10-Day Authenteco Travel Parkation through Yellowstone & Grand Tetons
Yellowstone National Park and The Grand Tetons are all special places that are among some of the most loved and well-known parks in the world.
Almost everyone in the world has heard of these three parks and has dreamt of visiting them at some point in their lives. We’re super excited that this dream is coming true for you, and can’t wait to show you these stunning destinations.
Even though they are busy, we know all the best, off-the-beaten-path places to explore so you won’t have to deal with over-tourism while you’re there!
Montana and Wyoming have been making massive strides in creating initiatives to take action against climate change, over-tourism, and increasing energy efficiency in recent years. Bozeman and Jackson have especially taken action to stay green- which is part of the reason we love these destinations so much! While we have plenty of different itineraries across these destinations, these are the two places that we LOVE sending travelers because of their green initiatives!
So get ready for amazing food, desserts, and lots of exploring! Most importantly, get ready to explore these bucket-list destinations sustainably. And even more exciting- you get to road trip through these parks on the ultimate parkation- tried and tested by yours truly!
*** It is important to remember that we customize every itinerary based on our extensive travel surveys, the weather, availability, trip reason, etc. This itinerary should act as a general guide to what an Authenteco Travel parkation COULD look like! For all trip inquiries, submit your trip request here and we would love to help you plan your perfect vacation.
Day 1
Your journey begins by arriving in the beautiful state of Wyoming. As is small-town tradition, most businesses begin to close earlier than the places those big city folks frequent, so things might be a little quiet when you get here.
But never fear! Once you have picked up your rental car and grabbed your luggage, it's time to head straight towards your accommodation. The drive to the Jackson Hole Hideout is only about a half-hour and you will pass through Jackson which will give you a glimpse of the days to come.
We don’t usually disclose our secret accommodation options- but it’s no secret that we LOVE Jackson Hole Hideout, and we just couldn’t hold in this secret spot!
After flying across the country surviving on airplane peanuts and water you are likely hankering for a meal. At this time the options are a little slim but we have found a few options for you to choose from! These are all detailed on your Google Map, so the choice is yours.
Either way, go get some sustenance to prepare you for the next day on your epic parkcation!
Day 2
Begin your morning at your fantastic accommodation. You can arrive early, grab a seat at the bar, and enjoy your morning coffee and conversation with the innkeepers.
Or you can arrive right on time, at 8 AM, and join the other guests around two custom-made hickory and barn wood dining tables. Local Cowboy Coffee is brewed by 7:30 AM each morning, but you can enjoy hot drinks, including flavored coffees, hot chocolate, and teas round the clock.
Once you have started your day off right, it is time to get prepped for today's adventure. Grab yourself plenty of water and some snacks before heading out to the meeting point for your monumental scenic float down the snake river. We have an amazing tour company that will be guiding you along the way. You’re going to love it!
Once you've sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the majestic views of the Grand Teton Mountains, it's time to grab some lunch. We have the perfect spot that will have you enjoy your meal at the beautiful outdoor rooftop patio situated at the base of the Tetons.
Now that you've consumed your afternoon provisions, the choice of where to explore next is up to you.
A few of our favorite hikes in the area include Moose Ponds, Hidden Falls, and the classic Jenny Lake Loop. Whatever route you choose to explore, you will not be disappointed.
Dinner is at The Snake River Grill tonight and will be a little later, giving you plenty of time to get back home, rest, and prepare for one of the finest restaurants in the Jackson area.
Don't forget to get in a big rest for another adventure tomorrow.
An Authenteco travel friend getaway rafting down Snake River in 2021
Day 3
Today you'll get to experience Wyoming by "taking a walk on the wild side" starting with an epic early morning wildlife safari followed by a trip to The National Museum of Wildlife Art.
