The Ultimate 7-Day Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

A Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip is best enjoyed over 7 days, giving you enough time to explore both parks’ highlights and hidden gems. The route I’ve laid out starts with the iconic spots of Yellowstone and ends with an adventure through the dramatic peaks and pristine lakes of Grand Teton National Park, covering around 250 miles of scenic driving.

This itinerary captures the best of these two neighboring parks, from the steamy geysers and colorful hot springs of Yellowstone to the rugged mountain vistas of Grand Teton. But if 7 days feels too long or if you’re on a tighter schedule, no problem! You can tailor this guide to fit your timeframe by focusing on the sights that excite you most.

Here’s everything you need for an epic Yellowstone road trip in 2025. I’ve packed this 7-day itinerary with all the must-see stops, insider tips, and essential advice to make this adventure unforgettable. So, let’s get ready for one of the most iconic road trips in the American West!

This map highlights all the must-see stops along the way (over 50 Instagrammable spots). Below, I’ll break down each destination and share tips for maximizing your time in these incredible national parks.

On Day 2, you’ll dive straight into the wonders of Yellowstone, starting with the surreal landscapes of Mammoth Hot Springs. As you journey through the park, you’ll transition from bubbling terraces to vast valleys teeming with wildlife, before ending your day at the historic Tower-Roosevelt area.

Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone’s most unique features—a sprawling terrace of bubbling, steaming limestone formations. It’s constantly changing, with hot water from deep within the Earth sculpting new features over time. The area is also home to the historic Fort Yellowstone, giving you a glimpse into the park’s past.

• Upper and Lower Terraces: Start your visit by exploring the boardwalks that wind through the Upper and Lower Terraces. Each terrace offers a different perspective of the hot springs, with cascading mineral formations that range in color from white to rust-red. I recommend starting at the Upper Terraces for the best views, then working your way down.
• Liberty Cap: Don’t miss this towering, dormant hot spring cone, which stands out among the terraces. It’s a great spot for photos and a fascinating reminder of Yellowstone’s volcanic activity.
• Historic Fort Yellowstone: Take a short stroll to Fort Yellowstone, where you can explore the preserved buildings from when the U.S. Army managed the park. The Visitor Center here offers insightful exhibits on the history of Yellowstone, making it worth a quick visit.

In winter, the terraces can be especially beautiful, with steam rising from the snow-covered formations. The boardwalks are usually accessible, but you’ll want to bundle up and wear sturdy boots for icy conditions.

After soaking in the sights at Mammoth, it’s time to head to Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundant wildlife. This is the best place in Yellowstone to spot wolves, bison, and even the occasional grizzly bear. The valley’s wide-open spaces make it easy to see animals from the road, so keep your eyes peeled!

• Wildlife Watching: Early morning or late evening are the best times to see wildlife. Bring binoculars for a closer look at wolves or bears that might be further away. Pull over at the designated viewpoints or wherever you see other cars stopped—chances are, they’ve spotted something interesting!
• Bison Herds: You’ll likely see large herds of bison grazing or even crossing the road. Remember to keep a safe distance—these animals are massive and can be unpredictable.
• Slough Creek: This area within Lamar Valley is a hotspot for wolf watching. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the park’s famous wolf packs. There’s a parking area where you can pull over and watch for wildlife.

In spring, you might see newborn bison calves and other young wildlife. Winter offers a quieter, snow-covered landscape where you can often spot animals more easily against the white backdrop. Be cautious of road conditions, as snow and ice can make driving more challenging.

Your day wraps up in the Tower-Roosevelt area, a spot rich in history and natural beauty. Named after the famous Roosevelt Lodge, this area offers access to some of Yellowstone’s lesser-known gems. You’ll find attractions like the Petrified Tree and Tower Fall here.

• Roosevelt Lodge: This rustic lodge is a great spot to stop for a meal or just stretch your legs. It’s named after President Theodore Roosevelt, a big fan of Yellowstone. If you’re visiting in the summer, consider booking a guided horseback ride or a stagecoach tour.
• Tower Fall: Just a short drive from the lodge, Tower Fall is one of Yellowstone’s most iconic waterfalls. It plunges 132 feet into the canyon below. The viewpoint is easily accessible, and there’s a short trail if you want to explore further.
• Petrified Tree: A quick stop at the Petrified Tree offers a glimpse into Yellowstone’s ancient past. This fossilized redwood tree, encased in stone, is a fascinating sight. It’s a reminder that this area was once much warmer and wetter.
• Blacktail Plateau Drive: If you have extra time, take this scenic, one-way dirt road. It offers stunning views and more wildlife-spotting opportunities. It’s a peaceful detour with fewer crowds, perfect for those who want to explore off the beaten path.

