Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Yellowstone & Grand Teton (Wyoming) is one of the United States' most rewarding destinations: Earth's greatest geothermal wonderland—Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, bison-filled Lamar Valley, and the jagged 13,775-foot Teton peaks.
Getting here and moving around is straightforward: Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC, inside Grand Teton National Park), Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN, 90 min to North Entrance at Gardiner), or Salt Lake City (SLC, 4.5–5 hrs drive). Once in town, rely on A rental car is mandatory across Yellowstone's 142-mile Grand Loop Road and Grand Teton's 42-mile Teton Park Road; buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass to cover both parks ($70 separate entry otherwise).
Neighborhoods & key areas
In-Park Yellowstone Lodges (Old Faithful Inn, Canyon Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel)
Operated by Xanterra (yellowstonenationalparklodges.com)—book 9 to 13 months in advance to avoid 2+ hour daily gate drives.
West Yellowstone, Montana & Gardiner, Montana
Closest gateway towns immediately outside the West and North park entrances.
Jackson, Wyoming & Jackson Lake / Colter Bay Lodges
Ideal base for Grand Teton National Park and the southern entrance to Yellowstone.
Top sights & experiences
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalks
Walk past the world's largest concentration of geysers including Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool, and Castle Geyser, plus the 1904 Old Faithful Inn.
Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
Hike the Fairy Falls Overlook Trail for the postcard aerial view of the rainbow thermophilic bacteria bands.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (Artist Point & Brink of the Lower Falls)
Watch the Yellowstone River plunge 308 feet—twice the height of Niagara—through golden hydrothermally altered rhyolite walls.
Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley Wildlife Safaris
Scan at dawn and dusk with binoculars for wild bison herds, grizzly and black bears, pronghorn, and gray wolves.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces & Norris Geyser Basin
Travertine limestone cascades in the north and Steamboat Geyser in the hottest thermal basin.
Grand Teton National Park: Jenny Lake, Schwabacher Landing & Oxbow Bend
Take the Jenny Lake shuttle boat to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point beneath the 13,775-foot Grand Teton.
What to eat
Rocky Mountain Bison Short Ribs, Burgers & Elk Chili
Ranch-raised Wyoming bison steaks and hearty game chili served in historic national park lodges.
Wild Huckleberry Ice Cream, Pies & Margaritas
Tart-sweet mountain huckleberries hand-picked at high elevation across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
Idaho & Snake River Cutthroat Trout
Pan-seared local river trout with wild rice and roasted root vegetables.
Chuckwagon Dutch-Oven Biscuits & Cowboy Coffee
Jackson Hole and Cody ranch-style barbecue dinners.
Where to stay by budget ($ USD)
Budget
$110/night — clean central hostels, 2-star motor lodges, and diner breakfasts.
Mid-range
$240/night — 3-to-4-star boutique or historic hotels in walkable neighborhoods (In-Park Yellowstone Lodges (Old Faithful Inn, Canyon Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel)).
Luxury
$520+/night — 5-star landmark hotels, national park lodges, and luxury resorts.
Getting there
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC, inside Grand Teton National Park), Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN, 90 min to North Entrance at Gardiner), or Salt Lake City (SLC, 4.5–5 hrs drive).
Getting around
A rental car is mandatory across Yellowstone's 142-mile Grand Loop Road and Grand Teton's 42-mile Teton Park Road; buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass to cover both parks ($70 separate entry otherwise).
Day trips & side trips
Beartooth Highway (US-212 to Red Lodge, Montana)
Called by Charles Kuralt 'the most beautiful drive in America,' climbing to 10,947 feet northeast of Lamar Valley (open late May–mid Oct).
Cody, Wyoming & Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1 hour east of Yellowstone's East Entrance for five Smithsonian-affiliated Western museums.
Snake River Scenic Float Trip (Grand Teton)
Calm wildlife raft trip past bald eagles, moose, and beaver dams with Teton views.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant months to visit Yellowstone & Grand Teton are Late May–Early October, when outdoor sightseeing and trail conditions are ideal. Reserve popular timed-entry tickets and national park permits 4–8 weeks ahead.