After landing at Jackson Hole Airport, allow about 45–60 minutes for baggage and rental-car pickup before setting out for Driggs. Take WY-22 over Teton Pass, then continue on ID-33 into the valley; the drive is roughly 1½ hours, though the pass is winding and can be slow with traffic. Pick up groceries in Jackson or Victor before checking into your Airbnb—Driggs has useful markets, but arriving with breakfast supplies will make tomorrow’s early start easier. Check current road conditions before leaving, especially if weather moves in.
Once settled, head to Driggs City Park for an easy 45-minute walk. It is a relaxed first taste of the valley, with open lawns, mountain views, and plenty of room to stretch your legs after the flight and drive. Go near sunset for the best light on the Tetons; bring a light jacket, as evenings in September cool quickly. Parking is straightforward near the park and downtown, and you can walk from there toward Driggs Main Street.
Have dinner at The Royal Wolf, a casual local spot suited to an arrival night, with burgers, sandwiches, and drinks generally running about $20–35 per person. Afterward, stroll along Driggs Main Street and browse the small galleries, outdoor shops, and locally owned stores before turning in. Most businesses close in the early evening, so treat this as a brief wander rather than a late shopping stop. Aim for an early night: tomorrow’s drive to Jenny Lake is best started around 6:00 a.m., when parking is easier and the morning light is excellent.
Leave Driggs around 6:00 a.m. for Jenny Lake, allowing roughly 1½–2 hours via ID-33, WY-22, and US-89. The early start is worthwhile: parking at the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and lakeshore fills quickly, and the light on the mountains is especially good before midday. After a brief lakeside pause, begin the Jenny Lake Trail. The full shoreline loop takes about 2–3 hours, but walking the eastern shore and turning back whenever you’ve had enough gives you the best scenery without committing to the entire circuit. Bring water, sunscreen, and bear spray; September mornings can be chilly, while exposed sections warm up quickly.
Take about 30 minutes at Jenny Lake Lodge for a quieter break among the trees and historic cabins. Services here can be seasonal, so treat it primarily as a rest stop and carry lunch or snacks rather than relying on a full meal. In the afternoon, drive to Signal Mountain Summit Road, a short but winding ascent with pullouts overlooking Jackson Lake, the Snake River plain, and the Teton Range. The summit road is generally open seasonally during daylight hours; allow about an hour, including stops, and check road conditions before setting out because closures can occur even in September.
Continue north to the Jackson Lake Lodge Dining Room in Moran for dinner, ideally arriving before sunset so you can enjoy the broad mountain views through the large windows. Expect roughly $25–50 per person, with service and hours varying by the lodge’s seasonal schedule; reservations are useful if available. After dinner, return to Driggs via US-89 and WY-22, driving carefully after dark—wildlife is common along this corridor, and Teton Pass is steep and winding.
Leave Driggs around 6:00 a.m. for the Jenny Lake area, allowing roughly 1½–2 hours via ID-33, WY-22, and US-89. Park at the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive early; the lot can fill well before 8:00 a.m., and September mornings are often cold, so bring a warm layer. Take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle across the lake—about 30 minutes, with departures generally beginning in the morning and running seasonally. Expect roughly $20–30 round trip per adult; confirm the day’s first and last boats before setting out, since weather can affect service.
From the far dock, hike the Cascade Canyon Trail to Hidden Falls, then continue uphill to Inspiration Point. Allow about 2–3 hours for Hidden Falls and another hour for the overlook, depending on how long you linger. The trail is rocky and can be slick near the falls; sturdy shoes, water, and bear-awareness practices are sensible. If the boat is not operating, you can walk around Jenny Lake, but that adds several miles, so check shuttle conditions before committing to the route.
After returning to the lakeshore, drive north on Teton Park Road to Schwabacher Landing, a peaceful pullout with short paths to beaver ponds and some of the best reflection views of the Teton Range. Give yourself about 45 minutes here, especially if the wind is calm. The access road is unpaved and can be rough after rain, but ordinary cars usually manage it slowly. From there, continue toward Jackson for dinner at The Blue Lion, a cozy restaurant in a historic downtown building. Dinner is typically around $40–70 per person before drinks and tip; reservations are wise, particularly for the intimate dining room. Call ahead for current opening hours and allow roughly 45–60 minutes from Schwabacher Landing to downtown Jackson, depending on wildlife and park traffic.
