Yellowstone

Arrive at Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN)(1 hour)

Rent a car (essential). Drive 90 miles south to West Yellowstone (1.5 hours via US-191). Alternatively, fly into Jackson Hole (JAC), 60 miles south of the park

Check into West Yellowstone lodging(1 hour)

Budget: Explorer Cabins (from $130/night); mid-range: Kelly Inn ($180-250); or try in-park: Old Faithful Inn ($250-400, book 6-12 months ahead). Gas up and buy groceries at the Albertsons — in-park options are limited and expensive

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center(1.5 hours)

A wildlife sanctuary in West Yellowstone with grizzly bears and wolf packs in naturalistic habitats. $15 adults. Open 8:30AM-8PM in summer. A great primer before seeing them wild in the park

Pick up bear spray(30 minutes)

Rent bear spray at any visitor center ($10/canister rental) or buy at outdoor shops in town ($45-55). Mandatory for all hikes. Holster it on your hip, not in your backpack

Drive to Old Faithful(45 minutes)

Enter via West Entrance ($35/vehicle for 7-day pass). Start early (by 7AM) to beat traffic. The 30-mile drive through the Madison River valley may have bison on the road

Old Faithful Geyser eruption(1.5 hours)

Erupts every 60-110 minutes to 130-180 feet. Predicted times posted at the visitor center. Arrive 30 minutes early for front-row bench seating. The adjacent Old Faithful Inn (1904) is the world's largest log structure — walk through the lobby even if not staying

Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk(3 hours)

5-mile loop past 150+ thermal features. Highlights: Morning Glory Pool (brilliant blue), Grand Geyser (tallest predictable, erupts every 6-7 hours), Castle Geyser, and Chromatic Pool. Stay on boardwalks — ground can be thin crust over boiling water

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge cafeteria(45 minutes)

Basic but functional. Burgers $12-15, soup and salad $8-10. The patio has geyser views. Alternatively, pack lunch from West Yellowstone

Biscuit Basin(1 hour)

Short detour 3 miles from Old Faithful. Sapphire Pool is one of the park's most stunning — a deep, perfect blue. Easy 0.6-mile boardwalk loop. Less crowded than Upper Geyser Basin

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trail(1.5 hours)

The 0.8-mile Fairy Falls trailhead parking lot is the starting point. The overlook provides the aerial view essential for photos — the basin-level boardwalk only shows steam. Arrive before 10AM for fewer crowds. The rainbow colors are thermophilic bacteria at different temperatures

Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk(1 hour)

Walk over the 370-foot-wide Grand Prismatic from the boardwalk level. Feel the heat. Excelsior Geyser crater dumps 4,000 gallons/minute of boiling water into the Firehole River. Free with park entry

Firehole Canyon Drive(30 minutes)

One-way scenic road with the Firehole Falls and a swimming area — one of the only places in Yellowstone where you can legally swim in thermally heated river water. Free

Hayden Valley wildlife drive(2.5 hours)

Drive slowly through this broad valley in the park's center. Bison herds, elk, coyotes, and occasionally grizzly bears and wolves. Use pullouts — never stop in the road. Binoculars essential. Best in late afternoon

Artist Point(1 hour)

The park's most photographed viewpoint — Lower Falls (308 feet) framed by the yellow canyon walls. Short paved walk from parking. Arrive before 9AM for the best light and fewer people

Uncle Tom's Trail(1.5 hours)

328 steep metal steps descending to a platform with a thundering close-up view of the Lower Falls spray. Strenuous but exhilarating. The steps can be slippery — hold the railings. Not for those afraid of heights

Brink of the Upper Falls trail(45 minutes)

Walk to the very edge where the Yellowstone River tips over the 109-foot Upper Falls. The power is visceral. Short 0.5-mile trail, moderately steep

Lunch at Canyon Lodge dining room(1 hour)

The park's largest dining facility. Bison burgers $18, trout $22, salads $12. Reservations recommended for dinner but walk-ins usually fine for lunch

South Rim and Inspiration Point(1.5 hours)

Walk the South Rim trail for different canyon perspectives. Inspiration Point at the end offers a wider panorama than Artist Point. The canyon walls glow orange in afternoon light

Pre-dawn drive to Lamar Valley(1.5 hours)

Leave lodging by 5AM. The 50-mile drive from Canyon Village takes about 1.5 hours. Dawn and dusk are the only times for wolves and bears. Bring coffee, binoculars, and a spotting scope if you have one

