Perfect 5 Day Itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in this incredible 5 day itinerary!
Located next to one another in Wyoming, these 2 national parks each have incredible hiking, unbelievable views, and unforgettable experiences for your next outdoor vacation.
Combining them together into one trip means you’ll be walking among geothermal geysers one day, horseback riding on the range the next, and hiking into the mountains on another. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the West.
Below, you’ll find everything you’ll need to plan your perfect 5 day vacation in both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, including accommodations suggestions, driving times, restaurant recommendations, and must know tips.
And, since the trip is only 5 days long, you’ll be able to plan it within any work or school schedule.
Let’s go explore the best of Wyoming’s national parks!
The multicolored Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park
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Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks: An Overview
PIN ME!
Welcome to two of the most stunning national parks in the United States!
(Don’t tell the other parks, but these 2 are some of my personal favorites.)
Yellowstone National Park is the original national park in the world, which then inspired the creation of the NPS as we know it and a worldwide push for protection of unique, geologically important places in other countries.
Because of its history and the hundreds of hydrothermal features, Yellowstone National Park draws more than 4.5 million visitors annually from all corners of the globe.
Grand Teton National Park is a bit younger, having been founded in 1929.
At the heart of the park are the impressive Teton mountains, which can be seen from nearly every corner of the park.
Despite its proximity to Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park sees nearly a million fewer visitors annually, with 3.4 million visitors
How Long Should I Spend in Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
While there’s more to do in this part of the United States that you could ever do in a lifetime, you’ll want to spend at least 4-7 days if you’re visiting both national parks in the same trip.
The trip itinerary I’ve provided below should be manageable for those looking for an experience that will neatly fit within a week-long vacation. You’ll find 5 days worth of planning, activities, restaurants, and experiences, with the assumption that you’ll also need a day for traveling on either end of your trip.
With a 5 day experience in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, you’ll get to experience the highlights of both incredible places while still having a bit of time leftover to do a few off-the-beaten-path experiences, too.
If you find that you need longer or shorter in either park, I have multiple itineraries in various lengths that I’ve linked within the itinerary below.
Is this trip itinerary good for kids?
The Camping Kiddos on a trail near the Cathedral Overlook in Grand Teton National Park
Yes, this national parks itinerary is great for the entire family!
As with all of my itineraries, I’ve based my suggestions on activities and experiences that will appeal to a wide audience.
My family and I have explored all over both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, so these recommendations come from real, on-the-ground experience. Whenever possible, I’ve included notes for those visitors with children, so they know what to expect and plan for their little ones.
For a complete kids’ guide to Yellowstone, check out my ultimate Yellowstone family vacation guide here.
For a complete kids’ guide to Grand Teton, check out my Grand Teton National Parks guide with kids here.
This itinerary includes a variety of hiking and outdoor activities that are suitable for families, beginning hikers, and first time visitors. Think of this itinerary as an overview to this area, rather than one packed with backcountry experiences or more technical experiences.
Do I need a reservation for Yellowstone and/or Grand Teton National Park?
Late summer is perfect for this itinerary, but the weather can be all over the place. Pack layers!
No, you don’t need a reservation for Yellowstone or Grand Teton. Unlike places such as Arches National Park or Glacier National Park, the Wyoming national parks have—so far—resisted a reservation system.
This means that you can simply show up, pay the entrance fee, and carry on with your itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone?
For the best weather and lowest crowds, aim for the very end of August and early September. Many of the tours, restaurants, and hotels begin to close for the season around Labor Day, so you want to go as close to that time as possible.
The weather will be cool, but manageable and great for hikes. The lodges and restaurants will all be open, and, while snow is possible, it’s unlikely that either park would get enough at this time of the year to disrupt any major plans.
Grab my Yellowstone packing list for late summer here, which is also great for Grand Teton National Park.
Tips for Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park
What’s the best way to get around? Where should you start your itinerary? And what should you bring into the parks?
