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One Day in Grand Teton: How to see the Parks Major Highlights

Laura — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:06:10 +0000

One Day in Grand Teton Itinerary: String Lake

One Day in Grand Teton: How to see the Parks Major Highlights

Grand Teton is one of the most underrated National Park in the US and a must on any American Road Trip. It is home to astonishing backdrops, scenic lakes and world-class hiking trails. The park is also one of the best places to visit for those looking to catch a glimpse of the captivating wildlife. Yet, even with all these wonderful features the Teton’s still remains under the radar compared to its famous neighbour, Yellowstone National Park. If you happen to be in Wyoming, I recommend spending at least One Day in Grand Teton National Park. I promise it is a must on anyone’s US Bucket List.

Before we dive into our Grand Teton One Day Itinerary, let’s first discuss a few points you need to know before your visit.

Do I Need to Rent a Car to Visit Grand Teton?

While renting a car is not essential in order to explore the Beauty of the National Park. I’d definitely advise doing so when possible. Those who have access to their own vehicle will have a lot more time to explore on their own accord. And I promise you will want to stop A LOT when driving through the Tetons. Expedia offers competitive car rentals that are located in Jackson Hole Airport (the nearest airport to the Tetons).

Are there any organised tours around Grand Teton?

If you don’t want to drive, don’t worry, you can still experience the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. There are plenty of organised day tours that sort out your transport on your behalf.

Just be careful as not all tours include the entrance fee into the park. For example, this tour picks you up from your accommodation in either Jackson Hole or the Teton Village. However, the ticket price does not include admission.

This full-day tour, however, picks you up from the same locations, includes admission into the park, many beautiful stopping points and a boat ride across Jenny Lake. In my opinion, this particular tour is much better value for money.

You can also take part in a Wildlife Spotting Tour. Again, this tour does not include admission, however, the main focus is on wildlife. Which I must admit would be a pretty cool experience to have an expert bring you around the park.

How do I get to Grand Teton?

There are two main ways to reach the National Park, by car or plane.

Many decide to combine both Grand Teton and Yellowstone into one road trip. If you plan to do the same then you will enter the park via the Moran Entrance. On the other end of the park lies the Moose entrance.

There are 3 airports in and around Grand Teton.

The closest airport is Jackson Hole, which is quite literally located in the Teton Range. Flights into Jackson can be a little bit on the pricy side, however, in my opinion, it ways out of the other options which are long driving routes.

The nearest Airports next to Jackson is Salt Lake City which is a 5-hour drive and Denver which is an 8-hour drive away. Don’t forget to check out Skyscanner for competitive flights.

Is it free to enter Grand Teton National Park?

Unfortunely, entrance into the National Park is not free. In fact, it ranges depending on your vehicle type and the purpose of your visit. Below is a sample of the most popular entries.

No entrance fee is charged for the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway.

Grand Teton Private Vehicle Fee: $35.00

Grand Teton Motorcycle Fee: $30.00

Grand Teton Hiker/Biker Fee: $20.00

These fees allow you to stay for a total of 7 days.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US – Purchased Stock Photography from Depositphotos

Where is best to stay when visiting Grand Teton?

There are two towns near in and around the National Park, the Teton Village and Jackson Hole. I personally stayed in Jackson Hole and loved it. It’s a lovely spot to walk around, admire the surrounding mountain views and go for a few drinks on the town at night. Below are some places to stay in Jackson.

Budget-Friendly Option: Jackson Hole KOA Campsite (Where I stayed)

Mid Range Option: 49’er Inn & Suites

High-End Option: Snow King Resort

Luxury Option: SpringHill Suites

What to Pack for a Trip to Grand Teton?

I visited Grand Teton while on my coast to coast Road Trip across the US. If you too are planning a road trip, I’d advise checking out my packing list for an in-depth guide on what to bring. I have highlighted below the essentials for one day in Grand Teton.

Waterproof Jacket
Hiking Boots (<- my favourite brand)
A Day Bag (<- Also my favourite)
A torch/Headlight (for hiking)
Travel First Aid Kit
Water Bottle (The Tap Water is Drinkable)
Camera (Essential)
Bear Spray
Insect Repellant

One Day in Grand Teton: Must See Attractions

Ok, so now that we have covered all you need to know before spending 1 Day in Grand Teton it is time to move on with the itinerary. This guide is following a route starting from Yellowstone National Park (The Moran Entrance). If you are entering Grand Teton via Jackson Hole (The Moose Entrance), I’d advise doing this Grand Teton 1 Day Itinerary in reverse. If you are coming from Jackson Hole Airport you may need to move some stops around to best suit your needs and accommodation for the night.

