Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Yellowstone National Park

by | National Parks, Simple Suit, United States, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park

If you’re looking for a 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone, we’ve got you covered! 

Yellowstone National Park was on our bucket list for years.  It was one of the national parks that neither Allan nor I had visited.  I had seen pictures of the incredible scenery and wildlife but wanted to see it for myself.  Of course, even if the pictures are filtered, this is one of those places that is even better in person!

I wasn’t sure how much time we needed there, so I used the wonderful tool of social media to get input from my friends who had already visited Yellowstone.  A variety of answers came in, but two to five days was the general recommendation.  I settled on three days and three nights.  We did one half-day, followed by two full days, then another half-day.

WHEN TO VISIT YELLOWSTONE

The best time to visit, of course, depends on multiple factors, all of which vary from family to family.  We needed to go when the kids were out of school and it was warm enough to tent camp.  That didn’t leave a lot of options.  Really, just one: summer.  I researched weather patterns (it CAN snow in June and September), mosquitos, and crowds.

Consider the Weather

During our 3-day itinerary to Yellowstone, we wanted to hike, and we were tent camping, so we decided to go in July when it was warm.  I had thought June might work if we went right after the kids got out of school.  I imagined crowds would be a little lower in June.  And they may have been, but we’re glad we ended up going in July since it ended up snowing in Yellowstone the third week of June!

Plan for Mosquitos

I had heard that you can get eaten alive by mosquitoes at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the summer.  Here’s the bad news: you can.  But there’s also good news: they only come out at dawn and dusk.  Timing your trip to avoid the mosquitos is nearly impossible since their appearance depends on a variety of factors like the amount and timing of snowfall/snowmelt, rainfall, and temperature.  My best advice?  Bring repellent, long pants, and long shirts.  Even though we weren’t cold, covering up before the mosquitos blessed us with their presence definitely helped.

Expect Some Crowds at Some Locations

More than four million people visit Yellowstone every year, making it one of the most visited national parks in the United States.  I was pleasantly surprised by the crowd volume or lack thereof.  I was expecting the crowd levels to be more similar to Yosemite National Park.  However, because Yellowstone is so spread out, it helps disperse the crowds.  

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation system in this national park.  Biking isn’t really feasible considering the abundance of wildlife, narrow roads, and sprawling nature of Yellowstone.  Everywhere you go, you will need to drive your vehicle.  I expected chaos and congestion, but, in reality, it was easy to find parking spots with the exception of the Grand Prismatic Spring trailhead.

I planned our 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone so that we would arrive on a Sunday and leave on a Wednesday, avoiding the extra weekend traffic.

Walking the boardwalk at West Thumb Hot Springs

MAKING RESERVATIONS AT YELLOWSTONE

After extensive research, I decided to stay at Canyon Campground.  It was the most centrally located, so we could stay in the same spot all three nights and keep everything within relatively easy driving distance.  I suggest reserving your spot as far in advance as you can.  It’s not as difficult to secure a spot in Yellowstone as it is in Yosemite, which was nice.

Campsites can be reserved through the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website.  Just click on the BOOK button to see your options.

YELLOWSTONE ITINERARY: DAY 1 (HALF DAY)

On the first day of our 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone, we entered the park through the west entrance in the afternoon, using our FREE 4th grader national park pass from the Every Kid Outdoors program.  We loved seeing the beautiful, small section of Montana right before we entered the park. Allan is now dreaming of owning a ranch home in that area.

To be honest, after the gorgeous mountains, trees, tall green grass, and wildflowers entering Yellowstone from the west was a bit of a letdown.  There were stunted trees and the vegetation was a little sparse. I’m not sure what I was expecting, considering it’s a geothermal area.  Haha!  Gradually, the scenery did change, ushering in more trees and greenery.

Gibbon Falls

Gibbon Falls was our first stop!  We parked the vehicle and made a short, easy walk down the path to view 84 feet of cascading falls.  

