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

Discover the unique, dynamically changing terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, formed by hot water rising through limestone. Walk the boardwalks of both the Upper and Lower Terraces to see the colorful mineral deposits. This activity fulfills the "Yellowstone's Geothermal Wonders" must-have and the "nature" interest.

"This was incredibly cool to see. We stopped to see the Northern part of Yellowstone while traveling through Montana. Everything about Mammoth Hot Springs was great. We saw wildlife, the springs, the Roosevelt Arch on the way into the park, and walking the platforms over the springs was really great. If you are trying to decide what to do while at Yellowstone this should be high on the list."— Kevin Sealy

Embark on a scenic drive through Lamar Valley, often referred to as the "Serengeti of North America," renowned for its abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for large herds of bison, elk, and potential sightings of wolves and bears, especially during the late afternoon hours. This activity fulfills the "Iconic Wildlife Viewing Hotspots" must-have and the "wildlife" interest, while the vast landscape covers "nature".

"Lamar Valley was the most adventurous part of our Yellowstone trip! It truly felt like stepping into a real-life wildlife documentary. Seeing animals roaming freely in their natural habitat — not in cages, not behind fences — was thrilling and unforgettable."— Bhuviksha

Witness the powerful Upper Falls, a precursor to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Enjoy scenic viewpoints and feel the spray of the water.

"Gorgeous! The Falls is so pretty. It was flowing pretty heavily when we visited. Not too far of a walk down, but if there is ice, it can be slippery going down to see it. There are some stairs, so caution should be taken."— MoCan

Hike down to the very edge of the powerful Lower Falls, offering an incredible and immersive perspective of the canyon and the roaring waterfall. This short but steep trail provides a unique adventure.

"Absolutely stunning — this is one of the must-see stops in Yellowstone. The Brink of the Lower Falls trail is short, easy to follow, and takes you right to the edge of a 308-foot waterfall. You can feel the power of the water as the entire canyon opens up in front of you. The walk back up is a bit of a workout with those switchbacks, but it’s completely worth it for the view. If you’re not up for the hike, no problem — there are two excellent viewpoints right by the parking area that offer incredible angles with almost no walking. Great for families, quick stops, or anyone short on time. Travel tip: Go early for better parking and the best light on the canyon walls. The colors glow in the morning. If you’re planning a visit and have questions, feel free to comment — always happy to help fellow travelers."— Atlas Wildwood

Capture iconic views of the Lower Falls and the vibrant colors of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from this famous viewpoint, offering one of the park's most spectacular vistas.

"A must stop in Yellowstone. Very impressive view of the canyon and waterfall. It may seem crowded, but there's many different lookout points and places to take pictures, so crowds move and clear quickly."— LeWayne Ballard

Drive through Hayden Valley, renowned as a prime location for spotting large herds of bison, elk, and possibly bears and wolves in their natural habitat. This valley is a wildlife haven.

"This overlook is one of many as you pass through Hayden Valley but has a much higher view of the valley. It is on the east side of Grand Loop Road and is a small pullout with several interpretive displays. We consider it a prime wildlife viewing spot with expansive views of a vast, marshy valley where, depending on the time of year and time of day, you can see bison, elk, bears and other wildlife. The valley before you was formed from an ancient lakebed and is a central location to see local wildlife, especially at dawn or dusk."— Thomas B

Witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful, a predictable geothermal geyser that has captivated visitors for centuries. Explore the surrounding geyser basin boardwalks.

"It's a bit of a hike into potential bear territory, and you'll need to time it correctly to see Old Faithful when it actually erupts, but does provide a clear albeit far view of the eruption"— D Cha

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's largest hot spring, known for its vibrant, rainbow-like colors created by thermophilic bacteria. Walk the boardwalk for stunning views.