It is important to note, that this is a summer itinerary as the Teton Park Road closes from November to May due to heavy snowfall and icey conditions.

One Day in Grand Teton: The Grand Teton Sign

Stop 1: Jackson Lake Overlook, The Teton Sign & The Moran Gate

As you leave Yellowstone behind and begin to approach Grand Teton National Park, you will drive past a beautiful viewpoint known as Jackson Lake Lookout.

I recommend taking a moment to enjoy the stunning view as this is the first time you will see the Tetons rugged landscape.

Once you have finished admiring the view, drive a few more minutes down the road until you reach the iconic Grand Teton Sign.

A picture with the sign is almost essential. After all, it’s another National Park ticked off the bucket list.

The Moran Gate is located just a short drive from the sign. It’s important to note that there may be a wait in the summer months. It will cost you $35 per vehicle, which will allow you to stay up to 7 days in the National Park.

Colter Bay Village, Grand Teton, Wyoming, United States

Stop 2: Colter Bay Village

The first official stop on our Grand Teton Itinerary is the captivating Colter Bay.

When I first visited back in 2018, this was the moment I fell in love with the Tetons. I stood in awe as the majestic mountain range reflected upon Jackson Lake.

There is a trailhead located at Colter Bay known as Hermitage Point Trail. It’s a 15.4-kilometre long loop and takes on average 3/4 hours to complete. If you would like to take part in this loop check out All Trails for more detail.

Once you have finished taking in the scenic lakeside scenery. I’d advise popping into the Visitor Centre for a browse. If you are in need of any snacks or a beverage here is a good place to buy them. There are also toilet facilities onsite.

Teton Park Road

Stop 3: Teton Park Road

Once you have finished admiring the beauty of Colter Bay. It is time to drive towards Teton Park Road.

Most of our Grand Teton in One Day Itinerary has us driving along Park Road. However, I wanted to put it down as an official stop as there are many viewpoints along the way worth noting, such as Potholes Turnout and Mount Moran Turnout.

The scenic road also makes for a great photo opp. Of course, always take precautions when taking a photo like the one seen to the left. Watch out for oncoming traffic before stepping out onto the road. I was there rather early in the morning and was lucky to avoid peak hours.

Stop 4: String Lake

Continue driving along Park Road until you see signs pointing toward String Lake. Parking is Free onsite, and there is plenty of spaces available.

* Tip: Get there early, this walk is quite popular, the busy period can be avoided by arriving as early as possible. You never know, you may even be treated with an epic reflection*

String Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA

Activity 1: Hike String Lake Trailhead

Once you get out of the car it is time to start the first activity of the day. An adventurous hike around the beautiful String Lake.

The String Lake Trailhead begins at the lakes picnic area, it then continues through the raw forestry and eventually opens out to a panoramic viewpoint.

The walk is 4.4 miles in total and takes about 1 hour and a half to complete depending on your fitness level. The hike falls into the category of easy to moderate. You can find out more information on the difficulty of the hike from the All Trails App.

The trail is a popular place for wildlife sightings such as bears and moose.

It is surrounded by astonishing evergreens tree’s, snow-capped mountains and pristine waters.

About 1.4 miles into the hike, as you cross over the bridge, there is an option to divert towards the East shoreline of Leigh Lake. If you wish to stay on the String Lake Trailhead I’d advise giving this option a miss and continuing along the looped trail.

From that point the trail begins to gear upwards, you can no longer see the lake as the hill continues for about one mile. When the trail opens back up again, walkers are presented with a birdseye view. Which is truly breathtaking. As you near closer to the lake, the trail began to turn downhill at a rapid pace. Towards the end of the string lake loop, there is an outstanding view of Mount Moran peaking over the Trailhead.

The best part about this hike is the tranquillity. It is nice to take a moment to appreciate all the beauty Grand Teton has to offer.

One Day in Grand Teton: Swimming in String Lake Grand Teton

Activity 2: Lunch and a swim in String Lake

The trailhead ends back where it starts, at the picnic area.

This is the perfect opportunity to stop for a scenic bite to eat. I’d advise bringing a packed lunch for the day.

Take some time here, to enjoy the surrounding mountain views and the glassy lake surface.

String Lake is said to be one of the best swimming spots in all of the Grand Tetons.

So, for those of you planning a trip, It may be a good idea to bring along some swimwear.

Just a little prior warning, the water is FREEZING. Even in the summer months.

