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

Travelers from countries like the US, EU member states, UK, Australia, and New Zealand can typically visit visa-free for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program, requiring an approved ESTA. Canadian citizens are visa-exempt for up to 180 days. Indian citizens generally require a B1/B2 tourist visa. All visitors need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure date. Specific requirements vary by nationality, so always verify on travel.state.gov.

The parks are generally safe, but specific wilderness hazards exist. The main concern is wildlife; always maintain safe distances (100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from others) and never feed animals. Geothermal features in Yellowstone are dangerous; stay on boardwalks to avoid scalding water or fragile ground. Weather can change rapidly, with lightning common in summer afternoons, so be prepared for all conditions and seek shelter quickly if storms approach.

The only practical way to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is by private vehicle, as there is no public transportation within the parks. Renting a car from a nearby airport like Bozeman (BZN), Jackson Hole (JAC), Idaho Falls (IDA), or Salt Lake City (SLC) is essential for accessing all viewpoints, trailheads, and visitor centers. Be prepared for slow speeds due to wildlife and scenic stops.

A private vehicle pass for Yellowstone National Park costs $35 and is valid for 7 days. A separate private vehicle pass for Grand Teton National Park costs $35 and is also valid for 7 days. If visiting both parks, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for $80, which grants unlimited entry to all U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands for one year.

Cell phone reception in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is notoriously unreliable and often non-existent, especially outside major developed areas like Mammoth Hot Springs or Old Faithful Village. Even in areas with some signal, it can be weak and inconsistent. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies; download offline maps and information before entering the parks.

Absolutely not. Feeding any wildlife in Yellowstone and Grand Teton is strictly prohibited by federal law and carries significant fines. Feeding animals habituates them to humans, which can lead to aggressive behavior, injuries to visitors, and often results in the animal needing to be euthanized. Maintain safe distances and never approach or offer food to any animal.

You can stay inside the parks at lodges or campgrounds, which offer proximity to attractions but book up 6-12 months in advance. Alternatively, gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cooke City (for Yellowstone) or Jackson, Teton Village (for Grand Teton) offer more accommodation options, restaurants, and services, though they require daily driving into the parks.

The closest airports are Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) directly within Grand Teton, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) about 1.5 hours from Yellowstone's North Entrance, and Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) about 2 hours from West Yellowstone. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a larger hub, approximately a 4.5-5 hour drive to Grand Teton.