Lamar Valley wildlife watching(4 hours)

Park at pullouts near Slough Creek and along the Lamar River. The dedicated wolf-watchers who set up scopes daily are friendly and will share sightings. Bison herds of hundreds, pronghorn, coyotes, and with luck, wolves and grizzlies. Stay 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from bison

Tower Fall(45 minutes)

A 132-foot waterfall near Tower Junction. Short walk to viewpoint. The volcanic columns above the falls are impressive. Free with park entry

Lunch at Roosevelt Lodge(1 hour)

The most rustic lodge in the park. The Roosevelt Cookout experience (horseback or wagon ride to an outdoor BBQ, $60-80) is a classic Yellowstone tradition. Book at yellowstonenationalparklodges.com

Mammoth Hot Springs(2 hours)

Drive north to terraced limestone formations. Upper and Lower Terraces connected by boardwalks. The formations change constantly. Elk often graze on the lawns. The historic Mammoth Hotel and Albright Visitor Center are worth exploring

Yellowstone Lake morning(2 hours)

The largest high-elevation lake in North America (7,733 feet, 136 sq miles). Drive the shoreline from Bridge Bay to Lake Village. The Lake Hotel (1891) is the park's most elegant — have coffee in the sunroom even if not staying. The lake freezes half the year and can have whitecap waves

West Thumb Geyser Basin(1 hour)

Thermal features right on the lakeshore — geysers emptying directly into Yellowstone Lake. Easy boardwalk loop. Fishing Cone geyser was historically used to cook caught fish (now illegal). Smaller crowds than Old Faithful area

Mud Volcano area(1 hour)

A 0.7-mile boardwalk loop past churning mud pots, fumaroles, and Dragon's Mouth Spring (a cave belching steam and water with a roar). The sulfur smell is intense but the features are unlike anything at the geyser basins

Lunch at Lake Hotel dining room(1.5 hours)

The most refined dining in the park. Lake trout, bison meatloaf, huckleberry desserts. Entrees $18-35. The lakeside setting is serene. Reservations recommended

Afternoon walk along Storm Point Trail(1.5 hours)

Easy 2.3-mile loop from Indian Pond to a rocky point on Yellowstone Lake. Bison and yellow-bellied marmots common. Check for trail closures due to bear activity

Sunrise at your closest viewpoint(1 hour)

Whether it is Hayden Valley, Lamar Valley, or Yellowstone Lake — one last dawn in the park is worth the early alarm. The steam from thermal features in cold morning air is ethereal

Last stop at Old Faithful(1 hour)

One more eruption if your route passes through. The gift shop has quality souvenirs — maps, books, and Yellowstone-branded gear

Drive to Bozeman (BZN) or Jackson Hole (JAC)(2 hours)

Allow extra time for wildlife jams and construction. BZN is 90 miles north (1.5-2 hours from Mammoth). JAC is 60 miles south (1-1.5 hours from West Thumb). Fill gas inside the park — outside is cheaper but further

Arrive at BZN or JAC(1 hour)

Rent a car. Drive 90 miles to West Yellowstone (1.5 hours) or 60 miles from Jackson Hole

Check into lodging(1 hour)

West Yellowstone: Explorer Cabins ($130+), Kelly Inn ($180-250). In-park: Old Faithful Inn ($250-400, book 6-12 months ahead)

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center(1.5 hours)

Wildlife sanctuary. Grizzlies and wolves in naturalistic habitats. $15. Primer for wild encounters

Pick up bear spray and groceries(45 minutes)

Bear spray rental $10 at visitor centers. Stock up at Albertsons — in-park food is limited and pricey

Drive to Old Faithful(45 minutes)

West Entrance. $35/vehicle 7-day pass. Start by 7AM. Watch for bison on road

Old Faithful eruption(1.5 hours)

Every 60-110 min, 130-180 feet. Predicted times at visitor center. Old Faithful Inn lobby is spectacular

Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk(3 hours)

5-mile loop. Morning Glory Pool, Grand Geyser, Castle Geyser. Stay on boardwalks

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge(45 minutes)

Burgers $12-15. Patio with geyser views

Biscuit Basin(1 hour)

Sapphire Pool — deep perfect blue. 0.6-mile boardwalk. Less crowded

Grand Prismatic Overlook(1.5 hours)

