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Northern US National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 112 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Glacier National Park

Morning: Arrive at Kalispell Regional Airport, pick up your rental car, and stock up on supplies for the journey ahead.

Afternoon: Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at Logan Pass for panoramic mountain views and a short hike.

Evening: Check into a lodge in West Glacier, enjoy a hearty dinner, and relax under the star‑filled night sky.

Day 2: Glacier to Yellowstone

Morning: Hike the Hidden Lake Trail, a 3‑hour trek that rewards you with crystal‑clear water framed by towering peaks.

Afternoon: Depart Glacier and head south on US‑89, crossing into Wyoming with a scenic stop at the historic Madison Junction.

Evening: Arrive at the Old Faithful area, settle into your lodge, and watch the famous geyser erupt against the twilight.

Day 3: Yellowstone – Geysers & Hot Springs

Morning: Witness the reliable eruption of Old Faithful and explore the surrounding Upper Geyser Basin with its dozens of steaming vents.

Afternoon: Visit the vivid Grand Prismatic Spring, strolling along the boardwalk to admire its rainbow‑colored waters.

Evening: Dine at the Canyon Village cafeteria and enjoy a sunset walk along the Yellowstone River.

Day 4: Northern Yellowstone & Grand Teton Transfer

Morning: Explore the limestone terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, wandering through its maze‑like formations.

Afternoon: Head to Lamar Valley for prime wildlife viewing; keep an eye out for wolves, bison, and elk grazing in the golden grass.

Evening: Drive to Jackson, Wyoming, check into a cozy inn, and soak up the town’s Western charm.

Day 5: Grand Teton National Park Highlights

Morning: Hike around Jenny Lake, taking a boat shuttle to the trailhead and climbing to Hidden Falls for stunning valley views.

Afternoon: Cruise the scenic Teton Park Road, stopping at overlooks such as Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook for photo opportunities.

Evening: Return the rental car at Jackson Hole Airport and depart, carrying memories of towering peaks and pristine wilderness.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Logan Pass – 2 hrs – $0
  • Hidden Lake Trail – 3 hrs – $0
  • Old Faithful – 1 hr – $0
  • Upper Geyser Basin – 2 hrs – $0
  • Grand Prismatic Spring – 1.5 hrs – $0
  • Mammoth Hot Springs – 1 hr – $0
  • Lamar Valley – 3 hrs – $0
  • Jenny Lake – 2 hrs – $0
  • Teton Park Road scenic drive – 2 hrs – $0
  • Park Entrance Fees (Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton) – – $105
  • Estimated Fuel Costs – – $150
  • Total Estimated Cost: $255

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Yellowstone to explore the remote West Thumb area or a full day in Grand Teton for additional hikes like Paintbrush Canyon. If time is limited, condense Day 4 by skipping the drive to Jackson and spending a final night near Yellowstone’s Grant Village, reducing overall travel time while still capturing the park’s highlights.

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