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Day 1: Arrive in Grand Teton – Explore Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake
- Morning: Arrive at Jackson Hole Airport or drive from Salt Lake City (5 hours). Check into Signal Mountain Lodge or a Jackson Hole hotel. Start with a scenic drive along the 43-mile Teton Park Road loop, stopping at Oxbow Bend Turnout for Teton views.
- Afternoon: Visit Jenny Lake. Take the shuttle boat ($18 round-trip) to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point (2-mile round-trip hike, easy). Enjoy lunch at Jenny Lake Lodge or pack a picnic.
- Evening: Drive to Mormon Row for sunset photos of the iconic barns. Dine at Jackson Lake Lodge’s Mural Room, offering Teton views.
- Tip: Book the boat in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Grand Teton – Hiking and Wildlife
- Morning: Start early with a horseback ride from Jackson Lake Lodge (2-hour Standard Ride, $80–$100). Ride through meadows to Emma Matilda Lake for Teton vistas.
- Afternoon: Hike the 7.5-mile Jenny Lake Loop (moderate) or the shorter Cascade Canyon Trail (5 miles round-trip from the boat dock). Look for moose near the lake.
- Evening: Drive to Schwabacher Landing for sunset photography. Dine in Jackson at Snake River Grill for upscale Western cuisine.
- Tip: Carry bear spray on hikes and stay alert for wildlife.
Day 3: Yellowstone – Old Faithful and Geyser Basins
- Morning: Drive 1 hour from Grand Teton to Yellowstone’s South Entrance via John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway. Stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake for colorful thermal features.
- Afternoon: Head to Old Faithful (30 minutes). Check eruption times at the Visitor Education Center and explore the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks (1–2 hours). Lunch at Old Faithful Inn’s deli.
- Evening: Visit Midway Geyser Basin to see Grand Prismatic Spring. Stay at Old Faithful Inn or a West Yellowstone hotel.
- Tip: Walk the Fairy Falls Trail (1.2 miles) for an elevated view of Grand Prismatic.
Day 4: Yellowstone – Grand Canyon and Hayden Valley
- Morning: Drive to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (1 hour from Old Faithful). Visit Artist Point for Lower Falls views and hike the South Rim Trail (3.2 miles, moderate).
- Afternoon: Explore Hayden Valley for wildlife spotting—bring binoculars for bison and elk. Lunch at Canyon Lodge Eatery.
- Evening: Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs (1.5 hours). Walk the terraces and stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or in Gardiner.
- Tip: Visit early or late to avoid midday crowds at the canyon.
Day 5: Yellowstone – Lamar Valley and Departure
- Morning: Head to Lamar Valley (1 hour from Mammoth) for dawn wildlife viewing. Look for wolves, bears, and bison. Stop at Tower Fall en route.
- Afternoon: Drive to the North Entrance (1 hour) and exit to Bozeman (1.5 hours) or loop back to Jackson Hole (3 hours) for departure. Alternatively, explore Mammoth’s historic Fort Yellowstone if time allows.
- Evening: Depart from Bozeman or Jackson Hole, or extend your trip with a scenic drive on Beartooth Highway.
- Tip: Allow extra time for traffic delays due to wildlife or road construction.
Notes
- Total Driving: ~300 miles over 5 days, mostly on scenic park roads.
- Cost: Expect $35/park entrance fee (or $80 America the Beautiful Pass). Lodging ranges from $150–$400/night; budget camping is $20–$50/night.
- Packing: Layers, hiking boots, binoculars, bear spray, and a physical guidebook (e.g., Fodor’s or National Geographic).
- Reservations: Book lodging and activities 6–12 months in advance for summer.