0.8-mile trail from Fairy Falls parking. Essential aerial view. Before 10AM for fewer crowds

Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk(1 hour)

Walk over the 370-foot spring. Excelsior crater dumps 4,000 gal/min boiling water

Firehole Canyon Drive(30 minutes)

One-way road with waterfall and swimming area in thermally heated water. Free

Hayden Valley wildlife drive(2.5 hours)

Bison herds, elk, coyotes, occasionally grizzlies and wolves. Binoculars essential. Late afternoon best

Artist Point(1 hour)

Most photographed viewpoint — Lower Falls (308 ft). Before 9AM for best light

Uncle Tom's Trail(1.5 hours)

328 metal steps to Lower Falls spray platform. Strenuous. Hold railings

Brink of Upper Falls(45 minutes)

Walk to the edge where the river drops 109 feet. 0.5-mile trail

Lunch at Canyon Lodge(1 hour)

Bison burgers $18, trout $22

South Rim trail(1.5 hours)

Different perspectives plus Inspiration Point panorama

Pre-dawn drive to Lamar Valley(1.5 hours)

Leave by 5AM. 50 miles from Canyon Village. Dawn is the only time for wolves

Lamar Valley wildlife watching(4 hours)

Pullouts at Slough Creek and Lamar River. Wolf-watchers share scopes. 100 yards from bears, 25 from bison

Tower Fall(45 minutes)

132-foot waterfall near Tower Junction

Lunch at Roosevelt Lodge(1 hour)

Cookout experience with horseback ride $60-80. Book ahead

Mammoth Hot Springs(2 hours)

Terraced limestone. Upper and Lower boardwalks. Elk on the lawns

Yellowstone Lake drive(2 hours)

Largest high-elevation lake in NA (7,733 ft). Lake Hotel sunroom for coffee

West Thumb Geyser Basin(1 hour)

Geysers emptying into the lake. Easy boardwalk. Smaller crowds

Mud Volcano area(1 hour)

Churning mud pots, Dragon's Mouth Spring. 0.7-mile boardwalk

Lunch at Lake Hotel(1.5 hours)

Lake trout, bison meatloaf. $18-35. Lakeside setting. Reserve

Storm Point Trail(1.5 hours)

Easy 2.3-mile loop. Bison and marmots. Check bear closures

Norris Geyser Basin(3 hours)

Two loop trails: Porcelain Basin (0.75 miles, lunar landscape, steaming fumaroles) and Back Basin (1.5 miles, past Steamboat Geyser — world's tallest at 300+ feet when it erupts, unpredictable). Free with park entry. Less crowded than Old Faithful area

Museum of the National Park Ranger(30 minutes)

Small museum near Norris in a historic soldier station. Free. Interesting history of park protection

Dunraven Pass drive(1.5 hours)

Scenic mountain road between Canyon and Tower. Pullouts with views over the Washburn Range. Watch for bighorn sheep on the high-altitude meadows

Evening at Mammoth(1.5 hours)

Walk through the historic Fort Yellowstone buildings (the Army managed the park 1886-1918). The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel lounge has a nice bar

Drive to Bechler area (southwest corner)(2 hours)

From Old Faithful, drive out the West Entrance and around to the Bechler Road (Ashton, Idaho side). This is the least-visited area of the park. The road is unpaved for the last few miles

Bechler Falls and River Trail(4 hours)

Hike to Bechler Falls (3 miles one-way, easy-moderate). The meadows are vast and the wildflowers in July are extraordinary. Hot springs along the trail. Few other hikers. Carry bear spray. Check trail conditions at the ranger station

Lunch packed(30 minutes)

No facilities in Bechler. Bring everything

Return drive via Ashton(2 hours)

Stop in the small Idaho town for pie at Frostop Drive-In (a local institution since 1960, shakes $5, burgers $8)

Revisit Grand Prismatic in afternoon light(1.5 hours)

The colors are different in afternoon versus morning. Fewer people too

Black Sand Basin(1 hour)

Small thermal area near Old Faithful often overlooked. Emerald Pool and Cliff Geyser. Easy boardwalk, almost empty

Sunset at Firehole River(1.5 hours)

Park at the Firehole swimming area and watch the last light. Elk often come to drink at dusk

Drive south to Grand Teton(1.5 hours)

