Coming out of winter and spring break was too short this year. That means I have my sights set on summer road trips! My family is a cram-as-much-as-humanly-possible-while-also-still-sleeping into every trip we do. Because we vacation so hard, you can look at our sample itinerary for Jackson Hole to Yellowstone as an excellent little menu to pick and choose from for what works for you.
Whether it is a friends’ trip, couple’s getaway, or family madhouse, enjoy what I think is a full-proof sucking the marrow out of the beautiful outdoors trip that will energize and revitalize!
Let me know what you pack into your Jackson Hole to Yellowstone experience!
Why Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?
– Perfect Road Trip Distance
First of all, it is an EXCELLENT road trip length, especially if you have kids. Only 140 miles between Jackson Hole as our starting point to the west side of Yellowstone, three hours is what I call bang for the buck on the driving scale when you get to experience so much natural beauty and biographical and topographical diversity. Even opting for the scenic route, you are only putting in four hours of driving time from your primary hubs.
– Easily Accessible to Great Western Beauty
We are starting to breathe easier when it comes to airport time, and Jackson Hole’s airport is quaint, lovely, and easy to navigate. Jackson Hole prospers from tourism and is set up for any of your needs to drop in and go. You can even head over to Teton Mountaineering if you forgot any essentials for any outdoor exploits.
– Because It’s Yellowstone.
There is a reason this beauty is a national park. And not just any national park. Yellowstone is one of the most visited parks in the US.
What to Pack For Jackson Hole to Yellowstone:
- Water. Whether hiking a mile, seven miles, or seventy miles, do not mess around with hydration out west. Don’t just take a plastic water bottle. Have a nalgene (or two) filled up. Always always, always.
- Good hiking shoes. I don’t mean by brand; I mean by being tried and true. Often, I like to pack my trail runners, hiking boots, and sandals for the campsite/hotel for trips where I spend a good deal outdoors. It may be Chaco country, but don’t purchase a new pair for the trip without breaking them in.
- Day Pack. Perfect for carrying your essentials like snacks (Clif bars (or Walmart granola bars, let’s be real; calories are calories, y’all), Goldfish, peanut butter, trail mix, and maybe an apple or orange), sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. I always keep a lightweight rain jacket, extra hat, a Buff, and bonus layer in my pack.
- Sunscreen. Lather, people. This is my husband’s personal favorite since he is particular about how sunscreen feels on your skin.
- Sunglasses. Protective eyewear is vital.
- Bug spray. I haven’t found it too buggy recently, but my momma never let me hike without it.
- Hat. I happen to also look super cute in my hat, but whether it is a baseball cap or brimmed hat for bonus shoulder protection, you’ll be grateful and amazed how much this will keep you cool.
- 3-4 Outdoors Friendly Outfits. Athleisure is my go-to, and thank goodness it looks so fashionable at the truly one-of-a-kind views you will spot on this fabulous Jackson Hole to Yellowstone road trip! My outdoor outfits are typically two pairs of pants, one pair of shorts, two short sleeves base layer, two long sleeves base layer, one fleece outer layer, Darn Tough socks, outer layer, depending on the season.
- Outfits for Town Time. This is optional. Feel free to rock your tee or glam up as you check places out.
- 1 Outfit for a Night Out. I MUST INSIST on using a teensy bit of extra space for a possible night out.
- Swimsuit. I love every water spot mentioned on this list – including Marion Lake and the world-famous hot spring.
- Camera. Last but not least, make sure you have plenty of storage ready so you can snap now and sort later. It’ll be impossible to decide between the incredible shots before you, but we do our best.
- Optional: Hiking poles. If you have issues with your knees, get ahead of the problem instead of being miserable. Likewise, you might want to consider taking some ibuprofen along.
– Choose Your Adventure Pro-Tip:
You might not know about All Trails if you are an occasional hiker instead of a die-hard. This resource, along with your friendly neighborhood park ranger, is FANTASTIC at describing the level of difficulty, distance, the estimated time it takes to hike each trail, and whether or not a trail is kid or accessibility friendly. I use All Trails any time I explore somewhere new.
