7-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour Packages
Have you seen wolves in the wild? Yellowstone gives you that chance, especially in Lamar Valley where they hunt across open ground. Old Faithful erupts on schedule, the geysers never stop steaming, and Mammoth Hot Springs builds terraces from mineral deposits. Jenny Lake reflects mountains perfectly, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone runs deep and colorful, and America's first national park still sets the standard.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Yellowstone National Park tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaYellowstone National Park travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day Yellowstone & Grand Tetons Winter Itinerary, incl. Jackson and Mammoth Hot Springs
Seven days of winter wonder include Old Faithful Snow Lodge stays, snowcoach tours to Fountain Paint Pots, and wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley. Expert guides lead visits to Upper Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Days 1-2
Jackson & Grand Teton National Park
Start your adventure in Jackson, Wyoming where winter transforms this Western town into a snow-covered paradise. Take an early morning sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge on day two. Be sure to dress in layers and bring hand warmers since morning temperatures often drop below 10°F. A recent visitor shared: "Watching thousands of elk gather in the refuge was breathtaking. The sleigh gets incredibly close to these magnificent creatures."
- Days 2-3
Old Faithful Area
Take a heated snowcoach from Flagg Ranch into Yellowstone. The 2.5-hour journey to Old Faithful includes stops at West Thumb Geyser Basin. Check with the visitor center for geyser prediction times. Winter eruptions are spectacular when steam meets cold air. Stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge and request a ground floor room if mobility is a concern since there are no elevators.
- Day 4
Canyon Area & Mammoth Hot Springs
Continue north by snowcoach to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Pack ice cleats or YakTraks for the icy Lower Falls viewing area. In the afternoon visit the striking Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. The steam creates an impressive show against the winter landscape. Stay on marked boardwalks since snow can hide dangerous hot springs.
- Day 5
Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching
Visit Lamar Valley early for the best wildlife viewing in what's called America's Serengeti. Animals are most active at dawn. Pack good binoculars (10x42 magnification minimum) and wear very warm clothes since wildlife watching involves standing still. Spend the night in West Yellowstone and visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center for close-up wildlife education.
- Day 6
Idaho's Teton Views
Take the less-traveled western route through Idaho for unique views of Grand Teton peak (13,777 feet). The quiet winter roads offer peaceful mountain vistas. Return to Jackson for your final evening and enjoy a hearty meal at one of the local restaurants.
- Day 7
Jackson Departure
Book afternoon flights out of Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). Morning winter weather often affects flight schedules.
6 Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary, incl. Jackson and Lamar Valley
Natural wonders fill 6 days at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Lamar Valley. The itinerary includes Norris Geyser Basin's 2-mile boardwalk and Mammoth Hot Springs' 3-mile terrace loop, plus dawn wildlife safaris under Wyoming stars.
- Day 1
Jackson to Yellowstone's Southern Loop
Plan to start early from Jackson Hole. The 2-hour drive north to Yellowstone's South Entrance should get you there before 10 AM to avoid tour bus crowds at Old Faithful. Instead of rushing to Old Faithful like most visitors, check out Grand Prismatic Spring first. The morning steam usually clears around 10 AM, giving you better photo opportunities. Bring plenty of layers. Even in summer, temperatures can swing up or down by 30°F.
- Day 2
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Spend time exploring the park's canyon region. Take the Mount Washburn trail for a good chance to spot bighorn sheep. Start by 8 AM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The trail climbs 1,400 feet and can be challenging, especially since you're starting at 8,000 feet elevation. Bring trekking poles. Visit Artist Point for classic canyon views, or tackle Uncle Tom's Trail with its 328 steel stairs for a more adventurous view.
- Day 3
Lamar Valley & Mammoth Hot Springs
Head to Lamar Valley at dawn for wildlife watching. This is your best shot at seeing wolves and grizzlies. Take the 3-mile walk at Mammoth Hot Springs, but watch your step on the wet travertine. Good grip shoes are essential. At Norris Geyser Basin, take the 2-mile boardwalk loop clockwise to see the most active features first.