Gibbon Falls on the west side of Yellowstone National Park

Canyon Campground

From there, we hopped back in the car, passed some mud pots, and drove on until we got to our home base for the next few days: the Canyon Campground.  We set up camp and then headed down to Canyon Village.  The Village is an area that has a couple of dining areas, a gift shop, a grocery store, and a visitor center.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park

Canyon Visitor Center

After walking around The Village, we made our way to the Visitor Center.  We talked to rangers, looked at maps, and walked around looking at all the different displays. A love for learning runs deep in our family, so visitor centers are always a hit.  Don’t forget to pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet if you have younger kids!  My kids love this program!

Hayden Valley

At dusk, we grabbed our binoculars and cameras and drove down to Hayden Valley.  It’s an eight-mile drive from the campground that can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on animal traffic.  Bison and wildlife traffic jams are a very real thing in Yellowstone, and you just learn to live with it and enjoy it!  Hayden Valley is a great place to see bison, elk, river otters, deer, and more!  There are plenty of places to pull off the road and park.

It was the perfect way to end our first night in Yellowstone.

TIP: If you can afford it, I highly recommend you have several pairs of binoculars!

A bison cow and her calf

YELLOWSTONE ITINERARY: DAY 2 (FULL DAY)

We devoted Day 2, the first full day of our 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone, to exploring the northern loop of the park.  Yellowstone National Park consists of two main driving loops, a northern loop, and a southern loop. 

Lamar Valley

We ate a quick breakfast and headed north, straight toward Lamar Valley, knowing that the wildlife would be most active in the morning.

The drive to the valley was a beautiful one, up and over the summit with wildflowers all along the road.  As we turned at Tower Junction and headed east toward Lamar Valley, we saw bald eagles, pronghorn antelope, and bison.  We had hoped we would see wolves, but we didn’t get that lucky. In the morning, this area was devoid of park visitors, making the experience more magical.

A Pronghorn antelope in Hayden Valley

Petrified Tree

After a couple of hours in Lamar Valley, we headed northwest toward the Petrified Tree.  This was a quick stop that we found a bit underwhelming.  Would we stop here again?  Probably not, but it’s a good site to stop by once, especially if your kids have never seen petrified wood.

The Town of Mammoth

Our next stop was the little town of Mammoth, located at the north end of the park.  Fort Yellowstone was located in this area and many of the buildings are still in use today.

Usually, the town is inundated with elk.  They lounge on the grass like they own the place.  However, the day we were there, they were strangely absent and nobody seemed to know why.  

Lunch in Mammoth

We had lunch at the “fancy” restaurant in town, the Mammoth Dining Room.  My turkey salad looked (and tasted) like something you would get from a cafeteria.  Edible, but not remarkable.  Everyone agreed that the huckleberry lemonade, and ambiance, was their favorite part.

Lunch at the Mammoth Dining Room in Yellowstone

The Mammoth Visitor Center

We especially enjoyed the Albright Visitor Center in this quaint little town!  It was small, and a little busy, but the displays, particularly the ones about the wildlife, were fascinating.  

Mammoth Springs

Next, we walked across the town square to Mammoth Springs.  If you’re doubtful that you’re headed in the right direction, you can be assured you are going the right way if your nose tells you there’s a rotten egg factory nearby.  Haha!

What you’re smelling is the easily identifiable smell of sulfur, which can be found in the geothermal areas throughout the park.  If the hot mist blows toward you, it can get in your eyes and irritate them.  It’s not dangerous, per se, but I wouldn’t call it incredibly enjoyable.

Some people rate Mammoth Springs high on their list of park favorites, but anything that smelled strongly of sulfur resulted in short visit times for our family.  Is it interesting and unique?  Absolutely.  Would we go back?  Yes!  Ten to twenty minutes was enough time though, for our family to view the springs.

Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park

Roosevelt Lodge

We doubled back towards the campground after visiting Mammoth.  Ordinarily, you could complete the whole loop. I really wanted to swim in Boiling River Hot Springs and catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep, but that portion of the road was closed due to construction.