In the fall, this area is a great place to see elk during the rutting season. You might hear the males bugling as they compete for mates—a unique and memorable experience. Winter visits require a bit more preparation since some roads may be closed due to snow. However, the solitude and snow-covered landscapes are well worth the effort.

A 1.5-hour drive from Mammoth Hot Springs takes us to Canyon Village. It’s home to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its thunderous waterfalls and strikingly colorful cliffs!

From there, you’ll head into Hayden Valley, a lush, open plain that’s one of the best spots in the park to see bison, elk, and even the occasional grizzly bear. This day is all about soaking in Yellowstone’s epic scenery and watching its wildlife in action.

Canyon Village is your launching point for exploring one of Yellowstone’s most iconic landmarks—the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This area is known for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant hues, and the roar of waterfalls echoing through the canyon. It’s a must-see, and you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to take it all in.

• Lower Falls Viewpoints: Start your exploration at the brink of Lower Falls, the most famous waterfall in the park, plunging 308 feet into the canyon below. The viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping perspective, especially in the early morning when the light hits the mist. If you’re up for it, hike down the steep but rewarding Uncle Tom’s Trail for a closer view.
• Artist Point: Just a short drive from the Lower Falls, Artist Point offers one of the most iconic views in all of Yellowstone. From here, you’ll get a panoramic view of the canyon with the Lower Falls framed perfectly in the distance. It’s a spot that’s inspired countless paintings and photographs, and it’s easy to see why. I recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
• North Rim Drive: After soaking in the views from Artist Point, head over to the North Rim Drive. This scenic loop offers several pullouts with views of the canyon and Upper Falls. Lookout Point and Inspiration Point are particularly stunning and less crowded than Artist Point, giving you a more peaceful experience.
• Canyon Visitor Education Center: Before leaving Canyon Village, stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about Yellowstone’s geology. The exhibits here provide a fascinating look at the volcanic forces that shaped the park!

After exploring Canyon Village, it’s time to head south into Hayden Valley. This broad, open valley is a prime location for wildlife viewing and is crisscrossed by the Yellowstone River. It’s home to some of the park’s most iconic animals and is a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Old Faithful is the superstar of Yellowstone, famous for its regular eruptions that shoot water and steam high into the air. While it’s not the largest geyser in the park, it’s the most reliable, erupting roughly every 90 minutes.

• Old Faithful Eruption Viewing: Head straight to the viewing area around Old Faithful. There’s a large, semi-circular seating area where you can comfortably watch the geyser erupt. I recommend finding a spot with a good view of both the geyser and the sky for some dramatic photos. If you miss one eruption, don’t worry—the next one isn’t far off!
• Old Faithful Visitor Education Center: After watching the eruption, pop into the nearby Visitor Center. It offers fascinating exhibits on the park’s geothermal features, and the rangers can give you predictions on when other geysers in the area might erupt.

In winter, the area around Old Faithful is a winter wonderland, accessible by snowmobile or snowcoach. Watching the geyser erupt against a backdrop of snow is an unforgettable sight. In summer, the area can be quite hot and busy, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

The Upper Geyser Basin, where Old Faithful resides, is home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world. It’s an otherworldly landscape filled with geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, all bubbling and steaming away. Take your time exploring this area—there’s so much to see, and each feature is unique.

• Geyser Hill: Start your exploration at Geyser Hill, just a short walk from Old Faithful. This area is packed with lesser-known geysers that are just as fascinating. Look out for Anemone Geyser, which erupts frequently, and Beehive Geyser, known for its powerful eruptions that can reach 200 feet in the air.
• Morning Glory Pool: One of the most beautiful hot springs in the park, Morning Glory Pool is famous for its vibrant colors, ranging from deep blue to bright yellow. The pool’s color has changed over the years due to natural and human-caused factors, but it remains a stunning sight. It’s about a 1.5-mile round trip walk from Old Faithful. The path is easy and well worth the effort.
• Castle Geyser: Another impressive geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin, Castle Geyser erupts about every 10-12 hours. Its eruptions last longer than Old Faithful’s, with water spewing for about 20 minutes. This is followed by a steam phase that can last 30-40 minutes. If you’re nearby when it’s about to go off, it’s definitely worth stopping to watch.
• Riverside Geyser: Located along the Firehole River, Riverside Geyser is unique because it shoots water out at an angle. This creates a beautiful arching spray that reflects in the river below. It erupts about every 6 hours, so check the predictions at the Visitor Center to time your visit.

After exploring the Upper Geyser Basin, take a short 10-minute drive to the Midway Geyser Basin. This area is smaller but just as impressive, featuring some of the most vibrant and colorful hot springs in the park.

