The Grand Trifecta: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier Road Trip
We're calling this one The Grand Trifecta, a national parks road trip that connects three of the most stunning parks in the country: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks. Located in the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States, this route starts in northwestern Wyoming before winding through southern and central Montana.
You’ll start in the picture-perfect peaks of Grand Teton National Park, head into the geothermal wonders and wildlife-rich valleys of Yellowstone, and finish with the dramatic alpine scenery of Glacier National Park. It’s a bucket-list road trip that gives you everything from iconic geysers and canyons to serene lakes and glacier-carved mountains. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this Montana and Wyoming National Parks Road Trip is an unforgettable adventure!
Map of Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks Road Trip
This map gives you a bird’s-eye view of the full Grand Trifecta Road Trip, connecting Montana and Wyoming’s three iconic national parks in one epic itinerary.
When should I go?
The best time to do this road trip is mid-June through early October, when all roads, trails, and visitor services are open across Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks.
Grand Teton is at its best with snow-free trails, bright wildflowers in early summer, and perfect weather for hiking or scenic drives.
Yellowstone comes alive with active wildlife, accessible geyser basins, and fully open roads so you can explore the entire park.
Glacier offers full access to the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, plus jaw-dropping alpine hikes and dramatic views of glacier-carved valleys.
During this window, you’ll also catch peak wildflower blooms in June and July, and brilliant fall colors in late September.
🚫 Avoid early spring (April-May): Many roads, trails, and lodges are still closed due to lingering snow, especially in Yellowstone and Glacier.
How long do I need?
This is one of those road trips where the journey is just as spectacular as the destinations. Driving between the parks takes you through dramatic mountain passes, wide-open valleys, and charming western towns. You’ll likely spot wildlife on the side of the road, pull over for unexpected viewpoints, and find yourself wondering how every day seems to top the last.
While it’s tempting to pack your itinerary full, try to build in some breathing room. A little flexibility goes a long way, especially in places like Yellowstone, where wildlife jams or trail closures can shift your plans. If you’re traveling with kids or less-experienced hikers, leave time for picnics, short walks, and scenic pullouts. Some of the best memories come from these slower, less-structured moments.
If you want to visit Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks in one trip, 10-14 days is ideal. This gives you time to explore without feeling rushed.
Here’s a sample breakdown:
2–3 days in Grand Teton
3–5 days in Yellowstone
3–4 days in Glacier
🎯 If you're short on time, you can still enjoy the Grand Trifecta by focusing on just one or two parks, as each offers enough to fill several days on its own.
10-Day Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier Itinerary
Here’s our recommendation for a 10-day Wyoming & Montana National Parks Itinerary that gives you plenty of time to enjoy scenic drives, top hikes, and bucket-list sights across the region.
Day 1: Fly into Bozeman, MT, and drive to Grand Teton National Park (~5 hours)
Days 2–3: Explore Grand Teton National Park
Day 4: Drive through Yellowstone via the South Entrance
Days 5–6: Explore Yellowstone National Park
Day 7: Drive from Yellowstone’s North Entrance to Glacier National Park (~6.5 hours)
Days 8–9: Explore Glacier National Park
Day 10: Drive to Bozeman (~5–5.5 hours) and fly home
Grand Teton Scenic Drive
Quick Size Comparison: How Big Are These Parks?
Grand Teton National Park: Approximately ~310,000 acres and the most compact of the three. The jagged Teton Range is highly visible and accessible from the main park roads. Shorter drives, beautiful overlooks, and quick access to hikes make Grand Teton one of the most approachable parks for first-timers.
Yellowstone National Park: Approximately 2.2 million acres and the biggest by far! Yellowstone is sprawling, with long driving distances between major sights like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Plan to cover a lot of ground.
Glacier National Park: Approximately 1 million acres and smaller in footprint than Yellowstone but towering in scale. The park feels very vertical, with dramatic mountain peaks, deep valleys, and concentrated scenery along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Lots of major hikes and views start right from the scenic drive.
Which direction should I drive?
Both directions work, but your timing can help you choose the best route:
If you’re traveling earlier in the season (late spring to early summer): Start in the south (Grand Teton) and work your way north. Glacier’s high mountain roads, especially Going-to-the-Sun Road, tend to open later due to lingering snow. Starting in Grand Teton gives Glacier more time to fully open by the time you arrive.
If you’re traveling later in the season (early fall): Start in the north (Glacier) and drive south. By October, Glacier may begin seeing early snowfall and occasional closures, so it’s smart to visit Glacier first while conditions are still clear, then head south to Yellowstone and Grand Teton where roads typically stay open a bit longer.
🌟 Our pick: If you're well within peak season (mid-July through late August), we recommend starting south in Grand Teton and heading north. This builds the trip beautifully, moving from the dramatic Tetons to Yellowstone’s geysers, and finishing with Glacier’s alpine scenery. You can follow our suggested 10-day itinerary above for a well-paced route.
Typical route options:
Northbound: Grand Teton → Yellowstone → Glacier
Southbound: Glacier → Yellowstone → Grand Teton
When Do the Roads Usually Open?
One of the biggest planning questions for this trip is Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is opened seasonally due to heavy snow at Logan Pass.
Here’s a general rule of thumb:
Grand Teton & Yellowstone: Most park roads start opening in late April to early May, but not all services or hikes will be accessible until late May (typically Memorial Day weekend). Summer crowds peak in July and August.
Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens mid June, depending on snowpack. In heavy snow years, full opening may not happen until early July. The road usually stays fully open through mid-September before early snow can start closing higher elevations again.
✅ Generally clear window for the full Grand Trifecta: July 10 through mid-September gives you the best shot at having all roads open across all three parks.
Best Things To Do & Top Attractions
Here are some of the best things to do along a Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park road trip.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton Scenic Loop: Drive both Teton Park Road and Highway 89/191 for panoramic mountain views.
Jenny Lake: Take the shuttle boat and hike to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, or Cascade Canyon.
Phelps Lake Trail: A peaceful, scenic hike with fewer crowds.
Schwabacher Landing: Beautiful spot for sunrise photography.
Mount Moran Turnout & Mountain View Overlook: Stunning viewpoints.
Moose-Wilson Road: Wildlife sightings are common—look for moose!
Yellowstone National Park
West Thumb Geyser Basin: First geothermal stop after entering from Grand Teton. Gorgeous views of Yellowstone Lake.
Old Faithful + Upper Geyser Basin: Time the eruption, then explore nearby geysers.
Grand Prismatic Spring + Overlook: Visit during afternoon light for vibrant colors.
Norris Geyser Basin: Dramatic thermal area with ever-changing activity.
Mammoth Hot Springs: Terraces, wildlife, and historic buildings.
Lamar & Hayden Valleys: Prime wildlife viewing, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Visit Artist Point and Brink of the Lower Falls.
Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun Road: One of the most scenic drives in the U.S.—don’t miss it!
Logan Pass: Great views and access to multiple trailheads, including Hidden Lake and Highline Trails.
Hidden Lake Trail: A shorter hike with high payoff. Watch for mountain goats!
Highline Trail: An iconic ridge-hugging hike with sweeping views. (Usually opens in early July.)
Avalanche Lake: A classic moderate hike to a crystal-clear alpine lake.
Lake McDonald & Apgar Village: Paddle, relax, or grab ice cream on the west side.
St. Mary Lake: Stunning sunrises and iconic photo spots on the east side.
FAQs: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier Road Trip
Q: Do I need a national park pass for this road trip?
Yes! You'll need either an annual America the Beautiful Pass or separate entrance fees for Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier. The annual pass is a great deal if you're visiting all three.
Q: Can I visit all three parks in one week?
Technically yes, but it’ll feel rushed. Ten days is a much better pace if you want to fully enjoy all three parks. If you only have a week, consider focusing on just two parks to give yourself time to really explore without feeling too crammed.
Q: What’s the best airport to fly into?
Good options include Bozeman (BZN), Jackson (JAC), or Kalispell (FCA). You can start at any of the three and drive between the parks depending on your route.
Q: Where should I stay in each park?
Here are a few of our top picks for lodging in and around each park:
Grand Teton: Stay in Jackson, WY, for restaurants and shops nearby, or inside the park at Jenny Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge, or Colter Bay Cabins. Driggs, ID, is also a great spot on the west side of the Tetons!
Yellowstone: For easy access to the northern range and fewer crowds, stay in Gardiner, MT, or Mammoth Hot Springs. Inside the park, the most central lodging locations include Old Faithful Area and Canyon Village. Read more about lodging in Yellowstone National Park here.
Glacier: On the west side, stay in West Glacier or Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins. On the east side, consider St. Mary Village or Rising Sun Motel. If you want a central location with access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald Lodge is a classic pick.
Colter Bay Village Marina in Grand Teton National Park
Q: How far is it between each park?
Here are typical drive times to help with planning:
Bozeman to Grand Teton (Jackson area): ~5 hours
Grand Teton to Yellowstone South Entrance: ~1 hour
South Entrance to Gardiner (via Grand Loop): ~4.5–5.5 hours with stops
Gardiner to Glacier (West or East Entrance): ~6–6.5 hours
Glacier West Entrance to East Entrance (via Going-to-the-Sun Road): ~2 hours (seasonal)
Glacier to Bozeman: ~5–5.5 hours
Yellowstone North Entrance
Q: Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
No, all major roads are paved and well-maintained in summer. Just check for road construction or closures before you go.
Q: Will I have cell service on this Montana and Wyoming National Parks Road Trip?
Not reliably. Glacier and Yellowstone in particular have large areas with no service. Plan ahead and download everything offline.
Q: What wildlife might I see?
Bison, elk, moose, bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, and maybe even wolves! Always keep your distance and carry bear spray when hiking. (Rent or buy bear spray once you arrive; You can’t fly with it!)
Q: What else can I do in the area?
Have more time for your road trip? There’s so much to do nearby! Consider an extra night to explore small towns like Bozeman, Jackson, or Whitefish, all of which make great home bases and offer fun local food, shops, and access to trails and activities. Consider driving the stunning Beartooth Highway, a high-elevation route that leads from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone toward Red Lodge, Montana. (It's often dubbed one of the most beautiful drives in America!) And if you're dreaming even bigger, you could continue north across the Canadian border into Waterton Lakes National Park (connected to Glacier), drive the full Icefields Parkway, or head east into the Dakotas to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park or Badlands National Park. This road trip can be as compact or as expansive as you want, so start with the basics, and build your dream route from there.
Keep Planning Your Road Trip
If you’re dreaming of an epic national parks adventure, this Montana and Wyoming national parks road trip is hard to beat. The Grand Trifecta gives you the full spectrum of what makes the American West so unforgettable: towering peaks in Grand Teton, geysers and wildlife in Yellowstone, and glacier-carved alpine beauty in Glacier National Park.
