Hike the trails:
- Hidden Falls: A beautiful short hike from the boat dock, passed on the way to Inspiration Point.
- Inspiration Point: A 2-mile round trip hike from the boat dock, with an elevation gain of 400 feet.
- Cascade Canyon: For those seeking a longer adventure into the backcountry, continue beyond Inspiration Point. We hiked this area and found it stunning, although we had to turn back to catch the last boat back to the east shore.
Tips: We arrived around 3:30 PM and found parking. Boarding the ferry with no line at 4 PM, we hiked for 2.5 hours and caught the last ferry back at 7 PM. Parking is limited and fills up quickly in summer. The ferry line can also be long (we heard up to one hour) . If you would like to avoid the crowds, consider getting on the ferry before 8am or after 4pm.
Please watch this 30 second video:
After our time at Jenny Lake, we drove back north to Signal Mountain Lodge, where we had dinner and stayed the night. While waiting an hour for a table at the restaurant, we decided to drive up the Signal Mountain Summit Road for panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. The vistas were stunning, although we also encountered the most mosquitoes we’ve ever seen up top!
BREAKFAST : We had breakfast to go from the Old Faithful Lodge which we enjoyed on the patio as we waited for and watched Old Faithful Erupt.
LUNCH: Leeks Pizzeria, Moran Wyoming, 89 National Park Rd, Grand Teton National Park, WY 83001
DINNER : Trapper Grill at Signal Mtn Lodge, 1 Inner Park Rd, Moran, WY 83013
STAY Signal Mountain Lodge 2 bedroom cabin. Connectivity: Limited Verizon cellular service. Wifi (weak)
DAY 4: Signal Mountain Lodge, completing Grand Teton Loop back up to Yellowstone ending at Canyon Village
On this day, we completed the remainder of the 42-mile Grand Teton Scenic Loop before returning to Yellowstone. Here’s a summary of the key stops we made from Moose, WY, up to Canyon Village in Yellowstone.
1. Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center: Located in Moose, this visitor center offers excellent exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Grand Teton National Park, park information, and stunning views of the Tetons. This is where our boys got their Junior Ranger Badges for Grand Teton National Park
2. Mormon Row Historic District:
- Moulton Barns: Iconic structures offering classic Teton Range views. Great for photography, especially during sunrise.
- T.A. Moulton Barn: Another historic barn with picturesque views
3. Schwabacher Landing: A short drive from Mormon Row, this spot offers reflections of the mountains in the Snake River and is a nice spot for a picnic. We enjoyed the sandwiches that we purchased from the market at Signal Mountain Lodge. It was windy, so we weren’t able to see the reflections but it was still very beautiful.
4. Snake River Overlook, Scenic Viewpoint: This panoramic view was made famous by Ansel Adams’ photography.
5. Oxbow Bend: One of the most photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park. Offers reflections of the mountains in the Snake River, with opportunities to see wildlife like moose and bald eagles.
After these stops in Grand Teton NP, we continued north back into Yellowstone NP, visiting parts we didn’t see yet on days 1-3.
6. West Thumb Geyser Basin:
This area features boardwalk trails overlooking Yellowstone Lake and geothermal features such as Abyss Pool and Fishing Cone.
One fun feature we learned about through the @guidealong app was the Fishing Cone in Lake Yellowstone. This geothermal feature allowed anglers to catch fish and then cook them directly in the boiling waters of the hot spring. Today, the practice is prohibited to protect the park’s delicate ecosystem, but how neat is that?!
After walking the boardwalk, we indulged in a nice dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, an historic landmark that has welcomed travelers since 1891. It was hands down the best national park meal we had on this trip!
7. Yellowstone Lake:
Lake Village: Includes the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel and the Lake Lodge, offering dining and lodging options with views of Yellowstone Lake.
After an early dinner (4:45pm), we continued north to explore Lamar Valley before returning to Canyon Village for the night. Along the way, we drove through Hayden Valley – a prime wildlife viewing location, as well as by the geothermal features of Mud Volcano and Dragon’s Mouth Spring.
8. Tower Falls
- Located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park.
- Features a 132-foot waterfall on Tower Creek.
- Accessible via a short hike from the parking area near Roosevelt Lodge.
- Offers scenic viewpoints and opportunities for photography.
- We saw a mama and baby bear here!
9. Lamar Valley
- Known as the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundant wildlife.
- Offers prime opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears.
- Accessible via the Northeast Entrance Road or Lamar Valley Road.
We made sure to leave Lamar Valley and head to our lodging for the night at Canyon Lodge before it was completely dark. It’s important to maintain daylight in this area, given the abundant wildlife.
BREAKFAST/ LUNCH: Breakfast muffins and sandwiches that we purchased from Signal Mountain Lodge gas station store in the morning.
DINNER: Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room. 236 Yellowstone Lake Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 Phone: (307) 344-7311
STAY (park lodging): Canyon Lodge 2 rooms. CONNECTIVITY: Limited Verizon cellular service. No Wifi . Note: There are laundry facilities here.
DAY 5: Yellowstone Grand Canyon to East Entrance of YNP towards Cody WY
On our last morning in the parks, we explored the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We visited several viewpoints and completed short hikes at both Upper and Lower Falls. Afterwards, we stopped at the Canyon Visitor Education Center where the kids turned in their junior ranger books for their badges. While we exited the park via the East Entrance and headed towards Blackwater Creek Ranch near Cody, WY, it’s worth noting that you can also depart through the North or Northeast Entrances to return to the Bozeman airport.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, carved by the Yellowstone River, spans 24 miles and reaches depths of 1,200 feet. It features two major waterfalls: Upper Falls, standing at 109 feet, and Lower Falls, a spectacular 300-foot cascade. Lower Falls is the iconic centerpiece, visible from overlooks like Artist Point on both the North and South Rims, while Upper Falls can be viewed from Brink of the Upper Falls and Canyon Overlook.
