National Park Travel Guide

5-Day Ultimate Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: What to See, Where to Stay, & When to Go

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are OTHERWORLDLY, making them some of the most famous USA national parks in the world. Located in the western United States across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone and Grand Teton are famous for unique geothermal features, iconic wildlife, and dramatic landscapes that you can’t find anywhere else. As one of the most visited national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton rank at the top of the bucket list for many travelers and adventurers around the world.

As our first trip as a family of three, we spent 5 days adventuring through the best of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park in late August 2025. With so much to see and do in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, it can feel overwhelming to plan this kind of national park road trip. We learned from our trip, especially how to make the most of your time and where to stay affordably, so we put this travel guide together to make it easier for you to plan your adventure to Yellowstone and Grand Teton!​

To help you plan an epic trip to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, I’m sharing my detailed 5-day Yellowstone & Grand Teton itinerary. In this ultimate Yellowstone & Grand Teton travel guide, you’ll find:

  • Places to stay in Yellowstone and Grand Teton for cheap
  • Must-see spots in Yellowstone & Grand Teton
  • How to get around in Yellowstone & Grand Teton
  • The best day hikes in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure Travel Guide & Itinerary

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  • Peak Season: late June to August is peak season in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, due to warm weather and full accessibility to the parks’ amenities, hiking trails, and facilities. Expect crowds, long wait times, and more expensive accommodations.
  • Shoulder Season: late April to June OR early October is when you can avoid the crowds in Yellowstone and Grand Teton and still enjoy comfortable weather and optimal wildlife viewing.
  • Weather Tips: During winter, logistics and travel are limited in Yellowstone. The Yellowstone North Entrance is the only entrance open during winter, so you will need to plan your travel accordingly.
a bison grazing along a green lake in yellowstone national park

How to Get to Yellowstone & Grand Teton

By Air: Which airport to fly into to get to Yellowstone & Grand Teton?

If you need to fly to get to Yellowstone or Grand Teton, deciding on the best airport to fly into and out of will depend on which parks you want to see and the cost of flights.

To make the most of my time visiting both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, I knew I would be flying in and out of different airports. Since it was cheaper for me to fly into Bozeman, Montana, and out of Jackson, Wyoming, we visited Yellowstone National Park first before heading to Grand Teton National Park.

​Below are the three airports you can fly into to get to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park:

  • Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): located in Bozeman, Montana, BZN is the most convenient and affordable major airport near Yellowstone National Park.
    • Distance from Yellowstone: 1.5-hour drive from the North Entrance and a 2-hour drive from the West Entrance.
    • Distance from Grand Teton: 3.5-4 hour drive
  • West Yellowstone Airport (WYS): located 5 minutes from the West Entrance, this is the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park. However, as a smaller airport with limited flight options, it can be more expensive to fly into WYS to get to Yellowstone.
    • Distance from Yellowstone: 5-minute drive from the West Entrance
    • Distance from Grand Teton: 2-hour drive
  • Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): located 5 minutes from Grand Teton and 1.5 hours by car from Yellowstone’s South Entrance, JAC is a convenient airport to fly into, especially if you are visiting both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Although JAC is larger than the WYS airport, it is still relatively small compared to BZN, which can mean limited and more expensive flight options.
    • Distance from Yellowstone: 1.5-hour drive from the South Entrance
    • Distance from Grand Teton: 5-minute drive

By Road: Do you need a car to get around Yellowstone & Grand Teton?

Yes, you will need a car to get around Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Both parks are massive in size and require you to drive to get to different trailheads and observation points.

Unfortunately, there are no shuttle services or public transportation available to travel inside the parks or to travel from Yellowstone to Grand Teton (and vice versa).

  • Where to rent a car near Yellowstone or Grand Teton: The most convenient place to rent a car near Yellowstone and Grand Teton is at the airport. The airports in Bozeman, West Yellowstone, and Jackson all have rental car services available.
  • Insider Tip: Through Costco Travel, I was able to find an affordable deal to rent an intermediate-sized car for Yellowstone and Grand Teton for $660 for 5 days (picking up in Bozeman, Montana, and dropping off in Jackson, Wyoming).