"One of Yellowstone’s most iconic wonders — and the largest hot spring in the United States. Grand Prismatic is famous for its unbelievable colors and massive size. Why it's special: - A perfect rainbow of deep blue, green, yellow, orange, and red created by heat-loving microbes. - So large that you can’t appreciate its full beauty from the ground level alone. Highlights: - Boardwalk View: You walk right beside the spring, feeling the heat and seeing the intense colors up close. The steam often has a blue tint — very surreal. - Grand Prismatic Overlook: A short hike from the Fairy Falls parking lot takes you to the viewpoint where you see the entire spring from above — the best way to experience it. - Midway Geyser Basin: Also includes Excelsior Geyser Crater and other colorful thermal features. If you're visiting Yellowstone, this is one of the absolute must-see attractions — breathtaking and unlike anything else in the world."— Amin Sameni

Embark on an easy to moderate hike to Fairy Falls, a beautiful 200-foot waterfall. The trail also offers a panoramic view of Grand Prismatic Spring from an overlook.

"One of the best paths we walked in the park! The Fairy Falls trail offers the perfect mix of scenic views, peaceful forest, and an absolutely stunning waterfall payoff at the end. The trail starts with a gradual, easy walk through lodgepole pine and open clearings - classic Yellowstone vibes. It’s a great spot for wildlife (bear spray recommended!), and there’s a certain quietness along the way that makes it feel like you’re really out there. Fairy Falls itself is breathtaking - 200 feet of rushing water tumbling down a sheer rock face. It’s powerful, misty, and makes for an ideal snack or rest stop. Bonus: if you keep hiking a bit further, you’ll reach Imperial Geyser, a lesser-known thermal feature that’s colorful, active, and often totally uncrowded. This part is not super easy, but if you can balance across a log you will be fine. Overall, this easy walk/hike offers variety, beauty, and a peaceful escape from the more crowded boardwalk areas. A must-do if you want a little adventure off the beaten path!"— Whitney Leach

Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure through the scenic canyons of the Yellowstone River, experiencing thrilling rapids and stunning natural views. This activity fulfills the 'adventure' interest.

"Wow! This was an amazing experience while we were out visiting Yellowstone. The overall vibe of Gardiner was just perfect. While at the Yellowstone Hot Springs, a local highly recommended Makenzie for our scenic tour guide. We were lucky enough to get her for our raft tour the very next day! We were on the raft with an adorable and inspirational older couple and their dog, Bear. Kenzie let my kids steer the raft and let us jump in the water a couple times. She was super friendly and personable. We saw fabulous wildlife and she was very knowledgeable about them all. Thanks for an excellent, and calm adventure in Gardiner! This will forever be a core memory for us!"— Kara Brant

Experience the awe-inspiring dark skies of Yellowstone, far from urban light pollution. Look for constellations, planets, and the Milky Way, a perfect way to appreciate the park's natural beauty after dark. This activity fulfills the 'nature' interest.

"This was incredibly cool to see. We stopped to see the Northern part of Yellowstone while traveling through Montana. Everything about Mammoth Hot Springs was great. We saw wildlife, the springs, the Roosevelt Arch on the way into the park, and walking the platforms over the springs was really great. If you are trying to decide what to do while at Yellowstone this should be high on the list."— Kevin Sealy

Enjoy a final opportunity to spot bison, elk, or other wildlife along the shores of Yellowstone Lake as you drive south through the park.

"It lived up to the hype entirely! Old Faithful that famous geyser is so wonderfully predictable! The waterfalls are heavenly! We personally loved Mammoth (check out the local icecream and wildlife) and also secret Hot Spring adventures by night! The Terraces are not to be missed they look like a very expensive, melting wedding cake! Everything in the Park is constantly shifting and changing! Note: if you’re coming from the south (Jackson), you’ll enter through the South Entrance. The drive along Yellowstone Lake is serene, and worth a picnic stop. It’s quite busy but quite lovely! When you drive around the park keep an eye out for Bison Jams, they have the right of way, and they are quite aware of it! A wonderful experience throughout!"— Marie

Embark on a serene float trip down the Snake River, offering stunning Teton views, peaceful nature, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including eagles and moose.

"I was little nervous booking this as I'm a big guy and mid 60's but glad I did it. Had no troubles and it was a beautiful experience. The guide did a great job and was informative without being too yappy. Only issue is no bathroom for at least 2.5 hours. The bus driver that picked up our group was also friendly and informative. The views and experiences are breathtaking."— Daniel Scheetz

Capture the iconic picturesque barns of Mormon Row, with the majestic Teton Range as a stunning backdrop. This historic area offers incredible photography opportunities.