Leave Driggs early, ideally around 7:00 a.m., for the drive to West Yellowstone via US-20. Allow 3½–4½ hours, plus time for fuel, wildlife stops, road work, and the park entrance. After arriving, stop first at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center for about 30 minutes. Check current road conditions, confirm the day’s geyser predictions, and ask about bear-safety guidance before heading farther into the park. September weather can change quickly, so this is also a good place to verify whether your planned roads and trails are fully open.
From town, drive toward the West Yellowstone entrance and take an easy riverside walk along the Madison River. Give yourself about an hour here; it is a relaxed first look at Yellowstone after the longer drive, with good opportunities for waterfowl and, occasionally, elk near quieter stretches. Continue toward the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trailhead area at Midway Geyser Basin for a one-hour preview. The overlook trail is short but can be dusty or muddy, and parking may be limited, so do not worry if you only get a partial look today—the full boardwalk is better tackled when you have more time and energy. Stay strictly on marked paths around the thermal features.
Return to West Yellowstone for dinner at The Buffalo Bar, a casual local favorite with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hearty plates—roughly $20–35 per person. It is usually busiest from about 6:00–8:00 p.m., so arrive early or expect a wait. After dinner, pick up breakfast supplies and extra water in town; Yellowstone services can be sparse once you leave West Yellowstone, and an early start will make tomorrow’s Old Faithful visit much easier.
Leave West Yellowstone around 6:00–6:30 a.m. and enter through the West Entrance, continuing toward Old Faithful; allow roughly 1–2 hours, depending on wildlife and roadwork. Park in the large Old Faithful lots, then check the eruption predictions at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center—the exact time changes, so use it to decide whether to watch immediately or begin the basin walk first. Restrooms, water, and basic supplies are available nearby; Yellowstone’s entrance fee is typically about $35 per private vehicle unless covered by an annual pass. Dress warmly and stay strictly on boardwalks around the thermal features.
After Old Faithful, spend about three hours on the Upper Geyser Basin Trail, following the boardwalk past Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, Daisy Geyser, and Riverside Geyser. The full walk is several miles, and eruption intervals are unpredictable, so treat any waiting as part of the experience rather than trying to catch every feature. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and carry water—there is little shade and no convenient food stop once you leave the main visitor area.
Return to the Old Faithful Inn for a relaxed midday break and a look inside its enormous log lobby, one of the park’s most memorable historic interiors. The dining room is a good sit-down option, while quicker choices are available in the nearby Old Faithful Lodge area; budget roughly $15–30 per person for a light meal. After lunch, drive a few minutes to Black Sand Basin, where a compact boardwalk leads past vividly colored pools and smaller geysers. It is an easy one-hour visit and usually feels calmer than the main Old Faithful complex, though never step off the marked path.
Head back toward Old Faithful for dinner at Yellowstone Fountain Paint Pot Dining Room, allowing time for the return drive and any brief wildlife pullouts. Expect approximately $25–50 per person and check the seasonal closing time, as September services can operate on reduced hours. After dinner, return to West Yellowstone before dark if that is your lodging base; carry a full tank, watch carefully for animals on the road, and do not count on reliable cell service inside the park.
Leave West Yellowstone around 6:00 a.m. and drive east on Grand Loop Road toward Midway Geyser Basin, allowing roughly 45–60 minutes depending on wildlife and roadwork. Start with Grand Prismatic Spring before the crowds build. The boardwalk loop takes about 1½ hours; stay strictly on the trail, since the ground around the thermal features is dangerously thin. Cool September air often makes the colors look especially crisp, though steam can obscure the spring early in the morning. Parking is limited, so arrive as close to opening light as possible and bring a warm layer.
Next, drive a few minutes south to the Fairy Falls Trailhead for the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. The walk to the overlook is about 1½ miles round trip and moderately easy, with some uneven ground. Set aside roughly 1½ hours including parking and photographs. There is no entrance fee charged specifically for either stop; they are covered by the Yellowstone entrance pass, which costs about $35 per private vehicle for seven days. Cell service is unreliable, so download maps and keep water in the car.
