10 Epic Stops in Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks to Explore
Wyoming had always been high on my travel bucket list. There’s just something about the wide-open spaces, jagged mountain peaks, and the untamed wildlife that makes it feel like an adventure waiting to happen.
My wife and I decided to spend our honeymoon in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and when we finally made it, we knew exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks had to be at the top of our list. These two parks are some of the most iconic in the U.S., and the trip ended up being absolutely unforgettable—packed with scenic hikes, incredible geysers, and views that completely took our breath away.
Before this trip, we struggled to find the appeal in traveling to national parks. Being into outdoors myself, I felt as if I could experience the “wild” outdoors without leaving my home state of Alabama. This trip to Wyoming completely and totally changed my view on this topic. Words cannot describe how indescribably beautiful these state parks can be
Here are my favorite stops and tips for anyone planning their own trip to these stunning parks.
Getting Started: Why Wyoming is a Worthy Destination
Before this trip, I never really understood why so many people rave about visiting national parks. Being someone who already enjoys the outdoors in Alabama, I always thought, “Why travel across the country for nature when I have it right here?” But, after experiencing Wyoming and its national parks firsthand, my perspective completely shifted. The beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton is on another level, and no words or photos could ever truly capture how awe-inspiring these places are in person. Our journey began in Jackson Hole, a charming town that serves as the perfect base for exploring the nearby parks.
Where We Stayed: Spring Creek Ranch
We stayed at Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, which turned out to be the perfect base for exploring both parks. The views from the ranch are incredible—you can see the entire Teton Range right from your room. It’s close enough to town for easy access to restaurants and shops but far enough away that it feels like a true retreat. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Jackson, I highly recommend checking it out.
Grand Teton National Park
Our Favorite Stops
We spent our first few days exploring Grand Teton National Park, and it did not disappoint. The park is smaller and less crowded than Yellowstone, but it offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery I’ve ever seen.
- Jenny Lake: Our adventure started with a trip to Jenny Lake, one of the most popular spots in the park. We decided to take the boat shuttle across the lake to save some time and energy for hiking. The ride itself was beautiful, with the towering peaks of the Teton Range reflecting off the calm water. Once we got across, we started the hike up to Cascade Canyon and Inspiration Point.
- Cascade Canyon and Inspiration Point: The hike to Inspiration Point was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The trail is moderately challenging, but the views are absolutely worth it. As we climbed higher, the scenery just kept getting better. Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of Jenny Lake and the surrounding mountains. It was the perfect spot to take a break, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and snap a few photos.
- Hidden Falls: On our way back, we made a quick detour to visit Hidden Falls. This waterfall is tucked away along the trail, and even though it’s a popular stop, it feels peaceful and secluded. The sound of the rushing water was a nice contrast to the stillness of the rest of the hike. It’s definitely worth the short walk if you’re in the area.
- Mormon Row: On our second day in Grand Teton, we made a stop at Mormon Row, an old settlement with some of the most photogenic barns you’ll ever see. The barns, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tetons, make for some incredible shots, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is just right. Even if you’re not into photography, it’s a great spot to learn a bit about the history of the area.
- Phelps Lake: Later that day, we decided to hike the Death Canyon Trail to Phelps Lake. Don’t let the name scare you off—the hike is absolutely beautiful, with sweeping views of the canyon and lush forests. When we reached Phelps Lake, we found a big rock that people were jumping off into the lake. Naturally, we had to try it ourselves. The water was freezing, but it was such a fun experience. If you’re looking for a moderate hike with a little adventure, this is a great option.
Yellowstone National Park
Our Favorite Stops
After our time in Grand Teton, we headed north to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is massive, and you could easily spend weeks exploring it, but we focused on a few key spots that I think every first-time visitor should see.
- Old Faithful: No trip to Yellowstone would be complete without a stop at Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser. We arrived just in time to watch it erupt, and it was pretty spectacular. The geyser shoots water and steam high into the air, and even though it’s one of the park’s most crowded spots, it’s worth seeing at least once.
- Hayden Valley: After Old Faithful, we made our way to Hayden Valley, which is known for its wildlife. This was hands down one of the highlights of the trip. We saw bison grazing right by the road and even spotted a few elk in the distance. If you’re a wildlife lover, Hayden Valley is a must. It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening for the best chance of seeing animals.
- Lamar Valley: If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head over to Lamar Valley. It’s often called the “Serengeti of North America” because of its wide-open spaces and abundant wildlife. We were lucky enough to see a pack of wolves off in the distance, which was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Lamar Valley feels much more remote than other areas of the park, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful drive or a quiet hike.
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Our last stop in Yellowstone was the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be as stunning as it was. The canyon is vibrant with red, yellow, and orange hues, and the Lower Falls are absolutely massive. We hiked along the rim to get different views of the canyon, and it was breathtaking from every angle. This is one spot you don’t want to miss.
FAQs About Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Q: When is the best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
A: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June-September) when the weather is warm, and all the roads and trails are open. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in May or October.
Q: How many days do I need to explore both parks?
A: I’d recommend spending at least 3-4 days in the area to get a good feel for both parks. If you have more time, you can explore some of the less-visited spots.
Q: Can I see wildlife in the parks?
A: Absolutely! Both parks are home to bison, elk, moose, bears, and wolves. Just be sure to keep a safe distance and follow park guidelines.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about planning your own trip or want more tips, feel free to reach out! You can also follow along on my adventures on social media (@huntxcoop). Thanks for reading, and I hope you get the chance to visit these amazing parks!