Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: 8 Days of Epic Adventure

Welcome to the ultimate Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary for active travelers! This 8-day guide will take you through two of the most iconic national parks in the US, offering a perfect mix of thrilling hikes, serene wildlife moments, and scenic drives. Now, is there one single best way to organize a trip to these parks? Of course not! We’ve designed this well-paced Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary to maximize your foodie-driven hiking adventure. Read on to discover breathtaking daylong treks, mouthwatering BBQ joints, glamping under the stars, and more.

Overview

Starting at Bozeman Airport is strategic. It’s a large regional hub with frequent flights, easy car rental options, and quick access to Yellowstone’s less-crowded northern entrance. You’ll make your way through Yellowstone’s major highlights—geysers, canyons, and lakes—before transitioning to Grand Teton with minimal backtracking. Staying inside the park reduces driving time, while finishing in Jackson, with its top-tier (though perhaps overpriced) dining and lodging options, allows for a relaxed adventure to end your trip. Want more? There are plenty of opportunities for other activities – horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking, white water rafting, dude ranch stays, and photography tours to name a few. Whether you’re hiking past geothermal wonders or cruising along the 42-mile scenic loop, you’ll discover the best of both parks, balancing action-packed days with well-deserved relaxation. 

Safety is key when embarking on your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, as these parks can be both wild and unpredictable. First, make sure you’re well-prepared with the proper gear—comfortable hiking boots, layers for changing weather, and plenty of water. Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, especially in the higher elevations. Bear spray is a must for any hike—know how to use it and keep it accessible. Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance, and never approach or feed them. Equally important, follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash and litter, leaving the parks as pristine as you found them. I highly recommend the National Park Service app! It’s a high-yield source of useful up-to-date information like conditions, park alerts, interactive maps, and more.

Day 1: Arrival Hike and Settle In

Fly into Bozeman and pick up some supplies, including bear spray. After grabbing a quick lunch from the Low Key Sandwich Truck, hit the road toward Yellowstone. As of now you don’t need a park reservation – just buy your park pass when en route. Your first stop will be Norris Geyser Basin, where you can marvel at the colorful hot springs. Continue on to Mammoth Hot Springs before lacing up your boots for the Beaver Ponds Loop Trail (5.5 miles). Other options? Bunsen Peak Trail, Boiling River Hot Springs, Undine Falls, or Wraith Falls. Finish the day with dinner at Follow Yer Nose BBQ, and s’mores by the campfire at Under Canvas North Yellowstone. (if glamping isn’t your thing, check out Sage Lodge). 

Tour ideas: Sunset Wildlife Tour, E-Bike Tour
Stay: Under Canvas North Yellowstone or Sage Lodge

Day 2: Canyon Views

Dive deeper into Yellowstone’s natural wonders by visiting the iconic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Pick up breakfast at Yellowstone Perk on your way into the park, and head towards the South Rim where you’ll hike to Artist Point and the Clear/Ribbon Lake Trail (8 miles). Later, drive to Dunraven Pass for the challenging but rewarding Mount Washburn hike (7 miles), which offers panoramic views of the park. On your way to the lodge, check out the North Rim and Inspiration Point. Still have time? Pack a picnic and drive the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley for a private safari. Known as “America’s Serengeti,” this area is a haven for spotting wolves, bison, and more. After your adventures, settle in for the evening at Canyon Lodge and Cabins. 

Tour ideas: Grand Canyon Day Hike (choice of hike), Grand Canyon Rim Hike, Private Upper Loop with Wildlife Adventure, Private Yellowstone Wildlife Safari, Upper Loop Group Tour, Upper Loop Group Tour and Lamar Valley, Upper Loop Smaller Group Tour
Stay: Canyon Lodge and Cabins (inside the park)

Day 3: Yellowstone Lake

Today we’re headed to Yellowstone Lake! Start with a short hike on the Storm Point Trail (2.5 miles), followed by a visit to West Thumb Geyser Basin. In the afternoon, tackle the Elephant Back Mountain Hike (3.6 miles) for stunning views of the lake. Want more options? Check out Avalanche Peak Trail (4.5 miles) or the Yellowstone Natural Bridge Trail (3.1 miles) before wrapping up your day with a sunset picnic along Hayden Valley, where you’ll likely spot wildlife roaming the open fields. Return to Canyon Lodge for another cozy night.