From the South Entrance via John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Your Yellowstone pass covers Grand Teton too

Jenny Lake scenic loop(2 hours)

Boat shuttle ($18 round trip) across Jenny Lake, then hike 0.5 miles to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for Teton panorama. Or walk the 7.7-mile lake loop

Lunch in Moose Junction(1 hour)

Dornan's Pizza & Pasta — surprisingly excellent wood-fired pizza ($15-20) with the Teton range filling the window. Their wine selection is shockingly good for a park outpost

Snake River Overlook(30 minutes)

Ansel Adams made this viewpoint famous — the Tetons reflected in the Snake River bend. Morning is best for reflections, but any time is stunning

Schwabacher Landing(45 minutes)

Short walk to a beaver-pond area with the most iconic Teton reflections. Moose sightings are common at dawn. Free

Mt. Washburn hike(5 hours)

10-mile round trip from Dunraven Pass, 1,400 ft elevation gain. The fire lookout at 10,243 feet has 360-degree views of the park. Moderate-strenuous. Bighorn sheep frequent the summit meadows. Start by 8AM. Bring layers — weather changes fast at altitude

Packed lunch at summit(30 minutes)

Eat with a 50-mile view in every direction. On clear days you can see the Tetons to the south

Evening wildlife drive in Hayden Valley(2 hours)

Return to Hayden Valley for the golden-hour wildlife activity. Bison, elk, and grizzlies are most active at dusk

Dawn in Lamar Valley(3 hours)

Second attempt at wolf and bear sightings. Different conditions may yield different wildlife. The dedicated watchers track pack movements daily

Petrified Tree(30 minutes)

A 50-million-year-old petrified redwood stump enclosed in a fence. Short walk from the road between Tower and Lamar. Free. There were once three trees — two were chipped away by souvenir hunters

Drive to Cooke City(1 hour)

The northeast entrance road is the most scenic in the park — Absaroka mountain peaks and no traffic. Cooke City is a tiny (pop. 140) mining-era town

Lunch at Beartooth Cafe, Cooke City(1 hour)

Famous for their Beartooth burger ($16) and fresh-baked pie. The kind of place where locals and park rangers eat

Return via Lamar Valley sunset(2 hours)

Evening light in the valley is golden. Pull over and watch the bison silhouettes

Morning at your favorite thermal area(2 hours)

Revisit whichever geyser basin moved you most. The park feels different each time

Lone Star Geyser hike(3 hours)

5-mile round trip from Old Faithful area on a flat paved bike/hike trail. Lone Star erupts every 3 hours (12 feet high). Peaceful, few people. A perfect last Yellowstone experience

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn dining room(1.5 hours)

If you have not eaten here yet — the vaulted log dining room deserves one meal. Bison prime rib $42, elk medallions $38. Reservations essential

Sunrise if near a viewpoint(1 hour)

One last dawn. Steam from thermal features in cold air is ethereal

Last Old Faithful eruption(45 minutes)

If your route passes through. Gift shop for maps, books, souvenirs

Drive to BZN or JAC(2.5 hours)

Allow extra time. BZN: 90 miles north. JAC: 60 miles south. Fill gas at the last in-park station

Arrive BZN or JAC(1 hour)

Rent car. BZN 90 miles north, JAC 60 miles south of park

Check into West Yellowstone(1 hour)

Explorer Cabins ($130+), Kelly Inn ($180-250). Stock groceries at Albertsons

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center(1.5 hours)

$15. Grizzlies and wolves in naturalistic habitats. Great primer

Bear spray and supplies(45 minutes)

Rent $10 at visitor centers. Essential for all hikes

Drive to Old Faithful(45 minutes)

West Entrance. $35/vehicle 7-day pass. Start by 7AM

Old Faithful eruption(1.5 hours)

Every 60-110 min, 130-180 ft. Old Faithful Inn lobby is a must-see

Upper Geyser Basin(3 hours)

5-mile loop. Morning Glory Pool, Grand Geyser, Castle Geyser

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge(45 minutes)

Burgers $12-15

Biscuit Basin(1 hour)

Sapphire Pool. 0.6-mile boardwalk. Quieter

Grand Prismatic Overlook(1.5 hours)

0.8-mile trail. Aerial view essential. Before 10AM

Midway Geyser Basin(1 hour)

Walk over the 370-ft spring. Excelsior crater

Firehole Canyon Drive(30 minutes)