Stop 2: Jenny Lake

Following a refreshing dip in String Lake, it’s time to hop back in the car and drive to the next stop of the day, Jenny Lake. The drive between stops is incredibly scenic, so, expect to stop once or twice. In fact, there are two driving routes, you can either make your way back to the Tetons Park Road or Drive along Jenny Lake Road.

Jenny Lake, Grand Teton, Wyoming, US purchased stock photography from Depositphotos

Jenny Lake Option 1: Hike Jenny Lake Trail Head

The next activity on our Grand Teton One Day Itinerary is a hike around Jenny Lake.

The Trailhead starts at the main parking lot, however, this does get rather busy. If you don’t want the hassle of finding a spot to park I have an alternative solution.

It is a 3-mile walk from String Lake to Jenny Lake, which can be seen on the official String Lake Trailhead Map. That way you don’t have the hassle of moving your car.

The Jenny Lake Trailhead is a 7.7-mile hike and can take anywhere from 2/4 hours to complete depending on what route you take. You can find details on the hike through the All Trails Website.

Below, I will walk you through the route I took. Which took a little over two hours to complete.

The trails ascent begins at the Jenny Lake Visitor Centre, where you have the opportunity to admire the views of the lake from ground level. The walk then continues towards the first point of interest which is the Hidden Falls.

This part of the trail is rather uphill and can be strenuous in places, I recommend bringing a good pair of hiking books along with you (these are my favourites).

Hidden Falls in Grand Teton National Park Purchased Stock Photography at Depositphotos

Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point

The Falls are located off to the left of the trail. In fact, they live up to their name, tucked away neatly into the side of the Mountain. You can hear them before you see them. It’s a beautiful spot to take a moment to watch the water flow into the beautiful river below.

Once you have taken in the beauty of the Hidden Falls it is time to walk back towards the main trailhead.

Continue on up to the mountain. While this climb is not as steep as the initial ascent, it is far more narrow and has a rather uneven surface. I’d advise taking some caution as you walk along the edge.

At this point, the view starts to open up to a Panoramic view of Jenny Lake. It is a truly remarkable sight.

A little further on is the next major viewpoint known as Inspiration Point. This is the perfect place to take a rest upon the rocks and reflect on the beauty of the Tetons. From Inspiration point, you will see Jenny Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Jenny Lake, the view on the way to Inspiration Point

The way back down

The trailhead continues on in a loop from Inspiration Point, however, I decided to retrace my steps as I was getting hungry. It took about 40 minutes to reach the starting point.

The visitor centre sells ice cream and ice pops which are the perfect rewards for a day full of hiking.

The Jenny Lake Trailhead was my favourite hike in Grand Teton National Park.

The views from the trail are breathtaking and wildlife spotting opportunities are endless.

We even saw a Moose hiding in the tree’s just a little past the initial viewpoint. Those guys are MUCH larger than I thought.

The boat Jenny Lake Grand Teton National Park purchased stock photography at DepositPhotos

Option 2: Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat

For those of you not wanting to do any more major hiking, there is an option to take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake.

From the docking station, you can opt into hiking towards the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. This method takes about an hour off the hike.

Information on the Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat:

A one-way journey costs $9 and a return journey cost $15 dollars and runs frequently throughout the day.
The boat operates from mid-May till late September.
The boat transports passengers from the east to the west of the lake.

The Teton Park Road

Stop 3: Continue Along Park Road

As you leave Jenny Lake behind, it is time to continue on down the scenic Teton Park Road.

Again, there are plenty of beautiful stop-offs along the way including, the Teton Glacier Turnout, Taggart Lake Trailhead and the Chapel of the Transfiguration.

After making a few stops you will reach the Grand Teton National Park Sign on the Moose entrance/exit of the park. In my opinion, the area surrounding this sign is more picturesque than the Moran Entrance. I’d advise jumping out of the car to catch a snap with it.

Before, continuing on towards the town of Jackson Hole for the night.

Downtown Jackson Hole in Wyoming USA Purchased Stock Photography from Depositphotos

Stop 4: Jackson Hole

After the adventurous day hiking the Tetons, head back to your accommodation for the night.

I’d advise booking a hotel in the Jackson Hole area. There is so much to do in the evening time in the beautiful little town.

In the summer months, there is a cowboy shootout show every night that starts at 6.00 pm. I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this show but I have to say it was brilliant. I laughed the whole way through.

Finish the night off with some food and drinks on the town. I recommend visiting the million-dollar cowboy bar, it is a lot of fun!

Tips before visiting Grand Teton National Park

Weather: Grand Teton’s temperatures can be a little unpredictable. I’d advise packing layers and taking them off as the day goes on. I started the day off in a pair of jog pants and three sweaters and finished the day in a pair of shorts and a tank top.