Here are the answers to ALL of the questions that you’ll need to start planning the perfect 5 day itinerary to these incredible national parks.
The best airport for this itinerary is Jackson Hole.
Inside the beautiful Jackson Hole Airport
Since you’re doing more of an overview in this itinerary rather than an in-depth exploration, you’ll want to start as close to the action as possible.
The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only commercial airport inside a national park anywhere in the United States! That means you begin your adventure already inside of Grand Teton National Park.
The airport is only 30 minutes from nearby Jackson, Wyoming, making it an easy side trip to get any needed supplies. The airport is also just a few minutes’ drive from the first itinerary stops, so you can go from the runway to the hiking trail in no time.
Jackson Hole Airport is small, so don’t expect a lot of restaurants or amenities here. There is one small food area behind security with cafe-style pastries and sandwiches. You can also pick up grab-and-go snacks and drinks.
For a full meal, you’ll need to either head into Jackson or visit one of the restaurants in nearby Grand Teton National Park.
The airport does have several rental car counters inside. See below for more information on that.
Food is expensive and limited in both parks, but especially Yellowstone.
Menu from one of our favorite restaurants in Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming is remote, and that’s very obvious in both of these parks.
While there are pockets of hotels and restaurants in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, you can drive for 45 minutes or more in both without seeing any place to eat.
Even when you are in the busier areas with amenities, the dining options are limited to a single restaurant in many cases. We’ve tried nearly all of the restaurants in both parks, and the food is decent, but it’s also very expensive for what you get.
There’s also not a lot of variety within the restaurant offerings, which lean heavily on pizza, hamburgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches.
There are several small convenience stores with groceries within the parks, but expect to pay a premium for these goods.
If at all possible, you’ll want to spend a couple of hours in Jackson buying groceries from one of the stores there (including Whole Foods and Albertson’s), which will save you time and money once you’re in the parks. This is especially important if you have specific dietary restrictions or need baby items like diapers or formula, which are basically non-existent inside the parks.
Learn about where to eat in Grand Teton National Park here.
You’ll need a rental car.
Unless you’re planning to take a pre-arranged tour—and I’d argue against that to get the most of your trip—you’ll need a rental car to explore these parks.
There isn’t any public transportation in either park, other than a seasonal trolley that runs in the Canyon Village section of Yellowstone National Park.
That only carries people between the Canyon Village hotels and the main shopping and dining area, so don’t rely on that for any larger exploration.
There are 5 car rental companies in Jackson Hole Airport: Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, and National.
I highly recommend booking ahead as the selection is small and inventory goes fast at peak times.
>> Check rental car prices and availability for your vacation dates here. <<
You should pick up bear spray before heading out.
While it’s not likely that you’ll encounter a bear during your time in the parks, this is one situation where it’s better safe than sorry.
Both parks do have grizzly bears and black bears that roam through, and no one wants to accidentally stumble on one of those on a hike.
Keeping bear spray with you at the ready when you’re on hikes and exploring around the parks is an important addition to your outdoor gear while you’re here.
Learn about the pros and cons of buying versus renting bear spray in the parks here.
Get the GuideAlong audio tour for the parks.
The Yellowstone and Grand Teton bundle of GuideAlong tours is inexpensive and indispensable for your time in the parks. We’ve used these for parks and road trips across the US, and the tours are always excellent and a great value for your money.
The tours don’t require WiFi once they’ve been downloaded, and the audio tour begins automatically as you come to points of interest. You’ll learn about history, geology, wildlife, and much more as you drive the beautiful roads of these parks.
5 Day Itinerary through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park
Since the parks are so close together, you may have considered if Yellowstone or Grand Teton is better.
Despite their proximity, both parks offer up unique experiences, and going to one does NOT mean that you’ve seen everything that both have to offer.
In the itinerary below, I’ve outlined everything you’ll need to hit the highlights of both parks within a short, 5 day window.
