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Last summer, we embarked on an unforgettable Yellowstone road trip from Jackson, Wyoming, to Bozeman, Montana, exploring some of the most stunning landscapes in the American West. This family-friendly itinerary is packed with activities for all ages, and will take you through Yellowstone National Park from south to north. You’ll witness Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, local adventure and charm, and maybe even some wildlife sightings! Along the way, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, energizing nature hikes and hidden gems that make this 10-day Yellowstone road trip truly special. It’s packed with must-see stops and unforgettable experiences that your family will treasure for years to come.

Quick Overview

• Trip Length: 8 Days
• Season Visited: Summer
• Must-Do Activities: Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; visit the adorable alpacas and llamas at Alpacas of Montana
• Most Memorable Family Activity: A scenic raft float trip down the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Hidden Gem: Sunset view from Peets Hill (Burke Park) in Bozeman, Montana

Day 1: Settle In

• Morning – Afternoon: Arrival at Jackson Hole Airport; pick up your rental car (we particularly love Go Rentals).
• Evening: Explore downtown Jackson Hole with the kids. You’ll discover souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, ice cream shops – something for everyone. We recommend a delicious Italian dinner at Glorietta Trattoria, as the perfect place to eat well and relax before the busy days ahead. Afterward, treat yourself to ice cream at Cream + Sugar.

Day 2: Grand Teton National Park

• Morning: Start your day early by heading to Grand Teton National Park. To beat the crowds, we recommend leaving by 8 a.m. Swing by Cowboy Coffee for a quick, car-friendly breakfast on your way out of Jackson. Upon entering the park, purchase the America the Beautiful Pass, which grants you access to all U.S. national parks for a year (or lifetime, depending on your purchase). Then, head straight for Jenny Lake.

• Afternoon: Upon arrival at Jenny Lake, explore the visitor center, souvenir shops and the many photo opportunities. Then, catch the boat shuttle across the lake to the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hiking trails. Yes, families and kids can manage these hikes! Our 4-year-old did great and though we didn’t make it all the way to Inspiration Point, the elevation we gained provided stunning views and beautiful family photos (and memories). On your way back to Jackson, stop at Oxbow Bend Turnout along the Snake River. This spot was perfect for our child, who enjoyed skipping rocks and admiring the wildflowers.
• Evening: Casual dinner at Gather, known for its locally inspired cocktails and tasty appetizers, or elsewhere in downtown Jackson Hole.

Day 3: West Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: Plan for an early departure time of 6 a.m. to make the most of your day at Yellowstone. I know early starts in Yellowstone can be tough with young kids. I will say that our 4-year-old managed it like a champ. We kept him in his PJs to help ease him into the day, and let him fall back asleep in the car if needed. Expect to arrive at Old Faithful around 9:30 a.m. Check the NPS app for the next estimated eruption time. For a less crowded viewing spot, head to the second-floor balcony of the Old Faithful Inn. This vantage point offers front-row seats to the geyser’s show, a cozy café for that much-needed coffee, and plenty of space for kids to move around safely. Afterward, explore the nearby geysers, including the impressive Castle Geyser, and stop by the gift shop for souvenirs (this is where we found an adorable junior ranger vest and hat for our 4-year-old).
• Afternoon: After Old Faithful, it’s time to explore the west side of the Yellowstone loop. Our top recommended stops included Grand Prismatic Spring, Emerald Pool, and Sunset Lake. Plan to eat lunch in the car or while on the go, as finding a quality (and quick) restaurant was pretty tough for us and we’d recommend prioritizing time for exploring. Leave yourself enough time to drive back to Jackson so you can sneak in a nap and enjoy a nice dinner.
• Evening: Once back in Jackson, unwind and enjoy dinner at Wild Pine, which offers serene views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 4: Local Adventure in Jackson Hole

• Morning: Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Bubba’s, where the biscuits are a must-try. Then, head over to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for a day of fun. We recommend riding the Aerial Tram first to enjoy unparalleled views of the Tetons. At the summit, treat your kids (and yourself!) to a waffle at Corbet’s Cabin, but be prepared for a bit of a wait. After descending, explore the nearby Four Seasons property or take a ride on the Bridger Gondola for another perspective of the area. The outdoor seating at the top offers a perfect spot to relax and take in the valley views.

