Hey there, fellow travelers! I want to take you through an unforgettable five-day trip across Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. My husband and I, along with our trusty rental car, hit the open road, experiencing everything from vibrant towns to some of the most jaw-dropping national parks. If you’re into hiking, stunning scenery, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, this trip is definitely for you!

We stayed at two main locations: Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton and a hotel just outside Yellowstone National Park, which made exploring super convenient.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Jackson Hole

We kicked off our adventure in the charming town of Jackson Hole. This little mountain town is absolutely picturesque, surrounded by towering peaks and filled with local charm.

• Downtown Jackson Hole: We spent the day walking through the town, checking out local shops, art galleries, and of course, the famous antler arches at the town square.
• Dining: Jackson Hole is packed with great places to eat, and we couldn’t resist grabbing lunch at a cozy café, followed by some delicious ice cream. Make sure to try the local flavors – they’re delicious!
• Nightlife: If you’re up for it, Jackson Hole also has some cool bars with live music. We ended our evening soaking in the vibes and enjoying the mountain air.

Day 2: Grand Teton National Park – Delta Lake & Visitor Center

Day 2 was all about nature, and Grand Teton National Park did not disappoint! The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking.

• Delta Lake Hike: This was a tough hike, but if you’re up for the challenge, the views are beyond worth it. Delta Lake is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tetons, and the color of the water is a striking turquoise blue. The hike up is strenuous with some steep terrain, but the reward at the top will take your breath away.
• Visitor Center: After the hike, we made a stop at the visitor center to learn more about the park’s history and pick up some souvenirs.

Day 3: Lake of the Crags – A Challenging Hike

We took Day 3 to tackle another amazing hike in Grand Teton. This time, we headed out to Lake of the Crags, which involved a boat ride and a more challenging trek.

• Boat from the Visitor Center: We took a scenic boat ride across Jenny Lake to start our hike. It was the perfect way to kick off the day.
• Lake of the Crags Hike: This hike was no joke – definitely for those who are experienced hikers. The trail is steep and a bit rugged, but reaching the lake at the top, nestled in between rocky peaks, made it all worthwhile. It’s one of those hidden gems that feels untouched by the crowds.
• Relaxing Evening: After such an intense hike, we kept it low-key in the evening with dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge, which offers some stunning sunset views.

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park – Iconic Landmarks

Yellowstone is one of those bucket-list destinations, and for good reason. Day 4 was packed with must-see landmarks.

• Visitor Center: We started our day at the visitor center, where we grabbed maps and chatted with rangers about the best spots to see.
• Old Faithful: Watching Old Faithful erupt is one of those iconic experiences. We made sure to arrive early to grab a good spot to watch this famous geyser in action.
• Grand Prismatic Spring: This was one of my personal highlights – the colors here are unreal. The vibrant blues, oranges, and yellows make this hot spring one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
• Crystal Falls (Upper & Lower): To round out our day, we visited the stunning Crystal Falls. Both the upper and lower falls are incredible, and the sound of the rushing water is so peaceful.

Day 5: Avalanche Peak Trail – A Final Hike

On our last day, we decided to finish with a bang by hiking the Avalanche Peak Trail.

• Avalanche Peak Trail: This was one of the more challenging hikes of the trip. It’s steep and can be tough, but the panoramic views from the top are worth every step. You get sweeping views of Yellowstone and the surrounding wilderness that feel endless.
• Final Thoughts: This was the perfect way to end our adventure. Standing at the top of Avalanche Peak, taking in the vast, untouched beauty, really made the whole trip feel complete.

Wrap-Up: My Tips for the Journey

If you’re planning a similar trip, here are a few tips that made our journey easier:

• Renting a Car: Having a rental car gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace. You’ll need one to get around, especially when hopping between national parks.
• Accommodations: Staying at Jackson Lake Lodge and the hotel outside Yellowstone was the perfect setup. It allowed us to explore two national parks without having to drive too far each day.
• Be Prepared for Hikes: Both Delta Lake and Avalanche Peak are challenging, so make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes.
• Weather and Wildfire Resources: We visited at the end of August through early September, and a recent wildfire had just passed through, leaving smoky conditions in certain areas. Before heading out, check the weather and wildfire reports regularly. The National Park Service and apps like AllTrails and Weather.gov are great resources to keep track of conditions. Always make sure the air quality and trail accessibility are safe before setting out on a hike!

This trip was such an amazing experience, and I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure through Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, unforgettable hikes, or just a quiet escape into nature, this part of the country has it all!

Happy travels!