During our visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, we explored both the North and South rims. Following our hotel’s recommendation, we started at the lower rim, then traversed through scenic viewpoints on the upper rim before enjoying lunch in Canyon Village. Here are some of the key spots we stopped at, I’ve added ** to my favorites:
- Canyon Overlook (South Rim) **
- Artist Point (South Rim) **
- Brink of the Lower Falls (North Rim) – 0.7 miles out-and-back, 600 ft elevation, moderate **
- Lookout Point (North Rim)
- Red Rock Point (North Rim) 0.6 miles out-and-back, 260 ft elevation, moderate **
- Grand View
- Inspiration Point
- Note: Many guidebooks recommend the Uncle Tom’s Trail, but it’s been closed for several years now.
Please watch this short video to see the views from the various viewpoints!
After visiting the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, we stopped for lunch in Canyon Village, which offers a variety of dining options including a grill, Asian-inspired cuisine, and an ice cream shop. From there, we continued towards the Lake area and then headed east to our next destination: Blackwater Creek Ranch. Along the drive towards the East Entrance, we enjoyed scenic views and had exciting wildlife sightings, including wolves in the distance (Tip: pull over whenever you see a group of stopped cars or photographers with large zoom lenses!), and even spotted a grizzly bear on our way out!
We arrived at Blackwater Creek Ranch in time for dinner and enjoyed a wonderful few days filled with horseback riding, archery, rifle shooting, and whitewater rafting. After our activities at the ranch, we explored Cody on our own and attended a lively night at the Rodeo before heading back to Bozeman for our flight on Day 9. Stay tuned for more details on our dude ranch experience in the next blog post!
Our General Tips for Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
- Best Times to Visit: The best times to visit are before 10 AM and after 5 PM when there are fewer visitors. During the summer, this is easier with early sunrises and sunsets around 9 PM. It is generally not advisable to drive after dark due to the wildlife in the area.
- Where to Stay: If you have limited time, staying within the park allows you to explore more of its attractions with fewer crowds. If reservations at park lodges are unavailable or too expensive, consider staying nearby in Gardiner, MT (North Entrance) or West Yellowstone (near Old Faithful) as my next recommendation. Please note that many people reserve their in-park lodging up to a year in advance. However, we were able to secure two rooms at each location by checking daily for cancellations about 1-2 months before our trip
- Connectivity: Cellular service is limited, and while some lodgings have limited WiFi, it is not reliable. Therefore, download maps and guides ahead of time to ensure you have the necessary information during your visit.
- Laundry Services: Coin-operated laundry services are available in Yellowstone Canyon Village and some other campgrounds and villages. The wash cycle takes about 40 minutes, and the dryer takes around 30 minutes.
- Photo/Video Backup: It is essential to back up your photos and videos whenever possible. Instead of relying on the cloud, back them up directly to a hard drive for better security.
- Weather Preparation: Prepare and pack for all sorts of weather. We wore T-shirts and shorts during the day and down jackets and pants in the evening.
- Recommended App: We highly recommend buying and downloading the GuideAlong app to listen to while you drive. It will provide additional information to complement your visit.
- Junior Ranger Program: You can get Junior Ranger books for both parks at any visitor center. Once complete, you can stop by the nearest visitor center to obtain the Junior Ranger badges. Interestingly, you don’t have to be a kid to participate in this program!
Suggested Packing List for Yellowstone/Tetons in June
- Clothing/Shoes/Accessories: For layers, bring everything from T-shirts to fleece, and from shorts to leggings/pants, as the weather can be quite variable in Wyoming in the summer.
- Hiking Shoes: Trail runners or hiking boots are recommended if you plan on doing any of the trails. Otherwise, walking shoes will do for the boardwalks.
- Merino Wool Socks: While not a necessity, we recommend wool socks for preventing blisters and letting your feet breathe.
- Day Pack/Hiking Backpack: Essential for carrying your gear during hikes.
- Rain Jacket: Always good to have as a “just-in-case” item.
- Swimsuit + Towel: Although we didn’t have time to stop, Yellowstone Hot Springs is highly recommended as a fun hot spring resort near Gardiner, the north entrance of Yellowstone.
- Navigation: The national parks will give you park maps when you enter. When hiking, carry a physical map and a compass, and/or a GPS app on your phone, such as AllTrails, downloaded.
- Extras: A headlamp and extra batteries are essential for hiking in the dark or in emergency roadside situations.
- Drink Bottle: Pack a reusable water bottle and make sure you have enough water for your hikes.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Mosquito Repellent: You can also opt to pack a bug head net if you hear reports of increased bugs in the area.
- First Aid Items: Always carry a small first aid kit with essential items like blister plasters and emergency supplies.
- Phone + Driver’s License/ID: Always best to keep these on you.
- Camera + Batteries: Optional but highly recommended, as you will want a camera to capture these beautiful parks.
- Snacks: Every road trip requires snacks! You can stock up at gas stations along the way.
- National Parks Pass: If you have one already, make sure to pack it. If not, you can buy one when you arrive at the park.
Disclosure: There may be some affiliate links on this page. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. However, please note that all opinions expressed are my own.