Route Guide
Yellowstone to Grand Teton Family Loop: The Ultimate National Parks Adventure
Experience America's most spectacular national parks with your family. From erupting geysers to majestic mountain peaks, create unforgettable wilderness memories.
📍 ~300 miles loop⏱️ 6-8 days recommended👶 Kid-friendly🦬 Wildlife viewing
Quick Trip Facts
Best Time to Visit: June-September (roads open)
Base Location: Jackson, WY or West Yellowstone, MT
Kid-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Budget Range: $1,500-3,500 for family of 4
Why This Loop is Perfect for Families
The Yellowstone and Grand Teton loop combines two of America's most iconic national parks into one epic family adventure. Kids are mesmerized by erupting geysers, abundant wildlife, and the dramatic Teton mountain range. This route offers something magical for every age group.
SmartStops Tip:
Services inside the parks can be limited and expensive. Use SmartStops to find family-friendly gas stations and rest stops in gateway towns like Jackson, West Yellowstone, and Cody before entering the parks.
What Makes This Route Special for Kids
- Old Faithful and other geysers that erupt on schedule (nature's show!)
- Wildlife viewing: bison, elk, bears, wolves, and moose
- Junior Ranger programs at both parks (badges and activities)
- Boardwalk trails perfect for all ages and strollers
- Dramatic mountain scenery that inspires young adventurers
- Educational visitor centers with interactive exhibits
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Grand Teton National Park
Base: Jackson, WY | Park Distance: 5 miles
Must-Do Family Activities:
- • Drive the scenic Teton Park Road with mountain views
- • Visit Craig Thomas Discovery Center (interactive exhibits)
- • Easy hike: Taggart Lake Trail (3 miles round trip)
- • Jenny Lake scenic cruise and short hike to Hidden Falls
- • Wildlife watching at dawn/dusk (best for moose and elk)
Family-Friendly Accommodations:
- • Jackson Lake Lodge (stunning views, family rooms)
- • Signal Mountain Lodge (lakeside cabins)
- • Colter Bay Village (budget-friendly cabins and camping)
- • Hotels in Jackson (more amenities, restaurants)
Days 3-4: Lower Yellowstone Loop
Route: South Entrance → Old Faithful → West Thumb
Top Family Stops:
- • Old Faithful: Erupts every ~90 minutes (check visitor center for times)
- • Upper Geyser Basin: Boardwalk trail past multiple geysers
- • Grand Prismatic Spring: Rainbow-colored hot spring (use overlook trail)
- • West Thumb Geyser Basin: Lakeside thermal features
- • Old Faithful Inn: Historic lodge worth exploring even if not staying
Safety Reminder:
Stay on boardwalks at all times near thermal features. The ground can be thin and water is boiling hot. Hold children's hands and never let them run on boardwalks.
Days 5-6: Upper Yellowstone Loop
Route: Canyon Village → Mammoth Hot Springs → Tower-Roosevelt
Family Highlights:
- • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Stunning waterfalls (Upper and Lower Falls)
- • Artist Point: Best viewpoint, accessible trail
- • Hayden Valley: Prime wildlife viewing (bison herds, sometimes bears)
- • Mammoth Hot Springs: Terraced thermal features kids love
- • Lamar Valley: "America's Serengeti" for wildlife
- • Tower Fall: Easy walk to waterfall viewpoint
Where to Stay:
- • Canyon Lodge & Cabins (central location, recently renovated)
- • Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (historic, family rooms available)
- • Roosevelt Lodge Cabins (rustic experience, horseback riding)
Days 7-8: Return Loop & Hidden Gems
Route: Complete the loop back to Jackson or explore more
Often-Missed Family Favorites:
- • Mud Volcano Area: Bubbling mud pots kids find hilarious
- • LeHardy Rapids: Watch fish jumping (June-July)
- • Fishing Bridge: Bird watching and easy walks
- • Yellowstone Lake: Beach time and boat tours
Essential Family Packing List
Outdoor Essentials
- ✓ Layers (weather changes quickly at elevation)
- ✓ Rain jackets for everyone
- ✓ Sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots
- ✓ Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- ✓ Bear spray (required in bear country)
- ✓ Sunscreen and hats
- ✓ Insect repellent
Road Trip Essentials
- ✓ Cooler with snacks (limited food options in parks)
- ✓ Plenty of water bottles
- ✓ Paper maps (cell service is spotty)
- ✓ Camera with zoom lens
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Warm blankets for early morning wildlife drives
- ✓ Entertainment for long drives
Money-Saving Tips for Families
- 💰Get the America the Beautiful Pass: $80 covers both parks for a year (vs. $35 + $35 individually).
- 🏕️Consider camping: Campgrounds are much cheaper than lodges and create great memories.
- 🛒Stock up in gateway towns: Groceries in parks are expensive. Shop in Jackson or West Yellowstone.
- 📅Book 6+ months ahead: Park lodging books up fast. Early booking means more choices and sometimes better rates.
- 🎒Pack lunches: Picnic areas throughout both parks let you enjoy meals with views.
Safety Tips for Families
- Wildlife distance: Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife. Never approach animals.
- Bear safety: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails. Never run from bears.
- Thermal features: Stay on boardwalks. Ground can collapse. Water is scalding (200°F+).
- Altitude: Both parks are at 6,000-8,000+ feet. Take it easy the first day and stay hydrated.
- Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Start hikes early and be prepared for rapid changes.
- Cell service: Very limited in parks. Download offline maps and tell someone your plans.
Best Times to Visit
Peak Season (July-August)
- + All roads and facilities open
- + Best weather for hiking
- + Most activities available
- - Most crowded
- - Highest prices
Shoulder Season (June, September)
- + Fewer crowds
- + Lower prices
- + Great wildlife viewing
- - Some roads may be closed
- - Cooler temperatures
Ready to Plan Your Yellowstone Adventure?
Use SmartStops to find the best family-friendly gas stations and rest stops in gateway towns.