With more than 98,000 square miles of terrain and one person per every 111 acres, it’s no wonder that Wyoming is one of the best nature and wildlife-watching vacations in North America. Home to more than 100 mammal species and 400 species of birds, Wyoming’s wild residents include bison, mountain lions, wolves, bald eagles, grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, deer, pronghorn antelope, and wild horses. Many of Wyoming’s wildlife reside in national forests, national parks, national wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges. It's time to jump right into your parkation getaway!
Start your morning with a quick grab-and-go breakfast from Jackson Hole Hideout and you can also enjoy some coffee and pastries at the meeting point for the wildlife safari.
The tour will last approximately five hours and explore Jackson, the National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park, and many other beautiful places.
After the tour, you will head to The National Museum of Wildlife Art and a delicious lunch with a view, followed by an opportunity to gain knowledge about humanity’s relationship with wildlife and nature through art and education.
You'll have the rest of the day to do as you please! For dinner, you have a reservation at 6:30 PM and if you're not too tired, we hear the Disco Night at the Stagecoach Bar in Wilson is a good time.
Our clients getting caught in a snow storm in Montana
Day 4
You have jumped right into the Wyoming lifestyle exploring the vast open beauty. After another hearty breakfast at the Jackson Hole Hideout, you'll make the journey to Taggart Lake Trailhead and embark on a moderate hike to Taggart lake that includes amazing vistas looking out onto the mountains with outstanding photo ops that will have your friends asking if you have changed careers and become an outdoor Instagram influencer.
The trek is about three miles roundtrip and if it leaves you wanting more, feel free to explore more of the area and Grand Teton National Park.
However, after a mid-morning hike, you are probably ready for some food and beverages. We have a great wine bar and tapas-style lunch menu on the cards for lunch today.
Find yourself a nice parking spot in the area because after lunch you will be able to enjoy a self-guided art walk. Use your Google Map to find all the best local art galleries that Jackson has to offer. Feel free to take this at your own pace.
Enjoy a tasty dinner tonight at one of our favorite restaurants in Jackson.
Our travelers on a Montana parkation road trip
Day 5
You'll get to explore some of the best parts of Yellowstone National Park in Montana today!
Today is going to be a big day! Start your morning with another delectable Jackson Hole Hideout breakfast, or grab something in town from your Google Maps! If you opt to go into town, we recommend Persephone Bakery.
Today is all about geyser and spring sightseeing in Yellowstone. We have the perfect route for you to take which is all on your Google Maps.
There is plenty to see along this portion, starting with Thumb Geyser and the surrounding springs and geysers, before checking out the infamous Old Faithful.
The Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center can fill you in on the estimated eruption schedule giving you time to explore. This space is densely populated with the most popular geysers in Yellowstone.
The next stop is another cluster that includes the Grand Prismatic Spring, Opal Pool, and Excelsior Geyser Crater. Be sure to utilize your google map to see all the potential stops en route to your next accommodation.
For dinner, we have a great local spot that offers some interesting local meals: Elk or Bison burgers!
Our clients on a romantic anniversary getaway
Day 6
You've ventured through Yellowstone and seen a glimpse of the natural beauty the area has to offer. Today you'll explore the east of Yellowstone! Before leaving your cozy country cabin, make sure to pack your lunch for the day to enjoy at a riverside picnic area.
First, we have to mention Lamar Valley. If you want the magical Yellowstone secret- wake up at 4:30 am and drive to the North Entrance just outside Gardiner. It's majestic to see hundreds of bison in their herds with the steam rising off the hills. If you go at sunrise you'll have the entire place to yourselves! Then head back for breakfast.
We have some great options for adventures and food places on your Google Maps today. You’ll get to see so many incredible views, and hot springs, as well as giving you the chance to learn more about the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park. This area is one of our favorite views in the entire park!
After, drive over Nez Perce Ford Picnic Area for lunch. Once you've had lunch take the scenic drive along the shores of Lake Yellowstone and feel free to stop at any spot you think is worth it! This route will lead you back to the West Thumb Geyser Basin and you can head North along yesterday's route to see any of those things you missed during yesterday’s drive.