As we passed Roosevelt Lodge (located right by Tower Junction), we saw a couple of cars pull over on the side of the road.  Suddenly, more cars pulled over.  Then we spotted it.  There was a black bear, sitting in the meadow eating grass!  We found a parking spot on the side of the road and watched.  It was undoubtedly the highlight of our day!

Black bear sighting near Tower Junction in Yellowstone National Park

Tower Fall

Next, we stopped by Tower Fall.  There’s a short, accessible hike to a 132-foot waterfall.  After the hike, we snagged an ice cream cone from the Tower General Store located at the trailhead, in the parking lot.  It’s the little things!

Tower Fall in Yellowstone

Enjoying ice cream from Tower Fall General Store

Hayden Valley

After eating a bowl of chili for dinner back at the campground, we headed out again to Hayden Valley to watch the wildlife.  Watching the sunset across the grassy fields where bison, elk, and antelope grazed is a peaceful way to end every day.

Elk munching on grass

Yellowstone River

One of many bison herds

YELLOWSTONE ITINERARY: DAY 3 (FULL DAY)

For the second full day of our 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone, we explored the southern loop of the park.  This loop was busier than the northern loop as it’s closer to Grand Teton National Park and hosts some of the more well-known features of the park, like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.

Hot Springs at West Thumb and Yellowstone Lake

For our first stop, we toured the West Thumb geothermal area.  It’s located right near Yellowstone Lake and is uniquely beautiful.  We hiked the boardwalk that connects the different springs, listened to a ranger talk, and had a picnic lunch.

West Thumb Hot Springs near Yellowstone Lake

Old Faithful Geyser

From West Thumb, we headed west toward our next destination, Old Faithful.  The crowds were definitely a little heavier here.

Old Faithful is one of six geysers in the park that erupts on a fairly consistent basis (hence the name, Old Faithful).  The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center regularly posts the next predicted eruption time, plus or minus 10 minutes, allowing guests the opportunity to explore some of the nearby attractions via a boardwalk, meander through the gift shop, watch an educational video in the visitor center, or grab a bite to eat.

We arrived fairly close to the eruption time (view eruption prediction times here), so we didn’t have long to wait.

While it was a unique experience, for us, the animals ranked higher on the list when it comes to planning a 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone.  It may have been that that area was so jampacked with people, and I’m a bit of an introvert.

Old Faithful Geyser erupts in Yellowstone

Old Faithful Inn

The Old Faithful Inn is a work of art and a beautiful piece of history.  Stepping inside was like stepping back in time.

Of course, we managed to find an ice cream shop inside the lodge.  Huckleberry ice cream is my new favorite ice cream.  If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend you do!

We took our ice cream to the second floor, where there’s a covered balcony that overlooks the Old Faithful geyser.  There are dozens of handcrafted wooden tables and chairs for guests to use.  The next time we visit Old Faithful, we decided the balcony would be the perfect spot to watch the eruption!

Other Geysers/Upper Basin

There are multiple trails in the Old Faithful/Upper Basin area.  It was unusually warm when we were there (over 90°F), and nobody was super anxious to walk near steaming hot water.   Also, we still wanted to visit the Lower Basin area.  Some of the trails are short with boardwalks, and others are longer and would require the rental of bear spray. We decided to save some of those longer trails for our next visit to Yellowstone.

Grand Prismatic Spring

By the time we reached the Grand Prismatic Spring/Lower Basin parking lot in the mid-afternoon, the traffic was rather congested.  The parking lot was full and cars were lined up waiting to get in.  I don’t even remember how long it took to find a parking spot.  A long time.  A very long time. Long enough that I ended up getting out with the girls to take them to the restroom.  

The colors at the Lower Basin were stunning and unlike anything we had ever seen before.  It was also rather breezy, causing everyone to clutch their hats, lest they be snatched away by the wind.  There were quite a few hats lying out of reach of the boardwalk that had escaped their owners’ heads.  

Some people were playing in the river right at the trailhead, but I’m definitely a rule follower when it comes to signs like “Stay on the Boardwalk” and “Danger: Thermal Area”.  Instead, we skipped wading in the river and headed back to camp for showers and dinner.

