5-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary from Island Park

The ultimate 5-day itinerary covering Yellowstone's geysers, Grand Canyon, and Lamar Valley plus Grand Teton's Jenny Lake, Mormon Row, and scenic drives — all from your Island Park basecamp.

Day 1 — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic & Geyser Basins

Enter Yellowstone via the West Entrance by 7:45 AM. Visit Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk, then head to Grand Prismatic Spring and the Fairy Falls Overlook for the iconic aerial view. Afternoon: explore Norris Geyser Basin.

Day 2 — Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Hayden Valley

Drive to Canyon Village for Artist Point, Uncle Tom's Trail, and Brink of the Lower Falls. Afternoon wildlife drive through Hayden Valley for bison, grizzlies, and wolves.

Day 3 — Lamar Valley & Mammoth Hot Springs

Pre-dawn departure for Lamar Valley — the "Serengeti of North America." Watch for wolf packs, grizzlies, and bison herds at sunrise. Midday: Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. Return via Tower Fall.

Day 4 — Grand Teton Scenic Drive & Photo Stops

Sunrise at Mormon Row's Moulton Barn. Morning stops: Schwabacher Landing, Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend. Drive Signal Mountain Road for panoramic views. Lunch in Jackson. Afternoon: Teton Park Road and Chapel of the Transfiguration.

Day 5 — Jenny Lake & Teton Hikes

Take the Jenny Lake shuttle boat to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Continue into Cascade Canyon for moose and wildflowers. Afternoon options: Taggart Lake (easy), String Lake loop, or Delta Lake (strenuous).

Why Island Park Is the Best Basecamp

Stay in Island Park for all 5 nights — 30 minutes from Yellowstone, 90 minutes from Grand Teton. Lodgepole Pines Retreat sleeps 12 with full kitchen, hot tub, and washer/dryer. Book directly and save up to 10%.