3 Day Itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are so close together — I mean, they share a border — so it makes perfect sense to see both of these parks during the same trip.

Grand Teton National Park stunned us with its beauty — it has incredible hikes and gorgeous lakes. And Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park. It’s famous for its Old Faithful geyser and other-worldly volcanic elements.

With two days in Yellowstone and one day in Grand Teton, you’ll have just enough time to see all the highlights. Here’s the perfect 3 day itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks this summer.

About Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has been enjoyed and visited for hundreds of years — first by Native Americans and then by European explorers, homesteaders, and eventually vacationers.

It’s famous for its mountains, lakes, elk migration, and historic Mormon Row buildings, all of which make it definitely worth a visit.

About Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone sits atop a supervolcano that erupted millions of years ago and some say may one day erupt again. It is known for its hydrothermal features — such as steam vents, hot springs, and geyser eruptions.

Did you know Yellowstone is home to over 500 geysers? And it actually holds 60% of the world’s geysers? That’s amazing.

Aside from its volcanic elements, Yellowstone also offers canyons, acres of meadows and forests, and miles of trails.

It’s a one-of-a-kind national park that draws people from all over the world. Expect crowds. Lots of them. (On average, Yellowstone attracts 4 million visitors a year.) But don’t be deterred by the busyness. Navigating through the hordes of people is absolutely worth it.

How to Get to Jackson Hole, the Starting Point

This itinerary starts at Jackson Hole, WY, the home base for visiting Grand Teton National Park.

If you’re not from the area, like us, and need to fly in, there are a few options.

Fly into Jackson Hole, WY

The closest airport is the Jackson Hole Airport, which sits right in between the town of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park (10-15 minutes either way).

Fly into Salt Lake City, UT

Flying straight into Jackson Hole, WY seems like the most logical option, but we ended up flying into the Salt Lake City International Airport, which is nearly 300 miles and a 5-hour drive away.

Why? Well, we had never been to Salt Lake City, so we liked the idea of staying a few days there, too. Also, we couldn’t find rental cars to reserve in Jackson Hole, which was probably due to the rental car shortage at the time (this was in 2021).

Driving from Salt Lake City through Idaho and parts of Wyoming was a beautiful drive, so I definitely don’t regret it.

Drive from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole, WY

If you end up following our route, starting/ending in Salt Lake City and driving through Idaho, here are three must-stop places along the way:

• Idaho Falls River Walk in Idaho Falls, ID — This was a really pretty walk along man-made waterfalls (in the middle of the city) and a great way to stretch your legs during the long drive.
• Japanese Friendship Garden in Idaho Falls, ID — This was such a cool hidden gem right across from the falls.
• Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, ID — It honestly inspired me to learn how a small, simple thing like the potato could change the world. A fun, little museum and you can even try an Idaho baked potato and/or potato ice cream (surprisingly good!) at the on-site cafe.

What to Do: A 3-Day Itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Day 1: Explore Grand Teton National Park

With only one day to spend in Grand Teton National Park, prioritize the best things to do.

There are plenty of things to do for several days (especially if you like hiking), but if you only have one day in Grand Teton, here’s how to spend it.

Rent a Can of Bear Spray

Before setting out on your Grand Teton adventure, consider renting a can of bear spray from one of the shops in town, such as Teton Backcountry Adventures. We got a can even though we didn’t end up needing it, but it gave my mom peace of mind during our hikes.

Teton Backcountry Adventures gave us a brief orientation on using bear spray before renting it to us, so it was good knowledge to have stored away for the future.

We were able to rent it for our time at Grand Teton and then keep it as we went to Yellowstone, returning it at a drop-off point once we were done with those two national parks.

Learn more about bear safety and bear encounters on the NPS website.

Hike to Taggart Lake

Length: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 360 feet
Difficulty: Easy

Taggart Lake is a must-do hike in Grand Teton National Park. It’s a 3-mile, gorgeous trail that ends at a beautiful, mirrored lake. It’s a fairly flat trail with only 360 feet of elevation gain.

It’s also a great introductory hike to Grand Teton National Park, allowing you to see the beauty of this national park.