Continue south to Firehole Lake Drive, a one-way scenic loop that usually takes about an hour with stops. It is a good place to slow down after the busy boardwalks: watch for roadside bison, but remain in the vehicle unless parked in a designated area. Afterward, drive north toward the Norris area for Artists Paintpots, where a short, somewhat hilly trail passes bubbling mud pots and vividly colored pools. Allow about an hour, and use the restrooms before setting out; facilities are limited around the trail. September road conditions and closures can change quickly, so check the National Park Service Yellowstone road-status page that morning.
Return to West Yellowstone for dinner at Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, a relaxed choice for pizza and hearty casual food after a full day outdoors. Expect roughly $20–35 per person before drinks and tip; arriving around 5:30–6:00 p.m. helps avoid the dinner rush. The town is compact and easy to walk once parked, but keep the evening low-key—tomorrow’s Yellowstone driving day will be much more enjoyable with an early start.
Leave West Yellowstone around 6:00 a.m. and drive east on the Grand Loop Road toward Norris Geyser Basin, allowing about 1½ hours in September conditions. The basin’s parking areas are limited, so arriving early makes the boardwalks much more pleasant—and gives you the best chance of seeing steam rising in the cool morning air. Allow roughly two hours for the Porcelain Basin and Back Basin trails; stay on the boardwalks, since this is some of Yellowstone’s most active and unpredictable thermal ground. Bring water, a warm layer, and shoes with good grip. Before leaving, check current road conditions and any trail closures at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum area.
Continue south and east to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Canyon Village, a drive of about 1–1¼ hours depending on wildlife and construction. Stop first at the canyon rim viewpoints, then spend about 45 minutes at Artist Point, the classic overlook for Lower Falls and the yellow-and-pink canyon walls. Parking can be tight around midday; if the main lot is full, wait rather than stopping illegally along the road. From Artist Point, drive around the South Rim to the Brink of Upper Falls Trail. This short but steep walk takes about an hour round trip, with stairs and exposed sections, so carry water and take your time on the climb back. Keep well behind railings—the river is powerful and the edges are hazardous.
Have dinner at Canyon Lodge Eatery in Canyon Village before heading back to West Yellowstone. Expect a casual cafeteria-style meal at roughly $20–40 per person; hours can change late in the season, so check the day’s schedule before relying on it. After dinner, allow about two hours for the return drive, with little reliable cell service and very dark roads after sunset. Fill the tank in Canyon Village or before leaving the area, and watch carefully for elk, bison, and other wildlife along the route.
Leave West Yellowstone around 5:00 a.m. for the long drive to Kanab, allowing 9–10½ hours behind the wheel plus fuel and meal stops. Follow US-20 south, connect with I-15 and I-70, then take US-89 toward southern Utah. This is primarily a transfer day, so fill the tank before leaving, keep water and snacks in the car, and download offline maps—service can be inconsistent across Idaho and Utah. Budget roughly $75–110 for fuel, and confirm that your rental company permits the one-way drop-off in southern Utah.
As you approach southern Utah, stop at Red Canyon Arch near Panguitch for a quick 30-minute leg stretch. The roadside red-rock scenery is a welcome change after the highway miles, but stay aware of traffic and avoid turning the stop into a longer hike if you are running behind. From there, continue south on US-89 to Kanab, allowing about an hour for the final stretch depending on road conditions and daylight.
After checking into your Airbnb, stop at the Kanab Visitor Center for about 30 minutes. Check current conditions, trail closures, permit requirements, and weather for the coming days; staff can also clarify local access rules that change seasonally. Visitor-center hours vary in September, so if you arrive after closing, use the exterior information boards and return the following morning.
For dinner, settle in at Rocking V Café in downtown Kanab, where a relaxed meal is ideal after the transfer; expect roughly $20–40 per person, and check current hours or reserve ahead if possible. If you arrive before closing, finish with a brief exterior look at the Kanab Heritage House Museum and a stroll through the surrounding historic neighborhood. Otherwise, save the museum for daylight—the main value tonight is stretching your legs and getting an early night.
