Yellowstone and Grand Teton Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle

Start your adventure by driving along the crystal-clear Madison River. As one of the best rivers in the nation for fly fishing, it holds the honorable distinction of being a Blue Ribbon Fishery. Some sights you’ll pass by are Talus Mountain, Mount Haynes, and National Park Mountain. There are lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, the Tribal Heritage Center, or the surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail. If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.

Don’t forget to stop by the restroom if you need to!

It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for—Mammoth Hot Springs! Some big highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are the Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Aphrodite Terrace. You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white travertine terraces.

meadow, two small hot springs, and the legendary Maiden’s Grave. You’ll also get another good look at the Firehole River, jumping and splashing with trout.

A brief loop on the 3-mile Firehole Lake Drive leads to several stunning hydrothermal features, including the White and Pink Dome Geysers and the Great Dome Geyser. They’re all available from roadside lookouts or short boardwalk walks.

The Midway Geyser Basin may just end up being your favorite stop in the park. Along the short boardwalk trail that encircles the gigantic, 370' Grand Prismatic Spring, you'll also witness a number of other smaller hot springs. If you have time, be sure to pull into Fairy Falls Trailhead and take the 0.6 mile one-way hike to Grand Prismatic Overlook. If you’re feeling adventurous, this trail continues for another 1 mile (each way) to Fairy Falls, one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls.

It’s not a trip to Yellowstone without visiting the iconic, reliable Old Faithful. The big geyser itself erupts about every 60-110 minutes, but if you get there early, don’t fret. There’s lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, Tribal Heritage Center, or visiting one of its many surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail. If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.

A short boardwalk allows visitors to see the roaring Kepler Cascades. This multi-tiered fall has drops as long as 50 feet.

Not only that, this lake drains backward—the western end flows to the Atlantic, and the eastern end flows to the Pacific. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind stop.

This may just be one of the best-kept secrets in Yellowstone. Without traveling too far off the beaten path, you’ll be able to enjoy one of Yellowstone’s best geyser basins. Be sure to check out the famous Fishing Cone Geyser while you’re there! The Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is also worth a walk if you have time. It’s a quick 1.7-mile loop that’s popular with birders.

Be sure to walk along the bridge to scan for the Cutthroat trout that like to gather below. Then, when you’re done, rejoin the Grand Loop and continue north.

Continue your journey north by driving into the wildlife haven known as Hayden Valley. This marshy landscape attracts grazers from all over, and grazers attract predators. Keep on going until you reach the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Take a short boardwalk down to the Yellowstone River and the roaring LeHardy Rapids. In early spring, these rapids are alive with jumping, spawning cutthroat trout.

This may not be one of the park’s best-known geysers, but it should be! Mud Volcano is one of the most unique and overlooked hydrothermal areas of the park—and one of the most acidic! Be sure to check out Dragon’s Mouth Hot Spring—a roaring, sloshing, bubbling hot spring full of personality!

This drive leads to two more fantastic canyon viewpoints—the Upper Falls View and Artist Point—along with some optional hikes. I recommend Uncle Tom’s Trail. Take time to admire this geological wonder: the eras of rock carved through by the Yellowstone River's awesome power are truly breathtaking.

This viewpoint, right at the brink of the falls, is one of the best in the park. You’ll need to walk just over a quarter mile on an easy trail to enjoy its viewing platform.

Canyon Village has a restaurant, a lodge, several shops, and a visitor center. If you do nothing else, be sure to stop by the visitor center—the displays, including one lit diorama of Yellowstone, are informative. They really help to visualize complex geological processes like the formation of the canyon and caldera.

t at the Yellowstone caldera, and take a quick restroom break.

The stunning view that awaits you looks over the river, peaks, and valleys off in the distance.

Tower Falls has a general store and, as you may have guessed, a waterfall. A short boardwalk leads to several breathtaking overlooks of the plunging 132-foot falls. There is also a one-mile there-and-back trail that leads to the river and past a few bubbling cauldrons.

Even though it's no longer active, it's still worth stopping by. Not to mention, cliff swallows have turned the cone into a kind of bird condominium, so be sure to check it out!

If you’re feeling hungry, step into the historic Roosevelt Lodge to fill up your internal tank.

Take a short detour to see one of Yellowstone’s petrified trees—a fossilized remnant from a time when Yellowstone was covered in redwoods and warm-weather forests.

Blacktail Drive is accessible to all vehicles, but exercise caution after rain. This gravel road is much more scenic and private than the main road, and that means you’ll have a better chance to see wildlife. Be aware that this one-way drive will take you back to Tower Junction, so you will have to turn around if you choose to take this optional side-trip.

Undine Falls is where Lava Creek tumbles over basaltic stones. To reach the overlook, you just go down a few wooden steps. At the next pullover—just seconds ahead—lies the Lava Creek Trail and Picnic Area.

Those stunning photos of snow-white terraces you see online? They happen right here. You are bound to be enchanted by Minerva Terrace, Jupiter Terrace, and all of these park landmarks. I advise you to stroll the full 2.2-mile boardwalk if you have the time. Before leaving, don't forget to stop by Liberty Cap!

And now, it’s on to the Upper Terrace! Some major highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are the Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Aphrodite Terrace. You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white, otherworldly landscape.

ll them "hoodoos," they are actually boulders that rolled down from nearby Terrace Mountain. Real hoodoos are formed by erosion. You should take a few minutes to check out this boulder field and “false hoodoos” for yourself.

These two pullovers let you admire the plummeting rustic falls and the Golden Gate viaduct. Though this new concrete bridge is much more stable than its wooden predecessor, its sheer height is sure to take your breath away.

