11-Day Wyoming Road Trip: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Scenic Drives
Experience the Ultimate 11-Day Wyoming Adventure! Explore Yellowstone & Grand Teton, drive the breathtaking Beartooth Highway, and immerse yourself in the Wild West. Start planning your unforgettable road trip today!
EXPENSIVENORTH AMERICAADVENTURE
About
Embark on an 11-day adventure through Wyoming, exploring some of the state's most breathtaking destinations. Start in Jackson Hole, a charming mountain town surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich Western heritage. From there, venture into Grand Teton National Park, where rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife create a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The trip continues to Yellowstone National Park, home to iconic geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the mesmerizing Grand Prismatic Spring. A scenic drive along the legendary Beartooth Highway offers breathtaking alpine vistas, leading you to the historic town of Cody, where cowboy culture and Western history come alive. Finally, visit Devils Tower National Monument, an awe-inspiring natural formation steeped in legend.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Explore town (Jackson Hole), visit local shops, and enjoy a steakhouse dinner.
DAY 2 - Grand Teton National Park
Hike, spot wildlife, and visit Jenny Lake and Schwabacher Landing.
DAY 3 - Snake River & More Teton
Go rafting, visit Mormon Row, and watch the sunset at Signal Mountain.
DAY 4 - Drive to Yellowstone
Enter via South Entrance, visit West Thumb and Old Faithful.
DAY 5 - Yellowstone's Grand Canyon
Hike Artist Point and spot wildlife in Hayden Valley.
DAY 6 - Mammoth Hot Spring
See travertine terraces and search for wolves and bison.
DAY 7 - Beartooth Highway
Drive one of America’s most scenic roads, stopping in Red Lodge.
DAY 8 - Cody & Western History
Visit the Buffalo Bill Center and attend a rodeo (seasonal).
DAY 9 - Bighorn Mountains
Drive the Cloud Peak Skyway and stop at Shell Falls.
DAY 10 - Devils Tower
Hike around the iconic rock formation.
DAY 11 - Drive Back
Drive back to Jackson or depart from a closer airport.
DAY 12 - Flight
Based on your schedule, Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$990
$2090
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $40-90 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Car Rental
Experiences
Parks, Rafting, Rodeo, ...
$400-900
$220-440
$270-500
$100-250
How are prices calculated?
GALLERY
When To Go
June to August
Summer is the most popular time to visit Wyoming, especially for exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Temperatures range between 70°F and 85°F (21°C–29°C), creating perfect conditions for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures. Wildlife is highly active, offering great opportunities to spot bears, elk, wolves, and bison.
Mountain trails are fully accessible, rivers and lakes are ideal for rafting and kayaking, and long daylight hours allow for extended exploration. However, this is also the busiest time of year, meaning high accommodation costs, crowded attractions, and traffic within the parks. Booking accommodations and tours well in advance is highly recommended.
Best for: hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, water activities, scenic landscapes.
Things to consider: heavy crowds, higher prices, advance reservations needed.
September to October
Autumn is one of the most stunning times to visit Wyoming, with vibrant fall colors and significantly fewer tourists. Temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F (10°C–20°C) in September, gradually cooling down in October.
This is an excellent time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton, as the summer crowds have disappeared, making wildlife encounters more enjoyable. Elk and deer are in their mating season, and their calls echo through the parks, creating a truly unique experience.
By mid-to-late October, some services begin to shut down, and the first snowfalls can limit access to certain trails and roads, particularly at higher elevations.
Best for: fall foliage, cooler hiking conditions, wildlife photography.
Things to consider: some closures in parks and accommodations, potential early snowfall.
November to March
Wyoming experiences long and harsh winters, with temperatures ranging from 5°F to 40°F (-10°C to 5°C) or even lower in certain areas. However, for winter sports enthusiasts, this is the best time to visit, as Jackson Hole becomes a premier skiing destination with world-class slopes and deep powder snow.
Yellowstone transforms into a magical winter landscape, and while most roads are closed to regular vehicles, guided snowmobile or snow coach tours provide access to famous sites like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Wildlife, such as wolves and bison, are easier to spot against the snowy backdrop.
For those not interested in skiing or winter sports, this season is not ideal, as many park roads remain closed, and extreme cold makes outdoor exploration challenging.
Best for: skiing and snowboarding, winter photography, spotting wolves and bison.
Things to consider: road closures in national parks, frigid temperatures, 4x4 vehicle recommended for travel.
April to May
Spring is a season of transition in Wyoming, with unpredictable weather and temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (5°C–15°C). Early spring can still feel like winter in some areas, with lingering snow in the mountains and partial road closures in the parks.
However, wildlife activity is at its peak—bears emerge from hibernation, bison calves are born, and elk herds return to the valleys. The waterfalls in Yellowstone are at their most powerful due to melting snow, creating spectacular views.
While this season is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, travelers should be prepared for unpredictable weather, including occasional late-season snowstorms and rain showers. Some lodges, trails, and park facilities may not yet be fully open.
Best for: wildlife spotting, fewer crowds, powerful waterfalls.
Things to consider: unpredictable weather, potential road closures, limited tourist services.
Summary Recommendations:
✅ Best Overall: June–September → Warm weather, full park access, active wildlife, and long daylight hours.
✅ Best for Wildlife: April–June → Baby bison, bears emerging from hibernation, and elk herds on the move.
✅ Best for Scenery: Late September–early October → Stunning fall foliage with fewer crowds.
❌ Worst Time (unless for skiing): November–March → Harsh weather, road closures, and limited activities (except winter sports).
