Epic Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier Itinerary

Are you ready for an epic adventure through some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes? This 7-day epic Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier itinerary takes you on a whirlwind tour of three iconic national parks. From towering peaks and serene lakes to gushing geysers and diverse wildlife, this journey promises unforgettable experiences. 

These three parks are some of my favorites of all time. Western Montana and Wyoming are among my favorite areas of the United States and these parks are a good place to start. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, this trip offers something for everyone. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the American West!

7-Day Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier Itinerary 

All three of these incredible National Parks are worthy of a week-long trip on their own. But we know that sometimes, one week for multiple parks is all we have time for and an epic adventure is awaiting!

If you are interested, we have a 5-day Yellowstone itinerary and a 24-hours in Grand Teton post for you to reference…

Day 1: Drive to Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park

Once you’re squared away at the airport with your luggage and rental, start the two hour drive to Mammoth Hot Springs. Located just inside the North Entrance of the park, this is the perfect place to start your trip! Get your first taste of wildlife viewing and hydrothermal features while you settle in to a week of adventure.

• Walking the upper and lower Travertine Terraces boardwalks is a great way to start your Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier trip in awe.
• Walking tour of Fort Yellowstone with a pit stop into the visitor center to learn about the incredible history of America’s First National Park 
• Head to Lamar Valley at dusk for incredible opportunities to experience wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle

If you’re an avid hiker and love summit views, we recommend hiking 4.3 miles and 1,300 feet up Bunsen Peak. Once you’re up here, you’ll enjoy epic panoramic views of the Blacktail Deer Plateau, Swan Lake Flat, Gallatin Mountain Range, and the Yellowstone River Valley. 

Wraith Falls is a shorter, much easier hike option in this area of the park. At less than a mile and under 100 feet of elevation gain, this family-friendly hike includes a stroll through sagebrush meadows, marshland, and mixed conifer forest to the base of the 79-foot Wraith Falls. 

Day 2: Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic, and Old Faithful

Wake up and smell the rotten eggs… a residual of amazing geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. This area of West Yellowstone National Park is full of thrilling hydrothermal features that are just as awesome to learn about as they are to see! 

This area of Yellowstone requires an early start. 

• Start at Old Faithful at dawn and then hike to Observation Point and explore the rest of the Upper Geyser Basin.
• Check out Old Faithful Inn, a National Historic Landmark and the largest log structure in the world.
• Hike Grand Prismatic Overlook and then take the trail to Fairy Falls.

If you’re looking for an epic geyser that you can enjoy with very few crowds, check out Lonestar Geyser. 5.3 miles and only 127 feet of elevation gain along an old fire road makes for an easier hike or a quick bike ride. Yeah, you heard me… this trail is open to bikers and it’s worth the trip! Lone Star Geyser errupts once every three or so hours so check the visitor center for projected times.

Drive the one-way offshoot Firehole Canyon Drive. There’s a swimming area here, one of few in the park! Beware that this area is often closed for the safety of park guests and wildlife but it’s worth checkin out! 

Day 3: Colter Bay, Signal Mountain, and Jenny Lake

Road trip Grand Teton National Park for the day and enjoy one of the most majestic alpine vistas in the United States. This day trip will leave you longing for more time in the Tetons after experiencing some of the park’s most incredible landscapes. 

Start your day early at Schwabacher Landing for Sunrise. You are very likely going to see moose in the meandering river while the morning sun lights up the Teton Range in the background. Bring your camera, you’ll want to remember this forever.

• Make your way to Jenny Lake and decide if you’re going to cruise or hike to Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon
• Visit Colter Bay for a bite to eat, hike the 9.7 Hermitage Point Trail or the easier, 2.6-mile Lakeshore Trail, and take a dip in Jackson Lake
• Drive (or hike) Signal Mountain for sunset views of the Tetons

If you’re an avid hiker and looking for a long day hike, hike to Lake Solitude from Jenny Lake. Take the shuttle boat or hike around, this 17-mile and 2,670-feet hike is a Grand Teton National Park classic that is worth every mile. 

For a shorter day hike that brings you into the mountain range, check out Leigh Lake. At just over 7 miles and about 100-feet of total elevation gain, this is a much quicker option for incredible lake and mountain views. 

Day 4: Yellowstone Lake and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

It’s time to experience the most aesthetically pleasing area of Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone river carves through Hayden Valley, creating the epic waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and continuing beyond the Northern boundary of the park and we’re spending today enjoying what it has to offer. 

• Hike Elephant Back and/or Storm Point for incredible Yellowstone Lake views
• Explore West Thumb Geyser Basin! A unique geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake
• Head further north to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for the South Rim Trail 

If you have bikes, take a ride to Natural Bridge. The 3.1-mile trail leads to short, but steep climb up to the Natural Bridge. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a unique natural strucutre, however, there are definitely better views within the park boundary. If you’d rather spend more time enjoying the lake, a boat ride might be worth your time! It’s a natural beauty that’s perfect for hiking around, swimming in, and boating in good weather.