Pull in to see Sheepeater Cliff, a geometric basaltic wall that was named for the Sheepeater people, one of the few Native American tribes to have lived in Yellowstone year-round. These hexagonal columns formed naturally over 1.3 million years ago and cooled into the unique shape you see today.

Because of some extra-handsy tourists (shame! ), you aren’t allowed to walk directly to the Obsidian Cliff. But we’ll get a great view as you drive past, and then we’ll stop off at the exhibit. Then, take a short 5-minute walk to get another view of the cliff, with black glass shining and shimmering in the sun.

You’ve seen them, and you’ve smelled them. Now, let’s hear them. Roaring Mountain is pocked with fumaroles, super-hot chasms that “roar” and hiss with steam. The ash-gray color of this mountain is caused by sulfur-reducing bacteria that dissolve the lava stone over time.

Drown down this side road to check out a film about the park rangers, browse some historical exhibits, and maybe pick the brain of a current or retired park ranger. After all, without these dedicated employees, none of what you’re experiencing would be possible.

You’re not “geysered out” yet, are you? Because there is one more major basin to see before you head up to Mammoth Hot Springs. The Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s hottest and oldest geyser basin, featuring the tallest geyser in the world! You won’t want to miss this 2.9-mile looping boardwalk trail.

Artists’ Paintpots 0.6-mile boardwalk begins in pine woods and emerges into a basin full of colorful mud pots. It's one of Shaka's top spots for avoiding the crowds while enjoying the park's unique, bubbly, gurgly hydrothermals.

This is one of the most radiant hot springs in the park, with a striking blue color like that of a beryl stone. It’s just on the side of the road, so it’s more than worth the stop.

Want to enjoy the music of the Gibbon River while having lunch? Swing by the Gibbon Picnic Area! After you’re done, it’s less than a half-mile drive to Gibbon Falls, named for early Yellowstone explorer Colonel Gibbon.

Be sure to stop by to see it. Additionally, picnic tables and a restroom are available at the pullover.

From here, it’s a scenic drive at dusk through the west exit. Then, you’ll be back in West Yellowstone and ready to rest and recharge for your day in Grand Teton!

Stop at Jackson Lake Overlook to get a first look at the Teton Mountain Range in all its glory, towering over the historic Jackson Lake.

Need a snack or a stretch break? Colter Bay Village has it all! General store, grocery store, gas station, and souvenir shop! If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, Colter Bay Village offers: kayaking canoeing motorboats lake cruises horseback riding fishing swimming hiking beach-going, and more In fact, it’s often been described as a summer camp for the whole family!

” because they are the four most photographed areas in the entire park. Oxbow Bend is one of these. This is also the most popular place to view a Grand Teton sunrise or sunset. Stop and gaze at the crescent shaped bend in the Snake River with the Teton range in the distance. Be advised, though–this turnout gets very busy around sunset, so plan accordingly!

Cunningham Cabin is another “Famous Four” places at Grand Teton. Take a short walk through history as you explore around one of the first homesteads in the area.

The third of the Famous Four! Schwabacher Landing used to be a popular boat launch, but in recent years, the Snake River shifted just enough that boats are no longer able to access it. Instead, you’ll have amazing views of the Teton Range and the surrounding forest reflected in the Snake River. It’s a great place for wildlife viewing, too!

Snake River Overlook is the fourth of the Famous Four. This one was made famous by nature photographer Ansel Adams, and for good reason. From this iconic viewpoint, you’ll be able to view the gentle bends of the Snake River set against the Teton Range. But don’t be fooled by the serenity of the scene. Early fur trappers in the Tetons nicknamed the Snake River “The Accursed Mad River” because of its wild unpredictability.

In the early 1920s, it was a bustling, self-sufficient town. Today all that’s left behind are memories— and buildings, like the Moulton Barns and the Chambers Homestead. These are now on the National Registry of Historic Places, and you’ll be able to walk among them. Also, the Moulton Barn has the distinction of being the most photographed barn in the United States. Make sure you snap your own picture!

Ranger-Led Programs: Rangers lead a variety of programs throughout the day. Please refer to the ranger-led program page for current schedules. Exhibits: Enjoy modern displays that explore the themes of place, people, preservation and mountaineering. View a collection of Native American Indian artifacts from the Vernon Collection. A raised relief map of the park provides a birds-eye-view of the valley, canyons, lakes and peaks. Follow the mountain peak identifiers inlaid in the floor to view your favorite peak. Movie: Watch a 24-minute high-definition movie Grand Teton National Park: Life on the Edge by Discovery Communications, Inc., or take a stroll along the video "rivers' inlaid in the floor. Permits: Visit the permits desk for backpacking information and permits, or to purchase a boat permit. Bookstore: Grand Teton Association operates a store in the visitor center.

In fact, the John Denver song A Song For All Lovers is based on the famous couple!

This chapel was built in 1925, and it’s still an active Episcopal congregation today!

In the 1920s, Menor was the first homesteader to build on the West bank of the Snake River, and with the building of the ferry, he was able to open a whole new trade route to the Teton range!

It’s a moderately easy hike through sagebrush flats to the base of the Teton Mountain Range. This is a popular route for

l stars of the show here are the wild burros that hang out in the field across the street. As long as you remember your safety tips and keep a safe distance, the burros will let you take selfies with them!

The Jenny Lake Recreation Area offers it all. Swim in the lake, hike the amazing trails, take a scenic drive through the forest, and learn the tragically beautiful history of this sacred place.

At the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the entire Teton Valley. This drive is a little scary; the road is narrow, the switchbacks are sharp, and the sides of the road are pretty steep. But the view at the top? Totally worth it!

They even got a marina for kayaking, boating and fighting. Signal Mountain is the perfect pit-stop place on Teton Park Road. After you’ve explored the best of Grand Teton, make your way back to West Yellowstone or nearby Jackson Hole!