From suggested tours to overnight accommodations, this itinerary makes easy work of planning a seamless experience at these 2 incredible parks.
Day 1: Grand Teton National Park
Welcome to beautiful Wyoming!
On this first day, you’ll want to get started early to make the most of your short time here. If you’re flying in, try to arrive as early as possible. If you’re planning to arrive the night before you launch into this itinerary, stay in Jackson and use any extra time to pick up groceries.
NOTE: If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Jackson, either before or after this itinerary, I’d recommend the Cloudveil, which is beautiful and in the heart of the town. Read my full review of the Cloudveil here!
Sunrise in Grand Teton National Park
Start the day by heading into Grand Teton National Park for the sunrise. Enter via the Moran entrance station on Highway 191 to pay your entrance fee. This fee is good for 7 days and ONLY includes entrance to Grand Teton National Park, NOT Yellowstone, too. (That’s a separate fee.)
NOTE: If you plan on visiting 3 or more NPS sites—including national parks, national battlefields, national monuments, and national historic sites—I highly encourage you to get the annual America the Beautiful pass, which can save you money!
A rainbow captured from the Lower Willow Flats Overlook in Grand Teton
Sunset is when many of the park’s animals are active, and the light at this time of day is gorgeous.
Some of the best places near the Moran entrance kiosk for the sunrise are:
at Oxbow Bend on the Snake River (on John D. Rockefeller Highway)
at the Lower Willow Flats overlook on Highway 287
on the bridge over Jackson Lake Dam (on Teton Park Road)
All of these areas have dedicated parking.
Next, drive along the scenic Teton Park Road. While it’s hard, try not to stop at too many of the overlooks—we will have time for that later in the itinerary!
Jenny Lake Visitors Center and Inspiration Point Hike
With the Camping Kiddos on the Inspiration Point trail
Head to the Jenny Lake Visitors Center and grab one of the coveted parking spaces before the other park visitors show up.
For breakfast, I recommend getting one of the locally made cinnamon buns at the Jenny Lake Store, right next to the visitors center. These are delicious and can be heated up inside the store once you’ve purchased them. There’s also coffee, tea, and a variety of cold drinks.
Next, it’s time for your hike to one of the most iconic spots in the park: Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls.
This hike can be short or long, depending on your time outlay and hiking appetite this morning. You can shorten it by buying a ferry ticket across Jenny Lake, or add a few extra miles by hiking around the lake to the trailhead on the far shore.
Either way, the trail to Inspiration Point is beautiful and you can stop by Hidden Falls on the way. From the top of Inspiration Point, you can see far into the park.
See my complete Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hiking guide here.
From here, you can hike further into Cascade Canyon, but I would recommend waiting on that until you have time for a longer trip to Grand Teton National Park.
Moose, Wyoming
After exploring the Jenny Lake area, continue south on Teton Park Road. There are several more overlooks along this section of the road, so pull over if you see one that catches your eye.
[This is also where you’ll want to start your Grand Teton GuideAlong audio tour, which will tell you all sorts of fun facts about the different things you’re seeing!]
William Menor’s original home and general store at Menor’s Ferry
In Moose, head to the Menor’s Ferry area of the park. This is down Menors Ferry Road, off of Teton Park Road.
Here, you’ll find several historic buildings, including the pretty (and still in use) Chapel of the Transfiguration and the remnants of the Menor’s ferry crossing and store.
When William Menor set up shop here at the end of the 1800s, this place was wild and rarely visited. As Mormon settlers pushed west, the area slowly began to see more activity, and Menor set up both a ferry and a country store to help people get across the Snake River.
While you can’t go inside, it’s fun to poke around these old buildings to see what life would’ve been like for those hardy pioneers. Don’t miss the outhouse hanging precariously over the river banks!
Lunch with a view at Dornan’s!
Also in this area is the Maud Noble cabin, where Noble and other locals gathered to officially start the process of getting this land protected.
