Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Adventure - 8-Day Itinerary from the North Gate

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Gardiner, MT

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Park Street Kitchen

Start your Yellowstone journey at Park Street Kitchen, known for its cozy ambiance and delightful breakfast burritos.
Short walk from your accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Pick Up Rental Car

Head to the airport to pick up your rental car, essential for exploring Yellowstone.
Rental car agency located at the airport, about 1.5 hours drive from Gardiner.
USD100, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to North Entrance of Yellowstone

Enjoy a scenic drive from Gardiner to the north entrance, spotting wildlife along the way.
Short drive to the park entrance.
USD0, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Enter Yellowstone National Park

Begin your adventure by passing through the north entrance and setting sights on stunning landscapes.
Located right at the entrance.
USD35 (park entrance fee), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Savor a delightful lunch at the Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room, featuring seasonal dishes.
Just a drive away from the north entrance.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs

Wander the iconic terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, marveling at the colorful geothermal features.
Short walk from the dining room.
USD0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Albright Visitor Center

Learn about the park's rich cultural and natural history at the informative visitor center.
Adjacent to Mammoth Hot Springs.
USD0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Wildlife Watching in the Mammoth Area

Explore the elk and bison herds around Mammoth Hot Springs; keep your camera ready!
Drive and hike within the area.
USD0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Enjoy dinner at the same dining room, reflecting on your remarkable first day in the park.
At the dining room.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Canyon Area Discovery

Yellowstone National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a day of exploration.
At the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Yellowstone Canyon Area

Embark on a drive towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a breathtaking sight.
30-minute drive from Mammoth Hot Springs.
USD0, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Visit Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Explore the stunning views of the Grand Canyon and its majestic waterfalls.
Access viewpoints by car.
USD0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Hike at Canyon Area

Take a scenic hike along one of the trails for fantastic views of the canyon.
Follow marked trails accessible by car.
USD0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Canyon Lodge

Chill out with a delicious meal featuring local ingredients in a casual setting.
At Canyon Lodge.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Artist Point

Drive to Artist Point for one of the most iconic views of the canyon.
Appreciate the short drive to the viewpoint.
USD0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Scenic Drive along the North Rim

Explore the beautiful sights along the North Rim Drive with more stunning viewpoints.
Drive along the loop road.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to the Lake Area

Travel to the Yellowstone Lake area, soaking in panoramic views on your way.
Connect to the roads leading to the lake.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Lake Lodge

Enjoy a delightful dinner with perennially stunning views of Yellowstone Lake.
At Lake Lodge.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Lake Area Adventures

Yellowstone National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at Lake Lodge

Start your day with breakfast at the Lodge featuring local produce and favorite dishes.
At the lodge.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Explore Yellowstone Lake

Spend the morning walking along the shores of Yellowstone Lake; breathtaking scenery awaits!
Parking available near the lakeshore.
USD0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Natural Hot Springs

Discover naturally heated pools and soak in the warmth amidst nature.
Drive to nearby hot springs areas.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lake Lodge

Refuel with a delightful lunch before more adventures in the park.
At the lodge dining area.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Mud Volcano Area

Explore the geothermal features at Mud Volcano and witness the unique landscapes.
Short drive to the Mud Volcano area.
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Fishing Bridge

Travel to Fishing Bridge, a perfect spot for views and potential wildlife sightings.
Drive along the park roads.
USD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Wildlife Viewing at Fishing Bridge

Keep an eye out for various wildlife along the river, especially as evening approaches.
Walking or driving along the viewing areas.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Lake Lodge

Return to Lake Lodge for sunset and dinner to round your day.
Familiar route back to the lodge.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Lake Lodge

Conclude your day with a lakeside dining experience at Lake Lodge.
At the lodge.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Old Faithful and Geysers

Yellowstone National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at Lake Lodge

Enjoy another breakfast at the Lodge with breathtaking views to start your day right.
At the lodge.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Old Faithful Area

Embark on a scenic drive towards the Old Faithful area, keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Follow the main park road to Old Faithful.
USD0, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful, a must-see during your stay.
Located near the Old Faithful Center.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Upper Geyser Basin