Where to Stay in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

I’m going to warn you: accommodations in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton are SO EXPENSIVE, especially if you decide to stay inside the parks versus staying in the nearby towns. Deciding whether you should stay inside or outside of Yellowstone and Grand Teton each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it will depend on your priorities, budget, and how much driving you’re willing to do each day.

  • Staying outside of Yellowstone and Grand Teton means more affordable accommodations compared to those inside the park; however, this means a lot more driving and potentially long wait times at the national park entrances each day, especially during peak season.
  • Staying inside Yellowstone and Grand Teton reduces travel time each day and allows you to optimize your time in the parks; however, lodging in Yellowstone and Grand Teton is expensive.

*Insider Tip: The cheapest way to stay in Yellowstone and Grand Teton is to camp. Fortunately, there are several campgrounds in and outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton if you are looking for more affordable lodging.

Yellowstone: Where to Stay Inside the Park

All accommodations and lodging inside Yellowstone are managed by Xanterra Yellowstone, the park’s primary concessioner. You can make all Yellowstone lodging reservations in advance (and see accommodation availability) online.

*Insider tip: Xanterra’s cancellation policy for lodging inside Yellowstone allows a FULL DEPOSIT REFUND if cancelled at least 30 days before your arrival date. Lodging availability inside Yellowstone books quickly, so if you see any availability around your trip dates, book the reservation. You can always cancel it as you fine-tune your travel plans. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for lodging cancellations! That’s how I was able to book a stay at both Roosevelt Lodge and Old Faithful Lodge last-minute.

Below are the most popular and best places to stay inside Yellowstone National Park:

  • Roosevelt Lodge Cabins: simple, rustic cabins for those looking for a more frontier experience and a prime location to Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing.
  • Canyon Lodge and Cabins: This is the most central spot to stay in Yellowstone, with easy access to all parts of the park. If you’re looking to base yourself in one location inside Yellowstone, this can be a great option.
  • Old Faithful Inn and Lodges: Old Faithful Inn is an architectural masterpiece from the early 1900s, but it can be expensive to stay in. The Old Faithful Lodge and Old Faithful Snow Lodges are more affordable lodging options if you want to stay near Old Faithful.

Below are a few places to stay inside Yellowstone at different budget levels:

two beds in a cabin near old faithful in yellowstone national park
We stayed at the Old Faithful Cabin (double room, no bath) for $183/night. It was the perfect spot to spend the night in Yellowstone so that we could see Old Faithful at sunset and in the morning.

Yellowstone: Where to Stay Outside the Park

Below are the closest towns to Yellowstone with more affordable lodging compared to staying inside the park. We found a cheap camping cabin to stay in just 10 minutes outside of the Yellowstone West Entrance for $124/night at the Yellowstone West Gate KOA Holiday.

  • Gardiner, Montana -  less than 10 minutes from Yellowstone’s North Entrance. This is the best place to base yourself if you want to stay near the Mammoth Hot Springs area and for wildlife viewing near Lamar Valley.
  • West Yellowstone, Wyoming - less than 10 minutes from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. This is the best place to stay for close access to the Old Faithful area.
  • Cody, Wyoming - 1 hour from Yellowstone’s East Entrance. This is the best place to stay for a “cowboy” and “wild west” experience.
  • Jackson, Wyoming - 1.5 hours from Yellowstone’s South Entrance. This is the best place to stay for visitors who want to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton if you don’t mind long days of driving.
We stayed at this affordable camping cabin near Yellowstone's West Gate for $124/night at the Yellowstone West Gate Holiday KOA.

Grand Teton: Where to Stay Inside the Park

Like Yellowstone, lodging inside Grand Teton is expensive. However, camping is also available inside Grand Teton if you’re looking for a more affordable lodging option.

Grand Teton: Where to Stay Outside the Park

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is 15-20 minutes away from Grand Teton, making it an excellent base with more affordable accommodations and accessibility to restaurants and grocery stores.

a cheap camping cabin in the woods of Grand Teton national park
A cheaper place to stay inside Grand Teton is in a tent cabin at Colter Bay Tent Village. This one accommodates 4 people and costs $105/night.
four bunk beds inside a cheap camping cabin in Grand Teton
An inside look at the budget-friendly camping cabins at Colter Bay Tent Village. There is also a furnace to keep you warm on colder nights.