You can walk in and around her cabin to see what furniture and architecture was like back then.
At this point, you’ll have made a big loop around the southern half of the park, completing the park’s most scenic drive.
You’re also probably hungry at this point, so let’s pause in Moose.
Head over to Dornan’s Pizza and Pasta, which has some delicious meal options and a gorgeous view.
If it’s nice, sit out on the deck.
Otherwise, grab a table inside after you’ve placed your order at the window at the back of the restaurant.
Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve
After lunch, turn onto Moose Wilson Road. This area of the park is great for wildlife viewing, as moose, eagles, elk, and deer like to roam through the underbrush and marshy areas.
About 3 miles down this road, you’ll see a sign for the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve. This quiet park-within-the-park once was owned by the Rockefeller family, who left it to the NPS so that all visitors could experience this remote and untouched place.
There is a small parking area here for about 50 cars, and that’s done on purpose to keep the place private feeling. The visitors center is incredible and focuses on the visitors’ 5 senses on the property. My kids LOVED the small library, where you can sit and read by a roaring fire.
At the entrance to Laurance S. Rockefeller preserve
Go for a hike out to Phelps Lake, or explore on one of the smaller trails near the visitors center; both are among my favorite easy hikes in Grand Teton.
Plus, there are free kids’ backpacks that you can check out to help your little ones learn while you’re here.
NOTE: If you find yourself with more time on your hands this afternoon, and you want a short side trip in this part of the park, I highly recommend visiting Thomas Dambo’s Mama Mimi troll sculpture in nearby Rendezvous Park!
An Evening in Colter Bay
It’s time to head north to check into your accommodations while in Grand Teton National Park.
Follow Moose Wilson Road north until it intersects with Teton Park Road again, and then turn right onto John Rockefeller Highway. Continue on that highway through through the Moran entrance station again, and then go right when the road forks past Oxbow Bend.
Colter Bay Village will be on your left about 6 miles north of that fork in the road.
In Colter Bay, you’ll find a visitors center, laundry mat, small grocery store and gift shop, 2 restaurants, a campground, and an array of cabins.
The rustic and cute Colter Bay cabins!
I recommend staying in the cabins, which have a rustic feel to them while still having plenty of modern amenities like an en suite bathroom, heating, and coffee maker.
>> Read my full review of the Colter Bay Cabins at Grand Teton National Park here. <<
After you settle into the cabins, see what free programs are being offered at the visitors center, grab dinner at the restaurant, or shop for a new shirt.
OVERNIGHT: Colter Bay Cabins
Day 2: Grand Teton National Park
Ready for another day of adventure?
Rise and shine early as it’s time to see the Grand Tetons from a new perspective: a float trip on the Snake River!
Snake River Float Trip
While there are dozens of hikes that I could recommend in the park, I think that adding in time on the river that flows through—and helps shape—much of the park is a great way to vary your experience here.
There are several local outfitters who offer up these river float trips, which are great for all ages since there aren’t any rapids to speak of. The knowledgeable guides share history and trivia on the 2-4 hour river trips, making this an excellent way to delve more deeply in the park.
Incredible views await on the Snake River float tour
Some of the float trips include a snack or box lunch, so be sure to check the details before you book. If you get on a tour without food offered, you’re welcome to bring your own.
Read about our Snake River float trip and get tips on what to pack here!
If you don’t eat on the tour, grab some lunch when you’re done. You can return to the Dornan’s Pizza Past Company (the closest restaurant to the Moose drop point on the river tours), or run into Jackson for lunch.
It’s about 15 minutes to the town square from Moose; I recommend eating at The Bunnery in Jackson, which has a menu filled with freshly made sandwiches and delicious desserts.
Mormon Row
Either way, after lunch, it’s off to another park icon: Mormon Row.
The iconic barns and houses of this historic settlement have the incredible Teton mountains for a background, and it’s hard to get a bad photo here!
