Sample 7 day Yellowstone Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the West Entrance

• Arrive in West Yellowstone, Montana, and check into your hotel or lodging
• Spend the morning exploring the charming town of West Yellowstone, including its shops, restaurants, and galleries
• Head to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park and visit the Madison Ranger Station to pick up maps and information about the park
• Drive to the Madison River and take a scenic walk along the riverbank
• Visit the Old Faithful area in the late afternoon to see the famous geyser erupt
• Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in West Yellowstone

Day 2: Upper Yellowstone Falls and Mammoth Hot Springs

• Start the day early and drive to Upper Yellowstone Falls, a stunning 308-foot waterfall
• Take a short hike to the Brink of the Lower Falls for breathtaking views
• Continue to Mammoth Hot Springs, a complex of hot springs and travertine formations
• Take a self-guided tour of the springs and learn about their geology and history
• Return to your hotel or lodging in the evening and enjoy dinner

Day 3: Lamar Valley and Tower Falls

• Drive to Lamar Valley, known for its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears
• Take a scenic drive through the valley and stop at overlooks and pull-outs to spot wildlife
• Continue to Tower Falls, a stunning 132-foot waterfall that is accessible via a short hike
• Take a break for lunch at a picnic area or grab food at a nearby café
• Visit the Tower Fall parking area and take a short walk to the falls

Day 4: Grand Teton National Park

• Take a day trip to Grand Teton National Park, located just south of Yellowstone
• Drive through the park’s scenic roads and stop at overlooks and pull-outs to take in the stunning views
• Visit Jackson Lake Lodge for lunch and take in the views from the lodge’s deck
• Hike to Hidden Falls, a secluded waterfall that is accessible via a moderate hike
• Return to Yellowstone in the evening and enjoy dinner

Day 5: Yellowstone Lake and Nez Perce Creek

• Spend the morning driving around Yellowstone Lake, stopping at pull-outs and overlooks to take in the views
• Take a short hike around Nez Perce Creek, a scenic stream that flows into Yellowstone Lake
• Visit the Lake Hotel for lunch and take in the views from its deck
• Continue driving around the lake and stop at pull-outs to take in the views

Day 6: Old Faithful Area and Upper Geyser Basin

• Spend the morning exploring the Old Faithful area, including its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife viewing opportunities
• Take a guided tour of Upper Geyser Basin, which includes many of Yellowstone’s most iconic geysers and hot springs
• Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone’s most colorful attractions
• Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in West Yellowstone

Day 7: Departure

• Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring West Yellowstone’s shops and restaurants
• Check out of your hotel or lodging and head back home

Sample 3 day Winter Weekend Getaway

Day 1: Arrival and Skiing at Big Sky Resort

• Morning: Arrive at Big Sky Resort, located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, about 45 minutes north of Bozeman.
• Check-in to your accommodations at the resort or nearby Bozeman. You can opt for a cozy cabin, a luxurious hotel, or a rustic lodge.
• Afternoon: Head to the Big Sky Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in the US, boasting 5,800 acres of skiable terrain. Take the Madison Village Lift to access the upper mountain and explore the vast terrain.
• Skiing: Spend the afternoon carving through the fresh powder, exploring the gentle groomers, and tackling the challenging steeps. Make sure to check out the infamous “Polar Express” trail, which drops you into a stunning valley.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the resort’s many restaurants, like the Montana Java Cafe or the Plaza Café. Try some local specialties like huckleberry burgers or elk chili.

Day 2: Skiing at Bridger Bowl and Exploring Bozeman

• Morning: Start your day with breakfast at a local café in Bozeman, like the Farmers Daughter or the Bee’s Knees.
• Drive to Bridger Bowl (about 30 minutes north of Bozeman), a smaller, community-owned ski area with a more laid-back atmosphere.
• Skiing: Spend the morning skiing on Bridger Bowl’s varied terrain, which includes gentle groomers and challenging bowls. Be sure to check out the scenic views from the summit.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the few on-mountain eateries, like the Cafeteria or the Ridge Cafe.
• Afternoon: Return to Bozeman and explore the charming downtown area. Visit the Museum of the Rockies, featuring exhibits on Montana’s natural history and a planetarium. Grab coffee or snacks at one of the many local shops.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local favorite like the Montana Ale Works or the Fieldhouse Café. Try some craft beer or locally sourced ingredients.

Day 3: Skiing at Moonlight Basin and Spa Day

• Morning: Drive to Moonlight Basin (about 20 minutes south of Big Sky), a luxury ski resort offering some of the most challenging skiing in Montana.
• Skiing: Spend the morning tackling Moonlight Basin’s expert terrain, including steep chutes and bowls. Take a break at the mid-mountain lodge for snacks and drinks.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of Moonlight Basin’s upscale dining options, like the Summit Lodge or the Base Area Café.
• Afternoon: Relax and unwind with a rejuvenating spa day at one of Big Sky’s top-rated spas, like the Gallatin Riverhouse Lodge Spa or the Lone Mountain Ranch Spa. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or other pampering treatments.
• Evening: Return to your accommodations and enjoy a relaxing dinner or take a sunset stroll around Big Sky.