How many days do you need to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

Yellowstone is massive in size and requires a lot of driving time. I found that 3 days is enough time to see the best attractions in Yellowstone without feeling rushed. However, if you prefer a slower pace, visiting off-the-beaten-path attractions, or doing more day hikes in Yellowstone, you may need 5-6 days to see it all.  

Grand Teton is much smaller in size compared to Yellowstone, 2 days is ideal for visiting the best of Grand Teton and Jackson, Wyoming, without rushing. However, if you have only 1 day in Grand Teton, you can still make the most of it by visiting Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, and driving the scenic loop.

I found that spending 5 days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton is the minimum amount of time I needed to see the best attractions in both parks, search for wildlife, and hike a couple of short trails without feeling rushed.

Permits, Fees & Regulations

Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton charge an entrance fee, which can be paid at the ranger booths at the national park entrances. Separate entrance fees will be charged for each park.

  • Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle (Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase)

*Insider Tip: If you will be visiting 2 or more USA national parks and recreational areas per year, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing the America the Beautiful national park pass. The annual pass costs $80/year and covers entrance fees at national parks and recreation areas.

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Must-Do Day Hikes & Activities in Yellowstone National Park

  • Yellowstone Stagecoach Ride
    • Take a 45-minute ride on a Tally-Ho stagecoach replica off the beaten path through the meadows of Pleasant Valley. You’ll get an idea of how the earliest visitors of Yellowstone traveled through the park.
    • Cost: $22.10/adult; $11.05/child
    • Is this family-friendly: Yes.
    • Where to book reservations: Yellowstone Stagecoach Ride Reservations
  • Hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook
    • This trail offers an EPIC aerial view of the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic hot spring!
    • Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip (out and back trail)
    • Difficulty: easy to moderate
    • Trailhead location: park at the Fairy Falls Trail parking lot
  • Wildlife Viewing at Lamar Valley
    • Lamar Valley is known as the best place in Yellowstone to view wildlife, including bison, bears, elk, and wolves.

Must-Do Day Hikes & Activities in Grand Teton National Park

  • Jenny Lake Boat Tour
    • Take the Jenny Lake shuttle to explore this glacial lake by water! If you feel like doing a day hike in Grand Teton, ride the shuttle and get off on the other side of Jenny Lake to hike to a beautiful waterfall and scenic overlook (more info below).
    • Shuttle frequency: runs every 10-15 minutes each day
    • Is this family-friendly: Yes
    • Cost: $20/adult and $12/child for round-trip tickets ($12/adult and $10/child for 1-way tickets).
    • Where to buy Jenny Lake shuttle tickets: onsite at the boat dock.
  • Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point at Jenny Lake
    • If you love to hike, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point are two of the most popular trails in Grand Teton.
    • Hidden Falls hike: easy, 1-mile (round-trip) hike to a 100-foot cascading waterfall
    • Inspiration Point hike: hike another 0.5 miles past Hidden Falls to Inspiration Point for the best panoramic views of Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole, and Cathedral Group.
I highly recommend taking the Jenny Lake shuttle across this beautiful glacial lake for a breathtaking view of the lake and mountain ranges that make Grand Teton so incredible.
  • Hike to Taggart Lake
    • If you only have time to do one hike in Grand Teton, the hike to Taggart Lake is a must-do adventure. This hike  takes you through some of the best views of the Tetons up to Taggart Lake, an incredible glacial lake. If you’re up for more hiking, continue onward to Bradley Lake.
    • Distance: 3 miles round-trip (out and back trail)
    • Difficulty: easy to moderate
    • Family friendly: Yes
  • Wildlife Viewing Along Moose Wilson Road
    • Moose Wilson Road is one of the best places to find wildlife in Grand Teton. We went in the late afternoon and saw quite a bit of wildlife, including bears and moose.
    • Moose-Habitat Overlook is the perfect spot to park and wait for moose and other wildlife to appear.
We spotted moose from the parking lot of Moose-Habitat Overlook along Moose Wilson Road in Grand Teton!

Itinerary Overview: How to See the Best of Yellowstone and Grand Teton in 5 Days

This 5-day road trip itinerary takes you through the best that Yellowstone and Grand Teton have to offer and is perfect for first-time visitors. Although this itinerary starts in Yellowstone and ends in Grand Teton, you can do this itinerary in reverse order if you prefer to start in Grand Teton.

