United States · 9 days · 1,100 km · One-way
Yellowstone and Grand Teton — the geothermal heart
The great inland west route. Old Faithful and Yellowstone geysers, Grand Prismatic Spring, bison herds in Lamar Valley, Tetons reflected in Jenny Lake. Start in Salt Lake City, end in Bozeman. Pair of parks deserving a full 9 days.
Highlights
- Antelope Island (Salt Lake)
- Jackson Hole + National Elk Refuge
- Jenny Lake with Grand Teton view
- Mormon Row at sunrise
- Old Faithful Geyser
- Grand Prismatic Spring (best from the overlook)
- Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
- Lamar Valley (bison and wolf herds)
- Hayden Valley grizzly bears
- Beartooth Highway (Top of the World)
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Salt Lake City → Jackson, WY
Salt Lake City → Jackson · 460 km
Overnight: Snake River Park KOA
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Day 2
Jackson → Grand Teton NP
Jackson → Jenny Lake · 50 km
- · National Elk Refuge
- · Mormon Row
- · Jenny Lake boat
Overnight: Gros Ventre Campground
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Day 3
Grand Teton → Yellowstone (south)
Jenny Lake → Grant Village · 120 km
- · West Thumb Geyser Basin
- · Yellowstone Lake
Overnight: Grant Village Campground
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Day 4
Yellowstone — Old Faithful
Grant Village → Madison · 80 km
- · Old Faithful (every 90 min approx)
- · Grand Prismatic Spring overlook
- · Midway Geyser Basin
Overnight: Madison Campground
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Day 5
Yellowstone — Norris + Mammoth
Madison → Mammoth Hot Springs · 80 km
- · Norris Geyser Basin
- · Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Overnight: Mammoth Campground
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Day 6
Lamar Valley (wildlife)
Mammoth Hot Springs → Tower Junction · 100 km
- · Bison herds
- · Wolves at dawn (with binoculars)
Overnight: Slough Creek Campground
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Day 7
Hayden Valley + Canyon
Tower Junction → Canyon Village · 80 km
- · Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- · Lower Falls + Artist Point
Overnight: Canyon Campground
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Day 8
Yellowstone → Beartooth Highway
Canyon Village → Red Lodge · 200 km
- · Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft)
- · Top of the World
Overnight: Red Lodge KOA
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Day 9
Red Lodge → Bozeman (drop-off)
Red Lodge → Bozeman · 200 km