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8 Days Exploring Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jul 01Welcome to Yellowstone
Morning
Start your adventure with a visit to the iconic Old Faithful Geyser. This world-famous geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, providing a spectacular show of nature's power. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center nearby offers insightful exhibits about the geothermal features of the park. Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria for a convenient and hearty meal before exploring further.
Afternoon
Head over to Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. Its vibrant colors are a result of microbial mats around the edges of the mineral-rich water. Take a walk along the boardwalk for stunning views and photo opportunities. For lunch, stop by Firehole BBQ located nearby for some delicious barbecue.
Evening
Conclude your first day with a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs. These terraces are formed from limestone and offer an otherworldly landscape that changes constantly due to geothermal activity. Enjoy dinner at Mammoth Terrace Grill, which offers casual dining with views of the terraces.
Bedtime
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Geothermal Wonders and Wildlife
Morning
Begin your day at Norris Geyser Basin, one of the hottest and most dynamic thermal areas in Yellowstone. Explore both Porcelain Basin and Back Basin for a variety of geothermal features including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Have breakfast at Geyser Grill located near Norris Junction.
Afternoon
Drive through Hayden Valley, known for its abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and occasionally grizzly bears. It's an excellent spot for wildlife photography or simply enjoying nature's beauty. Pack a picnic lunch from Canyon Village Deli to enjoy in one of the scenic spots along the way.
Evening
Visit Yellowstone Upper Falls in the evening for breathtaking views as the sun sets over this majestic waterfall. The nearby Artist Point offers one of the most famous viewpoints in Yellowstone. End your day with dinner at Canyon Lodge M66 Grill, offering a variety of American cuisine.
Bedtime
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Scenic Drives and Serene Lakes
Morning
Start your morning with a scenic drive along Grand Loop Road. This route will take you through some of Yellowstone's most beautiful landscapes including forests, meadows, and rivers. Stop by various points of interest along the way such as Gibbon Falls and Virginia Cascades. Have breakfast at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room en route.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring Jackson Lake located just south in Grand Teton National Park. This pristine lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing or simply relaxing by its shores while taking in stunning mountain views. Enjoy lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge Pioneer Grill, known for its classic American fare.
Evening
End your day with a peaceful visit to Oxbow Bend, another beautiful spot within Grand Teton National Park where you can often see wildlife such as moose or bald eagles against a backdrop of Mount Moran reflecting in Snake River's calm waters. For dinner head back towards Yellowstone and dine at Signal Mountain Lodge Restaurant, offering great food with panoramic views.
Bedtime
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Exploring the Geysers and Basins
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to Castle Geyser. This impressive geyser has one of the largest cones in Yellowstone and erupts approximately every 10-12 hours. Enjoy breakfast at Fountain Flats Drive-In nearby, which offers a variety of breakfast options.
Afternoon
Afterward, head to Fountain Paint Pot. This area features a collection of colorful hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. The boardwalk trail allows you to get up close to these fascinating geothermal features. For lunch, stop by Midway Geyser Basin Snack Bar for a quick bite.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Mud Volcano Area. This area is known for its bubbling mud pots and the Dragon's Mouth Spring. The eerie sounds and sights make it a unique experience. Enjoy dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, offering fine dining with views of Yellowstone Lake.
Bedtime
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Valleys and Rivers
Morning
Start your morning in the serene Lamar Valley, often referred to as America's Serengeti due to its large populations of wildlife including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. Have breakfast at Tower Fall General Store, which offers grab-and-go options perfect for an early start.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring the scenic beauty of Snake River. This river flows through both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and offers opportunities for fishing, rafting or simply enjoying the views. Pack a picnic lunch from Snake River Grill to enjoy by the riverbank.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Black Sand Basin. This small but colorful basin features hot springs and geysers set against black sand deposits. For dinner, head back towards Mammoth Hot Springs area and dine at The Mammoth Dining Room, known for its historic charm and delicious cuisine.
Bedtime
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Petrified Trees and Visitor Centers
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Yellowstone Petrified Tree. This ancient tree has turned into stone over millions of years due to volcanic activity. Have breakfast at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, which offers hearty meals in a rustic setting.
Afternoon
Head south towards Grand Teton National Park for an afternoon visit to the informative Colter Bay Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the natural history of the Tetons through exhibits and ranger-led programs. Enjoy lunch at Colter Bay Village Cafe, offering casual dining options.
Evening
Conclude your day with a peaceful evening at Jackson Lake Dam within Grand Teton National Park. The dam provides stunning views of Jackson Lake against the backdrop of the Teton Range. For dinner, dine at Dornan's Chuckwagon, known for its western-style meals and panoramic views.
Bedtime
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Rivers and Scenic Overlooks
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the serene Firehole River. This river is known for its warm waters due to geothermal activity, making it a popular spot for swimming in designated areas. Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room, which offers a variety of hearty breakfast options.
Afternoon
Afterward, head to Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park. This scenic overlook offers stunning views of the Snake River with Mount Moran in the background. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and photography. For lunch, stop by Signal Mountain Lodge Restaurant for delicious food with panoramic views.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Jackson Lake. The lake's calm waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque scene. Enjoy dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge Mural Room, known for its fine dining and spectacular views of the Tetons.
Bedtime
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Final Adventures in Yellowstone
Morning
Begin your last day with a visit to Grand Teton National Park. Explore some of the park's most iconic spots such as Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls. Have breakfast at Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room, offering gourmet meals in an elegant setting.
Afternoon
Grand Loop Road is perfect for your afternoon drive. This loop takes you through some of Yellowstone's most beautiful landscapes including forests, meadows, and rivers. Stop by various points of interest along the way such as Gibbon Falls and Virginia Cascades. For lunch, pack a picnic from Canyon Village Deli to enjoy at one of the scenic spots.
Evening
Hayden Valley is an excellent place to end your trip. Known for its abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and occasionally grizzly bears, it's perfect for wildlife photography or simply enjoying nature's beauty as the sun sets over Yellowstone. Conclude your adventure with dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, offering fine dining with views of Yellowstone Lake.
Bedtime
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