7 Days Yellowstone, USA Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary focuses on experiencing the best of Yellowstone National Park on a moderate budget. It balances iconic landmarks with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and enjoying the park's unique geological features, while keeping costs in mind.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
The best time to visit Yellowstone is from late May to early October when all park roads and facilities are generally open
Activities
28
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Moderate
Yellowstone is a unique destination offering unparalleled geothermal landscapes, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural beauty. From geysers and hot springs to vast forests and pristine lakes, it's a park that caters to nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 10 must-have experiences
The Geothermal Spectacle (Earth's Living Breath)
Day 1: Old Faithful Geyser
The Wildlife Corridor (A Wild Kingdom Encounter)
Day 3: Drive to Hayden Valley
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (A Painted Gorge)
Day 1: Arrive at West Yellowstone Entrance
The Historic Lodge Grandeur (A Step Back in Time)
Day 1: Dinner at Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria
The Backcountry Immersion (A Hike into Wilderness)
Day 2: Fairy Falls Trail (Optional)
The Waterfall Wonders (Nature's Cascading Art)
e.g., Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River
The Park Ranger's Lore (An Educational Deep Dive)
Day 7: Depart from Yellowstone
The Starry Night Sky (An Astronomical Canvas)
Day 5: Drive to Lamar Valley
The Riverside Retreat (A Peaceful Waterway Escape)
e.g., Yellowstone River (fishing, scenic views), Firehole River Swim Area (seasonal)
The Roadside Vista (A Panoramic Pull-off)
e.g., Golden Gate Canyon, Dunraven Pass Overlook
Yellowstone's food scene is heavily influenced by its location in Wyoming and Montana, offering hearty, American-style cuisine. While fine dining within the park is limited, surrounding towns provide a wider variety of options. Expect to find plenty of meat-centric dishes and comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes
A leaner and slightly sweeter alternative to beef, bison burgers are a staple in the region. Try it with classic toppings or a local twist like huckleberry barbecue sauce.
📍 Restaurants in Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs
Elk is another popular game meat known for its rich flavor and tenderness. Often served grilled or pan-seared with flavorful sauces.
📍 Fine dining restaurants in West Yellowstone and Jackson Hole (day trip)
Freshly caught trout is a local delicacy. Look for it grilled, pan-fried, or smoked. Ask about the daily catch!
📍 Restaurants near rivers and lakes, especially in West Yellowstone
Huckleberries are a tart, wild berry native to the area. This pie is a must-try dessert, often served warm with ice cream.
📍 Bakeries and cafes in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City
Food Neighborhoods
Variety of restaurants, from casual to fine dining, catering to tourists.
Gateway town with a mix of local eateries and tourist-oriented restaurants.
Small, rustic town with limited but charming dining options, often serving comfort food.
Offers a wider range of dining experiences, including steakhouses and Western-themed restaurants (requires a day trip).
Vegetarian options are available but limited. Vegan options are even scarcer, so it's best to check menus in advance. Gluten-free options are becoming more common, but always confirm with the restaurant. If you have severe allergies, inform the staff clearly before ordering. Packing some snacks is a good idea, especially for those with specific dietary needs.
Tipping is customary, generally 15-20% for good service. Casual dress is acceptable in most restaurants. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak season.
Old West Days
MayCelebration of the Old West in nearby Cody, Wyoming, may affect lodging availability.
Cody Stampede Rodeo
JulyOne of the largest rodeos in the United States, held in Cody, Wyoming. May affect lodging availability.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at West Yellowstone Entrance.$35
1:00 PM - Arrive at West Yellowstone Entrance
Enter the park through the West Yellowstone entrance. Purchase a 7-day park pass ($35 per vehicle).
Book on Klook - 🚗Drive from West Yellowstone Entrance to Old Faithful Geyser (approx. 45 minutes).FREE
2:00 PM - Old Faithful Geyser
Visit the Old Faithful Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin. Check the eruption prediction times at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Explore the surrounding boardwalks to see other geysers and hot springs, like Castle Geyser and Grand Geyser.
Book on Klook - 🚗Short drive from Old Faithful Geyser to Biscuit and Black Sand Basins (approx. 5-10 minutes).FREE
5:00 PM - Biscuit and Black Sand Basins
Drive north to Biscuit and Black Sand Basins. These smaller basins offer unique geothermal features like Sapphire Pool and Emerald Pool. The boardwalks are relatively short and easy to navigate.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Biscuit and Black Sand Basins to Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria (approx. 5-10 minutes).$15
7:00 PM - Dinner at Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria
Enjoy a casual dinner at the Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria. Options include burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Budget around $15 per person.
