If you’re looking for an unforgettable U.S. road trip that combines jaw-dropping scenery, abundant wildlife, and two of the country’s most iconic national parks, look no further than Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Even if you only have a few days, this is a trip you won’t regret. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a full week to do it justice, but like many travellers limited by annual leave, we managed it in four days and still had one of the most incredible road trips we’ve ever done.
Here’s the full route, where to stay, what to do, and plenty of tips along the way.
Flying In: Why Billings Beats Bozeman
Most guides will tell you to fly into Bozeman, Montana. But if you can, fly into Billings instead. Not only are flights often cheaper, but it also gives you the chance to drive the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the United States, and hands-down one of the best we’ve ever done.
Billings itself isn’t much to write home about, so head straight out and spend your first night in Red Lodge. This little Montana town is full of small-town charm: think old-school high street, cosy restaurants, and western-style bars. It’s the perfect soft landing before the big adventure begins.
The Beartooth Highway: Montana’s High Road to Yellowstone
The next morning, hit the Beartooth Highway, a winding alpine road that climbs above the tree line and drops you into the heart of Yellowstone country.
Highlights include:
- Rock Creek Vista Point – jaw-dropping canyon views.
- Beartooth Pass Vista – dramatic high-altitude landscapes, barren and rocky, unlike anything else you’ll see on this trip.
- Top of the World Store – a quirky stop with souvenirs, outdoor gear, and a little café for a coffee break.
Take your time; there are endless pull-outs along the route, and surprisingly, the road never feels overcrowded.
After the highway we spent the night in Cooke City, a tiny town with only 80 year-round residents (swelling to 1,000+ in summer thanks to tourism). For dinner, head to Beartooth Café (delicious, hearty food) and then on to Miner’s Saloon, an old-west style bar with bags of atmosphere.
Where to Stay:
- Skyline Guest Ranch – rustic cabins and a true Montana experience.
- Alpine Motel of Cooke City – cosy, affordable, and perfectly located.
Just up the road, the neighbouring village of Silver Gate feels straight out of a movie set. Pop into the museum inside the visitor centre for a dose of local history, they have some really interesting exhibits.
The other thing I recoemmend you do is go into the general stores in both these small towns, they have some really interesting souvenirs and memorabilia.
💡 Travel Tip: Renting bear spray is far cheaper than buying. We used Bear Aware to pick up spray in Cooke City and drop it off in Teton – simple, easy to book on the website and cost-effective.
Yellowstone National Park
Driving into Yellowstone is an experience in itself, steaming vents beside the road, bison roaming the valleys, and jaw-dropping scenery around every bend. You could spend weeks here and still not see it all, but even in a couple of days you can pack in plenty of highlights.
Must-Sees in Yellowstone
- Lamar & Hayden Valleys
Yellowstone’s best wildlife-viewing areas. Expect bison herds by the hundreds (sometimes blocking the road), and keep an eye out for wolves, bears, and pronghorn antelope. Bring binoculars if you have them, or simply look for groups of people pulled over with scopes, which usually means there’s something exciting to see. Both these valleys there are some walking trails you can pull in at and walk along, they are both stunning expanses of wilderness and wildlife - Trout Lake
A short, 45-minute trail leads up to a peaceful lake framed by forested ridges. It’s a great place to stretch your legs without committing to a long hike. the scenary casts incredible reflections on the lake. Map here. - Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Geyser Basin
One of the park’s most scenic spots. Here, bright blue and orange thermal pools bubble right next to the lake’s shimmering shoreline, this is again a short and easy stop on your roadtrip. Map here. - Mud Volcano & Dragon’s Mouth Spring
A short boardwalk loops around this otherworldly area of boiling mud pots and hissing vents. The Dragon’s Mouth, a steaming cave-like opening, rumbles like a dragon breathing. I found the cauldron the most impressive geyser there. - Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This is a must-do. The Yellowstone River has carved a deep canyon painted in vivid yellows, reds, and pinks. There are plenty of places to stop to see the canyon. Don’t miss:- Artist Point – the most famous (and photogenic) viewpoint of the Lower Falls.
- Uncle Tom’s Trail – a stair-heavy but rewarding descent that gets you close to the roar of the falls.
- Norris Geyser Basin
Home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world (though eruptions are unpredictable). Even without a big eruption, the basin is fascinating with its acidic springs and steaming terraces. - Mammoth Hot Springs
Terraced limestone formations that look like a frozen waterfall made of mineral deposits. The boardwalks here wind between bubbling pools and pastel-colored rock formations.
Old Faithful: Worth Seeing, But Don’t Linger
You can’t go to Yellowstone without seeing Old Faithful erupt, it’s a classic. The eruptions happen roughly every 90 minutes, and watching the crowd anticipate the spout is almost as fun as the geyser itself.
But here’s the honest truth:
- The viewpoint walk above Old Faithful isn’t worth it. The view is underwhelming, especially compared to the canyon or lake trails.
- The surrounding area is extremely crowded, and while the historic lodge has character, it doesn’t deliver much value in terms of food or accommodation. We did stay in the accomodation, and although the rooms are beautiful, they were $265 for a shared bathroom, and we found it hard to get nice food, the restaurant is incredibly expensive.
Instead, make your Old Faithful visit a quick stop: see an eruption, stroll the nearby boardwalks around the geysers, then head off to quieter corners of the park.
Where to Stay in Yellowstone
Accommodation in the park books up fast, so reserve early if you can. Alternatives to Old Faithful Lodge include:
Colter bay village: A lakeside hub on Jackson Lake with cabins, campsites, and a marina, Colter Bay Village is perfect for hikers, paddlers, and anyone wanting sweeping Teton views with all the essentials nearby.
Flagg Ranch: Nestled in the forest between the two parks, Flagg Ranch offers lodge rooms, cabins, and camping, making it an ideal base for exploring both Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Gray wolf inn and suites: Just outside Yellowstone’s West Entrance, this comfortable hotel with spacious suites, a pool, and easy town access is a convenient spot to recharge after a day in the park.
💡 Travel Tip: If you can’t get a room inside the park, consider staying just outside in West Yellowstone (Montana), Gardiner (Montana), or Cody (Wyoming). You’ll save money and still be close to the action.
Grand Teton National Park
After Yellowstone, head two hours south into Grand Teton National Park – and prepare to be blown away.
The Tetons rise abruptly from the valley floor, jagged peaks that seem to appear out of nowhere. For me, this park stole the show.
Hiking in the Tetons
- Inspiration Point – A stunning out-and-back hike into the mountains, popular but worth it.
- Moose-Wilson Loop – Less scenic but excellent for wildlife spotting. We were lucky enough to see a moose up close, and many others report frequent sightings here.
Where to Stay
We based ourselves in Teton Village, a small ski resort with plenty of character. Accommodation here is pricey, but we found The Hostel to be great value compared to other options.
If you’re looking for cheaper stays, check out nearby Jackson.
Après-Hike Fun
Don’t miss Mangy Moose, a legendary bar in Teton Village. Expect live music, hearty food, and walls covered in quirky memorabilia, the perfect way to end a day in the mountains.
Wrapping Up in Jackson Hole
From Teton Village, it’s just a short, scenic drive to Jackson Hole Airport, one of the most beautiful airports in the U.S., surrounded by mountains. It makes for an easy departure point after your adventure.
Final Thoughts
This road trip is the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and scenery. Whether you have four days like we did, or a full week to really soak it all in, the combination of the Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton will leave you awestruck.
If you’re limited on annual leave, don’t let that stop you – this is one of those bucket-list trips you’ll remember forever.
Annual Leave Explorers 
Leave a comment