The unbelievable colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone

Yellowstone Falls and Yellowstone Canyon

One of the benefits of being so far north is that the sun doesn’t set until after 9 pm in July.  So, after dinner, we headed out to explore Yellowstone Falls.  It’s here that you’ll discover how Yellowstone got its name. The grandeur of this golden canyon is breathtaking.

Yellowstone River

Bird watching

Lower Yellowstone Falls

On our way there, we spied a grizzly bear in a meadow between the main road and the falls parking lot!  We pulled into the parking lot and saw it saunter off into the woods.  Of course, there were people running towards the bear, selfie sticks in hand.  I still can hardly believe it.

What in the world would possess someone to chase a grizzly bear into the forest at dusk?  Probably the same thing that possesses people to try to pet the bison that is hanging out by the restroom.

After spending a few days at Yellowstone, I’m actually surprised more people don’t get tossed by bison or attacked by bears.  The park does an excellent job of reminding people that the animals are wild and to keep at least 25 yards away from bison and elk and 100 yards away from bears.  But people will be people, and no doubt I pulled my fair share of stupid stunts, especially when I was a teen.

YELLOWSTONE ITINERARY: DAY 4 (HALF DAY)

Our last half-day was more of a travel day.  We packed up in the morning and said goodbye to Canyon Campground.  This was the end of our 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone.

We felt like we had time to see all the main attractions, and know that next time we return, we’ll explore more of the off-the-beaten-path!

Canyon Village

First, we stopped by the village to visit the gift shop (tradition). Brandon got a national park keychain and the girls chose animals that reminded them of their time in Yellowstone.  If your kiddos have completed at least seven pages of the Junior Ranger booklet, this morning is also a great time to drop by the visitor center and claim their Junior Ranger badge!

Mud Volcano

Just south of Hayden Valley is an area called Mud Volcano.  There’s a half-mile loop that takes you on a boardwalk through boiling mud. And, yes, it smells like sulfur!  There’s something strangely mesmerizing about watching mud simmer and boil.  

Scenic Drive

We continued to drive south on the main road toward our next stop, Grand Teton National Park, where we spent two days.  A beautiful scenic drive was the perfect way to end our time in Yellowstone.  We stopped from time to time when we saw wildlife or wanted to take a picture.  We saw more bison (surprise!) and ended up seeing some elk that were bedded down right next to the road!

Rushing waters and people at lower Yellowstone Falls - 3-day itinerary for yellowstone

Bison by the road and bison in the road…everywhere

PLAN YOUR YELLOWSTONE VISIT

This 3-day itinerary for Yellowstone allowed us to see all the major attractions in the park at a pace that fit our family!  Yellowstone National Park was everything we dreamed it would be and then some.  It became the girls’ favorite national park, mostly because of the abundance of wildlife.

Are you ready to plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park?  Do you have any questions?  I’d love to hear them and help answer them!  Additionally, download my FREE printable packing list for Yellowstone before your trip!

3-day itinerary for Yellowstone with map and attractions for visiting Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

Packing List for Yellowstone National Park–FREE Printable! (22 Essential Items)

by | National Parks, Packing Lists, Simple Suit, Travel Tips, United States, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park

You’re headed to one of the most iconic national parks in the world, but you’re not sure what to put on your Yellowstone packing list.  Don’t worry!  We’ve got you covered!

Visiting Yellowstone National Park was one of the most memorable road trips our family has taken (you can find our detailed 3-day itinerary on our blog).  We try to be minimalist packers, but we also like to make sure we have all the important things.

I have a love for beautiful, useful things, so I created a FREE, printable pdf of our Yellowstone Packing List for you!

Here’s what’s on our packing list for Yellowstone:

Bear Spray

Bears were my number one concern when we started planning our trip to Yellowstone.  We’re from California and bears are a normal part of mountain exploration…but not grizzly bears. 

Black bears in California will break into your car, crack open your ice chest, tear open your backpack, and eat all your food.  But, generally, they leave humans alone.  

