Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Road Trip Guide

Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are located a short 50 miles from each other, connected by scenic Highway 287 in Wyoming. If you’re planning on visiting one of the national parks, you’ll want to make sure you plan to see both. 

I live just outside Yellowstone. Here’s a fun fact about living near the park: we use Yellowstone as a throughway. Forget freeways and rush hour traffic; here in Wyoming, we have bison jams and tourist jams. Anytime we need to drive west, it starts off with a 2-3 hour drive through Yellowstone National Park. These National Parks are my home, and I’m excited to share the places I love most. 

When you start researching a road trip through these parks, it can quickly become overwhelming. You could spend months here and not see it all. As someone who has spent years exploring the area, I've compiled my favorite places for the ultimate road trip guide. Each place listed below is linked to its exact coordinates, so saving it for your trip is as easy as clicking the link and saving it on your Google Maps.

Before your trip, you'll also want to download Google Maps offline, as much of Yellowstone National Park does not get service. To download maps, follow these steps:

1. Search 'Yellowstone National Park' on your Google Maps App.
2. Swipe up to view more information.
3. Select the three dots in the top right corner.
4. Choose 'download offline maps.'
5. Click download

Now you're officially ready for your road trip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton! Let's get started:

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Road Trip Guide 

You’ll want at least three days in Yellowstone National Park, with an additional 2-3 days minimum in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Where you start will depend on your entrance point. I’ll break this road trip guide up into four sections: 

1. Grand Teton & Jackson Hole 
2. Yellowstone National Park Lower Loop 
3. Yellowstone National Park Upper Loop 
4. Outside Yellowstone 

These four sections are highlighted on the map below: 

For anything listed in this guide, click the link for the exact Google Maps location or trailhead to save in your maps. 

1. Grand Teton & Jackson Hole 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, refers to the entire valley encompassing Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson. The town of Jackson is located roughly twenty minutes from the entrance of Grand Teton National Park. There are accommodations and camping options both in the town of Jackson and within the National Park. During peak visitor months, many hotels & campgrounds fill well in advance, so be sure to book early!  I would recommend staying at one of these areas: 

• Colter Bay Campground and Cabins
• Antler Inn 
• Gros Ventre Campground 
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson 
• Lost Creek Ranch 

Here is everything I recommend doing on this section of your trip.

String Lake: String Lake will get extremely crowded during the day, so much so that you won’t even be able to find a parking spot. However, once you see it, it’s easy to understand why. It’s an oasis for both tourists and locals with its crystal clear waters and sandy bottom. Go for sunrise at this pinned location, then stay through the morning to enjoy a Wyoming lake day. If you can fit it in your car, pack an inflatable paddleboard. Trust me, you’ll want it! 

Leigh Lake Hike: This is easily tacked on with String Lake, as the trailhead for the Leigh Lake hike is at the same parking area. This hike is an easy and flat, well-groomed trail that you can enjoy for as long as you wish. The entire loop is eight miles; however, those wanting to keep it shorter can turn around at the two-mile marker. Grizzlies don’t tend to hang out in this area, but a lot of light-colored black bears do! Most people who spot bears in this area think they are a grizzly because of their lighter color, but they are not. 

Jackson Hole Gondola: Situated near the town of Jackson, the Jackson Hole Gondola starts at the base of Jackson Hole Ski Resort and runs through the summer to the top of the hill. The views are stunning, and once at the top of the mountain, head inside Corbets Cabin to get some of the best waffles of your life! It’s $40 to ride the gondola, but for those on a budget, there is a hack. If you are up for a hike and want to save some money, if you hike to the top, the ride down is free!

Schwabacher Landing: An easy stop with draw-dropping views of the Tetons. I especially love this area during sunset. Moose are common in this area, and sometimes they hang out in the river for the perfect photo op. 