• Afternoon: Embark on a raft float trip down the Snake River with Lewis and Clark River Expeditions. This 13-mile journey is perfect for families with kids ages 3 and up, with calm waters, eagle-spotting and stunning scenery. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable.
• Evening: After such a busy day, keep dinner relaxed by grabbing a few pizzas at Hand Fire Pizza in downtown Jackson, followed by ice cream at Moo’s.

Day 5: East Yellowstone Loop

• Morning: Grab coffee and pastries to go from Persephone Bakery before hitting the road early. Since you have to go through Grand Teton National Park to get into Yellowstone, this is your last chance to snap some photos of those majestic Tetons, so take advantage of those roadside pull-offs when you can. Today’s drive also gave us time to get a family photo next to the Yellowstone National Park sign. Today’s pine-lined drive takes you through the east side of Yellowstone, with striking views of Yellowstone Lake. After about two hours, make your first stop at Mud Geyser – a huge hit with our child. With a boiling spring nestled above a placid pond, and two bison sunbathing in the distance, it’s impossible to deny the wonder and beauty that is Yellowstone National Park. We spent about 30 minutes enjoying the scenery and skipping rocks at this lovely alternative to Mud Volcano across the highway, which was more crowded and less exciting to us (although, that parking lot is a great spot for a bathroom break).

• Afternoon: Spend the next 2-3 hours in and out of the car as you make your way up the east and north parts of Yellowstone. My favorite spots included:
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • Brink of the Lower Falls
    • After this point in your drive, you’ll loop west on Norris-Canyon Road and then head North on Grand Loop Road, Mammoth-Norris
  • Orange Spring Mound
  • Mammoth Hot Springs
  • After leaving here, stop in the historic town nearby to shop for souvenirs and snacks.
• Evening/Departure: We arrived in Bozeman in the late afternoon, giving us a chance to explore downtown and even catch some live bluegrass at a street festival. We also stayed at an Airbnb, which worked out well for a long trip like this because it gave us a spot to do laundry and make some of our own meals.

Day 6: Museum of the Rockies and Montana Grizzly Encounter

Morning: Start your day at Jam! on Main, a vibrant breakfast spot known for its creative pancakes and locally roasted coffee. The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. After breakfast, head to the Museum of the Rockies, one of the best natural history museums in the U.S. It’s home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils, including an epic Tyrannosaurus rex skull. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits; planetarium shows; and the Living History Farm, where you can explore a historic Montana homestead complete with a beautiful heirloom garden that the kids can water with adorably oversized cans.

Afternoon: For lunch, we recommend simply grabbing sandwiches at a local Whole Foods or similar stop. Then, make your way to the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a small but fantastic bear sanctuary where you can see rescued grizzlies up close. Even as a small facility, we spent at two hours here, captivated by Bella the Bear’s playful behavior, and the knowledgeable staff who shared insights about grizzly conservation. The sanctuary also had a fun gift shop, live music, pony rides, a life-sized toy train for kids, and an ice cream stand, turning it into a fun-filled stop for the entire family. Just keep in mind, the only bathroom option here is a port-a-potty.

Evening: Grab an early-enough dinner at Revelry, where the pizza is unforgettable and the vibe is trendy and fun. Then, as the sun starts to dip, head over to Burke Park (Peets Hill) — one of Bozeman’s best-kept secrets. It’s a short (albeit, somewhat steep) climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Gallatin Valley. The trails are flat, and there are benches at the top, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in a breathtaking Montana sunset. Our 4-year-old loved the climb and exploring along the trails, making this sunset moment a truly memorable one for our family. If you’re up for it, stop by Genuine for some ice cream before heading home – just be prepared to wait in line for a little while.

