7‑Day Yellowstone National Park Adventure (Next Week)

Day 1: Arrival & West Thumb Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Jackson Hole Airport and drive to the West Entrance of Yellowstone. Stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin for a brief walk among steaming hot springs and the lake‑edge boardwalk.

Afternoon: Check into your lodge in West Yellowstone, then head to the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Watch the eruption and explore the surrounding Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the historic town of West Yellowstone and take a short stroll along the River Trail for sunset views of the Madison River.

Day 2: Upper & Midway Geyser Basins

Morning: Return to Old Faithful for a second eruption, then wander the nearby Upper Geyser Basin to see Castle, Riverside, and Grand Geyser.

Afternoon: Drive to the Midway Geyser Basin to marvel at the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. Continue on to nearby Biscuit Basin for its colorful hot pools.

Evening: Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening, perhaps joining a ranger‑led campfire program about park geology.

Day 3: Norris Geyser Basin & Mammoth Hot Springs

Morning: Explore the dynamic Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most changeable geyser area in the park, featuring Steamboat Geyser’s towering blasts.

Afternoon: Drive north to the historic terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. Walk the boardwalks to view the limestone formations shaped by mineral‑rich waters.

Evening: Dine in Gardiner, Montana, and enjoy a quiet walk along the Yellowstone River before heading back to your accommodations.

Day 4: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Morning: Head to the Canyon area and stop at Artist Point for sweeping views of the vibrant canyon walls.

Afternoon: Walk the South Rim Trail to the spectacular Lower Falls, the park’s most powerful waterfall. Take the short hike to the brink for photo opportunities.

Evening: Return via the scenic Lamar Valley road, spotting elk at dusk before settling in for the night.

Day 5: Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Revisit

Morning: Drive to the massive Yellowstone Lake. Walk the Lakeshore Trail, enjoy the tranquil waters, and visit the historic Lake Hotel.

Afternoon: Re‑explore West Thumb Geyser Basin from a different angle, noting the thermal features that rise directly from the lake.

Evening: Picnic on the lake’s shoreline at sunset, then head back to the lodge for a restful night.

Day 6: Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari & Tower Fall

Morning: Embark on an early‑morning wildlife safari in Lamar Valley, the “Serengeti of North America,” for chances to see bison, wolves, and bears.

Afternoon: After lunch, drive to Tower Fall and hike the short trail to view the 132‑meter cascade framed by dramatic cliffs.

Evening: Return to West Yellowstone, enjoying a celebratory dinner and sharing wildlife sightings with fellow travelers.

Day 7: Departure & Scenic Farewell

Morning: Take a leisurely drive along the Firehole River, stopping at any favorite geyser basins missed earlier.

Afternoon: Stop at the historic Old Faithful Inn for a quick tour before heading to the airport.

Evening: Depart from Jackson Hole, carrying memories of geothermal wonders, towering waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Time and Cost Estimates

• West Thumb Geyser Basin – 1.5 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Old Faithful – 2 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Upper Geyser Basin – 2 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Grand Prismatic Spring – 1.5 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Biscuit Basin – 1 hour – $0 (park fee included)
• Norris Geyser Basin – 2 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Mammoth Hot Springs – 2 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Artist Point & Lower Falls (Grand Canyon) – 2.5 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Yellowstone Lake – 2 hours – $0 (park fee included)
• Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari – 4 hours – $80 (guided tour)
• Tower Fall – 1 hour – $0 (park fee included)
• Park Entrance Fee (7‑day vehicle pass) – 7 days – $35
• Parking & Miscellaneous Fees – 10 locations – $5 each = $50
• Total Estimated Cost: $165

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, add an extra day to explore the remote backcountry of the Beartooth Plateau or take a guided fly‑fishing excursion on the Madison River. To shorten the itinerary, combine Day 2 and Day 3 by focusing only on the most famous geysers and skip the separate visit to Mammoth Hot Springs, using the saved time for a quick wildlife drive in Lamar Valley.