After many months of planning, here we are embarking on an epic journey through America’s most stunning national parks! (I even made a guidebook for my mom and aunties so they can fully understand where we’re going each day on this trip.) I was very nervous at first, as I hadn’t been to the U.S. since 2019. Travelling alone is one thing, but travelling with others adds a bit of extra nervousness. Long story short, it’s breathtaking, tiring, and absolutely worth it!
This comprehensive 8-day itinerary takes us through the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, the majestic peaks of Grand Teton, and the dramatic landscapes of Zion. If you’re into nature and photography, you won’t be disappointed. I’ll share some of the places we visited—hope you enjoy them!
Getting There
We flew into Bozeman Yellowstone Airport from San Francisco instead of Salt Lake City, as it’s a shorter drive (1–1.5 hours, compared to SLC’s 4.5-hour drive) to the West Yellowstone entrance, where our Airbnb is located. Our plan is to start in the North (Yellowstone), head to Grand Teton, and eventually make our way South to the Grand Canyon.
Essential Preparations
- Purchase bear spray (crucial for safety)
- Pack a reliable cooler for food storage
- Stock up at local supermarkets before going to the park to avoid premium park prices
- Download the NPS App for easier navigation
- Download Google Maps (offline), there is pretty much no signal in many places in the park
Day 1: Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders
Old Faithful Area Exploration
Old Faithful Geyser:
One of the most famous geysers in the world. Known for its regular and predictable eruptions
Old Faithful Inn:
A masterpiece of rustic architecture, the lodge features soaring timber beams and a majestic stone fireplace. The interior’s grand lobby offers comfortable seating areas where you can relax while waiting for Old Faithful’s next eruption. The massive windows provide perfect viewing opportunities for the geyser.
Upper Geyser Basin & Trail:
Home to the world’s largest concentration of geysers, this area is a surreal landscape of steaming vents, bubbling pools, and periodic eruptions. The boardwalk system weaves through a collection of fascinating thermal features, each with its own unique personality and schedule.
Sapphire Pool:
This one really draws me into it, that clear blue doesn’t seem real. The clear, deep waters surround a delicate crust of white mineral deposits, creating a striking contrast.
Grand Prismatic Spring:
The crown jewel of Yellowstone’s thermal features, this massive hot spring is a rainbow ring of vibrant colours caused by heat-loving bacteria. Best viewed in the late afternoon when steam is minimal, the spring’s brilliant blues, yellows, and oranges create an otherworldly scene. The boardwalk offers ground-level views, perfect for appreciating the spring’s immense size.
Pro Tip: Check the NPS Geyser Prediction Times before visiting.
Day 2: Yellowstone’s Roosevelt Area
Wildlife and Canyon Views
Lamar Valley:
Prime wildlife viewing area (best at dawn or sunset). We spotted three deers, a few cows, and a million bison hahaha
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
A spectacular gorge up to 1,200 feet deep, carved by the Yellowstone River. The canyon walls showcase stunning yellow, red, and pink colours created by hydrothermally altered rhyolite rock. We really really love this spot!
Artist Point:
The most photographed view in Yellowstone offers a perfect composition of the Lower Falls framed by the colourful canyon walls. The morning light illuminates the canyon beautifully, making it an ideal spot for sunrise photography.
Brink of the Lower Falls Trail:
A steep but rewarding trail that takes you to the edge of the 308-foot Lower Falls. The powerful rush of water and the spray creates an immersive experience. While challenging (600-foot descent), the close-up view of the falls is unforgettable.
Day 3: Yellowstone’s Mammoth Area
Thermal Features and Historic Sites
This morning turned out to be quite unexpected! As soon as we passed through the West Entrance of Yellowstone, traffic came to a complete standstill. We had no idea why, but as time slowly passed, we discovered the reason. After being stuck for 4.5 hours, we realized a bison family was casually strolling along the road! 😂 You’ve got to love it—you just have to embrace the uncertainty to fully enjoy travelling.
Norris Geyser Basin:
The hottest and most dynamic thermal area in Yellowstone. The landscape here truly feels alien, with steam venting from countless fissures and the ground literally boiling beneath the boardwalks.
