Home › Journeys › Yellowstone & Grand Teton › 5 days

Yellowstone & Grand Teton: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

Last updated: 2026-09-14

The 5-day version for July: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go.

Use this plan → Customize this plan →

days

411 km

distance

15.7 h

driving

curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

The strongest month-level driving window. Wildfire, smoke, early snow, road works and wildlife management can still close roads or sites, so check both parks before departure and daily.

Day 1 Jackson → Grand Teton

3 curated stops

Transit: 2h16
Finish: ~14:50
Temperature: 8.0°C–22.8°C
Rainy days: ~4
Daylight: 15.0h

09:00

National Elk Refuge fws.gov read more map ↗

Spot elk and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

50 min · Jackson

10:10

National Museum of Wildlife Art wildlifeart.org read more map ↗

Discover over 5000 wildlife and nature artworks.

50 min · Jackson

open: Open Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 1-5PM

13:00

Jenny Lake nps.gov read more map ↗

Reach the lakeshore for open Teton views on the short paved Discovery Trail.

50 min · Grand Teton · Park entry applies

13:50

John Colter Cafe Court gtlc.com map ↗

Quick bites of Mexican and American fare in a casual setting.

60 min · Grand Teton

Overnight: Grand Teton

e.g. Colter Bay Village · Jackson Lake Lodge

Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Around Grand Teton

3 curated stops

Transit: 2h30
Finish: ~15:00
Temperature: 8.0°C–22.8°C
Rainy days: ~4
Daylight: 15.0h

09:00

Chapel of the Transfiguration stjohnsjackson.org read more map ↗

Admire mountain views through the altar window and stained glass.

50 min · Grand Teton

open: Holy Communionː Sundays 8AM & 10 AM (Memorial Day-Sept.)

11:05

Signal Mountain read more map ↗

Experience a panoramic 360-degree view of Jackson Hole from the summit.

50 min · Grand Teton

13:10

Menor's Ferry read more map ↗

See a reconstructed 1890s ferry on the Snake River.

50 min · Grand Teton

14:00

Pioneer Grill gtlc.com map ↗

Grab quick counter service meals and soda fountain treats.

60 min · Grand Teton

Overnight here

e.g. Colter Bay Village · Jackson Lake Lodge

Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Yellowstone

3 curated stops

Transit: 3h28
Finish: ~16:05
Temperature: 7.8°C–22.4°C
Rainy days: ~5
Daylight: 15.0h

10:50

Old Faithful nps.gov read more map ↗

Wait at the geyser viewing area using the current NPS eruption prediction.

50 min · Yellowstone · Park entry applies

12:10

Grand Prismatic Spring nps.gov read more map ↗

Follow the Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk past Yellowstone's largest hot spring.

50 min · Yellowstone · Park entry applies

14:15

The Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone read more map ↗

Behold towering waterfalls from scenic overlooks and trails.

50 min · Yellowstone

15:05

Old Faithful Snow Lodge Geyser Grill yellowstonenationalparklodges.com map ↗

Indulge in burgers and sandwiches, adorned by unique character carvings.

60 min · Yellowstone · $6-$9

open: Open during the summer from late April through early November and in the winter from mid-December through mid-March

Overnight here

e.g. Old Faithful Lodge Cabins · Bridge Bay Campground

Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 4 Around Yellowstone

3 curated stops

Transit: 2h30
Finish: ~15:00
Temperature: 7.8°C–22.4°C
Rainy days: ~5
Daylight: 15.0h

09:00

Firehole River read more map ↗

Feel the rush of cold water while spotting eager anglers on this famed river.

50 min · Yellowstone

11:05

Kepler Cascades read more map ↗

Delight in easy access to a charming waterfall just a short walk from Old Faithful.

50 min · Yellowstone

13:10

Yellowstone Lake read more map ↗

Feel the crisp high-altitude air by a vast, icy lake.

50 min · Yellowstone

14:00

Canyon Lodge Cafeteria yellowstonenationalparklodges.com map ↗

Enjoy budget-friendly breakfast and lunch options.

60 min · Yellowstone · Breakfast from $5, sandwiches and wraps from $7

open: June - September. Breakfast 6:30AM - 11AM, Lunch/Dinner 11:30AM - 9:30PM

Overnight here

e.g. Old Faithful Lodge Cabins · Bridge Bay Campground

Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 5 West Yellowstone → back to start

1 curated stops

Transit: 4h57
Finish: ~14:55
Temperature: 9.4°C–25.0°C
Rainy days: ~5
Daylight: 15.1h

10:40

Museum of the Yellowstone museumoftheyellowstone.org map ↗

Discover the park's history and admire vintage railway china artifacts.

50 min · West Yellowstone · $6

open: Mid-May to mid-Oct

🚗 Rental cars for this trip →

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Use this plan → Change month, pace or interests →