Scenic Drive: Wildlife & Natural Wonders
Days 1-4: Yellowstone
You could easily fill two weeks in this park and never see the same bison or mud pot twice. Consider that when planning your trip, and head to MyYellowstonePark.com for vacation ideas and a free trip-planning kit. If you only have three or four days, though, here’s your tick list: hike to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a dramatic gorge with Yosemite-like waterfalls; fish, raft, or paddle the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone, or Firehole Rivers; tour the Lower, Middle, and Upper Geyser Basins; hike away from the crowds to Lone Star Geyser; and (above all) photograph wildlife in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Info: nps.gov/yell
Days 5-6: Grand Teton
Give yourself a day of adventure—canoe across Jenny Lake, fish or raft the Snake River, hike into the national park, or take the tram to 10,000 feet—and a day of sightseeing in Jackson Hole, home to numerous galleries, Western clothing shops, and cowboy saloons. Add a few days if you want to climb the Grand Teton itself, which offers possibly the best summit view in the Lower 48 (book a trip with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, jhmg.com). Info: nps.gov/grte
Days 7-8: Wind River Range
Get ready for some epic driving, both in terms of views and distance. The day from Jackson Hole to Steamboat Springs, your next sightseeing layover, is a monster; we recommend taking two. The good news is that the highways are fast (75 mph speed limits in Wyoming) and the scenery is split between mountain splendor in the northern half (as you pass the Wind River mountains to your east) and classic big-sky ranch country in the southern half. Avid backpackers, rock climbers, and anglers should consider a multiday detour into the Winds from a trailhead between Pinedale and Big Sandy on US 191; get trip ideas at backpacker.com/hikes and climbing.com.
Day 9: Steamboat Springs
If you took two days driving from Jackson Hole, you’ll probably arrive in time to use the the evening to walk the shops and restaurants in Old Town. In the morning, hit the hot springs, then grab picnic supplies for lunch in the wildflower country of Rabbit Ears Pass, west of town on your way out. Optional: Add days for world-class mountain biking and horseback riding (or skiing).
Day 10: Hot Sulphur Springs
Two soaks in one day! Pure luxury. Absolute indulgence: Stay overnight and start the next morning right with another dip. From here, it’s an easy drive to Grand Lake and RMNP.
