Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Adventure - 8-Day Itinerary

Viewed by 56 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Bozeman, MT

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Western Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the local favorite, Western Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and the famous biscuits and gravy.
Short drive from the hotel to the cafe.
USD15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Pick Up Rental Car

Head to the airport to pick up your rental car, the key to your Yellowstone adventure.
Rental car agency is located at the airport.
USD100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Drive to West Yellowstone

Embark on your scenic drive to West Yellowstone, a charming gateway town to the park.
Take US-191 S from the airport to West Yellowstone.
USD20 (gas), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Slippery Otter Pub

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Slippery Otter Pub, famous for its sliders and local beer.
Located in West Yellowstone, a short walk from the main street.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore West Yellowstone

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming shops and visitor center in West Yellowstone to get familiar with the park.
Can walk to various shops from the restaurant.
USD0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Three Bear Lodge

Savor a delightful dinner featuring grilled steaks and seafood at this iconic lodge.
Located in the town center.
USD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bozeman

Day 2: Yellowstone Exploration

West Yellowstone, MT

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Running Bear Pancake House

Fuel up with a classic American breakfast, with options ranging from delicious pancakes to hearty omelets.
Short walk from the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Enter Yellowstone National Park

Begin your journey in Yellowstone by entering from the west entrance, where nature's wonders await.
Drive 10 minutes to the west entrance.
USD35 (park entrance fee), 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Witness the spectacular eruption of Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world.
40-minute drive from park entrance to Old Faithful.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge

Enjoy a relaxed outdoor lunch with sweeping views of the geyser area at this historic lodge.
Located near Old Faithful.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Upper Geyser Basin

Wander the beautiful boardwalk trails of the Upper Geyser Basin and discover numerous hot springs and geysers.
Access from Old Faithful area.
USD0, 3 hours

4:30PM

Drive to West Thumb Geyser Basin

Enjoy a scenic drive to the lesser-known yet stunning West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
30-minute drive from Upper Geyser Basin.
USD0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Explore West Thumb

Stroll through the geothermal features along the lakeshore and take in the breathtaking views at West Thumb.
Easy walking path around the area.
USD0, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Branch Restaurant and Bar

End your day with a delicious meal featuring locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails in West Yellowstone.
Short drive back to West Yellowstone.
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in West Yellowstone

Day 3: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Egg & I

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at this cozy spot, with options like breakfast burritos and fresh pastries.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Enjoy the stunning drive from West Yellowstone to Grand Teton, taking in views of the majestic Teton Range.
Take US-191 S towards the park.
USD20 (gas), 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Jenny Lake

Take a scenic boat ride on Jenny Lake or hike the trails around the lake for stunning views of the Tetons.
Parking availability at Jenny Lake.
USD40 (boat ride), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Jenny Lake Lodge

Rejuvenate with lunch at the cozy Jenny Lake Lodge, enjoying a beautiful view of the lake.
Dining at the lodge near Jenny Lake.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Signal Mountain

Drive up Signal Mountain for panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.
About a 30-minute drive from Jenny Lake.
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Photo Opportunity at Oxbow Bend

Make a quick pit stop at Oxbow Bend for breathtaking photos of the Tetons reflecting in the Snake River.
Short drive to the viewpoint.
USD0, 30 minutes

4:30PM

Drive Back to West Yellowstone

Make your way back to West Yellowstone, soaking in the scenery along the route.
Retracing your route back to West Yellowstone.
USD20 (gas), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Gusher Pizza and Watersports

Finish your day with a fun dinner at a local pizzeria known for its creative pies and casual vibe.
Located in West Yellowstone.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Grand Teton National Park

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park (Lake Area)

Yellowstone National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Wild West Pizzeria

Enjoy a breakfast pizza or classic eggs and bacon to kickstart your day in the park.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Start Day in the Lake Area

Enter Yellowstone again through the west entrance, heading towards the scenic Lake Area.
Drive from West Yellowstone into the park.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Yellowstone Lake

Spend the morning alongside the stunning Yellowstone Lake, surrounded by mountain views; great for a leisurely walk.
Park at designated lots around the lake.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Natural Hot Springs

Discover the unique natural hot springs near the lake area and indulge in the warm waters.
Short driving to iconic hot springs.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lake Lodge

Refuel with a delightful lunch at the Lake Lodge, enjoying views of the lake and mountains.
At the Lake Lodge premises.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth

Explore the unique geothermal features of Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring; fascinating sights!
Driving along the park roads to access these attractions.
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Fishing Bridge

Head to Fishing Bridge for great views of the river and variety of wildlife, especially in the evening.
Short drive from Mud Volcano.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Wildlife Viewing at Fishing Bridge

Join the search for bison, elk, and possibly bears as the sun begins to set.
Walk or stay in your car for best viewpoint.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs Area

