Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary

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The Ultimate 4-Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. These two parks are packed with jaw-dropping scenery, diverse wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities. This 4-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary covers the must-see highlights, plus some optional activities if you have more time or want to add a little extra adventure to your trip.

If you want to add even more to this trip, check out the trip we did last summer. We started at Glacier National Park before making our way to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It was truly amazing!

Where to Stay: Grand Teton National Park & Nearby

These hotel and lodge options have convenient locations to the best attractions. This will help you to cut down on driving time and maximize your time.

1. Jenny Lake Lodge or Signal Mountain Lodge (Inside the park) – A high-end, rustic lodges in the park. They provide easy lake access, beautiful views and convenient access to popular hiking trails.
2. Jackson Lake Lodge (Inside the park) – Offers stunning views of the Tetons and easy access to the northern part of the park.
3. Colter Bay Village (Inside the park) – Budget-friendly cabins and tent cabins right by Jackson Lake.
4. Teton Village (Just outside the park) – Has several nice hotels like Hotel Terra and Teton Mountain Lodge, plus dining options.
5. Jackson, WY – If park lodging is full, Jackson has great hotels like Rustic Inn and The Wort Hotel, but it does add drive time.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park & Nearby

We stayed just outside of Yellowstone, in West Yellowstone, and absolutely loved it. It was an easy drive into the park, plus it was a cute town to explore. We even went to their nightly rodeo one of the nights. So fun!

Best In-Park Lodging:

1. Old Faithful Inn – Iconic, historic lodge right next to Old Faithful. Book early!
2. Old Faithful Snow Lodge – A more modern option near Old Faithful, open year-round.
3. Canyon Lodge & Cabins – Centrally located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
4. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel – Great for exploring the northern part of the park.
5. Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins – Beautiful setting right on the lake.

Just Outside the Park:

• West Yellowstone, MT – Great for geyser basins; options include Explorer Cabins and Kelly Inn.
• Gardiner, MT – Good for the northern areas; check out Yellowstone Gateway Inn.
• Cooke City/Silver Gate, MT – Best for Lamar Valley wildlife viewing; try High Country Motel.

Day 1: Grand Teton National Park – Scenic Views & Wildlife Spotting

Start your trip in Grand Teton National Park, home to dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Below are some of the most famous spots in the park, but you can also check out these amazing hikes in the Grand Tetons if you want more options.

• Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing – One of the most photographed spots in the park. Arrive early to catch the Teton Range reflected in the still waters.
• Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls – Take the scenic boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for incredible views.
• Mormon Row & Antelope Flats – A great spot for photos, with historic barns and frequent bison sightings.
• Snake River Overlook – Made famous by Ansel Adams, this viewpoint is a must-stop for panoramic views of the Tetons.
• Optional Adventure: Horseback Riding – Several outfitters offer guided rides with breathtaking mountain views. Check out options near Jackson Hole or within the park. You can even do a ride with a cowboy cookout, which looked so fun. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available by the time I discovered this option. We had so much fun on our ride, though and even saw a moose and a fox while riding! I highly recommend booking a trip!

Dinner & Stay: Eat dinner at the Jackson Lodge and enjoy breathtaking views. You can stay the night there or choose from the other lodge options in the area.

Day 2 Itinerary: Grand Teton to Yellowstone – Geysers & Thermal Wonders

After a morning in the Tetons, head north to Yellowstone. Enter through the South Entrance and get ready to explore the world’s first national park.

• West Thumb Geyser Basin – A beautiful thermal area on the edge of Yellowstone Lake.
• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin – Watch Old Faithful erupt and explore the boardwalks to see other geothermal features like Grand Prismatic Spring.
• Grand Prismatic Overlook – Hike the short but steep Fairy Falls Trail to get an aerial view of the stunningly colorful hot spring.
• Midway & Lower Geyser Basins – Walk past bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and more geysers.

Dinner & Stay: Book a lodge or campground in Yellowstone’s Old Faithful area or in West Yellowstone for easy access to the next day’s sights.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone ItineraryDay 3:Wildlife & Waterfalls in Yellowstone

This day is all about Yellowstone’s northern highlights, where you’ll find stunning waterfalls and plenty of wildlife.

• Lamar Valley (Early Morning) – One of the best places in the park to spot wolves, bison, elk, and bears. Bring binoculars! This area is truly one of the most beautiful in the entire park.
• Tower Fall – A quick stop to see this picturesque 132-foot waterfall.
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Visit Artist Point for one of the most famous views in the park. Hike Uncle Tom’s Trail for a closer look at the Lower Falls.
• Mammoth Hot Springs – Explore the terrace-like formations created by mineral deposits.

When you’re done exploring the park for the day, there are plenty of restaurant options to choose from in West Yellowstone. Or you can dine at the lodges inside the park.

Optional Adventure:

• Rafting on the Yellowstone River – If you want some thrills, book a guided whitewater rafting trip near Gardiner, MT.

Day 4: Yellowstone – Thermal Features & Departure

For your final day, hit any spots you may have missed or take a relaxed approach to enjoying the park.

• Norris Geyser Basin – One of the hottest and most dynamic geothermal areas in Yellowstone.
• Hayden Valley – A prime spot for wildlife viewing, especially in the early morning or evening.
• Yellowstone Lake – A peaceful place to wrap up your trip with a lakeside picnic or short hike.

Have More Time? If you have an extra day or two, consider these add-ons:

• Hike Cascade Canyon (Grand Teton NP) – A stunning 10-mile hike with breathtaking mountain scenery.
• Yellowstone Lake Kayaking – Explore the lake from a different perspective.
• Beartooth Highway Drive – A scenic drive just outside the park with incredible mountain vistas.

Short on Time? If you only have 3 days, consider skipping Mammoth Hot Springs and focusing on wildlife and geysers. If you’re limited to just 2 days, spend one day in Grand Teton and one day in Yellowstone’s main geyser areas.

This Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary ensures you see the best of both parks while allowing flexibility for extra adventures. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife watching, or just soaking in the scenery, Grand Teton and Yellowstone offer an experience you’ll never forget! You can also check out my complete Yellowstone Travel Itinerary for more ideas of how to see it all.

Have you visited these parks before? Let me know your favorite spots! And don’t forget that your child’s 4th grade pass can get the entire family in for free. This is a great national park for kids!

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