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West Yellowstone
Convenient access to the park's west entrance and a variety of lodging and dining options.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Yellowstone is from late May to early October when all park roads and facilities are generally open. Summer (July-August) offers the warmest weather and full access but sees the largest crowds. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer fewer crowds, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities (especially newborn animals in spring and the elk rut in fall), but with cooler, more unpredictable weather and some road/facility closures, especially early or late in the season. Winter (November-March) provides a unique, quiet experience, primarily accessible by snowmobile or snow coach.
Summer in Yellowstone brings warm days and cool nights. Expect clear skies and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures can fluctuate greatly, so pack layers.
Summer is the peak season in Yellowstone, characterized by warm weather and full access to park facilities.
July 4th (Independence Day) is a major holiday that can cause increased crowds and traffic.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$200-400 (depending on location and time of year)Accommodation
$350-700 (camping or budget lodging)Food
$175-350Activities
$75-150 (entrance fee and optional tours)Pack a cooler with your own food, snacks, and drinks. Dining options within the park are expensive and limited; bringing your own supplies can save a significant amount.
Consider camping within the park or staying in more budget-friendly accommodations in gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody, rather than the higher-priced park lodges.
If you plan to visit multiple U.S. National Parks within a year, purchase an 'America the Beautiful' annual pass ($80) instead of paying individual park entrance fees.
Invest in a guided wildlife tour with an experienced naturalist. This enhances your chances of spotting elusive animals and provides valuable educational insights into the park's ecosystem.
Treat yourself to a night or two at one of Yellowstone's iconic historic lodges, such as the Old Faithful Inn or Lake Yellowstone Hotel, for a unique and immersive experience.
Visit during the shoulder seasons (late April/May or late September/early October) to experience fewer crowds and potentially find lower prices on accommodations, while still enjoying abundant wildlife and good weather.
- Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife (25 yards from bison/elk, 100 yards from bears/wolves) and never feed animals. Respect their natural habitat.
- Stay strictly on marked boardwalks and trails in geothermal areas. The ground can be thin, and the scalding hot water can be deadly.
- Fill your gas tank whenever possible, especially before entering the park, as gas stations are scarce and spread out within the park. Carry extra water and snacks.
- Dress in layers. Yellowstone's weather can be highly unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating significantly throughout the day and sudden changes from sun to rain or even snow, regardless of the season.
- Stop at visitor centers upon arrival for the most up-to-date information on road conditions, trail closures, wildlife sightings, and ranger programs.
- Book accommodations inside the park (lodges, campgrounds) 6-12 months in advance, especially for summer visits, as they sell out very quickly.
- Be prepared for limited to no cell service in many parts of the park. Inform family and friends of potential communication difficulties.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially when hiking at higher elevations.
- 1Layered Clothing (moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layers, waterproof/windproof outer shell)
- 2Sturdy, Waterproof Hiking Boots (broken-in, with good ankle support)
- 3Rain Gear (waterproof jacket and pants)
- 4Bear Spray (and knowledge of how to use it; can be rented or purchased nearby)
- 5Binoculars (for wildlife viewing from a safe distance)
- 6Sun Protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen)
- 7Reusable Water Bottle and Water Filter/Purification Tablets
- 8Small First-Aid Kit (blister treatment, pain relievers, basic wound care)
- 9Insect Repellent (especially for mosquitoes in summer near water sources)
- 10Camera with Zoom Lens (for capturing wildlife and landscapes from a distance)
Park Accommodations (lodges or campgrounds)
Book 6-12 months ahead for summer, 3-6 months for shoulder seasons. They sell out rapidly.
Rental Car
Essential for exploring the vast park. Book several months in advance, especially for peak season, as availability can be limited.
Flights
Book 3-6 months ahead for best prices and availability, particularly for peak travel times.
Park Entrance Pass
Purchase an 'America the Beautiful' annual pass online or at the gate if visiting multiple national parks; otherwise, a 7-day Yellowstone pass. Can save time at the entrance.
Guided Tours (e.g., wildlife, winter snowmobile/snow coach)
Book several months in advance, especially for popular tours or during peak seasons, as spots fill quickly.
Bear Spray
Research rental or purchase options. Essential for hiking safety. Purchase upon arrival or rent from outdoor stores.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores in larger cities before entering the park (e.g., Bozeman, MT)
📍 GlocalMe website or Amazon. Device rental required.
WiFi is available in most hotels and lodges, but speeds can be slow and unreliable, especially during peak season. Some cafes and restaurants in surrounding towns offer free WiFi. Don't rely on consistent WiFi access, particularly within the park itself.
Useful Apps
Download offline maps before entering the park, as cell service is spotty. Consider purchasing a portable power bank to charge your devices. Inform your accommodation about your arrival time if you expect to need WiFi immediately. Be prepared for limited connectivity and enjoy the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Yellowstone is generally safe, but be aware of wildlife and follow park regulations. Carry bear spray when hiking.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Yellowstone is from late May to early October. Summer offers the warmest weather, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Winter is unique but requires snowmobile or snow coach access.
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