Head home to change for dinner at Yellowstone Valley Grill at 6:45 PM.
Shelby with one of our gift boxes for a couple heading to Montana
Day 7
You have had your fair share of adventures that have taken you to some of the most beautiful places in America. Now it's time to take a day to yourselves and relax.
Start with breakfast at our favorite cafe in the area; Wild Flour Bakery & Cafe. After breakfast you can head to our favorite hot springs for a day to soak and chill! This is only 5 minutes from your accommodation, making it a super easy spot to relax.
For lunch, they have a tasty poolside grill serving up spring and summer classics that are sure to please.
We have an exciting afternoon for you today, involving a beautiful carriage ride full of scenery and relaxation. This will take you to dinner (served by a chef who was ‘Award finalist for Best Chef in the Northwest’) and some drinks at the same venue you have been relaxing all day! This food is all locally produced from their own garden or nearby farms and ranches, and the wine list consists of the region’s finest wine. Enjoy!
Day 8
Now it's time to head to your final destination: Bozeman, Montana.
We recommend heading out from the cabin nice and early this morning in order to get a full day of adventures in! After checkout, you can head to Faye's Cafe in Livingston, Montana, and try some of their huckleberry bacon or Grandma's cinnamon rolls.
After the yummy breakfast, it’s time to get a little wild! Just before you enter into Bozeman you'll stop at the Montana Grizzly Encounter- A Grizzly Bear Rescue & Education Sanctuary in Bozeman. Founded in 2004, MGE provides a spacious and natural home for rescued grizzlies. At the same time, it offers the public a place to come and learn about grizzly bears as they watch the majestic animals “up close” in a beautiful mountain setting.
For lunch today, we have a neighborhood eatery that serves wholesome and savory dishes that celebrates Montana roots with locally sourced ingredients. Then, if you’re still up for some delicious food, head to Genuine Ice Cream Co. just down the road for dessert.
After dessert, it's check-in time at your next and final accommodation. Once you have settled in, head to The Bozeman "M" trail for another stunning hike before dinner and a relaxing evening.
An example of an Authenteco travel parkation gift box
Day 9
Today will have some of the best elements of Bozeman that often get overlooked. Start your morning at one of our favorite breakfast spots in the area with their food that tastes like it could have come from Grandma’s kitchen (but a little healthier). Next up on the agenda is The Museum of the Rockies- a Smithsonian affiliate and repository for state and federal fossils. The MOR is recognized as one of the world's finest research and natural history museums- and you get to see it in all its glory. It is renowned for displaying an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a fully mounted T. Rex skeleton.
Then, it’s time to get some brain food and drinks at a local Brewery. Don't fill up too much because the next stop is time to relax to the max with a couples massage from a stunning Spa & Salon. While you settle into your treatment for the afternoon, you’ll be treated to a sauna and free beverages.
After you’re fully relaxed, it's time to see the brewery culture that runs rampant in Bozeman and see the nightlife that keeps the local's evenings exciting. Everything is within walking distance from your accommodation and we have plenty of great options on your Google Maps for you to explore.
The Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone
Day 10
Today you'll be heading home after quite the journey! You can sleep in and relax and take some time to grab any gifts downtown!
Begin your morning at our favorite breakfast spot in Bozeman, Jam! They have yummy stuffed french toast if you are looking for something sweet, or if you are a savory breakfast person you cannot go wrong with their wide selection of benedicts. Whatever you do- treat yourself. It’s the last day of your epic parkation!
The rest of the morning is yours to explore. Grab any last-minute needs, and prepare for the journey home.
Our travelers on a family vacation to Montana in 2021
Want to set off on an unforgettable parkation trip like this but don't know where to start? Submit a trip request and we’d love to help you!
For more information about what destinations we’re sending traveler to, check out our destinations page!
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