• Grand Prismatic Spring: The star of Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. It’s also one of the most photographed spots in Yellowstone. The vibrant colors—deep blue at the center, transitioning to green, yellow, and orange—are caused by heat-loving bacteria. The best way to see it is from the boardwalk that winds around the spring. For a bird’s-eye view, take the short hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail.
• Excelsior Geyser Crater: Just a few steps from Grand Prismatic, you’ll find Excelsior Geyser Crater. Once a powerful geyser, it’s now a boiling hot spring that discharges over 4,000 gallons of water per minute into the Firehole River. The massive, steamy crater creates an eerie and captivating atmosphere.
• Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool: These smaller, less-visited pools near Grand Prismatic Spring offer their own unique beauty. The colors are striking, and the surrounding steam adds a mystical quality to the experience. These pools are less crowded, making them a great place to take a quieter moment and soak in the scenery.

The best time to visit Grand Prismatic Spring is in the late morning or early afternoon when the sun is high enough to bring out the vivid colors. In winter, Midway Geyser Basin can be more challenging to access. But if you can get there, the steam rising against the snow-covered ground is a sight to behold.

Day 5 of your Yellowstone adventure takes you to the serene and scenic West Thumb Geyser Basin and the expansive Yellowstone Lake. These areas offer a perfect mix of geothermal wonders and peaceful lakeside views.

The drive from the Upper Geyser Basin to West Thumb is about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely morning before heading out. Today is all about soaking in the quieter, less crowded parts of Yellowstone while still experiencing its unique geothermal activity.

West Thumb Geyser Basin is unique because it sits right on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. This offers a rare combination of geothermal features and lakeside views. It’s a smaller basin, but it’s packed with fascinating hot springs, mud pots, and geysers. All of this comes with the stunning backdrop of the lake.

• Fishing Cone: This submerged geyser got its name because early visitors used to catch fish in the lake and then cook them in the hot spring—right on their fishing line! While you can’t do that anymore, it’s still a fascinating feature to check out. It’s especially interesting at low water levels when the cone is more visible.
• Abyss Pool: One of the deepest hot springs in Yellowstone, Abyss Pool lives up to its name with dark, mysterious waters that seem to plunge into the earth. It’s a bit eerie but absolutely mesmerizing.
• Black Pool: Despite its name, Black Pool is now a vibrant blue-green. This change occurred due to temperature shifts that killed off the dark-hued bacteria that once lived in its waters. It’s one of the most colorful features in the basin and definitely worth a stop.
• Big Cone: This small, inconspicuous geyser doesn’t erupt often, but when it does, it shoots water directly into the lake. It’s a reminder of how active the geothermal area is, even right at the water’s edge.
• Lakeside Geysers and Hot Springs: The boardwalk at West Thumb takes you along the shoreline. Here, you can see geysers and hot springs bubbling right next to the water. The contrast between the cool blue of the lake and the steaming hot springs is striking and makes for some great photos.

The drive from Yellowstone Lake to Grand Teton National Park takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Grand Teton’s jagged peaks, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit on any road trip through the region.

Today’s itinerary is all about immersing yourself in the beauty of these mountains, with stops at some of the park’s most famous and breathtaking spots.

After spending the morning at Jenny Lake, head to the Snake River Overlook. This is one of the most famous viewpoints in Grand Teton National Park. Photographer Ansel Adams made this spot famous with his black-and-white image of the Tetons and the Snake River. That photo became one of the most iconic images of the American West.

• Snake River Overlook: The overlook offers a panoramic view of the Snake River winding through the valley, with the Teton Range towering in the background. It’s a perfect spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft, and the mountains are bathed in warm colors. I like to bring a thermos of coffee and sit here for a while, just taking in the view.
• Oxbow Bend: A little further along the road, you’ll find Oxbow Bend, another great spot for photography. Here, the river creates a calm, reflective surface that beautifully mirrors the mountains. It’s also a good place to spot wildlife, especially in the early morning or late evening. Moose, beavers, and a variety of birds are often seen here.

The Snake River Overlook is stunning year-round, but fall is a particularly special time to visit. The trees along the river turn bright yellow, and the early morning light is perfect for photography. In winter, the area is often covered in snow, creating a serene and almost otherworldly landscape.