Swimming in thermally heated water. One-way road

Hayden Valley(2.5 hours)

Bison herds, elk, coyotes. Late afternoon best. Binoculars essential

Artist Point(1 hour)

Lower Falls (308 ft) in yellow canyon. Before 9AM

Uncle Tom's Trail(1.5 hours)

328 metal steps to spray platform. Strenuous

Brink of Upper Falls(45 minutes)

Edge where river drops 109 ft

Lunch at Canyon Lodge(1 hour)

Bison burgers $18

South Rim trail(1.5 hours)

Inspiration Point panorama

Pre-dawn drive to Lamar(1.5 hours)

Leave 5AM. 50 miles from Canyon. Dawn for wolves

Lamar wildlife watching(4 hours)

Slough Creek pullouts. Wolf-watchers share scopes. 100 yards from bears

Tower Fall(45 minutes)

132-ft waterfall. Volcanic columns

Roosevelt Lodge lunch(1 hour)

Cookout horseback ride $60-80. Book ahead

Mammoth Hot Springs(2 hours)

Terraced limestone. Elk on lawns. Historic Fort Yellowstone

Yellowstone Lake drive(2 hours)

Lake Hotel sunroom for coffee. Largest high-elevation lake in NA

West Thumb Geyser Basin(1 hour)

Geysers in the lake. Easy boardwalk

Mud Volcano(1 hour)

Churning mud, Dragon's Mouth. 0.7-mile loop

Lunch at Lake Hotel(1.5 hours)

Lake trout, huckleberry desserts. $18-35

Storm Point Trail(1.5 hours)

2.3-mile loop. Bison, marmots

Norris Geyser Basin(3 hours)

Porcelain Basin (0.75 mi, lunar landscape) and Back Basin (1.5 mi, past Steamboat Geyser — 300+ ft when it erupts). Less crowded

Park Ranger Museum(30 minutes)

Historic soldier station. Free

Dunraven Pass drive(1.5 hours)

Scenic mountain road. Bighorn sheep on meadows

Mammoth Hotel evening(1 hour)

Fort Yellowstone buildings. Bar in the lounge

Drive to Bechler(2 hours)

Via West Entrance and Ashton, Idaho. Unpaved last miles. Least-visited area

Bechler Falls trail(4 hours)

3 miles one-way, easy-moderate. Vast meadows, wildflowers, hot springs. Few hikers. Bear spray essential

Return via Ashton(2 hours)

Frostop Drive-In for pie and shakes ($5). Local institution since 1960

Grand Prismatic afternoon(1.5 hours)

Different colors in PM light. Fewer people

Black Sand Basin(1 hour)

Often overlooked. Emerald Pool, Cliff Geyser. Almost empty

Sunset at Firehole River(1.5 hours)

Elk drinking at dusk. Golden light

Drive to Grand Teton(1.5 hours)

South Entrance. Yellowstone pass covers Teton too

Jenny Lake(2 hours)

Boat shuttle $18 to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Or 7.7-mile lake loop

Lunch at Dornan's(1 hour)

Wood-fired pizza $15-20 with Teton views

Snake River Overlook(30 minutes)

Ansel Adams viewpoint

Schwabacher Landing(45 minutes)

Beaver ponds with Teton reflections. Moose at dawn

Mt. Washburn hike(5 hours)

From Dunraven Pass. 1,400 ft gain. Bighorn sheep at summit. Start by 8AM. Bring layers

Summit lunch(30 minutes)

50-mile views. Tetons visible on clear days

Hayden Valley sunset(2 hours)

Golden-hour wildlife. Bison, elk, grizzlies at dusk

Dawn in Lamar(3 hours)

Second wolf/bear attempt. Different conditions, different wildlife

Petrified Tree(30 minutes)

50-million-year-old redwood stump. Two others chipped away by souvenir hunters

Drive to Cooke City(1 hour)

Most scenic road in park. Absaroka peaks. Pop. 140 mining town

Lunch at Beartooth Cafe(1 hour)

Famous burger $16 and fresh pie

Lamar Valley sunset return(2 hours)

Golden light, bison silhouettes

Lone Star Geyser trail(3 hours)

5-mile round trip from Old Faithful area. Flat paved trail. Erupts every 3 hours, 12 ft. Peaceful, few people

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn(1.5 hours)