Take a drive into Hayden Valley at dusk for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities in perfect lighting. This is a scenic drive that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty that is Yellowstone’s landscape regardless of what wildlife you’re able to witness. 

Day 5: Drive to St. Mary, Glacier National Park

A long driving day will bring you to the beautiful eastern end of Going to the Sun Road. Today we’ll check out some epic waterfalls and watch the sunset over Saint Mary Lake. This is the perfect basecamp for Glacier National Park’s most iconic drives and hikes! 

You will spend a lot of today driving, but at least you’ll have nice views! We’re heading to the St. Mary side of Glacier National Park which is a near full-day drive. If you leave early enough, you might be able to make time for one or two of the following suggestions.

• If you find yourself with time, check out Two Medicine on your way up to Glacier. Hike to Running Eagle Falls or the more difficult 7.7 miles, 2,400 feet up to Scenic Point for incredible views of a stunning area of the park.
• Hike the whole 6.3 mile Three Waterfall Trail from Sun Point or cut the distance in half and start the hike from the St. Marys Falls cutoff trail.
• Take a swim in St. Mary Lake from the Rising Sun picnic area. There are a handful of great spots you can step off trail and wade into the icy, clear waters or St. Mary Lake. 

Two Medicine is an absolute beauty and totally worth the stop! I would even go as far as to say, staying here for the night instead of St. Mary would be worth it if you don’t mind moving around often. The hikes we shared in Two Medicine are more woth it -in our opionion- than the hikes at St. Mary. 

If you just want to settle in after a long travel day, head to St. Mary and set up shop! If you want to skip staying in St. Mary all together, we recommend going straight to Many Glacier and spending two nights there. Many Glacier is easily the most beautiful area of the park!

Day 6: Many Glacier Area

Spend the day in the most beautiful area of Glacier National Park. With miles of trails that lead to views you’ll never forget and access to Many Glacier Hotel, a historic hotel that will leave you longing for a lodge stay, Many Glacier will quickly becomes the highlight of your road trip. 

This is by far the most beautiful area of Glacier National Park. There are so many stunning trails and if you have the ability to hike multiple trails while you’re visiting, please choose two of the following! 

• The short, and sassy, Apikuni Falls trail climbs nearly 600 feet in about a half of a mile. Despite the steep terrain, the waterfall is a beauty!
• One of the most popular trails, for good reason, is the 10- mile Grinnell Glacier trail or the significantly easier 7-mile Grinnell Lake Hike 
• If you’re looking for a hike of epic proportions, the 10.5-mile 2,300-foot Ptarmigan Tunnel Hike will literally take you to tunnel through a mountain. If you’re feeling cheeky, add on the popular Iceberg Lake trail which will add just over 4 miles to you overall hike.

Cracker Lake is another popular hike in this area of the park. It’s also a location of the park you can access via horseback riding. In the early 1900’s, the park was primarily accessed via horseback so this is a great way to embrace the culture of the park while experiencing incredible views. 

Definitely end your day in Many Glacier at the lodge. You can grab food, a caffienated or alcoholic beverage, and sit on the porch enjoying incredible views while listening to an educational ranger talk! We ended out Grinnel Glacier hike with pure relaxation on the lodge porch and learned a lot about that area of the park from the ranger talk and we would absolutely do it again. 

Day 7: Logan Pass and Going to the Sun Road

Drive the iconic Going to the Sun Road without a permit and experience Logan Pass. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep sightings are almost guaranteed on this stretch of your trip so have your camera ready! We’re making the most of the last day of our adventure. 

Driving Going to the Sun Road does not require a permit  if you drive it from East to West. Get an early start to ensure a parking spot at Logan Pass and then use the remainder of the day to explore the West end of the park

• Hike just over 5 miles to Hidden Lake or the easier Hidden Lake Overlook Trail from Logan Pass for some pretty stellar alpine views! P.S. You’ll probably find a mountain goat along the way.
• Take the popular Avalanche Lake trail and take an icey dip if you dare!
• Dinner and a sunset glow view of Lake McDonald in Apgar village

If you love epic views and long hikes, swap the Hidden Lake trail for the Highline Trail. At 15 miles roundtrip and 1,621-feet, the Highline Trail is much more challenging than Hidden Lake but totally worth the trip if it is open when you visit! This trail doesn’t open until mid to late July most summers due to snow coverage. 

Have an extra day at Glacier National Park? Take a trip up to Bowman Lake in the Northfork Area of the park. Camping here is first come first served and is located about 6 miles down an unpaved road. The ride is rough, but Bowman Lake is stunning and the hike to Numa Lookout Tower, albiet tough, provides incredible views of a lesser-visited area of the park. 

