7 days An extended nature and road-trip immersion pairing Grand Teton backcountry hiking with Yellowstone's geothermal wonders and safari-style wildlife safaris
7-Day Greater Yellowstone and Wildlife Expedition in Jackson Hole
A 7-day exploration designed for a couple who value balanced pacing, authentic dining, and self-guided wildlife observation. This route covers Grand Teton National Park trailheads, Yellowstone's Lower Loop thermal basins, and Jackson's local culinary scene without exhausting early-morning sprints.
Who this is for
An extended nature and road-trip immersion pairing Grand Teton backcountry hiking with Yellowstone's geothermal wonders and safari-style wildlife safaris
Why this itinerary works
An extended nature and road-trip immersion pairing Grand Teton backcountry hiking with Yellowstone's geothermal wonders and safari-style wildlife safaris
This itinerary delivers a balanced 7-day arc combining Jackson's historic downtown, Grand Teton's scenic glacial lakes, and Yellowstone's geothermal icons. By packing artisanal lunches and focusing on self-guided wildlife loops, it keeps total costs under the $2000 budget while dining at premier casual spots.
At a Glance
The shape of this trip, at a glance.
7
Balanced
$1,940
$277
14
7
Walk & transit
Interactive map
The itinerary
Day 1
DOWNTOWN JACKSON HISTORIC SQUARE
Arrival, Town Square Orientation & Craft Brews
Persephone Bakery Breakfast & Town Square Stroll
Town Square, Downtown Jackson
Starts your trip with artisanal French pastries and specialty coffee in an airy weatherboard cafe right off the square.
Jackson Drug & Original Soda Fountain
Town Square, Town Square
Serves locally sourced Wyoming beef burgers and house sodas in Jackson's oldest operating pharmacy building.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Elk Refuge Corridor, North Jackson
Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, this sandstone museum introduces regional wildlife history through premier sculpture and painting.
Snake River Brewing
Downtown, Downtown Jackson
Wyoming's oldest craft brewery pairs wood-fired flatbreads and bison chili with locally crafted lagers and IPAs.
Day 2
GRAND TETON — STRING & LEIGH LAKES
Glacial Lake Hiking & Cathedral Group Views
Cowboy Coffee Co. & Scenic Drive to Jenny Lake Area
Town Square, Downtown Jackson
Provides hearty breakfast sandwiches and house-roasted coffee before driving north into Grand Teton National Park.
String Lake to Leigh Lake Shoreline Trail
Grand Teton National Park, Grand Teton National Park
A flat, uncrowded 3.7-mile trail along Leigh Lake's crystal water beneath Mount Moran, offering dramatic Teton views without technical elevation gain.
Dornan's Chuckwagon & Pizza
Moose, Moose
Unobstructed patio vistas of the Grand Teton with hearty sourdough pizzas, house salads, and an extensive wine cellar.
Roadhouse Pub & Eatery
Town Square, Downtown Jackson
Overlooking Jackson Town Square from the second floor, serving elevated pub fare and rotating small-batch craft ales.
Day 3
GRAND TETON — MORMON ROW & TAGGART LAKE
Homestead History & Glacial Basin Trekking
Picnic Coffee & Provisions & Mormon Row Historic District
Antelope Flats, Jackson to Antelope Flats
Pick up breakfast and freshly packed trail sandwiches before touring the iconic Moulton Barns framing the Teton Range.
Taggart Lake Loop Trail
Grand Teton National Park, Grand Teton National Park
A 3.3-mile loop winding through spruce forests and boulder fields straight to the pebble shores of Taggart Lake.
Trailside Picnic at Taggart Lake
Grand Teton National Park, Taggart Lake Shoreline
Enjoy gourmet boxed sandwiches from Picnic cafe while resting on glacial boulders right by the lake.
Local Restaurant & Bar
Town Square, Downtown Jackson
A premier contemporary American steakhouse featuring locally sourced ranched meats, craft cocktails, and an active bar scene on Town Square.
Day 4
YELLOWSTONE — LOWER LOOP EXPEDITION
Geysers, Boiling Lakes & Canyon Vistas
West Thumb Geyser Basin & Lake Shoreline
West Thumb, Yellowstone National Park
Colorful lakeside thermal pools where hot springs bubble directly into the deep, cold waters of Yellowstone Lake.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Lake Village, Lake Village
Historic colonial revival dining room with panoramic views over Yellowstone Lake serving wild game sausages and bison chili.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Artist Point
Canyon Village, Canyon Village
A dramatic 1,000-foot-deep volcanic canyon framing the 308-foot Lower Falls in ochre, yellow, and red stone.