  • Day 1: Yellowstone Upper Loop - Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley
  • Day 2 : Yellowstone Lower Loop - Roosevelt Tower & Stagecoach Ride, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful
  • Day 3: Finish Yellowstone Lower Loop & Drive to Grand Teton
  • Day 4: Grand Teton Boat Tour, Hike, and Wildlife Viewing
  • Day 5: Drive the Grand Teton Scenic Loop & Explore Jackson Hole
Park map of Yellowstone National Park with driving distances, visitor entrances, and must-see spots.
Park map of Grand Teton National Park.

Day 1: Explore Yellowstone’s Upper Loop (Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley)

  • Stop 1: Norris Geyser Basin - enter Yellowstone through the West Entrance and drive towards Norris Geyser Basin, the park’s oldest, hottest thermal area! Get out here and walk along the boardwalks of Porcelain Basin Trail (0.8 miles) and Back Basin Loop (1.5 miles) to see colorful hot springs, steam vents, and geysers up close!
  • Stop 2: Mammoth Hot Springs - drive 21 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs, which features the famous travertine terrace. Get out and walk the winding boardwalk to see this unique geological formation up close. Then drive to the Albright Visitor Center for an amazing overview of Yellowstone’s history.
  • Stop 3: Lamar Valley - this part of Yellowstone is a dream for wildlife lovers. Lamar Valley is the best place in Yellowstone to spot wildlife, including bison, bears, elk, and wolves.

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay at the end of the day near Lamar Valley, I HIGHLY recommend staying at the historic and rustic Roosevelt Cabins. You’ll have the opportunity for wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley after hours when tourists leave the park for the day.

a herd of bison in a meadow in Lamar Valley in yellowstone national park
Lamar Valley was filled with bison when we drove this scenic route.

Day 2: Explore Yellowstone’s Lower Loop (Roosevelt Tower, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful)

  • Stop 1: Tower Roosevelt & Yellowstone Stagecoach Ride - head to Roosevelt Corrals to start your 45-minute stagecoach ride off the beaten path through Pleasant Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for bison and pronghorns roaming nearby.
  • Stop 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - this area is THE BEST area in Yellowstone and should be at the top of your hit list. Explore the polychrome rock walls, stunning waterfalls, and the powerful Yellowstone River.
    • First, drive along the North Rim Drive and stop at the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail for views of both the 308-ft Lower Falls and 109-ft Upper Falls. Continue on the North Rim Drive and stop at Inspiration Point for a view of the vivid canyon colors.
    • Drive towards the South Rim Drive and stop at the Brink of the Upper Falls for an up close experience of how powerful the waterfall is. Head back to the car and drive to Artist Point, a do-not-miss stop in Yellowstone. Experience the best view of the powerful Lower Falls in the distance, surrounded by colorful, cascading canyons!
  • Stop 3: Canyon Village - this is the perfect spot for food, fuel, and a bathroom break. The gift shops here seemed to have unique souvenirs as well.
  • Stop 4: Old Faithful - head towards the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful. But don’t forget to get out and walk the boardwalk to experience the rest of the hot springs, which are just as beautiful to see in action! Before heading out, check out the Old Faithful Inn to experience the historic and beautiful architecture of this famous hotel.
Viewing Yellowstone's famous Old Faithful geyser erupt during sunset was a magical experience!

Day 3: Finish Yellowstone’s Lower Loop & Drive to Grand Teton

  • Stop 1: Midway Geyser Basin - this is a do-not-miss spot in Yellowstone, due to Grand Prismatic Spring, the park’s largest hot spring. Grand Prismatic Spring is famous (and otherworldly) for its vivid blue, orange, red, and yellow colors.
    There are two ways to explore Grand Prismatic Spring:
    • walk on the boardwalk alongside Grand Prismatic Spring for an up close view, OR
    • hike the 1.2-mile Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail for an EPIC aerial view of the hot spring.
  • Stop 2: Yellowstone Lake Village -  explore the 20-mile-long Yellowstone Lake. If you’re looking for a water adventure, head to Bridge Bay Marina for boat rentals and scenic boat tours!
  • Stop 3: West Thumb & Grant Village - drive towards the Yellowstone South Entrance, stopping at West Thumb, where you can walk along the boardwalk to check out this lakeside geyser basin. Continue onward to Grant Village for a bathroom or food break before heading to Grand Teton.
  • Stop 4: Grand Teton National Park - drive south towards Grand Teton for the night.
an aerial view of a rainbow colored hot spring in yellowstone national park
The view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail. You get a better view of the rainbow-colored hot spring compared to the view you get when you hike along the boardwalk.

