Discovering the Wild West: One Day in Bozeman, Gardiner, Grand Tetons, and Cody

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Nova Cafe (Bozeman)
    15 minutes (0.7 miles) from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

    Nova Cafe offers a homey atmosphere and delicious breakfast options. Try their famous homemade sausage with eggs and hash browns, or their vegetarian omelet with fresh vegetables.

  • 9:30 AM: Visit Mammoth Hot Springs and Visitor Center (Gardiner)
    1 hour 20 minutes (80 miles) from Nova Cafe

    Mammoth Hot Springs is a must-see attraction in Yellowstone National Park. Its unique terraces and colorful hot springs are formed by limestone and other minerals. At the visitor center, you can learn about geology, ecology, and history of the area.

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Dornans (Grand Tetons)
    2 hours (90 miles) from Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center

    Dornans is a restaurant and store located in the heart of Grand Tetons National Park. From their large deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Teton Range while having a sandwich, soup, or salad.

  • 1:30 PM: Take a Scenic Drive (Grand Tetons)
    30 minutes (13 miles) from Dornans

    The scenic loop drive in Grand Tetons National Park offers stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and wildlife. Some of the highlights include Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, and Signal Mountain.

  • 3:30 PM: Visit Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Cody)
    1 hour 45 minutes (94 miles) from Grand Tetons scenic drive

    The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a world-class museum that showcases the art, history, and culture of the American West. With five museums in one, you can spend hours exploring the exhibits about firearms, wildlife, Native Americans, and more.

  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Irma Hotel (Cody)
    5 minutes (1 mile) from Buffalo Bill Center of the West

    The Irma Hotel was built by Buffalo Bill himself in 1902 and is now a landmark in Cody. The restaurant serves hearty Western cuisine, such as bison burgers, prime rib, and trout. Don't forget to try their famous cherry pie!

  • 7:30 PM: Attend Cody Nite Rodeo (Cody)
    5 minutes (1 mile) from Irma Hotel

    Cody Nite Rodeo is a traditional Western rodeo with events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. It's a fun and exciting way to experience cowboy culture and entertainment.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Nova Cafe (1 hour, $20)
  • Mammoth Hot Springs and Visitor Center (2 hours, free)
  • Dornans (1 hour, $15)
  • Grand Tetons Scenic Drive (1 hour, free)
  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West (2 hours, $20)
  • Irma Hotel (1 hour, $30)
  • Cody Nite Rodeo (2 hours, $20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $125

Transportation

You will need a rental car to get around the different locations. Expect to pay about $50 for the day. The total driving distance is approximately 280 miles, and the total driving time is about 7 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending a night in Gardiner or Grand Tetons to explore more of their attractions. If you have less time, skip the scenic drive in Grand Tetons and only visit the major attractions. Make sure to bring sunscreen, hat, and water as the weather can change throughout the day.

Airports

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the primary airport in the region. It is located 8 miles northwest of Bozeman and 88 miles north of Gardiner. Cody-Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) is another option, located 2 miles east of Cody. It has limited flights but can save you some driving time if you're only visiting Cody.

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