Colter Bay Picnic Area: My recommended spot for a mid-day picnic! The rocky beaches of Colter Bay are a stunning spot to enjoy some food, take in the view, skip some rocks, and slow down. The area is also a hot spot for wildlife, with lots of black bears, grizzlies, foxes, coyotes, and moose hanging around. 

Coffee at Jackson Lake Lodge: The Jackson Lake Lodge is an upper-class national park hotel situated on the banks of Jackson Lake. In the summer, the prices can exceed $500/night. Ouch! But, lucky for you, you don’t have to stay there to enjoy the views from its grand lobby. Once in the national park, there are very few places to grab a latte or quick breakfast-to-go, but the coffee kiosk in Jackson Lake Lodge is the perfect stop. Head into the main entrance and up the stairs; you’ll see the view and the coffee stand waiting for you! 

Delta Lake Hike: If you are an outdoor lover looking for a heart-pumping hike, Delta Lake should be top of your list! I’m sure you’ve likely seen pictures of the famed location online. However, this hike should only be for moderate and experienced hikers, as the elevation gain is no joke. It’s over 3000 feet of elevation gain in just a few miles. What makes it even more challenging is that it is not a trail maintained by the national park, and the last 900 feet or so require boulder hopping on an unestablished trail. If you do plan to make the hike, leave before sunrise. The later in the day it gets, the hotter and more crowded it becomes. 

Jackson Drug: In the main square of Jackson, there is a great little spot to stop in for a drink, ice cream, or lunch called Jackson Drug. It is, as you may have guessed, an old pharmacy turned into a trendy restaurant. It's no secret and definitely a bit touristy, but it's worth a quick stop. Get the huckleberry margarita, it's delicious!

Places to Skip in Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park 

Jenny Lake: The Jenny Lake visitor center is a madhouse in the summer. You will often see cars lining the road for up to a mile as overflow parking for the visitor center. We tend to avoid going to this section of the park unless we absolutely need to. There are so many other places around the park you can visit that are less crowded with the same stunning views. 

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. If you’ve heard of Jackson Hole, you’ve probably heard of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. My two cents: skip it. It’s overpriced & the only people in there with you will be other tourists and seasonal workers. It’s probably the furthest thing from an authentic Wyoming cowboy bar in the entire state. 

 

2. Yellowstone National Park Lower Loop 

For many locals, there are two sections of Yellowstone National Park, which are referred to as the Upper and Lower Loop. The Lower Loop is the southern section of the park and includes many of Yellowston’s most iconic spots, such as Grand Prismatic Hot Springs and Old Faithful. 

You’ll want 1-2 days in this area to see all of the best spots without feeling too rushed. For accommodation, I would recommend these spots:

• Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Lodge 
• Pahaska Teepee 
• Bridge Bay Campground 

Here is everything I recommend doing in the Lower Loop of Yellowstone:

Old Faithful: I’ll be quite honest and say Old Faithful is not my favorite place in Yellowstone. The crowds can be crazy! If you can, go to the earliest or latest eruption possible. The crowds mid-day compared to the later hours make a huge difference in how enjoyable the experience is. The Old Faithful Visitor Center does have the best gift shop, so make you stop for some souvenirs! 

Grand Prismatic: It’s best to see Grand Prismatic later in the day when it is warmer. Cooler temperatures create more steam, which makes it harder to see the bright, brilliant colors. The parking area can also be crazy, so be prepared to wait in line or park along the road if needed. 

Grand Prismatic Overlook: Just a mile down the road is the trailhead parking for the Grand Prismatic Overlook Hike. It’s an easy .6-mile round trip and ends at a jaw-dropping overlook view of Grand Prismatic Spring. A must! 

Lake Butte Overlook: Located on the far eastern section of the park, the Lake Butte Overlook is a quick stop that gives incredible views of Yellowstone Lake and the entire park. On a clear day, you can also see the Teton Mountain Range in the distance. A very cool perspective! It’s also the area frequented by Raspberry & Jam, two related grizzlies who call the Lake Butte area home. 