One Day in Grand Teton: Be Bear Aware

Bear Spray: I’d advise bringing bear spray. Grand Teton is a part of bear country and it is a good idea to always be prepared. Be Bear Aware!

Bug Spray: If you are like me and are absolutely adored by mosquitos. I advised packing some well-needed bug spray to avoid an itchy situation.

Food Storage: Due to the high level of bears in the area. Hikers and campers are required to store food in provided food storage units.

Sun Protection: I’d advise bringing sun protection as some of the trails are quite open, exposing hikers to regular sunlight.

Don’t forget your camera: The Tetons are too beautiful to forget to bring a camera. Who doesn’t want to capture all these unforgettable experiences?

Yellowstone National Park

Things to do Near Grand Teton National Park

If you are visiting Grand Teton I’d highly recommend extending your trip by adding at least 2 days in Yellowstone. Both parks are located just a short distance from each other and it would be a shame to miss out on their beauty when in the area.

You could also spend an extra day in Jackson and go rafting down Snake River. This is a wonderful experience for those Adrenaline Junkies out there!

No matter what you decide to do, I know you will have a fantastic time <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my Grand Teton One Day Itinerary! Hope you have a wonderful trip and if you have any questions be sure to leave a comment down below.

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The post One Day in Grand Teton: How to see the Parks Major Highlights appeared first on Live Adventure Travel.

2 days in Yellowstone National Park Itinerary

Laura — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 23:40:00 +0000

2 Days in Yellowstone: Yellowstone National Park Sign

2 days in Yellowstone National Park

No matter where you are from in the world, odd’s are you have heard about the breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is one of the most iconic landscapes on the planet, a natural playground for hikers, explorers and outdoor lovers. It is the perfect addition to a US Road Trip. It can be hard to see all of which Yellowstone has to offer in a short period of time, however, this itinerary will guide you through the highlights. So, if you are a little bit stuck for time but still dream about ticking Yellowstone National Park off your US Bucket List then keep on reading because this 2 Days in Yellowstone itinerary is perfect for you!

Yellowstone 2 Day Itinerary: Know Before You Go!

Yellowstone is unique, it is home to erupting geysers, beautiful flowing waterfalls and some of the most diverse natural landscapes in the world. Planning a trip to Yellowstone for the first time can be tricky. There is so much to see and do and it is easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why I have put together a quick guide on things you need to know before visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Getting to Yellowstone:

The easiest way to get to Yellowstone National Park is by driving. Unfortunately, Yellowstone is not really near any major towns or villages making it a little bit difficult to fly into. However, with that being said there are a few smaller airports within Yellowstone’s proximity, such as Yellowstone’s own airport located in the West of the Park and Jackson Hole Airport located near the neighbouring national park of Grand Teton.

Is it safe to drive around Yellowstone:

Yes, Yellowstone is completely safe to drive around, however, a motorist must be alert for any wildlife in the area. While travelling through Yellowstone it is common to see traffic congestion due to a Bison standing in the middle of the road. It’s important to take note of this for timing purposes too.

If you would prefer to avoid driving there are plenty of 2 days Yellowstone tours worth checking out.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone:

Yellowstone National Park is open to the public all year round, however, it becomes increasingly harder to experience all the attractions in the winter months due to road closers. With that being said, the winter is a great time to experience cross country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities.

I’d recommend visiting Yellowstone in the Spring and Summer months, as the weather is much nicer and it is easy to access all the attractions. However, please note that the park is much busier at this time.

Yellowstone 2 Day Itinerary: Day 1

We are going to kick start our Yellowstone Itinerary by entering the National Park through a gateway town called Cody located in the state of Wyoming. This driving route takes just over 3 hours to complete, however, it is full of incredibly scenic viewpoints along the way. It may also be a good idea to take out that road trip playlist to have a listen to some epic tunes as your drive.

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

First Stop: Old Faithful

The first stop on our 2 days in Yellowstone itinerary is one of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions, Old Faithful.

Old Faithful was the first of nearly 500 of Yellowstone’s Geysers to be named. The geysers typically erupt in intervals, ranging from 44 to 125 minutes, with an average of 90 minutes. The eruptions can reach anywhere between 90 to 184 feet. It is a truly magnificent thing to watch. Let’s just say, Old Faithful really knows how to put on a show.

I would recommend spending one to two hours in the Old Faithful area, depending on the predicted eruption time. Once you witness Old Faithful erupt in front of your own eyes, I’d recommend exploring the area some more. It is possible to walk around Old Faithful and see many more beautiful geysers along the Upper Geyser Basin Trail. Just be mindful of timing as the trail stretches for 4.5 miles. The visitor centre is also a great place to visit for some factual information about Yellowstone and specifically, Old Faithful.