Grizzly bears in Yellowstone generally leave people alone, too, but if they are surprised on a trail, they may attack.  So, you want to be prepared.  

While sounds scary, there’s good news:  we saw a grizzly bear, and we’re still here to talk about it.  The best news is that it was far enough away we didn’t need bear spray.

It isn’t necessary to carry bear spray on highly trafficked trails, but you will want it if you plan to hike in less-trafficked areas.  

Rent or Buy Bear Spray

Bear spray can be purchased throughout the park at gift shops and stores, or outside the park at sporting goods stores (think Walmart or REI).  You can also order it on Amazon, just make sure it’s an EPA approved bottle like this one.  If you want to save a few dollars, you can rent bear spray at Yellowstone Canyon Village.

Mosquito and Bug Repellent

If you’re visiting Yellowstone during the summer, you may encounter mosquitos.  The good news is, they typically only hang out around dawn and dusk.  The bad news is, there are A LOT of them.

My son and I tend to be mosquito magnetics (apparently we metabolize cholesterol quickly, creating a tasty smell on our skin that attracts mosquitos).

We use this natural repellent and opted to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants first thing in the morning and evening to help deter the crazy critters.

Also, eating around the campfire helps, too!

Poncho or Rain Jacket

Afternoon thunderstorms can occur, so pack your favorite rain jacket or poncho.  I prefer ponchos because they are nice and small, taking up less room in my suitcase.  They’re easy to throw over a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket, depending on the temperature.

Long Sleeves and Pants (even in summer)

The elevation of Yellowstone varies several thousand feet throughout the park, averaging around 8,000 feet above sea level.  Even if it’s warm during the day, the evenings can get cool (plus, don’t forget about mosquitos).  Do yourself a favor and pack some jeans and long-sleeved shirts even during the summer.

Sweatshirt and/or Jacket

Layers are the name of the game when it comes to packing for Yellowstone.  Tanks, short sleeves, long sleeves, sweatshirts, and a jacket are all things you’ll want to put in your bag!

Camera

Your iPhone is great for many shots, but if you’re hoping to get some close-up shots of wildlife, you’ll want a camera with a telephoto lens.  Park officials advise that guests stay 100 yards away from wolves and bears, and 25 yards away from elk, deer, bison, and other large animals.

Binoculars

We brought and borrowed a few pairs of binoculars for the whole family to share, but we often wished we had a pair of binoculars for each person.  We spent quite a bit of time looking at wildlife–it was something that was a highlight of the trip for our kids (and us)!

Swimsuit/Bathing Suit

When I think Yellowstone, swimming isn’t usually the first activity that pops into my mind.  Swimming in hot springs is forbidden (dangerously hot!).  However, there are a couple of places that are recognized as safe swim areas.  Water from the hot springs mixes with the cold water of the river, making for perfect swimming temperatures.

These two areas are called the Boiling River (near Mammoth) and Firehole (near Madison Junction).  Check the National Parks website to confirm operating hours for swimming/soaking as well as updates and current conditions.

Sunglasses

While sunny and bright conditions aren’t guaranteed, it’s nice to have something to block the glare on those summer days (or any time of the year).  Plus, did you know that you can get skin cancer in your eye?  Yep.  That’s why I don’t go anywhere without my sunglasses…plus, I have unusually large pupils, making it hard to see on bright days.

Hat

Throw in your favorite hat to shield you from the afternoon sun.  I’m a baseball cap, trucker cap gal, but I probably should be a wide-brimmed hat type.  I do have long hair, though, that typically covers my neck and ears.  

Sunscreen

We try to keep a bottle in our vehicle and a small travel-size bottle in our backpack.  We didn’t notice the sun being particularly intense during our stay (you are pretty far north), but it’s always a good idea to protect your skin.

Refillable Water Bottle

Conserve space and reduce waste by bringing your refillable water bottle!  There are water refilling stations throughout the park.

External Charger

There are two places I like to take my external charger: Disney and on the trail.  Service is spotty and non-existent throughout much of the park (yay for unplugging!), but if you’re taking a lot of video or pictures, you may need to recharge your battery.  

