Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary Day-by-Day Adventure Planning
📅 Choose Your Adventure Timeline
3-Day Express Itinerary
Perfect for: Weekend trips, first-time visitors with limited time, business travelers extending a short trip
🌅 Day 1: Grand Teton Highlights
- Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive Jackson, pick up supplies, park passes
- 9:30 AM: Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and short boat ride
- 11:30 AM: Hidden Falls hike (2.4 miles round trip)
- 2:00 PM: Jackson Lake Dam for mountain photography
- 4:00 PM: Oxbow Bend wildlife viewing
- Evening: Dinner in Jackson Hole, overnight in Jackson
🎯 Must-See: Teton Range views, Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls
🔥 Day 2: Yellowstone's Greatest Hits
- Early Morning (7:00 AM): Drive to Yellowstone (1.5 hours)
- 9:00 AM: Grand Prismatic Spring walkthrough
- 10:30 AM: Old Faithful eruption and visitor center
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Old Faithful Inn
- 2:30 PM: Drive to Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- 4:00 PM: Artist Point for iconic waterfall views
- Evening: Overnight near Canyon Village or return to Jackson
🎯 Must-See: Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, Lower Falls
🦌 Day 3: Wildlife & Departure
- Dawn (6:00 AM): Lamar Valley wildlife drive
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at Roosevelt Lodge or packed lunch
- 10:00 AM: Additional geysers or hot springs if time allows
- 12:00 PM: Begin journey home or to airport
🎯 Must-See: Bison herds, wolves (if lucky), elk
5-Day Essential Experience
Perfect for: First-time visitors, families, balanced pace with rest time
🏔️ Day 1: Jackson Hole & Southern Grand Teton
- Morning: Arrive, explore Jackson town square, shop for supplies
- Afternoon: Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for panoramic views ($37 adults)
- Late afternoon: Taggart Lake trail (3 miles) or easy walk around String Lake
- Evening: Dinner in Jackson, overnight in Jackson area
🏞️ Day 2: Grand Teton National Park Deep Dive
- Morning: Jenny Lake boat shuttle and Hidden Falls/Inspiration Point hike
- Afternoon: Jackson Lake area, lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge
- Late afternoon: Oxbow Bend photography and wildlife watching
- Evening: Sunset at Schwabacher Landing, overnight Jackson area
💎 Day 3: Yellowstone Lower Loop
- Morning: Drive to Yellowstone, check into park lodging
- Late morning: Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalk
- Afternoon: Old Faithful area - multiple geyser viewing
- Evening: Explore Old Faithful Inn architecture, overnight in park
🌊 Day 4: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone & Wildlife
- Morning: Artist Point and Uncle Tom's Trail
- Afternoon: Hayden Valley wildlife drive
- Late afternoon: Mud Volcano area exploration
- Evening: Sunset at Dunraven Pass (if road open), overnight in park
🐺 Day 5: Northern Range & Departure
- Early morning: Lamar Valley wildlife safari
- Mid-morning: Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
- Afternoon: Departure or return to Jackson for flights
7-Day Classic Adventure
Perfect for: Hiking enthusiasts, photographers, those wanting deeper exploration
📋 Extended 7-Day Highlights
Days 1-2: Grand Teton with additional hiking (Cascade Canyon, Lake Solitude)
Days 3-4: Yellowstone Lower Loop with backcountry options
Day 5: Yellowstone Upper Loop and Grand Canyon area
Day 6: Northern Range wildlife and Mammoth area
Day 7: Flexible exploration day or gateway town activities
10-Day Comprehensive Explorer
Perfect for: National park enthusiasts, photographers, those with flexible schedules
🗺️ Extended Exploration Schedule
Days 1-3: Grand Teton with extensive hiking and Jackson Hole activities
Days 4-6: Yellowstone comprehensive tour including backcountry
Days 7-8: Extended areas: Cody (Buffalo Bill Museum), Red Lodge (Beartooth Highway)
Days 9-10: Return loops, missed attractions, or gateway town relaxation
Essential Packing & Planning Tips
🎒 What to Pack
- Layers: Weather can change rapidly at elevation
- Sturdy Shoes: For hot springs, geysers, and hiking trails
- Sun Protection: High altitude sun is intense
- Camera Gear: Extra batteries (cold drains them faster)
- Snacks & Water: Limited services between attractions
- Bear Spray: Required for backcountry, recommended for all hiking
Seasonal Timing Considerations
🌞 Summer (June-August)
- Pros: All roads open, warm weather, full wildlife activity
- Cons: Peak crowds, highest prices, need advance reservations
- Itinerary Tip: Start attractions very early (6-7 AM) to avoid crowds
🍂 Fall (September-October)
- Pros: Beautiful colors, elk bugling, fewer people
- Cons: Some high elevation areas may be inaccessible
- Itinerary Tip: Focus on lower elevation activities, bring warm clothes
🌸 Spring (May-June)
- Pros: Wildflowers, active wildlife, moderate crowds
- Cons: Unpredictable weather, some trails snow-covered
- Itinerary Tip: Have backup indoor activities, check road conditions daily
Booking & Logistics Resources
- Park Passes: National Park Annual Pass $80
- Lodging Reservations: Yellowstone | Grand Teton
- Weather & Road Conditions: Current Yellowstone Conditions
- Trail Conditions: Grand Teton Trail Reports
Itineraries are suggestions based on typical conditions. Always check current park conditions and road closures before visiting. Last updated: September 2025.
- 3 Days: Highlights-only tour for time-conscious travelers
- 5 Days: Essential experiences covering both parks main attractions
- 7 Days: Classic adventure with time for hiking and wildlife
- 10+ Days: Comprehensive exploration including hidden gems