The Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip Through Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier

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If you’re looking for one of the best road trips in the US, it’s hard to beat this 10-Day road trip through Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier. This road trip has such a good mix of scenery and experiences—each park has its own personality, and together they make for an unforgettable adventure.

Grand Teton is all about those jagged peaks that seem to follow you everywhere you drive, plus the chance to hike, boat, or just sit back and take in the views. Yellowstone, the first national park in the world, is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and incredible wildlife. And Glacier? It feels like stepping into another world with its turquoise lakes, dramatic mountains, and the bucket-list-worthy Going-to-the-Sun Road.

You could definitely flip this itinerary and start in Glacier, working your way down to Grand Teton. But personally, I loved starting in Jackson. We had the most energy at the beginning of the trip, which made it the perfect time to enjoy the town, dive into some hikes, and soak in that first big dose of mountain magic. Honestly, I think I would’ve been too drained to enjoy Jackson the same way had we ended there instead.

Over 10 days, we explored three of the most incredible national parks in the country, with a little city fun and scenic drives mixed in! Let’s get into my 10-day Wyoming and Montana road trip itinerary.

10-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier

Day 1 – Arrival in Jackson

Depending on your flight time, you’ll likely just have a little over half a day to kick things off, so I wouldn’t commit to anything too big right away. After landing, the first thing we did was stock up on groceries and road trip essentials—snacks, water, and bear spray (you can rent it at the airport, but we bought ours since we were hitting multiple parks). Having a well-stocked car is going to make all the difference on this trip, especially with the long drives and days spent inside the parks!

Because you're going to multiple parks, save $$$ by getting 

With the basics covered, we used the rest of the day to get a feel for Jackson. This town is so much fun—cute shops, cozy restaurants, and plenty of Western charm. You can snap a photo under the famous antler arches in the town square, wander through the boutiques, or grab an easy dinner (we sat at the bar at Glorietta Trattoria and it was so worth the hype!) and call it an early night so you’re rested for Grand Teton.

I personally loved easing into the trip this way. It gave us time to settle in, adjust to the mountain air, and rest up for two full days of exploring Grand Teton.

Days 2–3 – Grand Teton National Park + Jackson

For the next two days, you’ll split your time between Grand Teton National Park and the charming town of Jackson. The Tetons quickly became one of my favorite parks—everywhere you drive, the mountain views are jaw-dropping.

Day 2 – Jenny Lake + Options

Start with coffee and breakfast in Jackson (we loved Snake River Roasting Co.) before heading to Jenny Lake. You can hike around the lake or take the shuttle boat to reach Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and, if you’re up for more, Cascade Canyon. From there, you have two choices:

• If you’re planning a big hike tomorrow (like Delta Lake), spend your afternoon driving through the park to scenic pull-offs like Oxbow Bend and Signal Mountain.
• If you’re doing something lighter on Day 3, use the rest of today to relax in Jackson—wander the shops, grab dinner at Glorietta’s or Cowboy Steakhouse, and watch sunset at Mormon Row.

Day 3 – Sunrise + Adventure

Begin with sunrise at Schwabacher Landing—it’s pure magic. After that:

• Option 1: Take a scenic drive and then hike to Phelps Lake, where you can even swim if it’s warm enough.
• Option 2: Tackle the challenging hike to Delta Lake, one of the most iconic (and toughest) in the park.

That’s the short version, but I’ve put together a full breakdown of hikes, drives, and timing in my dedicated guide to 2 days in Grand Teton National Park.

Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

You can base yourself in Jackson if you want to explore the town along with the park—I loved staying here for the mix of nature and restaurants/shops. We stayed at Elk Country Inn and 49’er Inn & Suites. Check out available options for your dates here.

If you’d rather stay inside the park, options include Jenny Lake Lodge (luxury, often $1k+ per night) or Jackson Lake Lodge, which is more affordable but still pricier than Jackson hotels. Campgrounds are also available for those who want the full outdoor experience.