– BEWARE:
Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks, so here is a tip on limiting the traffic and crowd on vacation: ASK A PARK RANGER. Seriously. When I go to national parks, I have my national park pass handy (and if you don’t have one, it might surprise you how worth it is to get one, especially if you have kiddos).
Jackson Hole to Yellowstone Itinerary – The Weeklong Version
Day 1 – The Appetizer
- Arrive in Jackson Hole
- Check out the Grand Teton National Park.
- Iconic Hike: Hidden Falls by Cascade Creek (4.9 mi)
- Advance Hike of the Day: Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows (7.2 mi)
- Beginner Hike of the Day: Inspiration Point (1.8 mi) → best at sunset
- Grub: Rendezvous Bistro – enjoy a splurge dinner!
- Stay In Jackson Hole
Day 2 – Grand Tetons Great Outdoors Day
- Grub: Virginian Restaurant, → sit down for a laid back start
- National Elk Refuge, → check this spot out for a couple of hours before spending the majority of your day enjoying the Spring Lake Trail.
- Hike of the Day: String Lake Trail (4.4 mi) → bring swim gear, kid-friendly
- Hidden Gem: Rendezvous Park → Kid-Friendly!
- Grub: Calico!
- Stay In Jackson Hole
Day 3 – Jackson Hole Townie Day
- Granite Hot Springs → Rise early! This is a popular top spot but worth it!
- Grub: The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant
- Teton Raptor Center
- Jackson Hole Tram
- For Kids: the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum
- Grub: The Kitchen (Fancy Night!)
- Stay in Jackson Hole
If you’d like some more ideas on the best activities in Jackson Hole for the season you choose to travel, check out my article, The Best Month To Visit Jackson Hole. (Spoiler alert: There’s more than 1 best month to visit!)
Day 4 – Yellowstone Drive
- Drive to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
- Stretch your legs midway with a hike at Mesa Falls Nature Trail (2 mi) or a quick photo opp at the Upper Mesa Boardwalk Trail (0.4 mi). Both are family-friendly.
- Arrive at Yellowstone National Park – check out the visitor center for pro tips from rangers!
- Grand Prismatic Spring Trail (1.5 mi) – warning: this is heavily trafficked but has priceless views!
- Mystic Falls Loop (3.5 mi) – warning: popular but stellar views and kid-friendly
- Settle into a campsite or lodging in West Yellowstone for the night.
- Grub: Stock up at your grocery store with friendly campfire food, plenty of snacks, and water!
- Bonus Hike:
Day 5 – Yellowstone Extravaganza!
- Old Faithful Loop Trail (0.7 mi) → Get to this icon bright and early!
- West Thumb Geyser Basin (1 mi)
- Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Fall, Inspiration Point via North Rim Trail Hike (6.4 mi)
- Alternate Big Trail: Yellowstone Natural Bridge Trail (3.1 mi)
- Keep this day flexible and open to traffic while also following your whims for the MANY geyser and basin trails that pepper the park.
- Settle into a campsite or lodging in West Yellowstone for the night.
- Grub: Stock up at your grocery store with friendly campfire food, plenty of snacks, and water!
Day 6 – Yellowstone Half-Day back to Jackson Hole
- Mud Volcano Trail (0.7 mi)→ short, sweet, and memorable!
- Clear Lake Artist’s Point Loop Trail (3.9 mi) → is an excellent loop on the park’s edge before hitting the road.
- Dinner: Snake River Brewing Company
- Stay in Jackson Hole
Day 7 – Adios
- Final morning hike: Goodwin Lake Trail
- Grub: Cafe Genevieve for brunch
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Travel Home
With so much to do, it can be hard to choose. No matter what you pick, you are sure to win at the beautiful Jackson Hole to Yellowstone (and back again) experience.
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