You can’t go in any of the houses, but wandering down the pedestrian pathway next to the homes and barns gives you a glimpse into the rugged but beautiful life that the original Mormon pioneers had here in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Just a few of the buildings along Mormon Row
Signal Mountain
From Mormon Row, we’re heading north again. This is the last time you’ll be in this section of the park, so if there are any overlooks you’d like to see, be sure to stop for a few minutes.
Head back up Teton Park Road, past Moose and Menor’s Ferry. A few miles after you pass the Jenny Lake area, you’ll see a sign for Signal Mountain on your right. Turn here and follow the road as it winds up Signal Mountain.
The lower viewpoint on Signal Mountain is one of my favorite places in the park.
There are 2 parking area near the peak, and I suggest getting out at both. The first you’ll come to has a small parking area, and you may need to park on the side of the road.
There are incredible views back over Jackson Lake all the way to the Teton mountains from here, and there are a couple of short hiking paths. The views here are my favorite in all of the park!
The second parking area is for the pinnacle of the mountain, and here, you can get uninterrupted views of all of Jackson Hole.
Leek’s Pizza
For dinner, you don’t want to miss out on a park staple: the delicious Leek’s Pizza.
This popular spot just north of Colter Bay has incredible pizzas with a variety of creative toppings, huge salads, calzones, and draft beer.
Try to get a table on the back porch, which offers up unbeatable views of the bay and the mountains.
A side quest while hiking the Lake Shore Trail in Colter Bay Village
Hiking in Colter Bay
To finish off your last day in Grand Teton, explore one of the hiking trails near the marina. The Lake Shore Trail has very little elevation gain and follows the shoreline.
The Hermitage Point Trail is another great option, but it is longer, so you might not want to start it so late in the day.
OVERNIGHT: Colter Bay Cabins
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park
Say goodbye to Grand Teton National Park as we head north into Yellowstone for our first day of adventure there!
Because Yellowstone National Park is so large (more than 2.2 million acres), and we only have 3 days here, we’ll be focusing on the lower of the 2 driving loops in the park.
Don’t worry, though: the lower loop has some of the most iconic spots in the park, and it’s a great overview for your first visit.
If you’d like to expand your stay in Yellowstone, you can check out my 10 days in Yellowstone itinerary, which adds on much more in all areas of the park.
Grant Village
Walking the shore at Grant Village early one morning
From Colter Bay Village, you have about an hour’s drive into Yellowstone today.
First, stop by Grant Village, which is the first area you’ll pass after going through the Yellowstone entrance closest to Grand Teton.
[NOTE: Remember, you’ll need to purchase a second entrance pass for Yellowstone as your entrance pass for Grand Teton won’t work here. This is also a good time to hit play on your GuideAlong audio tour for Yellowstone!]
Grant Village has a small convenience store if you need to stock up on any essentials, and a dining room if you still need to eat breakfast. The Grant Village Dining Hall has uninterrupted views of Lake Yellowstone, and it’s an excellent choice if you can hold off on breakfast until you get here.
Even if you don’t get breakfast here, stop and stretch your legs by walking on the pathway next to the lake, which is beautiful in the early morning light.
West Thumb
Next, continue to head north on Highway 287 towards West Thumb. This is only a few more minutes down the road, so keep a lookout for the turnoff.
While nearby Old Faithful gets a lot of the glory, don’t overlook the West Thumb geyser area. Here, you’ll find those beautiful multicolored hot springs that Yellowstone is known for, along with dozens of other springs in a myriad of colors.
The most famous hydrothermal feature at West Thumb is Fishing Cone, which is a steam vent nearly in Lake Yellowstone.
Walk the entire boardwalk loop, taking time to see all of the hydrothermal features here. There are even a few in the parking lot!
Kepler Cascades and Lone Star Geyser
Continue onto Grand Loop Road (Highway 287), turning left when the road forks.
