Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Grand Teton & Yellowstone to South Dakota Adventure

Viewed by 56 travelers

Day 1: Arrival at Flagg Ranch Campground

Morning: Depart Deerwood, MN early and drive through the scenic plains, stopping for lunch in Sioux Falls. Flagg Ranch Campground will be your first stop in Grand Teton National Park.

Afternoon: Set up your campsite and take a brief walk to acclimate and enjoy the mountain air. Explore the nearby Jackson Lake shoreline.

Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner with views of the Teton range, then settle in for a restful night under the stars.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Jackson Hole Town & Snow King

Morning: Head into Jackson Hole for a leisurely stroll through the town square, visiting local boutiques and the iconic wooden Town Square arch.

Afternoon: Ride the thrilling Mountain Coaster at Snow King Mountain for panoramic views and a fun adrenaline boost.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town's Jackson Hole Rodeo if an event is scheduled.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Rendezvous Park & Jenny Lake

Morning: Visit Rendezvous Park to see the quirky troll sculptures and enjoy a short hike.

Afternoon: Hike the scenic trail to Hidden Falls from Jenny Lake, soaking in breathtaking views of the lake and the cascade.

Evening: Return to camp for a relaxed dinner, perhaps trying some local trout.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Wildlife in Cascade Canyon & Phelps Lake

Morning: Trek the Cascade Canyon trail for prime wildlife spotting—bison, elk, and maybe a wolf.

Afternoon: Visit Phelps Lake for a refreshing swim and, for the adventurous, a cliff jump from a designated spot.

Evening: Sunset photography at Moose Basin before returning to the campsite.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Yellowstone Day Trip

Morning: Drive to Yellowstone, start at Morning Glory Pool and witness the vibrant colors of the hot springs.

Afternoon: Experience the iconic eruption of Old Faithful and stroll through the nearby geyser basin.

Evening: Visit Grand Prismatic Spring for its rainbow hues and end at Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for a spectacular sunset view.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Travel to Custer State Park & Sylvan Lake

Morning: Depart Grand Teton and head to Custer State Park, stopping at Mount Rushmore for a quick photo session.

Afternoon: Explore the tranquil waters of Sylvan Lake, paddle‑boarding or walking the shoreline.

Evening: Set up camp or check into a local lodge, then enjoy dinner under the South Dakota night sky.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Needles Highway, Badlands & Devils Tower

Morning: Drive the scenic Needles Highway for towering granite spires and photo stops.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic landscapes of the Badlands National Park, spotting wildlife and ancient fossils.

Evening: Visit Devils Tower for a short hike to the base and enjoy the sunset behind the monolith.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Elk Peak Hike & Relaxation

Morning: Hike the rewarding Elk Peak trail for panoramic views of the Black Hills.

Afternoon: Leisurely drive back through the park, stopping at scenic overlooks for photo opportunities.

Evening: Relax at camp or lodge, reflecting on the adventure; optional dinner at a local steakhouse.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Return Home

Morning: Pack up camp and begin the drive back east, making a brief stop at a scenic spot for lunch.

Afternoon: Continue the journey home, arriving no later than August 29th.

Evening: Arrive back home in Deerwood, concluding the trip.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Flagg Campground (overnight) – 1 night – $30
  • Jackson Hole town exploration – 3 hours – $0 (walking)
  • Snow King Mountain Coaster – 2 hours – $25
  • Rendezvous Park & troll sculptures – 1.5 hours – $0
  • Jenny Lake hike to Hidden Falls – 4 hours – $0
  • Cascade Canyon wildlife tour – 3 hours – $0
  • Phelps Lake swim/cliff jump – 2 hours – $0
  • Yellowstone Day Trip (Morning Glory, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Canyon) – 12 hours – $80 (park entry & parking)
  • Mount Rushmore – 1.5 hours – $10 (parking)
  • Sylvan Lake activities – 3 hours – $15 (boat rental)
  • Needles Highway drive – 2 hours – $0
  • Badlands National Park – 3 hours – $30 (park entry)
  • Devils Tower – 2 hours – $25 (entry + parking)
  • Elk Peak hike – 4 hours – $0
  • Fuel & travel expenses – 10 hours – $250
  • Total Estimated Cost: $515

Tips

If you need more time, consider adding an extra night at Flagg Ranch to relax before the long drive and a second day in Yellowstone to explore lesser‑known geyser basins. To shorten the trip, you could skip the Elk Peak hike and combine the Badlands and Devil’s Tower visits in a single day, or replace the Phelps Lake cliff jump with a lakeside picnic to reduce travel time.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version