Yellowstone National Park In 1 Week Itinerary 

One week is the perfect amount of time to see all the major sites in Yellowstone National Park. Over the course of seven days, you’ll be able to hike, spot wildlife, explore the natural hot springs and waterfalls, experience some Western culture and even check out Grand Teton National Park to the south.

Day 1: Gardiner, Montana

Start your trip in Gardiner, Montana- a small town located at the North Entrance of the park. For adrenaline seekers, begin your vacation with a bang on a zipline adventure or whitewater rafting trip. Those looking for a slower, relaxed start can spend the afternoon in the Yellowstone Hot Springs located just outside town. End the day with a stroll through the quirky old West downtown strip and discover some treasures at the Trading Post.

Day 2: Upper Geyser Basin

Drive into Yellowstone National Park through the Roosevelt Arch- and don’t forget to snap a pic! Then head towards the Upper Geyser Basin and make a stop at the iconic Old Faithful Geyser. Take Fire Canyon Road towards the Grand Prismatic Spring and check out the Firehole Falls and Paint Pots. If you’re up for it, a short hike will take you from the Upper Geyser Basin to Mystic Falls. Find your way to the Lewis Lake campgrounds and call it a night under the stars.

Day 3: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Start your morning with a fresh cup of lakeside coffee and hit the road. Those looking for a more relaxed start to the day can stay behind and try their hand at fishing. Head towards Yellowstone Lake and check out the stunning geysers along the shore. In the afternoon, drive towards the center of the park and stop at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Here, you can check out the Upper and Lower Falls, Tower Fall and grab lunch at Canyon Village. It’s worth it to take Uncle Tom’s Cabin Trail down for a different view of Lower Falls. Finally, catch an epic sunset at Artist Point and spend the night at Canyon Village.

Day 4: Lamar Valley

Get an early start to the day and drive to Lamar Valley for some wildlife viewing. Bring your binoculars and camera and keep an eye out for wolves, bighorn sheep, bears, bison, elk, mountain goats and coyotes. Then, head over to Mammoth Hot Springs and soak in the warm waters for the rest of the afternoon. Grab some dinner - like a tasty bison burger-  in Gardiner and spend the night at one of the many hotels.

Day 5: West Yellowstone

Enter the park from the North Entrance and drive over to West Yellowstone. Here you’ll find several family-friendly attractions, like the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and IMAX theater, as well as the beautiful Madison River. After a full afternoon of fun, head to the Wild West Rodeo for an evening show. Spend the night at an inn in West Yellowstone or pitch a tent at the Bakers Hole Campground. 

Day 6: South Yellowstone

Give yourself an early start and drive south towards Grand Teton National Park. Pick one of the many stunning hikes, depending on your fitness level, and get trekking! Choose from an easy 4 mile hike on the Taggart Lake Loop, a more difficult 5 hour hike on the Cascade Canyon Trail or a longer, but still relaxed, 8 mile hike on the Jenny Lake Trail. After a physically demanding day, give yourself some much needed rest in Jackson Hole.

Day 7: Jackson Hole

On your last day, meander around the small town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and check out the town square, tram and Snake River. If you’re still up for an adventure, head back into the park for another day hike in Grand Teton National Park.