Tour ideas: Yellowstone Lake Kayak Tour, Kayak Tour with Lunch, Kayak Tour with Lunch (smaller group), Sunset Kayak Tour
Stay: Canyon Lodge and Cabins (inside the park)

Day 4: Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring

It’s time to explore Yellowstone’s geothermal features. Head to Old Faithful early in the morning to beat the crowds, then spend the day wandering through Upper Geyser Basin, Black Sand Basin, and Biscuit Basin. The park service has a great app which also has estimated geyser timing. For a more active afternoon, hike to Fairy Falls (4.8 miles) and take in the breathtaking view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the overlook. Before dinner, drive through the scenic Firehole Canyon, and then settle into the historic Old Faithful Inn. Want to stay in West Yellowstone? Stop by the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, grab dinner at Firehole Bar-B-Que Co, and check out 1872 Inn.

Tour ideas: Geyser Hiking Tour with Lunch, Lower Loop Tour, Lower Loop Smaller Group Tour, Lower Loop Private Jeep Adventure, Lower Loop Private Tour
Stay: Old Faithful Inn (inside the park), 1872 Inn, or Golden Stone Inn

Day 5: On to Grand Teton  

Time to head to Grand Teton National Park. Take your time driving south, stopping along the park’s famous 42-mile scenic loop for photos of towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and wildlife. You can either explore the town of Jackson, join a sunset wildlife tour, or opt for a more intimate experience with a private boat ride and BBQ along Jackson Hole’s waterways (through Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures). No matter which option you choose, you’re in for a stunning evening. Want to stay in town? Try The Cloudveil or Hotel Jackson. Also check out the Amangani, just a few miles away! This will be your base for the next few days. 

Tour ideas: Sunset Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure, Grand Teton Bike Tour, Horseback Riding in Bridger Teton National Forest, Snake River Scenic Float Trip, Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Guided Fishing Trip
Stay: The Cloudveil, Hotel Jackson, or Amangani

Day 6: Sunrise and Lake Solitude

Wake up early to catch the sunrise at iconic spots like Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing. Then, head to Jenny Lake and take the first boat across the lake (starts around 7 AM) to begin your hike up Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude (15 miles). The views along this trail are some of the best in the park, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene alpine meadows. Remember to always check hiking conditions – snow lingers on Paintbrush Divide even into July! After such an epic day, unwind with dinner at Glorietta Trattoria, where the Italian fare and cozy ambiance will be a welcome treat.

Tour ideas: Sunset Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure, Grand Teton Bike Tour, Horseback Riding in Bridger Teton National Forest, Snake River Scenic Float Trip, Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Guided Fishing Trip
Stay: The Cloudveil, Hotel Jackson, or Amangani

Day 7: Death Canyon Trail

Fuel up with breakfast at Persephone Bakery before setting out on one of the park’s most challenging hikes: the 19-mile Death Canyon Trail. The trail takes you deep into the Tetons, with jaw-dropping views of alpine lakes and jagged peaks. Get cleaned up before grabbing a drink at Bin22 or Teton Tiger, and then check out Hand Fire Pizza.

Tour ideas: Sunset Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure, Grand Teton Bike Tour, Horseback Riding in Bridger Teton National Forest, Snake River Scenic Float Trip, Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Guided Fishing Trip
Stay: The Cloudveil, Hotel Jackson, or Amangani

Day 8: Delta Lake Trail

On our last full day let’s adventure into the heart of the Tetons—to Delta, Surprise, and Amphitheater Lakes. Starting from either the Lupine Meadows or Taggart Lake trailhead, the switchbacks will lead you through alpine meadows, serene waters, and breathtaking views. Finish out this fantastic Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary with a celebratory dinner at the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse. If you’re feeling up for it, skip the line to the bar after dinner for a drink before heading back to the hotel for your last night in Jackson.

Tour ideas: Sunset Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure, Grand Teton Bike Tour, Horseback Riding in Bridger Teton National Forest, Snake River Scenic Float Trip, Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Guided Fishing Trip
Stay: The Cloudveil, Hotel Jackson, or Amangani

And tomorrow? Time to get back to reality. As your incredible Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary comes to an end, savor those last views on your way to Jackson’s airport.  With its mix of hiking, wildlife, and relaxation, this 8-day adventure strikes the perfect balance for those seeking both thrills and tranquility in two of America’s most beautiful national parks.

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