First Aid Kit

Fortunately, we didn’t need this on our last trip, but you never know!  We keep one in the back of our vehicle…just in case!

Anti-Itch Cream

If you’re unlucky, like me, you’ll want something to help with the itching, post-mosquito-fest.  Some people like cream or lotion.  I’m a bit more natural (avoid chemicals as much as possible), so I like to bring along some activated charcoal or clay.  Just mix it with a little water and spread it over the bites.  It will bind to the toxins and help reduce the itch!

Maps

Because cell service is so spotty, you’ll want to have an old-school back-up plan.  When you check-into the park, you should receive a park map.  Otherwise, you can download a pdf before you enter the park.

Mailing Addresses

What?  Why do you need mailing addresses?  We love dropping a postcard in the mail to friends and family while we’re on a road trip.  It’s always helpful to save these to your phone before your trip for easy access!  

Backpack/Daypack

Even if you don’t plan to do any crazy hikes, it’s always nice to have a backpack or daypack for hauling around your essentials.  Throw in your wallet (yes, there’s ice cream in Yellowstone!), ponchos, water bottles, sunscreen, maps, phone charger, and snacks!

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots may not be your thing, but at the very least, you’ll want to bring some comfortable walking shoes.  Between exploring hot springs, boiling mud pots, waterfalls, and valleys, you can do a fair amount of walking over the course of a day.  Be comfortable!

Cash for Showers

We opted to stay at Canyon Campground because we’re tent campers and Cayon Campground has luxurious, hot showers.  Well, they’re not actually luxurious, but they sure seem fancy-pancy when you’re spending every living moment outdoors.

Showers aren’t your typical coin-operated type.  Instead, there’s a shower attendant that you give a few bucks to in exchange for unlimited hot water.  It’s all kinds of lovely.

Towel

If you plan to jump in the river (at the designated areas) or take a shower, you’ll want a towel.  They had some small towels at the shower facilities (that had to stay in the facility), but we prefer to take our own.

Flashlight or Headlamp

There are no street lights in the great outdoors.  You’ll want a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to do any walking (even if it’s to the restroom) at night.  Headlamps are also handy for setting up camp after dark, keeping your hands free so you can put together your camp faster!

Get a FREE Printable Packing List for Yellowstone

To make your life easier (I’m all about saving time and money), I’ve created a FREE Yellowstone packing list for you to download!

Use it in combination with your general packing list and my camping basics list and you’ll be ready to go!

Have any questions about packing for Yellowstone?  Drop them below!

Download the FREE Yellowstone Packing List

2-Day Itinerary for Grand Teton National Park

by | Camping, Grand Teton National Park, National Parks, Simple Suit, Swim Suit, United States, Wyoming

Need help planning your itinerary for Grand Teton National Park?  We have you covered!

If you’re planning a road trip to Yellowstone National Park, you’ll definitely want to add Grand Teton National Park to your itinerary as well!

On our last visit to Yellowstone, we spent three days in the park and were able to see all the main attractions.  After leaving Yellowstone, we made the short drive south to Grand Teton National Park to spend a couple of days exploring the area.

The Grand Tetons are known for their stunning scenery and wildlife.  It’s one of those places that just makes your heart happy!

Camping in the Grand Teton National Park

We were tent camping and opted to stay at the Colter Bay Campground located at Jackson Lake.  If you want or need hook-ups for your RV, you can reserve a spot in advance, but since we were tent camping, we opted for the first-come, first-served campground.  We arrived around 11:30 in the morning in the middle of July on a Wednesday and were able to secure a spot easily.

The ranger assigned us a campsite in a loop furthest from the water, but it was the quietest campground we’ve ever visited.

Plan for Mosquitos

Just like Yellowstone, the mosquitos in the Grand Tetons can be a bit of a nuisance during the summer months.  Unfortunately, my son and I got eaten alive, but the rest of the family faired quite well.

The mosquitos weren’t as noticeable at the water’s edge or while hiking, but they definitely were in full force at the campground.  We noticed that while they only seemed to make an appearance at dawn and dusk at Yellowstone, they hung around all day at the Colter Bay campground.  I’m not sure if we just got unlucky or if that’s typical.