On the trail, you’ll pass through beautiful woods, see mountain views, hop over rivers/streams, and of course end at the lake.

It is one of my favorite hikes ever, one my mom and I both said we wished we could do every morning.

I’d recommend hiking to Taggart Lake first thing in the morning so there aren’t as many crowds and you get your pick of the parking spaces.

Take a Boat Ride across Jenny Lake

The Jenny Lake area is the most crowded area of the park. By the time we finished our hike to Taggart Lake and made it here, all parking lots were full and we had to park on the street. It wasn’t a long walk from the street, so it wasn’t much of a problem. But just prepare yourself for the crowds.

There is a ferry that goes across Jenny Lake and costs $20 for an adult round trip ticket.

Why take the ferry? On the other side of the lake, there are a few trails. Without the ferry you would need to walk an additional two miles each way to reach these trails, so you save time and energy on the ferry.

The ferry departs every 15 minutes, and the line went pretty fast. Before we knew it, we were on the boat, enjoying the views of Jenny Lake.

You can also rent a canoe and do some canoeing on Jenny Lake!

Hike to Hidden Falls

Length: 1 mile
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy (though a bit steep in some parts)

Once you’ve made it to the other side of Jenny Lake, you’ll head out to the trails. The most popular trail is the hike to Hidden Falls. This is the hike we did. It’s an easy, 1-mile round trip hike with 300 feet of elevation gain. It can be a little steep at some parts, but it’s still rated as easy.

Your efforts will be rewarded at the end with views of an incredible, cascading waterfall. It was a surprisingly large waterfall, too, not a little trickle like I expected.

After you’ve finished hiking, you can head back to the dock at any time for your return boat ride.

Visit the Mormon Row Historic District

Mormon Row is a set of historic residences and barns that were built by Mormon homesteaders back in the 1890s. Mormons sent people out from Salt Lake City as pioneers to help expand and support their growing population. They settled here in what’s now known as Mormon Row.

The buildings still stand, and you can get very close to them, peek inside their windows, walk around their farms. No one lives here anymore, of course. By the 1950s, most of the homesteaders had sold their land to the national park.

It’s a beautiful, interesting area. The houses and farms are spread apart, and we enjoyed driving to a few of them and walking around.

Visit the Famous Four Sights in Grand Teton

The famous four sights in Grand Teton are:

• Schwabacher Landing
• Moulton Barns (Mormon Row)
• Snake River Overlook
• Oxbow Bend

Three of the sights don’t require much walking to reach the viewpoint, but the Schwabacher Landing viewpoint does require about a mile’s walk.

Day 2: Explore Yellowstone National Park

Starting Point: South Entrance (West Thumb)

This Yellowstone itinerary starts from the West Thumb region of Yellowstone National Park, which is the southern entrance, closest to Grand Teton National Park. It’s perfect for those first visiting Grand Teton National Park before coming to Yellowstone.

The drive from Jackson Hole to West Thumb is about 60 miles and takes about an hour and a half.

On the way, you’ll likely spot wildlife such as bison, bears, and elk. We sure did. So keep your eyes peeled!

Visit West Thumb Geyser Basin

Make your first stop in Yellowstone National Park the West Thumb region, next to Yellowstone Lake. When we arrived in the morning, not many people were here, but it was starting to get crowded. Get as early of a start as possible, wherever you begin your Yellowstone journey. The summer crowds are no joke.

Walk the West Thumb Geyser Basin Loop Trail

There is a less-than-a-mile, flat loop trail through and around West Thumb Geyser Basin. There are boardwalks that take you over colorful hot springs and steamy pools. (Always stay ON the boardwalks.)

It’s a beautiful part of the park, and a great introduction to the unique hydrothermal features of Yellowstone National Park.

There are several other hiking trails in the West Thumb area, including one that goes to an overlook of Yellowstone Lake.

Dining Options in West Thumb

Have a meal by Yellowstone Lake at Grant Village Dining Room or Grant Village Lake House Restaurant.

Visit Grant Visitor Center 

Head to Grant Visitor Center for park information, souvenirs, and more.

