Yellowstone / Teton Grand Tour

A day combining West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs lets you experience both the park’s gateway charm and its northern geothermal wonders. Start in West Yellowstone with a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to see rescued wildlife up close. From there, enter the park and drive north to explore Mammoth Hot Springs, wandering the unique travertine terraces and taking in the steam rising from these historic formations. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops and short walks, soaking in Yellowstone’s diverse landscapes. All in a day that blends wildlife, geothermal features, and charming town energy.

A Southern Loop of Yellowstone itinerary highlights the park’s most iconic geothermal sights in a single scenic day. Start near West Yellowstone or Old Faithful, visiting Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, then continue to the Grand Prismatic Spring. Stop at Midway and Lower Geyser Basins and take a short drive along Firehole Lake Drive to see more bubbling pools and geysers. This route focuses on Yellowstone’s incredible geothermal features, offering a full, well-paced day of geysers, hot springs, and vibrant natural landscapes without extra detours.

A day exploring Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Canyon, and Yellowstone Lake offers some of the park’s most stunning scenery. Start early in Hayden Valley for the best chance to see bison, elk, and other wildlife in the wide-open meadows. From there, head to Yellowstone Canyon, stopping at Artist Point and other viewpoints to take in the dramatic cliffs and the powerful Lower Falls. Finish the day at Yellowstone Lake, where you can enjoy the tranquil waters, scenic shoreline, and surrounding mountain views, a perfect combination of wildlife, waterfalls, and lakeside beauty in one memorable day. Make sure to check out Hayden Valley for buffalo, wolf, and bear sights!

Cody, Wyoming offers a perfect mix of Western history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Known as the Rodeo Capital of the World, Cody is home to the nightly Cody Nite Rodeo, a must-see experience. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the town’s centerpiece, featuring multiple world-class museums covering Plains Indian culture, western art, firearms, and the life of Buffalo Bill himself. Visitors can stroll through the charming downtown, explore local shops and galleries, and enjoy classic Western dining. Outdoor highlights include scenic drives through Wapiti Valley, hiking and fishing along the Shoshone River, and easy access to the Buffalo Bill Reservoir for boating and wildlife viewing. With its authentic Old West atmosphere and close proximity to Yellowstone, Cody is an unforgettable stop in northwest Wyoming. Don't forget to check out the historic Irma Hotel.

A day driving the Chief Joseph Highway to Red Lodge from Cody is a stunning journey through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. Start early in Cody and head northwest toward the Beartooth Highway entrance. As you ascend, you’ll pass jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and expansive wildflower meadows, with plenty of scenic pullouts for photos or short hikes. The winding road offers breathtaking panoramas at every turn, making the drive an adventure in itself. Continue into Montana, descending toward Red Lodge, a charming mountain town where you can relax, explore local shops, and enjoy a well-earned meal after a full day of spectacular scenery.

A day traveling from Red Lodge to Cooke City and finishing in Gardiner is full of stunning scenery and small-town charm. Start early in Red Lodge and head northeast along the Beartooth Highway toward Cooke City, taking in the sweeping mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows along the way. Stop for photos or short walks at scenic pullouts, enjoying the high-elevation beauty of the Beartooths. After reaching Cooke City, a gateway to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, continue south into the park, passing through Lamar Valley if time allows, and end the day in Gardiner. This historic town at Yellowstone’s north entrance offers cozy accommodations, dining, and easy access to the park’s northern attractions.

A day traveling from Gardiner to Jackson Hole takes you from Yellowstone’s northern gateway through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Rockies. Start in Gardiner and head south through Yellowstone, enjoying scenic pullouts and wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. As you leave Yellowstone, enter Grand Teton National Park, where dramatic mountain peaks rise sharply from Jackson Hole. Take time for short hikes, lakeside views, or wildlife spotting before finishing the day in the town of Jackson, a lively mountain town with charming shops, art galleries, and great dining to relax after a full day of travel and sightseeing. You'll want to spend a few days in the area checking out some of the most beautiful sights you'll ever see.