Your next stop is Kepler Cascades, a beautiful waterfall on the Firehole River. There’s an easily accessible viewpoint if you want to make this a quick stop.
If you’d rather linger in this area, you can do the Lone Star Geyser Trail, which has a trailhead at the far end of the Kepler Cascades parking area. It’s a 3.5 mile round trip trail that takes visitors to a regularly erupting geyser.
Old Faithful Geyser Area
The Camping Kiddos at the Old Faithful geyser eruption
From here, Old Faithful is less than a 10 minute drive. Follow the signs for the exit to Old Faithful from Grand Loop Road.
This area has one of the highest concentrations of amenities in the park, so you’ll want to linger here.
Of course, don’t miss seeing Old Faithful erupt! You can check the NPS app for an approximate time of the next eruption.
There are multiple hiking trails to dozens of other geysers, and I’d recommend that you pick a few to do. You could also hike to nearby Mystic Falls or explore Black Sand Basin if you’d like to see more thermal pools.
There are also bike rentals at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge if you’d like a change of pace.
Stop by the visitors center to see one of the 3 park movies that rotate throughout the day, go shopping in the park store, and walk through the interpretive materials. There’s also a large ranger desk if you have questions.
There are a couple of food options here depending on your budget and time outlay. For a quick meal, check out the cafeteria-style dining at the Old Faithful Lodge. For something more upscale, the Old Faithful Inn has a great dining room.
When you’re ready to retire, head over to the Old Faithful Inn, which dates to 1903 and is one of the largest log cabin structures in the world. Cozy up by the huge fires and watch Old Faithful’s eruptions from the large windows.
OVERNIGHT: Old Faithful Inn
Day 4: Yellowstone National Park
After a restful night, it’s time to push further into Yellowstone. Note that there are few amenities inside the park for most of the day, so you’ll want to pack a picnic and/or snacks.
Grand Prismatic Springs
First up is the incredible Grand Prismatic Spring, which is every bit as bright as the online photos show. There are 2 ways to see the springs:
My dad and I at the observation deck on the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
you can do the short but enjoyable Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail (one of my favorite easy hikes in Yellowstone!), which allows you to see the colors more intensely from an overlook on a nearby hill, or
you can get closer via the Grand Prismatic Springs boardwalk.
If you have time, do both as each provides a unique perspective on this incredible geological feature.
For lunch, eat a picnic or head into nearby West Yellowstone, which is just outside the westernmost entrance to Yellowstone.
Norris Geyser Basin
Next, take the Grand Loop Road towards Norris Geyser Basin.
Before you get to the Norris Geyser Basin, stop to see the beautiful Gibbon Falls, which has 2 overlooks.
Just a few more miles down the road is the excellent Artists Paint Pots Trail, which includes red, blue, and green hot springs, and a field of bubbling mud pots. There are some beautiful views of the surrounding area from the top of the trail!
>> Read my complete Artists Paint Pots trail guide here. <<
Then, in the geyser basin, you can view the many geysers and mud pools via the boardwalk. The Norris Geyser Basin Museum is also worth about an hour of your time.
If you’re a museum geek, the Museum of the Park Ranger is less than a mile from Norris Geyser Basin and is an excellent glimpse into the history and daily lives of the people who keep the national parks running.
Canyon Village
The stunning view from the North Rim’s Brink of the Lower Falls trail
From Norris Geyser Basin, cut across the park via Norris Canyon Road to get to Canyon Village.
The Camping Kiddos with their new Junior Ranger badges at Canyon Village
Here, you can get a meal at the Canyon Fountain and Grill or cafeteria-style Canyon Eatery (the former is better in my opinion), learn about hydrothermal features in the park at the Interpretive Center, get a scoop of huckleberry ice cream at the General Store, or shop for a new souvenir.