West Thumb Geyser Basin: One of my favorite geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park, West Thumb sits on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. It is a series of boardwalks around geysers, mud pots, and other thermal features. It should take about 20 minutes to walk around the entire area. 

Hayden Valley: This section of the park is one of the best places to see bison. We get into a lot of bison jams here, as they are often in the road or right next to it. Just PLEASE use a pull-off, and don’t be that guy who stops traffic for multiple minutes. You are allowed to park your vehicle and get out as long as you stay the required 25 yards (75 feet) from the closest one. There are plenty of places to stop, and all we ask is that you use them and be courteous to other park-goers. 

Pumice Point Picnic Area: Okay, this is my hidden little spot that I don’t want to share on the internet, but I am going to because other people deserve to enjoy it, too. Pumice Point Picnic Area is a random pull-off along the Lower Loop that doesn’t look like much, but walk a short distance from the parking lot toward the lake, and you’ll come upon picnic tables up on a bluff overlooking Yellowstone Lake. And normally, there is nobody there. It’s truly a place where you can slow down and feel like you have Yellowstone for yourself. 

Storm Point: A nice and easy 2-mile round trip hike along the shores of Yellowstone Lake that is one of my favorites. This area is popular for both bison and grizzly bears - so be aware! But don't be scared. As someone who spends the majority of her summer in the backcountry of Wyoming and has had many encounters with Wyoming wildlife, I'm here to tell you that 99% of the time, you will scare them more than they will scare you. It's a fantastic and quiet hike that is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs.

2. Yellowstone National Park Upper Loop 

The Upper Loop of Yellowstone National Park holds geyser basins, waterfalls, incredible hikes, and many unique features. You can do the Upper Loop in Yellowstone in one long day; just be prepared for an early wake-up! If staying in this area, I recommend staying in these locations: 

• Canyon Village 
• Tower Fall Campground 

Here is everything I recommend doing in the Lower Loop of Yellowstone: 

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: My favorite area of Yellowstone! The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is an entire region, and it is a must-see on your trip. Make sure you stop at Artist’s Point and Brink of the Falls. If you are looking to go on a hike, go to the North Rim Trail along the canyon. 

Mount Washburn: If hiking is your style, hike to the summit of Mount Washburn, a 7-mile out-and-back trail with a little over 1,700ft of elevation gain. It takes the average hiker roughly 3-4 hours to complete. From the summit, you can see the Yellowstone Wilderness for miles in every direction. It’s truly something! 

Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley is the wildlife hotspot in Yellowstone National Park. If you want the best chance to see grizzly bears & wolves, visit at sunrise or as early in the morning as possible. During the heat of the day, many of the animals become inactive, meaning dawn and dusk are your best chances to see them. Here, you have the chance to see nearly all of Yellowstone’s famed animals, including bison, wolves, grizzlies, and more. 

Norris Geyser Basin: One of the biggest geyser basins in the park. It takes about 1-2 hours to walk the basin, depending on which loop you take. If you are over geysers by this point, I would recommend skipping or doing the shorter loop. It is very cool, but some visitors get geyser fatigue after a few days! 

4. Outside Yellowstone 

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when visiting Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park is that they only visit the parks. There are so many incredible spots located just outside the boundary that are just as, if not even more, spectacular as some of the areas within the park. When you visit, don’t forget to take 1-2 days to visit places like Cooke City, the Beartooth Highway, and Cody. For your few days outside of the park, I recommend staying here: 

• Island Lake Campground 
• Chamberlain Inn 
• Fox Creek Campground 

Cooke City: Leaving out of the northeast entrance near Lamar Valley, you will immediately hit Cooke City, a small and rugged town in the middle of the mountains. It’s the least traveled entrance to Yellowstone because of the remote location, but it's worth a stop during your road trip. Get an ice cream at Stop The Car Trading Post on your way through! 

