Yellowstone vs Grand Teton: Which Park to Visit? (2024)

Which national park is better Yellowstone or Grand Teton?

Yellowstone and Grand Teton are two of the most famous and visited national parks in the United States. They are both located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest and most intact natural areas in the world. They are also close to each other, that the area between Grand Teton to Yellowstone is only separated by a 10-mile stretch of road. But which one is better? Which one should you visit? How do they compare?

While Yellowstone is bigger and more accessible, Grand Teton’s raw beauty is a must-see on any road trippers itinerary. Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton are known for their stunning scenery, but they have different types of landscapes and attractions.

Yellowstone vs Grand Teton: Which Park to Visit? (1)

Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, such as geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.It has over half of the world’s geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes or so.It also has colorful pools and terraces, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in the US and the third-largest in the world.Yellowstone also has a spectacular canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which has waterfalls and colorful rocks.It also has a large lake, called Yellowstone Lake, which is the largest high-altitude lake in North America. Phew! These are only some of the top sights that are easily accessible using a self-guided tour app that lets you visit each point of interest at a leisurely pace.

Moving on to Grand Teton, the park has beautiful lakes, such as Jenny Lake, Moraine Lake, and Jackson Lake. Grand Teton also has a historic district, called Mormon Row, which has old barns and houses that date back to the late 1800s.

Accessibility

Yellowstone is more accessible than Grand Teton.It has five entrancesthat connect to different highways and towns and Action Tour Guide offers a tour of Yellowstone from each of these entrances. Grand Teton also has three entrances but the best way to see the national park is either via the Jackson Hole Visitor Center entrance or from the Grand Teton National Park sign.

Yellowstone vs Grand Teton: Which Park to Visit? (2024)

FAQs

Yellowstone vs Grand Teton: Which Park to Visit? ›

Attractions & Things to Do

Should I spend more time in Grand Teton or Yellowstone? ›

Yellowstone typically needs more time than Grand Teton. It is a larger park with more ground to cover, but it's also more heavily visited and harder to navigate than Grand Teton. That being said, if you're looking for some truly epic hiking trails in the mountains, you may want some extra time in Grand Teton!

Is it cheaper to stay by Yellowstone or Grand Teton? ›

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Teton National Park is $162, while the average daily cost in Yellowstone National Park is $147. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment.

Is it worth going to Grand Teton National Park? ›

It's truly amazing that this National Park is located so close to Yellowstone and that you can see both on one trip because Grand Teton is worth a trip all by itself. It's spectacularly beautiful and there's so much to see and do here.

Is Jackson Hole closer to Yellowstone or Grand Teton? ›

Just 15 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and less than two hours from Yellowstone, Jackson is a great stop if you're looking for an old West town with a touch of class and a lot of fun.

Which is more beautiful, Yellowstone or Grand Teton? ›

Wrap Up. There's really no wrong answer when it comes to choosing between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Both offer natural splendor in spades. Each features its own brand of Rocky Mountain magic.

Is a teton pass scary? ›

Please keep in mind that Teton Pass in extremely dangerous and is HAZARDOUS FOR OVERWEIGHT TRUCKS. Grade steepness, grade length and curve severity can cause trucks to lose control. DO NOT RISK IT. You can call any Department of Transportation Port of Entry or Permit Station for alternate routes.

How far apart is Grand Teton from Yellowstone? ›

The driving distance between the northern edge of Grand Teton and Yellowstone's South Entrance is only 7 miles or about 10 minutes. However, if you're driving through Grand Teton National Park from downtown Jackson, WY to the park it's 57 miles and closer to 1 hour and 15 minutes drive time.

Why is Grand Teton so popular? ›

Yellowstone National Park to the north and Jackson National Park to the south are the parks that encircle this amazing park's 484 square miles of breathtaking terrain. Grand Teton National Park is a haven for both nature lovers and adventure seekers thanks to its fertile valleys and glaciated mountain region.

What is the best month to visit Grand Teton National Park? ›

Grand Teton National Park is open 24 hours every day, year-round. The most popular months to visit are May through September.

How long does it take to drive the loop in Grand Teton National Park? ›

The 42 mile scenic loop is an easy drive and a stress-free way to see Grand Teton NP. If you want to see breathtaking scenery without going on hikes, this drive is for you. The drive can probably be done in 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of stops you make.

Can you do Yellowstone and Grand Teton in one day? ›

With only 31 miles between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone—linked by John D. Rockefeller, Jr Memorial Parkway—it's completely possible to see both in one trip.

How much money does it cost to go to Grand Teton National Park? ›

Get an entrance pass
PassPrice
Standard Pass$20.00–$35.00
Annual Pass$70.00
America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes)FREE–$80.00

How many days do you need at Yellowstone? ›

You could easily take two weeks to explore Yellowstone (and you might want to after you spend a day here). To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days. But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here.

Which entrance to Yellowstone is best? ›

Which Entrance to Yellowstone National Park Should I Take?
  • North Entrance, open year-round, brings you to Mammoth Hot Springs.
  • Northeast Entrance puts you at doorstep of park's wildlife.
  • East Entrance brings you to Yellowstone Lake.
  • South Entrance allows you to tackle two national parks in one day.
May 17, 2023

Is Jackson Hole a good place to stay when visiting Yellowstone? ›

Jackson Hole is conveniently located near Yellowstone AND Grand Teton National Park. Visitors can see two of the most treasured national parks in one visit. Grand Teton National Park is at the foot of the Tetons and has hiking trails, beautiful alpine lakes, and dynamic views. Both parks are great for wildlife viewing.

How long do you need in Yellowstone and Grand Teton? ›

If you are on a road trip through the USA, you can travel point-to-point through these parks. They can be visited in either order, depending on the route that you are traveling through the country. Many people visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton on a 5 to 10-day trip.

How many days should you spend in Grand Tetons? ›

If your visit to Grand Teton is part of a bigger road trip (this is easily combined with Yellowstone, which sits just to the north), I recommend spending three or four days here, if you plan to go hiking.

How long does it take to go through Grand Teton? ›

The 42 mile scenic loop is an easy drive and a stress-free way to see Grand Teton NP. If you want to see breathtaking scenery without going on hikes, this drive is for you. The drive can probably be done in 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of stops you make.

How many days do you need in Jackson Hole? ›

If you want to get the full outdoor adventure experience, plan at least a week so you can spend sufficient time in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. If your primary reason for traveling to Jackson Hole is so you can hit the slopes, you can likely make do with a shorter trip.

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