Visit Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful)

The Old Faithful region of Yellowstone National Park is the most popular area.

There is a large parking lot here, but all spots were taken when we showed up mid-to-late morning.

Parking can get a bit frustrating at Yellowstone, but just be patient. You’ll get a spot eventually.

An alternative idea is parking over at Biscuit Basin and walking over (which could be six miles, round trip).

Witness Old Faithful Erupt

Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. It’s not the largest or tallest, but it is the most predictable. It erupts about every 90 minutes, but the times vary. Usually there will be a board somewhere nearby with the day’s expected eruption times.

There are rows of benches set up in front of Old Faithful for people to sit and watch the show.

We arrived as Old Faithful was erupting and got to see it from the back of the audience.

We ended up staying an additional 90 minutes, getting lunch to go from Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria, and eating it as we saved our seats in the very front row. Seeing Old Faithful erupt again up close was a cool experience. If you’re willing to wait awhile, perhaps eating your lunch in the process like we did, it could be worth it.

If you’d like more of a bird’s eye view of the Old Faithful eruption, head up to Observation Point. It’s a half-mile trail with some switchbacks.

Dining Options Near Old Faithful

• Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge Geyser Grill
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room
• Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
• Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Explore Upper Geyser Basin and Geyser Hill

In Upper Geyser Basin, there are tons of colored pools and even more geysers. One square mile of Upper Geyser Basin has 150 geysers! And Geyser Hill contains 50 geysers. So you’ll see quite a few here, including Lion Geyser (which erupted just as we were passing by! photo proof below), Beehive Geyser, Plume Geyser, Grand Geyser, and many, many more.

Geyser Hill gets most crowded after an Old Faithful eruption as everyone leaves to come up here. It thins out just before an eruption so if you’ve already seen Old Faithful erupt, that would be a good time to go.

You can definitely spend a few hours walking around Geyser Hill and Upper Geyser Basin, especially if you decide to walk out to Biscuit Basin. If you do, you’ll lose most of the crowds. However long you stay in Geyser Hill, be sure to stay on the boardwalks for your own safety.

If you’re wondering how many of these geysers you can see erupt, well, not many. Most are irregular, but a handful do erupt often. For example, Lion Geyser erupts every 60-90 minutes while Little Cub and Baby Daisy erupt every 30-55 minutes.

Visit Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring)

Midway Geyser Basin is “midway” between the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. It’s a small area but it has some of the largest and most beautifully colored springs and pools.

Grand Prismatic Spring is a sight to behold. Don’t miss this spot! It was a bit hectic finding parking, but it’s definitely worth it. (It’s not really walkable from the Old Faithful parking lot, unfortunately.)

There aren’t many geysers and pools in Midway Geyser Basin. Four of the main, most accessible ones, include:

• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Excelsior Geyser
• Turquoise Pool
• Opal Pool

There’s a boardwalk that goes around these four main springs, and it doesn’t take long to see them all (20-30 minutes). Remember to always stay on the boardwalks, as these hot springs are hot enough to burn.

Hike to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone. When viewed from the ground, it’s hard to see just how large it is (bigger than a football field!).

If you’d like to get a bird’s eye view of it, head up to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. It’s a 0.6-mile hike (one way) from the Fairy Falls Parking Lot.

You can continue on the trail another mile to reach the Fairy Falls.

Visit Lower Geyser Basin (Fountain Paint Pots)

Full disclosure that we didn’t end up stopping in Lower Geyser Basin. We didn’t have the best stamina during our first trip to Yellowstone, and waking up at 5 a.m. every day, driving for hours, walking thousands of steps, really took a lot out of us.

This was also in 2021, after the pandemic, where we were stuck in our houses for months, so the lack of stamina is a bit understandable.

After visiting West Thumb, Upper Geyser Basin, and Midway Geyser Basin, we felt that we had got our fill of basins, and were okay not to see anymore, preferring to head back to the hotel for dinner and rest.

That’s not to say there’s nothing worth stopping for in Lower Geyser Basin. In fact, it looks really amazing and would be a great first stop if you’re entering Yellowstone from the west entrance.

