Ultimate Yellowstone Itinerary in 2 Days

Looking for a Yellowstone itinerary that packs in the top highlights, best hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas? Well, you came to the right spot! Kevin and I recently completed a 10 day babymoon road trip through the southwest. This has been a trip many years in the making. In fact, Kevin and I talked about visiting Yellowstone ever since moving to the west coast about 12 years ago. I guess better late than never!

Before my mom passed away from pancreatic cancer, she would always ask us why we never made the trek (and not-so-subtly, sent us airfare and hotel deals!). It clearly was one of my mom’s favorite places in the world.

So when Kevin and I found out we were having twins, we knew our time to visit Yellowstone National Park arrived. Typically, Kevin and I would have planned some elaborate and exotic international vacation with a big chunk of time off from work. But coronavirus kept us in the US. I’m sure my mom was smiling down on our entire trip. And probably thinking, well it took a pandemic, but you finally made it!

Without further adieu, here are our recommendations for your next Yellowstone itinerary. And without a doubt, my mom was right. It was one of the most beautiful spots we’ve been. I guess a mom really does know best.

Where Should You Base Yourself for Your Yellowstone Itinerary?

It’s virtually a choose your own adventure when planning a trip to Yellowstone. In fact, my head was spinning with all the options. There is West Yellowstone — with your traditional hotels and a nice commercial shopping strip. And of course, there is Yellowstone National Park itself. However, due to coronavirus, all hotel accommodations inside the park were closed. Though, camping was still in operation. Let’s just say, we aren’t really camping guys (um, Kevin hates dirt…need I say more?). If the park’s hotels are open, you really can’t go wrong with the Old Faithful Inn (starting at $500 USD a night). My mom was absolutely convinced we’d love it there. While it was shut down, we did get to peek inside at its grand lobby. I could picture ourselves hanging out on a couch and sipping a glass of wine.

If money isn’t an object, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to the south, is a wonderful spot. But Kevin and I wanted a little extra bang for our buck. And based ourselves in Idaho Falls at the Red Dutch Colonial on Airbnb ($175 USD a night). Sure, there isn’t a lot to do in Idaho Falls. But after a full day of exploring Yellowstone, you’ll likely just want to relax at your accommodation anyway (or at least we did). We did splurge for one night in Jackson Hole. It was by far the most expensive hotel on the trip (and honestly, our least favorite!).

Idaho Falls is certainly sleepy. But as you’ll see, the Airbnb is perfect for a family and a fraction of the cost of any hotel near the park. Also, it was about 20 times bigger than the hotel room in Jackson Hole that we stayed at later in the trip.

If staying in Idaho Falls, you’ll need to factor in the drive time each day (1 hour, 45 minutes one way to the West Yellowstone entrance). Jackson Hole is closer in proximity to Yellowstone. But one thing to keep in mind is traffic. The south entrance (near Jackson Hole) can get backed up and add a lot of extra time (compared to the less crowded West Yellowstone entrance).

How Many Days in Yellowstone? 

Some people spend a week or more in Yellowstone. But if you’re like us, you’ll find that 2 to 3 days is more than enough time to get a sense of the park. In fact, we mapped out a 2 day Yellowstone itinerary that seemed like the perfect amount of time. We saw most of the major sites, hiked some incredible trails and saw plenty of animals along the way.

Day 1 – Yellowstone Itinerary

The first day of this itinerary covers most of the iconic Yellowstone spots. What we love about this itinerary is the mix of sightseeing and hiking. If you’re a more active traveller like us, you’ll enjoy the hikes sprinkled throughout the itinerary. By the end of the day, your legs will be tired!

• 7 AM, Get an early start for greatest-hits of the Yellowstone lower loop. Begin from the popular west entrance (1 hr 45 min from Idaho Falls).
  • Drive along the Madison River, where you can see the forest recovering from the 1988 fires. You’ll also spot ducks, grazing elk and bison.
• 9:30-11 AM, Explore Norris Geyser Basin. Walk the boardwalks through the geyser-packed Back Basin and the smaller, White Porcelain Basin. Spend at least an hour here.

• 11 AM, Drive towards Canyon Village (20 minute drive)
  • A good spot for a snack and shopping. I didn’t have to buy too many things since my mom pretty much gave us just about EVERYTHING from her vacation in Yellowstone — from Yellowstone-branded pens to re-useable bags and even a Yellowstone wool blanket!

