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15-Day Scenic National Park Adventure from Detroit to Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton, and Mount Rainier

Viewed by 211 travelers

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Detroit, MI to Yellowstone National Park, WY on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Depart Detroit Metropolitan Airport

Start your journey with a morning flight from Detroit to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport as the nearest major gateway to Yellowstone.
USD300, 4h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Gardiner, MT

Pick up a rental car and drive about 1.5 hours to the north entrance of Yellowstone, staying in Gardiner for convenient access to the park.
USD100, 1h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at Yellowstone accommodation

Settle into your lodge or hotel near Yellowstone's north entrance to rest and prepare for exploration.
USD150, Variable

6:00pm

Dinner at The Corral

Enjoy hearty Montana fare in Gardiner at The Corral, known for its bison burgers and rustic atmosphere.
USD30, 1h
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Day 2: Yellowstone Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, WY on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Rise Coffee House

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at The Rise Coffee House within Gardiner before entering the park.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

Explore the stunning terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, a notable geothermal feature in Yellowstone open year-round.
USD0, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Norris Geyser Basin

Travel south to Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most changeable thermal area in Yellowstone.
USD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Norris

Picnic style lunch at Norris Geyser Basin picnic area to savor the natural surroundings.
USD20, 1h

1:00pm

Old Faithful Geothermal Area

Spend the afternoon witnessing eruptions of the famous Old Faithful geyser and explore surrounding boardwalks.
USD0, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Experience dinner at the historic Old Faithful Inn dining room featuring classic American cuisine amid log cabin ambiance.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Yellowstone Sights

Yellowstone National Park, WY on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Local Spot

Eat breakfast at a local café inside or just outside the park for early start.
USD15, 45m

8:00am

Yellowstone Lake & Fishing Bridge

Drive to the largest high-altitude lake in North America and walk around the Fishing Bridge area to spot wildlife.
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Canyon Village & Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Visit the impressive canyon with its waterfalls; hike some of the scenic trails like Artist Point.
USD0, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Canyon Lodge

Enjoy casual dining at Canyon Lodge with views of the canyon environs.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Hayden Valley Wildlife Viewing

Late afternoon drive to Hayden Valley to spot bison, elk, and possibly bears during quieter wildlife viewing hours.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Roosevelt Lodge

Dine in a rustic setting with traditional western-style meals at Roosevelt Lodge.
USD35, 1h
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Day 4: Full Day Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, WY on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast

Eat early breakfast near your accommodation to fuel a full day outing.
USD15, 45m

8:30am

Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari

Morning safari in Lamar Valley, known for wolves, bison, and excellent wildlife photography opportunities.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cooke City

Enjoy a hearty lunch in Cooke City, east entrance gateway for Lamar Valley.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Drive south and visit Tower Fall

Short stop at Tower Fall, a beautiful 132-foot waterfall, perfect for photos and a short walk.
USD0, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Lodging

Spend a relaxing late afternoon at your accommodation.
USD0, Variable

6:30pm

Dinner in Gardiner

Try Montana-themed dishes at The Yellowstone Mine, known for excellent steaks and historic ambiance.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Yellowstone to Glacier

Yellowstone National Park, WY to Glacier National Park, MT on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Early breakfast and pack up for the drive to Glacier National Park.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Glacier National Park

Embark on approximately 6-hour scenic drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park, crossing diverse landscapes.
USD0, 6h

2:00pm

Arrive and Check In at Glacier Lodge

Settle into your accommodation near West Glacier entrance.
USD180, Variable

3:30pm

Short Hike - Trail of the Cedars

Explore the easy and accessible Trail of the Cedars, a beautiful nature walk surrounded by ancient trees.
USD0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Belton Grill

Enjoy dinner featuring Pacific Northwest flavors and local ingredients.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, MT on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glacier Coffee House

Fuel up with organic coffee and breakfast fare in West Glacier Village.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

Drive this iconic scenic road early to avoid crowds, stopping at Logan Pass for short hikes and stunning views.
USD30 park entry, 5h

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Logan Pass

Bring a packed lunch to enjoy amidst magnificent mountain scenery.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Hidden Lake Overlook Hike

Hike the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook, an easy to moderate 3-mile round-trip with breathtaking views over Hidden Lake.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Jammer Grill

Casual dining with a variety of western American dishes and local brews.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Glacier Hikes & Sightseeing

Glacier National Park, MT on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Eat breakfast early to prepare for a full day outdoors.
USD15, 45m

8:00am

Avalanche Lake Hike

Trek the popular trail to Avalanche Lake, roughly 4.5 miles round trip, featuring forested paths and waterfalls.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Glacier Lodge

Relax and dine inside Glacier Lodge with a varied menu.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Boat Tour on Lake McDonald