Day 4: Explore Grand Teton (Jenny Lake, String Lake, Moose Wilson Road)

  • Stop 1: Colter Bay Village - this is a great spot to start your drive. Head into the Colter Bay Visitor Center to see the beautiful exhibits featuring artwork made by Indigenous artists and get information about how to spend your time in Grand Teton. There’s also a gas station, souvenir shop, and grocery store.
  • Stop 2: Jackson Lake Lodge - head to the back of the hotel to Willow Flats Overlook for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Teton range. If you’re lucky, you may see moose grazing in the flats.
  • Stop 3: Cathedral Group Turnout - as you head towards Jenny Lake, this is a MUST-STOP scenic pullout for unobstructed views of Teewinot Mountain, the Grand Teton, and Mount Owen.
  • Stop 4: Jenny Lake - ride the Jenny Lake shuttle to explore the lake by water! Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes each day, and you can buy tickets at the boat dock (tickets are not sold in advance or online). Don’t forget to swing by the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and grocery store for souvenirs and a snack. If you love to hike, get off the shuttle once you cross Jenny Lake to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, two of the most popular trails in the Grand Tetons.
    • Hidden Falls hike: easy, 1-mile (round-trip) hike to a 100-foot cascading waterfall
    • Inspiration Point hike: hike another 0.5 miles past Hidden Falls to Inspiration Point for the best panoramic views of Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole, and Cathedral Group.
  • Stop 5: String Lake - String Lake is a beautiful glacial lake in Grand Teton with fewer crowds, making it a great spot for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing. We stopped here for lunch and brought our own blowup rafts to float on the lake and relax.
  • Stop 6: Moose Wilson Road - if you’re a wildlife lover, Moose Wilson Road is one of the best places to find wildlife in Grand Teton. Moose Wilson Road is a scenic drive where we saw some bears and a mother moose with her baby! We got lucky and spotted the mother moose and her baby after parking at Moose-Habitat Overlook just before dusk.
  • Stop 7: Dornans - a convenient pit stop to grab dinner, groceries, and fuel.
a boat on a crystal blue lake surrounded by mountains in Grand Teton
The view at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. I recommend taking the shuttle to explore the area by water!

Day 5: Drive the Grand Teton Scenic Loop, Hike to Taggart Lake, Explore Jackson Hole

  • Stop 1: Oxbow Bend - this popular spot in Grand Teton is known for the stunning reflection of Mount Moran in the winding Snake River. This is one of the most popular spots in Grand Teton for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. You’ll also be able to enjoy some wildlife viewing.
  • Stop 2: Elk Ranch Flats Turnout - a spot for prime wildlife viewing in Grand Teton, particularly bison and horses.
  • Stop 3: Snake River Overlook - stop here for one of the best views of the Snake River and the Teton Range.
  • Stop 4: Schwabacher Landing - the most popular spot in Grand Teton for sunrise and sunset due to the most breathtaking views of the Tetons and the Snake River.
  • Stop 5: Mormon Row Historic District & Moulton Barns - explore the rustic  homesteads and barns from Mormon settlers that have survived since the 1890s. What makes this settlement so beautiful is the panoramic views of the Teton mountains.
  • Stop 6: Hike to Taggart Lake - if you can only do one hike in Grand Teton, the hike to Taggart Lake is a must-do adventure. This easy, 3-mile (round-trip) hike takes you through some of the best views of the Tetons up to Taggart Lake, an incredible glacial lake. If you’re up for more hiking, continue onward to Bradley Lake.
  • Stop 7: Jackson Hole, WY - stroll through the souvenir shops, bakeries, restaurants, and bars as a great way to relax in the afternoon. Although we did not do this, we've heard that a great adventure to do in Jackson Hole is to ride the Jackson Hole aerial tram.
a hiker is sitting on a rock in front of a clear, turquoise lake and mountain range in grand teton national park
If there's one hike to do in Grand Teton, it's the hike to Taggart Lake. It is short, family-friendly and has incredible views of the Tetons.