The Black Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Stop 2: The Black Basin Trail

A short distance from Old Faithful lies the Black Basin Trail, offering views of some smaller geyser with regular eruption patterns. Highlights from the trail consist of Rainbow Pool, Sunset Lake and Emerald Pool.

The trail lasts for half a mile and is an easy flat walk. It is the ideal place to go for a nice leisurely stroll taking in the viewpoints along the way. I’d recommend spending half an hour to 40 minutes exploring this trail.

It is possible to walk from Old Faithful to the Black Basin on a 1 and a half mile trail, taking approximately a 30-minute to walk. Alternatively, It’s a 4 minutes to drive away, with parking on site.

Following your visit to the Black Basin, it would be a good idea to stop for a bite to eat. I’d suggest bringing a packed lunch as food can be rather expensive in Yellowstone. Just remember Yellowstone is part of Bear Country so always be careful with food and keep it locked up and stored when not in use.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park

Stop 3: Grand Prismatic Spring

The next stop on the Yellowstone itinerary is one with a truly spectacular view. The journey begins at the Fairy Falls Trailhead. The trail passes over the fire hole river and continues until it reaches a viewing platform of the Grand Prismatic Spring.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the top spots at Yellowstone National Park. So much so, that the viewing platform and trail was built back in 2017, due to the number of visitors attempting to climb what was originally an unofficial trail. Just to catch a glimpse of the Grand Prismatic Spring from a height.

The Spring presents viewers with lovely orange, yellow and green tones. The crystal blue water can, at times, reach temperatures of 188 degrees. I’d suggest spending an hour to an hour and a half exploring the area, it is possible to hike to Fairy Falls from this trail.

Buffalo Eating Grass at Yellowstone National Park (Purchased Stock Photography)

Stop 4: Wild Life Spotting & Scenic Drive

The 4th stop of our Two Days in Yellowstone Itinerary has us driving along the Yellowstone Loop. This is a lovely scenic driving route and it the ideal places to spot some of Yellowstone’s captivating wildlife, such as Bears, Bison, Buffalo and Moose. Depending on time, it could be a good idea to stop at any scenic spots that catch your eye while driving. It’s time to relax and wind down for the night.

Night 1 in Yellowstone

After exploring the beautiful Yellowstone Loop it is time to head home for the night. On my trip to Yellowstone, I camped in Grant Village Campground, regardless of your accommodation style I’d recommend finding a spot to do a little bit of stargazing. I promise you will not regret it. It is also important to note that the food in Yellowstone can be rather expensive. It can be a good idea for those on a budget to bring their own food along with them. Just be mindful that Yellowstone is part of bear county and any unused food must be stored in appropriate containers.

2 days in Yellowstone National Park: Suggested Time Table for Day 1

Please note that this is a suggested timetable and may vary depending on time and flexibility. With this timetable, it is presumed that you will be arriving in Yellowstone on the first day our itinerary begins.

Stop/Attraction	Time Spent
Breakfast/Get Ready to Go	7:30 am
Drive to Yellowstone	8.30 am (3 hours from Cody)
Old Faithful	11.30 am (Spend 1/2 hours)
The Black Basin Trail	1.30 pm (Spend 1 hour)
Lunch	2.30pm (Spend 1 hour)
Grand Prismatic Springs	3.30 pm (Spend 2 hours)
Drive the Yellowstone Loop	5.30 pm (Spend 1 hour)
Dinner\Home for the Evening	6.30 pm

Sunrise, The West Thumb, Yellowstone National Park

2 Day Yellowstone Itinerary: Day 2

The second day of our 2 days in Yellowstone Itinerary has us waking up at the crack of dawn for a breathtakingly beautiful sunrise. We are then going to spend the day exploring some of the most scenic locations in the park.

Stop 1: The West Thumb

Rise and Shine! I’d recommend setting an alarm before sunrise and heading towards the West Thumb Geyser Basin. The Geyser faces Yellowstone Lake and is one of the best places to watch the sunrise at Yellowstone National Park.

It is magical watching the sun begin to rise as the steam from the thermal pools fills the air. Just be prepared and wrap up warm. Yellowstone tends to be FREEZING in the early hours of the morning.

Highlights in the area include Abyss Pool, the Fishing Cone and the view of Yellowstone Lake. It is a good idea to a little longer after sunrise to see some of these awesome geysers.