Vaulted log dining room. Bison prime rib $42. Reserve

Fairy Falls hike(2 hours)

5.4-mile round trip to a 200-ft waterfall. Easy-moderate. The trailhead also accesses the Grand Prismatic overlook. Less visited than main geyser basins

Short walk or swim(1.5 hours)

Firehole swimming area or a gentle stroll

Drive to Cooke City via Lamar(2 hours)

Northeast Entrance road through Lamar Valley

Beartooth Highway drive(4 hours)

68 miles from Cooke City to Red Lodge, MT. Switchbacks to 10,947 ft through alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and snowfields even in July. Charles Kuralt called it the most beautiful road in America. Open late May-mid October. Stop at pullouts frequently

Lunch in Red Lodge(1 hour)

Charming Montana mountain town. Carbon County Steakhouse (bison steak $28) or the Pollard Hotel dining room ($15-25)

Return via same route(4 hours)

The road looks completely different driving the other direction. Allow time for photo stops

Drive to Gardiner(1 hour)

From Mammoth. The north entrance is the only year-round entrance. Gardiner sits at the boundary

Roosevelt Arch(30 minutes)

The original park entrance arch (1903), inscribed 'For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.' President Roosevelt laid the cornerstone. Photo op essential

Yellowstone River float trip(3 hours)

Half-day raft/float from Gardiner through the Yellowstone River canyon. Scenic float (Class I-II, $50-70) or whitewater section (Class III, $80-100). Companies: Yellowstone Raft Company, Montana Whitewater. Great for a non-hiking day

Lunch at Yellowstone Grill in Gardiner(1 hour)

Local favorite. Elk burgers $14, fish tacos $12. Patio overlooking the river

Evening drive through Mammoth area(1.5 hours)

Elk often bed down on the Mammoth lawns at dusk. The hot springs glow in low light

Specimen Ridge trail(5 hours)

Off-trail hiking to standing petrified trees on the ridgeline between Tower and Lamar. Not formally maintained — get directions from the Tower ranger station. Moderate-strenuous, 8-10 miles round trip depending on route. The standing petrified stumps are extraordinary — entire forests buried by volcanic ash

Evening wildlife at Slough Creek(2 hours)

One of the best spots for wolf pack activity at dusk. Bring spotting scope

Sunrise photography at Hayden Valley(2 hours)

Mist rising off the river through bison herds. The most atmospheric time in the park

Afternoon at Yellowstone Lake(2 hours)

Quiet paddleboarding or canoe rental at Bridge Bay Marina ($15-20/hour). The lake is mirror-calm on still afternoons

Sunset at Lake Butte Overlook(1 hour)

A drive-up overlook east of Yellowstone Lake with 180-degree views. Almost nobody comes here. The sunset over the lake with the Absaroka Range beyond is park-best

Drive to Jackson, WY(2 hours)

Through Grand Teton NP. Jackson (pop. 10,000) is a tourism hub with elk-antler arches on the town square

Jackson Town Square(1 hour)

Browse the galleries (serious Western and wildlife art), shops, and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (saddle barstools, live music). The National Museum of Wildlife Art ($18) above town is excellent

Snake River scenic float(3 hours)

Gentle float through Grand Teton NP with moose, eagle, and osprey sightings. $80-95/person with Barker-Ewing or Solitude Float Trips. The Tetons rising above the river make this unforgettable

Lunch/dinner at The Bunnery in Jackson(1 hour)

Famous for OSM (oats, sunflower, millet) bread. Breakfast served all day ($10-15). A Jackson institution since 1975

Morning at favorite thermal area(2 hours)

One last visit to whichever geyser basin moved you most

Riddle Lake hike(2 hours)

5-mile round trip south of Yellowstone Lake. Marshy meadows, pelicans, and solitude. Easy flat trail. Bear closures possible early season — check at ranger station

Farewell lunch at Lake Hotel(1.5 hours)

One last meal overlooking the lake

Final Hayden Valley drive(1.5 hours)

Slow drive watching for any species you have not yet seen

Last sunset in the park(1 hour)

Wherever you are. Pull over and take it in

Sunrise(1 hour)

One last dawn. Thermal steam in cold air is ethereal

Final Old Faithful eruption(45 minutes)

If your route passes through. Souvenirs at the gift shop

Drive to BZN or JAC(2.5 hours)

Allow extra time for wildlife jams. Fill gas at last in-park station