Hayden Valley Bison Watch & Tailgate Sunset
Hayden Valley, Hayden Valley
Prime habitat for hundreds of roaming bison, bald eagles, and occasional grizzly bears along the meandering Yellowstone River at twilight.
Jackson Hole Still Works Craft Spirits
South Jackson, South Jackson
Sample grain-to-glass Wyoming vodka and gin featuring artwork by Wyoming artists in a casual tasting room upon returning south.
Day 5
TETON VILLAGE & BRIDGER GONDOLA
Alpine Heights, High-Altitude Decks & Rest Day
Nora's Fish Creek Inn Breakfast
Wilson, Wilson
James Beard Award-winning cabin cafe in Wilson famed for banana french toast and fresh trout and eggs.
The Mangy Moose Saloon
Teton Village, Teton Village
Eclectic, multi-level ski village icon decorated with antique farm tools and a taxidermy moose, serving elk burgers and local beers.
Bridger Gondola Scenic Ride & Deck Walk
Teton Village, Teton Village
Ascend 2,700 vertical feet to the 9,095-foot summit of the Bridger Gondola for sweeping panoramas across the entire Jackson Hole valley.
Streetfood at the Stagecoach
Wilson, Wilson
Locals' favorite hidden inside the historic Stagecoach Bar, serving globally influenced street tacos, quesadillas, and spicy fries.
Day 6
OXBOW BEND & SIGNAL MOUNTAIN
Northern Tetons, River Otters & Sunset Peaks
Pearl Street Bagels & Slow Coffee
Downtown, Downtown Jackson
Boiled-and-baked New York style bagels and organic drip coffee with outdoor wooden benches in Jackson's west corridor.
Oxbow Bend Wildlife Overlook & Jackson Lake Dam
Moran, Moran
A tranquil horseshoe meander of the Snake River known for mirrored Mount Moran reflections, pelicans, river otters, and moose browsing in willows.
Signal Mountain Lodge Trapper Grill
Signal Mountain, Signal Mountain
Famous for mountain-sized plates of nachos, smoked brisket sandwiches, and views across Jackson Lake toward Mount Moran.
Signal Mountain Summit Sunset & Melvin Brewing Cans
Signal Mountain, Signal Mountain Summit
A 5-mile paved mountain drive leading to Jackson Lake Overlook, providing a 360-degree panoramic sunset over the entire Teton Range.
Cutty's Bar & Grill
West Jackson, Jackson West
Unvarnished local watering hole celebrated for Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, craft pints, and sports on tap.
Day 7
SNAKE RIVER CORRIDOR & TOWN SQUARE
Scenic River Float & Celebratory Farewell Dinner
Healthy Being Cafe & Juicery
Town Square, Downtown Jackson
Cold-pressed juices, avocado toasts, and chia bowls served in an intimate heritage home courtyard.
Snake River Scenic Raft Float
Snake River Corridor, Moose to Wilson
A gentle 13-mile non-whitewater drift down the braided Snake River with a river guide interpreting bald eagle nesting grounds, beaver lodges, and moose habitat.
Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream & Antler Arch Souvenirs
Town Square, Town Square
Famous wild huckleberry ice cream made with organic cream, enjoyed while browsing town square bronze galleries.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar & Finale Dinner at The Bistro
Town Square, Town Square
Savor authentic Parisian-style brasserie fare at The Bistro followed by saddle stools, live country music, and silver-dollar bar tops at the iconic Cowboy Bar.
Budget
ON TARGETTarget
$2,000
Estimated
$1,940
Difference
$60
Trip Balance Score
How well this trip will actually work
Prioritized traveler fit and experience mix for a couple seeking quality dining alongside moderate wilderness exploration within a tight budget.
What works well
- Geographically coherent zones prevent excessive driving on Grand Teton hiking days.
- Food choices emphasize high-flavor local craft spots that keep the total spend under $2000 for two.
- Wildlife viewings are timed for dusk when animal activity is naturally highest, fitting your slow morning preference.
What we would improve
- The full-day Yellowstone excursion on Day 4 requires 6 hours of total driving, which is slightly more transit-heavy than other days.
- Jenny Lake and Taggart Lake parking lots fill early in peak summer; Day 2 uses String Lake to accommodate a relaxed start.
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