Grizzly bears at Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Grant Ordelheide
See granite domes, desert landscapes and incredible wildlife from Yosemite to Yellowstone on this 1,564-mile adventure.
Road Trip Overview
From your starting point in California, head to Yosemite National Park where you'll find awe-inspiring granite domes and waterfalls, historic hotels, interactive visitor centers and amazing trails. Go online for details on where to stay and what to do at
www.myyosemitepark.com.
Beyond is Lake Tahoe, the open desert landscape of Nevada, a slice of Idaho and Wyoming. In Pocatello, Idaho, stop by a museum dedicated to all things “clean” and press on to Jackson, Wyo., a mix of cowboy culture, glamour and breathtaking scenery. From there explore by foot or boat the stunning Grand Teton National Park, which sits at the doorstep of Jackson, and then drive north to Yellowstone National Park where geysers and the best wildlife show in the Lower 48 await.
Download Trip PDFRoad Trip Itinerary
Start: California
Start from your hometown on the West Coast or fly into a California airport such as Fresno, San Francisco, or Los Angeles.
Stop 1: Yosemite National Park
Half Dome from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Grant Ordelheide
Hit Yosemite's legendary trails and scenic overlooks to see waterfalls, granite domes, and mountain lakes.
Read more on our sister website.Stop 2: Lowa Demo Center in Norden, California
Hiking down from Glacier Point on the Panorama Trail in Yosemite. Photo by Grant Ordelheide
For any national park traveler, good footwear is essential. In your travels to or from Yosemite, stop by Lowa Boot’s demo center in the Clair Tappaan Lodge, in Norden, Calif., in the Lake Tahoe area. At the demo center, anyone can try Lowa boots for a day for free plus people learn how wearing the proper hiking boot can really improve their time on the trail.
Read more on our sister website.Stop 3: Pocatello, Idaho
Get Green and Clean in Pocatello
The world's first vacuum cleaner at the Museum of Clean in Pocatello. Photo courtesy of Visit Pocatello
Photo courtesy of Visit Pocatello
Play outdoors in this Idaho gateway. See the Museum of Clean, the Idaho Museum of Natural History, or grizzlies up close at the Pocatello Zoo.
Read More.Set Up Your RV Camp in Idaho
RVing in Idaho near the Galena Summit
Idaho is Yellowstone’s less crowded next-door neighbor. At Idaho RV Parks and Campgrounds, enjoy breathtaking scenery and legendary outdoor recreation. Pocatello alone has eight RV campgrounds. Search for sites more sites on the website.
Read More.Stay and Play at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel & Fort Hall Casino in Fort Hall, Idaho
Shoshone-Bannock Hotel in Fort Hall, Idaho. Courtesy photo
Located on I-15, just north of Pocatello and south of Idaho Falls, Fort Hall Casino is your place to find friendly service and gaming excitement.
Read More.Stop 4: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Parks Galore in Idaho Falls
Waterfalls along the Greenbelt in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Stroll or jog along the Snake River on the Greenbelt. Along the way, you’ll pass fishing ponds, waterfalls, overlooks and the Friendship Garden. Then visit a drive-in movie theater, catch a world-class theater performance, see a pair of lions and find out where all those potatoes you eat come from.
Read more.A Dose of Culture at the Museum of Idaho
Roman exhibit at the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls. Courtesy photo
Stop in Idaho Falls, Idaho, en route to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, to find there’s merit to the expression “all roads lead to Rome.”
Read More.Stop 5: Idaho's Teton Valley
Drive Through Yellowstone Bear World
Drive through Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg. Courtesy photo
All kinds of animals—including wolves, elk, deer, mountain goats, bears and bison—roam throughout this outdoor playground, which you can see from the comfort of your own car.
Read More.Curbside Attractions in Idaho’s Yellowstone-Teton Territory
Spud Drive-In Theatre in Driggs Idaho. Photo by Nick Cote
From TV inventors to root beer floats, you’ll find great Americana in eastern Idaho. Visit the Spud Drive-Inn, Yellowstone Bear World, and a summer music scene.
Read More.The West Side Story of Teton Valley and Grand Targhee Resort
Scenic chairlift at Grand Targhee Resort. Courtesy photo
With so much attention on the east side of the Tetons, leave the crowds behind and experience the top eight things to do on the Teton’s west side.
Read More.Stop 6: Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park
Have Some Fun on the Water in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole
Kayaking on Jackson Lake in Grant Teton National Park. Photo by James Kaiser courtesy of O.A.R.S.
Photo by James Kaiser courtesy of O.A.R.S.
Take a kayaking trip with O.A.R.S. or rent a canoe and go it alone. Take a scenic float trip or a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the Snake River with Lewis & Clark Expeditions, Barker-Ewing, or Mad River Boat Trips. Or enjoy a Jackson Lake boat cruise.
Read more.
7 Reasons to Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art
Robert Bateman (Canadian, b. 1930), Chief. 1997. Acrylic on Canvas. 71 x 98 inches. Gift of Birgit and Robert Bateman, National Museum of Wildlife Art
Perched above the Elk Refuge and two miles from Grand Teton National Park, the National Museum of Wildlife Art features more than 5,000 items of animal art.
Read More.Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Via Ferrata, Tram and Ropes Course
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram from Teton Village. Courtesy Photo
Spend a day in Teton Village climbing our new Via Ferrata experience, riding the tram or tackling our ropes course or climbing wall. It’s your ticket to fun.
Read More.Rest Stops
Convenient lodging in Jackson, Wyoming.
Ranch Inn in downtown Jackson
It's the closest motel property to the famous Jackson Town Square giving you easy access to restaurants, museums, theaters, and nightlife. More info at 307-733-6363,
www.ranchinn.com.
Town Square Inns has four locations in Jackson.
Stay at the Antler Inn, 49er Inn & Suites, Cowboy Village Resort, or Elk County Inn. More info at 800-483-8667,
www.townsquareinns.comJackson Hole Resort Lodging
Vacation rentals including condominiums, townhomes and homes throughout Jackson Hole including Teton Village.
www.jhrl.comSuper 8 Jackson Hole
Just one mile from Jackson's town square.
www.jacksonholesuper8.com7 Best Places to Eat and Sleep in Grand Teton National Park
The window overlooking the Tetons at Jackson Lake Lodge. Photo courtesy of Grand Teton Lodge Co.
It’s easy to get distracted by the park’s world-class views, but don’t miss these places at Grand Teton Lodge and Jackson Lake to eat and sleep.
Read More.Stay Between Two Parks at Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
Headwaters Lodge at dusk. Photo by David Switfti courtesy of Grand Teton Lodge Co.
Photo by David Swift courtesy of Grand Teton Lodge Co.
Located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (2 miles south of Yellowstone National Park), you’ll find newly remodeled cabins, RV and Tent Camping
Read More.Stop 7: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone's most famous geyser, Old Faithful at Twilight
iStock
Enter in Yellowstone National Park's South Entrance. See our
park itineraries for things to do in the park.
GyPSy Guide Yellowstone Tour App
Yellowstone GyPSy Guide App for your cell phone or tablet
Deposit Photos
Download the Yellowstone tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GyPSy Guide automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.
Read More.End
