Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park have been on my bucket list for a long time. Growing up all I heard about were the geysers and wildlife. As I grew older and discovered more outdoor recreation I learned about the incredible backpacking and hiking you can do in the parks.
We had an invitation to crash my dad’s RV trip which meant free lodging, score! My dad was driving his Airstream west for a three-month road trip. All we had to do was book flights, a car, and meet them in the mountains.
We flew into SLC, left the Wasatch Mountain range behind and drove north heading through Idaho and into Wyoming. The scenery in Idaho is unbelievable. We had the windows down pointing out various wildlife and taking pictures the entire drive. Finally at dusk we arrived to the RV site, The Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch. The campground is situated in a middle ground. South of the entrance to Yellowstone and North of the entrance to Grand Teton, about at 15 minute drive to both and was the perfect basecamp. During our week trip we flip/flopped between both parks getting to do and see everything, with tons of wildlife along the way.
Day 1: Grand Teton National Park
Jenny lake & Mormon Row
We left camp early and headed south toward Jenny Lake. The plan was to do an out and back hike starting around Jenny Lake, stopping at Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and continuing on into Cascade Canyon. After our Hike we headed to Mormon Row to see the park from a different perspective.
We left camp so early that when we started driving toward Jenny Lake it felt like we had the park to ourselves and we definitely took advantage of the empty roads.
To read all about our day in the park click the links below
Day 2: Grand Teton National Park &
Yellowstone National Park
Day two we hit the ground running. Well, driving.
We woke up bright and early and headed to Signal Mountain to watch the sunrise over the valley. On your trip this is a must see/do.
After watching the Sunrise we stayed on top of Signal Mountain taking advantage of the cell service to download pictures and catch up with friends back home. We used our jet-boil to make some oatmeal and coffee. With a fueled-up team we headed out to start our day. Today was our first day exploring Yellowstone and we packed it full.
Day 3: Grand Teton national park
Hiking taggart Lake and sunset on the snake river
The day started with hiking out to an Alpine Lake: Taggart Lake
After the hike we dropped our stuff at the car and crossed the street to watch some moose enjoying the river. On three separate occasions we saw moose here! Make sure you stop on your way through the park.
We took a break from the park and headed to Jackson Hole for lunch and an afternoon hangout. On our way back we stopped at Snake River to watch the sunset.
day 4: Exploring Yellowstone: The grand canyon of the yellowstone, Old faithful, geyser basin
Day four exploring Yellowstone: We went to The Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone which was absolutely breathtaking. After exploring and hiking around there we went over to Old Faithful a can’t miss on your trip to Yellowstone.
day 5: Final day in yellowstone, exploring grand prismatic and hiking to fairy falls
Day 6: Grand Teton- exploring colter bay and rafting the snake river
Colter Bay is on Jackson Lake in the heart of the Grand Tetons. There’s hike called Lakeshore Trail that takes you around a peninsula offering views of the lake along with bringing you through dense forest.
The hike is 2.6 miles long, mostly flat, and only takes about an hour to complete.
After exploring Colter Bay we headed to a local outfitter where we were going to take a rafting trip down the Snake River. The Snake river winds its way throughout the park so its a great way to see the mountains from a different perspective. Be mindful of what time of year you do this rafting trip! Beginning of season brings high water levels and swift currents and end of the season is a slow relaxed float.
The rafting trip was the last activity we did in the park and marked the end of our trip. After we headed back to the campsite, enjoyed dinner, and some campfire beers. The next morning we had to leave before sunrise to drive back to Salt Lake to catch our flight home.