Mud Volcano, Yellowstone National Park

Stop 2: The Mud Volcano

A 40 minute drive from the West Thumb Geyser Basin lies Yellowstone’s Mud Volcano.

In the 19th century, the rumbles from the Mud Volcano could be heard from over half a mile away. When it erupted, it shook the ground and splattered mud all over the surrounding area.

Luckily today, the volcanos activity is a lot calmer and the eruption left some extremely interesting spots to explore along the trail.

The trail last for 3/4 of a miles, some points of interest include the Mud Caldron, the Sizzling Basin and the Dragons Mouth Spring. Just a little heads up the smell of sulphur is rather strong along this trail.

Stop 3: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Following a walk around Yellowstone’s Mud Volcano head towards Artist Point. The scenic drive typically takes 20 minutes. Having the opportunity to see a 180 view of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon is an absolute must. The viewpoint is outstandingly beautiful. This an extremely popular spot in Yellowstone and can at times be quite crowded. The view, however, is worth the crowded battle.

Yellowstone’s Lower Falls is a truly magnificent waterfall. Once done exploring the startling viewpoint, have a lookout for a small wooden Ribbon Lake Sign. Walk on past the sign, from that point on a trail map will appear showing some further walking options.

If time allows, walk about 10 minutes up the Point Sublime Trail. The trails bring you through an uphill forest area. Not long into the trail, there is a stunning view of the Canyon. This particular trail is also a lot less popular, a great way to avoid the crowds and gear a little off the beaten path. Once reaching the viewpoint, it is possible to turn back around and return to the parking lot.

Calcite Springs, Yellowstone National Park

Stop 4: Calcite Springs Lookout

To get an alternative view of the Canyon of Yellowstone be sure to stop at the Calcite Springs Lookout Point. The view is located a 40-minute drive away from Artist Point and offers a beautiful view of Yellowstone River. The viewpoint is far less crowded and is a nice place to stop to stretch the legs while admiring the view.

After a morning of wonderful viewpoints, it is time to stop for a quick bite to eat. Calcite Springs Lookout is a great spot to doso.

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

Stop 5: Mammoth Hot Springs

Following some yummy lunch, the next stop on the itinerary is Mammoth Hot Springs. The springs are a 40 minutes drive from Calcite Springs Lookout Point.

I highly recommend visiting Mammoth Hots Springs as they are unbelievably unique to Yellowstone. I have never seen anything like it. The area has two designated boardwalks, the lower and upper with over 50 hot springs to view.

The Lower Boardwalk consists of highlights such as the Liberty Cap, Palette Spring and the Devils Thumb. While the Upper Boardwalk is popular for Orange Spring Mound, Bath Lake, Prospect, Angel and White Elephant Back Terrace.

2 Day Itinerary for Yellowstone – Day 2 Suggested Timetable

Stop/Location	Time Spent
Sunrise at West Thumb	6.00 am (Time of Year Depending)(Spend 1/2 hours)
Mud Volcano	9.30 am (Spend 1 1/2 Hours)
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone	11.00 am (Spend 1 1.2 hours)
Calcite Springs	12.30 pm (Spend 1 1/2 Hours)
Lunch	2.00 pm (Spend 30 minutes)
Mammoth	3.30 pm (Spend 2 hours)
Dinner/Return Home	5.30 pm

Yellowstone National Park 2 Day Itinerary Map

I hope you enjoyed this 2 days in Yellowstone Itinerary. Above is a interactive map with all of the mentioned stops highlighted with a pin. I hope this comes in helpful when planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

Be Bear Aware, Keep Food in Storage

Tips before visiting Yellowstone National Park

Entrance Fee: To enter Yellowstone National Park costs $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle and $20 per individual.

Winter in Yellowstone: In the winter time, Yellowstone turns into a winter wonderland. Just be mindful that not all roads and facilities are open at this time. For more information check out the Yellowstone in Winter page.

Camping: For those wanting to camp in Yellowstone I’d recommend Grant Village Campground. The Summer rate for 2019 is $31. The camp grounds are near the West Thumb Geyser Basin and Yellowstone Lake.

Packing: Yellowstone can get extremely cold at night and then rather hot in the day time. I’d therefore recommend bringing some layered clothing. Making it easy to add or take off clothes when needed. Be sure to check out my road trip packing list.

Food Storage: Yogi Bear doesn’t only exist on the television screen. Yellowstone is the home to many grizzly and black bears. Therefore it is extremely important to store any food or personal items that smell in bear proof storage units.

DO NOT! Leave food or smelling items in your tent. Unless you are hoping to get up close and personal with Yogi in real life.