Wander along the boardwalk trails in Upper Geyser Basin, observing various geothermal features.
Short walks from Old Faithful.
USD0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge

Recharge with a delicious lunch and stunning views of Old Faithful eruptions.
Located at the Old Faithful site.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Marvel at the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States.
Drive to Grand Prismatic area.
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Midway Geyser Basin

Stroll through the boardwalks at Midway Geyser Basin, where other stunning thermal features await.
Located near Grand Prismatic.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Drive to West Yellowstone

Conclude your day with a short drive to West Yellowstone for dinner and rest.
Follow the road directly to West Yellowstone.
USD20 (gas), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Slippery Otter Pub

Enjoy dinner at the Slippery Otter Pub, famous for its delicious burgers and local brews.
In West Yellowstone, not far from the hotel.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Running Bear Pancake House

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this local favorite, known for its pancakes.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Head south to Grand Teton National Park, renowned for its stunning mountain views.
Take US-191 S towards the park.
USD20 (gas), 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Jenny Lake

Spend the morning at Jenny Lake, where you can hike or take a scenic boat ride.
Parking available at the lake.
USD40 (boat ride), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Jenny Lake Lodge

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the picturesque Jenny Lake Lodge.
Located at Jenny Lake.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Signal Mountain

Drive up Signal Mountain for panoramic vistas of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.
Short drive from Jenny Lake.
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Photo Opportunity at Oxbow Bend

Capture stunning photos at Oxbow Bend, where the Tetons reflect beautifully in the Snake River.
A quick drive to this iconic spot.
USD0, 30 minutes

4:30PM

Drive Back to West Yellowstone

Make your way back to West Yellowstone, taking in the beautiful scenery along your journey.
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.
In West Yellowstone.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Scenic Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, WY

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Gusher Pizza and Watersports

Start your day off with another breakfast at this unique spot, adding variety to your experience.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Bunsen Peak

Head into Yellowstone, driving towards Bunsen Peak to hike and explore.
Follow main park roads to the peak.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike Bunsen Peak

Take a hike with beautiful views at the summit, experiencing the diverse ecosystems along the trail.
Access trails from the parking lot.
USD0, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Norris Geyser Basin

Explore Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest geothermal area of Yellowstone.
Short drive from the peak.
USD0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Norris Geyser Basin Museum

Grab a light lunch at the nearby museum while learning about geology and geothermal features.
At the museum.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive back to Old Faithful Area

Travel back to the Old Faithful area to catch any missed attractions.
Follow the park roads back to Old Faithful.
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Castle Geyser

Witness Castle Geyser, an often quieter but equally breathtaking geyser.
Short hike from the parking area.
USD0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Leisurely Stroll in Old Faithful Area

Take your time exploring the sights around Old Faithful as the sun sets.
Casual walking trails connect the area.
USD0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Old Faithful Lodge

Enjoy your dinner back at Old Faithful Lodge with views while reminiscing about your day.
At the lodge.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Bozeman

West Yellowstone, MT

7:00AM

Breakfast at Old Faithful Lodge

Savor one more breakfast at this iconic lodge, setting the stage for your return trip.
At the lodge.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive Back towards West Yellowstone

Travel back towards West Yellowstone to pick up last-minute souvenirs.
Retrace your route back to West Yellowstone.
USD20 (gas), 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Shopping in West Yellowstone

Spend some time exploring local shops for souvenirs, gifts, and Yellowstone memorabilia.
Located throughout the downtown area.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at the Wild West Pizza

Enjoy a delicious lunch option before parting ways with this enchanting area.
Local hotspot near the shops.
USD25, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Drive to Bozeman

Begin your drive back to Bozeman, reflecting on your incredible experiences.
Follow the main roads leading back.
USD20 (gas), 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Return Rental Car

Drop off your rental car at the Bozeman airport before your departing flight.
Car rental agency located at the airport.
USD0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Afternoon Snack at the Airport

Grab a quick bite or coffee at the airport café, savoring the memories.
Located inside the airport terminal.
USD15, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Departure Flight

Head to your gate ready to board, bringing back unforgettable memories from Yellowstone.
Follow signs to your departure gate.
USD0, 1 hour preparation
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