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Grand Teton, Yellowstone & South Dakota Adventure (Aug 18‑29, 2025)

Viewed by 128 travelers

Day 1: Arrival at Flagg Ranch, Grand Teton

Morning: Depart Deerwood, MN early and drive to Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch, arriving by early afternoon.

Afternoon: Set up camp, unpack, and enjoy a relaxing walk around the campground to get familiar with the surroundings.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner by the campsite fire, listening to the sounds of wildlife in the surrounding Grand Teton National Park.

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Day 2: Jackson Hole Exploration

Morning: Stroll through Jackson Hole downtown, browsing art galleries and the historic Town Square.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local eatery, then ride the Jackson Hole Rodeo or take the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for panoramic views.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant, then stroll along the Snake River to enjoy sunset reflections.

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Day 3: Snow King Mountain & Rendezvous Park

Morning: Drive up to Snow King Mountain for a quick ski lift ride and panoramic vistas.

Afternoon: Experience the thrilling Mountain Coaster, then walk to Rendezvous Park to photograph the whimsical Troll statues.

Evening: Return to camp for a relaxed dinner and stargazing in the valley.

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Day 4: Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls

Morning: Hike the Jenny Lake trail, paddling a short distance across the lake to admire the turquoise waters.

Afternoon: Continue the trek to Hidden Falls, a beautiful cascade nestled within a gorge, perfect for photo stops.

Evening: Picnic by the lake, then return to camp for a restful night.

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Day 5: Phelps Lake & Cascade Canyon

Morning: Drive to Phelps Lake for swimming and, for the adventurous, cliff jumping from the designated safe ledge.

Afternoon: Explore the wildlife-rich Cascade Canyon, spotting moose, elk, and possibly a bear from a safe distance.

Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner with wildlife sightings and stories of the day.

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Day 6: Yellowstone – Morning Glory

Morning: Enter Yellowstone National Park and head to the iconic Morning Glory geyser, timing a spectacular eruption.

Afternoon: Continue to Old Faithful for its predictable eruption, followed by a quick walk around the nearby geyser basin.

Evening: Stay at a park lodge or campsite, enjoying the serenity of the park night.

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Day 7: Grand Prismatic & Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Morning: Walk the boardwalk at Grand Prismatic Springs, marveling at the vivid colors of the world‑famous hot spring.

Afternoon: Drive to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, viewing the impressive waterfalls from both the South and North Rims.

Evening: Begin the drive south toward South Dakota, stopping at a roadside inn for a restful night.

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Day 8: Custer State Park & Badlands

Morning: Arrive at Custer State Park, drive the scenic Needles Highway, spotting wildlife along the way.

Afternoon: Stop at Sylvan Lake for a brief walk and photo opportunity of the sparkling alpine lake.

Evening: Set up camp at Custer State, enjoy a dinner of local game, and watch the sunset over the Black Hills.

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Day 9: Badlands & Devil’s Tower

Morning: Head north to the Badlands for a scenic drive and quick hike along the Badlands Loop Road to view unique rock formations.

Afternoon: Continue to Devils Tower, walk the base trail to view the iconic monolith and learn its Native American legends.

Evening: Camp at nearby facilities, enjoying a night under the stars.

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Day 10: Mount Rushmore & Sylvan Lake

Morning: Visit the iconic Mount Rushmore and walk the Presidential Trail for close-up views of each carved face.

Afternoon: Return to Sylvan Lake for a relaxing paddle or hike along the surrounding trails.

Evening: Relax at the campground, reflect on the day’s sights.

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Day 11: Elk Peak Hike & Drive Home

Morning: Hike Elk Peak, a moderate trek offering panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills and valley below.

Afternoon: Begin the return drive to Deerwood, MN, taking breaks for meals and rest stops along the way.

Evening: Arrive home, unpack, and unwind after an adventure‑filled trip.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Headwaters Campground (Flagg Ranch) – 2 nights – $40/night = $80
  • Jackson Hole – 2 hours – $25 (meals & activities) = $25
  • Snow King Mountain + Mountain Coaster – 3 hours – $30 = $30
  • Rendezvous Park (Troll statues) – 1 hour – Free = $0
  • Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls – 4 hours – $0 (hiking) = $0
  • Phelps Lake (swim/jump) – 3 hours – $0 = $0
  • Cascade Canyon – 2 hours – $0 = $0
  • Morning Glory & Old Faithful (Yellowstone) – 4 hours – $35 (park entry) = $35
  • Grand Prismatic Springs – 2 hours – $0 = $0
  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – 3 hours – $0 = $0
  • Custer State Park (Needles Hwy, Sylvan Lake) – 4 hours – $10 (entry) = $10
  • Badlands (Park entry) – 2 hours – $15 = $15
  • Devils Tower (Park entry) – 2 hours – $20 = $20
  • Mount Rushmore (park entry) – 2 hours – $10 = $10
  • Elk Peak Hike – 3 hours – $0 = $0
  • Travel & Fuel (approx. 1500 miles) – 1500 miles @ $0.55/mile = $825
  • Accommodation (Camping/Hotels) – 9 nights @ $80/night = $720
  • Meals (average $30/day per person) – 12 days = $360
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – $200
  • Total Estimated Cost$2,640

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding an extra night at Grand Teton for a sunrise paddle on Jackson Lake, or extend your stay at Yellowstone to explore the Lamar Valley for additional wildlife viewing. To shorten the trip, skip the Phelps Lake swimming and combine the Badlands and Devil’s Tower into a single day, reducing travel time and allowing an earlier return home.

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