If you have extra time, there are plenty of other amazing spots to explore in Grand Teton National Park. Here are a few additional recommendations:

• Signal Mountain Summit Road: Drive up to the top of Signal Mountain for panoramic views of the Teton Range and the surrounding valley. The road is open seasonally, usually from late May to mid-October, and the summit is a great place to watch the sunset.
• Schwabacher Landing: This is another fantastic spot for photography, offering views of the Tetons reflected in the calm waters of the Snake River. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise, and you’re likely to have it mostly to yourself if you arrive early.
• Mormon Row: For a bit of history, visit Mormon Row, where you’ll find old homesteads and barns that date back to the early 1900s. The iconic Moulton Barn, with the Tetons as a backdrop, is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
• Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Hike: This moderate hike is a 6-mile loop that takes you to two beautiful alpine lakes. It’s a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time in nature.

As your epic Yellowstone and Grand Teton adventure comes to an end, you’ll spend your final morning soaking in the last few moments of the stunning Teton scenery.

Your last morning in Grand Teton is a perfect time to revisit a favorite spot or explore a new one before hitting the road. The early hours are often the most peaceful, with fewer crowds and a good chance of seeing wildlife.

• Sunrise at Mormon Row: Start your day with a sunrise visit to Mormon Row. The soft morning light on the historic barns with the Teton Range in the background is breathtaking and provides one of the most iconic photo opportunities in the park. It’s a quiet spot in the early morning, perfect for some reflection and photography.
• Moose-Wilson Road: If you haven’t explored this area yet, the Moose-Wilson Road is a great place for a morning drive. It’s one of the best spots in the park for seeing moose, especially in the early morning. The road is narrow and winding, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Keep your camera handy—you never know what you might spot!
• Jackson Lake Overlook: For one final, sweeping view of the Tetons, stop by the Jackson Lake Overlook. The calm waters of Jackson Lake reflecting the mountains create a serene and unforgettable scene. It’s a great place to take a short walk along the shore or just sit and take in the view one last time.
• Teton Park Road: If you’re heading to Jackson Hole for your flight, consider taking the scenic Teton Park Road as you leave. It offers beautiful views of the Tetons and several pullouts where you can stop for photos or a short walk. The road connects with the main highway near Moose, making it a convenient and scenic route.

If you’re driving back to Bozeman, the route takes you north through the scenic landscapes of Wyoming and Montana. It’s a 4.5-hour drive, but with plenty of places to stop along the way if you want to stretch your legs or take in the views one last time.

Before you pack up and start your Yellowstone adventure, there are a few important things to keep in mind as you prepare for your journey.

The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on what you want to experience.

• Spring (April to early June): A quieter time with abundant wildlife and powerful waterfalls, but some roads may still be closed, and the weather is unpredictable.
• Summer (Mid-June to August): Warm weather and full access to the park, but expect large crowds and high demand for accommodations.
• Fall (September to October): Cooler temperatures, stunning fall foliage, and active wildlife. Crowds thin out, but some facilities close, and early snow is possible.
• Winter (November to March): A serene, snow-covered landscape with limited access, ideal for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. Requires more preparation and winter gear.

The length of your Yellowstone road trip depends on how much you want to explore:

• 1-2 Days: Hit the major highlights like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It’s a quick, whirlwind tour.
• 3-4 Days: A more relaxed pace, allowing time to visit additional spots like Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin.
• 5-7 Days: Ideal for a thorough exploration, including lesser-known areas like Lamar Valley and Tower-Roosevelt. You can also enjoy longer hikes and more wildlife viewing.
• 7+ Days: Expand your trip to include nearby Grand Teton National Park or other surrounding attractions.

For a well-rounded experience, 5-7 days is ideal to fully immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s beauty.

If you have some extra time and want to explore beyond Yellowstone, there are several incredible destinations nearby worth adding to your trip:

Planning your Yellowstone road trip is exciting, but you might have some questions. Here are answers to common queries to help you plan your adventure.

If you’re short on time but want to hit the highlights, here’s a compact 5-day itinerary:

The total driving time depends on your route, but a loop around the park’s main attractions usually takes about 4-7 hours of driving spread out over your trip. For example, driving from Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful is about 1.5-2 hours, and from Old Faithful to West Thumb Geyser Basin takes about 30 minutes.

Yellowstone offers a variety of hikes for all skill levels. For beginners, some of the best hikes include the Mystic Falls Trail (2.4 miles), Fairy Falls Trail (5 miles), and Storm Point Trail (2.3 miles). These trails offer beautiful scenery without being too strenuous, making them perfect for those new to hiking.

Yes, there are several guided tours available, ranging from wildlife safaris to ranger-led walks and boat tours on Yellowstone Lake. These tours can offer deeper insights into the park’s natural wonders and are a great option if you prefer a more structured experience.

With increasing popularity, some national parks now require reservations during peak seasons. While Yellowstone currently doesn’t require entry reservations, it’s wise to book accommodations and campsites well in advance, especially during the summer months when demand is high.

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