- Day 4
West Thumb to Grand Teton
Visit West Thumb Geyser Basin at sunrise when steam is most visible against Yellowstone Lake. Take the 1.5-hour drive south to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton. Consider the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, but expect 30-minute waits after mid-morning.
- Day 5
Snake River & Grand Teton Trails
Start your morning in Grand Teton National Park on the Taggart Lake trail. It offers great mountain views without too much climbing. Try rafting on Snake River in the afternoon. A recent visitor shared: "The stretch below Deadman's Bar had perfect Class II-III rapids – exciting but not terrifying. Guide spotted three bald eagles!"
- Day 6
Final Morning in Jackson
Get to Schwabacher Landing 30 minutes before sunrise for final Teton photos with reflections. Allow 90 minutes for airport check-in and security during peak season.
7 Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary, incl. Bozeman and Jackson
Yellowstone's grandeur unfolds over 7 days with Old Faithful eruptions, Grand Prismatic Spring walks, and wildlife spotting in Hayden Valley. The tour includes 2.2-mile Mammoth Terraces trail, Fort Yellowstone historic district, and stays at Yellowstone Lodge.
- Days 1-2
Bozeman, Montana
Start your trip in Bozeman to get used to the altitude at 4,800 feet. The historic Main Street area puts you within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. Visit the Museum of the Rockies early on day two before 10 AM when the dinosaur exhibits are quietest. The Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton display is particularly impressive.
- Day 3
West Yellowstone to Norris Geyser Basin
It takes about 2 hours to drive from Bozeman to West Yellowstone. Get to the park's west entrance by 8 AM to avoid tour buses. When you reach Norris Geyser Basin, take the back loop trail instead of the front loop that most visitors use. You'll get a more peaceful experience of the steaming vents and acidic springs. Bring shoes with good grip since the boardwalks get slippery from geothermal mist.
- Day 4
Mammoth Hot Springs Area
Morning light makes the terraced hot springs look their best. Start at the Upper Terrace parking lot and walk down the 2.2-mile Mammoth Terraces Trail. It's less strenuous this way and gives you better views. A recent visitor shared: "The morning light hitting the white limestone terraces creates incredible photo opportunities. We saw elk grazing right beside the boardwalk around 7 AM."
- Day 5
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Start with the North Rim since it opens earlier than the South Rim. Stop at Artist Point for sunrise views of Lower Falls. You'll see the canyon's red and yellow colors at their most vibrant in the morning light. Pack an extra layer since the viewpoints are often much cooler and windier than the parking areas.
- Day 6
Old Faithful & Geyser Basins
Check the visitor center for Old Faithful eruption times and plan your day from there. Visit Grand Prismatic Spring before noon to see its colors clearly without steam. The elevated overlook trail offers better views than the boardwalk. Leave some extra time in your schedule for unexpected geyser eruptions.
- Day 7
Grand Teton National Park
Take the South Entrance to Grand Teton early in the day. Stop at Oxbow Bend before 9 AM to see Mount Moran reflected in the calm water. The drive to Jackson takes about 1.5 hours without stops. Book afternoon flights if leaving from Jackson Hole Airport since morning fog often causes delays.
Yellowstone National Park 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Yellowstone Winter Wonderland
Yellowstone Camping Explorer
Yellowstone Discovery (Classic)
USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Grand Tetons Adventure
South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
A Yellowstone National Park Winter Wonderland
Gallatin Skyline
Thorofare Adventure Hike
Journeys: Iconic Wildlife of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Geographic
6-Day Signature Snowmobile Adventure: Jackson Hole & Yellowstone
What people love about 7-day Yellowstone National Park tours
- South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer
Our trip was fantastic. Our guide Caty was great, very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw so many sights in Yellowstone (bears, bison, fox, deer, elk, antelope big horn sheep). Everything was perfect.
- 5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure
We experienced more of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with this tour, than we would have on our own. We enjoyed meeting new people, seeing all the sights, and not having to worry about driving and directions. Be prepared to do a lot of walking/hiking - but it is worth it!
- Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure
A busy week with an exceptional and personable guide. Mike Brown did all he could to make our experience in yellowstone and the grand tetons a lifetime experience. We were very happy, if exhausted by the tour.
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