Bear Spray: Another way to avoid an encounter with Yogi, is bringing along some bear spray. It’s a good idea to always be prepared. Be Bear Aware!

Bug Spray: Those adored by mosquitos. I suggest bringing bug spray to avoid an itchy situation.

Sun Protection: It’s always important to protect your skin, particularly when spending regular time in the great outdoors.

Driving in Yellowstone National Park

The time frame between each stop on this itinerary may seem a little far fetched for those who have never visited Yellowstone before. However with that being said, it is almost 99% guaranteed that you will in-counter some wildlife trying to cross the road while driving in Yellowstone. Causing massive traffic jam. If this happens on your visit. Just take your time. It is all part of the experience.

See photoed above, a herd of Bison walking along Yellowstone’s roadside. We where easily held up for 30 minutes waiting for the herd to pass. It was however super cool to watch. There was easily 15 to 20 Bison.

Yellowstone is connected via two loops, all the stops on this itinerary are located on these loops or within proximity of one of the loops.

The Black Basin, Yellowstone National Park

1 Day in Yellowstone Itinerary

Are you wondering what to see in Yellowstone in just 1 day? Yellowstone is a wonderful place, a place where it is simply not possible to explore in just one day. However, with that being said, if you have the opportunity to stop by Yellowstone, even just for 24 hours. I’d 100% recommend it.

I have put together a bonus timetable for those a little stuck for time. Please be mindful, that this timetable will only allow quick stop offs in each location and further exploration may not be possible. It is also a very heavy itinerary, with a lot of driving, so be sure to get plenty of rest before attempting.

Before Sunrise: Wake Up\Breakfast

Sunrise (6.00am) – The West Thumb (Spend 45 minutes)

*30 minute drive to Old Faithful*

7.15am Old Faithful (spend 90 minutes)

8.45am The Black Basin Trail (Spend no more than 1 Hour)

9.45am Grand Prismatic Spring (Spend 1 hour)

*@ 11.00 1 Hour Drive to Mammoth*

12.00pm Mammoth Springs (Spend 1 hour)

1.00pm Small Packed Lunch

*@ 1.30pm 45 minute drive to Calcite Springs*

2.15pm Calcite Springs View (Spend 30 minutes)

*2.45pm 40 minute drive to Grand View*

3.30pm Grand View\The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (Spend 40 minutes)

*4.10pm 20 minute drive to Mud Volcano*

4.30pm Mud Volcano (Spend 1 hour)

5.30pm Dinner Time

Disclaimer: I personally did not travel this route. It is just a suggested timetable. At times, the roads can get congested at Yellowstone due to wildlife and may cause a delay in schedule, resulting in missing some stops.

String Lake, Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Those on a road trip of the state of Wyoming. Yellowstone neighbouring National Park, Grand Teton is 100% worth the visit. Grand Teton is famous for it’s captivating scenery, beautiful wildlife and snow capped mountain tops.

While on my USA coast to coast road trip, I was lucky to visit Grand Teton after exploring Yellowstone. I was spent one day hiking both String and Jenny Lake. Please free to check out my Itinerary for hiking the Grand Tetons.

Thank you for reading my 2 Day Itinerary for Yellowstone

And… That’s a wrap. I hope this itinerary helped you decide things to do in Yellowstone for your 2 day trip. I hope you have the best time on your adventure and as always thanks for reading.

PIN ME FOR LATER

The post 2 days in Yellowstone National Park Itinerary appeared first on Live Adventure Travel.

How BEST to Spend 4 days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park

Laura — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 00:00:07 +0000

How Best to Spend 4 days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park

I was lucky to explore some of America’s most stunning spots on my coast to coast road trip with Trek America. Two amazing highlights of the trip was spending 4 days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Both parks are only a short distance from one another, yet, seem worlds apart in terms of appearance. Yellowstone attracts over 6 million visitors each year with it’s beautiful thermal pool, hot springs and geysers. Whereas Grand Teton is famous for snow capped mountains and picturesque lakes. On my road trip with Trek America I spent four days exploring some of which both parks have to offer. In this post I have put together a step by step itinerary guide with all my favourite spots from Yellowstone to Grand Teton.

