Yellowstone's geothermal basins and wildlife-filled valleys sit two hours north of Jackson Hole's ranch-town square and ski slopes. Most park roads only fully open June through September, so summer and winter offer almost entirely different trips.
Good to know
- Most Yellowstone park roads close mid-October through April/May — check NPS road status before planning a shoulder-season trip.
- Distances inside the parks are deceptively long; budget 45+ minutes to drive between major areas, more with wildlife-jam traffic.
- Book Grand Teton's Jenny Lake shuttle boat and any Jackson Hole lodging months ahead for July–August.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Antler arches mark the corners of the square, ringed by galleries, outfitters and a nightly (in summer) mock shootout.
Horse-drawn sleigh ride out among thousands of wintering elk, mid-December through March only.
Bison and elk steaks are standard menu items in a town surrounded by ranch country.
Overlooking the Elk Refuge, a collection spanning Bierstadt to contemporary wildlife art, with floor-to-ceiling windows onto the real thing.
The world's most predictable major geyser, erupting roughly every 90 minutes, with a boardwalk looping past a dozen more nearby.
The largest log structure in the world, an eccentric 1904 lodge with a soaring lobby fireplace — worth a look even if you're not staying.
The largest hot spring in the US, rainbow-colored by heat-loving bacteria — walk the boardwalk, then climb the overlook trail for the classic aerial view.
Yellowstone's 'American Serengeti' for bison, wolves and grizzlies — dawn and dusk are best, bring binoculars.
A 300-metre-deep canyon with two waterfalls; Artist Point gives the postcard view of the Lower Falls.
Boat shuttle across an alpine lake to a short hike up to a waterfall and Inspiration Point, with the Tetons rising straight from the water.
Legendary steep terrain including Corbet's Couloir, plus plenty of groomed runs for intermediate skiers.
Travertine terraces built up by mineral hot springs, constantly reshaping themselves — the park's most otherworldly landscape.