7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip
7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive
The Beartooth Highway is a truly remarkable scenic drive located just northeast of Yellowstone National Park.
Winding its way through the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth mountains, this 68-mile stretch of road offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and vibrant wildflowers.
While the journey can take 2-3 hours to complete, those willing to make the trip will be rewarded with a true adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the American West.
The Beartooth Highway reaches an impressive elevation of 10,947 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest drivable passes in the Northern Rockies and offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks.
Geologists estimate that the landscape along the Beartooth Highway was shaped by intense glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in the dramatic cirques, hanging valleys, and alpine lakes that characterize the route.
The Beartooth Highway is designated as an "All-American Road," a prestigious recognition by the US government that acknowledges the drive's exceptional scenic and cultural significance.
Despite its high elevation, the Beartooth Highway is typically open from May to October, depending on weather conditions, allowing visitors to experience the changing seasons and colorful wildflower displays.
Interestingly, the construction of the Beartooth Highway in the 1930s was an engineering feat, as builders had to navigate steep gradients, challenging terrain, and harsh weather conditions to create this iconic driving route.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive
- 7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Glacier View Turnout Vistas
- 7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Jenny Lake Road Highlights
- 7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Signal Mountain Summit Overlooks
- 7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Old Faithful Geyser Basin Wonders
- 7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Grand Prismatic Spring's Rainbow Hues
- 7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching
7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Glacier View Turnout Vistas
The Glacier View Turnout in Grand Teton National Park offers an unobstructed panorama of the Teton range, including the majestic Grand Teton.
This easily accessible viewpoint is a must-see stop for road trippers, allowing them to capture stunning photos with the towering peaks as a backdrop.
The Glacier View Turnout in Grand Teton National Park offers a stunning panoramic vista of the iconic Teton Range, including the majestic Grand Teton peak, which stands at an impressive 13,775 feet (4,199 meters) in elevation.
The turnout's strategic location allows visitors to witness the dramatic contrast between the rugged, snow-capped mountains and the lush, verdant valleys below, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Interestingly, the Teton Glacier, which is visible from the Glacier View Turnout, is one of the few remaining active glaciers in the contiguous United States, providing a unique opportunity to observe the effects of glaciation on the landscape.
The turnout's accessibility and ample parking make it an ideal spot for both casual visitors and avid photographers to capture the grandeur of the Teton Range in all its glory, with the added convenience of being situated along the Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip route.
Geologists estimate that the dramatic peaks and ridges of the Teton Range were formed by a series of faulting and uplift events over millions of years, with the youngest mountains in the range rising as recently as 6-9 million years ago.
The Glacier View Turnout is strategically positioned to offer unobstructed views of the Teton Range, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the scale and magnitude of these towering mountains without any visual impediments.
Interestingly, the Glacier View Turnout is a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset photography, as the changing light conditions throughout the day can dramatically alter the appearance of the Teton Range, creating a constantly evolving visual spectacle for visitors.
7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Jenny Lake Road Highlights
The scenic Jenny Lake Road in Grand Teton National Park offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural wonders of the region.
Highlights along the drive include the picturesque Jenny Lake itself, which can be enjoyed through boat tours, hiking trails, or by simply taking in the breathtaking views from the lakeshore.
In addition to the lake, the road trip also showcases other must-see attractions within the parks, such as Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, providing travelers with a diverse and awe-inspiring experience.
The Jenny Lake shoreline is composed primarily of glacial till, a mixture of rocks, sand, and silt deposited by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago, providing a unique geological canvas for the scenic landscape.
The average depth of Jenny Lake is around 150 feet (45 meters), with the deepest point reaching over 420 feet (128 meters), making it one of the deeper lakes in the Teton mountain range.
Interestingly, the water temperature in Jenny Lake rarely exceeds 50°F (10°C) even during the warmest summer months, a result of the lake's glacial origins and high-altitude location.
Visitors can observe a variety of bird species around Jenny Lake, including the Pacific Loon, a rare migrant to the region that can occasionally be spotted on the lake's surface.
The Jenny Lake Trailhead is a popular starting point for hikers, providing access to the scenic Cascade Canyon and the famous Hidden Falls, which drops over 200 feet (60 meters) into a dramatic, glacially-carved gorge.