Days 4–5: Yellowstone National Park

From Jackson, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Yellowstone’s West entrance. We had around 1.5 days here, so we focused on the big highlights—Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Yellowstone did not disappoint when it came to wildlife. We saw multiple bears (all from a safe distance in our car), so many bison, and plenty of other animals along the way. Honestly, this was one of the best parks for spotting wildlife, and a lot of it was right from the road or at easy pull-off viewpoints. After a couple of big hiking days in Grand Teton, it was nice to give our bodies a little rest while still seeing so much.

Because of all of the wildlife, one thing I wish I would've brought to Yellowstone is a pair of binoculars. Even if you just have one pair for your whole group, it's definitely worth bringing.

Day 4 – Yellowstone’s Lower Loop Geothermal Highlights

With limited time, we broke it into two parts: one half-day exploring the geothermal areas, and one full day covering the canyon, waterfalls, and valleys. Yellowstone is massive, so having a game plan helps a ton. Here’s what we checked off the first day in Yellowstone:

• Grand Prismatic Spring – Vibrant, jaw-dropping colors; short ground-level walk offers great photo ops and scale appreciation.
• Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail – 0.6-mile, 105-ft climb from Fairy Falls Trailhead; gives an amazing overhead view; manageable hike for stretching legs.
• Paint Pots – Easy, short walk to colorful mineral-rich mud; see bubbling mud and small hot springs; perfect for a quick leg stretch between drives.
• Old Faithful – Iconic geyser erupting roughly every 90 minutes; fun to watch the crowd and classic Yellowstone vibe, but not the largest or most “wow” geyser.
• Optional – West Thumb Basin – Compact, easy-to-walk area with bubbling mud pots, colorful pools, and smaller geysers; great if you have extra energy.

We also used Shaka Guide, which I can’t recommend enough. As you drive, it tells you fun facts and stories about the places you’re passing, and you can decide if you want to stop or keep rolling. Even if you don’t have service in the park (which you probably won’t), Shaka still works offline once it’s downloaded, so you’re covered the whole time.

Day 5 – Exploring Yellowstone’s Upper Loop + Wildlife Hotspots

Day 5 of our Wyoming and Montana road trip takes you through some of Yellowstone’s most iconic landscapes! We’re heading up the Upper Loop, where wildlife viewing is prime, and the scenery is seriously next-level. Here are the highlights for day 5:

• Hayden Valley – Start early to catch foggy mornings and active wildlife. Keep plenty of distance from bison, but be prepared for “bison traffic jams”—a true Yellowstone experience.
• Waterfalls and Scenic Viewpoints – Head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Must-see stops:
  • Artist Point – iconic Lower Falls postcard view
  • Lookout Point – quick but stunning
  • Optional: Brink of Lower Falls for a close-up, Red Rocks Lookout Trail if time allows
  • Tip: Pick a few viewpoints rather than trying to see them all for a more enjoyable experience
• Lamar Valley – Iconic wildlife spot with sweeping views of bison herds. Take your time and soak in the scenery.
• Mammoth Hot Springs – Famous terraced hot springs with layered travertine formations. Boardwalks make it easy to explore. Quick food options nearby for refueling before the next adventure.

Check out my full Yellowstone itinerary for a deeper dive.

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is one of the most convenient areas to stay outside of the park. It’s only minutes from the West Entrance, and you’ll find a good range of hotels. Two budget-friendly (using that term loosely, because it’s all expensive here) but comfortable options are Yellowstone Westgate Hotel and Gray Wolf Inn & Suites.

If you prefer, you can also stay inside the park at some of Yellowstone’s historic lodges like Old Faithful Inn and the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Or if you’re down to camp, there are 12 campgrounds spread across the park.

For all available options in West Yellowstone for your dates, check here.

Yellowstone Tips

• Shaka Guide is a lifesaver – It’s like having your own personal tour guide in the car. It tells you about the stops you’re passing, plus, it works offline, which is a perfect since service in the park is almost nonexistent.
• Keep your eyes peeled – Wildlife is everywhere. We saw bison, elk, deer, and bears! Bring binoculars if you have them — I didn’t, and that’s one thing I really wish I had for this trip. This is an affordable, but highly rated pair from Amazon!
• Always keep a safe distance – Especially from larger animals like bison, moose, and bears. Remember, a car is often the safest way to get close views!
• Parking patience – Parking can be tricky, especially later in the day at popular stops like Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful. We hit those around 3-4 PM on a Friday and somehow got lucky, but you might have to wait or be flexible.

