Yellowstone & Grand Tetons Walking
The Western Wilderness
Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, where geysers erupt with plumes of steam and wildlife appears around every bend. In this timeless landscape of snowcapped peaks, serene lakes and lodgepole pine forests, it’s easy to imagine those who inhabited the surrounding mountains long ago: American Indians, rugged mountain men, 19th-century French trappers and cowboys working the vast terrain. Backroads invites you to explore this dramatic tableau, hiking through alpine meadows carpeted with mountain bluebells and Indian paintbrush. Then recount the journey in the warmth and comfort of grand lodges.
Trip Planning Links
- Bubbling mud pots, spouting geysers and steaming vents at Yellowstone
- Hike through forests and meadows below the spectacular Teton peaks
- Wondrous wildlife, from elk to eagles and bison to otters
- Gain insight on the landscape from a local geologist
- Float down the Snake River with expert river runners
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Old Faithful
Meet in Jackson 
Stretch your legs on a warm-up walk, exploring the bubbling Fountain Paint Pots and Celestine Pool Learn about the fascinating geothermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin.
Day 2 Yellowstone Lake
Mountain meadows alternate with pine forests on our way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Waterfalls cascade over the canyon’s pastel-colored cliffs.
Day 3 Jackson Lake
Choose between a short walk along the shore of Yellowstone Lake or a leisurely morning at the hotel before our shuttle to Grand Teton National Park The rest of the day is yours to explore this wonderland at your own pace Hiking options await, all with spectacular views of sawtooth mountains, peaceful meadows and sparkling lakes Or perhaps spend the day on horseback or relaxing by the pool.
Days 4-6 Teton Village
Enjoy a boat ride across Jenny Lake before hiking to Inspiration Point for sweeping views of Jackson Hole Learn about the flora, fauna, geography and history of this high-alpine landscape during a hike from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve along the valley floor Cap off your trip with a float trip down the Snake River.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Alaska Walking Glacier Walking Yosemite WalkingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was our first Backroads trip and we were absolutely blown away by what a great time we had! Every day was a new and exciting adventure! Our leaders were the best, anticipating our every need. It felt like going to visit friends who want to show you all the great things the area has to offer and make you feel welcome and comfortable all the while. We can't stop talking about what a great time we had and, of course, the spectacular scenery we encountered in Yellowstone and the Tetons. This was truly one of the best vacations we've ever taken and we'll definitely see you at Backroads for another trip in the future. Thanks so much!- Southlake, TX More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons Walking
MAJESTIC GETAWAYS: Casual Inns*
Old Faithful Inn
Old Faithful (1 night) Situated in sight of Old Faithful Geyser, the inn's deck provides a perfect vantage point for watching the geyser's predictable eruptions.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel
Yellowstone Lake (1 night) Musicians serenade in the afternoon at this splendid hotel on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jackson Lake Lodge
Jackson Lake (1 night) The lobby’s 60-foot picture windows overlook Jackson Lake and the Teton Mountain Range.
Hotel Terra
Teton Village (2 nights) This newly opened boutique hotel and its state-of-the-art spa are luxurious and eco-friendly.
* Premiere Inn
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons Walking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 3.5, 5.7, 6.3 miles
- 700 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 3.6, 7.4, 9.2 miles
- 500 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- 2.3, 3.5, 5, 7.3 miles
- 100 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 1.4, 6.6, 9, 14.4 miles
- 100 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 3, 7.4, 9.8 miles
- 200 - 700 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Rafting 2 hours