Geologists have discovered ancient shoreline terraces around Jenny Lake, indicating that the lake's water level has fluctuated significantly over the past several millennia, likely due to changes in glacial melt and sediment accumulation.
The Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle, operated by the Grand Teton National Park Service, transports visitors across the lake, reducing the hiking distance to popular destinations like Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point by over 2 miles (2 km).
Interestingly, the Jenny Lake area was home to the Shoshone and Bannock tribes for thousands of years, who used the lake and its surrounding mountains as a seasonal hunting and gathering ground, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy.
7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Signal Mountain Summit Overlooks
The Signal Mountain Summit in Grand Teton National Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and Jackson Lake.
Accessible by a 4.3-mile scenic drive with narrow sections and switchbacks, the summit provides an ideal vantage point for visitors to enjoy the grandeur of the surrounding landscape.
While RVs and trailers are prohibited due to the road's winding nature, the journey to the summit is well worth it for the incredible vistas.
The scenic drive to the Signal Mountain Summit Overlooks features narrow sections with numerous switchbacks, making it unsuitable for RVs and trailers due to the risk of getting stuck or causing damage.
The summit can be reached by a 3-mile road that climbs 800 feet, offering panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and Jackson Lake.
Geologists believe the dramatic landscape around the Signal Mountain Summit was shaped by intense glacial activity during the last Ice Age, creating the distinctive cirques, hanging valleys, and alpine lakes.
From the summit, visitors can access the Signal Mountain Trail, a moderate 68-kilometer out-and-back hike leading to the top of Signal Mountain, providing even more breathtaking vistas.
The Jackson Lake Overlook, located near the summit, is a short 2-minute walk to a viewpoint that offers a stunning perspective of the vast Jackson Lake below.
Interestingly, the construction of the road to the Signal Mountain Summit in the 1930s was an impressive engineering feat, as builders had to navigate steep gradients and challenging terrain to create this iconic driving route.
Despite its high elevation, the road to the Signal Mountain Summit is typically open from May to October, allowing visitors to experience the changing seasons and vibrant wildflower displays along the way.
Geologists have discovered that the Teton Fault, a major geological feature in the region, runs directly beneath the Signal Mountain Summit, contributing to the dramatic uplift and formation of the Teton Range.
The Signal Mountain Summit Overlooks provide a unique opportunity for visitors to observe the effects of glaciation on the landscape, with the nearby Teton Glacier being one of the few remaining active glaciers in the contiguous United States.
7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Old Faithful Geyser Basin Wonders
The Old Faithful Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination, featuring the famous Old Faithful geyser as well as a network of boardwalks and viewing platforms that allow visitors to witness the remarkable geothermal activity in the area.
Beyond Old Faithful, the basin is home to other notable geysers like Anemone and Beehive, providing an unforgettable glimpse into the geological processes that have shaped this extraordinary landscape.
Old Faithful is not the largest geyser in Yellowstone, but it is the most famous and predictable, erupting every 60-110 minutes with a height of 100-180 feet.
The Upper Geyser Basin, where Old Faithful is located, is the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone, housing over 100 geothermal features.
Steamboat Geyser, located in the Norris Geyser Basin, is the world's tallest active geyser, with eruptions reaching over 300 feet in height.
The Old Faithful area, including nearby geysers and attractions, can take more than a couple of hours to explore, and visitors are encouraged to spend at least two full days in the area.
Old Faithful is open year-round, but road access to the Upper Geyser Basin is limited in winter, with personal vehicles not allowed to enter from mid-November to mid-April.
The diverse array of geysers and hot springs in the Old Faithful Geyser Basin are the result of the region's unique geological processes, including a shallow magma chamber and an extensive underground plumbing system.
The Old Faithful area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and the occasional grizzly bear, which can be observed from a safe distance along the boardwalks and viewing platforms.
While there are no campgrounds in the immediate Old Faithful area, there are three different lodging facilities within easy walking distance of the geyser, offering visitors a range of accommodation options.
The Old Faithful Geyser Basin is situated within the larger Upper Geyser Basin, which is the most thermally active area in Yellowstone National Park, with over 50% of the world's active geysers located here.