Day 6: Drive from Yellowstone to Bozeman, Montana

After two nights in Yellowstone, we started making our way toward Glacier National Park. The drive between the two parks is pretty long, so we decided to break it up with an overnight stop in Bozeman, Montana.

Bozeman is just about a 2-hour drive from West Yellowstone, which makes it a convenient spot to rest. From there, it’s still roughly a 4½-hour drive to Glacier the next day, giving you a manageable and scenic road trip in two chunks.

This is a perfect day to just relax and unwind, or if you’re feeling up for it, explore Bozeman’s cute, lively downtown. We grabbed dinner at Revelry, and wow—their pizzas are incredible. Highly recommend!

To really help us shake off all the driving and hiking from the past couple of days, we spent some time at Bozeman Hot Springs. Admission is around $21 for adults Mon-Fri, and the springs have a variety of pools—indoor and outdoor—with different temperatures, plus saunas. It felt amazing on our sore muscles and was the perfect way to recharge before the next leg of the trip.

Of course, if you don’t mind long drives, you could skip Bozeman entirely and head straight to Glacier. After all the driving we’d done in the previous days, we really just needed a breather and it was worth it!

Where to Stay in Bozeman

If you don’t mind staying a little outside of downtown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bozeman West is a solid option. We stayed here using a free night with IHG, but even paying out of pocket, it’s a convenient choice.

It’s right by Costco, which is perfect for grabbing snacks or breakfast before hitting the road if you have a membership. They also offer free parking and free breakfast, which is always a win. The area is a bit commercialized, but it’s pretty much right in between downtown and Bozeman Hot Springs, so it works well if you’re splitting your day between exploring and relaxing.

If you’d rather stay downtown, it might be a little pricier, but Sapphire Motel Midtown Bozeman is highly rated, includes parking, and is one of the more affordable options for a downtown stay. You’d be closer to shops, restaurants, and the downtown vibe.

Check out all available options in Bozeman for your dates here.

Days 7–10: Glacier National Park

The next morning, we woke up early and headed north into Glacier National Park—and wow, this park really lives up to the hype. It was the grand finale of our trip, and it had such a different feel compared to Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

The star of the show here is Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that winds through mountains, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. We made plenty of stops along the way and also set aside time for hikes!

Day 7 – Trail of the Cedars + Avalanche Lake

We grabbed a quick bite and dropped our stuff at our rental before heading straight to Glacier. If you’re visiting mid-June through late September, timed entry vehicle reservations are required for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork from 7 AM to 3 PM.

A portion of reservations opens 120 days (about four months) in advance, and next-day reservations are available at 7 PM MDT. We snagged a 2-3 PM reservation, which worked perfectly for when we arrived, but honestly, we could’ve just waited until 3 if needed.

I highly recommend starting with Trail of the Cedars—it’s an easy 0.9-mile hike with just 49 ft of elevation gain. The peaceful boardwalk trail along Avalanche Creek is a perfect intro to Glacier’s beauty!

From there, we headed to Avalanche Lake, a moderate 6-mile hike with 784 ft of elevation gain, taking about 2.5–3 hours. I’m not gonna lie—it wasn’t my favorite hike of the trip, but if you have the time, it’s worth checking out because so many people absolutely love it.

On your way out, grab some dinner at the West Glacier Cafe. My expectations were low, but the pulled pork sandwich and salad totally surprised me—honestly pretty tasty and a convenient way to refuel after a day of hiking.

Day 8 – Lake McDonald, Hidden Lake Trail, + Waterfalls

Lake McDonald

Wake up bright and early! We snagged a 7–8 AM reservation, which worked out perfectly. You don’t need a reservation to visit Lake McDonald, so that’s where we started our morning. Watching the sunrise here was absolutely beautiful. The calm water, colorful pebbles, and mountain reflections make it one of the most peaceful spots in Glacier National Park.

Hidden Lake Trail

From there, head to Logan Pass. Just a heads up, parking here can be a little chaotic, especially if you stop for sunrise first. We got there a little after 8 and the lot was already full, but if you stay patient, a spot usually opens up.

