Redwoods and Yellowstone Itinerary: A Perfect Graduation Trip - Travel Expert

Congratulations to your daughter on her graduation from NAPS! For a memorable last family trip before she begins her journey at the Naval Academy, a combined trip to the California Redwoods and Yellowstone National Park is an ambitious but rewarding choice.

The Best Way to Travel: Fly-Fly vs. Driving

The distance between the Redwood National Forest (Northern California) and Yellowstone (Wyoming/Montana) is roughly 1,000 miles (a 16–18 hour drive) across mountainous and desert terrain.

• Our Recommendation: Fly into Northern California, then take a connecting flight to Yellowstone. Driving will consume 2–3 full days of your vacation on highways that offer less scenery than the parks themselves.

Phase 1: California Redwoods (3–4 Days)

To see the tallest trees on earth, you should target Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California (near the Oregon border).

• Fly Into: Arcata-Eureka (ACV) or Medford, OR (MFR). Alternatively, fly into San Francisco (SFO) if you want to drive up the scenic Highway 101 (approx. 5–6 hours north).
• Must-See Spots:
  • Fern Canyon: A lush wall of ferns (seen in Jurassic Park).
  • Lady Bird Johnson Grove: An easy, iconic loop through old-growth giants.
  • Avenue of the Giants: A 31-mile scenic drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
• Early May Weather: Expect misty, cool temperatures (50s–60s°F). It is the tail end of the rainy season, so the forest will be incredibly vibrant and green.

Phase 2: Transition to Yellowstone (4–5 Days)

Early May is "shoulder season" in Yellowstone. This is a magical time for wildlife (baby bison and grizzly cubs!), but you must navigate road openings.

• Fly From: ACV or SFO to Bozeman, MT (BZN). Bozeman is the most reliable airport for early May as the North Entrance is open year-round.
• Road Opening Dates (Projected for 2026):
  • West Entrance: Opens mid-April. Access to Old Faithful and the geyser basins is typically available.
  • East Entrance: Opens May 1st. Access to Yellowstone Lake.
  • South Entrance (from Grand Teton): Opens May 8th–10th.
• Yellowstone Weather: It will still be winter-like in high elevations. Expect highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. Pack heavy layers.

Sample Graduation Trip Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly into ACV (Eureka/Arcata), rent a car, and head to Trinidad, CA for coastal sunset views.
2. Day 2: Hike Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach (permit required for Fern Canyon).
3. Day 3: Explore Jedediah Smith Redwoods (Stout Grove) or the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
4. Day 4: Fly from ACV to Bozeman, MT (BZN) via a hub like Denver or Salt Lake City.
5. Day 5: Enter Yellowstone via the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT). Visit Mammoth Hot Springs.
6. Day 6: Drive down to Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring (weather permitting).
7. Day 7: Wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley (best place for wolves and bison calves in May).
8. Day 8: Depart via BZN for your flight back to the East Coast.

Practical Expert Tips

• Permits: Fern Canyon and certain groves require advanced permits during peak windows. Check the NPS website 2–3 months out.
• Car Rentals: Be prepared for high one-way fees if you drive between CA and WY/MT. It is usually more cost-effective to do two separate rentals (one in CA, one in MT).
• Lodging: Book Yellowstone lodging (like Old Faithful Inn) immediately, as May openings sell out fast despite the cold weather.
• Pack for Two Seasons: You will need rain gear for the foggy Redwoods and heavy winter coats for snowy Yellowstone mornings.