Yellowstone and Grand Tetons planning help needed

Question

As I start to finalize our plan I am stuck in trying to successfully plan where to stay and how to maximize our days there. I have never been there before and the more I read the more confused I become on how to best plan our itinerary.

We will be in the area 7/13-7/20. On 7/13 we will be driving from Bozeman. On 7/20 we will be flying home from Jackson Hole.

We would like to stay at the Old Faithful Inn for a couple nights perhaps 7/13-7/15. From there I am stuck on how to best plan and what to make sure to see. We are looking for light hikes and sights to see.

We were thinking we could be in Yellowstone 7/13-7/17 or 18 and Grand Tetons 7/17 or 18-7/20.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!!

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a fantastic trip! Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are filled with incredible sights, and planning the right itinerary can definitely enhance your experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary based on your travel dates and preferences for light hikes and scenic views:

1. Arriving in Bozeman and Starting Your Yellowstone Adventure (7/13-7/15):

Staying at the Old Faithful Inn for your first couple of nights is a great choice. It will put you in the heart of Yellowstone National Park and provide an iconic experience. Old Faithful is one of the park's most famous landmarks, and staying in the area will give you the chance to explore the geyser basin without the crowds that tend to gather during the day. Here’s what you can do during your stay near Old Faithful:

Old Faithful Geyser: Of course, seeing Old Faithful erupt is a must! Try to check the eruption times and plan to see it from the viewing area.
Upper Geyser Basin: A beautiful and easy walk that takes you past several other geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. The boardwalks make it easy and safe to explore.
Midway Geyser Basin: Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone's most stunning sights. The colors are vibrant, and it’s a relatively short walk to the viewing area.
Light Hikes: The Fairy Falls Trail is an easy and scenic hike with a rewarding waterfall at the end. It’s about 5 miles round-trip and great for families.

2. Exploring Yellowstone (7/15-7/17 or 7/18):

After your stay near Old Faithful, you can continue exploring Yellowstone. For your remaining days in Yellowstone, I recommend staying in the park, either at a lodge or cabin near the Canyon Village or Lake Yellowstone areas. This will allow you to explore different parts of the park. A few sights to consider:

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: The Grand Canyon offers some incredible views and photo opportunities. The South Rim Drive will take you to several viewpoints, including the Artist Point, which offers one of the best views of the Lower Falls.
Lamar Valley: Known as the best place in Yellowstone for wildlife viewing, Lamar Valley is often referred to as the "Serengeti of North America." Keep your eyes peeled for bison, wolves, and bears!
Hayden Valley: Another excellent wildlife viewing spot. The area is full of bison, elk, and other animals. It’s a great spot for photography, especially at dawn or dusk.
Yellowstone Lake: A beautiful and serene spot for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon. You could also do a short, easy hike like the Storm Point Trail, which provides stunning lake views.

3. Transition to Grand Teton National Park (7/17 or 7/18-7/20):

After your time in Yellowstone, head south to Grand Teton National Park, which is about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance. The Teton range offers jaw-dropping mountain views and is perfect for scenic drives and easy hikes. I recommend staying in or near Moose, Wyoming, at the southern end of the park. Here are some great things to do in the Tetons:

Jenny Lake: This is one of the most popular spots in Grand Teton National Park. You can take a boat across the lake (or hike) to access the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, both of which are relatively easy hikes with fantastic views.
Schwabacher’s Landing: This is one of the best spots in the park for a peaceful walk or a chance to photograph the Tetons reflected in the Snake River.
Mormon Row: Visit the historic Mormon Row Historic District for great views of old homesteads with the Tetons in the background. It’s a picturesque spot, especially at sunrise.
Snake River Overlook: If you’re looking for a great scenic drive, head to the Snake River Overlook for one of the most iconic views of the Teton Range.

4. Suggestions for Light Hikes and Scenic Views:

Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton have plenty of easy to moderate hikes that will allow you to enjoy their natural beauty without being too strenuous. If you have specific preferences for easy hikes with spectacular views, consider:

Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail (Yellowstone): A short and moderate hike to a viewpoint that offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of Grand Prismatic Spring.
Taggart Lake Trail (Grand Teton): An easy to moderate trail that leads to a beautiful lake with great Teton views.
Hidden Falls (Grand Teton): A short hike with a big payoff – a stunning waterfall in the heart of the Tetons.

5. Final Thoughts:

Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton are beautiful and diverse parks, so it’s important to pace yourself and allow time for wildlife viewing and simply taking in the surroundings. Your plan to split time between the two parks sounds great, and with seven days, you’ll have plenty of time to see the highlights. Staying in or near the parks will help you maximize your time and minimize long drives.

Since you're visiting in July, it will be peak season, so be prepared for crowds, especially at the more popular sites like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and Jenny Lake. Try to visit these places early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the busiest times. Have an amazing trip!

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