Once parked, hit the Hidden Lake Trail — hands down my favorite hike in Glacier! If you’re traveling with kids or don’t want a long trek, the Hidden Lake Overlook is 2.7 miles and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours round trip. But if you’re up for it, do the full Hidden Lake Trail, it’s 5.1 miles total with 1,338 ft of elevation gain and takes around 3–3.5 hours to complete.

We didn’t bring our bathing suits, but the water was calling our name so we ended up taking a dip anyway, and it felt amazing! Honestly, having wet clothes for the hike back helped keep us cool.

If you plan to swim, definitely pack your suit and water shoes (the rocks are no joke). We also saw big horn sheep, which was so cool — and many people spot bears here, so always have bear spray on you anytime you’re out of the car.

Lunch + Going-to-the-Sun Road

After your hike, continue along Going-to-the-Sun Road and get a feel for the park. We drove out to the St. Mary side for lunch and ate at Snowgoose Grille, a super cute spot with great food! Once you’re fueled up, head back into the park and turn on the Shaka Guide app. It’s such a fun way to explore and it points out all the must-see stops, like Wild Goose Island Lookout.

St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail

Next up, hike the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail. It’s a moderate 3.1-mile hike with 472 ft of elevation gain that takes about 2 hours to complete. Both waterfalls are stunning, and if it’s warm enough, you can swim at St. Mary Falls! The water is freezing, but jumping off the rocks (or even the bridge if you’re brave) is such a fun memory.

Continue on to Virginia Falls, where you’ll pass several smaller waterfalls before reaching the big one—you’ll know when you get there.

By the end of this day, you’ll definitely be exhausted, but in the best way. Head back to your stay, rest up, and get ready for another incredible Glacier day tomorrow.

Day 9 – Chill Day in Town or Take on Grinnell Glacier

After a big day yesterday, this one can go a couple of different ways depending on how much energy you’ve got left in the tank.

Option 1: Slow Day

If you’re feeling tired (no shame, we were too), take today to relax a little. Head into Columbia Falls and grab a coffee from Montana Coffee Traders—seriously one of my favorite coffees from the trip. Then grab lunch at Backslope Brewing, their chicken gyro plate was everything I needed: flavorful, filling, and honestly so refreshing after all that hiking.

From there, you can just hang out and take it easy, or head over to Whitefish to wander around the shops and explore the cute downtown area. It’s such a laid-back day and a nice way to reset. For dinner, we went to Gunsight Saloon. The food was decent, but the vibe was great, and they had live music, which made it a fun night.

Option 2: Grinnell Glacier

If you’re still feeling energized and managed to snag a shuttle reservation for Many Glacier (this is the only way you can enter this area of the park July-September), this could be the perfect day to tackle Grinnell Glacier. It’s definitely a tough one—10.9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,073 ft, taking about 5.5–6 hours to complete.

We chose the chill route, but our friends did this hike and absolutely loved it. They said it was challenging but totally worth it for the views. I’ll be honest—I personally cap out around 4-hour trails, but if you’re up for the adventure, this is one of Glacier’s most iconic hikes!

And if you couldn’t get a reservation for Many Glacier but still want to take on something more challenging, the Highline Trail is another great option. It starts at Logan Pass and another one of the most popular hikes in Glacier. Don’t forget, if you do this trail you will need a timed vehicle reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road still.

The views are said to be stunning from start to finish, so even if you don’t want to complete the entire 12.1-mile route, you can just hike until you’re ready to turn back and still get an amazing experience.

Day 10 – The Final Stretch Through Glacier’s Scenic Roads

Oberlin Bend

Our final day in Glacier was all about taking it slow and really soaking everything in. We had a Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation for 8–9 AM, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the drive and stop wherever caught our eye.

One of our favorite stops was Oberlin Bend, a great spot to see wildlife—we saw tons of bighorn sheep, which was such a cool experience!

Red Rock

It was a bit gloomy that morning and looked like rain was rolling in, so we started making our way back toward the west entrance. As you head out, you’ll drive along McDonald Creek, and there are plenty of scenic pull-offs worth stopping for.

