Rocky Mountain West Roadtrip:

A 2-Day Road Trip from Jackson Hole to Big Sky!

Pack the car and load up the family. We are heading out on an epic journey that weaves through the heart of two iconic National Parks and lands you in the welcoming embrace of Big Sky, Montana. This isn't just a drive; it's a story unfolding before your eyes, filled with inspiring vistas, geothermal wonders, and the wild beauty of the American West. This flexible itinerary can be followed from Jackson Hole to Big Sky or vice versa.  Let's gear up and go! 

Day 1: Jackson Hole to Grant Village 

Wake up in the charming town of Jackson Hole, WY. Grab a hearty breakfast before hitting the road. 

• Stop 1: Grand Teton National Park (morning): As you head north from Jackson, you'll enter Grand Teton National Park. Take the scenic drive along Teton Park Road and bring your camera. You will not want to miss capturing the beautiful landscapes along this drive, especially at the Teton Glacier turnout and the Jenny Lake overlook.  

• Stop 2: A Lakeside Stroll at Jenny Lake or Colter Bay: Stretch your legs with a walk along the shore of Jenny Lake, or continue a bit further north to Colter Bay Village on Jackson Lake.

• Stop 3: South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park (afternoon): Continue your journey to Yellowstone National Park, entering through the South Entrance. Stop and enjoy a quick hike to Lewis Falls before heading to Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America.  

• Stop 4: West Thumb Geyser Basin: Close to where you'll likely spend the night, the West Thumb Geyser Basin is a perfect spot to get your first taste of Yellowstone's unique thermal features. Wander along the boardwalks and marvel at the colorful pools and bubbling geysers. The Thumb and Lakeshore geysers, and the deep blue of Abyss Pool, are truly captivating.

• Stop 5: Settle in for the night (evening): Check into your hotel or campground at Grant Village, ideally with a view of Yellowstone Lake. The evening light on the water is often magical. Enjoy dinner with a view of Yellowstone Lake at the Grant Village Lake House.  

Day 2: Yellowstone's Icons & the Road to Big Sky

• Stop 1: Iconic Geysers and Colorful Springs (morning): Rise and shine! Today is all about Yellowstone's most famous features. 

Head to the Upper Geyser Basin to witness the legendary eruption of Old Faithful Geyser. It's a true Yellowstone icon for a reason! Check the predicted eruption times at the visitor center, and take some time to explore the historic Old Faithful Inn – it's a piece of park history.

• Stop 2: Grand Prismatic Spring: Next, make your way to the Midway Geyser Basin to stand in awe of the Grand Prismatic Spring. This is the largest hot spring in the United States, and its vibrant, almost otherworldly colors, created by thermophilic bacteria, are simply stunning. 

• Stop 3: Wildlife and scenic drive to Big Sky (afternoon): As you leave the geyser basins, you'll start making your way north, but the adventure is far from over!

Grab lunch in the town of West Yellowstone, located just outside the park's west entrance before heading to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This non-profit center offers a unique chance to see grizzly bears and wolves up close, learning about these incredible creatures that call the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem home. It's a powerful experience and a wonderful way to connect with Montana's wildlife.

From West Yellowstone, you'll head on a scenic drive north on Highway 191, following the stunning Gallatin River. This route will take you through dramatic canyons and open valleys, offering glimpses of more potential wildlife.

• Stop 5: Welcome to Big Sky (evening): Arrive in Big Sky! Check into your accommodations and head to Big Sky’s town center to explore the local eateries. You've earned a delicious meal after two days of incredible exploration! 

This itinerary provides a framework for an incredible road trip. Please note that not all roads in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are open year-round. We strongly recommend visiting their websites for up-to-date alerts and road closure information. Feel free to adjust this itinerary based on your pace and interests. 

Helpful Tips: 

• Purchase a National Park Pass online prior to entering.  

• Make reservations for your accommodations in advance, especially during peak summer season. 

• Be aware that internet and cell service are extremely limited once inside the park. Download any necessary information for your trip ahead of time. Download the Grand Teton National Park app and the Yellowstone National Park app for maps, information on sights, wildlife, and real-time road closures. 

• Be sure to dress in layers, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly. 

• Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain. 

• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, especially during the summer months. 

• Practice respectful wildlife viewing by maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and never feeding them. 

• Dispose of trash properly to help keep the parks clean. 

• Bring plenty of water and snacks as services within the park are limited.