Bring bug repellent and long sleeves and pants to help deter the pesky little critters!

 

Amenities at Colter Bay Village

One of the reasons we chose to stay at Colter Bay was the amenities.  While we typically enjoy areas that are lower key, we knew we would need to wash clothes and restock our ice chest.  Also, showers are always a welcome amenity when you’re tent camping!

Laundry Facilities

We were a week into our road trip when we arrived in the Grand Tetons and needed to do some laundry.  Fortunately, the Village at Colter Bay has a decent-sized, coin-operated laundry facility.

 

Shower Facilities

Shower facilities at national parks aren’t always the most prestigious, but if you bring your flip-flops and set your expectations low, you’ll be thrilled with the warm water coming out of the showerhead and won’t get too critical of your surroundings.  Fortunately, the showers are located right next to the laundromat and the general store, making it easy for the entire family to shower while you wash a load or two of laundry!

Enjoying ice cream at Colter Bay Village at Jackson Lake

Day 1 (half day): Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

The first day of our itinerary for Grand Teton National Park was a good introduction to the park.  We arrived at Jackson Lake mid-day, secured our campground, set-up camp, then headed down to the marina area for some lunch and to explore the area.

Food and Ice Cream at Colter Bay Village

First, we grabbed some pizza and salad from the cafeteria near the marina.  

Next, we restocked our ice chest with some essentials from the general store.  We were excited to get some fresh berries (shipped from fields near our home in California)!  After eating dried fruit for a few days, fresh fruit is always a hit.  Overall, the prices were better than I expected with a good variety of foods to choose from.

Of course, the highlight of the general store was discovering the ice cream counter at the back of the store.  Yes, I still dream about huckleberry ice cream.

 

Swim in Jackson Lake

After lunch, we went to our campsite, put on our swimsuits, and drove back to the marina.  We all got an ice cream cone then headed down to the day-use area to the right of the Visitor Center.

Luckily, we found a spot on the small beach and dipped our toes in the water.  It was warmer than we expected, and it didn’t take long before we were all the way in.

The views of the snow-capped mountains are absolutely breathtaking.

After swimming, we went back to the campsite, ate dinner, then moseyed back to the marina to wash laundry and shower.

Swimming in the pristine water of Jackson Lake’s Colter Bay

Visitor Center

The Colter Bay Visitor Center sits right at the water’s edge.  We chatted with the rangers to find out more about viewing wildlife in the evening.  

If you have kids 12 and under, the first day is a great time to pick up their Grand Tetons National Park Junior Ranger Booklet for free from the visitor center.  Getting it the first day gives them plenty of time to complete the booklet and earn their Junior Ranger badge before you leave the park.

Wildlife Viewing in Grand Tetons

An hour before dusk, we headed south on Highway 89/191 in search of wildlife.

Willow Flats

Willow Flats is located near the Grand Teton Lodge Company.  As you would expect, it a large, flat, marshy area.  Moose like to graze in this area, but we didn’t see even one. However, we did see some iconic views and take a family photo.

Oxbow Bend

Driving further south towards Jackson, we reached Oxbow Bend.  We still didn’t see any moose or bears but we did get to watch birds, river otters, and even a beaver!

After sunset, we called it a day and headed back to the campsite.

Elk grazing at Willow Flats near Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park

Day 2 (full day): Grand Teton National Park

Knowing we had a full day, we decided to make it a hiking day.  Grand Tetons, like Yellowstone, has its fair share of grizzly bears, so renting a can of bear spray, or bringing your own, is always advised.

Jenny Lake

I knew from research, that one place we had to have on our itinerary for Grand Teton National Park was a visit to Jenny Lake.  We packed a lunch and our backpacks and made the 30-minute drive to one of the prettiest lakes in the United States.

Hike to Hidden Falls

We had planned to hike to Hidden Falls on the other side of the lake, but, unfortunately, there was a rock slide (which occurred a few months later) and the trail closed temporarily.  Several of our friends have done this hike and enjoyed it.