Day 1: Yellowstone National Park

Begin your Yellowstone to Grand Teton adventure by driving from Cody, Wyoming. Cody is a small American town famous for it’s Rodeo scene. The town is one of the gateways to Yellowstone National Park, a must on any US Road Trip. The drive presents road trippers with a stunning scenic route as they approach the park. From the East Entrance, take a 2 hour drive towards Yellowstone’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful. Take some time to explore the grounds of Old Faithful and see it erupt for your very eyes. Then hop back in the car and proceed 5 minutes down the road to the Black Sand Basin. Stroll along the black basins boardwalk and admire some of the trails most beautiful spots including the Rainbow Pool, the Sunset Lake and the Emerald Pool. The next stop, Grand Prismatic Spring is a further 10 minutes down the road. Walk along the Fairy Falls Trailhead until you reach the Grand Prismatic Spring viewing platform. The platform is the host to one of the most spectacular views in Yellowstone. Following visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring, I suggest heading to your accommodation for set up or check in. Those looking to camp, the Grant Village Campground is a lovely camping spot. That is local to many of Yellowstone’s top locations and ideal for those who enjoy star gazing.

Cody => Old Faithful => Black Sand Basin => Grand Prismatic Spring => Grant Village Campground

(Click on location names for Google Maps Directions)

Calcite Springs, Yellowstone National Park

Day 2: Yellowstone National Park

If you want to see as much of Yellowstone as possible in 2 days, then I’d suggest waking up super early. Start the day off by catching the sunrise at West Thumb Geyser Basin. Watch as the sun reflects on Yellowstone lake. Then a drive a further 40 minutes down the road towards Yellowstone’s Mud Volcano. The 3/4 of a mile trail offers views of the Mud Caldron, the Sizzling Basin and the Dragons Mouth Spring. Once you have explored all of which the mud volcano has to offer, hop back in the car and head towards Artist Point to catch a glimpse of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This point offers one spectacular view. After an action packed morning, drive towards Canyon Lodge at Canyon Village for a slight rest and a bite to eat. The Canyon Lodge varies of fast food for a reasonable price, considering it is inside a national park. Once you feel rested and refreshed, get back in the car and drive towards Calcite Springs Lookout for an awesome view of Yellowstone river. The final stop of day two in Yellowstone is Mammoth Hot Springs, explore both the lower and upper boardwalk to catch a glimpse of Mammoth’s highlights.

West Thumb Geyser Basin => Yellowstone’s Mud Volcano => Artist Point => Canyon Village => Calcite Springs Lookout => Mammoth Hot Springs (Click on location names for Google Maps Directions)

Related Post: 2 days Yellowstone itinerary 

Featuring: for more photo's, information and a suggested timetable

Day 3: Grand Teton National Park

Once again start the day nice and early and begin to drive towards Grand Teton National Park. As you leave Yellowstone, don’t forget the to make a stop at the South Entrance Sign to capture one last pic! A further 10 minutes down the road lies the entrance into Grand Teton National Park, another great photo opportunity. The first scenic stop on day 3 is at Colter Bay Visitor Center. This spot offers an outstanding view of Jackson Lake and the Tetons (pictured above). Get there early, to see the mountains reflect onto the lake. Continue to drive along the Tetons Park Road. Don’t be afraid to stop and take pictures. There are many opportunities to pull in on the side of the road. This is one picture perfect drive! After capturing some stunning road side pictures, drive towards String Lake for the first hike of the day. Following the completion of the String Lake Trailhead jump into the freezing cold water for a refreshing swim. String Lake is also the ideal place for a packed lunch as there is a picnic area by the lake. Once you are feeling nice and refreshed, hop back in the car and drive towards Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake offers some breathtaking hiking opportunities, a shuttle boat and a stunning lake side view. After spending the day exploring some of which Grand Teton has to offer, drive towards Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The starting point for day 4.

South Entrance Sign => Grand Teton Entrance Sign => Bay Visitor Center => Tetons Park Road Picture Stop => String Lake => Jenny Lake => Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Click on location names for Google Maps Directions)

Day 4: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

On the final day of the Yellowstone to Grand Teton road trip it is time to explore Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is a charming American town surrounded by the beautiful Teton mountain range. Start the day off by exploring the cute shops and restaurants in the town and maybe stop for some breakfast. After a bite to eat, it’s time for one big adventure, so pack so swim gear and get ready to white water raft down snake river. While at Jackson Hole I camped at the KOA campsite. Luckily for us, the KOA organised a fantastic rafting experience for us. I would 100% recommend this experience! Alternatively, if adventure sports isn’t your forte, why not visit the near by hot springs. The best part is, they’re FREE

After the adventurous day, head back to your campsite/hotel and get ready for a night full of entertainment. Throughout the summer months a cowboy shootout show is put on in the town, an experience not to be missed. The show starts at 6.00pm every night excluding Sundays. Following a good laugh and some excitement, finish the night off with some food and drinks. After food we went for drinks in the million dollar cowboy bar to celebrate four unforgettable days.