Conclusion

5 days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton is enough time to see the best attractions that each national park has to offer! As some of the best national parks in the world, a road trip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton needs to be added to your bucket list!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Yellowstone entrance is the best?

​Yellowstone National Park is so massive that there are 5 park entrances, each with their own advantages and perspectives. Deciding on the best Yellowstone entrance to come into the park from depends on what you want to see and where you are traveling from:

Yellowstone North Entrance: this is the closest entrance from the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (1.5-hour drive) and the closest entrance to Yellowstone’s famous Mammoth Hot Springs. The North Entrance is the only entrance open during winter.

  • Gateway town: Gardiner, Montana, which offers plenty of lodging and dining options
  • Yellowstone access point: the closest entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
  • Best entrance for: travelers coming in from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (1.5-hour drive) or visiting Yellowstone in winter.

Yellowstone West Entrance: located just south of West Yellowstone, Montana, and is the closest entry to Old Faithful. The Yellowstone West Entrance is open to cars from late April to early November.

  • Gateway town: West Yellowstone, Montana, which offers plenty of lodging and dining options
  • Yellowstone access point: the closest entrance to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and other Yellowstone geothermal sites
  • Best entrance for: travelers coming in from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (2-hour drive), easy access to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring

Yellowstone South Entrance: located 64 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming, and is the entrance for visitors to get to and from both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The Yellowstone South Entrance is open to cars from early to mid-May to early November.

  • Gateway town: Jackson, WY, which is a great base if you want to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton
  • Yellowstone access point: the main entrance that connects Yellowstone and Grand Teton
  • Best entrance for: travelers coming in from Jackson Hole Airport (1.5-hour drive) or visitors planning to see both Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Yellowstone East Entrance: located 53 miles west of Cody, Wyoming. The Yellowstone East Entrance is open to cars from early May to early November.

  • Gateway town: Cody, WY, which is a great base for exploring Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore
  • Yellowstone access point: the closest entrance to Yellowstone Lake
  • Best entrance for: visitors looking to avoid crowds in Yellowstone and want to explore the Yellowstone Lake area

Yellowstone Northeast Entrance: located in Cooke City, Montana, and is the closest entrance to the Tower-Roosevelt Area (just 29 miles west). The Yellowstone Northeast Entrance is open to cars year-round.

  • Gateway towns: Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana (both small towns)
  • Yellowstone access point: the best access to Lamar Valley, famous for its abundance of wildlife in Yellowstone
  • Best entrance for: visitors seeking the best wildlife viewing and experience in Yellowstone.

Is it better to start in Yellowstone or Grand Teton?

Deciding whether to start your road trip in Yellowstone or Grand Teton will depend on your preference, since it is easy to start in either location. After researching flight prices and accommodation availability, it was more affordable for us to fly into Bozeman, Montana, and start our road trip in Yellowstone.

If you decide to start your road trip in Grand Teton before going to Yellowstone, you can use this itinerary in the reverse order!

Can I Rent Bear Spray in Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

If you are looking to get bear spray for your trip in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, I recommend renting bear spray instead of purchasing it, especially if you are traveling by air! Renting bear spray is a more affordable option than purchasing it. Fortunately, Bear Aware makes it easy for visitors to affordably rent bear spray in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton:

  • Bear spray rental prices are capped at $28/rental if unsprayed (vs. purchasing bear spray for $50-$60/can)
  • There are bear spray rental and drop-off locations conveniently located in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, nearby towns, and at the airports. I even found a bear spray rental vending machine in Jenny Lake!
Renting bear spray is more affordable than purchasing it when visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There are bear spray rental locations and vending machines conveniently located in both parks.
Have you visited Yellowstone and Grand Teton? Let me know your favorite spots and tips in the comments below!

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Molly Chhiv
What's up, my dudes! I'm a weekend adventurer and blogger based in the U.S. that found my self-confidence, independence, and limitless potential through the outdoors. So much so that I quit my engineering job to do more fulfilling work in the outdoor industry!

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