If you choose, there is a shuttle boat that travels between the marina and falls.  If you’re not up for a hike, the shuttle is a good option.  Or, if you only want to hike halfway, you can grab a one-way shuttle ticket.

Tickets cannot be reserved in advance, but can be purchased at the main boat dock (East Dock). The shuttle can drop off hikers at the West Dock near the Cascade Canyon trailhead.  From there, is a short ½ mile hike to Hidden Falls. Hiking from the main (East Dock) marina to the falls is 2 ½ miles, one way.

 

Hike to Moose Pond

Since the trail to Hidden Falls was closed, we opted to hike to Moose Pond on the south side of the lake.  We started at East Dock and followed the easy 2.7-mile (out-and-back) trail to Moose Pond.

As our luck would have it, we didn’t see any moose.  We hung out for a while and bird-watched admired the amazing scenery and found plenty of moose tracks. 

Fish, Swim, or Boat at Jenny Lake

In addition to hiking, guests can rent canoes or kayaks, swim, or fish!  The lake has lake trout, cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, brown trout, and Chinook salmon.

Visitors can swim in designated areas at Jenny Lake, or head back to Colter Bay for an afternoon swim!

Hiking Jenny Lake Trail

Stunning views!

Moose-less Moose Pond

Swim in Colter Bay

Our family opted to go back to Colter Bay to swim.  Ice cream may have been a contributing factor.  Are you noticing a pattern, yet?  Ice cream first, followed by a swim.  Priorities. 

Dinner at Trapper Grill

For dinner, we ate at Trapper Grill.  This lovely little spot is located right on the water at the Signal Mountain Lodge.  While it wasn’t phenomenal, the food was the best we had while in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.  The views were gorgeous and guests have the choice between indoor dining and patio dining.  Both locations offered excellent views of the Grand Teton mountain range.

Scenic Drive in Search of Wildlife

After dinner, we went in search of wildlife, again.  We drove down Teton Park Road.  Then, we went back to Oxbow Bend and Willow Flats.  Although we took several little dirt roads that had been recommended to us by rangers and staff, unfortunately, we never found any moose nor bears. 

We didn’t see nearly as much wildlife in the Grand Teton National Park as much as we did in Yellowstone.  I’m not sure we just got unlucky or if we needed to stay a few more days.  Regardless, the scenery is jaw-dropping everywhere you go!

The Snake River near Jackson Lake

Day 3 (half day): Grand Teton National Park

After spending our morning packing up camp, we headed back to the Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay Vistor Center & Gift Shop

The last day is when we typically buy our souvenirs.  And when I say souvenirs, I mean small mementos.  For me, that meant a couple of huckleberry bonbons.  Chocolate is my favorite souvenir.  Though, is it considered a souvenir if it doesn’t last more than one day?  The memory will stick with me for years to come, so I guess that counts!

The last day is also a great time for kids to present their completed Junior Ranger booklets and obtain their free Junior Ranger badge!

 

Tour the Jackson National Fish Hatchery

After leaving Jackson Lake, we made our way south toward the town of Jackson.  Outside the town, we spied a fish hatchery with free tours. We enjoyed learning more about conservation endeavors and the process of raising fish.  

 

Explore the Town of Jackson

Next, we traveled on to the quaint, touristy town of Jackson.  We enjoyed eating lunch in a real town for the first time in a week, visiting art galleries, taking a stagecoach ride, and walking around the square.

While we enjoyed the town, we’re definitely not shoppers, and the town itself felt very touristy.  It was good for a short visit, but definitely not someplace we would want to stay for more than half a day.

Sculptures in Jackson, Wyoming

Stagecoach ride around Jackson Square

Plan Your Grand Teton Visit

This two-day itinerary for Grand Teton National Park allowed us to see the highlights of the park and the town of Jackson!  We loved the natural beauty of the park and hope to visit again someday.  But, next time, we plan to stay for a few more days.

Are you planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park?  Do you have any questions?  I’d love to hear them and help answer them!