Beartooth Highway: Continuing north out of Cooke City, you can drive over the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic highways in the country that gets up to nearly 11,000ft. The highway is typically open from mid-June - October, so plan accordingly! It takes about three hours to drive from Cookie City to Red Lodge over the highway, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. (note: this road is not suitable for large RVs) 

Cody: Cody, Wyoming, is located near the East Entrance of Yellowstone and about an hour's drive from Red Lodge. If visiting the parks from the east, making Cody your first stop on your trip is easy, as it's likely already on your route! It’s the rodeo capital of the world, so definitely add that to your list! Besides the rodeo, you can hit up the Silver Dollar Cowboy bar for some beers or head over to Sitti’s Table, a local's favorite joint with delicious coffee and Eastern cuisine. Drive the Northfork Highway toward the east entrance of Yellowstone and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Many visitors don’t know this, but the highest concentration of grizzly bears is located around Cody & the Northfork area. 

Dead Indian Summit Overlook: The best sunset spot in the area, which is located about thirty minutes from Cody. Check the weather before you head up, as windy days make the overlook a little less enjoyable. From the top, see expansive views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains spanning as far as the eye can see. I often find myself driving up there on summer nights just to soak up the view! 

How Many Days Do You Need For a Road Trip Through Yellowstone & Grand Teton?

Based on the scale and distance required to travel and see all of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the surrounding areas, I recommend a trip of 5-7 days. Anything under five days means missing out on certain sections, which happen to be some of my favorite areas. You could easily spend up to twelve days in the area, but 5-7 days should give you enough time to see all the highlights. 

If you can check off everything on the road trip guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, props to you! I know there is a lot here. If I had to setup the perfect road trip itinerary for these national parks, it would look something like this: 

Jackson Hole & Grand Teton: 2 nights 

Yellowstone Lower Loop: 2 nights 

Yellowstone Upper Loop: 1 night

Outside Yellowstone: 2 nights 

This brings a grand total to 7 nights, which, if you are driving this far, seven nights should be minimum! If you have more time, even better! A 10-14 day itinerary I would plan out like this: 

Jackson Hole & Grand Teton: 4 nights 

Yellowstone Lower Loop: 2 nights 

Yellowstone Upper Loop: 2 nights

Cooke City: 1 night 

Red Lodge, Montana: 1 night 

Cody, Wyoming: 3 nights (one night in town and 2 nights at a ranch) 

Things to Remember on Your Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Road Trip 

When you road trip Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, there are some very important things to remember! Some of these may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many tourists break them every year. We call them tourons. 

How not to be a touron: 

Carry bear spray - Although grizzly bear attacks aren’t common, remember that this is grizzly country! If you plan to go hiking or head out into the backcountry, bear spray is a necessity. Also, avoid hiking alone if possible. 

Stay away from wildlife - It is the law to stay at least 25 years from bison, elk, & moose and 100 yards away from bears and wolves. Most injuries occur with bison, as many tourists get too close and they suddenly charge. Don’t be that person. 

Keep the flow of traffic going - seeing wildlife is exciting! But please don’t be that guy that stops in the middle of the road and creates a traffic jam. There are plenty of pull-offs where you can park and enjoy the animals without disrupting traffic. So many times, an animal sighting causes major backups, and by the time others get to the spot where the animal was, it’s long gone because everyone else stopped and blocked the road. If you can’t pull off, slow down, take a picture, and keep moving so others behind you can always enjoy the sighting. 

Explore more than just the pull offs - Yellowstone National Park has some of the most scenic hiking & backcountry spots, however 90% of visitors never make it more than a mile from a parking lot. 

Leave no trace - now, more than ever, our national parks need our help to keep our public lands clean. Carry a plastic bag or trash bag in your car for trash, and drop it off at one of the many wildlife-safe dumpsters that are frequent across both Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone.

Welcome to Wyoming, and enjoy your trip!