5 day itinerary to Yellowstone, Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park, is the world’s very first national park, and has been captivating visitors for over 150 years with its unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and geothermal wonders. The park is mainly located in Wyoming, but extends to Montana and Idaho, this natural treasure is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking for nature connection and daily life disconnection.
An out of this planet experience, exploring the most exotic and rare volcanic sceneries, mysterious mountains and distinctive wildlife. Breathe in unforgettable sunrises, clear waters, bonfires, hikes and glamping.
This savage escapade starts from Denver, Colorado to Wyoming going through Grand Tetons National Park and entering through the South entrance of Yellowstone National Park as our camp ground and base for the duration of the trip.
Day 1. Getting There.
While we drove from Denver, you can actually take a United flight into Jackson Hole, and rent a car from there. When visiting the Moulton Barns, I actually saw a plane traverse the Tetons Range and I would definitely do that next time just to have the experience of looking at those mountains in aerial view.
Also, we camped because that is our vibe and was the outdoor experience we were looking for, but if camping is not your thing, you could also opt to stay on lodges to potentially reduce daily driving times and help cover more territory. Or if you have plenty of time, then you could choose to move your campsite at least once.
We visited the area in September over Labor Day weekend. Camping spot arrangements were done 3 months prior to the trip in the official website of the park www.nps.gov for Grant Village, right next to the Yellowstone Lake. We literally set our alarms for the first day of reservations opening and guaranteed our space right away. Please note that this is a highly visited area so you must do reservations well in advance for any time of the year. There are several campgrounds you could choose from depending on the type of camping you would like to do, there are even designated areas where you could do ‘‘wild camping’’, meaning that there are no facilities around and you enter a deeper area of the forest.
Essentially, you can find anything you need around in terms of camping supplies, groceries, gas and souvenirs. Our campsite was set in a relatively private area with tall trees, and consisted of a bear box, a picnic table and bonfire; we brought our gas kitchenette, chairs, an oversized tent with twinkle lights, a working shower and it even offered a lawn area in the back for functional workouts (with a heavy watermelon we never ended up eating). I was accompanied by my amazing friends Andre, Tracy and Mike who are seasoned campers, avid adventurers and hardcore hikers. We had all the necessary equipment so that you could call our situation: glamping.
The facilities of the campgrounds were outstanding, very well maintained and clean. You could buy wood logs and starters for your fire. The bear box was incredibly convenient to store all our food items and not have to carry them around. Bathrooms were spacious and there was also a station to clean your dirty dishes. Central showers -if you don’t have a shower like we did- could be found on a 5 minute drive away and for a small additional cost.
We spent our days exploring around and at night we retired to our camp to enjoy our meals, listen to music and sit by the fire. One of the highlights of the trip and probably my personal favorite memory, was listening to wolves howl from the top of a mountain near our campground one night. This was the only night that rained, so I am guessing they were alerting the rest of the pack what was about to come down. It was really very magical, exciting and scary at the same time.
On our first day we drove about 9 hours only got there right before sunset and set up our little nature home for the next 5 days.
Camping below a sky full of stars, within deep woods, was really part of the charm, and highlight of the adventure as it truly emphasized the raw and untamed beauty of the park.
Day 2. Essential Must-Sees
We woke up early to the freezin’ cold and hopped on the car to start exploring this wonderful place. We had an SUV but you can really get around in any type of car as all roads are in great condition.
Old Faithful Geyser
Arguably the most famous sight in Yellowstone, Old Faithful is a geyser that erupts with regularity as its name describes. While not the largest geyser in the park, Old Faithful’s eruptions can shoot water up to 55 meters (180 feet) into the air, and it typically erupts every 90 minutes. You can see a predictive clock right next to it that features a display with an estimated eruption time. This is based on the most recent activity’s duration and interval.
You should plan staying in this site for at least a couple of hours; you can do hikes into viewing points and see about 20 other geysers, hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles through a really long boardwalk and trails.
After completing the loop we also swinged by the Old Faithful Inn, a good looking and classic accommodation where we got lunch and local beers. They have a famous main restaurant, a bar right next to it and also a grab and go store which included an ice cream shop; perfect to refuel to keep going on the road. This historic lodge, built in 1904, is a must-see, even if you’re not staying there. The architecture is unique, with massive stone fireplace in the middle of the lobby and intricate woodwork. Room rates for Deluxe rooms start around $600 USD and suite price range start at the $1,000 USD during this time of the year.
Grand Prismatic Springs
The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most photogenic spots within the park. With its vibrant rainbow colors it’s definitely a unique natural wonder. There are about 5 other beautiful geysers around it, the ones that stood out for me were the Excelsior, Opal and Turquoise Pool, you just go around a boardwalk and discover them all.
For an almost aerial view of this majestic site, you should definitely hike the Grand Prismatic Overlook trail. It is a somewhat short, easy walk and definitely worth it as you can really have a good look at those incredibly bright colors. Get there early to beat the crowds and avoid hot weather.
Day 3. Exploring the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of the park's most awe-inspiring and picturesque places. Carved by the Yellowstone River over millions of years, this immense canyon is home to some of the most stunning vistas, dramatic waterfalls, and vibrant landscapes you'll find anywhere in the world.