• 11:20 AM – 12 PM, Visit Canyon Village. Re-fuel.
• 12-12:30 South Rim Drive, peek at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone including Upper Falls and Lower Falls (5 min drive)
  • Hike South Rim Trail for rim side views (1.8 miles, 30 min).
  • Go to Artist Point for a view of Lower Falls (.2 miles, 5 min).

• 1 PM, Drive to Hayden Valley (15 min). Look out for bison and bears.
• 1:30 PM, Pick up lunch, Wylie’s Canteen (located inside Lake Yellowstone Hotel, 30 min)

• 2 PM, Depart southwest to West Thumb (30 min drive).
  • 2:30-3 PM, Walk the boardwalk through this small lakeside geyser basin.

• 3 PM, Drive to Old Faithful (30 minutes)
• 3:30-5:00 PM, Old Faithful, erupts every hour (give or take). In between eruptions, stroll the boardwalk through Upper Geyser Basin to gaze at more than a hundred other thermal features.

• Take note, Old Faithful gets VERY busy. You’ll know it’s about to erupt based on the crowd gathered around it. Half the challenge is finding parking here at the lot.

• 5-5:30 PM, Visit the Old Faithful Inn.
• 5:30 PM, Depart for Grand Prismatic Spring (15 min drive).
• 5:45-6:30 PM, Explore Grand Prismatic Spring.
  • We highly recommend strolling along the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail. It’s a strenuous hike, taking about 45 minutes total. But well worth it for that incredible view from above!
  • Park 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Midway Geyser Basin at the Fairy Falls Parking Lot.

• 6:30 PM, Drive back to Idaho Falls (2 hour, 20 min drive). Before you depart, stop in West Yellowstone for some shopping and much-needed coffee for the drive back!

• 9 PM, Arrive back at Airbnb in Idaho Falls.

Day 2 – Yellowstone Itinerary

Day 2 of the Yellowstone itinerary is much more driving heavy. You’ll see a lot of wildlife today as well as explore much more remote sections of the park that many visitors don’t explore. 

• 6:30 AM, Wake up. Eek, I know it’s early! Trust me, I feel you. I’m not at all a morning person.
• 7 AM, Depart for Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (2 hr drive)
• 9-10:30 AM, Explore Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
  • This place is fantastic, located right in downtown West Yellowstone. The main purpose of the Center is to help visitors learn about grizzlies and wolves through educational programs.

• • You’ll get to see bears in their outside play areas and ask questions from one of the center’s animal experts. Be sure to head straight to the back to check out their impressive otter exhibit.

• 10:30 AM, Drive to Mammoth Hot Spring (1.5 hours)
• 12-1:30 PM, Explore Mammoth Hot Springs
  • Walk the upper and lower terraces. It’s like your personal Stair Master — you’ll get in your steps here.

• 1:30-2 PM, Just minutes away, take a self-guided tour of Fort Yellowstone. 
  • Construction at Fort Yellowstone began in 1890, and once housed soldiers and their families. Today, Fort Yellowstone is comprised of the Yellowstone National Park headquarters, the Horace Albright Visitor Center and staff accommodations. It’s worth walking around and taking a peek at the historic buildings.

• 2-3:30 PM, Drive to Lamar Valley, heading along Blacktail Plateau Drive for great wildlife-spotting. This wide, rich expanse is home to most of the park’s major wildlife species; dawn and dusk are the best times to look for them, especially wolves.

• 5:30 PM, Arrive in West Yellowstone (coffee for the drive back!)
• 6 PM, Depart for Idaho Falls (1.5 hours)
• 9 PM, Arrival back at Idaho Falls. Enjoy Airbnb, relax. We ended up watching Sister Act 1, and the cringe-worthy Sister Act sequel. We also had fun working on a puzzle we picked up from one of the stores at the national park.

And here’s to checking off one of our big bucket list items from our list. Yellowstone was well worth the visit, despite the long lead up to get here. Looking for other ideas through the southwest? Check out our babymoon adventure in Sedona where I attempted to find my inner Zen. Love the great outdoors? Check out our perfect 2-day itinerary in Page, Arizona that takes you through the picture-perfect Antelope Canyon. Or if you’re more into quirky travel spots, follow our great American road trip along Route 66.