When you’re ready to head out on your next adventure, explore the North Rim Drive to see stunning views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. There are several hiking opportunities along the way—just note the intense elevation change on some trails like the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail.
If you’d rather stick closer to the car, the Lookout Point overlook has the best views without the need for a big hike.
Check into your accommodations for the night at Canyon Village.
The Canyon Lodge is made up of 7 large hotel buildings that have large, clean, and modern rooms. I stayed here with my parents and kids on our most recent trip to Yellowstone, and these were some of the nicest rooms we experienced in the entire park.
If you’d like an incredible dinner option, you’ll need to travel about 35 minutes north from Canyon Village to Tower-Roosevelt near the park’s northeast entrance. Here, you can head to dinner on horseback, where you’ll experience a cowboy cookout as the sun goes down.
We did this on our recent summer trip, and it was one of the highlights of our experience! Read my full review of the Yellowstone Old West Cookout and Trail Ride.
OVERNIGHT: Canyon Village
Day 5: Yellowstone National Park
It’s your final day in Yellowstone, but there’s still plenty left to see and do!
Start your morning with breakfast from the Canyon Eatery, which has robust breakfast options, including pastries, cereals, eggs, bacon, waffles, and hashbrowns.
South Rim of the Canyon
The cascades from Artists Point on the South Rim
Pack up your luggage one last time, and let’s head out into the park.
Before you leave Canyon Village, drive the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. See if there is a free ranger-led walk along the South Rim, which is an educational and interesting way to learn more about this part of Yellowstone.
Even if you don’t have a ranger guide, the South Rim Trail between the Upper Falls View and Artists Point is stunning and well worth your time.
Hayden Valley and Wildlife Viewing
While you can see wildlife anywhere in the park, there are 2 areas that wildlife viewing is most likely to occur: Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley.
In our limited time in the park, you won’t make it to Lamar Valley, but Hayden Valley is conveniently located south of the Canyon on Grand Loop Road.
Deep roars and plenty of steam—there must be a dragon in here!
Patience is key to seeing elk, bison, swans, pronghorn, and even bears in Hayden Valley, so drive slowly and pull off onto the overlooks to gaze over the vast expanses. Seeing the herds of buffalo in the park are one of my favorite memories, and I hope you will get just as lucky.
Mud Volcano Area
On the southern end of Hayden Valley is another must-see stop. The Mud Volcano area has several remarkable hydrothermal features, including the bubbling mud volcano that’s slowly eating away at the nearby hillside, the stiny Sulphur Caldron, and the otherworldly Dragon’s Mouth Spring.
The latter is my favorite of all of the hydrothermal features in the park, as the steam deep within. a cave causes a deep roaring sound just like a dragon!
The Lower Boardwalk here has all of the features mentioned above, but there are several more, including the aquamarine colored Sour Lake on the Upper Loop that’s worth a trip if you have time.
Fishing Bridge
Stop for lunch at Fishing Bridge Cafe inside the General Store, where you can eat juicy burgers, grilled chicken strips, black bean burgers, and ice cream floats.
From here, continue south on Grand Loop Road until you get to Bridge Bay. If your schedule allows, sign up for one of the inexpensive but wonderful ranger-led boat tours on Lake Yellowstone. There are several offered each day, and you’ll learn about early tourism to the parks, the supervolcano under the lake, and the history of nearby Lake Yellowstone Hotel.
If you don’t have enough time to do that, or if the tours are full, park in the Bridge Bay parking lot, and hike to the Yellowstone Natural Bridge, which is about 3 miles roundtrip. Pick up the trailhead in the Bridge Bay parking lot on the side opposite the marina store.
Return to Jackson Hole Airport
Sadly, your time in this beautiful part of Wyoming is over, but, hopefully, you’ve gotten a taste of the adventures that await.
Head back to Jackson Hole Airport to return your rental car and board your flight home. From Bridge Bay, the Jackson Hole Airport is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes away, so leave plenty of time for that return trip.