Finish your exploration for the day by driving towards the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
Take the main park road.
USD0, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Wind down with dinner at the historic dining room with seasonal dishes and beautiful views.
Located near Mammoth Hot Springs.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yellowstone National Park

Day 5: Explore Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast to fuel your day of exploration ahead.
At the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs

Walk along the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs to admire the beautiful travertine terraces.
Short walk from the hotel.
USD0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Albright Visitor Center

Learn more about the area's natural and cultural history at the informative visitor center.
Located adjacent to Mammoth Hot Springs.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Wildlife Watching at Mammoth Area

Take a short drive or hike around the Mammoth area to see diverse wildlife, especially elk.
Trailheads and parking lots are nearby.
USD0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Enjoy a casual lunch in the historic dining area with a vibrant atmosphere.
At the restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive to Tower Fall

Take the scenic drive to Tower Fall, a beautiful waterfall worth seeing.
30-minute drive from Mammoth Hot Springs.
USD0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Hike to Tower Fall

Take a short hike to the overlook of Tower Fall for fantastic views.
Follow the designated hiking trails.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Mammoth Hot Springs Area

Return to the Mammoth area for sunset views and evening wildlife watching.
Backtrack to Mammoth.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

Enjoy a satisfying dinner at the hotel restaurant, sampling local cuisine.
At the hotel.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mammoth Hot Springs

Day 6: Old Faithful and Surroundings

Yellowstone National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

Start your day with another delicious breakfast in the lodge where you stayed.
At the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Geyser Basins

Head back towards the Old Faithful area to explore more geysers, including the Midway Geyser Basin.
Driving back to the Old Faithful area.
USD0, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Take in the spectacular views of Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the USA.
Park nearby and walk up to the overlook.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Midway Geyser Basin

Stroll along the boardwalks to see amazing geothermal features in this area.
Located adjacent to Grand Prismatic.
USD0, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge

Enjoy a convenient lunch back at the lodge for some amazing views of Old Faithful.
Short drive back to the lodge.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Eruptions of Old Faithful

Catch another show as Old Faithful erupts at its scheduled time, providing an unforgettable experience.
Located right next to the lodge.
USD0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Castle Geyser

Take a short walk to see Castle Geyser, often quieter but still a thrilling sight.
Hiking trails connect the area.
USD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Leisurely Stroll around Old Faithful

Take your time walking around the Old Faithful area and soaking in the atmosphere.
Casual stroll available.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Drive to Canyon Village

End your day by making your way to Canyon Village for an overnight lodging option.
Driving through some beautiful scenery.
USD0, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Canyon Lodge

Unwind with dinner at Canyon Lodge, enjoying local dishes in a warm atmosphere.
At the lodge.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yellowstone National Park

Day 7: Canyon Area Discovery

Yellowstone National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at Canyon Lodge

Start your day with a delightful breakfast included with your stay at Canyon Lodge.
At the lodge.
USD0, 1 hour

8:00AM

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Explore the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, featuring stunning waterfalls.
Short drive to the canyon viewpoint.
USD0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Hike in Canyon Area

Take an invigorating hike along one of the canyon trails offering incredible views.
Follow trails marked on the maps.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Canyon Lodge

Enjoy a leisurely lunch back at the lodge with fresh ingredients sourced locally.
Dining at Canyon Lodge.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Artist Point

A short drive takes you to Artist Point for one of the most iconic views of the Grand Canyon.
Drive until you reach the viewpoint.
USD0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore More of Canyon Area

Relax and explore more beautiful viewpoints and trails around the canyon region.
Drive along scenic routes.
USD0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return Drive to Lake Area

Head back towards Yellowstone Lake area to spend your last night in the park.
Driving along the park roads.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lake Lodge

Enjoy your final dinner in Yellowstone at the Lake Lodge with spectacular lake views.
At the lodge premises.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yellowstone National Park

Day 8: Departure

Bozeman, MT

7:00AM

Breakfast at Lake Lodge

Savor one more breakfast lakeside at the Lake Lodge, reflecting on the incredible journey through Yellowstone.
At the hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Bozeman

There's only one route back, enjoy the stunning scenery as you make your way back to Bozeman.
Retracing towards West Yellowstone and onto Bozeman.
USD20 (gas), 2 hours

10:00AM

Return Rental Car

Return your rental car at the Bozeman airport before your flight.
Located at the Bozeman airport.
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Morning Snack at the Airport

Grab a quick bite or coffee at the airport café before your departure.
Located inside the airport terminal.
USD15, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Departure Flight

Head to your gate ready to depart with everlasting memories from Yellowstone.
Follow signage to your gate.
USD0, 1 hour preparation
Find Hotels in Bozeman
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About yellowstone national park

Touring Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier NP & Hells Canyon — Sep 20–26, 2025
Packing List
Redwoods and Yellowstone Itinerary: A Perfect Graduation Trip
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your yellowstone national park Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go