MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Yellowstone National Park

Day Trips from Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, USA Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

These locations, within day-trip distance from Yellowstone, offer complementary experiences to your visit.

Explore natural wonders or explore Western history just a short drive away.

Popular Day Trips

  • Grand Teton National Park for jagged peaks
  • Cody, Wyoming, rich in Old West history
  • Jackson, Wyoming, for shops and dining
  • West Yellowstone for wildlife centers

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Decide between guided excursions or self-planned journeys for your day trips.

Organized Tours

Guided tours present an easy way to explore, with transportation and expert commentary.

Benefits

  • No driving or parking worries
  • Insightful guides share knowledge
  • Pre-planned itineraries

Independent Travel

Self-guided travel allows for complete control over your schedule and pace.

Benefits

  • Flexibility in exploration
  • Freedom to linger at chosen spots
  • Potential for cost savings

Time Required & Itineraries

Grand Teton National Park

  • Location: Directly south of Yellowstone, connected by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
  • Transportation: Personal or rental vehicle.
  • Suggested Itinerary: Full day for scenic drives, Jenny Lake boat tour, Hidden Falls hike.
  • Comparison: More jagged mountain scenery, great for hiking and lake activities.

Cody, Wyoming

  • Location: East of Yellowstone’s East Entrance, approximately 50 miles.
  • Transportation: Personal or rental vehicle.
  • Suggested Itinerary: Buffalo Bill Center of the West, nightly rodeo (summer), historic downtown.
  • Comparison: Rich Western heritage, cultural attractions.

Other Nearby Towns

  • Jackson, Wyoming:Town Square, art galleries, dining.
  • Gardiner, Montana:Roosevelt Arch, convenient northern park base.
  • West Yellowstone, Montana:Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, IMAX Theatre.
  • Time Needed:At least one full day for each main day trip.
  • General Travel:A rental car is generally necessary.
  • Park Pass:Combined Yellowstone-Grand Teton entry with single pass.
  • Activity:For booking day trips, consider GetYourGuide.
  • Extended Stays:Two days in Grand Teton offers a more complete experience.

Travel Tip:

Plan your day trips in advance, especially during peak season, to maximize your time and enjoyment.

Regional Exploration

Beyond the main parks, surrounding areas offer more natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Natural Escapes

Explore national forests for quieter wilderness activities, offering hiking, camping, and fishing.

Cultural Excursions

Explore American West history with scenic drives and historic gold mining towns, a step back in time.

Multi-Day Tours

Combine Yellowstone with Grand Teton and surrounding areas for a broader regional experience.

Gallatin & Shoshone National Forests

Vast national forests surrounding Yellowstone, providing additional outdoor recreation. These areas are often quieter.

Activities

  • Hiking on less-traveled trails
  • Camping in peaceful settings
  • Fishing in scenic rivers

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

Located in West Yellowstone, this education facility has an opportunity to observe grizzly bears and wolves.

Experience

  • Observe grizzlies in naturalistic settings
  • View wolves up close
  • Learn about wildlife behavior

Historical Drives & Towns

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway:Stunning views, Nez Perce history.
Virginia City, Montana:Historic gold mining town.
Nevada City, Montana:Well-preserved 19th-century buildings.
Seasonal Note:Gold mining towns are mainly open May-September.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton:7-10 days for both parks.
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem:10+ days for comprehensive exploration.

Plan your route:

  • Consider a loop incorporating different park entrances.
  • Explore adjacent national forests for a less crowded experience.
  • Add Glacier National Park for a longer Montana extension.
  • A rental car is generally necessary for regional travel.
  • Search for multi-day tours with ethical tour operators like G Adventures.

Extended Adventures

Combine your Yellowstone visit with broader regional explorations.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton

A 7-10 day trip combining the unique features of both national parks.

Suggested Pace

  • 4-5 days in Yellowstone (split loops)
  • 2-3 days in Grand Teton National Park
  • Continue to Jackson Hole or Bozeman

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

A comprehensive journey (10+ days) into surrounding national forests and regional towns.

Discovery Options

  • Visit Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests
  • Explore regional towns like Cody or Salt Lake City
  • Drive a loop for diverse experiences

Montana/Idaho Loop

Extend your journey to other parts of Montana or Idaho, like Glacier National Park.

Possible Additions

  • Glacier National Park (long drive)
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument
  • Requires significant planning and time

Transportation for Extended Tours

A rental car maintains flexibility for independent exploration across multiple parks and areas.

Travel Considerations

  • Essential for independent travel
  • Plan lodging well in advance
  • Check park operating dates for full access

Tailored Travel Resources

Resources for planning and booking diverse day trips and regional tours.

Bookable Experiences

Find and book excursions around Yellowstone on GetYourGuide.

Regional Insights

Explore guides for Bozeman, Salt Lake City, and other hub cities.

Rental Car Advice

Secure a vehicle early, especially for summer travel, for best rates.

Flight Compensation Advice:

For flight issues, look into services like Compensair for potential compensation.

Nearby Attractions at a Glance

A quick overview of regional spots for your Yellowstone trip.

Top Destinations

1

Grand Teton National Park

Just south of Yellowstone, offering dramatic mountain vistas and serene lakes for hiking and boating.

2

Jackson, Wyoming

A town south of Grand Teton, known for its iconic Town Square, art, and dining.

3

Cody, Wyoming

East of Yellowstone, a town celebrated for its rich American West history and nightly summer rodeo.

Cultural Highlights

  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Cody)
  • Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
  • Virginia City & Nevada City (gold mining towns)
  • Historic Fort Yellowstone (Mammoth Hot Springs)
  • Museum of the Rockies (Bozeman)
  • Native American cultural exhibits

Natural Wonders Nearby

  • Gallatin National Forest for hiking and camping
  • Shoshone National Forest (America's first)
  • Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (West Yellowstone)
  • Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park
  • Snake River for scenic floats
  • Yellowstone River for fishing

Planning Resources

Transportation

Consider a high-clearance vehicle for some unpaved roads and ample space for gear.

Accommodation

Book lodging in gateway towns or in-park facilities well in advance, especially for peak season.

Activity Planning

Map out your daily drives and activities to optimize time for multiple destinations.

Vehicle Advice:

A rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring the greater Yellowstone area at your own pace.
← Previous
Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
← Back to Yellowstone National Park
Next →
Yellowstone National Park Travel Tips

Next Up: Yellowstone National Park Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Continue to Yellowstone National Park Travel Tips