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Arriving in Jackson, the towering peaks of the Teton Range immediately set the stage for the journey ahead. The town exudes a mix of Western heritage and modern adventure culture, with wooden boardwalks, historic buildings, and the iconic elk antler arches in the town square. Exploring the local shops and galleries offers a taste of Jackson’s unique character, from handcrafted goods to outdoor gear. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, a perfect introduction to Wyoming’s adventurous spirit.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some "cheap" options just outside Jackson Hole city centre, better if close to Teton Park
Check out some rent-a-car
We recommend some big car if you want to enjoy the full american experience, or a small one if you want to save your budget
DAY 2
Heading into Grand Teton National Park, the dramatic mountain landscape dominates the horizon. Jenny Lake offers one of the most scenic experiences in the park, with the option to take a boat ride across the water or hike along the shoreline to Hidden Falls. The sound of rushing water and the fresh scent of pine make the short trek worthwhile. Further along, Schwabacher Landing provides a tranquil spot to take in reflections of the Tetons in the slow-moving river, a scene often visited by moose and waterfowl. Spending the night in the park or returning to Jackson ensures an early start for the next day’s adventures.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
DAY 3
The morning begins with a journey along the Snake River, where a rafting trip offers two choices— a calm scenic float with panoramic views or an exhilarating whitewater experience through the canyon. The river winds through valleys rich with wildlife, from bald eagles overhead to elk grazing along the banks. In the afternoon, a stop at Mormon Row presents a picture-perfect view of old homesteads set against the Tetons, a remnant of early settler life. The day ends at Signal Mountain, where a short drive leads to an overlook offering a sweeping view of the entire Jackson Hole valley as the sun dips behind the peaks.
SNAKE RIVER
DAY 4
Leaving Grand Teton behind, the road to Yellowstone winds through forests and along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, where steaming geothermal vents rise from the water’s edge at West Thumb Geyser Basin. Old Faithful awaits further ahead, one of the park’s most famous sights. Watching the geyser erupt, sending boiling water high into the air, is a classic Yellowstone experience. The surrounding boardwalks lead past bubbling hot springs and other geysers, each with its own unique colors and activity. An overnight stay near the park ensures more time to explore its vast landscapes.
DRIVE TO YELLOWSTONE
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options just outside the park - maybe some chalet in the forest
DAY 5
The day begins with a visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where the Yellowstone River crashes over the stunning Upper and Lower Falls, creating one of the most breathtaking views in the park. Artist Point offers a particularly dramatic perspective, with the canyon walls painted in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Driving through Hayden Valley, herds of bison move slowly across the open plains, while elk graze near the river. As the evening approaches, a stop at Mud Volcano reveals bubbling pools and steaming vents, a reminder of the powerful forces beneath the park’s surface.
YELLOWSTONE'S GRAND CANYON
DAY 6
Traveling north, Mammoth Hot Springs presents a striking landscape of white and orange terraces created by mineral-rich waters. The unusual formations contrast with the rolling hills surrounding them, making for a unique sight in the park. As dusk approaches, Lamar Valley becomes the destination, known as one of the best places to spot wildlife in Yellowstone. Bison roam in large numbers, and if luck is on your side, wolves might make an appearance in the distance. Spending the night near Mammoth or in Cooke City allows for an early start on one of the most scenic drives in the country.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
DAY 7
The Beartooth Highway, often called one of the most beautiful drives in America, winds its way through high alpine terrain, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. Snow-capped peaks, deep glacial valleys, and pristine mountain lakes create a breathtaking backdrop. Along the way, there are countless opportunities to stop and take in the scenery or go for a short hike. A visit to the mountain town of Red Lodge makes for a perfect midday stop before looping back toward Yellowstone or Cooke City for another peaceful night in the wilderness.
BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY
DAY 8
Heading east, the journey continues to Cody, a town deeply connected to the legacy of the Wild West. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West provides an in-depth look into the life of Buffalo Bill Cody and the history of the American frontier. The town itself carries a strong Western atmosphere, with historic buildings and cowboy culture still very much alive. During the summer months, rodeos bring excitement to the evenings, offering a glimpse into Wyoming’s cowboy traditions. Staying in a Western-style inn or lodge makes for an immersive experience in this historic town.
MONTEREY
DAY 9
The drive through the Bighorn Mountains is a journey through some of Wyoming’s most underrated landscapes. The Cloud Peak Skyway winds through rugged peaks and dense forests, with stops like Shell Falls providing the chance to stretch your legs and take in the rushing waterfalls. The fresh mountain air and scenic vistas make for a relaxing yet adventurous drive. The day ends in the welcoming towns of Sheridan or Buffalo, where historic main streets give a sense of Wyoming’s frontier past.
BIGHORN MOUNTAINS
DAY 10
Crossing into northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower rises dramatically from the rolling plains, its sheer rock walls standing in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. A hike around the base offers views of the unusual rock formations up close, while climbers can often be seen ascending its challenging routes. The site, sacred to many Native American tribes, carries a deep sense of history and mystery. After exploring the area, an overnight stay in Gillette or a return to Sheridan provides a final night of rest before wrapping up the journey.
DEVIL'S TOWER
DAY 11
With the adventure coming to a close, the final leg of the journey leads back to Jackson or to a closer departure point such as Casper or Billings. The landscapes of Wyoming, from towering peaks to vast open plains, leave a lasting impression, making the return to everyday life feel worlds away.
ROAD TO AIRPORT
DAY 12
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back