Our journey to this incredible place started with one of the best sunrises of my life in the Yellowstone Lake. It really looked like a sunset with bright orange and pink hues reflecting on the water, surrounded with mini geysers.
We got to the North Rim on the Brink of Upper Falls. This is a very chill walk from the parking to the first viewpoint; going a bit further, you can enjoy the river flowing on to the waterfall and take in the views from the top.
Next stop was Grand View, offers an expansive and sweeping view of the Yellowstone River as it cuts through the canyon. This vantage point provides a spectacular view of the canyon's vibrant, multicolored rock walls, which range from deep reds and oranges to softer yellows and browns.
We kept driving up to a Lookout Point which gave us a better perspective of the greatness of the canyon and then keep hiking down onto one of my favorite points: Red Rock Point, the overlook is named for the distinctive red rock formations that line the canyon walls, providing a striking contrast to the green of the forest and the turquoise waters of the Yellowstone River below. From here, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the Lower Falls, which plunges 308 feet into the canyon. The viewpoint also provides a unique angle of the falls, allowing for an up-close view of the waterfall's powerful flow as it tumbles into the deep gorge.
A short, moderate hike down a series of steps leads to the Red Rock Point overlook, where visitors can fully appreciate the grandeur of the canyon’s vibrant colors and rugged terrain.
Our last stop in the Canyon was Inspiration Point where you can see the Yellowstone River snaking through the canyon is one of the most peaceful and serene scenes in the park.
Also, there are several other cool spots you can visit in the South Rim like the Upper Falls Viewpoint and Artist Point.
You could easily spend weeks exploring the trails in the park and their vast offerings. On this occasion, we decided to explore the park by car to cover more grounds, but you can also hike all the loop out and make a true expedition out of it. The loop offers views of the Canyon and its living components from all different angles.
North and South Rim Trails: These trails follow the canyon’s edge and offer stunning views of both the Upper and Lower Falls. The South Rim Trail is a paved, easy walk with numerous viewpoints along the way, while the North Rim Trail is less traveled. For the more experienced hiker, both trails are perfect for exploring the diverse geology and ecosystems of the canyon.
The Cascade Lake Trail: If you're looking for a longer and more remote hiking experience, the Cascade Lake Trail takes you through forests and meadows. The trail offers fantastic views of the surrounding wilderness, making it a great way to escape the crowds.
Wapiti Lake Trail: For a challenging adventure, the Wapiti Lake Trail winds through forests and offers some of the best views of the canyon from more secluded angles. The trail’s difficulty and remoteness make it an ideal option for those who want to experience the canyon away from the regular main viewpoints.
For more information on open hiking areas at the time of your visit, stop by the Canyon Backcountry Office in the Canyon Visitor Education Center so you can get the most current status as sometimes trails close due to wildlife activity.
Tower Falls
Our original plan was to hike Mt Washburn, which is the highest summit in Yellowstone at 3,166 meters (10,453 ft). The Mount Washburn trail is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) round-trip, and the summit provides allegedly one of the best vantage points and panoramic views of Yellowstone. Unfortunately the trail was closed due to high bear activity and we could not make it happen.
Continuing our journey into a different part of the park, we arrived at the Tower Falls. Nestled in the northern part of the park, this stunning 132-foot waterfall is framed by rugged cliffs and surrounded by the park's iconic wilderness. The falls are named for the "towering" rock formations that rise above them, creating a striking contrast to the rushing waters below. Is the story of two rocks: easily eroded rocks and rocks that are resistant to erosion. Behind it, there is a very one-of-a-kind street, all formed in rocks and surrounded by mountain goats.
I would only recommend to visit the viewpoint and skip the hike down.
There is also a very cool convenience store here, selling very cute souvenirs, coffee and even bison meat if you are into that sort of thing.
Mammoth Springs
Later, we returned to the loop going up North to Mammoth Hot Springs this is one of the park's most iconic and otherworldly destinations. This stunning geothermal area features cascading terraces of mineral-rich hot springs, intricate formations of limestone, and vibrant pools of turquoise and orange. The surreal beauty of Mammoth Hot Springs is a must-see, offering an unforgettable combination of natural wonders, history, and the chance to keep experiencing Yellowstone’s geothermal activity.
These springs are carpeted by a color palette of billions of microorganisms living and prospering amid gases and heat. Some scientists study these thermophiles and their habitats to determine whether other worlds support life. Learning about the kinds of evidence to search for in their quest to find life beyond Earth.
For a closer look at the terraces, take one of the boardwalks or hiking trails that wind through the hot springs area. These walking paths give you a chance to really immerse yourself in the landscape and see the details of the formations up close.
Mammoth Springs is also a small town and a good stop for lunch and drinks.
Day 4. Jackson Hole & Grand Teton Village
Originally, this trip was organized to happen around Mike’s birthday, so we took one day out of our glamping situation into a somewhat more refined experience, as I often like to include, even in my outdoor adventures.
We drove South to Jackson Hole around 1 hour from our camp site to explore the Wild West. Jackson Hole is a fun cowboy town filled with souvenirs, carriages, tradition, art galleries, jewelry shopping, renowned brand stores and cool coffee shops.