**It’s REALLY REALLY hot there, be prepared.
On our way to the next spot, we saw three grizzly bears!!! If it’s not for the delay this morning, we couldn’t have seen this. So glad we did 🙂
Mammoth Hot Springs:
A unique thermal area where hot water ascends through ancient limestone deposits, creating terraces of travertine. Love the colour combination here, somehow it looks ice cream to me (the white bits)
Pro Tip: Visit Norris Geyser Basin at sunrise to avoid crowds and see the best steam effects.
Gardiner:
A charming gateway town featuring the iconic Roosevelt Arch, the original entrance to the world’s first national park. (It’s pretty close to Mammoth Hot Spring, a good place for stopping by for Lunch) The arch’s inscription, “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People,” captures the spirit of the national park system. The town offers authentic Montana charm with local restaurants and shops.
**We didn’t end up going to this little town because of the delay early, but hopefully, we will come back next time.
Day 4: Yellowstone Lake Area
Lakeside Wonders
Mud Volcano:
A dramatically active area featuring bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The Dragons Mouth Spring is particularly impressive, with waves of hot water rhythmically sloshing out of a cave-like opening, accompanied by a roaring sound.
West Thumb Geyser Basin:
A unique thermal area on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, where hot springs and pools seem to merge with the lake itself. I would say this is one of my favourite spots in the park; it is breathtaking and so beautiful.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel:
A grand colonial-style hotel with stunning lake views. The sunroom, with its tall windows and elegant furnishings, offers a perfect setting for afternoon relaxation. The string quartet performances add a touch of refinement to the wild surroundings.
I would also like to recommend this local artist – Andrea McDowell; she has digitally restored and redesigned vintage posters, creating modern-day art prints on high-quality linen paper. Her vintage posters collection is beautiful, really love the one I bought from her.
Andrea McDowell Vintage Posters Collection
That’s a wrap for Yellowstone National Park✨
Day 5-6: Grand Teton National Park
Colter Bay & Lakeshore Trail:
A serene area combining human comfort with natural beauty. The easy 2-mile Lakeshore Trail loops around the bay, offering constant views of the Tetons reflected in Jackson Lake. Take a boat trip to enjoy the scenery!
Trapper Grill:
I highly recommend stopping by here to have lunch!! This restaurant offers more than just excellent food (their nachos and burgers are so good!) The outside seating provides panoramic views of Jackson Lake and the Grand Teton Mountain Range. The portion sizes are generous enough to save some for later trail snacks.
Day 6: Photography Paradise
Schwabacher Landing:
It is a photographer’s dream location, especially at sunrise. The calm waters of the Snake River create perfect reflections of the Teton range. Multiple beaver ponds provide different composition opportunities, and the morning light on the peaks creates a magical atmosphere. Arrive early to secure a good spot!
Moose-Wilson Road:
A wildlife viewer’s paradise, this narrow road winds through diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and sagebrush meadows. Best visited at dawn or dusk when animals are most active. Unfortunately, we didn’t see much, but again, at least a million bison were present!
Mormon Row:
Historic homestead buildings are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tetons. The weathered barns, especially the famous T.A. Moulton Barn (the most photographed barn in America).
For next time, we would love to go for “Jackson Lake Scenic Cruises”, which offers a breakfast excursion departing from Colter Bay Marina. Guests enjoy a hearty breakfast on Elk Island with stunning Teton views, followed by time to explore. Runs mid-June to mid-September.
Jackson Lake Scenic Cruises
Day 8: Zion National Park Highlights
Canyon Views and Trails
Riverside Walk:
A peaceful, paved trail that follows the Virgin River through a narrow canyon. The 2.2-mile round-trip walk features hanging gardens, weeping rocks, and perfect views of the canyon walls. This trail leads to the entrance of the famous Narrows and is accessible for all skill levels.
Checkerboard Mesa: Unique rock formations
A unique geological feature showcasing fascinating crosshatch patterns eroded into the white Navajo Sandstone. The unusual texture is created by both vertical and horizontal fractures in the rock. The late afternoon light best highlights the mesa’s distinctive patterns.
To see more of my trip, check out my videos below.