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Road Tripping Through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Park

Big Sky country is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. It’s home to incredible natural wonders including the hydrothermal features and willife of the Nation’s first National Park, the jagged peaks and alpine lakes of the Tetons, and the glacial carved alpine meadows and valleys of the Glacier National Park. There’s a good reason so many people have this trip on their bucket list and we hope that these questions help you plan your bucket list trip!

1. What is the best time of year to visit these parks?

The best time to visit these parks is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild, and most park facilities are open. However, late spring and early fall can offer stunning fall foliage and significantly fewer crowds.

2. How many days do I need to explore these parks?

To fully experience all three parks, you should allocate at least 7-10 days. This will allow you to explore the major attractions and enjoy some leisurely activities as well. 

Ideally, 2-3 days in Grand Teton, 4-5 days in Yellowstone, and an additional 4-5 days in Glacier National Park would allow you to see the most of each park!

3. What are the must-see attractions in each park?

• Yellowstone: Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and wildlife viewing (elk, bison, bear, wolves, bighorn sheep, and more!)
• Grand Teton: Jenny Lake, Mormon Row Historic District, Cascade Canyon, and scenic drives along the Teton Park Road.
• Glacier: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier Lodge, Grinnel Glacier, Lake McDonald, and Bowman Lake

4. What are some essential items to pack for the trip?

Essential items include comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, rain gear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a camera.

We have a full Yellowstone Packing List with a free PDF download to help you pack. This list would absolutely work for all three parks!

5. What are the best camping options in these parks?

​All three parks offer a variety of camping options, from first-come, first-served campgrounds to reservable campgrounds. It’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.

Our favorites in each park are:

• Jenny Lake Campground in Grand Teton
• Madison Campground and Lewis Lake in Yellowstone
• Two Medicine and Bowman Lake Campground in Glacier

6. What are the best scenic drives in these parks?

Drive time varies, but these roads are your best places to spot wildlife like grizzly bear, black bears, moose, and more along with other incredible natural views! 

• Yellowstone: Grand Loop Road
• Grand Teton: Teton Park Road
• Glacier: Going-to-the-Sun Road

7. What are some wildlife safety tips for these parks?

• Always keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially bears and bison.
  • Use the thumb rule – if you can’t cover the full animal with your thumb you’re too close! 
  • If your proximity is causing the animal to change their manerisms, you are way too close. 
• Store food and scented items properly in bear-resistant containers. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and hike in groups for 3 or more.
• Hike with bear spray in an accessable location (not the bottom of your bag)
• Adhere to posted signs; some areas will close if bear activity it high.

8. What are the best hiking trails for beginners and experienced hikers in each park?

• Beginner-friendly: ​These parks have something for everyone, including beginners!
  • Grand Teton: Jenny Lake Trail, Lakeshore Trail, & Taggart Lake
  • Yellowstone: 15 easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park
  • Glacier: Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake Overlook, & Running Eagle Falls
• Experienced hikers: If you prefer a longer hike with a bit more elevation gain, these are for you!  
  • Grand Teton: Jenny Lake Trail, Lakeshore Trail, & Taggart Lake
  • Yellowstone: Mount Washburn, Specimen Ridge, & Bunsen Peak
  • Glacier: Grinnel Glacier, Ptarmigan Tunnel, & Highline Trail 

9. What are some good places to eat in and around the parks?

The parks offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Here are some popular choices for each park. 

• Grand Teton: Head into Jackson Hole (the iconic Cowboy Bar) or Teton Village (the Mangy Moose), or Trapper Grill
• Yellowstone: ​Lake Hotel Dining Room, Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, and Old West Dinner Cookout
• Glaicer: Eddies Cafe on the West side of the park, Polebridge Merchantile near the North Fork, and Kips Beer Garden & Frogs Cantina near the St. Mary park entrance 

10. What are some tips for planning a road trip through these parks?

Planning a trip of this magnitude can be a daunting task… but we’re here to help! Use the itinerary we provided above and subscribe to my mailing list for access to free PDF downloads of amazing adventure itineraries across North America. I also have full blog posts highlighting a 5-day Yellowstone Itinerary and 24 Hours in Grand Teton. 

When it comes to planning we recommend you take the time to plan your itinerary in advance so you can book accommodations/campsites early. As you get closer be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts; be flexible with your plans as these areas are prone to late season snowfall, mid-summer wildfires, and a variety of other speed bumps. 

Conclusion

With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor activities, this 7-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty and grandeur of these national parks. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime with this Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier Itinerary. Let’s get to planning so you can pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime! For more detailed information and tips, be sure to check out my other blog posts on this itinerary.