I had plans to visit Lower Geyser Basin, and I’ll list some things to do below, but my plans didn’t end up panning out, and that’s okay. It’s something for us to do on our next visit.

The Fountain Paint Pots Trail is a half-mile trail along a boardwalk that goes over and around several hot springs, pools, geysers, and other hydrothermal features in Lower Geyser Basin.

Some highlights to see here include:

• Clepsydra Geyser
• Fountain Geyser
• Celestine Pool
• Leather Pool
• Silex Spring

Remember to always stay on the trails and boardwalks for your own safety.

Day 3: Explore More of Yellowstone National Park

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

On your second day in Yellowstone, venture out of the most crowded places and see what else Yellowstone has to offer.

Your first stop is Mammoth Hot Springs, and I’d recommend arriving bright and early before the crowds.

Mammoth Hot Springs contain amazing travertine terraces, which you can view from a boardwalk that goes around this area. Prepare to spend over an hour here as there is a lot to see and this area is mesmerizing.

If you spent the night in West Yellowstone, like we did, it will be a little over an hour drive to reach Mammoth Hot Springs. But it is a beautiful drive — and an incredible destination.

Visit Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is another hydrothermal area with a boardwalk trail in Yellowstone, featuring colorful pools and some of the hottest springs. It’s a great stopping point before heading to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (it’s on the way).

It could take anywhere from 30-90 minutes to explore this area, which includes such highlights as:

• Echinus Geyser
• Steamboat Geyser
• Crackling Lake
• Emerald Spring
• Pinwheel Geyser

Visit Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Lastly, don’t miss Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for incredible canyon views.

You can walk along the canyon rim or hike down the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail (0.7 miles) to get up close and personal with a raging waterfall.

It’s one of my regrets that I didn’t do the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail. I really wanted to do this hike, but as I looked down the trail at all of the people struggling to make it back up the steep climb, I knew I couldn’t do it. I should have gotten in better shape before coming to Yellowstone!

Ah well, there’s always next time.

Dining Options Near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Consider having lunch at the Canyon Lodge Eatery, a cafeteria in Canyon Village, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

There were a lot of options here, even vegetarian options, so definitely check it out if you visit the canyon during or around lunchtime.

Also in Canyon Village is the Canyon Visitor Education Center.

After the third day, plan on heading back home or to your next destination. We stayed one last night in West Yellowstone, MT, before hitting the road first thing the next morning.

More Things to Do in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

If you have more time to spend at Grand Teton National Park, check out the NPS’s list of hikes in the park and their other suggested activities for more ideas of what to do.

If you have more time to spend at Yellowstone National Park, you should definitely do some hikes. The NPS site lists a bunch of the most popular and recommended hikes in Yellowstone which are sure to fill your extra time with incredible memories. You can also spend some time looking for wildlife in Hayden Valley and/or Lamar Valley. For even more ideas of what to do, see the Yellowstone NPS site’s recommendations.

Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

There is lodging in the national park, but don’t worry if you can’t find any availability (we didn’t either).

There are also plenty of hotels in Jackson Hole, which is an easy driving distance to/from the park.

Hotels book up fast in Jackson Hole, especially in the summer, so try to book your lodgings as soon as you know your travel dates.

Where we stayed: We ended up staying at the 49er Inn, a motel that was one of the cheapest accommodations I found. It was perfectly fine — there was a pool and free buffet breakfast, so I really can’t complain.

Explore Jackson Hole, WY

Jackson Hole is a charming town with a lot of history.

Best of all — it’s very walkable. It’s very easy to walk to the Jackson Town Square and the nearby shops and restaurants (depending on where you’re lodging). You’ll see loads of people out, walking the streets, as well.

Once we parked our car at our motel we only needed it to drive into Grand Teton and back (Well, we also drove to the National Elk Refuge as it was on the outskirts of town).

