Your 7-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton, United States Itinerary

📅 Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton for full access to roads and services is from June to early October. Expect large crowds in July and August, especially around popular attractions like Old Faithful. Summer temperatures range from 18-28°C (65-82°F) during the day, dropping to 0-7°C (30-45°F) at night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and lightning risk. Shoulder seasons (May and late September/early October) offer fewer crowds, chances to see wildlife, and stunning fall foliage, but some higher elevation roads may still be closed due to snow, with daytime temperatures between 0-10°C (30-50°F).

Shopping across Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks blends practical adventure supplies with upscale Western-themed goods and local art. Expect higher tourist-town pricing in gateway towns like West Yellowstone and especially Jackson, Wyoming. While West Yellowstone offers park-themed souvenirs and regional crafts, Jackson boasts art galleries, upscale boutiques, and specialty food shops. Look for huckleberry treats, local art prints, and Western leather goods as top souvenirs throughout your trip.

• Always carry bear spray (available for purchase or rent in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Jackson Hole) and know how to use it, especially when hiking on any backcountry trail.
• Book all in-park accommodations for Yellowstone and Grand Teton at least 9-12 months in advance via YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com or GrandTetonLodge.com, as they sell out rapidly.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from bison, elk, and all other wildlife; use binoculars for close-up viewing.
• Stay strictly on designated boardwalks and marked trails around Yellowstone's geothermal features like Old Faithful; off-trail ground can be extremely hot, thin, and prone to collapse.
• Check the official NPS websites (nps.gov/yell, nps.gov/grte) or visitor centers daily for real-time road closures, which can occur due to snow (even in summer at high passes like Dunraven Pass) or wildlife.
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank whenever you see a station outside major park corridors (e.g., Old Faithful, Canyon Village), as services are sparse and distances between them are long.
• During summer, expect significant traffic delays ("bison jams") on park roads, especially between Madison Junction and Old Faithful, adding 30-60 minutes to travel times.
• In gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Jackson, make dinner reservations or plan to eat before 5:30 PM or after 8 PM during peak season to avoid 1-2 hour waits at popular restaurants.
• Purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass ($80 for annual access to all US National Parks) at any park entrance if you plan to visit multiple parks beyond Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

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  Bear spray (easily found locally)
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  Layers of non-cotton clothing (sweat-wicking)
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  Waterproof rain jacket and pants
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  Grippy waterproof hiking boots
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  Binoculars (wildlife viewing)
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  Wide-brim hat (high altitude sun)
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  Headlamp (early mornings, late evenings)
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  Insect repellent (mosquitoes/gnats)
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  Wool socks (hiking comfort)
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  Thermal base layers (cold mornings)
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  Physical park map (cell signal unreliable)
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  Insulated water bottle (hydration at altitude)