Leave Kanab before 5:00 a.m. for Bryce Canyon National Park, driving north on US-89 and then UT-12; the trip usually takes 1½–2 hours. Arrive with enough time to park near Bryce Canyon Sunrise Point and walk to the rim before first light. Sunrise over the amphitheater is typically around 7:00 a.m. in mid-September, but check the exact time and road conditions the evening before. The overlook is free once you have entered the park; a private vehicle pass is generally $35, or use an America the Beautiful pass if you have one.
From Sunrise Point, follow the rim a short distance to the Queen’s Garden Trail. Descending into the orange-and-pink hoodoos is much more rewarding than viewing them only from above, but remember that the return climb is steeper than it first appears. Allow about 1½ hours, carry water, and bring a light jacket—the rim can feel cold early in the day. Continue toward Sunset Point and take the Navajo Loop Trail, another roughly 1½-hour hike. The switchbacks and narrow rock walls are the highlight, though trail conditions can change, and sections may occasionally close because of rockfall. The classic Queen’s Garden–Navajo combination is strenuous but manageable for most reasonably active hikers.
After the hikes, take a proper break in Bryce Canyon City or at the park lodge area before returning to Bryce Point in the afternoon. The viewpoint gives a broader, less enclosed perspective on the amphitheater and is especially good when the sun brings out the bands of red, cream, and purple in the cliffs. The park shuttle generally operates through mid-September and is useful for the main amphitheater overlooks, but verify the current schedule; private vehicles can also reach the viewpoint when roads are open. Keep an eye out for mule deer along the roads, and allow extra time because wildlife and roadside pullouts can slow the drive.
For dinner, head to Stone Hearth Grille in Tropic, about 15–20 minutes from the park. It is a relaxed sit-down option with hearty American and Southwestern-leaning dishes, and dinner usually runs about $30–55 per person before drinks and tip. Reservations are sensible in September, especially after a full hiking day. If you are staying in Kanab rather than near Bryce, avoid starting the return drive too late: the route is dark, sparsely lit, and deer are common after sunset.
From Kanab, leave around 6:00 a.m. via US-89 and UT-9, allowing roughly 1½ hours to reach Springdale. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or, if its lot is full, use one of the paid lots in Springdale and walk to the entrance. Spend about 30 minutes checking trail conditions, shuttle operations, water availability, and the day’s weather; the park entrance fee is generally about $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days. During September, private cars are not allowed on the canyon road, so board the free Zion Canyon Shuttle—service typically begins early in the morning, but confirm the current schedule before setting out.
Ride to the final shuttle stop for The Narrows Riverside Walk and follow the paved trail beside the Virgin River for 1½–2 hours. This is the easy, accessible introduction to the Narrows, not the more demanding in-water hike. The canyon is coolest in the morning, and the river views improve as you continue upstream, so bring water, sun protection, and shoes with good grip. Check flash-flood conditions before entering; the trail can close after heavy rain, and do not proceed if the river is running high or the forecast looks unsettled.
After returning by shuttle, have a quick picnic or café lunch in Springdale, then head back into the canyon for Walter’s Wiggles on the Angels Landing trail. Allow 2–3 hours for the climb to Scout Lookout, with frequent pauses on the famous switchbacks—the elevation gain is steady, and the exposed red-rock heat can be tiring even in September. A permit is required to continue beyond Scout Lookout onto the Angels Landing chains; without one, Scout Lookout is the turnaround point. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, start no later than early afternoon, and turn around if storms, heat, or fatigue make the descent questionable.
Return to Springdale on the shuttle and walk to Oscar’s Café for a relaxed dinner of Mexican and Southwestern comfort food, usually about $20–40 per person. Expect generous portions and a casual atmosphere; arriving before the main dinner rush is wise because tables fill quickly after the canyon shuttle crowds return. Afterward, take an easy stroll along Zion Park Boulevard while the cliffs lose their last light, then rest—tomorrow’s long driving day will be much easier with an early night.
Start at Kanab Coffee Company in downtown Kanab around 8:30 a.m. for coffee and breakfast—budget about $10–20 per person. It is a good place to stock up on water and snacks before heading out. From town, drive roughly 25 minutes north on US-89 to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Allow about two hours to wander the orange dunes; the sand is easiest to walk on in the cooler morning, though sturdy shoes are helpful. The day-use fee is generally around $15 per vehicle, and there is little shade, so bring water, sunglasses, and sun protection.