After strolling for a while around town, we headed to Grand Teton Village, which is a ski resort home to the Four Seasons. There are shops, restaurants, a tram, gondolas, a climbing wall, and a downhill bmx trail. The original plan was to have a beer right next to the slopes at The Handle Bar, but we decided to take the gondola early and visit the top of the mountain for a sunset view. We made a reservation at Piste Mountain Bistro, which is a fine dining experience with an inspiring scenary. Pro tip: when you have a reservation at the restaurant, the gondola is free. You could also hike all your way up to the restaurant but that could take you around 4 hours.
We hanged out in the deck while having some drinks and enjoyed the breathtaking landscape. There are some nights of the week when they have live music so it really becomes a spectacular and quite special dinner plan.
Our reservation came on time, and we were delighted with a great meal and mixology cocktails. There was the usual weird meats offering, but this time presented in a very sophisticated way. Plant based options were not on demand, but they successfully accommodated my dietary preferences.
Day 5. Grand Teton National Park
About two hours away driving from Yellowstone National Park, you will find Grand Teton National Park which is a hikers paradise and a true adventure destination. Hiking, multi-day backpacking, rafting and rock climbing are available on this beautiful destination.
The scenery is truly imposing and mountains look almost sinister but so compelling, specially with rainy weather. The good formed peaks when covered with clouds can also have a volcano look
We parked at the trailhead of the Taggart Lake Trail and started our hike. This popular trail leads to two glacially carved lakes. We did the full loop which included Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake for about 3 hours.
The first part of the hike leads you along the west side of Taggart Lake, giving you beautiful glimpses of the water and the Teton Mountains looming in the distance. The reflections in the lake are breathtaking.
As you progress along the loop, the trail starts to climb more significantly, bringing you higher up the hillside. Here, you’ll get more expansive views of the surrounding area—the lake below and the jagged peaks of the Tetons rising dramatically to the east. The higher you go, the more you’re able to see the vast expanse of the valley.
The trail also takes you through alpine meadows and areas with wildflowers.. The sense of remoteness here is one of the best parts of the trail, and its what I am always looking for —while not entirely isolated, the area feels quiet and untouched, with minimal crowds.
After the climb, the trail starts to descend toward Bradley Lake, another small but gorgeous alpine lake. The water here is the clearest. You’ll get a sense of peace as you walk alongside the lake, and it’s a great spot for a break if you’re ready for a rest. Here you will find a little bit more people as the rocks make a great space for picnics.
From Bradley Lake, the trail takes you back toward Taggart Lake, completing the loop. This section was a bit easier, with more gradual downhill walking. Throughout the whole journey, you never lose sight of the amazing mountains.
On this area, besides hiking you can also enjoy rock climbing and biking.
For climbing or mountaineering It is recommended that you visit the Jenny Lake Ranger for details on current open routes. And biking trails are available for Jenny Lake, Moose Lake and the Jackson community pathways.
Other cool points to stop by during your visit:
Snake River Overlook
Moulton Barns
Hidden Falls
Oxbow Bend
After an intense day of hiking, it was time to re-energize and get lunch. We stopped by at the Signal Mountain Lodge & Marina a lakefront accommodation for burgers and beers at The Trapper Grill. The restaurant is rustic yet inviting, with a cozy and laid-back atmosphere that complements its breathtaking natural surroundings. Situated near Jackson Lake, the restaurant offers stunning views of the Teton Range, and the large windows bring the outdoors in, making you feel connected to the landscape while still being inside.
The interior is warm and rustic, with wood, stone accents, and a mix of leather and wooden furnishings, giving it a classic lodge feel. There’s a roaring fire in the hearth, adding to the welcoming, mountain-chic atmosphere.
The staff is friendly, and the best service we experienced in the whole trip. Overall vibe is casual but with a touch of elegance.
At the lodge’s store I found a few treasures, some classic camping items that seemed to be like designer style, a set of very special journals and a few collection magnets.
Know before you go
Vehicle entrance is $35 USD for 7 days per park.
Wake up early and take advantage of the day, you will not only be able to discover more, but you will also avoid crowds.
In terms of outfits, make sure you bring a couple of good hiking shoes and layers, layers, layers. We experienced extreme temperature changes: below 0 °C (32 °F) and above 30 °C (86 °F) on the same day.
Keep your distance from wildlife and follow all the authorities recommendations. If you are camping make sure you use the bear box for all your food at all times and use the designated area to wash dishes. Never approach animals or feed them.
Stay on the trails and boardwalks. The park’s geothermal features (like geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles) are not only beautiful but also dangerous.
Be careful with your hat, wind can blow it off leaving it in the middle of a hot spring, this cannot be good for the environment as it represents pollution and once its blown you will not be able to retrieve it.
Something I did not expect was that there is little to none cellphone signal. It is a great way for disconnection, but this is something I would have liked to be prepared for.
Stay hydrated and bring snacks, you may not be able to find a store for miles.
Leave no trace.
As in all mountain adventures always tell someone where you will be at and how long it will take. If possible, share your live location.