Here are a few things to check out in Jackson Hole:

• Jackson Town Square
• Jackson Hole’s Elk Antler Arch
• National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
• Restaurant recommendations: The Bunnery, Cutty’s

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

Stay in Yellowstone National Park

Staying in Yellowstone National Park is the best option as you’ll be right in the middle of it all. Although, it can be very difficult to get a room in one of Yellowstone’s lodges unless you book months and months in advance.

I was planning my trip about five months out and couldn’t find any availability within the park for my summer dates. The competition is fierce. I wish you best of luck in getting a room here!

View all of Yellowstone’s lodges and search for a room here.

You might have better luck with camping if that’s your thing.

Stay outside the park in West Yellowstone, MT

The next best option is to stay in West Yellowstone, MT, which is only one mile from the west entrance of Yellowstone. There are a lot of different hotels in West Yellowstone, but most were booked when I was researching where to stay.

Where we stayed: We ended up getting a room at Yellowstone Lodge in West Yellowstone, MT, and it was perfectly acceptable. I don’t recommend the breakfast here (the bagels were dusty and moldy), but the rooms were fine.

Explore West Yellowstone, MT

West Yellowstone, MT, is a cute little town on the edge of the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s historically been the gateway to Yellowstone. From 1908 to 1960, people traveled by train to West Yellowstone during summer months.

Over the years, more and more shops and restaurants have been added.

We really enjoyed staying here, trying out different dinner restaurants, and walking about town.

Here are some things to do and restaurants to try in West Yellowstone:

• Running Bear Pancake House — Amazing breakfast spot
• Timberline Cafe — Try the huckleberry ice cream for dessert!
• The Branch Restaurant — Explore the historic train car on your way out.
• Smith & Chandler gift shop — Huge souvenir shop

Before You Go: Check Current Conditions

Always check the NPS website for current road and weather conditions before setting off to Grand Teton and/or Yellowstone National Park.

In 2022, there were record floods in Yellowstone that destroyed and shut down several roads for months.

Winter also brings lots of snow in both parks, so it’s important to stay updated on what’s going on at Grand Teton and Yellowstone to be prepared and avoid disappointment.

Make sure the park and its roads are open for your travel dates.

Entry Fees

It costs $35 per vehicle to enter Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, separately. Your entry is valid for one week at each park.

If you plan to visit more than three national parks in a year, definitely get an America the Beautiful pass to save money.

When to Visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Summer: Summer is the ideal time as the roads will be clear of snow and the weather sunny. The only downside is that there are a lot of crowds in summer. We went in July, and even though there were A LOT of people, we still enjoyed our time.

Shoulder Season: Going in shoulder season — May or September/October — may have less crowds. There also may be inclement weather (snow) in the shoulder season, so be prepared.

Getting Around: Will You Need a Car?

Yes, you will need a car to get around Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Sites are miles apart from each other (some even 20-50 miles apart). There are also no public shuttle buses in either park, at least none provided by the NPS.

Some private tour companies offer tours of Yellowstone and/or Grand Teton, but these come at a cost. See the NPS website for more information on private tours and getting around.

Map of Activities in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton

How many days to do Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

Yellowstone is such a huge park that you need two days to see the major areas. If you only want to see Old Faithful and a few pools, then one day will work. You’ll need another day to explore Grand Teton. All in all, you’ll need a bare minimum of two days, but preferably at least three days.

Is there a town between Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

Yellowstone and Grand Teton share a border so there is no town between them. The closest town to Yellowstone is West Yellowstone, MT, and the closest town to Grand Teton is Jackson Hole, WY. The two towns are almost three hours away from each other.

Can you enter Grand Teton through Yellowstone?

Yes, you can enter Grand Teton through Yellowstone and vice versa. There is a major highway that goes through both parks.

Which is better — Yellowstone or Grand Teton?

They are both such incredibly beautiful places, I really can’t choose between them. However, to answer the question another way: I would return to Grand Teton but I don’t think I’d return to Yellowstone.

How long to drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton?

The two parks share a border, so technically they are just a hop, jump, or skip away. But, if you’re wondering how long it would take to drive from the major area of Grand Teton (Jenny Lake) to the nearest major area in Yellowstone (West Thumb), the drive is about an hour.

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