7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Grand Prismatic Spring's Rainbow Hues
The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone's main attractions, captivate visitors with their striking hues that seem to emanate from the earth's surface.
To fully experience this natural wonder, travelers can explore the boardwalks around the hot springs and hike to elevated viewpoints for an aerial perspective, with the best time to visit being during warm days when the colors are most vibrant.
Beyond the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Yellowstone to Grand Teton road trip offers numerous other must-see spots, from the breathtaking Beartooth Highway to the scenic vistas along Jenny Lake Road.
The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the United States, measuring approximately 370 feet (112 meters) in diameter and 121 feet (37 meters) deep.
The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring are the result of thermophilic (heat-loving) bacteria and archaea that thrive in the hot, mineral-rich waters, with the color palette ranging from deep oranges and reds to brilliant greens and blues.
The temperature of the Grand Prismatic Spring can reach up to 160°F (71°C) in the center, making it too hot for most lifeforms, but the cooler outer edges support a diverse array of extremophile organisms.
Geologists believe that the Grand Prismatic Spring was formed by the gradual accumulation of silica-rich deposits over thousands of years, creating the massive, bowl-shaped feature that we see today.
The distinctive color bands of the Grand Prismatic Spring are a result of the varying temperatures and mineral compositions, with the hottest, most acidic areas supporting thermophilic cyanobacteria that appear red and orange, while cooler, more alkaline zones host green and blue-hued bacteria.
The Grand Prismatic Spring is a unique geothermal feature due to its exceptional size, depth, and the vibrant color palette, which is a result of the complex interplay between the spring's chemistry, temperature, and microbial life.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Prismatic Spring from the Fairy Falls Trail, which provides an elevated perspective and allows for stunning aerial photographs of the iconic rainbow-hued feature.
The incredible size and depth of the Grand Prismatic Spring are a result of the intense geothermal activity in the Yellowstone Caldera, which is part of a supervolcano system that has been active for millions of years.
Interestingly, the Grand Prismatic Spring was not officially named until 1871, when the Hayden Geological Survey expedition first documented and recognized the unique qualities of this remarkable thermal feature.
The best time to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring is during the warm summer months, when the vibrant colors are most pronounced, and the steam rising from the spring creates a visually stunning contrast against the surrounding landscape.
7 Must-See Spots on a Yellowstone to Grand Teton Road Trip - Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching
Visitors can drive through the valley and stop at pullouts and overlooks to spot a diverse range of animals, including black bears, grizzlies, pronghorns, and a variety of bird species.
The best time to visit Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing is at dawn or dusk, when the animals are most active.
The Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park is often referred to as "America's Serengeti" due to its vast herds of wild bison and packs of gray wolves that can be observed by visitors.
The Hayden Valley, located within the Lamar Valley, is a prime spot for spotting black bears, wolves, and bison, thanks to its diverse wildlife population.
Bighorn sheep can be seen in the North Entrance Tower-Roosevelt Area of the Lamar Valley, providing a unique opportunity to observe these majestic mountain dwellers.
Lamar Valley is home to a variety of bird species, including the Pacific Loon, a rare migrant that can occasionally be spotted on the water's surface.
The valley's elevation, ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, creates a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, pronghorn antelope, and elk.
Visitors to Lamar Valley are encouraged to bring binoculars to get a closer view of the wildlife, while maintaining a safe distance to avoid disturbing the animals in their natural habitat.
The best time to visit Lamar Valley for optimal wildlife viewing is during the early morning and late afternoon hours, when the animals are most active.
The Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching tour is a guided experience that focuses on educating visitors about the park's diverse range of species and their behavior patterns.
The Lamar River, which flows through the valley, is home to a thriving population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, attracting anglers and naturalists alike.
Geologists believe that the Lamar Valley's dramatic landscape was shaped by intense glacial activity during the last ice age, creating the perfect conditions for the area's abundant wildlife.
The Lamar Valley is accessible by vehicle year-round, though the best time to visit is during the spring, summer, and fall months when the park roads are open and weather conditions are more favorable.
The Tower-Roosevelt area, located near the Lamar Valley, is another popular spot for wildlife viewing, particularly for bears, bison, and elk.