Grab a hearty breakfast in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City (eg. farmer-friendly cafe or chain) before hitting the interstate; most cafes open by 7:00–8:00am.
Drive into Grand Teton for early light at Schwabacher Landing or Mormon Row; park roads and pullouts open 24/7 but visitor centers generally open 8:00am–5:00pm. Early arrival helps avoid crowds.
Take the Jenny Lake shuttle boat (seasonal 8:00am–5:00pm) and hike to Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point for classic Teton views; shuttle fee and visitor center open seasonally.
Choose a moderate afternoon hike or drive Signal Mountain for panoramic views and a short visitor center stop; visitor centers typically open until 5:00pm–6:00pm in summer.
If time allows, short scenic drive to a Salmon River overlook or quick guided half-day rafting (seasonal; multi-hour tours operate from late spring to early fall). Confirm tour times ahead (tours often begin 8:00–9:00am).
Short hikes, viewpoint stops, and historic mining/ranching sites—this area is wilderness-accessible year-round but remote; no formal hours, bring water and maps.
If you make McCall by evening, enjoy a lakefront dinner; otherwise a simple diner meal along the route. McCall restaurants typically open through dinner hours (5:00pm–9:00pm).
Drive a portion of the International Selkirk Loop: Bonners Ferry, Kootenai Falls (swinging bridge near Libby, MT), and scenic lake viewpoints; access generally year-round, trailhead parking opens at daylight.
Scenic drive across northern Idaho into Montana (approx 3.5–4 hours). Kalispell is the gateway to Glacier National Park and has several museums and shops.
Iconic scenic drive (seasonal openings—typically late spring through early fall); check road status before travel. Allocate several hours for stops and short hikes.
Ambitious long day: depart at dawn for the ~7–8 hour drive to Yellowstone's north/upper areas (Gardiner/Mammoth) — expect mountain passes and long stretches without services.
Walk the terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs (boardwalks open daylight hours) and check park updates; visitor centers usually open 8:00am–6:00pm in season.
If time and traffic allow, drive toward Old Faithful or a short geyser basin visit; note that full Yellowstone touring requires multiple days—this stop is an overview due to schedule constraints.
Head east/southeast toward Sheridan (approx 2.5–3.5 hours from northern Yellowstone exits depending on route); long driving leg but scenic through Yellowstone country.
Overnight in Sheridan to recover from the long day and conclude the two-week loop. Consider an extra day here if you prefer a less aggressive final day.