Road trip with 18 and 20 year old sons

Question

We are thinking of taking a road trip in June or July for 7-9 days. We would like to visit Montana and Wyoming if possible. We would be flying from MS and renting a car. Where are the not to miss sites and a possible itinerary?

Answer

A road trip through Montana and Wyoming is a fantastic way to explore some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. For a 7-9 day trip flying from Mississippi, you’ll want to focus on national parks, scenic drives, and outdoor activities that appeal to both adults and older teens.

Here’s a suggested itinerary with must-see sites and activities:

Day 1: Arrival in Bozeman, Montana – Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Spend the day exploring downtown Bozeman, the Museum of the Rockies (with its impressive dinosaur exhibits), and stock up on supplies for the road trip.
Day 2-3: Yellowstone National Park (Montana/Wyoming) – Drive to the north entrance at Gardiner, Montana. Spend two days exploring iconic Yellowstone highlights: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley (great for wildlife watching), and Yellowstone Lake. Consider staying inside the park if possible for convenience.
Day 4: Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) – Head south to Grand Teton, just a couple hours from Yellowstone. Hike short trails, visit Jenny Lake, and enjoy the stunning Teton range. Stay in Jackson Hole or nearby lodges for the night.
Day 5-6: Cody, Wyoming & Eastern Yellowstone/Lesser-Known Areas – Optionally, detour to Cody to visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, then loop back into eastern Yellowstone to explore areas like Tower Fall and the Yellowstone River Canyon. These spots are often less crowded than the main attractions.
Day 7: Drive to Glacier National Park (Montana) – Depending on your pace, head north to Glacier National Park. Plan for a full day or two here, enjoying the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, and short hikes. Wildlife spotting is excellent in this park as well.
Day 8: Glacier National Park Exploration – Continue exploring Glacier, taking in hikes or boat tours if desired. Drive towards Kalispell for a night if flying out from there, or return toward Bozeman depending on flight logistics.
Day 9: Departure – Return your rental car and fly home.

Additional tips for the trip:

Book accommodations well in advance, especially inside or near national parks, as summer is peak season.
Consider renting a larger vehicle like an SUV for comfort on mountain roads and scenic drives.
Pack layers; even in June or July, mornings and evenings in the mountains can be cool.
Allow flexibility for wildlife sightings and scenic stops—both Yellowstone and Glacier offer plenty of unexpected experiences.

This itinerary balances adventure, scenic drives, and iconic sites, giving your family a memorable introduction to the natural beauty of Montana and Wyoming while keeping travel time manageable.

Road trip with 18 and 20 year old sons

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