Enjoy a guided boat tour to appreciate the pristine glacial lake and surrounding peaks.
USD40, 2h

5:00pm

Return and rest

Relax back at the lodge and prepare for next day travel.
USD0, Variable

7:00pm

Dinner at Montana Kitchen

Savor farm-to-table dishes with local ingredients.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Glacier to Grand Teton

Glacier NP, MT to Grand Teton NP, WY on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Early Departure

Grab breakfast and check out for the drive to Grand Teton National Park, approx 7-hour drive.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Travel through beautiful Montana and into Wyoming, arriving by late afternoon.
USD0, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into lodging near Jackson or inside Grand Teton NP.
USD180, Variable

5:30pm

Short Visit to Jenny Lake

Enjoy a relaxing walk by Jenny Lake, taking in views of the Teton Range during sunset.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Signal Mountain Lodge

Dine with views of the lake and mountains, featuring western American cuisine.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Grand Teton Adventure

Grand Teton National Park, WY on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jackson Lake Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with panoramic views of the Tetons.
USD25, 1h

8:30am

Hike Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

Take a scenic hike around Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, moderate 3-5 mile round-trip.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jenny Lake Lodge

Eat seasonal dishes with a rustic elegance inside the lodge.
USD40, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Mormon Row Historic District

Explore iconic historic barns and settlements with dramatic Teton backgrounds, great photo spots.
USD0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center

Learn about the park’s geology, wildlife, and history through interactive exhibits.
USD0, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dornan's Pizza and Pasta Company

Enjoy casual Italian dining with mountain views in Moose, close to park entrance.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Grand Teton to Mount Rainier

Grand Teton NP, WY to Mount Rainier NP, WA on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Early breakfast and prepare for long drive or flight near Jackson for Mount Rainier area.
USD25, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Seattle, WA or flight from Jackson to Seattle

Option to either drive (~13 hours over 2 days suggested) or catch flight to Seattle-Tacoma Airport for Mount Rainier access.
USD0-150 flight, Approx 1h flight or 13h drive

3:00pm

Arrive Seattle / Overnight

Overnight stay in Seattle or nearby depending on travel method before accessing Mount Rainier next day.
USD150, Variable
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Day 11: Mount Rainier National Park Arrival

Mount Rainier National Park, WA on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Seattle

Enjoy a well-rated breakfast café such as The 5 Spot in Seattle.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

About 2-hour drive to Mount Rainier, entering through Nisqually Entrance.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Visit Paradise Area

Explore Paradise Visitor Center and short trails around this iconic mountain meadow area known for stunning views and wildflowers.
USD30 park entry, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Paradise Inn

Historic inn serving classic American fare with mountain scenery.
USD35, 1h

3:30pm

Hike the Nisqually Vista Trail

Easy 1.2-mile loop trail perfect for views of Nisqually Glacier and meadows.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Drive to Longmire Area

Explore Longmire Museum and Walk, enjoy quieter visitor area.
USD0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Copper Creek Inn

Dinner featuring comfort food near the park entrance.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Mount Rainier Hiking

Mount Rainier National Park, WA on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Copper Creek Inn

Start with a good breakfast to prepare for day of hiking.
USD20, 45m

8:00am

Skyline Trail Hike

Challenging and iconic 5-mile hike from Paradise with panoramic views of Rainier and alpine scenery.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch picnic

Bring packed lunch to enjoy stunning scenery along the trail or at Paradise lodges.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Grove of the Patriarchs

Short walk to an ancient forest of towering old-growth trees with easy access.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to lodging and dinner

Unwind and have dinner at a nearby restaurant or inn.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 13: Rainier Exploration

Mount Rainier National Park, WA on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast

Breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café.
USD20, 45m

8:30am

Visitor Center and Paradise Mountain Mall

Spend the morning visiting park visitor centers, museums, and local gift shops.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Reflection Lakes

Drive to iconic photo spots such as Reflection Lakes for mountain views and peaceful atmosphere.
USD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at National Park Inn

Historic inn offering casual dining options on park grounds.
USD35, 1h

2:00pm

Hike to Comet Falls

Moderate 3-mile round-trip hike to impressive waterfall in the park’s southwest region.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Relax and Dinner

Evening dinner at a local restaurant or your inn to celebrate the trip.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure Preparation

Mount Rainier National Park area, WA on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Pack and last nature walk

Take a final short stroll in the scenic area to soak in the surroundings.
USD0, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Prepare for your flight home or next destination from Seattle, approx 2-hour drive.
USD0, 2h
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Day 15: Return Home

Seattle, WA to Detroit, MI on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Depart Seattle

Catch your flight back to Detroit to conclude your scenic park adventure.
USD350, 4h30m
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