"Visited the beautiful Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park, and it truly felt like stepping back in time. ⏳ The old wooden barns standing proudly against the stunning Teton Range are simply breathtaking! 🌄 It’s amazing to imagine how the early Mormon settlers built their lives here, surrounded by such wild beauty. 🪵🐎 📸A perfect blend of history, nature, and peace — no wonder it’s one of the most photographed spots in Wyoming! ❤️❤️"— novera Hossain

Drive along the picturesque Teton Park Road, a designated Tier 1 must-have experience. Stop at various pullouts and viewpoints to admire the iconic Teton Range, including breathtaking vistas of Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake. This leisurely drive offers numerous photo opportunities and short walks to scenic spots.

"This is likely a very stunning drive with lots of potential for wildlife sightings. The only issue I had was there was a lot of smoke, and so it was very difficult to see the mountains. Try not to go in the fall when that seems to be the time for most forest fires."— Bronwen Thomas

Take a scenic drive along Antelope Flats Road, a prime wildlife viewing location. This area is known for its wide-open sagebrush flats where herds of bison, pronghorn antelope, and elk are frequently spotted, especially during the late afternoon.

"Perfect roadside stop with jaw-dropping Teton views! What an incredible spot! My wife and I pulled into Teton Point Turnout and were immediately blown away by the stunning, unobstructed views of the entire Teton Range. This is one of those roadside stops that makes you slam on the brakes because you just have to see it up close! The turnout offers some of the clearest, most dramatic views of the Grand Tetons you’ll find anywhere. No hiking required - just pull over and feast your eyes on those magnificent granite peaks rising straight up from the valley floor. The scale and grandeur is absolutely mind-boggling when you see it in person. What makes this spot so great is how accessible it is. Plenty of parking, easy access right off the main road, and multiple vantage points to take in the view. We spent a good 30 minutes here just soaking it all in and taking photos from different angles. Every shot looked like a professional landscape photograph! The signage and information panels help you identify the different peaks, which really adds to the experience. It’s educational and awe-inspiring at the same time. Perfect for stretching your legs during a scenic drive and getting that perfect Teton Range photo. Honestly, this might be one of the best “bang for your buck” viewpoints in Grand Teton - incredible scenery with zero effort required. Don’t drive past this one! 📸🏔️⭐​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​"— Danny Veiga

Embark on an immersive early morning drive through the Moose-Wilson Road. This scenic route offers prime opportunities to spot moose, elk, and various bird species as they are most active during dawn in diverse habitats, setting a perfect start to your day.

"This is likely a very stunning drive with lots of potential for wildlife sightings. The only issue I had was there was a lot of smoke, and so it was very difficult to see the mountains. Try not to go in the fall when that seems to be the time for most forest fires."— Bronwen Thomas

Drive to the Jenny Lake area and embark on a moderate trail. You can opt for the scenic Jenny Lake boat shuttle across the lake or hike along its shore to reach the trailhead. The path leads to the picturesque Hidden Falls and culminates in panoramic views from Inspiration Point, offering both adventure and stunning natural beauty.

"The views here are unbeatable: the lake, the mountains. Hiking trails are easy and not crowded in October."— Hubert N

Transfer to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) for your flight home to New York, NY. Please allow ample time for rental car return (if applicable), check-in, and security procedures.

"As far as airports go, this one is absolutely beautiful. It has such a calm, relaxing vibe and really makes you feel like you’re still part of the Jackson Hole experience. Its claim to fame is being the only airport located in the middle of a National Park (Grand Teton), and it genuinely feels special. There are plenty of charging outlets for your devices, plus a warm and welcoming fireplace that just adds to the atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and security was smooth and stress-free. Tip: if you’re visiting in winter, bring something warm for boarding and exiting the aircraft, you’ll definitely feel that Wyoming cold! 🥶 I can’t wait to come back through this airport again!"— Shane J