Return toward Kanab and continue a few minutes east to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Angel Canyon. Plan about two hours here, but check the sanctuary’s current tour and experience schedule in advance—many activities require reservations, and arrival times can be strict. Afterward, take a relaxed scenic drive along the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument toward the Johnson Canyon area. This 1½-hour outing is more about geology and open space than a single landmark: stop at safe pullouts, watch for cattle and changing road conditions, and avoid unpaved side roads if recent rain is forecast.
Head back into Kanab for dinner at Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant, a casual local favorite for filling Western-style plates. Expect roughly $20–40 per person; arriving before the busiest dinner period is wise, especially if you have an early start for the next day’s Antelope Canyon tour. Use the evening to refuel, confirm your tour reservation and departure time, and fill the car with fuel—services become much sparser once you leave town.
Leave Kanab around 7:00 a.m. and follow US-89 to Page, allowing about 1¼ hours. Build in extra time for the Arizona–Utah time-zone difference when confirming your tour: Page observes Mountain Standard Time year-round, while Kanab follows daylight time in September, so Page is one hour behind. Arrive early for your permitted guided Antelope Canyon tour; tours typically last about 1½ hours, cost roughly $60–100 per person, and require advance reservations. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and leave large bags in the car—tripods and bulky gear generally aren’t allowed in the slot canyon.
After the tour, head into Page for lunch at Big John’s Texas BBQ on North Navajo Drive. It is casual and unfussy, with generous brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sandwich plates in the $15–30-per-person range; hours can vary seasonally, so check before setting out. Later, drive about 10 minutes west to the Horseshoe Bend parking area and follow the sandy, mostly exposed trail to the Colorado River overlook. Allow roughly 1½ hours, including the walk and time at the rim. The trail is short but hot, with little shade, so carry water and keep well back from the unprotected edges.
Finish at Lake Powell Resort in Wahweap, about 15 minutes from Page, arriving in time for sunset over the marina and Lake Powell. The resort’s lakefront setting is ideal for a relaxed final hour—walk around the harbor, watch the boats return, and enjoy the changing light on the red-rock shoreline. Fuel up in Page before returning to Kanab, since services are limited around the lake; the drive back is about 1¼ hours, with the time difference again worth checking when you plan your evening.
Leave Page around 4:30–5:00 a.m. via US-89 and US-64 through Cameron; the drive to Grand Canyon Village takes about 2½–3 hours. Bring breakfast, water, and a full tank, since services are limited before the park. Allow time at the South Rim entrance and follow signs to the main village parking areas; September mornings are chilly, and the rim can be windy. Start at Mather Point, a short walk from the parking area, for your first broad view of the canyon—give yourself about 45 minutes, including time to follow the rim path toward nearby overlooks.
From Mather Point, walk or drive the short distance toward the Bright Angel Trailhead near Bright Angel Lodge. Do not try to reach the river and return in one day: a sensible morning outing is 1–2 miles down the trail and back, taking roughly 2–3 hours with photo stops. The trail is steep, exposed, and much warmer below the rim, so carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and turn around while you still feel fresh. Check the day’s trail conditions at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center before starting; the park entrance fee is generally about $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days.
After the hike, have your celebratory meal at El Tovar Dining Room, where large windows and classic lodge details give the lunch or early dinner real canyon atmosphere. Expect roughly $30–70 per person; reservations are wise, though walk-in seating may be available at the bar or lounge. Keep the afternoon unhurried—this is a good time for a short rim stroll around Kolb Studio and the historic village area rather than adding another strenuous hike.
The planned return to Jackson Hole is not realistic as a same-day drive—it exceeds 10 hours before stops. Departing late afternoon only makes sense if you have arranged a flight from Flagstaff; otherwise, keep the rental car and overnight along the route, then continue to Jackson Hole the following day. If driving, refuel before leaving the park and consider stopping around Flagstaff or Page rather than attempting the entire journey after a pre-dawn start and canyon hike.