Day 7: Scenic Drive to Big Sky and Hike Oesel Falls

Morning: Today, you’re headed to Big Sky (about 50 miles from Bozeman). The drive from Bozeman to Big Sky along to the Gallatin River is one of the most scenic routes in Montana. Take U.S. Highway 191, which winds through the stunning Gallatin Canyon, following the river as it cuts through rugged mountains and dense forests. Along the way, you’ll pass trailheads, campgrounds, fishing sites and, potentially, wildlife including elk. The road is curvy but well-maintained. Set your navigation to the Oesel Falls trailhead, which has a convenient parking lot and bathrooms – then, grap your water bottles and start your trek to one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Montana. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike is shaded, has benches along the way, and offers multiple viewpoints to admire the falls. Kids will love skipping rocks at the base of the falls and exploring the cool, misty surroundings.

Afternoon: If you’re hungry for a rustic lunch, drive about 10 minutes to the Lone Mountain Ranch for a bite at Horn and Cantle. While the service was a bit slow, the atmosphere – a historic dude ranch with horses and a classic Western lodge – made up for it. On the way back to Bozeman, take a detour via Gooch Hill Road to Blackwood and Stucky Road for stunning horse farm views. It’s a peaceful, scenic drive showcasing Montana’s rolling countryside

Evening: Head to downtown Bozeman before 5 p.m. to explore the charming shops, such as:

• The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company – an old-school toy store with unique finds
• Heyday – a cute boutique for locally made gifts and home decor
• Wild Crumb – an artisan bakery perfect for grabbing pastries for tomorrow’s breakfast

Then, dine at Blackbird for an exceptional meal. You likely won’t see a lot of kids in here, but our 4-year-old managed fine with some meatballs and pizza.

Day 8: Alpacas of Montana and Local Exploration

Morning: For a fun and unexpected experience, pay a visit to Alpacas of Montana. This small, family-run farm offers tours where you can pet, feed and learn about alpacas – a unique, hands-on experience that your family will absolutely love. Plus, their gift shop has some of the softest alpaca wool products you’ll ever find! (We came home with alpaca wool socks to hand out as gifts to family and friends.)

Afternoon: If you’re visiting in early August like we did, you’re in for a treat – the Sweet Pea Festival, Bozeman’s beloved community arts festival. We were lucky enough to attend and spent the afternoon exploring:

• Kid-friendly art stations (tie-dye, woodworking, painting, etc.)
• Live music
• Snow cones & delicious food vendors
• Jewelry and art booths
• Hundreds of locals gathering to celebrate Bozeman’s vibrant culture

If your visit doesn’t coincide with the festival, simply strolling around Lindley Park or visiting Bozeman Sculpture Park is a great way to soak in the city’s creative energy.

Evening: If you’re craving a lively, German-inspired dining experience in Bozeman, gute Laune is the place to be. Located upstairs at the Rialto, this cozy spot serves up a fantastic selection of sausages – from classic bratwurst to bison kielbasa – paired with crispy fries, warm pretzels and steins of German and local craft beer. The atmosphere is vibrant and communal, perfect for a fun meal with friends or a large family.

Mom Hacks for an 8-Day Road Trip Through Yellowstone

• After arrival on Day 1, have one parent unpack at your place of stay while the other makes a grocery run to stock up on snacks and lunches for your days in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Trust us, you will be glad you have food in the car with you!
• Mark the spots in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park that you’d like to prioritize seeing as “Favorites” in the National Parks Service (NPS) app. This will keep your family on track throughout your time in the parks, assist with directions and ensure you experience everything you’d like to in a short amount of time.
• Make all reservations in advance, whenever possible; especially for the raft float trip, visit to Alpacas of Montana and dinner at Blackbird. Activities and restaurants were pretty crowded throughout this trip, and those reservations kept us all on track and stress-free.
• Pack for weather changes. We experienced everything from very hot days to cool nights and a complete downpour. Layers and umbrellas are key!
• If planning to shop in downtown Bozeman, go early (before 5 p.m.). It took us a few tries before finding the right time, and that was frustrating for our 4-year-old.

If you’re looking to break this trip out into shorter itineraries, check out:

• 3-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary for Kids and Families
• How to Plan the Best Jackson Hole Family Vacation
• How to Experience the Best Bozeman Vacation in 3 Days

If you have done this trip or similar, what are your top recommended sights and experiences? What did we miss? Comment below and share!