10-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bozeman, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Cody, and Bighorn Canyon

  • Day 1: Gardiner
    90 minutes (86 miles) from Bozeman

    Located at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner is a charming town with unique shops and restaurants. The Roosevelt Arch, built in 1903, is a popular spot for photos.

  • Day 2: Yellowstone National Park
    1 hour (54 miles) from Gardiner

    Yellowstone National Park is a vast expanse of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. Some must-see attractions are the Old Faithful geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

  • Day 3: Grand Teton National Park
    2 hours (97 miles) from Yellowstone National Park

    Grand Teton National Park is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Must-sees are Jackson Lake, Signal Mountain Lodge, and the Teton Range.

  • Day 4: Cody
    2 hours (109 miles) from Grand Teton National Park

    Cody is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a museum complex showcasing Western history and art. Other attractions include the Cody Stampede Rodeo and the Buffalo Bill Dam.

  • Day 5: Bighorn Canyon
    1.5 hours (87 miles) from Cody

    Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers stunning views, hiking opportunities, and water activities. Highlights include the Devils Canyon Overlook and a boat tour of the canyon.

  • Day 6-7: Bozeman
    2 hours (112 miles) from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    After exploring the surrounding areas, spend a couple of days in Bozeman. Visit Downtown Bozeman for shopping and dining or go on a hike in the Gallatin National Forest.

  • Day 8-9: Yellowstone National Park
    1.5 hours (80 miles) from Bozeman

    Return to Yellowstone to explore more of the park. Check out the Lamar Valley for wildlife spotting or hike the Mount Washburn Trail for panoramic views.

  • Day 10: Grand Teton National Park
    1 hour (46 miles) from Yellowstone National Park

    End the trip with one last visit to Grand Teton National Park, and take a scenic boat ride on Jenny Lake or hike the Hidden Falls Trail.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gardiner Roosevelt Arch (1 hour, free)
  • Yellowstone National Park (2 days, $35 entrance fee per vehicle for 7 days)
  • Grand Teton National Park (1 day, $35 entrance fee per vehicle for 7 days)
  • Cody Buffalo Bill Center of the West (3 hours, $20 admission fee)
  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area boat tour (2 hours, $60 per person)
  • Bozeman Downtown (1-2 days, varies by activity)
  • Yellowstone National Park (2 days, $35 entrance fee per vehicle for 7 days)
  • Grand Teton National Park (1 day, $35 entrance fee per vehicle for 7 days)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $330+

Transportation

For this trip, renting a car is recommended as some of the destinations are far apart and not easily accessible by public transportation. Car rental prices vary, but expect to pay at least $600 for 10 days. Gasoline prices as of 2023 average $3.00 per gallon.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Beartooth Highway for breathtaking views. If you have less time, skip Bighorn Canyon and/or Cody.

Airports

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is located 8 miles northwest of Bozeman and is the closest airport to the area. Airlines serving BZN include Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines.

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