We hopped out a few times to look for wildlife and take in the views. Red Rock ended up being one of my favorite areas—the water was this unbelievable shade of blue, and if it hadn’t been so chilly, I definitely would’ve gone for a dip!

Other recs

If you have extra time, consider spending a bit more of your day around Lake McDonald. They have kayak rentals, and it’s such a beautiful way to experience the park from the water.

One thing I really wish we had done was a horseback riding tour through Glacier. We waited until about a week before our trip and everything was booked up, but it’s something I’d absolutely plan ahead for next time.

I’ve heard Many Glacier is the best area for it—and a fun bonus is that if you book a horseback tour, you don’t need a park reservation that day.

Dinner

To wrap up this incredible 10-Day road trip through Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier, we went to Whitefish Lake Restaurant for dinner—and it was such a perfect way to end the trip. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere made it feel like a true celebration after days of exploring.

There’s so much more to Glacier beyond the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but for a first visit, I felt like this was the perfect balance. If you’re up for more adventure, Two Medicine and Many Glacier are filled with amazing hikes and tons of wildlife—you really can’t go wrong anywhere in this park.

Where to Stay Near Glacier

We stayed in Columbia Falls and absolutely loved it—super cute, not too far from the park, and our little VRBO cabin was the perfect base. You can also stay inside Glacier itself at spots like Lake McDonald Lodge (historic and in high demand). For something more adventurous, there are multiple campgrounds throughout the park.

As with all of the park areas, it’s crucial to book in advance because places book up quickly. Check out all available options for your dates here.

Glacier National Park Tips

• Vehicle registration – Timed vehicle registration is required for North Fork and West Glacier entrances between 7 AM–3 PM (usually mid-June through late September).
• Best time to visit is late summer—many roads and trails don’t fully open until July and can close again by the end of September. We went in late August and found it perfect.
• Many Glacier shuttle reservations – These are required July–September if you don’t have a commercial booking. Tickets are released 7 days in advance at 8 AM and again the evening before at 7 PM. No ticket = no boarding, so plan ahead.
• Stay updated – Trail and road conditions change daily due to weather or wildlife closures. Stay updated by texting GNPTRAILS and GNPROADS to 333111.
• Get Shaka Guide – It gives you tip and insight into your stops and provides an offline map.

Tips for Your Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks Road Trip

• Park fees – Each national park charges an entrance fee, but if you’re visiting multiple parks (like we did with Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier), the America the Beautiful Pass is the way to go. It’s $80 for the year and covers all national parks and federal lands—well worth it for a trip like this.
• Bear spray and safety – This part of the country is bear territory, so carrying bear spray is a must. You can buy it at outdoor stores, rent it at the airport, or even grab it near popular trailheads like Jenny Lake. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s better to be safe.
• Snacks and water – Keep your car stocked with plenty of both. You’ll spend long stretches on the road and sometimes hours between food stops. We stocked up on groceries at the start of the trip and it made things so much easier.
• Gas stations and long drives – Distances between towns can be bigger than you’d expect, so don’t let your tank get too low. Having a Costco membership came in clutch since we could fill up at several along the way and save a little on gas.
• Seasonal closures – Timing is everything for this trip. Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road usually doesn’t fully open until late June or early July, and some areas of Yellowstone can also have seasonal closures. Double-check conditions when planning your dates to avoid missing out on key areas.
• Bring water shoes if you plan on swimming – The lakes and rivers are rocky, and I wished I had them for the whole trip. Check out this affordable pair from Amazon.
• Dress in layers – Even in summer, mornings can be chilly while afternoons get hot.
• Start your days early to beat crowds

Are you ready for an epic Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park road trip?!

A Wyoming and Montana road trip to visit Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks is truly one of the best adventures in the U.S. Each park brings something completely unique to the table—Grand Teton with its jagged peaks and alpine lakes, Yellowstone with its geysers and incredible wildlife, and Glacier with its turquoise lakes and jaw-dropping drives.

Whether you follow my exact route or tweak it to fit your own timeline, this trip will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. I hope this guide helps you plan your Wyoming and Montana road trip—be sure to let me know which park you’re most excited to see first!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other road trip blog posts:

10-Day SLC and Utah National Parks Road Trip

5-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

2-Week Southeast USA Road Trip Itinerary