Introduction

Many travelers wonder if it's feasible to visit both the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in a single trip. This guide explores the possibility, providing insights, practical tips, and recommendations to make your visit memorable.

Can You Visit Both Parks in One Trip?

The answer is yes, but with some planning and a good amount of time. My wife and I successfully did so a few years ago, and we highly recommend it. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make the most of your trip.

Flying into Bozeman and Starting in Gardner

Fly into Bozeman, Montana, and consider staying in Gardner for a few days. This allows you to see the north-central area of Yellowstone. Spend a few days in the park and explore the rest. From there, drive to Jackson, Wyoming, and spend a few days in Grand Teton National Park before returning to Bozeman through Idaho for your flight home.

Connecting by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

Yellowstone and Grand Teton are not contiguous but are connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. This 35-mile corridor is a separate unit of the National Park Service. Rockefeller purchased and donated the land in the valley below the central peaks that is now part of Grand Teton National Park. It’s possible to visit both parks within the boundaries if you stay within NPS land.

A Week in Each Park

While a drive through each park is possible, spending a week in each would be much better. There's so much to see and experience. You can hike to geysers, visit the Yellowstone Falls, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. A simple drive through won't do justice to the magnificence of these parks.

Driving Both Parks in One Day - Good or Bad?

Sure, you can drive through both parks in one day, but you’d miss out on the essence of these parks.

Can you see Old Faithful erupt and take a picture of the Grand Teton from a viewing platform? Yes, but you’d be rushed. Can you see even a tiny fraction of what they have to offer in one day? While you can photograph some highlights, you won’t actually experience the wonders of these parks if you only walk an hour beyond the pavement.

There is a road that connects the southern part of Yellowstone to the Tetons. It could take a day to drive it during the high season, but it’s recommended to allocate at least two days per area for optimal enjoyment. Most of that time would be spent driving, with minimal extended hiking.

Exploring Yellowstone

For Yellowstone, I recommend the north loop as it gets fewer visitors. Explore the forests, waterfalls, and wildlife, especially in the Lamar Valley early in the morning. The second day, drive the south loop which includes the famous Old Faithful, and visit numerous geysers, fumaroles, and mudpots. Be prepared for a crowd, as this area sees many tourists.

Exploring Grand Teton

Earl the Grand Tetons, you can enjoy the alpine scenery, visit the Snake River, and explore various hiking trails. Spend time at Jenny Lake, surrounds by towering peaks and crystal-clear water. Rendezvous and String lakes offer stunning beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Conclusion

While it is possible to visit both parks in one trip, doing so thoughtfully and planning ahead is essential. Allocate enough time to truly appreciate the natural wonders of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Whether you stay in Gardner or Jackson, taking the time to explore both parks in depth will create a lifelong memory.