The short answer
A week is the sweet spot for seeing both parks without rushing. Drive south through Yellowstone’s geyser country to Grand Teton, spend a full day among the Tetons, then come back north through Hayden Valley, Canyon and Lamar Valley before finishing in Paradise Valley.
The plan
Day by day
Day 1
90 mi · about 1 hr 45 min
Bozeman to West Yellowstone
Drive US-191 through Gallatin Canyon with a lunch stop in Big Sky.
- Pullouts along the Gallatin River.
- Lunch in Big Sky.
- Optional detour to the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center on US-287 (adds about 45 minutes).
Overnight: West Yellowstone
Day 2
About 70 mi round trip
Geyser country
A full day among the world’s densest collection of geysers.
- Grand Prismatic Spring early, before the lot fills.
- Old Faithful, Biscuit Basin and the Upper Geyser Basin.
- Firehole Lake Drive, a short one-way loop.
Overnight: West Yellowstone
Day 3
About 110 mi · 3 hr with stops
South to Grand Teton
Leave Yellowstone through the South Entrance and arrive at Jackson Lake by afternoon.
- West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shore of Yellowstone Lake.
- The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway.
- Oxbow Bend at sunset.
Overnight: Colter Bay, the Jackson Lake area or Jackson
Day 4
About 60 mi of park roads
A full day in Grand Teton
The Tetons are best seen from the water, the sagebrush flats and a short hike.
- Jenny Lake shuttle boat and the Hidden Falls trail.
- Barns of Mormon Row.
- Schwabacher Landing for reflections.
- Evening in Jackson Town Square.
Overnight: Jackson or Grand Teton
Day 5
About 130 mi · 3–4 hr
North to Canyon via Yellowstone Lake
Re-enter Yellowstone and follow the lake and river north.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Fishing Bridge.
- Hayden Valley wildlife.
- Artist Point at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Overnight: Canyon Village
Day 6
About 100 mi
Lamar Valley and Mammoth
An early wildlife drive, then the terraces and out through the North Entrance.
- Lamar Valley at dawn.
- Tower Fall.
- Mammoth Hot Springs terraces.
Overnight: Gardiner
Day 7
80 mi · about 1 hr 30 min
Paradise Valley home to Bozeman
Finish with a soak or a long lunch on the way home.
- Hot springs in Paradise Valley.
- Lunch in Livingston.
- Return the van in Belgrade.
Overnight: Home in Bozeman
By van
Tips for this trip
- Yellowstone and Grand Teton charge separate entrance fees; an annual America the Beautiful pass covers both.
- Book Grand Teton lodging and campgrounds early — it fills as fast as Yellowstone.
- Check WYDOT and NPS road status for the South Entrance early or late in the season.
- Use lower gears on long descents and pullouts to let traffic pass.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need separate passes for Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
Each park charges its own entrance fee. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers both parks and is often cheaper for a week-long trip. Check current prices on the NPS sites before you go.
Can I fly into Jackson instead?
You can, but this itinerary starts and ends at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which usually has more flights and lets you pick up your van in Belgrade.
Places on this trip
Plan each stop
Yellowstone
West Yellowstone
Read the guide →
Yellowstone
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Read the guide →
Beyond Montana
Grand Teton & Jackson Hole
Read the guide →
Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Read the guide →
Yellowstone
Lamar Valley
Read the guide →
Paradise Valley